The Apple tablet rumor frenzy jumped up another notch on Monday thanks to comments from Orange France's Stephane Richard. He apparently confirmed during an interview that Apple is ramping up to launch a tablet device that includes a built-in webcam and 3G support, according to Nowhere Else (translation).

When asked during the interview if Apple was preparing to launch a tablet computer in the next few days and if it would have a webcam, Mr. Richard responded "Yes" to both questions. He also indicated that Orange subscribers would benefit from the tablet, hinting that his company has some kind of wireless service deal in place with Apple.

Apple hasn't confirmed any table rumors so far, and won't likely say anything until it holds a press conference, which is rumored to be set for January 26 or 27. That hasn't, however, stopped people from talking about what features they expect the device to have.

The Wall Street Journal joined in recently, too, with a report that Apple will roll out its tablet in March. According to the WSJ sources, the tablet will include a 10 or 11-inch display, a nation-wide Wi-Fi subscription service, and a US$1,000 price tag.

Other rumors have indicated the display will include multi-touch support and might be smaller, will include a front-facing camera and video iChat support, that it will run a version of the iPhone OS, and that it will run a version of Mac OS X.

Since Apple will remain tight lipped until it's ready to make an announcement, all of the rumors -- including Mr. Richard's comments -- should be taken with a grain of salt.