Apple Macworld Rumors in Full Swing
As Apple prepares for the upcoming Macworld conference, the blogosphere is already buzzing with speculation about what this year’s announcements might bring.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has demonstrated an inclination to unveil major new technologies and deals at Macworld, but some analysts have questioned whether 2007 can yield the type of large-scale rollouts on par with the iPod, the iTunes store, or Mac OS X.
Not surprisingly, the company has posted a major teaser on its site: “The first 30 years were just the beginning. Welcome to 2007.” As in years past, Apple is offering no indication about any technology or product news, leaving it to the Mac faithful and others to build the buzz.
Likely Candidates
Although Apple is adept at keeping its announcements under tight wraps leading up to Macworld, there are some developments that are likely to occur, Apple observers have noted.
The company’s line of iApps, for example, usually garner a Macworld mention with updated features and functions. The application suite includes iLife and iWork, and rumors abound that Apple might finally fold in a spreadsheet to compete with Microsoft’s Excel program.
Other Apple technology is also due for a revamp, including the Mac Mini, and possibly the Mac Pro, the company’s desktop Mac. Both could get stronger processors through Apple’s work with Intel.
One major announcement that is expected to come out of Macworld is Apple’s plans for iTV, a concept that was introduced by Jobs in September but was not detailed. At that time, Jobs mentioned that iTV would be available in the first quarter of 2007.
From Jobs’ comments, some bloggers have posited that iTV might be a device that allows users to broadcast content purchased from iTunes onto their TV sets.
Bridging the Gap
If Apple really does try to conquer the living room in this way, it will definitely be a…
