Apple sent out invitations to a press event at its Cupertino headquarters with the text “Let’s talk iPhone.” The icons on the invitation indicate that the event will be on Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. in Cupertino and the message will be about the iPhone. Without a doubt there will be discussion of the release of iOS 5 and iCloud. But most reporters also agree that a new iPhone model will be announced as well.
Meanwhile, the iTunes music store plugged remaining gaps in europe by adding 12 countries. Music can now be purchased from iTunes throughout the European Union.
“He wanted to bury a time capsule in the backyard, but it was too expensive. So he is burying an Airport Extreme instead.”
Apple’s stock price hit new highs this week, contrary to the long-held belief that it would drop following the resignation of Steve Jobs as CEO. But analysts and investors continue to speak highly of the stock.
Strong rumors are pointing to a product announcement on Oct. 5 that could be the new iPhone 5. In addition, the new phone could become available on more networks in the U.S. such as Sprint or T-Mobile.
An iPhone 5 would probably carry iOS 5, the long-awaited update to the iPhone operating system. It may be made available to iPhone 4 and iPad users at the same time. iCloud, Apple’s replacement for MobileMe, would likely also be released at the same time.
Apple produced an update this week to Final Cut Pro X. This update included the ability to export and import projects, paving the way for integration with other tools.
“I’ve got cable with 900 channels and pay-per-view.”
“So what did you watch on TV last night?”
“Nothing.”
“Well I’ve got Apple TV with iTunes, Netflix and YouTube.”
“What did you watch on TV last night?”
“Nothing.”
Apple issued updates to firmware for MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros and the Mac mini this week. Firmware is a term used to describe small applications and data stored on chips in a Mac, as opposed to hard drives or memory. Firmware that comes with a Mac can be updated by Apple to fix bugs and add features. See http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1471.
These new updates include improvements to how the new Thunderbolt port can be used with external displays, as well as in target disk mode — a way to access your Mac as a hard drive from another Mac with the Thunderbolt connector.
In addition, the updates provide more support for recovery in case of a hard drive failure. Newer Macs with Lion can recover and even re-install Lion with an Internet connection thanks to a special recovery partition and software in firmware. This way Lion can be restored without needing an optical drive or other storage device with a Lion installer. See http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718 for details.
“I don’t feel I’m communicating with my wife as much anymore.”
“Are you two drifting apart?”
“Yes. I’m still on Facebook and she’s moved to Google+.”
With the release of iOS 5 growing closer and the current line of iPods and iPhones growing older, many sites report that new models are imminent. The second week of September is usually when Apple unveils new iPods, but they may be looking to come out with a new iPod Touch and iPhone at the same time, for the first time.
Reports from Apple’s Chinese manufacturer, Foxconn, say that iPhone 5s are being built by the millions right now, which would point to a late September or early October release. A German mobile carrier has gone as far as accepting pre-orders for the iPhone 5, even though it lists no specifications or release date.
Rumors speculate that the next iPhone will have a better camera, faster processor and perhaps a larger display. There are some rumors that the iPod touch will get 3G capability, allowing for a mobile data connection like some iPad models.
“Do you know that I’m the mayor of this place on Foursquare?”
“Well, in that case I’d like to talk to you about the working conditions.”
