Two reports have emerged this week speculating that Apple's 10-inch touchscreen tablet will emerge during September of this year. Such reports go against AppleInsider who reported last week that the device would arrive in the first quarter of 2010.
The first report published on Monday by UK based Financial Times concurs with previous reports that Apple was set to release a 10-inch touchscreen tablet with Internet access and will connect to both the iTunes Store and App Store. The report also suggests that the new device is closely tied to new music content deals which Apple is said to be negotiating with record labels who are seeking a boost in album sales.
The Financial Times also mentions how the device will impact on the entertainment industry, "It's a portable entertainment device," said one entertainment executive. "It's going to be fabulous for watching movies." Apple is said to be planning to use the new device to offer services such as interactive booklets that will be bundled with music downloads.
A second report posted earlier today by a Taiwan based newspaper corroborates a previous report that Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.) will assemble the touchscreen tablet.
Apple Daily cited numerous unnamed sources when reporting that Wintek Corp. would supply the flat panel displays and that Dynapack International Technology Corp. would build the battery. The paper expects Apple to have the 10-inch touchscreen tablet on the market by September or October just in time for the Christmas shopping season.