UPDATE [22/7/06 - Apparent confirmation] Reuters is reporting that Microsoft has been apparently touting a new player to record companies that they intend to launch by Christmas. Speculation is that companies will receive prototypes in coming weeks to test.

Interestingly, reports suggest that the iPod rival will also play video and have wireless functionality included, although Microsoft has declined to confirm any suggestions related to the story, which can be read here.

Think Secret recently started suggesting that pans for an Intel-based Mac were far ahead of schedule, beating all estimations of a mid-2006 first release. Now, they’re sure that we’ll see iBooks in January 2006 that include the Intel chip.

Ryan Katz, Senior Editor with Think Secret speculates that Apple will release entry-level iBook laptops with Intel processors at Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

Back in late October of last year, I had the opportunity while at a conference in Santa Clara, to attend a presentation by Andy Ihnatko in which he humorously talked about iTunes, the iPod and the future of Apple.

Late in his talk, he brought together all the various strands of his superb speech with a little bit of speculation. He was sure that the next step in Apple's development would be iTunes selling video clips, but didn't feel that this would lead to a video iPod. However, recent speculation over the real reason for Apple's decision to switch to Intel might surprise some. Many are now speculating that it relates to video.

UPDATE If people involved in supplying music for iTunes Australia are meant to be keeping things quiet, they aren't doing very well. The most recent buzz started when Bexta, an Australian DJ and Producer (Australia's top ranked female DJ) commented on her website that iTunes is about to become available in Australia.

Now, the Australian AppleTalk website is reporting that the oft-labelled 'New Zealand born Australian actor' Russell Crowe appeared on radio in Australia and gave the date of April 28th for his solo music being available via iTunes Australia.

The speculation has started over the time at which the next version of the Mac operating system (named "Tiger") will be released. While many sites are speculating that a June release is likely, some sites are suggesting the quietness of Apple Computer at the moment points to activity gearing up for final release.

Hot on the heals of this talk is a number of rumour websites beginning to suggest April is in fact the date Mac OS X 10.4 will be released along with a new iMac G5 and also a possible eMac update.