Apple's "One more thing" Media Event took place today with much anticipation. The event saw the release of new Video-capable iPods, and a new iMac.
A few notes on the event itself... It took place at the California Theater in San Jose, CA. Apple has always been very secretive about their media events. Whether by design or by coincidence, the location for today's event prevented wireless or even cell phone usage thwarting many sites attempts at reporting on the event. The event was also fed to the BBC Television Center by satellite. This location had less stringent measures in place. Much of the information gathered during the event has to be credited to MacNews.de and Stuff Magazine, both reporting from this location.
Early rumors by Appleinsider turned out to be the most accurate. The Video enabled iPod introduced today was very similar to their initial report. Also accurately reported was the introduction of music videos and short movie content through an iTunes update.
Of interest, in the same report, Appleinsider reported that a new Apple wireless device was in the wings... similar to Apple's AirPort Express but with Video-Out capability. Such a device was not introduced today, but may be in our future based on this report.
Meanwhile, ThinkSecret initially discounted the possibility of a Video iPod. They later amended their report at the last minute to include that possibility. Meanwhile, a final report this morning suggested that while Apple's launch today focused on broadcast video, Apple's future plans do include a proper "Movie Store" with a corresponding Widescreen iPod to be introduced in 2006.
But what of the promised PowerBook and PowerMac updates? ThinkSecret still promises these updates "either later this week or early next". While this may not instill us with a great deal of confidence, there have been independent reports that Dual-Core PowerMacs are imminent.
A few interesting notes from the day's events
- The new iPod appears to have the same Height/Width as the old iPods (4.1 x 2.4 inches), despite their wider appearance.
- Apple's FrontRow media interface is only available on the iMac, but appears to be Apple's first step into the Media Center-like devices/interfaces. This is an area that Microsoft has been aggressively pursuing. Historically, Steve Jobs has been against convergence between TV and computers... however, the introduction of TV downloads may change this perspective. Steve Jobs also has made comments against Video playback devices. At present the FrontRow interface is meant to be viewed on the iMac and not through a television.
- Eminem is featured in a silhouette iPod/iTunes ad. His publisher previously sued Apple for using a song without permission.
- U2 iPod appears to be discontinued.
- Only 5 different TV Shows available at this time. Digital Rights Management is the same as iTunes songs. 5 different computers. Downloaded episodes are .m4v format, 320x240 pixels, AAC Audio. 650kbits/sec. About 200 megs per hour-long episode.
