Apple Tablet Operating System Claims: 'A Good Bit of New Sexy' [Archive]

MacRumors

Jan 7, 2010, 12:30 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/07/apple-tablet-operating-system-claims-a-good-bit-of-new-sexy/)

With Apple's long-rumored tablet device reportedly set for an introduction later this month, much remains unknown about the operating system it will be using. Speculation has ranged from a touch-sensitive Mac OS X to a scaled-up iPhone OS to an all-new hybrid of the two, but little word has leaked from sources claiming to know details of what users can expect.

Today, Silicon Alley Insider reports (http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-tablet-os-has-a-good-bit-of-new-sexy-to-it-says-someone-who-has-seen-it-2010-1) that it has received a few vague comments about the tablet operating system from an "industry source" specifically claiming to have seen the OS.- It's "pretty" -- obviously.
- "The UI has a good bit of new sexy to it."
- "It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."As the report notes, the source's comments lend credence to the theory that Apple's tablet will run an operating system reasonably different from both iPhone OS and Mac OS X. A tablet OS based on iPhone OS seems to be a logical fit for the comments, offering something familiar from the iPhone OS but with a significant number of enhancements to create a new user experience more appropriate for the larger screen.

Article Link: Apple Tablet Operating System Claims: 'A Good Bit of New Sexy' (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/07/apple-tablet-operating-system-claims-a-good-bit-of-new-sexy/)

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 12:32 PM

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."This is in line, exactly, with my expectations.

tofagerl

Jan 7, 2010, 12:32 PM

That sentence makes my english teacher cry.

miles01110

Jan 7, 2010, 12:32 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

DipDog3

Jan 7, 2010, 12:32 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

zombitronic

Jan 7, 2010, 12:33 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

You'd rather have them pull an HP 'slate'?

Eidorian

Jan 7, 2010, 12:33 PM

- "It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."Not sure if want.

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 12:33 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(If by "third" you mean "hybrid," I think you're right. It's going to be both new and familiar at the same time.

I don't see Apple walking away from the App Store model for this device.

MacDawg

Jan 7, 2010, 12:35 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

Peace

Jan 7, 2010, 12:35 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

Yes. Embedded O/S. Mainly due to the P.A Semi chipsets inside.

OllyW

Jan 7, 2010, 12:35 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

Nobodies forcing you to buy one.

Eidorian

Jan 7, 2010, 12:37 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know.No news is good news I take it. I'm skeptical until I get to play with in store.

zombitronic

Jan 7, 2010, 12:38 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

Yes. It's a new form factor. True, the iPhone is a sort of tablet, but its resolution is unvaried. Its OS is designed for a particular size. Simply scaling or extending the iPhone screen wouldn't be the ideal move on a larger form factor. There would be much left to be desired if Apple didn't incorporate some changes that would take advantage of this increase in display real estate.

davidwarren

Jan 7, 2010, 12:38 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

I imagine it is something that will be the eventual direction of the iPhone OS, and likely even further down the line, a merger with OSX.

Mr. Gates

Jan 7, 2010, 12:39 PM

It will have Windows ME and a touch Pen ! Anything past that is too much for me to learn. :p

Eduardo1971

Jan 7, 2010, 12:39 PM

This is my prediction: they will rebrand the iPhone/iTouch OS to a new mobile OS name. Any future mobile devices (including the rumoured Apple tablet) OS name will be called "OS X Mobile".
Yeah, I know not much of a stretch but it's a guess nonetheless.

OllyW

Jan 7, 2010, 12:41 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

Expect to see a lot more of the same in the next couple of weeks. :(

*LTD*

Jan 7, 2010, 12:42 PM

Sounds like a winner so far, if any of this is true . . .

The iPhone/iPod Touch formula is a winner. If Apple can push that formula further, into some new territory, then it'll be pure gold.

ngenerator

Jan 7, 2010, 12:44 PM

Sounds like a winner so far, if any of this is true . . .

I agree, I'm looking forward to seeing what exactly pans out from this announcement. It's just a bummer that they aren't revealing it at CES this year :(

macfan881

Jan 7, 2010, 12:44 PM

can the 27th come sooner.:D

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 12:45 PM

derek1984

Jan 7, 2010, 12:45 PM

Will it run Flash?

mathewr

Jan 7, 2010, 12:45 PM

just let me see the thing already

anubis

Jan 7, 2010, 12:45 PM

Small White Car

Jan 7, 2010, 12:46 PM

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

Yes.

I can't wait to see it!

cdd543

Jan 7, 2010, 12:46 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

Agreed...we already know what it "might" be.

vkxonline

Jan 7, 2010, 12:47 PM

A good bit of new sexy? Who's writing the headlines this afternoon?

I'm actually dreading the tablet. I think the whole concept is really cool, but a "new" OS probably means another system like there app store. I don't like the direction that's going, with everything being censored by Apple. Computing should be getting more open, this is a really bad trend.

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 12:47 PM

Those quotes are semantically equivalent to:

"It's black, but it's not black"
"It's nice"
"It gerbil kangaroo cheese"

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 12:48 PM

sbrhwkp3

Jan 7, 2010, 12:49 PM

I'm worried that the sheer cost of the device is going to tremendously hinder its success.

The product is going to have to be so tremendous, that the drive to own one is going to have to force people to find ways to buy it.

The iPhone benefitted big time from ATT's subsidizing.

Personally, I know that I'm going to want to own one, but I'm not sure if it'll be feasible for me. :(

localoid

Jan 7, 2010, 12:50 PM

Call me jaded, but when I'm in the mood for a "sexy user interface" I seek out a real live human female. Cold, inanimate devices just don't get me excited...

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 12:51 PM

Call me jaded, but when I'm in the mood for a "sexy user interface" I seek out a real live human female. Cold, inanimate devices just don't get me excited...

Here come the wife/girlfriend jokes...

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 12:51 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

Why are you visiting this site then? :D

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 12:51 PM

You might as well add Flash and a 500gb hard drive because all you're doing is dreaming.

http://✪df.ws/eer

Yes, dreaming - sadly.

In the non Apple world, these would be no - brainers - developers and users alike *would expect* an open device, that can multi-task and install any application they like, without being carrier locked if purchased out right.

martint84

Jan 7, 2010, 12:53 PM

Not sure if want.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but nobody here really cares whether or not you want it.

As for the news, I think it's basically what we are all expecting. A form factor similar the the iPhone, but bigger. An OS that is more capable than the iPhone, but doesn't require a mouse and keyboard.

We all know that Apple isn't just going to release a large iPhone. They are going to add the extra "one more thing" that makes the front page of CNN and is on everyone's local news channel. This device is going to be marketed to the millions of people who already own iPhones. Knowing that should indicate that there's definitely something new/fresh about it...

ctdonath

Jan 7, 2010, 12:54 PM

Just let me do native software development on it, please. Not like the iPhone currently where Apple bans anything that runs "arbitrary code"; I want a code editor, compiler, and debugger running on the target platform.

One annoying limit of the iPhone is it must be tethered to a "real" computer at times. Free the device; empower it and its user to run independent of anything else. My notebook is about to die; I _will_ buy an iSlate, but would rather not have to get yet another computer just to enable it.

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 12:55 PM

Yes, dreaming - sadly.

In the non Apple world, these would be no - brainers - developers and users alike *would expect* an open device, that can multi-task and install any application they like, without being carrier locked if purchased out right.I think you're probably going to be right about 1) multi-tasking and 2) carrier agnostic. I would expect those, even of Apple, even on iSlate.

The other stuff... nope, I don't think, not so much.

rdowns

Jan 7, 2010, 12:55 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know

Not the point, Dawg. Now Apple will have the media referring to their new thing as sexy.

Apple is playing this like a Beethoven symphony. A little bit of nothing every day as we keep our name in the headlines and try and put CES out of mind.

MacTheSpoon

Jan 7, 2010, 12:57 PM

I guess this thing will mainly be for people who want to surf the web on a screen bigger than the iPhone/Touch. I might have been interested if it were running OS X, so I could use Word on it with handwriting recognition (I doubt Word will get ported to the iPhone OS), plus all my regular programs. Oh well.

zombitronic

Jan 7, 2010, 01:00 PM

One annoying limit of the iPhone is it must be tethered to a "real" computer at times. Free the device; empower it and its user to run independent of anything else. My notebook is about to die; I _will_ buy an iSlate, but would rather not have to get yet another computer just to enable it.

Good call, but if you want music on it, you better buy all of your music from iTunes. I doubt this thing will have an optical drive.

You're going to need a second computer to transfer your old files, unless you're planning starting from a clean slate; pun intended.

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 01:00 PM

... I might have been interested if it were running OS X, so I could use Word on it with handwriting recognition (I doubt Word will get ported to the iPhone OS), plus all my regular programs. Oh well.Cloud- or App-based iWork would be my guess. But everything's a guess at this point.

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 01:00 PM

paulyras

Jan 7, 2010, 01:01 PM

It will have Windows ME and a touch Pen ! Anything past that is too much for me to learn. :p

And that paperclip, I hope! "Clippie", I believe?

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 01:01 PM

I think you're probably going to be right about 1) multi-tasking and 2) carrier agnostic. I would expect those, even of Apple, even on iSlate.

The other stuff... nope, I don't think, not so much.

You may be right about about multitasking but I think you're wrong about it being available to more than one carrier. AT&T can't even provide tethering for the iPhone and Apple loves those high carrier subsidies.

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 01:02 PM

Not the point, Dawg. Now Apple will have the media referring to their new thing as sexy.

Apple is playing this like a Beethoven symphony. A little bit of nothing every day as we keep our name in the headlines and try and put CES out of mind.

Any Mac veteran should know that Apple is in middle of releasing a major product, yes in the middle. This is Apple slowly and masterly advertising their new product to the world via slow controlled leaks and some stupid crap like this reports. The type of hype right now is Apple's kind of hype, not fan/media boring annoying type of hype that we have seen of the tablets over the past several years.

njfuzzy

Jan 7, 2010, 01:05 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

You seem to misunderstand the current situation. The iPhone OS is a variant on Mac OS X-- basically, "Mac OS X mobile 10.3". The core is the same, and even a lot of the graphics libraries etc. are the same.

I suspect this means we could have a third flavor of Mac OS X. My guess is it will be mostly like Mac OS X, plus the iPhone APIs for iPhone-compatible apps.

However, you are probably right that the GUI will be somewhat new. It's bound to be a hybrid of elements that are familiar from Mac OS X and iPhone OS, plus some changes to make it all work as a large touch screen.

jamesryanbell

Jan 7, 2010, 01:05 PM

shrimpdesign

Jan 7, 2010, 01:06 PM

Call me jaded, but when I'm in the mood for a "sexy user interface" I seek out a real live human female. Cold, inanimate devices just don't get me excited...

You're not jaded, you're just thinking too small. Why choose between two options? Have a threesome!

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 01:06 PM

why on earth would you want to run the compiler/debugger/editor on the device? it would be far slower, and you don't have the advantage of being able to run at full speed while debugging/monitoring.

I don't think speed is the big problem here. If there's no hardware keyboard, I'm going to say it's going to be a very miserable experience for coding plus the screen is not going to be pretty good for looking up references/docs/manuals while coding.

Now coding on macbook pro with tablet being used as secondary screen is a completely sane idea.

Popeye206

Jan 7, 2010, 01:07 PM

Yonizzle

Jan 7, 2010, 01:11 PM

This is the most useless front page post ever made. While claiming to be new information, it tells us absolutely nothing.

