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Leaked Photo of New Apple Portable Device? NOPE. Just An Icon.

Aviv — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:24:36 +0000

9to5mac has more on this.

Just an icon.

Leaked Photo of NEXT-Generation iPod Shuffle

Aviv — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:17:56 +0000

Even though Apple has recently released released a new iPod Shuffle, our sources were able to get their hands on a leaked photo of the NEXT generation iPod Shuffle. It’s even smaller, invisible and only works with these obscure Japanese headphones that nobody can find.

The new shuffle depicted in the leaked photo below, has wireless syncing built right in.

Apple Reportedly Scheduled to Release iMacs and Mac minis Tomorrow

Aviv — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:31:06 +0000

Adding even more fuel to the fire, some more updates regarding upcoming Mac minis and iMacs has been made available. Detailed specs are now being reported by some sites, which accompany previous reports, leaked images, and a video.

HardMac reports:

The new iMac models and their corresponding references:
- MB417: Entry level model
- MB418: “Mass market” model
- MB419: high-end model
- MB420: ultimate model
The entry level model should come with a 20″ display, while the three other models will feature a 24″ panel.

For the Mac mini, the references are the following:
- MB463: entry-level model
- MB464 high-end model

MacRumors explains that HardMac.com is an english sister site to MacBidouille, and can be considered “trustworthy.”

OneMoreThing.nl reports: (translated from MacRumors forums here)

Mac mini
- 5x USB
- 1x FireWire 800
- 1x mini DVI
- 1x Display poort
- Nvidia chipset (net als de nieuwe MacBooks)
- vanaf 2.0 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
- 1 of 2 GB DDR3 ram geheugen (max 4 GB)
- 120 GB harde schijf (max 320 GB)

iMac
- 1x 20″ model, 3x 24″ modellen
- Intel Core 2 Duo (géén quad core dus): 2.66 Ghz, 2.93 Ghz en 3.06 Ghz
- 1x Display poort
- 20″ 2 GB DDR3 ram geheugen, 24″ 4 GB DDR3 ram geheugen (max 8 GB)

Of note, March 24th has been pegged as a date for the next Apple press event

New Time Capsule, Airport Extremes Being Readied by Apple

Aviv — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:38:48 +0000

Speculation about Apple refreshing both its Time Capsule backup device, and the Airport Extreme wireless base station has been kicked into high gear. Citing rather sharp discounts at the Apple Store and resellers, both devices may get some attention sooner rather than later.

Notably, Amazon’s sharp discounts were what initially spurred 9to5mac to start pondering the notion that these devices might see some updates in the near future.

“We think they are going to see a bit of an upgrade this month. Sure, the 1.5TB/750GB point makes sense, especially with drives at up to 2TB starting to hit store shelves. But we’ve heard there might be some more to it than just that. Our sources informed us a few months ago that Apple was experimenting with caching Apple software updates on the Time Machine devices. That would not only save some bandwidth (your whole office/family would only need it to be downloaded once), it would also make the updating process much much quicker on each client machine because the download would be local.”

“Software Update caching has been available on Leopard and Tiger server for years but this kind of easy setup/low cost of entry would put the software update caching in many more hands. There is nothing to indicate that current Time Capsules wouldn’t be able to add this type of functionality with a firmware update,” Seth Weintraub reports for 9to5mac.

9to5’s thoughts may be more than just speculation. Apple has been trying to figure out ways to consistently and reliably deliver updates to Mac OS X without hangups and continuous issues. The updates can be quite hefty and we have heard some pretty unfortunate horror stories with OS X updates freezing in the middle. By integrating a Software Update caching mechanism, Apple could store the update on the user’s wireless network, which would be available anytime at the user’s convenience. Now if only they could do this with the most popular tv shows and movies on the Apple TV.

Some FCC documents containing Authorization letters, requests for confidentiality and test reports regarding both devices can be downloaded here (zip package).

Leaked Spyshot of Mac mini Packaging

Aviv — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:17:20 +0000

A leaked image depicting the back of some new Mac mini packaging has been making the rounds originally appearing over at OneMoreThing.nl and MacRumors.

The image consistently depicts previously circulating rumors, however the image only shows the rear-facing side of the packaging. While some believe the image to stille be a fake, the evidence is piling up.

Image via MacRumors

This also correlates with a previously leaked image and video of the rumored Mac mini. A rumored March 24th Apple press event has been pegged as well.

