Report pours water on rumors of September 9th iTunes 8 debut

[AppleInsider]

Rumors that Apple will announce next week version 8.0 of its iTunes media cataloging software with a new music recommendation engine may be premature, according to a new report.

Earlier this week, outspoken Digg founder Kevin Rose built on his predictions for Apple's special media event next Tuesday by publishing a purported feature list for iTunes 8.0.

Among the claims where that the media software would include a new recommendation Genius, "which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together." The supposed feature was also reported to include a Genius sidebar, "which recommends music from the iTunes Store that you don't already have."

In addition, iTunes 8 would allow browsing of "artists and albums visually with the new Grid view; download your favorite TV shows in HD quality from the iTunes Store; sync your media with iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (2nd generation), and iPod touch (2nd generation); and enjoy a stunning new music visualizer."

While Rose's earlier predictions of a slim form-factor iPod nano appear as if they will inevitably pan out, ArsTechnica is shedding doubt on the timing of his iTunes 8 rumors. The tech news site, which sports a sturdy track record (1, 2, 3, 4) of uncapping future iTunes-related announcements, says it wouldn't wager on an iTunes 8 release next Tuesday.

"The one thing we aren't betting on is seeing iTunes 8 introduced on September 9," the report says. "Call it a hunch, or call it something else, but we don't plan on waking up Software Update just yet."

Ars, however, made no claims as to whether or not the feature set proposed by Rose would eventually turn up an a version of iTunes labeled 8.0. Separately, the below photo has been making the rounds this week, depicting an iPod nano matching Rose's description.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[sherwinzadeh]

I don't get why Kevin Rose is getting so much publicity. Most of the things he's "predicted" were already rumors and many of his "exclusive" rumors turned out not to be true:

1) Dual batteries on the original iPhone
2) Slide-out keyboard on the original iPhone
3) Front side camera on the iPhone 3G

[SpamSandwich]

Thankfully, this could be Rose's Last Stand. Pay no attention to the baboon. Move along.

[sherwinzadeh]

Kevin Rose's Original iPhone Predictions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBfLjqfYKM0

[1984]

So they are going to introduce new iPod nano and iPod touch models. Big deal. This is nothing to hold a special media event over. Just issue a press release.

[Ireland]

Spam, you're a visionary!

[Galley]

Man, iTunes 8 was the one thing I was really looking forward to!

[dreyfus2]

Well, whatever it will be - I just hope it will be important enough to justify a special event press invitation. They got some deserved beating after the HiFi/Leather Sleeves/Mini event at that time and so far this sounds even worse. I really hope for a big surprise.

While iPods do still sell well and holiday sales might even be a little bit higher than last year... they have already shifted out of the public focus - they are yesterday's news. Unless Apple really improves the Touch significantly to meet the iPhone except for the phone functionality (means: add microphone, GPS, camera, speakers), I have no clue what it could possibly be and even that would not go along well with the "Let's Rock" tagline?!

If they would have made significant new arrangements with film and music companies, there would have been some rumors by now?!

My expectations with these events are normally too high - but this time I do not really expect anything... feels odd.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by dreyfus2

Well, whatever it will be - I just hope it will be important enough to justify a special event press invitation. They got some deserved beating after the HiFi/Leather Sleeves/Mini event at that time and so far this sounds even worse. I really hope for a big surprise.

While $49.99 iPhone socks in assorted colours sound great, I think we'll see something more substantial. The flyer saying "Let's Rock" and only showing iTune-ish stuff does make me wonder if the new notebooks are ready to go, but these teasers have shown to not be very telling about waht to expect. Other OEMs have been selling Centrino 2 for a few weeks now (something that had escaped my RSS) so Intel's production should be ready to handle Apple's needs.

However, Apple has delayed a new product revision longer than the average when a case change was about to occur. We have just crossed over the average time for Mac notebook releases so I'm still hoping that does occur next week.

[dadsgravy]

"..the media software would include a new recommendation Genius, which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together."


Apple's gonna make me a "mixed tape". Thanks?

[dreyfus2]

Originally Posted by dadsgravy

"..the media software would include a new recommendation Genius, which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together."
Apple's gonna make me a "mixed tape". Thanks?

Well, if that is going to happen at all, I just hope it is a bit better than the logic behind the MiniStore panel. The last time I was listening to "Pharao's Dance" (by Miles Davis) it recommended "Walk like an Egyptian" by the Bangles... would make an interesting mixed tape for sure

[nagromme]

I've heard that regular iPod Socks ARE compatible with the iPhone? I'm not sure.

I think iTunes may get a patch soon, in conjunction with the September touch OS update, but maybe that won't be iTunes 8.

[justflybob]

I think I'll just play it safe and make my prediction on September 9th.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by nagromme

I've heard that regular iPod Socks ARE compatible with the iPhone? I'm not sure.

They fit, but it voids your phone's warranty.

[kenaustus]

If Steve Jobs is giving the presentations then there might be something besides an iPod update.

But iPods, while less exciting than the iPhone, are still an important business to Apple - especially at Christmas time - and I can see a lot of development put into the next range.

There is still questions in my mind - has Apple been able to move OS X down to the Nano? If so where are they going to be able to generate more revenues from that move?

