Apple deliberately leaking tablet info?

The Bloomberg financial network has become the latest media outlet to back rumors of a tablet announcement later this month. An online writer cites a source "familiar with the matter," who also reiterates claims that the tablet should go on sale in March. Apple spokesman Steve Dowling has refused to comment.

Several reports have alleged plans for an Apple tablet unveiling on January 26th or the 27th, hosted at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco. A former marketing manager for the company claims however that at least one report, from the Wall Street Journal, is likely to have been based on a deliberate leak. Apple could have several motives the manager suggests, such as forcing a reluctant partner into action, or testing the reaction to a $1,000 pricetag.

Executives could also be interested in panicking or confusing potential competitors, or simply attracting the "right kind and number" of people to the press event. The company does not like empty seats, according to the manager, and continually pushes for standing room only.

Apple is also said to have a long history of using artificial leaks, exploiting connections with major publications while creating a framework of plausible deniability. Personnel are said to casually mention a given fact to a reporter, always in person or over the phone in order to avoid a record. Leaks may also be timed to happen late on any given day -- as with the WSJ article -- so as to avoid the impression of influencing stock prices.

by MacNN Staff