In case you haven’t heard the iPhone application development industry is in full bloom. Apple’s WWDC keynote address had a major focus on the iPhone and plugged several application development companies as part of it. Although the Apple notebook prices were cut up to $700 and a new updated Operating System, “Snow Leopard” is coming out in September (only costing $29 for the upgrade) the iPhone stole the show and its not just Blackberry that’s getting annoyed at all of this attention, digital agencies are also feeling the strain.

The application gold rush... is it over?

I recently read an article written by Mark Walsh, a Mobile Intellegencer for MediaPost Publications. The article claimed that iPhone application development was becoming over-saturated with more applications being submitted to the App-Store than sales of iPhones and although it had some great information, I must say that I feel it was tainted due to sheer frustration.

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So after all the hype of a new iTouch and we get a speaker, a bevelled back and a $70 price cut?!

Well actually that is not all, take of the hood of the new iTouch and you will see that there is more to the touch than meets the eye. You will find hardware that includes a bluetooth chip, which means with a software update it will have the potential be able to sync without being connected to your computer through the iPod cable and maybe even your phone. Although currently it is probably for the Nike iPod chip.

But here is the real juice. Microphone hardware support. What does that mean? The ability to make calls for free through VoIP. All you will need is a WiFi connection and Skype is your best friend. Free calls through Skype on your iTouch, hey I may even buy another one!

UPDATE: Now you can download FRING and have Skype on your iTouch! That means $3 a month for free calls nationwide (if you get a microphone for it}! With the new iTouch there has been proof that it can be compatible with a microphone! The following video demonstrates this. I have even heard rumors that you can buy a microphone for the iTouch now… Networks beware!

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It has been rumoured for a while now that Apple has been working on concepts for a new Apple tablet. With the iPhone and iTouch being such a big hit with its clever touchscreen, Apple are now looking to push touchscreen to the next level.

Click here for a sneek peek at the patent application drawings

However are you ready for a mutli-touch computing experience? That is the golden question, anyone spending millions in R&D undoubtly saying “yes!” however here is a couple of reasons to think otherwise.

- Fingers on the screen = lots of smudges

- A keyboard on the screen = less screen real estate

These reasons alone pose serious issues with the plausibility of this concept. However, it has been done with the small iTouch and so why not something larger?

Well the rumors and speculation about Apple’s annual September product announcement are a’flying. According to freemacblog.com Seth Weintraub over at Computerworld.com has some insider information as to the details of the new line of Macbooks. The list of improvements according to Weintraub are as follows:

- The new MacBook and MacBook Pro models are slimmer, with a more rounded body
- The trackpad is made of glass, to allow multi-touch and gestures
- The body is more ‘green’, as it’s made from a single piece of aluminum. Along with the body, the manufacturing process has changed

Also according to Weintraub we can expect these MacBooks by the end of September. If this is the case many students getting a new laptop for the Fall are going to be kicking themselves, especially as the new iTouch will be faster, have more space and as low as $199.

I know that some Mac magazines have been pushing the idea of the glass keyboard where the keys are customizable, however I am sure it is due to manufacturing costs that this feature will not happen for a $999 laptop this coming September.

I have been thinking about buying another Apple for a while, for me it is certainly time for an upgrade. I have been very impressed with the iMac. For my needs (which are mostly design and web development) they are perfect. In fact they are pretty much perfect for any user that doesn’t do a lot of gaming or video editing. They are fast, reliable, well-built and look rather lovely. Also the enticing iTouch deal looks almost too good to miss out on!

However for those who are in the market to buy right now, waiting could possibly be more rewarding.

According to an article posted on MacRumors.com a new iTouch and MacBook are most likely to be announced in September (conveniently after the deadline for the free iTouch with the purchase of a new Apple computer, Sept 15th). To read for yourself click here. It all makes complete sense, with the release of the all new iPhone that is both faster and cheaper, and Apple getting rid of its current stock of iTouch’s, Apple must be either waiting to bring out the iTouch equivalent of the iPhone, or re-inventing the iTouch altogether? 

Here are my thoughts, there is no doubt they will come out with new MacBooks, simply put its about time, I think we can expect new processor upgrades and a new design (which according to rumors will include a new keyboard design and aluminium casing). Click here for pictures of possible designs for the new Macbook. However don’t expect the iTouch deal to continue with the new Apple releases.

My thoughts for the iTouch are not so mundane. With the rise of the iPhone and iTouch we have been introduced to touch technology, a completely new interface experience, one which, for many, may be too out-there to switch to straightaway. However Apple is weaning its consumer young to this technology by introducing the touch experience to small gadgets and will no doubt be introducing something bigger in the future. The future possibly being after September 15th when Apple will release some exciting news about future product releases.