With Back-To-School sales completed and inventories potentially run down we can still have "One more thing" to surprise us.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by dreyfus2

Well, whatever it will be - I just hope it will be important enough to justify a special event press invitation. They got some deserved beating after the HiFi/Leather Sleeves/Mini event at that time and so far this sounds even worse. I really hope for a big surprise.

I would love to see the return of the iPod HiFi (with built in AirTunes streaming).
I would also love to see a serious update/price drop for the oh-so-adorable Mac mini.
Over-priced leather iPod case... I could do without.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella

Over-priced leather iPod case... I could do without.

Unless it's made from PETA zealots, then I'll take two.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by dadsgravy

"..the media software would include a new recommendation Genius, which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together."

Sounds like somebody discovered Pandora on their iPhone and said "hey, Apple should put this in iTunes"... instant rumor.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Unless it's made from PETA zealots, then I'll take two.

I would love to see their reaction if Apple came out with a series of iPod cases made from the hides of endangered species. "Nothing protects your iPod like the soft feathers of a northern spotted owl!"

[justflybob]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella

I would love to see their reaction if Apple came out with a series of iPod cases made from the hides of endangered species. "Nothing protects your iPod like the soft feathers of a northern spotted owl!"

Tastes like chicken!

[GregoriusM]

While there may not be an "8" version of iTunes, there had better be a version that takes care of interfacing with the App store properly (and the appropriate programming required on the back end as well) introduced at this event.

iPods have really matured, and if the form factor changes, etc. that would be incremental, and not worthy, in my mind, of an event with Steve Jobs presenting.

The whole ecosystem has to be upgraded, and if it's not iTunes 8, or hopefully a renaming of the whole program, then it sure does need to be an upgrading of the ecosystem as it now exists, without adding numerous fancy bells and whistles.

Fix the App download and update process. Make the program more intuitive for first time users.

Rethink the entire iTunes setup, as has been discussed in other threads, to make it into a program that more easily separates the video from the music from the apps, etc.

Make it a true, full update, and change the name! iTunes for video, podcasts, apps, phones, etc.???

iTunes 8 should be available for download on the 9th, or all of its new and revised features should be presented and a timetable for its release.

Without that, a special event with only updated iPods is NOT a special event.

Greg

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Galley

Man, iTunes 8 was the one thing I was really looking forward to!

This doesn't mean it's "not" coming.

[paxman]

Originally Posted by Ireland

This doesn't mean it's "not" coming.

Exactly. I think this will be an iPod / music event only. As soon as it is out of the way another event will be announced for MacBooks / MacBookPros and who knows what.

Personally I would like new laptops asap and an iMovie upgrade. Its been a loong time!

[not_too_shabby]

Maybe Steve gained 20 pounds and he wants us all to see....

[joelsalt]

Originally Posted by not_too_shabby

Maybe Steve gained 20 pounds and he wants us all to see....

hahah!

No chance for mac bumps (not redesigns) like for the Mini??

I figured new iTunes would come with Snow Leopard ... maybe thats too far away though.

[quinney]

Originally Posted by dreyfus2

Well, if that is going to happen at all, I just hope it is a bit better than the logic behind the MiniStore panel. The last time I was listening to "Pharao's Dance" (by Miles Davis) it recommended "Walk like an Egyptian" by the Bangles... would make an interesting mixed tape for sure

That combination reminds me of a show I saw back around 1970. It was Mahavishnu
Orchestra followed by Cheech and Chong. FIrst there was spiritual, ascetic John
McLaughlin playing all this lofty and poetic music, and then, shortly afterwards, Cheech
and Chong were pretending to be dogs, crawling around on the stage and sniffing
each other. That kind of disorientation is not necessarily unpleasant.

[polanski]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Among the claims where that the media software would include a new recommendation Genius, "which makes playlists from songs in your library that go great together." The supposed feature was also reported to include a Genius sidebar, "which recommends music from the iTunes Store that you don't already have."

As opposed to having a "genius" toolbar recommending questionable stuff, I'd rather see a tight integration with Last.fm.

[Constable Odo]

You don't know for certain that they are only going to introduce iPods. That's why all this media stuff is so screwed up. Apple never said what was going to be introduced. We are just making assumptions.

Why not just issue a press release? Truthfully, if I had a job that involved covering Apple product announcements, I'd rather go to the event than get a press release. Apple fans consider it fun. I agree that if you don't give damn about Apple products, then it's a waste of time.

If Apple only comes up with a less expensive iPod Touch with more memory and better battery life, I want it. My expectations are not that high, but maybe there will be a surprise product. I like the anticipation on the chance that some revolutionary product might be introduced.

[old-wiz]

Originally Posted by Constable Odo

You don't know for certain that they are only going to introduce iPods. That's why all this media stuff is so screwed up. Apple never said what was going to be introduced. We are just making assumptions.

Why not just issue a press release? Truthfully, if I had a job that involved covering Apple product announcements, I'd rather go to the event than get a press release. Apple fans consider it fun. I agree that if you don't give damn about Apple products, then it's a waste of time.

If Apple only comes up with a less expensive iPod Touch with more memory and better battery life, I want it. My expectations are not that high, but maybe there will be a surprise product. I like the anticipation on the chance that some revolutionary product might be introduced.

I'd love a cheaper iPod Touch! It's hard to justify $300, no matter how much memory.

[dontlookleft]

The link says there will be a new visualizer...do you think they would put one on the ipod?

I know it would kill battery life, but I think it'd be cool to have and use every now and again.