News: Blogger gossip rumours camera iPod

The blogosphere is abuzz with rumours of Apple re-entering the digital photography market, with early indications the company is already at work developing a new camera product.

Firstly, the company has been openly seeking a ‘camera validation engineer,’ capable of ‘playing a key role in delivering cutting edge embedded video processing technologies.’ Also, Apple has reportedly ordered a shipment of 3.2-megapixel CMOS image sensors for the next iPhone and a batch of 5-megapixel sensors for later in the year.

With Apple believed to have a yearly update schedule with it’s major product, a September 9, 2008 release date for the last batch of iPods would indicate new models are due for release around the same time as the sensors arrive.

Some commentators have observed the fact 5-megapixels are both competitive in the entry-level point-and-shoot market, and capable of capturing HD video – possible in the form of a new iPod Touch.

It would be Apple’s second attempt at the digital camera market, with the Mac-only QuickTake camera available for only three years.

It’s all speculation for the time being – but who doesn’t appreciate a bit of intrigue and gossip?

Image is of Apple’s camera model released in 1994

Image Licensed Under Creative Commons