Sources report

Rumors always abound about what new gizmos and services Apple will reveal to the tech-hungry and Mac-devoted. These vary wildly from the mundane (iPods will get a camera!) to starry-eyed claims (the new iCar seats four and runs on Kanye West music!). The more-likely-than-not iTablet Apple has reportedly been developing looks like it will not emerge until 2010.

One expected announcement will be the Apple’s next-generation album cover system, code-named Cocktail. The feature will integrate some aspects of traditional album packaging including liner notes and lyrics. It will reportedly also contain more advanced features like interactive elements and music video clips. If descriptions are accurate, it would be a nice expansion on simply seeing a string of album cover thumbnails. Some music industry folks are also hoping it will revive the appeal of an album as something to be owned wholly, as opposed to a collection of individual tracks that users pick and choose.

Another prominent rumor is that the keynote has been moved from its usual Tuesday date to Wednesday, September 9 because that is the date that the video game Beatles: Rock Band is being released. The Beatles catalog has never been available on iTunes, but Paul McCartney reportedly inked a deal earlier this year with Apple to finally allow their music to be sold in the store. Will the announcement come on 9/9 in a giant ball of music-technology-gaming super-synergy? We shall see.