Apple: November 2005 Archives

ThinkSecret has posted about a rumor that Apple is working on "Kaleidoscope", a new Mac Mini containing an Intel processor, very likely a larger hard drive, and TiVo-like PVR capability. Also rumored to run the new FrontRow software, which is currently shipping on the iMac G5, this would make the Mac Mini into the living room multimedia component that it was originally rumored to be when it was first released.

Thinksecret also speculates that this Mac Mini may have the built-in iPod dock which was rumored to be part of the original Mini.

This ties in with my ongoing observations that Apple is moving piece-by-piece toward a full home media strategy to win the hearts and minds of a market that has been conditioned to Windows software. Moving the computing experience away from "computing" and more toward the experience of using a media appliance. One physical device for all media, affordable enough and simple enough to use that most homes can have one or even more, just like home stereo equipment or VCRs are today.

The new Mac Mini, if it exists, may be released at the MacWorld Expo in January. We're moving into the time period that many Mac fans like to delay purchases, as new announcements at MacWorld tend to make purchases within a month prior to the conference obsolete. I don't plan on purchasing any new hardware for quite some time due to the G4's engineering and durability, but something like Kaleidoscope might find its way into my home if it siginificantly improves my media experience.

According to an AP article that appeared on Forbes Online, TiVo is beta testing a feature that will allow iPod or PSP owners to download TiVo content to their portable device for viewing on the go.

According to AppleInsider, Apple is to begin shipping iPod Nanos with a protective sleeve similar to the one included with the new 5th generation iPod (featuring video capability). I've previously covered the subject here about the scratching problems faced by the casual user of the iPod Nano. While I doubt the wisdom of putting such a device in your pocket with keys and such, the public outcry was great enough that Apple decided to do something about it. Yet another example of how speaking up can get results.

This would seem to be done just in time for the holiday season, where it might be reasonable to expect a high volume of iPod Nano sales this year.

Source: http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1367

Now this is more in line with what people may have been expecting out of the Motorola/Apple collaboration.

After the ROKR phone's lukewarm reception, Motorola has unveiled the latest phone offering with iTunes support: the RAZR V3i. Some will say this is what the ROKR should have been. While the ROKR is essentially an older Motorola brick-style phone with new software, the V3i sports the buzzworthy RAZR form factor along with iTunes, expandable memory via MicroSD and TransFlash, POP3/IMAP email client, and a 1.23 megapixel digital camera. The RAZR V3i is slated to ship, along with 3 other new RAZR phones - two that are pink and blue, and one that supports CDMA/EV-DO - in Q4 of 2005.

The Bluetooth connectivity is present in the V3i, although the current RAZR models are compatible with Apple iSync for USB only. However, the ability to use Bluetooth as a mobile internet connection for your laptop via the phone, and of course Bluetooth headset capability are present in the RAZR V3 so this will likely be the same in the RAZR V3i. Here's to hoping that the Bluetooth abilities will be expanded upon, though I wouldn't hold my breath. Until this hits the shelves we won't get much more information than this, but the important point is that the ROKR's unfortunate debut may not have put a damper on the future of mobile iTunes. Time will tell- the ROKR television ads are still airing frequently, so perhaps the jury is still out on the ROKR as well. Rejection by the early-adopter tech crowd does not mean commercial failure overall... many a Slashdot reader can recall the infamous line "No wireless, smaller than a Nomad. Lame." that was their verdict on the original iPod.