I have some bad news for everyone who was hoping to get their eyes on at least a hint of a tablet designed by Apple, it is not coming. The whole tech world is as we speak mumbling regret over the loss of their invisible girlfriend. The good news, we have an idea of what is going to be talked about at the next Apple event. Oddly, that is also the bad news. Here is the docket: social iTunes and updated iPods.
Wait a minute, isn’t that was Zune has already done?
Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. I own an iPhone, but use Zune to play music on my computer. There has been nearly endless hubbub over iTunes going “social.” Can I share a secret, Zune has been doing this for a long time. Here, take a look at my music listening profile, it sums up nicely my 20,000 plays on the Zune software. Of course, it does not sync with my iPhone. However, it means that Zune, my software for downloading, organizing, and doing anything with my music, video, and podcasts are already being pulled into a social world.
Where have you been Apple?
The fact that iTunes may integrate with something along the lines of Last.FM is not only old hat, but inefficient, Zune does it all in a single seamless package. Just as a side note, I have a Last.FM account and of course have iTunes to sync with my iPhone. I use both platforms. But the introduction of a new social layer to iTunes is neither new, nor innovative. It is a catch up move the Zune ecosystem.
As a final note, we have all seen and loved the Zune HD so far, it looks great and has a goddamn dual core processor. Apple will surely come out swinging with its new iPods at this event. I fully think that Apple will unleash some amazing new updates to the iPod product line. However, I doubt that Apple is giving them as much time with the iPhone doing as well as it is. Surely some corporate focus has been shifted. That in mind, the Zune HD I think will be the best PMP going into the Christmas season.
Put them together, a catch-up play for iTunes to match Zune, and a race to rebuild their PMP supremacy and you have an Apple event where the Zune is the elephant in the room, and Apple is trying to catch it.
