Apple rumours explode ahead of annual keynote speech

The internet is being flooded with rumours about the upcoming Apple keynote speech that will reportedly launch the company’s new tablet computer device, as well as new iTunes software and a new iPod Touch.

The announcement is also expected to see the debut of new digital music packages that record executives hope will increase the sales of full albums rather than individual tracks.

According to All Things Digital, a technology-related blog run by The Wall Street Journal, music industry sources claim the announcement will take place on 8 September.

Apple’s September announcements typically focus on iPods and iPod-related products. Last year the company announced the new, thin iPod Nano and the updated iPod Touch.

This year the company is expected to announce an updated version of the iPod Touch which includes a camera and microphone, according to a Wired magazine report that cites a “well-connected source”.

The source also claimed the gadgets would go on sale in the next “two to three months”, giving credence to the 8 September announcement date.

The introduction of cameras and microphones would close the gap between the features on the iPod Touch and the iPhone. A microphone could enable users to make free VoIP calls over a wireless internet network.

Other rumours include the introduction of iTunes 9 at the announcement, which is said to include new App organisational capabilities, Blu-Ray support and even integration with social networking services such as Twitter or Facebook.

The Financial Times has also quoted unnamed record executives who say Apple will launch a new music product that will be used to increase album sales. Currently, albums are outsold by individual tracks.

The new product will reportedly include features such as artwork, liner notes and video clips, while Hollywood executives have also told the Financial Times that they will give more content to the iTunes store if the plan goes ahead.

The new product is reportedly designed to work with the rumoured Apple tablet computer, which is also expected to be announced next month. The gadget will reportedly boast a 10-inch screen, be capable of using apps from the App Store, cost between $US500 to $US1000 and be able to connect to 3G networks.

But while the Financial Times and AppleInsider have claimed the device is “cemented” in the 2010 line of products, The Loop has reported that no announcement will be made next month and that the gadget will not be released until the first quarter of 2010.

That rumour would coincide with a report from Piper Jeffrey analyst Gene Munster, who first predicted earlier this year that Apple would release a tablet computer, who wrote in a report that the gadget will be launched in the first quarter of 2010.