7/28/2009

in

The company's new e-reader and digital album downloads could be released this September.

Tom Helberg

Apple is set to shake up the entertainment industry once again. The company reportedly has two new projects in the works — multi-media digital album bundles and a companion "iTablet" portable device.  
  
The four major record labels are working with Apple on the music project, code-named "Cocktail." The aim is to increase the allure of full albums to consumers with liner notes, artwork, ringtones and music videos, the [AP](http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g35ASJKIaJMJaxQ1Gb_8JgQoQgtQD99N2S980) reports.  
  
U.S. album sales are down 14 percent this year, whereas digital track sales are up 13 percent, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Full album sales have declined steadily since the advent of iTunes, which allows users to pick and choose tracks off full records.  
  
The new portable device, expected to have a 10-inch screen, will compete with other e-readers like Amazon's Kindle, Sony's Reader, and Barnes & Noble's upcoming device. The touch screen gadget would be Internet connected, and store digital books, movies, games, and music.  
  
Apple's new products could be unveiled this September.