Taiwanese memory makers debate future iPod video prospects
Precisely when Apple Inc. plans to overhaul its video iPod line of digital media players with the latest NAND flash and touch-screen technologies remains the topic of considerable debate, even among the Taiwanese memory makers who will eventually supply components for the devices, according to a published report.
However, the rumor site reports that based on recent price trends, one flash-related sales manager believes that Apple may need to postpone its launch plans for the NAND flash-based iPod video beyond the third quarter as the product would not be competitive.
Either way, the point appears moot for the time being, as sources have continually reported that a true (standalone) video iPod still appears to be a ways out, with the most recent rumblings suggesting a late 2007, early 2008 launch at best. Those sources have maintained that Apple is unwilling to introduce a product that would square-off against iPhone so early in its life-cycle.
In its report, DigiTimes raises the possibility that Apple should be able to meet a late 2007 launch schedule, but may opt to introduce models with lower storage capacity that the current video iPods in order to do so.