(19 July 2005 9:00 pm)

MUMBAI: What's the next level after song play? Music videos but naturally. Apple's iconic best-selling iPod looks all set to upgrade into a video playing version "video iPod".

IThe iPod already offers music and photo capabilities, and if media speculation is correct, Apple will be unveiling its video iPod by September. Reports indicate that Apple is already in negotiations with record labels to license their music videos. Apple is also reported to be in discussions with Disney to license content.

It needs noting though, that as far as Apple's portable video player is concerned, biggies Samsung and Sony, among others, are also in the thick of action to get their own products out on the market.