Possible Apple Desktop Event Slated for March 24

Dave — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 06:27:15 +0000

A slew of recent unconfirmed sources have revealed that Apple plans to hold a desktop event on March 24.

World of Apple claims to have been informed of the upcoming event and believe that it will be similar to Apple’s notebook event held last October. My Apple Guide appears to have obtained similar information from multiple unconfirmed sources that express the same date for such an event and state that Apple will be announcing “new Mac minis, iMacs with the new NVIDIA chipset, Mac Pros with Xeon processors along with a pleasant ’surprise’”.

While World of Apple’s source has been unable to confirm any specific details regarding the event, they too expect to see Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro refreshes. Speculation of upgrades to Apple’s desktop hardware have been circulating for quite some time. Digital Daily’s John Paczkowski had speculated about just such an event yet was under the impression that it would be held in February, which has now come and gone. MacBlogz had previously taken an in-depth look at what we can expect over the next couple of months and maintain that all three machines are due for a refresh.

Despite a host of rumors surrounding a Mac Mini refresh even prior to Macworld 2009, we still have seen nothing tangible. Last month, Tom’s Hardware released information pointing to a March upgrade around the time of Cebit as they believe that Apple may use Intel’s Atom processor, which is typically used in netbooks. Additionally, a rather questionable image and video of a Mac Mini sporting an impressive 5 USB ports has made recent headlines, yet the validity of it remains unclear.

Apple’s professional class desktops have not been updated in over a year, leading many to believe that a refresh is imminent. Last month we had caught word that Apple may be ditching the Mac Pro’s cheese grater front for a sleeker micro-perforated face allowing us to mockup up what this could potentially look like. Back in November there was word that Intel’s new Nehalem class (Xeon 5500, 3500) CPUs would launch in the first quarter of 2009, and a Mac Pro update may be in line with this roadmap.

Small bits of information had emerged about an iMac refresh prior to Macworld 2009, as a possible announcement was said to be made, yet of course nothing came to fruition. We have previously explained that, “Currently, Apple’s iMacs use a dual-core setup, which for an all-in-one machines makes sense. However, the iMac in general still lacks in terms of serious multi-tasking power and processing performance. A move to desktop class processors could make the machine appeal to a much broader range of users. Apple would need to restructure the way cooling works on the iMacs though. The Core 2 Duo chips that are used now produce low power and low heat, which the iMac’s casing depends on.” linking to such rumors, Intel had readied some new processors, the Q8200s (2.33GHz/4MB L2), Core 2 Quad Q9400s (2.66GHz/6MB L2) and Core 2 Quad Q9550s (2.83GHz/12MB L2) with prices at US$245, US$320 and US$369, respectively.

While it is certainly plausible that all three machines will be upgraded in the near future, the validity of a March 24 desktop event remains speculative as all sources of information remain unconfirmed.

Apple Tablet: Marc Andreessen and Charlie Rose Think It’s Inevitable (VIDEO)

Aviv — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:33:09 +0000

During an incredibly interesting interview between Charlie Rose and serial entrepreneur Marc Andreessen, both of them touch upon the subject of a “scaled up” iPhone. Charlie Rose thinks it’s an inevitable idea, while Andreessen explains that he “would be the first to buy one.”

Specifically around the forty minute mark, the interview shifts towards Amazon’s business model and how the kindle contributes to its growth. Both Rose and Andreessen feel that the kindle is a giant leap in technology and undoubtedly generates a tremendous amount of success for Amazon. However, like the continuous elephant in the room, when competition from Apple is brought up in the form of a “scaled up iPhone” or 7″ touch tablet, Andreessen and Rose seem mesmerized by the topic.

For those that are not aware, Andreessen is the co-founder of Netscape and has successfully sold two companies for over $1 billion each. Aside from currently being the co-founder of social networking site Ning.com, he is also beginning to dabble in venture capital. The interview touches upon many interesting subjects going on today, as well as opinions on Facebook, Twitter, Google and more.

Leaked Video: ‘Mac Mini 2009 Edition’

Aviv — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:38:40 +0000

Following up yesterday’s leaked 2009 Mac mini image, the original source has now provided what looks like a fairly convincing video of the rumored unit.

The image below was the first spyshot to circulate the web, which was originally posted to the Macrumors Forums. Interestingly, some raw investigation work done by a 9to5mac reader, who confidently determined that this was all a hoax.

