Prediction posts

New ultra slim Macbook, with unified aluminum design as well as a modest enclosure remake, including new keyboard to match the current iMac's keyboard.

16GB iPhone update (PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE)

Mac Pro Update with 3.2GHz Octo's, probably a case redesign - likely smaller. Hopefully cheaper Ram. 5600s and 8800s as the top GFX card options (maybe an ATI too).

New Cinema Displays - 50% thinner, cheaper (hopefully), eyesights built in.

And sometime soon, maybe at MWSF:

iPhone update 1.2 - implementing a few new features.

Leopard update 10.5.2 - tons of bug fixes, new stacks option(s). Maybe some surprises too.

Looks pretty accurate to me. Not sure about 16GB iPhone, but yea, it's a possibility.

Mine are here

To summarise:

• Ultra-thin notebook with a 13.3" screen using Solid State rive (SSD) technology in 32GB and 64GB versions (MacBook Nano)

• Mac Nano - borrows the MacBook Nano hardware Excluding the screen and keyboard/trackpad) and integrates it into a revised take on the Mac Mini form factor.

• New Mighty Mouse to match latest Mac designs

• Apple Cinema displays bumped to 1080p minimum with integrated iSights

• Updated Magsafe for all MacBook models

• Mac and MacBook Pros will get the new Intel processors and the Mac Pro will receive a facelift to bring it in line with the other Macs and a Blu-Ray drive

• iTunes '08 - Movie rentals, movie store in international iTunes Stores (E.g., UK) and TV Store in more countries. OS X Mobile apps for sale (iPhone/iPod Touch SDK stuff) Integrates Front Row 2 across Mac and Windows

MacPro new design, new Penryn chips
ACD's new design, maybe a larger than 30" display iSight BTO

AppleTV 2.0 with iTunes movie rentals.

iPhone 16gig

Mac Pro- new processors, new graphics cards. Under the hood updates, but no design changes. All models will be eight-core (dual-quad-core). Same prices.

Cinema Displays- redesigned with black trim and integrated webcams. Same sizes and prices. Camera is not optional- if you don't want it, tape over it.

Macbook and Macbook Pro- redesigned with aluminum cases and black trim, new style keyboards, all thinner and lighter. A consistent design theme for all notebook models as well as the iMac and Cinema Displays.

Mac mini- ignored again.

AppleTV- hardware updated (to Intel's Silverthorne platform). Faster processor allows 1080p output, "high-definition" (highly compressed high definition, that is) movie rentals through iTunes.

Blu-Ray- now a BTO option on most, if not all, Macs.

if you give each announcement 15 minutes and toss out the first of the 7 segments for a report on how well things are going for Apple you have 6 possible announcements. Limiting to 6 is painful, but I believe Steve J will want to maximize the revenues so I'd go with:

1. Performance review.
2. iPhone/touch upgrades & SDK (Leopard update if tied to new features in the iPhone.)
3. Movie rentals, with Apple TV thrown a bone
4. Consumer Macs updated, based on what Intel has ready
5. Software? Maybe a push for Bento or an app that enhances iPhoto.
6. Cinema displays possible, but there is a lot of potential hardware to be announced that may push the displays back.
7. One more thing - the ultra lite MacBook Pro

Not all hardware will be mentioned, even if it gets upgraded in the last 2 weeks of January.

- MacBook Ultralight : 13.3", no optical drive, 64 GB
- MS Office for Mac demo
- Game demos from MacSoft
- iTunes Store Movie Rentals: demo
- Update on plans for new Retail Stores
- Update on Holiday season: store traffic, sales, etc.
- description and release date for iPhone SDK, demo
- demo of iPhone 1.1.3 firmware
- summary of Leopard sales, installed base of OS X
- if laptops or Mac Pro gets major change, it will be mentioned. If only a speed bump, it won't
- John Mayer

1.
32 GB iPhone. Before you argue ask why not. Second that much storage makes a lot of sense once disk mode is delivered and other media becomes more common.

2.
Which by the way means also a major update to the iPhone distribution. That is an OS and applications update. Hopefully with the OS addressing issues with low level systems like Bluetooth.

3.
Mac Mini replacement, possibly in name only. It may in fact be a very different machine.

4.
A larger iPod Touch. Its primary focus will be better video capability. More so it will be more open with additional I/O. This device might incorporate more than 64GB of flash.

5.
Itunes movies with support for the above device.

6.
iPod NEWTON, possibly the same device as #4. It will support all of iPods multimedia capabilities but will be enhanced to allow the delivery of personal productivity apps. Hopefully by simply permitting the installation of third party apps. The biggest difference on this device though is enhancements for communications. Though bigger than a cell phone I expect full 3G capability either built in or via an expansion card. The expansion slot there to cover all bets with respect to where the future goes with so called 4G technology. Communications is what would make this device a Newton as opposed to a more main stream iPod.

