TAKE A TABLET (APPLE TYPE) AND CAL ME IN THE MORNING

The Apple tablet is threatening to approach Yeti status, but here’s an indication that it will turn out to be real: The company has told some of its key developers to prepare versions of their iPhone apps that will work on a device with a larger screen, in time for an event next month.
Add that to the news that Apple has reportedly booked the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco “for several days in late January”, according to the Financial Times, and it’s pretty easy to connect the dots: It’s a very good bet we’re getting a look at this thing within the next 30 days or so.
A mobile industry source tells me developers have been told that the mystery device will only be shown off at the event, but won’t be ready to ship
Pre-announcing a product before launch used to be unusual for Apple (AAPL), but that’s a pattern the company has followed with some of its product launches more recently — most notably with the first iPhone launch. And if Apple is indeed coming out with a new product that will require developers to rethink their approach, it makes a lot of sense.
I’ve asked Apple for comment but am not holding my breath.
My source says Apple’s instructions to developers indicates that the tablet — or at least the thing it’s showing off next month — will be based on the iPhone OS, and will rely on the same iTunes store that has moved two billion apps in a couple of years.
If so it will mean that some people who have been guessing at what Apple is planning may need to go back to the drawing board.