More on forthcoming iPod products

ThinkSecret is confirming today, that Apple is planning to launch a new iPod mini line that will be using Flash memory instead of hard-drives. The announcement will be made during Steve Jobs' AppleExpo, Paris, opening Keynote, on September the 20th. The site also expects the iPod shuffle to be updated and provides further details on the iTunes phone.

The new line of flash-based iPods minis will also feature a color screen that will be a bit smaller (1.467 inches, down from 1.67 inches) while it will have higher a resolution (176 x 132, up from 138 x 110).

Pricing for the new line of iPod minis is expected to be the following:
- 4GB $199
- 6GB $249
- 8GB $299

Meanwhile, Hitachi announced today the release of a 8GB 1" drive that could also fit in an iPod mini with the current design. However, recent news that Apple is buying a big part of Samsung's flash memory stock are showing that Apple is not likely to be interested in using this new hard-drive in their forthcoming products. The company also released a new line of 1.8" drives with shock protection and lower power consumption. These new drives might be used in future white iPods.

The iPod shuffle should also see increased storage to 2GB, while the pricing should be the following:
- 512MB : $69
- 1GB : $99
- 2GB : between $129 and $149

The site provides additionnal information about the iPod phone. The device will be available in two models, the first with 256MB (or 70 songs) of storage and the second with 512MB (or 140 songs). It should be possible to directly purchase music from the phone, without using a computer but for the price of $2.

Finally, ThinkSecret remains unsure on the possibility that Apple releases a video iPod anytime soon, as its sources are providing conflicting reports.