Apple to reveal new iPod gear

Apple Computer is expected to launch new accessories for its iPod digital music player as part of a broad music announcement later Thursday.

The Mac maker plans to offer a microphone and other add-ons for the player and is expected to release a Windows version of its iTunes music player during an event at San Francisco's Moscone West convention hall.

Apple adds voice and photos to the iPod Steve Jobs, CEO, Apple Computer

According to a number of Mac enthusiast sites, Apple inadvertently confirmed the iPod attachments by posting a promo box for them on its U.K. online store. "iPod: Hot Accessories," was the language on Apple's site. "Now records your voice and stores more than tunes." However, the company apparently quickly removed the posting, which has not reappeared on the site as of 9 a.m. PDT Thursday.

An Apple representative declined to comment.

The iPod has already become a big hit for Apple, with the company posting record sales the last two quarters, including selling 336,000 of the devices last quarter.

A digital music store for Windows machines could help further boost iPod sales. However, Apple financial chief Fred Anderson acknowledged that more competition is coming.

Although Apple popularized the pay-per-song store idea when it launched the Macintosh version of the service in April, the market is quickly becoming crowded. Musicmatch and Roxio's Napster 2.0 are among the Windows-based services that will compete directly with Apple's iTunes Music Store.