
Credit: Apple
With invitations out for Apple’s special event next Wednesday, blogs are ablaze in guessing what Cupertino will be unveiling. Could it be new iPods or a mini iPad? Here’s a list of some top guesses and the odds of it happening (based purely on my gut instinct):
1. iPod Touch 4th-gen: The iPhone introduced several new features including a retina display, a gyroscope, and a front facing camera. Rather than fragment the iTunes app store (and games) between the Touch and the iPhone, Apple is more than sure to release a similar counterpart for the iPod Touch line. There’s been signs that Facetime will be moving to the iPod Touch as well, with new e-mail based accounts (rather than phone numbers). If you’re going to place your bet on anything, this would be as good as it gets.
Odds: 99.999999999%

Credit: AllThingsDigital
2. iPod Nano Touch: Recent rumours from a Kaufman Bros. analyst suggest that Apple may be looking to ditch the click wheel from the iPod Nano line, perhaps drastically altering its shape and size and possibly even using a touchscreen. It would be the smaller and cheaper alternative to the anticipated hi-res iPod Touch. A new Nano is likely, though a touch interface would be more wishful thinking. [AllThingsD]
Odds: Revised iPod Nano: 80%; Revised iPod Nano “Touch” 45%
3. Revised iPod Shuffle: A Chinese case producer released images of a square-ish case for the Shuffle. Is Apple making another drastic change to the shuffle? It’s happened several times before. However, the size of this new case would suggest a much larger shuffle than the pill sized one we see today. It’s more than likely that we’ll see a revised Shuffle regardless – it’s more a question of what form it will take. [Engadget]
Odds: 80%
4. iTV: With mounting pressure from Google (Google TV), Apple may look to re-establish itself with the home entertainment system. Recent guesses have it pegged at $99, running a form of iOS at 720p. With the popularity of the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices, Apple may try to link their devices under the same umbrella in both form (iOS) and function (perhaps utilizing a form of iTunes to deliver media and app support). The competition is coming down fast so Apple can’t afford to delay much longer. [Bloomberg]
Odds: 75%
5. iTunes TV: Speaking of streaming shows, Apple is also feeling the heat from services such as Hulu and Netflix. In response, Apple is expected to rent programming for 99 cents, which would be compatible with all iOS devices, including the expected iTV system. However, with so many set-top box devices already out on the market, will Apple look for another way to bring iTunes to the television set?
Odds: 75%
6. iTunes Lite: Over the years, iTunes has become increasingly bloated. Users have been clamoring for a “lite” version that would be easier to use and gentler on the computer. Apple is sure to introduce an update iTunes; whether or not it’ll include a “lite” version is another question.
Odds: 30%
7. iPad Mini/iPod Maxi: For months, rumors have circulated for a 7 inch iPad, making it more pocket friendly. With the iPod Touch and iPad, however, a middle product may lead to additional market confusion. Sales have been well for both products as well; Apple might not see the need for it… yet. iPad announcements would most likely be in early 2011, so unless Apple was planning to align it as an iPod extension, this one looks unlikely. [CNET]
Odds: 5%

Credit: iLounge
8. iPhone 4.1: With the whole “Antenna-gate” fiasco, will Apple possibly consider an updated iPhone 4 that reworks the phone layout to remove the antenna attenuation issue? Some suggest that the white iPhone has been delayed to include this fix. Of course such a fix would imply that Apple had a design flaw and we all know it wasn’t Apple that was in the wrong. Silly rabbit, you were just holding it wrong.
Odds: 2.5%
9. Verizon iPhone: No Apple rumor line up is complete without the default Verizon iPhone! With the mass purchase of CDMA chips, analysts have long predicted an iPhone for the Verizon network. Verizon itself has been vocal on their desire for the iPhone as well. Still with the 4G LTE network so close, will Apple choose to wait and align the move with a possible iPhone 4G? The phone most likely will come someday, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Odds: 1%
10. Steve Jobs Not in a Black Turtleneck: Are you kidding? You’d have a better shot finding the Beatles and Prince on iTunes before this happens.
Odds: -100000000000000000000000%