Apple confirms launch event on January 27, tablet debut almost certain

Tech giant Apple has again fuelled rumours of a tablet device after confirming a press event for January 27, at which the company will launch its “latest creation”.

The press event has been rumoured for several weeks, after some analysts noted the company had booked the main stage at a San Francisco convention centre for a few days in late January.

Media agencies and tech blogs have received invitations to the press event, a tactic used by the company whenever it makes large announcements or product demonstrations.

The invitations, splashed with bursts of colour, feature a white Apple logo with the text “Come see our latest creation”. The event will occur at 10am in San Francisco, which equates to 5am AEST on January 28.

It is the first major piece of evidence from the company that it is developing an entirely new product. The event’s date also falls into line with predictions made last year, when Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster wrote an announcement would be made in early 2010 with shipments to begin shortly afterwards.

But the confirmation of the press event also comes after Apple sent a cease-and-desist notice to a Silicon Valley blog which offered up to $US100,000 for information about the device.

Analysts said the letter, which requested the offer to stop as it was inciting breaches of contract, provided evidence that Apple was working on the tablet.

Rumours of the tablet have been circulating over the last 12 months, with manufacturers allegedly revealing information about the device’s physical make-up and user interface.

The tablet is expected to be about 10-inches wide, and will look like an oversized iPod Touch. Its users interface will apparently be powered by the iPhone operating system, with new types of applications and software available to be used.

Some analysts have said the device will attempt to compete with the Amazon Kindle. However, comments from chief executive Steve Jobs last year indicate the device will be multi-functional, after he criticised the eReader for only performing one dedicated task.

Additionally, it is also expected the launch of the device will coincide with the launch of new software, with some analysts suggesting an extension of the iTunes Store for tablet-specific content.

If the rumours are right, Apple could be in for a big winner. Munster wrote in a research report last year that if the device costs $US600 and sells two million units, it would increase Apple’s revenue by $US1.2 billion – equating to a 3% increase.

However, other reports suggest the device could cost between $US800 and US$1,000.