Rumor Time: iPod Nano - Touch?

We're two days away from Apple's "Music" event (scheduled for Wednesday September 1st) and that can only mean: more rumors!

We've already glossed over an iPod Touch sporting a Retina Display and dual cameras (for Facetime without an iPhone), 99-cent movie/tv show rentals on iTunes, a more cloud-centric iTunes, and now all but confirmed, a new touchscreen iPod Nano.

Last week Engadget had reported the emergence of a new iPod Nano or iPod Shuffle that was only a 1.7-inch touchscreen. The case above from Alibaba.com suggests that this mysterious micro version of the Touch may be real.

PMB feels it could be a new touchscreen Shuffle as it's about due for a refresh and the tiny, no button interface of the current Shuffle was less than a hit. Also, trading the Nano's video camera (which at the $150 price range) that allows Apple to compete with the Flip camcorder for a 1.7-inch touchscreen would be a step backwards in our opinion.

Alibaba via Engadget

Why I Haven't Made The Jump to AT&T

Yup another satisfied customer.

Via The Consumerist

- Mobile Post via BlogPress

Smash-And-Grab San Diego

In the early morning hours, two hooded men smashed the front windows of the University Town Center mall's Apple Store and made off with several iPhones. This is yet another smash-and-grab burglary to hit an Apple Store in less than a month.

To the thieves and would-be thieves out there: Hey fucktards, would you take a brick to St. Patrick's Cathedral? Would you think it okay to smash a section of the Prayer Wall in Israel? How 'bout try to steal the meteor fragment from Mecca. No you wouldn't so please let's put an end to these smash-and-grabs. The pristine glass facade that adorns each Apple Store is a testament to restored sense of child-like wonder that awaits on the inside; just be sure to buy that sense of child-like wonder and don't do anything that would be illegal.

10news.com via EBone (twitter)

Rumor Time: Apple TV/ iTV 99-cent Rentals coming to iTunes Store

Image originally posted on www.slipperybrick.com

It's almost September, which can only mean one thing: Apple Event - Apple Rumors! It's always a fun time around an Apple Event, the rumor mill is churning double time and this year's "Music/iPod" keynote does not disappoint.

Already we've heard plenty of rumors regarding a new iPod Touch featuring a Retina Display and front facing camera, which of course means Facetime that doesn't require an iPhone. We're also hearing about a new 7-inch iPad, but I wouldn't hold my breath on this one.

The other seemingly yearly ritual is of a much needed update to the Apple TV line. First Engadget reported that the new Apple TV will not feature 1080i or 1080p playback but will offer apps similar to those found on the iPhone/iPod Touch. They also announced a rebranding of the device to iTV. It's been years since there's been any significant update to the Apple TV line, so we're hoping that this is true.

The biggest, understated, rumor of the year is the reported deal to bring 99 cent 48-hour rentals to the iTunes Store. This would be the biggest innovation to how we consume television (at least here in the US). According to Bloomberg, Apple is in advanced talks with several media outlets on getting this deal done in time for their September Keynote (Bloomberg is also saying it'll take place on Sept. 7th).

Just to get an idea of just what kind of impact this could have on cable companies; if you watched 3 shows Monday - Friday at 99 cents each you're monthly viewing would run just under $60 ($59.40 per month). UNDER $60! I wish my current cable bill was even $100 per month. Here's to hope.

Bloomberg via TUAW

UPDATE: Gizmodo.com reports that the Music Apple Keynote will be held September 1st in San Francisco. That was fast.

Mmmmm.... Stickers

Who doesn't love customizing their favorite gadgets? But sometimes we get a little carried away. Thankfully most of these Etsy decals are full of win instead of full of gaudy. Sure a purist will feel like we've somehow desecrated the temple of Ive, but how could you resist putting on a new face when they look like this.

Personally I think it's time my Macbook got a facelift a la Totoro.

Etsy via I New Idea

Rumor Time: iPod Touch Getting Retina Display and Dual Cameras

Well we're officially well into August, which can only mean one thing: iPod Rumor Time! John Gruber of Daring Fireball casually mentioned an iPod Touch with Retina Display and dual display.
Oh yeah, there's also something there about a Dell something or another.

via Daring Fireball

FBI Priorities: First Copyright Infringers THEN Missing Persons

I don't know about you but when I think of the F.B.I. I get images of Dangerous Minds in my head. Some of the country's top cops thinking outside the box, finding dangerous criminals, solving unsolved crimes, and finding missing persons. Apparently that may not be the case; TechDirt reports that the F.B.I.'s to-do list now ranks copyright infringement higher than identity theft and missing persons.

From TechDirt:

Specifically, the FBI has consciously decided to give such cases lower priority in the FBI's laboratory, which is used to look at DNA evidence.

So if ever you're looking for one of the 719,558 people reported missing in 2009, just tell the F.B.I. that they may have illegally downloaded The Hurt Locker and the latest Kanye West album. They may just find them that much quicker.

via TechDirt