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone"

Wow, thanks a lot for that insight!

"It's pretty"

For *****'s sake, did anyone ever believe it would be ugly?

Useless.
Well, MacRumors’s major role is to aggregrate Apple news from all over, so you don’t have to do it yourself, and occasionally comment. So if they consider that site worthy of attention, then good on them for linking to it as another data point.

On the other hand, this is definitely one of those reports worthy of some commentary from MR, specifically derision. That list is all stuff that’s so obvious, there’s no reason to believe it came from anyone with insider info.

iMacmatician

Jan 7, 2010, 01:11 PM

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."This is in line, exactly, with my expectations.As they are with mine.

Since the source hasn't seen the actual device, "a big iPhone" would imply a device with a similar OS to the iPhone (no Mac OS X), while the "not just a big iPhone" implies feature additions and differentiation when compared to the iPhone. Those differences may include "a good bit of new sexy" in the UI. *

* All of that was rumored and speculated before so this interpretation is only a summary (and adds no new insights either :D).

Expect to see a lot more of the same in the next couple of weeks. :(Agreed, but we may see some good rumors in the last day or two before the event.

billystlyes

Jan 7, 2010, 01:13 PM

Useless information, even for just a rumor site. :mad:

lionheartednyhc

Jan 7, 2010, 01:14 PM

I just spoke with another person who has insider information from Apple Corporate.

-It has an apple logo on it
-Its shiny
-It has a power button that will turn the device on or off.

Stick around for further updates. It sounds like a real winner!

Fatum

Jan 7, 2010, 01:14 PM

How did this make it to the front page? This is crystal ball reading, and a bad one.

Hell, I can do better:

The tablet will run software.

There will be means of entering information.

You will have to charge the device.

Cander

Jan 7, 2010, 01:15 PM

But will it blend?

iMacmatician

Jan 7, 2010, 01:15 PM

charlituna

Jan 7, 2010, 01:15 PM

This is the most useless front page post ever made. While claiming to be new information, it tells us absolutely nothing.

Well I have some info. Very reliable source. But it's not about the specs.

It's about the marketing.

My source, let's call him Bob, says that Apple was keeping tabs on the whole Microsoft Keynote and want to one up them. So they have hired a new celebrity spokesperson for the Tablet. Inspired by something Ballmer showed on the HP Slate.

Actually it's 3 celebrities. But they work as a team already so it made sense to use all 3. And it makes sense. They are young but appeal to the older demographic, especially women (who are the 'minority' according to the tech world). One in a known musician so they can hit that angle. They travel the world so they can hit the portability thing. and so on.

In fact they will be at the announcement as Steve's "One more thing" (the plan is to hold the Tablet to the very end). He's going to repeat the whole multi device thing from the original phone announcement. Followed by a little video of the celebrity trio with the product in hand and then when the lights come back up they will be on stage for some live product demos.

what Bob also told me is that there will be a special edition tablet packed with goodies tied to the trios films. photos, music (including a not yet announced EP by Mr Sexy Musician guy), even the released movies and trailers of the upcoming one. That multiple finish rumor is cause they are trying to find one that sparkles in bright light.

Yes folks that's right. Ballmer might have put the cover of Twilight on his tablet, but Apple got the infamous trio themselves.

And I got the goods from my very reliable insider source.

elfin

Jan 7, 2010, 01:16 PM

Always remember... Apple is king of leading us astray. Giving us tidbits to wet our whistle and then wow'ing us with something we never expected.

My expectation for this device is that it could be the next iPod or iPhone like device for Apple and I'm sure they're going to do something to make everyone else say "oh shXX! Not again!".

The ho-hum introductions at CES is really setting up Apple perfectly. Steve Balmer must secretly have Apple stock! LOL!

Apple leaks to depress any sales of new tablet style devices unveiled at CES. Why buy a Tablet before you see what Apple has to present? Balmer must feel cut off at the knees. I bet they wanted to make their tablet a bigger deal, but the iSlate rumors would blunt any marketing on MS's part.

griz

Jan 7, 2010, 01:16 PM

can the 27th come sooner.:D

I'm waiting until the 27th when Apple announces an updated MacBook Air, improved online iLife experience and new iTunes services based on Lala acquisition technology. All satisfying the rumor of mobile related announcements. Steve walks off the stage without a single mention of a tablet and a million Apple fans heads explode from the build up of anticipation that couldn't stand another second. Steve peeks his head back out and says, *BOOM*
And shows an Apple tablet to a crowd of collapse torsos and says, just kidding.

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 01:18 PM

My source, let's call him Bob, says that Apple was keeping tabs on the whole Microsoft Keynote and want to one up them.

So Apple decided to wheel out a trained chimpanzee to make the announcement? Because that would be enough to one-up the MS keynote.

TennisandMusic

Jan 7, 2010, 01:18 PM

Will this thing even allow us to do useful tasks? Sounds like it could just be a new "idiot box" to me. Who cares about a "sexy" UI? That's such a nerd thing. Just give us devices that actually function properly or allow us to complete real work please.

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 01:19 PM

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 01:19 PM

So Apple decided to wheel out a trained chimpanzee to make the announcement? Because that would be enough to one-up the MS keynote.

No. A real snow leopard and possibly clouded leopard to announce the next OS X too. :P

kdarling

Jan 7, 2010, 01:20 PM

Hell, I can do better:

The tablet will run software.
There will be means of entering information.
You will have to charge the device.

And it'll be tied to the iTunes ecosystem in some way.

ntrigue

Jan 7, 2010, 01:24 PM

* true unrestricted multi-tasking ( unlike iPhone / Touch )

Very likely closer to Snow Leopard than iPhoneOS

* Open platform where Apple aren't the gatekeeper / judge for what applications users can / cannot run on their own devices. * Where developers are free to deploy to their device without paying apple $99 ( unlike iPhone ) - relates to above

Not going to remotely happen. Especially using if on a cellular network. Mostly because Apple loves control. $99 is a not a barrier to developers.

* Not SIM locked if purchased outright ( i.e., no carrier contract )

Two models is a real possibility. But as of now I lean towards WiFi only.

* a damned good device :D

This is Mr. Jobs' baby and possible finale before he turns over the reigns, it'll be huge.

Robert M.

Jan 7, 2010, 01:24 PM

I guess 2010 is going to be the year of the tablet! All the tablet news coming out of CES is ridiculous! :eek:

Hopefully the gamble pays off for these companies... If not around this time next year we'll all look back and laugh...or cry! :(

zed2

Jan 7, 2010, 01:25 PM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

3 weeks to go. Can the Internet take the strain?? Almost all Technical sites an sone non technical ones have a comment about apple tablet device.

Not sure I can take much more of this. Has anyone emails steve jobs to ask him for information? He seems to help people who mail him directly! :P

ngenerator

Jan 7, 2010, 01:28 PM

I guess 2010 is going to be the year of the tablet! All the tablet news coming out of CES is ridiculous!

Well, of course! There was speculation a few months ago about an Apple tablet, so everyone else got the lead out and cranked out their own tablets to compete to be first to market.

Obviously, the Microsoft Courier will be the one to lead them all :rolleyes:

martint84

Jan 7, 2010, 01:29 PM

So Dell just announced a 5" tablet concept. I think the one thing that we can count on is that we will actually see Apple's product in action for more than 15 seconds. And it won't just be Steve fumbling around to press the play button...

It's starting to get old that all these companies are announcing their new slate/tablet concepts but have nothing to show but some press pics. I think this clearly indicates that EVERYONE is waiting to see what Apple has before they release anything. If Apple releases the tablet sometime around March, I would say that by the holiday season the other companies will finally have their products ready for release. That should be enough time for Apple to amass 100 million downloads and convince all the developers that the money is in the iTunes App store, again.

HaXoR7Om

Jan 7, 2010, 01:31 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

Apple pride themselves in the ease of their operating systems, If they do their job right after using it for the first 5 min it should feel as if you've been using it all your life. :D

rwilliams

Jan 7, 2010, 01:31 PM

"A good bit of new sexy?"

Good grief.

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 01:33 PM

You may be right about about multitasking but I think you're wrong about it being available to more than one carrier. AT&T can't even provide tethering for the iPhone and Apple loves those high carrier subsidies.I could be. But I'm thinking iSlate is more iPod touch than iPhone in this regard. In any event, I expect to be able to pick up an unsubsidized tablet from Apple that can be used with WiFi and not be dependent on any mobile 3G service.

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 01:35 PM

HaXoR7Om

Jan 7, 2010, 01:38 PM

Only an apple product could create this hype and leave us constantly bombarded with random speculation and rumors. When I heard about the hp tablet ... Meh :apple:

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 01:38 PM

"A good bit of new sexy?"

Good grief.

Sexy does sell... and Apple is in the business of selling things.

jav6454

Jan 7, 2010, 01:40 PM

It will clearly run something like the pictures and videos (yes videos!), shown in this thread. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=763557)

PS - If any link to the videos are dead, PM me, I'll be happy to re upload them. Megaupload doesn't keep everything for ever.

Data

Jan 7, 2010, 01:40 PM

I'm realy surprised that at ces almost everybody is coming out with a tablet,and they all basicly look the same and do the same, im looking forward to the xtra the apple version will bring.

After reading about those tablets i still dont feel the ed to buy on do, lets see if apple can change my mind, i like sexy so thats a goo start ;-).

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 01:41 PM

If it ran OSX I could download and install whatever software/apps I want onto it.

With iPhone OSX I clearly cannot (without jailbreaking).

I'm 'just okay' with this restriction on my iPhone, but for a Tablet device I would expect to be able to use for more things, I would expect much more freedom.

If I have to go through a closed APP store for EVERYthing, it becomes much less useful to me.

Trust me, you want an app store for the tablet, even better if it was optional but it encourages the next generation of software being developed specifically for the tablet's capability. Think of the huge difference between iPhone and Windows Mobile Phone. If iPhone was running full OS X, it wouldn't success like it did with iPhone's custom GUI and multitouch way of interacting.

paradox00

Jan 7, 2010, 01:41 PM

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 01:42 PM

It will clearly run something like the pictures and [b]videos (yes videos!), shown in this thread. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=763557)

PS - If any link to the videos are dead, PM me, I'll be happy to re upload them. Megaupload doesn't keep everything for ever.

I, personally, think that's the actual OS. If not, it's a close concept of what I'm imagining.

RoboCop001

Jan 7, 2010, 01:42 PM

Lcars??

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 01:42 PM

lilskaterpunk

Jan 7, 2010, 01:42 PM

Couple more weeks then well hopefully see what Apple has been working on :)

crees!

Jan 7, 2010, 01:44 PM

Wondering if Apple will use a similar tech behind the display?

Tech Behind Next-Gen Kindle Revealed? (http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/01/07/exclusive-tech-gen-kindle-revealed/)

RoboCop001

Jan 7, 2010, 01:44 PM

It also uses glass and aluminum in its construction.

I have a source that's telling me that it's made out of satan BUT ALSO that it's made out of god. It's also made out of... candy!!!!

Cander

Jan 7, 2010, 01:44 PM

Don't confuse OS with interfaces. If a tablet used the iPhone OS, it does not mean no multitasking. The iPhone OS quite obviously supports it, Apple just doesn't provide any interface for it through official channels. I have a hard time believing a tablet would NOT have multitasking as it may have to do it to fill a role beyond just a big iPod Touch/iPhone. Only time will tell though.

