Making a song and dance about it
Apple is predicted to double the length of its free iTunes song samples, while other rumours circulate of an on-demand video service ahead of Apple's media event tomorrow.
Anonymous sources reportedly told CNET that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is set to announce that iTunes users will be able to listen to 60 seconds of a song before purchasing it, instead of the current 30 seconds clip.
iTunes users have reportedly grumbled about the stingy samples in comparison with other services like Pandora, which allows people to listen to full songs for free.
Apple is widely tipped to focus on iTunes' user experience at its event, which is due to kick off at 1pm San Francisco time tomorrow, while commentators have tipped Apple will concentrate on building a bigger social focus on its online music powerhouse.
All Things Digital has previously reported music execs anticipate a "big overhaul" of the present iTunes with some sources tipping a web-based version of the media store, designed to make it easier for users to share their musical views recommendations and playlists, but not the tracks themselves with friends via social networks.
Many commentators also believe Apple will roll out a cloud-based iTunes so users can stream music to their iPhone and iPads, but there are doubts to whether this will materialise tomorrow as Apple is not thought to have the necessary contracts in place with music execs.
However, Apple's anticipated iPod refresh is sure to cause a stir too, especially as leaked cases and accessories have hinted at a radical redesign of the Nano, with a touch screen. Apple fans are expecting new designs for the whole iPod family including the iPod Touch, which is rumoured to share some functionality with the iPhone 4, including FaceTime.
Although the event promises to focus on Apple's music offerings, there is also talk it could announce a deal to offer TV show rentals for 99c via iTunes, in a bid to go head to head with other services like Netflix and Hulu.
