By SteveJack
It’s late Sunday morning on the East coast of the United States and, in a clear sign that I am among the deranged, the waiting is painful for Tuesday’s Apple Computer earnings report and financial results conference call plus Wednesday’s “One more thing” special event.
For those not in “The Cult,” those who haven’t had a drop of the Kool-Aid, this is just another Sunday morning. Maybe they’ll be going to church, taking a nap later, trying to clean malware off their Windows PCs, watching the baseball game or some football, seeing if John Daly can hold off Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, or, ironically, listening to their iPods. They just don’t understand.
For “the rest of us,” this Sunday morning means that we have too long to wait for two days that promise to be as big as that magical few days that come every January when Apple earnings and Steve Jobs’ Macworld Expo keynote combine to form the perfect Apple storm.
This Tuesday, October 11, Apple will release their fourth quarter 2005 earnings report after the closing market bell. Shortly thereafter, at 5pm ET, Apple will webcast the audio of their Q4 05 quarterly earnings conference call to discuss financial results with analysts. The consensus of analysts surveyed by Thompson/First Call expect Apple (AAPL) to earn $0.36 per share on revenue of $3.68 billion. In the year ago quarter, Q4 04, Apple earned $0.14 per share on revenue of $2.35 billion and shipped 836,000 Macintosh units and 2,016,000 iPod units. In the last completed quarter, Q3 05, Apple earned $0.37 per share on revenue of $3.52 billion and shipped 1,182,000 Macintosh units and 6,155,000 iPod units.
Okay, the earnings announcement/conference call happens four times a year. It’s a pretty big deal just by itself. But, then on Wednesday, October 12, at 1:00 pm ET, Apple will hold their “One More Thing” special media event at the California Theater in San Jose, California. What the event will reveal has been subject to thousands of articles and theories already. Expect quite a few more in the upcoming days.
I’m not going to add to the conjecture here, but I will say that Apple must be very confident of a strong earnings report to have scheduled the special media event for the very next day. And only Apple can inspire such outright crazed anticipation in its customers.
People who aren’t “Macheads” just don’t understand this excruciating anticipation experience we’re all going through now and in the upcoming days (you’re probably one of them if you’re reading this). Just remember, you’re not alone. Only 52 hours and 45 minutes until for the earnings release, 53 hours and 15 minutes for the conference call, and 73 hours and 15 minutes for the special media event left to go! Are you feeling it, too?
SteveJack is a long-time Macintosh user, web designer, multimedia producer and a regular contributor to the MacDailyNews Opinion section.
Yez!
One more thing … world domination.
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My 2 cents with respect to Oct 12th … video content available for download from ITMS and Airport Express AV.
Thanks a lot Steve! You just made it worse!
Honestly though I think it’s going to be about five things…
Dual Core G5’s
Higher Rez Powerbooks (better screens)
A Mac Mini as the centerpiece of the iHome along with Airport ExpressAV
and then LATER not on Wednesday…the Video iPod.
Universal announced the other day that their catalog was going to be downloadable. More studios will follow suit. Comcast offers a lot of content On Demand now…So the timing is right for a digital entertainment center that is NOT really a PC (think Media Center PC only not so PC centric) and one that allows a measure of both wireless connectivity and with the video iPod (again later once content and infrastructure are further along)… some portability. Would people store 3 or 4 movies on what amounts to a portable TIVO? Absolutely. But it makes more sense to do that on a BIG hard drive in a mini that can do a lot more…sitting next to your TV.
Who you calling outright crazed, buckwheat? Speak for yourself. That little trickle of saliva dripping off my chin is just cause I’m hungry .. or sumpin’.
I still don’t think Apple would launch Mac products (niche market) at a special media event.
I’m going with the Madonna special-edition pink nano, possible an iPod video but more likely a new smaller HD iPod.
I prefer to see it for myself than speculate. So maybe it’s something from all those things they have already said…maybe its something we can’t imagine. So… be patient.. only a couple of days to go.
I thought, hey, great, iPod videos! But really, this is not feasible for Apple. They would need to have all the video content contracts finalized with all their video distributors BEFORE the announcement.
