Cocktail

I know this isn't hot news anymore, but I think it's a great idea... I'm looking forward to some focus being put back on the album.

The next rumored date for an Apple event is Sept. 7th. Keep an eye out.

Rumor Has It: Apple Working On New Media File Format
Written on August 10, 2009 by Darrell Etherington and 22 people have commented

There is very little to get excited about when it comes to new media file formats, for the average person. Sure, they offer better compression, better quality, smaller file sizes, etc., but they also cause headaches, render hardware obsolete, and just generally inconvenience everyday computer users. Apple is reportedly working on its own new format, but it looks like it could bring something to the table which will give everyone something to get excited about.

The new format, which is code named “Cocktail,” according to various whispers and rumbling around the web, will be more than just a new single-media codec. Instead, it will supposedly package a multitude of different components into one convenient package, which is why it presumably earned the Cocktail nickname.

Just like a mixed drink, it’ll deliver the main ingredient (music) with a selection of experience-enhancing extras, including lyrics, sounds, movies, and more. The new format is designed to draw in more digital music customers by providing extras you wouldn’t get via piracy, and to attract mainstream consumers who prefer traditional physical media because of box art, liner notes, and other perks that don’t always come with digital downloads.

[From Rumor Has It: Apple Working On New Media File Format ]