Lesser Evets

Jan 7, 2010, 01:45 PM

I love this rumor. It's odd this guy didn't get more specific and say, "Well, the iSlate is bigger than nothing and smaller than a building."

It will clearly run something like the pictures and videos (yes videos!), shown in this thread. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=763557)

Wow. That a really unique, new, sexy look with a really unique, new, steep learning curve method of input.

4 letters.
Begin with F.

gibbz

Jan 7, 2010, 01:48 PM

Not the point, Dawg. Now Apple will have the media referring to their new thing as sexy.

That or HP will put out an updated PR release detailing their "New Sexy HP Slate"

kernkraft

Jan 7, 2010, 01:53 PM

My neighbour claims that he will have a slate coming out before Apple. It's gonna be called 'The Slate'.

I also have information about the Apple Tablet's OS. It's gonna be Windows 7, supporting multitouch. But it will have Bootcamp, so you can also run Linux on it.

Sexy in this context means more porn in the Appstore and safer Private browsing mode in Safari. It's gonna be so private that they will rename it to Africa.

It's gonna be game-changer in the ecosystem with its user experience stuff. More cliches follow.

Oh, one more thing... IT WILL HAVE A SCREEN!!! It will also have a back.

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 01:54 PM

iSexy?

TheSpaz

Jan 7, 2010, 01:54 PM

I hope it's not shiny plastic like the iPhone 3G. I hope it's all aluminum.

kdarling

Jan 7, 2010, 01:54 PM

It will clearly run something like the pictures and videos (yes videos!), shown in this thread. (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=763557)

Thanks. Interesting videos / fakes / whatever.

Especially the one with the notepad demo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhe6JmjKin8), where the keyboard stayed within its tiny window.

The idea that popup keyboards would stay individually locked to each virtual iPhone window instead of using a larger one, is a bit of a surprising concept, but possible.

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 01:58 PM

Trust me, you want an app store for the tablet, even better if it was optional but it encourages the next generation of software being developed specifically for the tablet's capability. Think of the huge difference between iPhone and Windows Mobile Phone. If iPhone was running full OS X, it wouldn't success like it did with iPhone's custom GUI and multitouch way of interacting.

I see your point and it makes some sense.

I'm all for having an App store, but why can't there be both an App store, and the freedom to load your own apps or scripts that you find useful that aren't in the App store.

Apple being the gatekeeper for EVERYthing I want to do on my device just seems wrong somehow.

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 02:02 PM

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 02:03 PM

The idea that popup keyboards would stay individually locked to each virtual iPhone window instead of using a larger one, is a bit of a surprising concept, but possible.Especially so if you could use multitouch to make that notepad window larger and also scale the virtual keyboard up in size along with the associated app.

John.B

Jan 7, 2010, 02:03 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(
My guess is that programming for the iTablet/iSlate/iWhatever this will be an extension or expansion of Cocoa Touch. So not a different OS per se, but one that anyone programming for the iPhone should already be fairly competent in -- with the exception of new iTablet/iSlate/iWhatever specific classes. Probably the iPhone OS 4.x or 5.x will eventually become a specific version of the same basic OS, like Eduardo suggests:

This is my prediction: they will rebrand the iPhone/iTouch OS to a new mobile OS name. Any future mobile devices (including the rumoured Apple tablet) OS name will be called "OS X Mobile".
Yeah, I know not much of a stretch but it's a guess nonetheless.

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 02:03 PM

TheSpaz

Jan 7, 2010, 02:07 PM

Apple being the gatekeeper for EVERYthing I want to do on my device just seems wrong somehow.

Yeah. Apple's computers aren't restricted in the software area. You can hack it up all you want... you can load extensions, plugins or customize anything you want. This is how I think the tablet should be. It should be a smaller MacBook Pro without a keyboard and trackpad.

I too would like to run any App I want. I also would like it to run Mac OS X apps like iChat for example.

The iPhone is different because some people need their phone to always be working because it's the only thing they communicate with. So I think that's why the iPhone is locked down.

The people who hack and jailbreak their iPhone probably don't need it to work 100% of the time, and they're okay with fiddling with it when it breaks.

autrefois

Jan 7, 2010, 02:09 PM

So let's see..

January 6: Apple employee says Tablet UI has “steep learning curve” (http://www.cultofmac.com/rumor-apple-employee-says-tablet-ui-has-steep-learning-curve/25228)

January 7: Apple Tablet OS has "a good bit of new sexy to it". (http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-tablet-os-has-a-good-bit-of-new-sexy-to-it-says-someone-who-has-seen-it-2010-1)

Almost sounds like someone (maybe Apple?) was trying to counteract the negative press from the previous day.... Nah, couldn't happen (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/06/former-apple-marketing-insider-sheds-light-on-apples-controlled-leaks/).

Sounds like a campaign of information and disinformation is being waged about the tablet. But which is which? Hopefully the "good bit of new sexy" is the information and the "steep learning curve" is the disinformation.

Bevz

Jan 7, 2010, 02:10 PM

This "industry source" sounds like a bit of an idiot...

Eidorian

Jan 7, 2010, 02:12 PM

axual

Jan 7, 2010, 02:12 PM

'vague comments' + 'from industry source' = 'no clue whatsoever'

HaXoR7Om

Jan 7, 2010, 02:12 PM

Always remember... Apple is king of leading us astray. Giving us tidbits to wet our whistle and then wow'ing us with something we never expected.

My expectation for this device is that it could be the next iPod or iPhone like device for Apple and I'm sure they're going to do something to make everyone else say "oh shXX! Not again!".

The ho-hum introductions at CES is really setting up Apple perfectly. Steve Balmer must secretly have Apple stock! LOL!

Steve Balmer should have gone crazy again to make it interesting "Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers" XD

gnasher729

Jan 7, 2010, 02:13 PM

Will it run Flash?

Not if Apple can avoid it.

Badandy

Jan 7, 2010, 02:15 PM

Please please please announce iPhone OS4 with multi-tasking, better notifications, and resolution independence and make it available before the next iPhone. We need a new UI!

HaXoR7Om

Jan 7, 2010, 02:17 PM

Please please please announce iPhone OS4 with multi-tasking, better notifications, and resolution independence and make it available before the next iPhone. We need a new UI!

agreed, every smartphone should have multi-tasking, I mean even my lg cookie has it.

shaolindave

Jan 7, 2010, 02:18 PM

A new OS? that's too bad. I was hoping to develop games for it fairly easily, with existing toolkits and engines from the existing OSes. this might hinder that.

gnasher729

Jan 7, 2010, 02:18 PM

Good call, but if you want music on it, you better buy all of your music from iTunes. I doubt this thing will have an optical drive.

You're going to need a second computer to transfer your old files, unless you're planning starting from a clean slate; pun intended.

Shouldn't be a problem, considering that millions of netbooks have no optical drive either. And can I just say that you need a second computer to have any files to transfer in the first place. Or where would these files come from?

Eidorian

Jan 7, 2010, 02:20 PM

Shouldn't be a problem, considering that millions of netbooks have no optical drive either. And can I just say that you need a second computer to have any files to transfer in the first place. Or where would these files come from?Can you use an iPhone or iPod Touch standalone at all?

John.B

Jan 7, 2010, 02:20 PM

That is why I won't be buying it. I'll get by with my iMac, Macbook (soon to be Arrandale Macbook Pro) & iPhone. I can live with the iPhone being locked down because it is a phone but not a $1000 semi-computer that is geared towards reading magazines & newspapers. If they pull this with OSX, I will leave the Mac.
Why? Do you think your Arrandale Macbook Pro is suddenly going to lose functionality when the tablet ships?

FWIW, I read blogs and news almost exclusively on my iPhone. I don't know if I'll buy an iSlate (or whatever it's named), but if it has a larger screen with higher resolution, I'm sure I'll at least be tempted. There are times when the form factor of a MacBook or MacBookPro is just too large, and the iPhone screen is too small unless I read in landscape mode. I'm hoping this device will fit comfortably in between the two extremes.

But if it doesn't, its not like I'm going to sell everything I own from Apple out of spite. :p

Peace

Jan 7, 2010, 02:22 PM

I don't like quoting Steve but some people here have no idea what Apple is doing with their new device.

MacFly123

Jan 7, 2010, 02:26 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

Ok people, listen up! It is REALLY SIMPLE. First of all, THEY ARE ALL OS X!

Apple took OS X and optimized it to be more suited for a mobile phone. That included adding some new things, like handling the phone chips, and removing some things that are not necessary!

Now that Apple has already molded OS X into what it needs to be for a mobile device, why on Earth would they start over for the iSlate? THEY WON'T!

They would start with the iPhone OS, and from there do THE SAME THING THEY DID BEFORE! Add some things, tweak some things, and make it perfectly suited for the iSlate and a bigger screen!

So is it derived from the iPhone OS? YES! Are they all OS X? YES! They all share the same code base. Macs, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV! That is done on purpose. It is MUCH more efficient in all areas, including to us because they can add features across product lines much faster!

Apple is not going to be like every other stupid company that slaps a desktop OS on a tablet and adds a touch screen, and calls it good. Doing just that is EXACTLY why tablets have FAILED miserably until now! They are like Windows Mobile and some stupid stylus to control little tiny things you can barely even see on screen lol.

Apple has already created OS X Touch, it is called the iPhone OS! They will now improve and refine that to make it beautiful on the iSlate!

Why is this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 02:27 PM

Why? Do you think your Arrandale Macbook Pro is suddenly going to lose functionality when the tablet ships?

No, I don't think that it will lose functionality now. I'm talking about the future. The future is touch-based computing. If Apple moves to have all their products locked into the App Store, I will move on from the Mac.

FWIW, I read blogs and news almost exclusively on my iPhone. I don't know if I'll buy an iSlate (or whatever it's named), but if it has a larger screen with higher resolution, I'm sure I'll at least be tempted. There are times when the form factor of a MacBook or MacBookPro is just too large, and the iPhone screen is too small unless I read in landscape mode. I'm hoping this device will fit comfortably in between the two extremes.

But if it doesn't, its not like I'm going to sell everything I own from Apple out of spite. :p

We will all be tempted with the tablet. If you feel like spending $1000 just to get that right feel at times when you do whatever, then go right ahead. The extremes you mention is supposed to be between a desktop and iPhone. The laptop or tablet should be the compromise.

In truth, the average person should only need one computer and a smartphone and not a device for every situation.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 02:28 PM

This is the most useless front page post ever made. While claiming to be new information, it tells us absolutely nothing.

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone"

Wow, thanks a lot for that insight!

"It's pretty"

Useless.

It actually says quite a bit.

(1) It will have 3G Data functionality (since they are calling it an iPhone) vs being just large Touch.

(2) It will run a custom OS, rather than just standard iPhone OS with support for higher resolution.

Perhaps you are a part of Apple Tablet development team, and these are old news to you. However, I certainly didn't know.

SandynJosh

Jan 7, 2010, 02:29 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

I know, I know... progress is such a terrible thing. If it's any consultation the iPhone and the iMac use different versions of OSX that are optimized for the product at hand. So, it's not like a totally different OS... just a better IU experience.

My personal expectation is that the Apple tablet will reduce the number of keyboard keys to about 8 and the user will chord them to input all the ASCII character sets. If 4 keys are mounted under each side of the slate, one could quickly type anything without doing any motion other then lifting and lowering one's fingers while holding the tablet.

Besides being easier to accommodate on smaller form factor devices, it finally moves the inputting experience from one required for early typewriter mechanical design into the electronic mobile world of the 21st century.

