Although most people in the tech industry will think of this weekend as the start of the huge Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas it could also be the week we see Apple finally announce the iPod phone.
We already know that it won’t be called the iPhone as this name has already been taken by Linksys for its VOIP handsets but there are lots of rumours about its name and the design.
The Macworld conference opens on Tuesday in San Francisco and many analysts are predicting key announcements from Apple including the possibility of an iPod cellphone.
The Macworld show will give Apple the opportunity to steal the limelight from Bill Gates who is speaking at CES on Sunday night and will give Steve Jobs the chance launch the most anticipated product of the last few years.
Because Apple is such a secretive company we don’t really know what products they are likely to launch but rumours are rife that Apple already has the iPod phone in production. Apparently they are producing 2 models one with a large screen with keyboard and advanced email and web access. The second is slimmer and with a more minimalist design. Both models will be able to stream and download from the iTunes music store.
Richard Doherty, director at the research firm Envisioneering Group said:
We believe (the phone) is real, we don’t think they have completed their negotiation with cellular carriers yet.
