Apple users rejoice as word has reached these shores that a new iPod Touch will be launched on 7 September, featuring a display "similar to the iPhone 4", according to Bloomberg.

The latest iPod Touch could come with a 5-megapixel camera, video calling and even the powerful A4 chip under the hood, if the whispers are to be believed. But surely the most enticing feature is going to be the display, which will allow users to watch films and TV shows on the move.

Speaking of TV shows, Cupertino is said to be in 'advanced talks' with News Corp head honcho Rupert Murdoch over a deal that could allow iTunes users to rent Fox TV shows for 99 cents (64p).

Episodes will be available to Apple's rental service within 24 hours of their air dates and will be commercial-free. Disney and NBC are also said to be pondering doing a deal with the devil Californian giant.

The agreement could be seen as an effort by Apple to outdo the likes of Amazon and Hulu, which are pushing their own video streaming services.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that TV shows will go on sale in the UK for 64p. If they end up costing Brits 99p to download that would be a little unfair.

A $99 version of Apple's three-year-old Apple TV set-top box is also in the pipeline, according to Bloomberg. The device will have a smaller hard drive than the earlier version and is aimed at letting people stream content from iTunes, according to the mysterious sources.

Apple plans to hold a San Francisco event on 7 September, curiously two weeks ahead of the new prime-time TV season, where all will be revealed. We hope.

25 Aug 2010