This could be what's behind the "steep learning curve" comment reported earlier.

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 02:31 PM

I see your point and it makes some sense.

I'm all for having an App store, but why can't there be both an App store, and the freedom to load your own apps or scripts that you find useful that aren't in the App store.

Apple being the gatekeeper for EVERYthing I want to do on my device just seems wrong somehow.

We have no idea what the tablet will be like and the restrictions that Apple might place on it. We shouldn't be assuming that there will be any. Let's just wait and see what comes out before we make any decisions but I do just want to say, I do hope there is an app store for tablet.

It actually says quite a bit.

(1) It will have 3G Data functionality (since they are calling it an iPhone) vs being just large Touch.

(2) It will run a custom OS, rather than just standard iPhone OS with support for higher resolution.

Perhaps you are a part of Apple Tablet development team, and these are old news to you. However, I certainly didn't know.

It doesn't say anything. People say iPhone by default when referring to the Apple's mobile devices including iPod Touch. I catch myself saying iPhone whenever i was trying to say iPod Touch. iPod is what i refer to music players from Apple, not mobile devices.

As for 2, that's common sense and not just from this report. If anybody have common sense, they would know it will have a custom OS X build for it a very long time ago.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 02:31 PM

Yes, dreaming - sadly.

In the non Apple world, these would be no - brainers - developers and users alike *would expect* an open device, that can multi-task and install any application they like, without being carrier locked if purchased out right.

Yes, because all non-Apple mobile devices exist in open ecosystems where nobody exerts any control over apps or carriers...

... oh wait...

Do you people ever listen to yourselves? :rolleyes:

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 02:33 PM

Yes, because all non-Apple mobile devices exist in open ecosystems where nobody exerts any control over apps or carriers...

... oh wait...

Do you people ever listen to yourselves? :rolleyes:

Huh? There are lots of tablets with usb ports for airport cards or built in airport cards that have no central app-approving authority.

SandynJosh

Jan 7, 2010, 02:35 PM

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 02:36 PM

Yes, because all non-Apple mobile devices exist in open ecosystems where nobody exerts any control over apps or carriers...

... oh wait...

Do you people ever listen to yourselves? :rolleyes:

I suppose you'd be happy with Apple adopting the same strategy for OSX - gatekeeper for all OSX apps.

If not, why not? iPhone, iSlate , Macs - all computers. No different than one another. ( HINT: a smartphone is a computer ).

Do you people ever listen to yourselves? :rolleyes:

Digitalclips

Jan 7, 2010, 02:37 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

I assume, given they are all so simple you are kidding right?

PeterQVenkman

Jan 7, 2010, 02:37 PM

Sounds like a controlled leak to take some (any) wind out of the sails of the numerous tablet/slate announcements from MS and others.

peterdevries

Jan 7, 2010, 02:38 PM

My personal expectation is that the Apple tablet will reduce the number of keyboard keys to about 8 and the user will chord them to input all the ASCII character sets. If 4 keys are mounted under each side of the slate, one could quickly type anything without doing any motion other then lifting and lowering one's fingers while holding the tablet.

Sorry man and woman, but this (below) interface is more likely than the monstrosity that you are talking about...:p

http://likemindr.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/doc-brown-back-to-the-future.jpg

flopticalcube

Jan 7, 2010, 02:40 PM

Sorry, but that report said absolutely nothing and added exactly zero to what we know/don't know

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif
So that's an unknown-unknown in Rummy-speak. Or is it a known-unknown. Oh, I don't know.

Still waiting....

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 02:40 PM

Can you use an iPhone or iPod Touch standalone at all?

Yep. I connect my iPod Touch to my laptop maybe twice a year, and only because (if the computer is handy) it's quicker to subscribe to a podcast on iTunes and then hit 'sync' than it is to subscribe via the mobile interface. And I'm lazy.

I connected it a lot more often pre-2.0 firmware.

Cander

Jan 7, 2010, 02:40 PM

It actually says quite a bit.

(1) It will have 3G Data functionality (since they are calling it an iPhone) vs being just large Touch.

(2) It will run a custom OS, rather than just standard iPhone OS with support for higher resolution.

Perhaps you are a part of Apple Tablet development team, and these are old news to you. However, I certainly didn't know.

It doesn't say either of those things. It is simply a semantic issue and doesn't really mean anything.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 02:40 PM

Yes, because all non-Apple mobile devices exist in open ecosystems where nobody exerts any control over apps or carriers...

... oh wait...

Do you people ever listen to yourselves? :rolleyes:

Name me another major smartphone OS that is locked down and doesn't support any way of app side-loading without going through a single vendor's "app store". Android, WebOS, and WinMo devices all support side-loading of apps, and are infinitely more open than iPhone OS.

Your move.

Badandy

Jan 7, 2010, 02:41 PM

Ok people, listen up! It is REALLY SIMPLE. First of all, THEY ARE ALL OS X!

Apple took OS X and optimized it to be more suited for a mobile phone. That included adding some new things, like handling the phone chips, and removing some things that are not necessary!

Now that Apple has already molded OS X into what it needs to be for a mobile device, why on Earth would they start over for the iSlate? THEY WON'T!

They would start with the iPhone OS, and from there do THE SAME THING THEY DID BEFORE! Add some things, tweak some things, and make it perfectly suited for the iSlate and a bigger screen!

So is it derived from the iPhone OS? YES! Are they all OS X? YES! They all share the same code base. Macs, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV! That is done on purpose. It is MUCH more efficient in all areas, including to us because they can add features across product lines much faster!

Apple is not going to be like every other stupid company that slaps a desktop OS on a tablet and adds a touch screen, and calls it good. Doing just that is EXACTLY why tablets have FAILED miserably until now! They are like Windows Mobile and some stupid stylus to control little tiny things you can barely even see on screen lol.

Apple has already created OS X Touch, it is called the iPhone OS! They will now improve and refine that to make it beautiful on the iSlate!

Why is this so hard to understand? :rolleyes:

Why do you think people don't understand OSX is the basic underpinnings on both iPhone OS and OSX? People do, but their capabilities are vastly different. iPhone OS doesn't allow access to the file system and greatly reduces how downloadable applications can function by sandboxing them. What's so hard to understand about that? You can take this "I'm better than you" attitude you're exhibiting and just leave the forum. People here aren't idiots, so stop pretending like your post is enlightening the world. Everyone knows iPhone OS is based off OSX.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 02:42 PM

Huh? There are lots of tablets with usb ports for airport cards or built in airport cards that have no central app-approving authority.

Sure. But he didn't say "there are lots". He said(/implied) that all non-Apple mobile devices are totally open. And have Flash.

Which is, of course, nowhere close to true.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 02:44 PM

It doesn't say either of those things. It is simply a semantic issue and doesn't really mean anything.

Really? "It is a big iPhone" (as opposed to say "a big iPod Touch") doesn't imply that it will have some level of mobile data functionality? Maybe we speak different languages.

lightpeak

Jan 7, 2010, 02:46 PM

- It's "pretty" -- obviously.
- "The UI has a good bit of new sexy to it."
- "It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."

:eek: Oh, pull-eeze!

If it was Microsoft or Google saying it, you fanboys would be laughing your a**es off!

*goofy voice*: "It's a big Zune HD, but it's not just a big Zune HD." C'mon!

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 02:47 PM

Name me another major smartphone OS that is locked down and doesn't support any way of app side-loading without going through a single vendor's "app store". Android, WebOS, and WinMo devices all support side-loading of apps, and are infinitely more open than iPhone OS.

Your move.

"Your move", eh. How macho. :rolleyes:

You cleverly tried to shift the goalposts to "major smartphone OS". Sorry, that wasn't the other poster's contention, and I'm not taking the bait.

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 02:49 PM

Why do people think a tablet running a beefed up iPhone OS with a new UI wouldn't have multitasking? There are two semi valid concerns with multitasking:
1) Strain on mobile processors means that things get laggy from running two many programs
2) Reduced battery life

What will a tablet have that the iPhone doesn't?
1) beefier hardware, likely a variant of the dual core arm cortex A9 and more ram
2) A bigger battery

I think it is inevitable that the iPhone will get multitasking as hardware advances, and it seems likely that the beefed up tablet will start with it. There is no reason not to.

If you run too many Apps on your Mac, it'll slow down.. I don't see the difference - between Mac v iSlate ( or indeed, iPhone ). You just close down applications that your not using at the time. Problem solved.

As long as you are aware that multi-tasking with run down your battery faster, then I don't see what the problem is.

Not going to remotely happen. Especially using if on a cellular network. Mostly because Apple loves control. $99 is a not a barrier to developers.

Sure, $99 isn't that much if your publishing to Appstore.

I can't develop my own personal applications, that are not intended for the AppStore and put them on my device, without paying apple $99. And that really annoys me. Total Lock Down. Its almost like a developer tax.

gibbz

Jan 7, 2010, 02:49 PM

Will it run Flash?

I hope not. Flash needs to die a terrible death.

iHack13

Jan 7, 2010, 02:51 PM

remember this one?
http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/06/former-apple-marketing-insider-sheds-light-on-apples-controlled-leaks/

This useless frontpage news is another fairly good example..

Feng Shui

Jan 7, 2010, 02:51 PM

I hope it runs a modified version of SL...

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 02:52 PM

Please please please announce iPhone OS4 with multi-tasking, better notifications, and resolution independence and make it available before the next iPhone. We need a new UI!

Agree 100% on the multitasking... popping in and out of my scrabble (words-with-friends) game every time I get a text message, is bugging the crap out of me. Not all apps 'remember' their previous state when you relaunch them. And I have to go find the icon amongst all the crap I've downloaded.

Cander

Jan 7, 2010, 02:52 PM

Really? "It is a big iPhone" (as opposed to say "a big iPod Touch") doesn't imply that it will have some level of mobile data functionality? Maybe we speak different languages.

Since you do not understand the thought process or experiences of the quotee, then you cannot guess what he meant. As an owner of an iPhone but not an iPod Touch I probably would call a tablet device with no mobile data functionality and an iPhone like interface a 'big iPhone'. Context people. Words are often meaningless without context.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 02:52 PM

Sure. But he didn't say "there are lots". He said(/implied) that all non-Apple mobile devices are totally open. And have Flash.

Which is, of course, nowhere close to true.

No. What he said was:

In the non Apple world, these would be no - brainers - developers and users alike *would expect* an open device, that can multi-task and install any application they like, without being carrier locked if purchased out right.

I don't see "all non-Apple mobile devices totally open" anywhere in his statement. And even if he did say "most non-Apple devices are open" - that would be an absolutely accurate statement.

I have never heard of an Blackberry, Google, Microsoft or Palm "approving" mobile apps for their respective platform. Apple is the only smartphone OS vendor that imposes this.

Badandy

Jan 7, 2010, 02:52 PM

I can't develop my own personal applications, that are not intended for the AppStore and put them on my device, without paying apple $99. And that really annoys me. Total Lock Down. Its almost like a developer tax.

It is a developer tax.

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 02:52 PM

Very likely closer to Snow Leopard than iPhoneOS

Not going to remotely happen. Especially using if on a cellular network. Mostly because Apple loves control. $99 is a not a barrier to developers.

Two models is a real possibility. But as of now I lean towards WiFi only.

This is Mr. Jobs' baby and possible finale before he turns over the reigns, it'll be huge.

I hope not. Flash needs to die a terrible death.

Still, without flash, you can't 'experience the full internet'.. there are many sites that use Flash as content ( not adverts! ).