Now the original source of the image has made this video available, and although the entire situation seems a bit strange, one can’t help but wonder why anybody would go through the trouble of making this video, only to show a fake Mac mini with five USB ports.

Leaked Mac Mini Image Emerges, Shows Five USB Ports

Aviv — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:10:35 +0000

A leaked image first posted to the MacRumors forums depicts what may be the next Mac mini. The image shows what is allegedly the back side of the new Mac mini, with enough clarity to identify what specific ports have been included.

Image courtesy of MacRumors

In our coverage of what to expect from Apple over the next few months, we explained that the Mac mini was rumored to be making an appearance around March.

A move to SATA for both optical and hard drives has been rumored. As well as that the Mac mini will not only have a Mini DisplayPort, but also a Mini DVI connector which is strange given CEO Steve Jobs’ statements that Apple was making the Mini DisplayPort standard across all of Apple’s computers. In regards to a chipset, the NVIDIA 9400M is what’s currently being used in the unibody macbooks, and if Apple opts for it in the Mac mini, the device may get a few more high-end features than initially expected. However, we don’t see Apple loading up professional class features on the Mac mini, especially with the desktop class needing some attention. Things like dual-display support may entirely be left for high-end machines like the Mac Pro.

The most recent information claims the Mac mini will be launched in March around the time of Cebit. The information is strange however because it claims the Mac mini will be using Intel’s Atom processor, which up until now has been targeted at low-powered netbooks. While it may turn out accurate, as of now this remains slightly cloudy.

MacRumors has specified that the original person who leaked the image claims the following specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo
• 2GHz
• 3MB L2 cache
• 2GB RAM DDR III, 1066MHz
• Super Drive is SATA

A few questions remain as to why the machine would need five USB ports, and why Firewire 800 would be included when Apple nixed it from the Macbooks. But, in typical leaked spyshot fashion, the image leaves us a tad skeptical. If only because it aligns so correctly with rumors that seemed a bit outlandish to begin with. Still, MacRumors has done an incredible job filtering through nonsense over the years, so it would be safe to assume the legitimacy of this image.

Apple COO Tim Cook Comments on Netbook, iPhone Pricing Changes

Dave — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:49:18 +0000

Analyst Toni Sacconaghi of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co, has recently met with Apple COO Tim Cook, and he believes that Apple is indeed working on a Mac netbook, as well as the possibility of some iPhone price changes.

After meeting with Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook, who has taken over for Steve Jobs while on medical leave, Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer and marketing chief Phil Schiller, Toni Sacconaghi of Sanford C. Bernstein & Co maintains that the trio had revealed a some interesting news to look out for in the future.

According to a report over at ITworld, Tim Cook had alluded to the fact that Apple has “ideas” for a netbook as well as changes in iPhone pricing, and new handsets.

Sacconaghi went on to note that, “Tim Cook stated that since Steve Jobs announced his leave of absence, he was spending more time on new products, how Apple could take the iPhone into new markets and examining iPhone’s business model.”

The Sanford C. Bernstein & Co analyst is known to be the highest ranked computer analyst by Institutional Investor magazine and further added that, “Several interesting tidbits point to new iPhones, potentially with different pricing/price points this year.”

Apple fans have been clamoring for a netbook for some time now. The explosion of netbook sales over the last 12-16 months has really made the market seem like it’s here to stay, and not just fade away into the low-powered underworld. Apple COO Tim Cook has previously explained that, “We [Apple] are watching the space,” Cook explained. But currently Apple does not think that the hardware and software offerings in this space are something their customers would appreciate. “Smaller screens, cramped keyboard.” Furthering their stance, CEO Steve Jobs has remained adamant about the company’s offerings in this space.

There has recently been some speculation regarding AT&T’s rate plans, and that they are considering tiered pricing plans. However, the notion that these “considerations” would hold up the release of an upcoming iPhone is not so accurate. We have previously covered the future of AT&T’s cell network and how they are testing speeds up near 14 Mbps, which they hope to have ready by the third quarter in 2009. It makes much more sense that AT&T would wait on securing and stabilizing the future of its network before Apple releases another iteration of the iPhone, which could swamp AT&T’s 3G network even more.

Additionally, Sacconaghi believes that Apple shares will outperform the S&P 500 over the next 12 months, and expects new iMacs as early as next month, and new iPhone models in the summer.