7.
Probably some stupid clam shell ultra mobile computer that won't sell worth a damn.

8.
A tablet computer possibly instead of the iPod Newton. It will be a platform for delivery of Mac OS/X i86 apps. It will be loudly dismissed on the forums but sell like hot cakes.

9.
An iPod Touch upgraded to handle FM. One of those things where Apple finally puls its head out of its ass and responds to the consumer.

10.
Like wise; the iPod Newton, via its expansion slot, can handle FM and digital TV. Yep. I see this as a little bit of extra that Apple can really leverage in sales. Just like cup holders in automobiles only this will actually be useful. I hope people are seeing why I'd like to see an expansion port in any new tablet Apple comes out with. Lots of flexibility can be added to morph the machine into something perfect for the owner.

11.
New displays.

12.
A Laser based iPod that acts as a projection video system for your pocket. Hot Hot Hot.

13.
Apple buys Nikon and starts to rebrand their camera line up. They quickly leverage the features Mac OS Mobile offers up to greatly enhance the user interface of the cameras. Apple/Nikon then crushes Cannon and Sony and takes like 88% of the market. All do to a logical camera interface.


Well a bakers dozen of very good ideas.

Dave

What happens to the 32GB iPod Touch? 32 is too much for now. If anything, 16.


NO!!!!!!!!!!!

I DO NOT WANT APPLE MAKING MY DIGITAL SLR.

Nikon and Canon have good things going now. Don't ruin it.

No predictions about Apple changing its website, giving some sort of clue, prior to MWSF?

They have been seriously slacking. We've been looking at Leopard for months. Come on now. We didn't even get a sleek, new 'your nipples will go hard for this Apple new year. we can't wait either.' graphic. Disappointing on their website, they really have been.

Wow, you folks are expecting way, way too many announcements.

My predictions:

1. iTunes movie rentals.
2. New laptop of some kind.
3. There is no 3.

From the month that I've been here, and been observing...

iPhone:
A little update will be here, such as 16 GB versions. I somehow think it'll be 20 GB for some odd reason, but there we go. The point is, there will likely be a slight update. Maybe a few little bits here and there updated too.

iPod:
Again, another minor update. We might be introduced the next generation, but if it is, we will not know not much about it, and will not be getting it for a while.

Apple TV:
Either killed, or will be told a few updates. 1080i perhaps, etc. iTunes might also get a little update while they're at it. Movie Rental, anyone? Apple will probably try to keep Apple TV quiet though.

Mac Mini:
Very hard to tell, as many have said. It could be killed, it could be ignored. I don't see a Mac Mini Macbook, as the Macbook is pretty much that already when you put in the lowest specs.

MacBook (Pro):
Design update will look like the iMacs. Specs could be updated too, though I don't think it will be anything too amazing. Maybe an nVidia 8800, but I won't hold my breath.

iMac:
I REALLY hope they present a GPU update here. The ATi 2600 is really starting to show its age. For the highest end card in it, it's a joke.

Mac Pro:
Again, GPU update is in dieing need, and is bound to show itself. nVidia 8800 is my bet, if not the 8600 with SLi options.

Cinema Displays:
iSight update is likely, maybe a new large version for premium costs (unlikely though), and hopefully a price drop.

Blu-Ray:
It's very likely Apple will add a Blu-Ray Disk Reader soon, maybe a Blu-Ray reader. HD-DVD is much more unlikely, but we might see the choice. I have a bad feeling it'll only be avaliable for Mac Pro consumers for now, and a choice for iMac later.

Software wise, we will likely be told what this Final Cut secret is *coughBluRaycough*. Maybe a few Logic Studio 2 details? Aperture? Unlikely though. Leopard might get a spotlight. In the end, all Apple will likely do is gloat about "How awesome" their software and sales are, even if it's true.

Just a reminder: Steve doesn't do minor bumps of existing products at his keyntoes. If those kinds of speed bumps and other minor changes are ready, they'll either be done a week before or a week after the keynote in a press release.

New Mac Pro.
New Laptops.
Mac Mini Replacement.
Apple TV & iTunes update.

That's it. NO iPhone/iPod, except the obligatory "Look how we raped the industry" figures.

Lets see:

• SDK announcement for the iphone/ipod touch with some restrictions.
• Announcement that Apple wants to start a music label with JAY-Z and scare the beegeezus out of entire music industry
• Super ultra thin macbook incorporating Intel's Z-P140 SSD chip and silverthorne plus multitouch
• Updated cinema displays with one possibly using resolutions BEYOND 2560x1600
• Other cool new (or updated) hardware and software (as usual)
• And last but not least.......(drum roll please)...............

..............MACTOUCH FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IPod Touch can easily go to 32 or 64 GB. But frankly it doesn't matter we are talking about two different devices here. There is no way that people who need a cell phone will buy a Touch instead if the iPhone meets their need. I'm not sure why this is even raised anymore, we have two different products here.


Ahh another Nikon owner, seems we have a common interest. The problem with Nikon is not their optics, which as we know can be very good indeed, it is the user interface and feature sets that need work. I honestly believe that Apple could do a lot of goor when it comes to cameras especially Nikons lower end cameras.