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 02:54 PM

If you run too many Apps on your Mac, it'll slow down.. I don't see the difference - between Mac v iSlate ( or indeed, iPhone ). You just close down applications that your not using at the time. Problem solved.

As long as you are aware that multi-tasking with run down your battery faster, then I don't see what the problem is.

There's a quality control concern. If someone downloads an app that burns CPU when it's sitting in the background doing nothing (very common on the desktop, sadly) they may not even realize it's running. They're just going to say "the iPhone sucks!" You can say "well, those people are stupid" but that's completely irrelevant. Apple is not unique in not wanting that sort of bad word-of-mouth.

I can't develop my own personal applications, that are not intended for the AppStore and put them on my device, without paying apple $99. And that really annoys me. Total Lock Down. Its almost like a developer tax.

I'm not thrilled with that either, but I'm not such a silly person that I walk around yelling "control freaks!!" without considering that it's just another of the many trade-offs that are involved with any consumer electronics item.

27ray

Jan 7, 2010, 02:55 PM

Apple has been testing the key tablet technologies for a few years and now is about ready to release them in one integrated device.

• Screen sharing
• Back to my Mac
• iTunes shared library

the iPodtouch and iphone are great and there are a few apps that let you control a remote mac and or get files off the remote machine, keeping you from having cary all your files with you.

I believe (and have no inside info) that the Tablet will be a "window" on your digital world. i.e. a bigger screen and more horse power in the display that the touch/phone.

What good is this?

keeps you from having to manage two machines it syncs like a iPod/iPhone
it allows you access to all your files. And even use the remote machine for some heavy lifting remotely, i.e. running full apps and transmitting only the UI (think keynote on the road etc.)

it will run apps for the iPod touch iPhone (maybe modified maybe not) and will surf and will be an e-reader and will have 8-32 GB local flash storage. for synced data (movies, music etc, better speakers than iphone, will have 30 pin connector, I think it will be about 10" across and have a a 1200 x 700 screen res, .25" thick, and plastic uni body design, will cost $600-800.

it will help sell more iMacs, which are easier to expand, easier to back up, and easier to secure than laptops. The tablet will give you access to all that storage and horse power, seamlessly, without a fuss. and when at home use the iMac to do the heavy work. Or if you don't do an heavy lifting you just have a mac mini with all your data and use the tablet as your "window" into it.

The advantage over a full laptop is size/weight. as long as you are connected and don't need to do a ton of heavy work remotely this will be the machine you want.

"persistent computing" your window to the digital world.

rwilliams

Jan 7, 2010, 02:56 PM

Sexy does sell... and Apple is in the business of selling things.

If I ever refer to a tech gadget as sexy, someone please shoot me.

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 02:58 PM

There's a quality control concern. If someone downloads an app that burns CPU when it's sitting in the background doing nothing (very common on the desktop, sadly) they may not even realize it's running. They're just going to say "the iPhone sucks!" You can say "well, those people are stupid" but that's completely irrelevant. Apple is not unique in not wanting that sort of bad word-of-mouth.

I'm not thrilled with that either, but I'm not such a silly person that I walk around yelling "control freaks!!" without considering that it's just another of the many trade-offs that are involved with any consumer electronics item.

How many trade - offs are you willing to accept? i.e., People got highly pissed off with DRM on music.

Control Freak and Apple go hand in hand. Sadly, they get away with it.
:-(

There would have been outrage if microsoft applied the same amount of control to its products as Apple does.

Still, Apple make good products ( I'd rather use OSX than windows ).

PeterQVenkman

Jan 7, 2010, 02:59 PM

Still, without flash, you can't 'experience the full internet'.. there are many sites that use Flash as content ( not adverts! ).

This is not a debate you will win on these forums. Many people here hate flash with a searing red hot passion, and while I disagree with them, I understand where they are coming from.

When Flash can export iPhone apps, it will be a great source iPhone games. Some of the Flash haters may not realize that there are some games on the App Store built with betas of Flash CS5. One of my dev friends insists canabalt was built using Flash CS5, since it was a Flash game first and then came to the iPhone really quickly. I've never seen any proof of that, though.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 03:01 PM

You cleverly tried to shift the goalposts to "major smartphone OS". Sorry, that wasn't the other poster's contention, and I'm not taking the bait.

We are talking about apps for smartphones here, are we not? What would you like the goalposts to be?

But fine, name me another example of any OS platform (mobile, desktop, server, anything).. where developers have to wait for a single company to "approve" their application for being sold or given away to the customers.

Stately

Jan 7, 2010, 03:01 PM

It's going to shock so many, mark my words . . ;)

stagi

Jan 7, 2010, 03:02 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

How hard was it for you to figure out how to use the iPhone OS? I think the learning curve was 5 minutes (for my retired dad). There really was no learning curve since the OS is intuitive and I think the tablet will follow that same line of thought.

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 03:02 PM

It is a developer tax.

It's not just a tax, you have to apply and get approval to develop the app.
Then if you want to share your app with more than just a few people, you have to have the app approved by Apple. And no porn or babyshaker apps.

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 03:03 PM

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 03:03 PM

This is not a debate you will win on these forums.

Yep :D My view is - if you want Flash, install it, if you don't, don't - no one is putting a gun to your head and forcing you to!

Give people the option, just like on OSX or any other platform.

DaBrain

Jan 7, 2010, 03:03 PM

I could be. But I'm thinking iSlate is more iPod touch than iPhone in this regard. In any event, I expect to be able to pick up an unsubsidized tablet from Apple that can be used with WiFi and not be dependent on any mobile 3G service.

Many others are also! If not, I don't see Apple selling 10 million the first year. I and many others do NOT want another monthly bill other than the subscriptions they choose and it would behoove the publishers for once to get REAL and make the price below their paper products.

After all, we have to buy the hardware, buy the subscriptions and pay for the connection via our internet providers!

It's time the publishers WAKE up if they want to continue to sell their content. Just my 3 cents worth! ;)

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 03:05 PM

Some game consoles.

Game consoles aren't smartphones or a user OS platform.. yet. Compare Apples to Apples.

( Though the line is blurring, smartphones will soon also be game consoles - i.e,. iPhones - hand held quality games ).

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:06 PM

I don't see "all non-Apple mobile devices totally open" anywhere in his statement. And even if he did say "most non-Apple devices are open" - that would be an absolutely accurate statement.

I have never heard of an Blackberry, Google, Microsoft or Palm "approving" mobile apps for their respective platform. Apple is the only smartphone OS vendor that imposes this.

I'm not quite sure how "in a non-apple world people would expect" doesn't translate to "apple is the only one who acts like this".

He listed three things:

1. Lack of Flash.
2. Carrier lock-in.
3. App approval.

None of those are anywhere near exclusive to Apple. I won't list all the devices that are carrier-locked since there are so many, but the two big buzz items right now other than the iPhone (Pre and Android) are among them.

App approval? The Pre, for example, requires approval for listing in their App Store. You can download other apps or write one for yourself without paying a developer fee... but you have to know that, and you have to go seek them out away from the channel that is built into the device. And a random app from the internet (or that you wrote yourself, for that matter), carries about the same risks of instability as jailbreaking an iPhone, so I'm not sure why this is all considered such a BFD. In fact, every mobile platform has precisely the same model: An official channel that includes approval for those who are interested in that sort of thing, and unofficial channels that you use at your own risk. Only difference? Apple makes people assume that risk very explicitly via jailbreaking.

If it really, really bothers you, then jailbreak your phone and assume that risk. Problem solved.

:rolleyes:

Fare evader

Jan 7, 2010, 03:06 PM

significant number of enhancements to create a new user experience more appropriate for the larger screen.

that alone will get me into the store.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:07 PM

We are talking about apps for smartphones here, are we not? What would you like the goalposts to be?

But fine, name me another example of any OS platform (mobile, desktop, server, anything).. where developers have to wait for a single company to "approve" their application for being sold or given away to the customers.

If you think this sort of thing is unprecedented, you're ignorant of the computing world. No offense, I'm ignorant about millions of things. But it makes the discussion not a productive one to engage in.

aristotle

Jan 7, 2010, 03:08 PM

:eek: Oh, pull-eeze!

If it was Microsoft or Google saying it, you fanboys would be laughing your a**es off!

*goofy voice*: "It's a big Zune HD, but it's not just a big Zune HD." C'mon!
Right, because the Zune has apps and games in an app store.... oh wait. The Zune is just a media player.

DaBrain

Jan 7, 2010, 03:09 PM

One hand doesn't know what the other is doing.

No matter what, it ALL generates lots of Apple HYPE!--)))) ;)

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 03:09 PM

I'm not quite sure how "in a non-apple world people would expect" doesn't translate to "apple is the only one who acts like this".

He listed three things:

1. Lack of Flash.
2. Carrier lock-in.
3. App approval.

None of those are anywhere near exclusive to Apple. I won't list all the devices that are carrier-locked since there are so many, but the two big buzz items right now other than the iPhone (Pre and Android) are among them.

* Flash is available on all smartphone OS ( not sure about Palm )
* You can buy any other smartphone outright - with no carrier lock in ( not sure about Palm Pre ).
* App approval - see other comments - no other platform requires you to have the blessing of its vendor. ( Please correct if there are! ).

People seem to think there's a universe of difference between a desktop OS and mobile OS, but in reality there isn't.

Sure the iPhone runs on a cellular network, but the Touch doesn't.

No one seems to fear downloading OSX apps from macupdate , versiontracker and others, or, Apple vetting OSX applications in case of rogue applications. So, I really don't see the fear about iPhone / Touch apps.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:11 PM

How many trade - offs are you willing to accept? i.e., People got highly pissed off with DRM on music.

Control Freak and Apple go hand in hand. Sadly, they get away with it.
:-(

There would have been outrage if microsoft applied the same amount of control to its products as Apple does.

Still, Apple make good products ( I'd rather use OSX than windows ).

I'm not quite sure where this "control freak" thing comes from. OS X is more open and better documented than Windows. Apple doesn't make a serious effort to discourage people from jailbreaking their mobile devices and doing whatever they want to with them. I really, honestly don't understand it.

dfs

Jan 7, 2010, 03:12 PM

My hunch is that "new sexy" = another stab at getting handwriting recognition to work.

iPhoney:)

Jan 7, 2010, 03:13 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but nobody here really cares whether or not you want it.

Be nice now, I'm pretty sure no one on here really cares what you have to say either.

hassoon

Jan 7, 2010, 03:14 PM

i like seeing you guys predicting as if your sending pre-feedbacks or some sort of comments of the tablet to apple... guys just chill.. it's apple who is inventing and we're the receivers.. and apple is always up to something surprising and brilliant! haha there's like hundreds of threads by now about the tablet..! Anyway i'm waiting for the new macbook pro's and maybe and ilife 2010 or iwork 2010 like i have a feeling that the tablet is dedicated for education and video gaming...! :P :apple:

Enuratique

Jan 7, 2010, 03:15 PM

Yep :D My view is - if you want Flash, install it, if you don't, don't - no one is putting a gun to your head and forcing you to!

Give people the option, just like on OSX or any other platform.

Problem is, that wrestles control away from Apple's hands... Flash is a platform powerful enough that it could do some real damage to what Apple is trying to do.

The fact it's a resource hog makes for a convenient excuse.

Though I'm in the "flash must die" camp... There's absolutely no reason, with the advent of HTML5, that you need a 3rd party closed plugin to play video or have fancy animated menus.