On the flipside, I don’t think Apple would have created so much hype with the announcement over a simple upgrade to its products.
This is going to be big! I can’t wait!
MDN, others and I have said Apple needs to take advantage of the unique position they’re in right now: on top of their game while Bill “Sour Grapes” Gates, et al are in chaos.
Apple needs to go for M$ jugular and put them out of their misery. Hey, Apple is getting help from folks like Google and others. So if not now – when?
Sure, vidPods are fine but far from cataclysmic (the way the original Macintosh was back in the day).
Let’s hope there’s more to this Wednesday’s “One more thing” than an insipid, pink Madonna (the trashy has-been) iPod or vidPod.
Here’s hoping…
prob with ipod video content? maybe steve will introduce some sort of mac mini based media centre with the ability to record tv? wanna watch your favourite series on the way back from work?
“Like a Nano…scratched for the very first time!”
Steve did a deal with Madonna to get her to put her library on iTunes. Problem is “Who cares about Madonna???” old news. Or as my teenage kids would say: she´s old.
At least Steve got to meet her in person and get her autograph.
—–
If its a madonna ipod/nano….
well, this is just going to be a big bust.
Thanks for listing once more all things Apple that are about to happen this week. But it would be even nicer if you could mention the timing in a somewhat more international style (e.g. by adding the GMT time). I hate having to use time zone converters the whole time.
From an Oct. 8 press release from Seagate…hence my guess about a Mac Mini AV coupled with the Airport Express AV…Oh..yeah..they will
probably do the pink iPod Nano too…but who cares?
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It’s fun to be a Mac Head!
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No new iPods. We have our lineup this year. Like I said, No iPods will have video.
Apple is gonna make it past 5% marketshare, which Steve is gonna make a big deal out of, and then they are gonna unveil updated Dual core Power Macs, and a newer, thinner, nicer iMac.
That’s my guess.
C’mon guys and gals,
Tell me you’ve figured it out..
On Wednesday, Apple will be announcing that they are releasing the next version of iWork as a full Office suite, to compete with GoogleOffice and Office.
Oh yeah, and the Video Ipod thingy too.
I bought a bottle “Kongsgaard” Chardonnay 1999 $ 112 for tuesday evening ,I also got 1268 shars of AAPL to celabrate wih
I predict the relaunch of the Laserwriter Select beige laser printer line, only this time they’re going to use a lower case “s” for select.
Even though I’d really like to see a nanobook, I think there will be an iPod related announcement. However, it will NOT be new iPods.
Just like Steve revealed that OS X has been secretly running on Intel all along, I think he will reveal on Wednesday a firmware update for existing color iPods that enables video.
“One more thing… there is a new iPod video but we are not releasing it today. In fact we have already released it – those of you with “Photo” or the newer color models (full size and nano) already have it! Just download the new firmware and enjoy!”
If others’ speculation about short clips being the first content is true, these products already have room.
Also, I agree that we need software to support mobile/portable video, but I disagree with that a mature store is crucial at the beginning. I do like iTMS, but to me the power is being able to import and organize my existing stuff in iTunes. I wonder if we’ll see the video equivalent (thumbnail layout, sorting and searching with metatags) even before the arrival of a mature store for purchasing content.
MW paid
I need to get PAID so I can buy whatever Steve announces on Wed. (unless it’s a free firmware update!)
Remember when it was 2 days before Christmas and you were 6 to 8 years old?
That’s how you explain it to a Windows user.
If they didn’t celebrate Christmas then you are SOL.
What about the famous Apple-branded cupholder? It sure deserves it’s own media event.
Ok, SteveJack, no one really cares about Tuesday.
The presentation announcement is “One more thing…”, so Steve will never be able to use his favorite little phrase again in future keynotes.
So what does this mean… he leaves Apple. Because he’s going to announce a lot of new stuff too, it’s the ideal moment. This way he’ll be able to leave while Apple is peaking. The right moment for him personal and the right moment for the company.
If there will be video, my guess is that it will be with the subscription based model.
