This time, I’m calling the shots before the many rumor leaks coming up this weekend.

So iLounge, MacInsider, TUAW and many others in the blogging community already received fliers for this special event on Sept. 5th, a day after Labor Day. Also it’s pretty obvious that the main things will be covered will be an iPod refresh since the 5th gen iPod has not been refreshed since late 2005. With the release of the iPhone, and the great human touch jesters that made the iPhone unique from the other manufacters, it’s pretty obvious that “touch” interface and iPhone like video capabilities will be available in the 6th generation iPod.

Also the recent leak of the iPod Nano “phat” in a flower shaped image was taken down by various sites like 9to5mac, Engadget, and Gizmodo via Apple lawyers. Seems like these are pretty much slamdunks, but what else does Apple have up it’s sleeve.

Let’s put these this event into some perspective:

• Holiday season is around the corner. In typical Apple fashion, an Ipod refresh would be a great way to keep consumers coming into the Apple store and checking them out. In effect, causing another round of “halo” effects for the Apple stores and the products. [Halo effect #2 was in effect when the iPhone was introduced. This caused a lot more foot traffic into the store. In turn, more traffic and more purchases of iPhones, Mac’s (both desktop and laptops) and other accessories]
• It’s being held in San Francisco Moscone West. The City is a much bigger venue than the Cupertino Town Hall where the last event was. Money is on something “big” is going to be dropped.
• Coverflow + Touch interface of iPhone = iPod 6th gen touch.

Last but not least, are my predictions:

• iPod 6th Gen with Touch interface. Will look like the iPhone, but will have a mirror finish on the back. Will not have any buttons on the front. Will have a full screen touch surface front (unlike the iPhone which has a place for a button and earpiece). Will have a lock button on top and a dock connector on the bottom. Widescreen video capabilities. Will have A2DP Bluetooth support.
  Price: $249 for 60gb. $349 for 100gb
• iPod Nano with Touch interface. Will resemble the Creative Zen. Will come in many colours. Still look like a nano, but even more thinner since it is wider.
  Price: $149 for 8gb and $249 for 16gb.
• Bluetooth headphones. This will be compatible with the new iPods and also the iPhone.
  Price: $149
• Itunes will be updated to 7.4 to accommodate the new iPod and features.
• iPhone will get a firmware update to 1.1.0. Will include iChat AIM client support, widget support and A2DP support.
• A huge Beatles annoucement. Maybe all their music videos, hidden interviews, and songs on a 6th Gen iPod (following the U2’s infamous success on the U2 iPod)
  Price: $100+ more than iPod 6th gen