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 03:15 PM

psxp

Jan 7, 2010, 03:17 PM

My hunch is that "new sexy" = another stab at getting handwriting recognition to work.

ah.. there's no way they are going back to the Stylus!!
It most it will be speach and finger(s) for input

nick9191

Jan 7, 2010, 03:19 PM

I'm hoping for -

* true unrestricted multi-tasking ( unlike iPhone / Touch )
* Open platform where Apple aren't the gatekeeper / judge for what applications users can / cannot run on their own devices.
* Where developers are free to deploy to their device without paying apple $99 ( unlike iPhone ) - relates to above
* Not SIM locked if purchased outright ( i.e., no carrier contract )
* a damned good device :D

That's not unreasonable.

*It's a larger more powerful device, it is in essence a computer. Apple left out multi tasking on the iPhone due to battery + performance + UI issues, this wont be an issue.
*If tablets the same size running Windows can offer this then Apple will need to as to stay competitive. This is a scaled down Mac, not a scaled up iPhone. The only way they could get away with this is if it was ridiculously cheap.
*See above
*People don't mind taking out a 18mo/2yr contract with a phone. A lot of people do have that issue with a computer. It should be available as locked and unlocked, and will definitely be on multiple carriers (at least in the UK anyway :D).
*Of course, it's Apple.

wizard

Jan 7, 2010, 03:21 PM

Nobodies forcing you to buy one.

Exactly! Even worst if you "have to learn IPhone OS", a person has to be in pretty poor mental shape. As such a computer of any sort must be overwhelming.

Dave

iMacmatician

Jan 7, 2010, 03:21 PM

This is a scaled down Mac, not a scaled up iPhone.Somehow I doubt that will be the case.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:21 PM

* Flash is available on all smartphone OS ( not sure about Palm )
* You can buy any other smartphone outright - with no carrier lock in ( sure about Palm Pre ).
* App approval - see other comments - no other platform requires you to have the blessing of its vendor. ( Please correct if there are! ).

Adobe makes Flash available for a number of the most popular mobile environments, but far from all devices support it (at least without user modification akin to jailbreaking). This includes many Blackberry models, all PalmOS devices, and many Nokia devices (among others).

Both of the other two "buzz" smartphones right now--Droid and Pre--are locked to a single carrier. Sadly this is standard in the US, with very few new and desirable devices avoiding the "exclusivity" trap.

App approval... discussed this in a previous post.

Enuratique

Jan 7, 2010, 03:22 PM

I'm just sayin...

The new tablet can be more like a locked down device, tied to the iTunes ecosystem, much like the iPhone, appleTV, akin to a PSP, or game console, etc.

Or it can be a device with all the benefits of an App store and the iTunes ecosystem PLUS a true Computing Platform I can install utilities on, write apps for on my own, run my own scripts, customize, add memory, third party devices, more like a touch-screen Laptop without a keyboard.

One of these is more useful to me...the other is just a larger iPod Touch with lots of Apps I will download, run a few times, then ignore.

I think you'll only be able to install non-blessed applications on Macintoshes capable of running XCode... There's too much easy money to be made to not force people through the iTunes ecosystem... And for the average luddite, they probably prefer going through a one-stop shop.

Like it or not, it's here to stay... If you want freedom, you'll have to stick with a Macbook at the very least. That freedom is going to come at a price.

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 03:23 PM

My hunch is that "new sexy" = another stab at getting handwriting recognition to work.

Oh please no... Handwriting is such a waste of time.

I can type faster, and thanks to computers, smartphones, online bill pay, and the like, my handwriting duties have been reduced to only signing credit card receipts. I don't burn CDs any more so no need to scrawl something on them in fat-sharpy-font. I don't even use Post-it notes any more. Seriously, who would want to hand-write onto a computer screen?

mdriftmeyer

Jan 7, 2010, 03:23 PM

No. What he said was:

I don't see "all non-Apple mobile devices totally open" anywhere in his statement. And even if he did say "most non-Apple devices are open" - that would be an absolutely accurate statement.

I have never heard of an Blackberry, Google, Microsoft or Palm "approving" mobile apps for their respective platform. Apple is the only smartphone OS vendor that imposes this.

Because you don't know what you're talking about.

http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-App-World-Development/Appworld-Approval-Process/m-p/406772;jsessionid=7ADD8E4F2D4CD7F773AFEF7E2D04D7F8

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/appworld/faq.jsp

Microsoft's Mobile Development strategy, ala copy Apple.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/mar09/03-11WMMDevelopersPR.mspx

Microsoft Mobile Guidelines:
http://developer.windowsphone.com/Default.aspx

Marketplace Resources

Application Submission Guidelines
Application Policy Guidelines
Content Policy Guidelines
Developer Registration Guidelines
Market Validation Guidelines

All list items are PDF documents outlining their stages of app development guidelines to requirements for certification, etc.

Palm:
http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/6706/navigating-palms-app-catalog-approval-process/

Navigating Palm's App Catalog Approval Process
Posted By: Ryan Kairer Tuesday, September 29, 2009 9:51:31 AM

Well known programmer and DNA lounge dude, jwz, has posted an interesting article on his dealings with Palm and their "Kafka-esque" application submission process. In short, Mr. Zawinski has had an unusual time simply figuring out how to go about listing two of his webOS freeware apps in the Catalog. He begins with an account of how it used to be, and goes into good bit of descriptive detail on all of the "hoops" he's had to navigate in order to legitimately distribute an application.

But taking a page from Apple's play-book, Palm has now decided that they have to be the one and only gate-keeper for all the software on your Palm Pre, in a way they never did on the Treo, Centro, or any of the earlier PDAs.

So if you, a developer, want to get your software into the hands of your customers, you have to beg and plead and wheedle Palm to distribute it for you.

iamPro

Jan 7, 2010, 03:24 PM

Unlike some here, I think the news do clear out some previous unknowns.

Assuming the source is reliable/true, we now know...

1. It's not OS X

2. It's not some scaled version of iPhone OS or even just a slight tweak to match the resolution of a bigger device.

3. The OS for the "big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone" will look pretty and sexy. Similar to 1 and 2 above, this implies that the OS will have a somewhat fresh look and feel in comparison to somewhat old feel of the current iPhone OS.

With so many competitors rushing out with tablets/slates/hybrid eReaders, and with the rumor from Silicon Alley Insider, I'm now thinking Apple actually will have something quite impressive on the 27th. Or else, personally, it'll be a huge appointment.

It's news enough to convince a once skeptic about Apple being able to deliver a "wow" effect greater than the bump to 3GS from 3G.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 03:25 PM

App approval? The Pre, for example, requires approval for listing in their App Store. You can download other apps or write one for yourself without paying a developer fee... but you have to know that, and you have to go seek them out away from the channel that is built into the device.

'Approval for listing on Palm App store' != 'Palm App store is the only way to get apps onto a platform'. You can downplay that difference all you want, but it's a huge one. On Palm (or Android, etc), a developer can easily choose to market the app on his own website or 3rd-party repository. With Apple, if they reject your app - you have no legitimate means to get it to the customers.

And don't even get me started on Jailbreaking - Apple has been doing everything they can to make JB difficult or impossible. If you follow JB community, the latest iPhone bootROM makes untethered jailbreaking impossible.

It's beyond me why people like you keep defending or downplaying Apple's "iron fist" practices. In the end, it's you as the consumer who pays the price, while Apple is laughing all the way to the bank. As far as I am concerned - if Apple doesn't open their platform, they won't see another dime from me, and my next phone will be Android, once my current contract runs out.

If you think this sort of thing is unprecedented, you're ignorant of the computing world. No offense, I'm ignorant about millions of things. But it makes the discussion not a productive one to engage in.

Right.. resort to name calling or ad hominem statements, when you have nothing tangible to respond with.

iPhoney:)

Jan 7, 2010, 03:31 PM

That should be enough time for Apple to amass 100 million downloads and convince all the developers that the money is in the iTunes App store, again.

I sooo wish they'd cut the umbilical noose tying the app store to itunes!

cmaier

Jan 7, 2010, 03:33 PM

I have no problem with Apple insisting on an approval process for getting into the appstore. I have no problem with Apple giving prime icon real estate on the devices to its own appstore.

I have a problem with Apple not allowing me to provide other methods of getting apps on the devices. If people are willing to pay me to download un-apple-blessed apps off my website and install them, why shouldn't they be allowed to? If people want to give away their software in boxes of crackerjacks, why not let them?

It's not to protect the consumer. It would be trivial to add a "disable unapproved apps" feature that a user could select to detect whether poor performance is due to the device or due to some rogue app. This could even be automatically invoked ("I detect your device is running slow. I see this app is slowing you down. would you like me to uninstall it for you?")

On the iphone you can argue it is to protect the network (maybe). But that can't be the case for the ipod touch, and it isn't a realistic excuse for the tablet (many devices with aircards - nay, ALL devices with aircards, run software approved by no central authority).

ipodtouch-user

Jan 7, 2010, 03:33 PM

So - does this mean that the hundreds of apps users have paid hundreds of dollars for are non-transferable and out the window? So much for upgrading.

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 03:35 PM

taylordubose

Jan 7, 2010, 03:35 PM

I don't really care what OS it uses new or old as long as we can Jailbreak and Unlock it! Cydia FTW!

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:39 PM

'Approval for listing on Palm App store' != 'Palm App store is the only way to get apps onto a platform'. You can downplay that difference all you want, but it's a huge one. On Palm (or Android, etc), a developer can easily choose to market the app on his own website or 3rd-party repository. With Apple, if they reject your app - you have no legitimate means to get it to the customers.

And don't even get me started on Jailbreaking - Apple has been doing everything they can to make JB difficult or impossible. If you follow JB community, the latest iPhone bootROM makes untethered jailbreaking impossible.

It's beyond me why people like you keep defending or downplaying Apple's "iron fist" practices. In the end, it's you as the consumer who pays the price, while Apple is laughing all the way to the bank. As far as I am concerned - if Apple doesn't open their platform, they won't see another dime from me, and my next phone will be Android, once my current contract runs out.

Right.. resort to name calling or ad hominem statements, when you have nothing tangible to respond with.

I'm not defending anything, I'm only countering incorrect assertions about Apple being unique... and absolutism from people who don't realize that everything is a trade-off. People can cry all they want about Apple's "iron fist", and I agree that some of the approval policies are bs and the process is broken... but that doesn't change the fact that even with those shortcomings far more third-party consumer apps are actually used on the iPhone/iPod Touch than any other device. People would do well to reflect on why that is, and what it says about the users that they want to reach.

And as for the ad hominem, it wasn't. It was stating a fact. If you think closed systems are unique, you don't know anything about computing outside of Windows (which itself isn't as open an ecosystem as anti-Apple evangelists would like us to believe). Everything from the first mainframes used in business computing to most embedded systems coming out right now are completely closed, and most mobile system are still mostly "closed" if by "closed" you mean "look sort of like the iPhone".

deus_ex_machina

Jan 7, 2010, 03:40 PM

A third operating system? It's getting annoying to deal with OS X and the iPhone OS alone. Now we get to "learn" a third :-(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BklC1TUFS8#t=0m13

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 03:41 PM

Because you don't know what you're talking about.

http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-App-World-Development/Appworld-Approval-Process/m-p/406772;jsessionid=7ADD8E4F2D4CD7F773AFEF7E2D04D7F8

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/developers/appworld/faq.jsp

Microsoft's Mobile Development strategy, ala copy Apple.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/mar09/03-11WMMDevelopersPR.mspx

Microsoft Mobile Guidelines:
http://developer.windowsphone.com/Default.aspx

That's nice, but all of these platforms support ways of side-loading apps, without having to hack the underlying device OS. iPhone OS only runs Apple-signed apps, unless jailbroken. Do you not understand the difference?

