Cocktail at iPod event

Although Apple has remained silent regarding the exact date and subject of its special event scheduled for the week of September 7th, many believe the company will update its iPod product line. Others speculate that Apple will also introduce the rumored "Cocktail" format that bundles a whole album with additional content such as interactive booklets, sleeve notes, lyric sheets and artwork, according to CNET News.

Sources within the record industry suggest the project is designed to drive sales of full length albums. Major labels have expressed frustration with the tendency of buyers to purchase a few tracks through iTunes, instead of the entire album. Apple is said to be collaborating with EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music and Universal Music Group on the Cocktail project.

“It’s all about re-creating the heyday of the album when you would sit around with your friends looking at the artwork, while you listened to the music,” an executive told the Financial Times.

Other sources contradict the idea that Apple is working with the labels on the same project. An unnamed representative from one of the labels suggests Sony, Warner, Universal and EMI are working on their own format, CMX, while Apple is separately developing Cocktail as a direct competitor.

Several additional rumors point to the possibility of an Apple tablet unveiling at the event, although the launch timing and details are still debated. One source suggests the tablet device could be launched alongside an iTunes update and the Cocktail format, highlighting its functionality as an advanced media player.

By Electronista Staff

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industry, iTunes, Cocktail, Apple