Apple has invited journalists to attend a "special event" in San Francisco on January 27, where it is widely expected to unveil its tablet computer, as the company looks to extend its hot hand into a brand new product category. "Please join Apple on January 27 for a Special Event," said a typically cryptic email invitation to journalists from the company. "Come see our latest creation," said the invitation.

The event to be held at 10:00 am Pacific time (1800 GMT) at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco.

Rumors indicate that Apple plans to release a touchscreen tablet computer that resembles an oversized iPod Touch.

According to not official information, the device expected to have a 10-inch touchscreen and offer video streaming, web browsing and gaming capabilities.

The Wall Street Journal nespaper reported that the Apple tablet will have a 10- to 11-inch display.

Other analysts indicate that Apple may also announce a new version of the iPhone, the iPhone 4, as well as the iLife 2010 software at the event.

The Korean Times had also reported last week that a new version of the iPhone was expected to coming to KT, Apple's partner in Korea, in April. The new iPhones will reportedly be equipped with organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens on surface and live video chat functionalities and it will be powered by dual core processors and powerful graphic chips for better video and photo captures.

Apple is also rumored to plan the introduction of a multi-touch version of iWork, the company?s productivity suite offering three office applications: Numbers, Pages, and Keynote.