New iPad and Apple TV on Tuesday

It's only about a month away from the busy holiday shopping season, so Apple is likely going to announce several new devices to capitalize on the festive spending spree, according to reports.

Apple is expected to launch a new iPad mini with a clearer Retina display, according to USA Today, and likely we can also expect something about Macs and Apple TV.

However, those wanting the new iPad this Christmas will have to get one soon because supplies are limited, according to Jefferies analyst Peter Misek. In fact, perhaps that's part of Apple's strategy.

"It's not a bad thing for Apple to have people lined up at their stores and have products in short supply," Van Baker, lead Apple analyst at research firm Gartner, told USA Today. "It can damage the business if it persists, but for a short period of time limited supply creates more excitement and buzz and more people want the product."

And Apple needs buzz because Android tablets have nearly half of the world's market share, just slightly more than the Cupertino, Calif. company. That's a first for Apple, and it should be a healthy reality check.

A refresh of the new regular-size iPad is also expected, and possibly other devices such as the MacBook Pro laptop. Many are also expecting details on the new operating system, OS X Mavericks and a new Mac Pro.

Apple TV enthusiasts are also hoping for something new on the set-top box which has been largely ignored. 
 
Apple hasn't seriously refreshed its set-top since 2012, so users aren't buying because they're sure a new one is coming out, according to Forbes. However, Apple has been making content deals with cable companies and content providers which may lead people to believe Apple has something in the works for its TV product.
 
Adding to the mystery are people in Germany and France noticing a new Apple TV set-top coming to the market Oct. 23 on Amazon. Still others reports suggest that the Apple TV refresh will come alongside the new iOS 7 and OS X Mavericks. This could mean a new software rather than hardware upgrade.
 
With such a hearty rival as Google's Chromecast, Apple has to start making some changes to Apple TV or get out of the television business.
 
 
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