I could care less about Apple's app approval process, if they also allowed the developers to directly distribute the apps to the customers.

And yes, Palm / WebOS also supports app side-loading without jailbreaking (although Palm has bee trying to make it less obvious). I have done it many times on my co-worker's Pre.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:45 PM

I have a problem with Apple not allowing me to provide other methods of getting apps on the devices. If people are willing to pay me to download un-apple-blessed apps off my website and install them, why shouldn't they be allowed to? If people want to give away their software in boxes of crackerjacks, why not let them?

Because as we've seen with every last mobile environment up til now, it will result in an unstable, unfriendly ecosystem and the end result is that almost nobody bothers to use apps. Which in turn ensures that very few developers will bother to make good one, and you get a vicious cycle.

Cf. the wasting away of PalmOS. Cf. the current death spiral of Windows Mobile.

That's NOT to say there aren't some great apps on those platforms that people actually use. Of course there are. But, while I am not endorsing Apple's approach I certainly understand from their perspective why they're doing it. And as long as it helps to keep the ecosystem dynamic I have a hard time getting worked up about. Obviously, if and when their process becomes so onerous that a critical mass of good developers give up, it'd be a much different story. But as a user it's far more important to me that there's a good constellation of usable apps as opposed to being able to download any app I want from anywhere.

Ozy

Jan 7, 2010, 03:46 PM

It better not be so much like an iPhone that it won't run Flash. I also don't want apps only delivered via iTunes. This will be an immediate no-go for me if so.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 03:47 PM

That's nice, but all of these platforms support ways of side-loading apps, without having to hack the underlying device OS. iPhone OS only runs Apple-signed apps, unless jailbroken. Do you not understand the difference?

I could care less about Apple's app approval process, if they also allowed the developers to directly distribute the apps to the customers.

And yes, Palm / WebOS also supports app side-loading without jailbreaking (although Palm has bee trying to make it less obvious). I have done it many times on my co-worker's Pre.

And the iPhone lets you use any web app you want, from anywhere, driven by HTML5 interactions and animations; but Windows Mobile doesn't.

Again... there are tradeoffs. This isn't a new concept. You continue to deny that there is any way to do anything on the iPhone outside the App Store, and that all other platforms are open wonderlands. Both are utterly false and just make you look ignorant.

WLS

Jan 7, 2010, 03:50 PM

Pretty sure I don't want this. I don't need another telephone data bill.
I said a while back that it would be a flavor of the iphone/itouch ecosystem and OS with some enhancements and I'm expecting that but there better be a Wifi only version or forget it.

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 03:53 PM

And the iPhone lets you use any web app you want, from anywhere, driven by HTML5 interactions and animations; but Windows Mobile doesn't.

Again... there are tradeoffs. This isn't a new concept. You continue to deny that there is any way to do anything on the iPhone outside the App Store, and that all other platforms are open wonderlands. Both are utterly false and just make you look ignorant.

Its not the 'iron fist' approach that is working for AppStore and Apple, its the iTunes Integration together with the the popularity of the iPhone / iPod / iTunes Store .

Apple could very well loosen its grip and let third party AppStores ( think macupdate.com ) or 'side ways' app installations and AppStore will still retain its popularity.

mabaker

Jan 7, 2010, 03:53 PM

The level of the new CES tablets is very pathetic. REALLY pathetic.

I thought they'd want to kick Jobs' ass.

I for one don't want Apple to get comfortable. Palm Pre Plus, Nexus etc delivering really good things lately.

newConvert

Jan 7, 2010, 03:57 PM

Hmm, now what would be awesome is if it IS 3g enabled (I imagine it will be) however, you can share the same data plan that you currently have.

I'm w/ rogers in Canada and got the 5gigs $30 deal they had, however I don't come anywhere close to that...even 1gig, if I can share between the two that would be amazing.

Fat chance of that happening though. Well, without a jailbreak of some sort.

Tsurisuto

Jan 7, 2010, 04:01 PM

Will it run Flash?

I hope so. But I only see Apple allowing Adobe to release Flash for the Tablet if it is hardware accelerated.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 04:01 PM

Its not the 'iron fist' approach that is working for AppStore and Apple, its the iTunes Integration together with the the popularity of the iPhone / iPod / iTunes Store .

Apple could very well loosen its grip and let third party AppStores ( think macupdate.com ) or 'side ways' app installations and AppStore will still retain its popularity.

Well, I think we're both just theorizing. Maybe you're right, who knows. I just know that I am not so quick to look at the junkheap of, say, the PalmOS ecosystem and say, "hey, Apple should do that instead!"

couto27

Jan 7, 2010, 04:06 PM

the 27 january 2010 will be marked in history .
i expect a great device that will sell has much as the macbook or perhaps the iphone.:)
where can i do a :apple: pre- order

harley3k

Jan 7, 2010, 04:08 PM

If it's not an open platform, open as in like a MacBook, then I just don't see what it's going to be good for.

I don't need a bigger iPod/iPhone...the one I have fits in my pocket.
Unless there is some value proposition/killer-app that I'm just not seeing - that is going to make this a must have........an eReader? Not likely. Like Steve himself said, I don't need another gadget that lets me read while I'm on the toilet.

I could use a more portable MacBook.
Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and get the AIR.

MattInOz

Jan 7, 2010, 04:12 PM

But will it blend?

Well if it's 7inch it might inside the blender, but 10inch I think it will be safe.

coleridge78

Jan 7, 2010, 04:12 PM

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 04:14 PM

If you think closed systems are unique, you don't know anything about computing outside of Windows (which itself isn't as open an ecosystem as anti-Apple evangelists would like us to believe). Everything from the first mainframes used in business computing to most embedded systems coming out right now are completely closed, and most mobile system are still mostly "closed" if by "closed" you mean "look sort of like the iPhone".

Please stop with assumptions of what I know and don't know, as you obviously have no idea. And I never said that "closed systems are unique or unprecedented", speaking of strawmen. The context of this discussion is consumer-oriented computing platforms.. not mainframes.. not microwaves.. not VCRs.

And even on my dumb RAZR many years ago, I could install little homebrew Java apps, without "Motorola approval". Apple is trying to have it both ways - on one side, they want a semblence of an open platform with a large 3rd-party development community.. on the other side, they want to have complete control over what goes on platform.. of course giving Apple-developed apps preference and priority along the way. This is the stuff that's not going to fly, and the less Apple apologists like you will defend it - the higher the chances are that Apple will change their ways. Or competition will force them to eventually.

And the iPhone lets you use any web app you want, from anywhere, driven by HTML5 interactions and animations; but Windows Mobile doesn't.

Again... there are tradeoffs. This isn't a new concept. You continue to deny that there is any way to do anything on the iPhone outside the App Store, and that all other platforms are open wonderlands. Both are utterly false and just make you look ignorant.

Really?? HTML5 is what differentiates iPhone from other smartphone OS's?? First, HTML5 is far from being standardised yet, so it's not widely adopted in every browser. Second, HTML5 support in WinMo is just the matter of an Explorer upgrade. Or you can simply install Opera browser in WinMo today, which will give you similar level of HTML5 support as mobile Safari/iPhone. By the way, show me an alternative browser on iPhone that's not based on built-in Safari webkit engine? Oh wait.. you can't, because Apple won't allow/approve it.

Obviously you're the one without a clue, so I am done with you here.

baryon

Jan 7, 2010, 04:15 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

This is Apple, you probably won't mind a new OS. Plus I don't think OS X or iPhone OS would be good on the Tablet, so there's no other solution. It will probably make sense and be as intuitive as all the other Apples OSes, so I don't think this will be a problem. In such a modern world, having to learn a new OS is like getting used to the fact that my favorite toothpaste changed its logo again.

iMacmatician

Jan 7, 2010, 04:24 PM

So - does this mean that the hundreds of apps users have paid hundreds of dollars for are non-transferable and out the window? So much for upgrading.I would be very surprised if that were the case.

zacman

Jan 7, 2010, 04:33 PM

I could care less about Apple's app approval process, if they also allowed the developers to directly distribute the apps to the customers.

The main problem with the current app approval process is that it leads to self-cencorship.

Today it was reported that Apple rejected a couple of German apps of several newspapers and magazines ("BILD" and "Stern" for example) because the news articles(!) that were featured in it violated Apple's app rules. The companies are now doing self-censorship and cut out articles and pictures (like pinup girls) that might(!) violate Apple's terms.

That's clearly an attack against freedom of speech. If the articles do not violate any law in the country where they get published they should be allowed to get published in an app too.

Bye Bye Baby

Jan 7, 2010, 04:33 PM

Incredible. So many rumours. So many things being said.

But what am I going to use a slate for?

subie09lega

Jan 7, 2010, 04:34 PM

Could work on this "new" OS be causing the delay in the release of any new iPhone OS updates? Like when they redirected efforts to get the first iPhone out on time (if memory serves correctly). Though I'm curious about the possibility of this product, I'm not planning to get an Apple tablet. But I would like to see new updates to the iPhone OS. New features to push the capabilities of the device.

Rogzilla

Jan 7, 2010, 04:35 PM

This doesn't really tell me anything I didn't already assume. I have been assuming that this will have the overall look of the iPhone but power closer to the Macs.

I also suspect, if the information is actually based on someone who is in the know and not speaking out of their arse, that there would be something special about it to differentiate it more from the iPhone. Perhaps a 3D interface?

Man...it is only the first year...but I miss MacWorld.

MattInOz

Jan 7, 2010, 04:35 PM

My personal expectation is that the Apple tablet will reduce the number of keyboard keys to about 8 and the user will chord them to input all the ASCII character sets. If 4 keys are mounted under each side of the slate, one could quickly type anything without doing any motion other then lifting and lowering one's fingers while holding the tablet.

This could be what's behind the "steep learning curve" comment reported earlier.

So we are all going to learn to type Braille?
Get the Fingerworks team to use the multitouch sensor to understand single handed sign language so we all learn to sign as well.

Now that would be a massive gain for Accessiblity in general life.

wizard

Jan 7, 2010, 04:41 PM

I'm not quite sure where this "control freak" thing comes from. OS X is more open and better documented than Windows. Apple doesn't make a serious effort to discourage people from jailbreaking their mobile devices and doing whatever they want to with them. I really, honestly don't understand it.

++++++++++

Well stated !

On top of all that Apple system gives them a reasonable ability to offer up parental controls. If you are the owner of the device though it is no problem at all.

Looking at it from the standpoint of a developer I think you would be hard pressed to find a system that is as open and advanced as Apples. The fact is they bend over backwards to support developers. On the flip side users are supported well too.

What I would like to see is the people making these statements defend them. It is pretty obvious that app store is pretty open. How else do you explain an overflowing inventory and all the success stories. I suspect much of the whinning comes from the failures in society, those that strike out at people and organizations that make something of themselves.

Dave

GeekLawyer

Jan 7, 2010, 04:43 PM

Incredible. So many rumours. So many things being said.

But what am I going to use a slate for?I'm afraid that only you can answer that question for yourself.

SandynJosh

Jan 7, 2010, 04:45 PM

But fine, name me another example of any OS platform (mobile, desktop, server, anything).. where developers have to wait for a single company to "approve" their application for being sold or given away to the customers.

