Apple’s big surprise
iPod makers to hold conference, may unveil brand new technology
By Kelly Mason, contributing writer
Posted on September 11, 2006

The technology world is swimming in rumors about the unveiling of a new iTunes movie store and iPod, possibly scheduled for release this Tuesday by Apple Computer Inc.

According to an Associated Press article, the worldwide corporation sent out invitations with “It’s Showtime” written on them last week to various members of the media. The meaning of the message, however, is still under great speculation.

Earlier this year, Apple began to sell downloads of television show episodes in the iTunes store. Shows such as “Prison Break,” “The Office” and “Project Runway,” among others, were made available.

The AP reported that Apple CEO Steve Jobs has become a board member and the largest stockholder at the Walt Disney Company. In fact, Apple has tested online movie downloading in the past with Disney. This past March, the Disney Channel’s original TV movie, “High School Musical,” was released on iTunes.

Some students have expressed a dislike for Apple’s growing market power.

 “I feel like Apple is overdoing it right now,” freshman Liz Buchanan said. “[Apple] does have a lot of power, but their products aren’t any better then other products.”

The AP story reported that industry analysts suspect that if Apple does release a new iPod it will most likely have a wider display screen.

Even though Apple’s movie downloading is just a rumor at this time, people are already forming opinions about the new feature. Larry Angell, a senior editor at iLounge, which provides the latest news on anything Apple related, said in an Associated Press article,

“Many people said that they’d never watch a two-hour movie on their iPod.”
Senior Veronica Peters said she thought watching movies on an iPod was “stupid.”

“The screen is so small,” she said. “But, it is probably a good business venture for the company. If I had the choice to watch movies on TV or an iPod, I would not choose an iPod.”

Freshman Layla Tannous agreed.

“I would download the movies off iTunes, but not to watch on my iPod,” she said. “I would rather watch them on a computer or burn them onto a DVD.”

Apple Computers Inc. could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.

At this point, the meaning behind Apple’s secretive “It’s Showtime” invitation message has not been discovered, and the prospect of downloading movies through Apple is creating quite the stir on campus. Tomorrow, we may know the true secret.