I beg to differ. Nikon has a few really good SLR's but the rest of their line is pretty much an embarrassment as far as features & innovation goes. The thought was raised to refresh the range of products that Nikon can offer up. This isn't an attempt to ruin things but rather to improve things.

Dave

The February issue of MacWorld Magazine has a section called Fortune Tellers- MacWorlds's eight annual look at the year ahead. Dan Frakes, senior editor, foretells:
1. The Mac subnotebook: no internal optical drive; SSD, LED screen, and a low-power processor.

2. A midrange, screenless Mac (something in between the Mac mini and Mac Pro.)

3. A few major U.S. companies will switch to Mac platform and a resurgence of the Mac platform in higher education. [aside: Miami Dade College where I work is looking to switch to Mac's in some departments]

There are other prognostications in the article if you'd care to look - page 34.

I sticking with my prediction from last year which is 'a lot of whining and gnashing of teeth'.

Some people play the same numbers in the lottery, I just keep the same MW prediction.

Exactly, not surprise after the keynote many people angry here.
I don't remember Steve introducing ever more than 3 pieces of hardware at MWSF. Some folks here have a list of more than seven.

Back to earth guys.

Wizard,

About Apple taking over Nikon and improving their product line...

Apple is a creator, not a renovator. They will not do this nor should they. They are spreading themselves out thinly enough already and I'd like them not to take any more focus away from their core products.

I predict ....
A whole new Macbook Pro. The aluminum model is looking long-in-the-tooth and needs an overhaul.

If I was Jony...
....I'd have a black and shiny interior, with a metal exterior shell. A detachable keyboard 'n trackpad might be nice.

</nostradamus>

C.

I don't think so because there are too many potential issues with the finish. Plastic is easy to color since the color is integrated into the material.

My predictions:

• iPhone 1.1.3 Software
• Announcement of 3G iPhone (3G only; no GSM or EDGE support in order to conserve battery life) pending FCC approval
• iTunes Movie Rentals
• Redesigned laptop range - Aluminium casing, 13.3", 15" and 17" LED-backlit displays, WiMAX and Wireless USB support as standard, multitouch trackpad, 10 hour battery life. Maybe the MacBook Pro designation could now be reserved for only the 17" model
• One more thing: MacBook mini - 12.1" LED-backlit widescreen display, new features as per the rest of the new range, Flash memory instead of hard drive, case dimensions similar to Toshiba Portégé R500 except thinner, competitively priced similar to 'Best' configuration of new 13.3" MacBook. Some form of DVD writer could still be integrated unless Apple has some other method of restoring system software, since Steve Jobs historically hasn't been keen on external drive solutions and is a fan of keeping things simple

That is all

i know this isnt on apples website but what about the mac mini being only available online and backorderd for two weeks at bestbuys website.?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....c=abcat0500000

Very good point.

The iTunes store will remove all DRM on music files by the end of 2008.

Steve will announce something related to this at MacWorld.

There. How's that for an outlandish prediction?

Now we know why Steve Jobs wrote that open letter about DRM-free music.

If all of the sources were provided to Apple DRM-free, then there would be no case against them for "not supporting WMA." WMA would be DRM-free and iPods would play it just fine.

The industry is moving that way. Either Apple drops DRM, or it will be the victim of an end-run.

Not to mention, dropping DRM will neatly sidestep many of those antitrust/monopoly/French-government issues.

The BIG announcement will be the all new Mac Pro.

New Case design
*New Graphics cards. Good ones.
Secret Sauce *I'm not telling
*New Processors. Millions of configurations.

But that will be towards the end of the show after the Leopard recap.

*Update to leopard will not be a show highlight, but will happen day of the show.

More to come, but not much.

Apple is hard to predict in these times. Everything is changing.

One thing I do know.
No Laptops.

Does that preclude a ultra-portable?

Ahh but this is an industry that could really merge well into Apple digital life style business. The could easily leverage some commonality with respect to parts to produce some very interesting iPod Touch type hardware and iPhone variants. What isn't delivered as part of that product line could receive the benefit of Apple experience with user interfaces. At the high end I'd love a digital SLR with a Mac OS type operating system in it. Just imagine being able to program a digital SLR with Python or some other scripting language. It would make time laps a snap for example.


As for being spread to thin, that is total BS. They have enough cash laying around that they could buy Nikon and add staff to support the integration and not blink an eye. I honestly believe the current perception in the public is the result of a carefully planed program to keep the surfs loyal to the realm. There is simply no reason for Apple to not have the staff it needs right now.

Dave

Maybe Apple could get the Nikon folks asses in gear and get the wireless transfer and broken Picture Project software fixed so I can use my Nikon P2 with Leopard.

New Cinema Displays will have multi-touch technology. New macbook and macbook pros will have multitouch. And, pa-para-pa! Al Imacs already have multitouch tech embeded on the glass !

One could only dream. \

Or day dream. Fat chance.