Even hardcore Apple fans aren't too thrilled with the iTV. And that's for a bunch of good reasons. The set-top-box is supposed to allow users to download movies (for a fee, of course) and watch them in "near-DVD quality". It's not really a revolutionary device, but Apple thinks that enabling content to be streamed from any Mac OS- or Microsoft Windows-run computer to a television is something worth spending US$ 300 for. Even if Steve Jobs hypes it up, the iTV isn't really going to get the same reception the iPod's gotten.

But what if Apple licenses TiVo's technology and uses it with the new iTV? Now, THAT would be something that just might interest us all!

But before you get all giddy, we'd have to remind you that this is a wild rumor posted at PVRblog. There's no firm evidence whatsoever, not just yet. But if you think about it, it's not an impossibility. In addition to the supposed Apple-TiVo partnership, iTV supposed to "officially" be called the Mac Media Capsule. With such a craptacular name, that Tivo deal should materialize and soon!

Apple will enlighten us when Macworld kicks off on January 9, 2007.

There are a lot of developments inside Apple camp this days. It could be because of the upcoming MacWorld Expo. Or it could be that it is just that: a lot of developments strangely close in occurrence to one another.

A few days ago, we reported on how Apple nailed a critical digital download patent while having a hard time reaching an agreement with Universal Music Group. Of course, there's always the senseless banters with other industry players not quite impressed with them.

This time, we have another development for you: the giant computer company just acquired Proximity, a leading provider of creative media asset management and production workflow software. Accordingly, Proximity's artbox workbook and artbox enterprise will be combined with Apple's Final Cut Pro and Xsan. If things work out perfectly, this will then lead to an efficient video production workflow solution for consumers.

With regards to Proximity's current consumers, the company assured that Apple will soon contact them to provide details about their specific agreements and support requirements.

Remember a few days ago, we had an article about the bug that allows malicious users to control a fully patched OS? Some people may take pride in this, but Apple Corporation certainly doesn't think it's worth glorifying. Especially with MacWorld Expo just around the corner...

In this light, Apple recently released a new batch of security updates for Mac OS X. There are 31 updates, all of which seem impenetrable. Then again, those malicious hackers may see this as just another update. They may even be thinking that it would be easy to circumvent these.

At any rate, the abovementioned bug was the first target of the new security updates. Dubbed as the Apple Type Services (ATS), the security patch zaps the bug by performing what Apple calsl "additional validation". There's also AirPort, an update concerning eMac, iBook, iMac, PowerBook G3, PowerBook G4, and Power Mac G4 systems. Accordingly, this aims to stop attackers in close proximity from sending maliciously-crafted information elements.

The rest of the updates, their descriptions and objectives can be viewed via the Read link below.

In its more than 20 years of existence, MacWorld Expo has always been held during the first weeks of January. Next year isn't any different to the previous conferences. One highlight of such activities are the keynote speeches, especially that of Steve Jobs. Probably the most celebrated of all Apple officials, Jobs words are sometimes as good as their company's stand on particular matters.

Again, next year shouldn't be any different as Steve Jobs would be present at the expo. The big question now is, what is he going to talk about? The last thing we heard from the guy was something about looking back and beyond the iPod...Or was it the CNBC interview? We can't remember anymore.

Anyway, some people are not willing to wait until January to find out. They would rather confer now and speculate on these matters. Nope, they are not spreading rumors. They. Are. Just. Talking. Since we don't want you guys waiting or getting left behind, here's their take on the matter:

• Steve will definitely talk about: OS X Leopard, iLife 07, and iTV
• Steve will probably talk about: MacPro revisions, revised cinema displays, MacMini revision, iPhone and full screen iPod
• Steve will possibly but not likely talk about: Apple Tablet and MacBook Sub Notebook

What do you think? Do you share the same opinions? Please feel free and share your own MacWorld opinions with us. Remember: we are just talking.

Financial analyst company American Technology Research (ATR) says Apple is right for the picking if your shopping for stocks. Historically, the company's value skyrockets after its annual MacWorld Expo held at the start of the year. But ATR thinks the ship will launch even before.

According to ATR, Apple's stocks will continue to float thanks to the Mac and iPod record-setting sales during the September Quarter which is predicted to continue into the holiday shopping season. Included in Apples catalog of winners for the next quarter are the MacBook notebooks and the new MacBook Pro running on Intel's Core 2 Duo processors.