Owning music makes sense IMO but video?… no, hiring is the way to do it.
PS I really hope I’m completely wrong…
What do you guys think about the possibility of a new Mac with 2GB of flash memory for real fast OS access? They should have enough chips from Samsung and it would also solve any complaints about slow hard drives on the Mac Mini.
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Just another wild theory…
Drum-roll Please…
Steve Jobs walks out and announces that FairPlay DRM will be available for licensing starting in July 2006. He further announces that Blu-Ray, and the RIAA member companies will all adopt FairPlay as a supported DRM standard. Finally, he announces that the UPNP standard will now include support for FairPlay DRM.
What this means to the market-
1-Record companies will be able to roll out their own music stores featuring FairPlay DRM encoded tracks that will work on iTunes and the iPod.
2-Movie studios will be able to attach FairPlay DRM to video content. Figure out what that means.
3- Hardware OEMs will be able to license FairPlay for their devices starting in July 2006. DVD players, handheld units, Cell Phones, cable boxes, HDTVs, UPNP devices (El Gato Eye Home, Roku Soundbridge type, etc).
What this means to Apple-
1- Apple will gain a steady stream of revenue from companies using FairPlay to create, distribute, store, or play media content.
2- Other companies will be able to make devices capable of sync with iTunes and FairPlay encoded files.
3- Content creators will be able to market media that will run on iTunes and the iPod.
One more thing…
Out comes Sir Howard Stringer of Sony
The PS3 will be the first non-Apple device capable of playing FairPlay encoded files. Update software for PSP units installing iTunes for PSP will be released soon after.
It could happen.
Think Different
“or, ironically, listening to their iPods.”
That’s not ironic.
I totally agree with ‘MDN reader in the EU’. Please mention the time for all, not just US readers. We come from far and wide.
I’m not alone… whew.
I strongly beleieve that Apple is about to demonstrate some nice catwalk for some high quality accessories/dresses eventually codesigned by Armani. Remember the “Armani of the laptops”…?
I would like to wear some nice Apple branded shirts.
Besides that, a MacTel = Mac telephone is much welcome. Now when nobody to date can demonstrate a complete iSync able devices. Apple will probably show off some perfect set of appliances.
Wonder how such a geeky guess can come from such remote area as GREENLAND, -don’t be, I’m on my 16 year of Apple experience.
“in a clear sign that I am among the deranged”
Yes, Steve Jack, you are clearly a crackpot.
Unlike what writers like yourself want to think, there is no “perfect storm”, and the wait is anything but “excruciating”. Apple is a TECH company, and regular product introductions are a part of business. All what Apple has done here is sent out invitation forms to the press, nothing more. It’s clowns like you that are propagating the hype, reading miles into things that aren’t there & all but filling your pants in anticipation. Have you been paid by Apple to hype things up? Get a life.
Anyway I’ll check the news Wednesday afternoon to see what’s actually announced. Until the actual products, if any, are announced and shipping (no perpetual backorders), any hype makes no difference.
Well, whatever it is it must be BIG! Steve wouldn’t use his “One more thing…” on anything petty.
Like ‘my guess’ I also fear it might be his last “one more thing”. Those curtains are looking more and more ominous, a bit like Sinatra’s My Way and facing his final curtain.
Gosh… I hope I’m wrong! I’ll settle for a pink Madonna nano or even the Beatles on iTunes.
“I predict the relaunch of the Laserwriter Select beige laser printer line, only this time they’re going to use a lower case “s” for select.”
Too funny, Early 1990s Guy!
I THINK APPLE WILL RELEASE A TABLOT INTERNET APPLIANCE AND ANNOUNCE THAT APPLE WILL BUY OR MERGE WITH APPLE RECORDS. PAUL MCCARTNEY WILL PLAY AT THE EVENT.
belongs to the folks who don’t have a clue but desperately want to
decipher Apple’s marketing game plan. At this point…it’s anyone’s
guess.
I know Apple must have plenty of projects in the works that they can
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spring upon us at any time. I think they’re just filling the voids, both
thier own and those of worthwhile beneficiaries. When Apple moves…
they create some mean action!
