Apple "Let's Rock" event rumour roundup

Apple's special event which will be held in a few hours in San Fransisco will probably focus on the iPod. Here's a brief rumour roundup of what announcements are expected. We're also timidly adding some vague reports we received by tipsters about Blu-Ray.

The very likely:

Probably the most credible os all the reports published lately is Digg.com founder's report. Kevin Rose expects Apple to release :
- updated iPod nanos with new design which is taller (like the previous iPod nanos) and has a larger screen (this is a confirmation of an iLounge.com report),
- updated iPod touch with slight differences on the design (probably reflecting the iPhone's new design)
- iTunes 8 with genious a feature which creates playlists with tracks that sound similar and a new 3D visualizer based on Magnetosphere (made by Flight 404).

The likely:

- New iPods could mean new software for the iPod, so a Firmware update for the iPod wouldn't be surprising,

- It is also possible that the iphone receives the so awaited 2.1 update which could bring some surprises in terms of features (finally copy-paste?)

- The Apple TV hasn't been updated for a while, a software or/and hardware update bringing it more capabilities would be welcome. Previous reports had indicated MacScoop that the device would eventually bring Full HD playback support but we've had no news on the matter for a while.

- An iPod event also means an iTunes event, so announcements regarding iTunes could be made. The most likely of them is that Apple announces TV shows in HD format.

The less likely:

- There have been rumours of a subscription model for iTunes for a while but no recent signs confirmed that. Apple.

- It's been a little while that competitors started offering their whole songs catalog without DRMs, maybe Apple will start doing it today but no report claiming has even been published.

- Updates in the Mac lineup are very unlikely as the event's invite and banners clearly suggest it's an iPod event.

- Some MacScoop unconfirmed tipsters have mentioned a Blu-Ray version of the Apple TV but we felt it was quite contradicting of Apple's "no physical media" strategy, though it could significantly boost sales. The same sources also claim the iMac could also get Blu-Ray before the end of the year. Kevin Rose's most recent report relates Blu-Ray support is coming to Mac OS X pretty soon.