Fifth-generation iPod video sales aren't slacking off, either. Apple's aggressive pricing, improved battery life, higher video resolution, movie content and video games are some of the factors that continue to fuel the iCraze. "We believe improved video battery life, higher video resolution, movie content, and video games are helping drive sales," ATR said. "Nanos continue to rebound helped by lower price points, 24-hour battery life, multiple colors, and scratch-resistant casing."

Then there's the new entry-level iPod shuffle. The $79 iBargain could be the top selling iPod this quarter says ATR. All in all ATR forecasts Apple's last quarter fortune to be around US$6.1 billion in revenues from the estimated sales of14 million iPods and 1.8 million Macs.

What happens after year 2006? ATR says Apple will continue to be a crunchy investment with the launch of its Mac OS X Leopard, iTV, movie content partners beyond Disney, new iPod features including widescreen and wireless Bluetooth capability, and cell phones.

After crowning September 12 with the new iPod, nano, and Shuffle, as well as iTunes 7 and iTV, how will Steve Jobs and Apple top themselves now? Two bets running in the rumor mill are the iPod phone and the touchscreen iPod.

With the phone, ThinkSecret's thinking that it'll be announced in time for the upcoming MacWorld Expo this January. Every rumor can only be tested with official confirmation and time, though, so the coming months will tell if the trilling of a mobile iPod will greet the new year.

Well, now it's the touchscreen's turn to survive the mill. ThinkSecret's other sources - those same sources which first revealed the Apple touchscreen patents - are also saying that Apple's pouring in a significant amount of resources to complete the final specifications of the new design and that it might, just might (and we have to repeat, just might) enter the production line in late October, barely in time for Christmas.

Read the rest of the article after the jump.

And the Apple phone rumors just keep on coming. After posting the speculated design of the Macphone, here is yet another update about this much-awaited product.

According to sources of ThinkSecret, it is in their belief that Apple will not be able to release a phone this year due to some "significant technological hurdles" in its attempts to reinvent the cellphone with an innovative ground-up design. Instead, it is expected to be announced at the upcoming Macworld Expo in January 2007. Another big expectation coming from Apple is that it will enjoy the same US market reception that LG's Chocolate and Motorola's RAZR did.

It is also rumored that Apple will integrate several high-end features into its phone, such as a  3-megapixel camera, a 2.2-inch display, and complete iTunes/iPod features and integration. As for the number of music and photos that can be packed into the phone, it will be dependent on the phone's storage capacity, although there is still no confirmation as to that particular piece of information.

Well, if that is to be believed, then we just might be finally hearing some real facts about the so-called MacPhone in a few months' time. For now, let's all just be patient and be smart enough to suspend both judgment and disbelief on rumors regarding this hyped product.

PC Pro is reporting the likelihood of Apple to phase out its current Shuffle lineup to concentrate on its Nano series of portable music players. According to the article, the move can come as soon as next week's MacWorld Expo in San Francisco.

The website bases its speculation on several key factors, including: "The 1GB version of the player is no longer available through the UK version of the online Apple Store and has been out of stock in the US since mid-December. The iPod shuffle was Apple's first flash-based portable music player and immediately became the number one seller. However, it has since been largely eclipsed by the iPod nano."

Strictly speaking, the Shuffle is a product that you either love or hate. With the introduction of the Nano, which has been stealing much of the thunder as far as Apple's MP3 players go, it seems reasonable that the company would want to phase out the lower-end model. Guess we'll have to wait and see if this is true.

[Via, PC Pro UK]

Innovators of the DLO TransPod and other exciting accessories for the iPod, today announced the DLO mini Fling fashion cases for iPod mini. The mini Flings, DLO?s first iPod cases designed specifically for women, embrace today?s fashion trends and styles. The mini flings? material and color choices are a perfect match for any mini. Styles range from metallic pink, psychedelic green and even a crocodile blue.

The cases also feature a removable wristlet with charm, an elastic loop for headphone or lipstick storage and even a flip-up cosmetic mirror. The DLO mini fling cases are being previewed at Macworld Expo Boston (DLO Booth #329) this week, and will begin shipping in late July.