CT ======]———- Cutting mustard, cheese, tracks, hedges, hair, cake, stones, fish, meat, paper…don’t cut me in line, though.
Don’t leave Steve, we need you!!! :'(
Yeah, but then how long do I have to wait to GET my dual core G5? I swear my blue and white G3 with the brain of a G4 in it knows it’s about to be euthanized, it keeps acting up. Also singing “Daisy, Daisy.”
MW=Today, as in when I want it
I am no fanatic but I will have spare brown underpants for Wednesday’s announcement.
I am a sound businessman. Rock on Apple! Rap boy Rap!
•••• •• •••• •• iRead the news today OH Boy!
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CT ======]———— Sosumi
Hey! My Laserwriter Select 360 is still running!!!
I don’t think Steve is going anywhere until he’s beaten Bill and Apple’s world domination is complete. We’re entering the most exciting era in audio-video history and Apple is leading the revolution. Why quit now?
Plus I’m sure his brush with death last year has reinvigorated him!
Despite his hubris I don’t think Steve is so arrogant to think he’s bigger than the company. The “one more thing” is a reference to the announcement coming so soon after the nano launch, nothing more.
MERGE WITH APPLE RECORDS. PAUL MCCARTNEY WILL PLAY AT THE EVENT.
—
at first the all-caps makes you look like a freaking 8 yr old.. but then.. wait a minute.. an Beatles-branded Nano?
hehehe I think that might sell a few..
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I haven’t heard anyone mention this yet but it is completely possible that the apple will finally launch a 3ghz power mac; the Xbox 360 specs in a 3.2ghz processor so IBM has to have perfected this process for them to hit quantity for a late november roll out of the 360. Since jobs promised it along time ago, one could assume that he would plan a celebration for this milestone.
“I totally agree with ‘MDN reader in the EU’. Please mention the time for all, not just US readers. We come from far and wide.”
Excuse me, if you feel left out, why did you just turn around and do the same thing to the rest of us?
And it’s UTC, not GMT anymore.
Honestly, I don’t know what Wednesday is going to bring. I’m just hoping for something totally new.
Ole Stevo has everybody so excited that they had better start wearing black pants until the big day comes.
I heard that MacOS X 10.5 is going to be announced. In order to improve industry interoperability it will be merged with Windows Vista, due to be launched at about the same time. What with Apple’s move to Intel, this means that Apple users will at last move to Wintel, like everyone else. Think Different.
I think the “one more thing” is a new George Foreman iGrill with iTunes. Now, that would be hot!!!!
iDon’t: You are close but no cigar. It will be a pop corn popper that pops to the current beat on your iPod. Trust me on this I have inside information.
Oh, and how’s the little Beaver? Ward still being hard on it?
Dear Jerk Off,
Your sexual innuendo in very subtle. I feel like I’ve been hit up side the head with a 2×4, then hog tied with duct tape, and then, and then, and then ….
You could be right about the pop-corn thing. I know this annoucement has something to do with food because I keep having this dream that my iPod is being chased by a squirting cucumber.
I think it will be eatable iPods.
Eatable iPods? I want a sack full. Speaking of food I think that Steve will announce that Apple is changing its name to Cherry Computer Company just so iDon’t and Jerk Off can come up with more subtle sexual innuendos.
MW = man, like in I need one bad or a bad one.
My Guess writes: “PS I really hope I’m completely wrong”
Not to worry, you are.
No way Steve’s leaving Apple before he walks all over Bill Gates.
And no way this is about a pink iPod. I doubt it’s even about a vPod (although both may very well be announced).
This is definitely about video, though. And it’s definitely a BIG announcement. My guess is a Mac mini AV as centerpiece, with at least an Airport Express AV, and possibly an iPod AV.
There may be an iTMS AV announcement too. Unlike some, i don’t think it’s necessary to launch with that though. Just a Mac centered DVR is sufficient. And it wouldn’t surprise me to see Apple lining up old TV shows before movies (probably easier to get the rights). But lets not forget that Pixar will be one of the first studios lined up (can you spell “slam-dunk”?)
From, ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ –
Yzma: “Take it Kronk. Oh, hohohoho… feel the power!”
Kronk: “Oh, I can feel it.”
Yzma: “Our moment of triumph approaches! Hahahahaha!! It’s dinner time!”
Well, I hope it isn’t a video pod because I think that they are doomed just like small screen TVs. I can walk, drive, and do all sorts of things (no comments!) while I listen to something. But watching something commands my attention. I need my visual channel. If I am going to be stationary then I might as well have a decent sized picture. Thus ship it to me on my computer. So maybe iTunes will get a big brother like iFilm (taken) or iFlick (gross) that will specialize in getting and presenting movies and ship it off through Airport Express to your big screen HDTV.
I am just hoping for an upgrade to the powermac. I want to have one last upgrade (from my lowly G4 quicksilver) before I go to one of the big Intel dudes.
PS. I love the flash OS idea. Why hasn’t someone done that? There must be a reason.
Ya know, people who aren’t alcoholics just don’t understand the need to drink…
I’ve got wonder what Steve Jobs really thinks of all the people who hang on every little thing he does…
Probably not much (other than just keep spending your dough on his products).
Sorry, I just don’t get the blind devotion – and I’ve been an Apple customer since the days of the //e.
the ripcord, and hope good ol’ Steve lands safely. <@>|<@>
CT =====]———– Manufacturing and packing his own ‘chutes
Who gives RATS ASS about what they are going to announce.
I just wish they’d fix Safari so it takes less than 10 mintues to load a webpage.
Don’t forget to leave a glass of milk and a cookie for Steve on the table the night before.
“And it’s UTC, not GMT anymore”
You can call it all the fancy made-up names you like, but it’s still GMT!
“Asteroid”
Think about it…
My take is that Jobs thinks a pink Nano is a really big deal.
How could he introduce a pink Nano that he thinks is a big deal
and a video IPOD at the same time? All I can say is that he really
is going to disappointment a lot of people if there isnt a video
IPOD behind those curtains. Im pissed that Apple doesnt have
the best plasma t v in the business and or a blackberry type
phone.
The difference between Apple and Sony is that Sony is a real innovator
and a real entertainment company. In common they both have intel inside.
I am no fanatic but I will have spare brown underpants for Wednesday’s announcement.
I believe you’re firing from the wrong end, my friend. Whatever turns you on, I guess.
I just wish they’d fix Safari so it takes less than 10 mintues to load a webpage.
There’s always Camino and Shiira and even iCab 3.5.x and counting… some better than others for specific tasks.
Ok.. I can’t believe I am being sucked into this sillyness, but here goes. Please understand that I think we have probably already nailed what is really going to be announced Wednesday, since every reasonable base has been covered, but inspired by the velvet curtains I want to add the following crazy and unrealistic fantasies:
Some kind of camcorder with and ipod dock. The video goes straight to the ipod HD. It works as an audio recorder and digital camera too of course, hell, let’s say it also works as a portable digital VCR too.
Alternatively, an ipod with a camera built in.
A mac mini with a built in projector.
A highly portable projector or display that connects to a video ipod (or computer). Is there such a thing as a high definition projector?
Some kind of weird-ass head set or goggles to let allow you to actually see something when you play a movie from your ipod.
Some kind of lap top-like device but smaller and simpler – maybe with a 6 or 8 inch display. Billed as a high end multimedia ipod and hand-held.
Apple home media center with massive HD display, ipod dock and computer built in. Includes surround speakers, bluetooth remote, keyboard and pointing device.
Apple is getting into the ISP and/or cable or satellite TV business. Perhaps pay-per-view movie service or Itunes store for sattelite TV, new software for using the mac as a tivo type system, all seamlessly integrated of course.
The merger of PIXAR and Apple to yield a major studio, media producer and record label, maybe with the help of the other (Beatles) Apple.
er… oh, oh….. I know….. its a waterproof floating G5 powerbook you can use in the bath, in fact, to deal with the cooling issues, you can ONLY use it in the bath. The great part is that it keeps the water nice and warm.