Last-minute rumor suggests new Nano case material

On the eve of Apple's music-themed event, speculation regarding potential product announcements has lead to several fresh rumors. Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber mentions several claims suggesting the iPod nano might be updated with a redesigned case featuring "some sort of top-secret new material," adding to earlier reports of a camera upgrade.

Other sources suggest the Nano refresh will also integrate an FM tuner. Both Nano rumors have been categorized by Gruber as "not-good-enough-to-bet-on but worth-mentioning rumors."

The iPod touch has been the center of attention for most of the claims. Leaked videos, photos and case designs point to the addition of a camera. The device is expected to get other internal upgrades as well, potentially bringing its performance on-par with the iPhone 3GS.

Keeping with the music theme, Apple could be ready to introduce iTunes 9 and a new full-album format codenamed Cocktail. Conflicting sources have provided several reports regarding Beatles music finally making it onto iTunes. Sky News accidentally slipped a story with Yoko Ono's confirmation that the music is on its way to Apple's portal, although the page was quickly pulled.

by MacNN Staff