Latest rumblings from the rumour mill suggest that Apple and Motorola are set to announce the launch of a mobile phone that will incorporate iPod and iTunes technology.

If the rumours are true, the new product will combine what the New York Times describes as the "digital era's most popular devices, the cellphone and the iPod."

Apple does not usually comment on media speculation prior to its launches. However, an invitation to a major music-related press conference announced for September 7 is likely to stoke speculation to fever pitch. The invitation reads "1000 songs in your pocket changed everything. Here we go again."

"1000 songs in your pocket" was the slogan used for the launch of the first iPod back in 2001. Playing on the success of technology that turned out to be era-defining carries the danger that Apple could be accused of "crying wolf" if the new device does not live up to expectations.

Pod-watchers reckon that a moble phone that can download tracks directly from Apple's iTunes music shop is some way off, thanks to rights and tech issues. However, it is expected that the new product will allow easy, iPod-style transfers of songs between PC and phone.

Of course, the new product won't be the first to combine music with mobiles. Most new-release phones add Mp3-player capability to the now-standard suite of messaging, video/camera and web-browser functionality. The holy grail of "must-have" coolness associated with Apple's music products has so far eluded mobile phone manufacturers, however.

Could this mean the end of the iPod? Apple is unlikely to hurry the demise of its leading cash cow. However, as one commentator noted last year, when you leave your house you always take your phone, your keys and your wallet. Popular though they are, music players are extra baggage and could well fall by the wayside if phones are able to do their job.

Again, this could be some way off. iPods and their competitors can hold many more songs than their phone rivals (up to 60 GB in the case of the latest iPod) and battery power tends to be a great deal longer. So any announcement from Apple/Motorola is unlikely to sound the death knell for the iPod - though it will pave the way for a device which will combine iPod and phone technology perfectly.

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