While it may seem annoyance now, wait until other mobile platforms start dealing with worms, viruses, and the like, while Apple devices stay whistle clean.

I sure don't want my phone making any calls I don't know about and shareing any information I never intended.

Additionally, Apple is currently improving the approval process and adding more staff in that area, so the turn-around and process should become even less of an issue in the near future.

Stella

Jan 7, 2010, 04:45 PM

?! I don't know if you are being sarcastic or not...

How is the AppStore open? Apple decide what Applications can be published
How is the iPhone an open platform? Apple decide what applications users can / cannot install

If the AppStore / iPhone / Touch was an open as OSX, I don't think people would have a problem.

There is a vast difference between the 'openness' of OSX and iPhone. OSX being very open with very little restrictions of what type of applications can be developed, installed and obtained from, and iPhone on the other side of the spectrum with Apple deciding almost everything.

++++++++++

Well stated !

On top of all that Apple system gives them a reasonable ability to offer up parental controls. If you are the owner of the device though it is no problem at all.

Looking at it from the standpoint of a developer I think you would be hard pressed to find a system that is as open and advanced as Apples. The fact is they bend over backwards to support developers. On the flip side users are supported well too.

What I would like to see is the people making these statements defend them. It is pretty obvious that app store is pretty open. How else do you explain an overflowing inventory and all the success stories. I suspect much of the whinning comes from the failures in society, those that strike out at people and organizations that make something of themselves.

Dave

Friscohoya

Jan 7, 2010, 04:47 PM

I'm afraid that only you can answer that question for yourself.

Or they could just not buy it....always an option.

TurboSC

Jan 7, 2010, 04:51 PM

OM NOM APPLE TABLET NOM NOM :eek::apple:

mac jones

Jan 7, 2010, 04:52 PM

it will be a sad day for Macrumors when the old staple, standby rumor is no longer a rumor ;)

d_saum

Jan 7, 2010, 04:53 PM

It can if you didn't upgrade past 3.0 :D

I don't understand why people keep saying this.. I have Netshare and just used it last week.. :confused: Am I missing something?

SandynJosh

Jan 7, 2010, 04:59 PM

So - does this mean that the hundreds of apps users have paid hundreds of dollars for are non-transferable and out the window? So much for upgrading.

It doesn't mean anything of the sort. Apple has requested that some developers prepare their apps for a "full screen" demonstration later this month. Since that is true, it appears that iPhone apps will run on the new device, but not take full use of the screen without this one modification.

This said, the current crop of apps may also not take full advantage of any differences in IU on the new device.

Don't be such a negative Nabob of Negativity. :)

wizard

Jan 7, 2010, 05:07 PM

The main problem with the current app approval process is that it leads to self-cencorship.

So a little self control is a bad thing. Or are you one of those people into snuff films and kiddie porn?

Today it was reported that Apple rejected a couple of German apps of several newspapers and magazines ("BILD" and "Stern" for example) because the news articles(!) that were featured in it violated Apple's app rules. The companies are now doing self-censorship and cut out articles and pictures (like pinup girls) that might(!) violate Apple's terms.

What do you expect Apple to do, change their terms for every Tom, Dick & Harry that comes around? It truly amazes me that people expect Apple to change it's terms to reflect their business goals. How would that ever be workable? Are you expecting each developer to have it's own terms with Apple?

That's clearly an attack against freedom of speech.

Clearly you don't know what you are talking about.

If the articles do not violate any law in the country where they get published they should be allowed to get published in an app too.

Considering Apple is a world wide company that is non sense.

Apple is a reseller here just like the corner store and as such reflects the collective ethics of the company. Consider those corner stores in a little more detail. It is not uncommon to find one selling magazines, porn included, and the store across the street rejecting porn completely. Using your logic the store rejecting the porn should be forced to sell the stuff.

So I have to ask which is worst, self censorship, or being forced to violate your personal values? The reality here is that Apple doesn't want to appear to be supporting baser parts of societ. It is their right to do so and frankly makes a lot of sense considering the markets they sell into.

If this bothers you that much just wait for Microsoft to come out with their tablet. They are so desparate right now they might have to ship with some vintage porn to hold onto pervert market.

Dave

ArrowSmith

Jan 7, 2010, 05:16 PM

Who the hell needs HTML5 when Silverlight is a superior multimedia experience? :eek::apple:

wankey

Jan 7, 2010, 05:20 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

iPhone ui was seriously hard to learn to use!

gnasher729

Jan 7, 2010, 05:26 PM

I hope so. But I only see Apple allowing Adobe to release Flash for the Tablet if it is hardware accelerated.

Hardware acceleration doesn't help with Flash / isn't needed for Flash. The problem with Flash on MacOS X is that it will draw as many frames per second as the CPU or CPUs can manage, wasting as much CPU and battery as possible to redraw an animation that doesn't even change. Hardware acceleration would only make Flash waste more resources quicker.

cumanzor

Jan 7, 2010, 05:34 PM

Clearly you don't know what you are talking about.

With arguments like the ones below... I have to ask... are you ******* serious?

So a little self control is a bad thing. Or are you one of those people into snuff films and kiddie porn?

What do you expect Apple to do, change their terms for every Tom, Dick & Harry that comes around? It truly amazes me that people expect Apple to change it's terms to reflect their business goals. How would that ever be workable? Are you expecting each developer to have it's own terms with Apple?

So I have to ask which is worst, self censorship, or being forced to violate your personal values? The reality here is that Apple doesn't want to appear to be supporting baser parts of societ. It is their right to do so and frankly makes a lot of sense considering the markets they sell into.

If this bothers you that much just wait for Microsoft to come out with their tablet. They are so desparate right now they might have to ship with some vintage porn to hold onto pervert market.

BTW

Jan 7, 2010, 05:36 PM

What?

Do we really need another OS and UI to learn to use?

I don't believe the iPhone OS would be ideal for such a device. The Mac OSX would be too bloated. It is actually one core OS. The GUI of course is the differentiator.

Stately

Jan 7, 2010, 05:47 PM

Liquorpuki

Jan 7, 2010, 05:47 PM

My personal expectation is that the Apple tablet will reduce the number of keyboard keys to about 8 and the user will chord them to input all the ASCII character sets. If 4 keys are mounted under each side of the slate, one could quickly type anything without doing any motion other then lifting and lowering one's fingers while holding the tablet.

Besides being easier to accommodate on smaller form factor devices, it finally moves the inputting experience from one required for early typewriter mechanical design into the electronic mobile world of the 21st century.

This could be what's behind the "steep learning curve" comment reported earlier.

yea that would be a good April Fool's joke

turn everybody into a court reporter :rolleyes:

Stately

Jan 7, 2010, 05:50 PM

iPhone ui was seriously hard to learn to use!

:eek: :confused:

Nudist

Jan 7, 2010, 05:55 PM

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."

Hopefully it's not one of those controlled leaks that has lost control and mentioned here and everywhere a few days ago :confused:

MattInOz

Jan 7, 2010, 06:00 PM

++++++++++

Well stated !

On top of all that Apple system gives them a reasonable ability to offer up parental controls. If you are the owner of the device though it is no problem at all.

Looking at it from the standpoint of a developer I think you would be hard pressed to find a system that is as open and advanced as Apples. The fact is they bend over backwards to support developers. On the flip side users are supported well too.

What I would like to see is the people making these statements defend them. It is pretty obvious that app store is pretty open. How else do you explain an overflowing inventory and all the success stories. I suspect much of the whinning comes from the failures in society, those that strike out at people and organizations that make something of themselves.

Dave

While I generally agree that the store is very well done for what it is, and seems to be a three way win (user,apple,devs) for most involved it could indeed be better in a number of areas. The main one being it does apply a blanket logic to ever app in the store which in many cases makes in look really heavy handed. Also can make it seem slow as everything must get thou the review process, due to the load of applying the same rules to everyone.

The other option in the current scheme of things is Webapps but these to have some serious downfalls, the most obvious one they aren't really on the device like and appstore app is. These downfalls is what lead to the push for the appstore. They are mostly fancy bookmarks at this stage and you reload everything every time.

What if, instead of relaxing appstore policy, Apple upgraded webapps.
So that similar to iTunesLP bundles or PalmPre WebApps the whole app could be downloaded to a bundle on the device so only changed data needs to load each time. They could even add some features like support for push notifications* or maybe apples new ad service, touch screen gestures, the camera, geolocation and similar already supported by HTML5.

This new webapp model could still have a page within itunes for visiblity like podcasts, or itunesU and like those only the links would be hosted by Apple with the bundle hosted by the developer. Like current web apps they could be loaded from links direct on the developers website. How many of the free and 99c apps on the store now could be pushed into this revised model?

Like and App you could even email them to friends.

How many more new apps might be created free of Apple app store policies?

Also this model might work well for media outlets** (if indeed it does come with a way to attach a revenue stream to it). As they wouldn't have to go through the store process to release each month. Also other commercial outlets like your bank would find such a model far more attractive for supporting mobile devices, they would be able to switch security systems if they wanted at will. The same web bundle*** could cater for all devices.

The interesting thing that comes up is well, parental controls which may well see a vast upgrade but then again would have to if Apple want to push the devices back in to schools or tap the increasing demand for iPhones and iPod Touches in younger and younger age groups.

The value to Apple is reduce load to support, only having to write policy based on those that really need support, so reduced bad press from a blanket policy. Also possible Ad sales revenue to sweeten the deal. Not to mention the main reason apple does anything drive demand for hardware sales.

*Webapps could provide a RSS link that Apple's Notification servers monitor on the user behave.
**including adult media.
*** this either requires the bundling to happen at on device or for the bundling system to be nominated for inclusion in HTML standard.

romz-rac

Jan 7, 2010, 06:02 PM

big iphone pssshhh i wish it was OS X running on the tables =[

it should come with dual boot capabilities

str1f3

Jan 7, 2010, 06:12 PM

I'm curious... why is it important to you that it's "open like a macbook"?

Why?

- I can actually download files and use it with multiple apps w/o being sandboxed
- I can download any app I want
- I can zip and archive files (vice versa applies)
- I can play other formats besides mp3, aac & mp4
- I can covert file formats
- I can attach an external hard drive and format it
- I can add Safari plugins like 1Password to the browser instead of the gimped version on the iPhone
- I can play Flash videos even though I hate Flash with a passion
- I can use Click2Flash to block Flash
- I can download a mail attachment and edit it without having to do painful workarounds
- I can use any browser of my choice
- I can choose to buy my music or movies from places other than iTunes if I so choose

The list goes on…

It's fine that people want to buy this product. I just feel that $1000 would be better well spent but that is my opinion alone. The App Store is really good thing but it shouldn't be forced upon us. I just don't want a company telling me what to do with hardware I bought.

As I've said, I'm relatively ok with this on the iPhone because for me it is a phone first and there is a large jailbreak community out there.

Lepton

Jan 7, 2010, 06:13 PM

I believe Apple will discontinue the MacBook Air when it releases its tablet. The Air isn't the smallest or most capable in its class any more. The tablet will be Apple's pricey netbook.

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 06:18 PM

I believe Apple will discontinue the MacBook Air when it releases its tablet. The Air isn't the smallest or most capable in its class any more. The tablet will be Apple's pricey netbook.

Highly doubt that. Tablet isn't a netbook, it's two different thing. No matter what anybody say, typing on a touchscreen is still something that's not fun to do especially with no feedback and the keyboard taking up half of the screen.

What might make your statement accurate if Apple was going hybrid by including a detachable tablet screen with laptop. This would replace the basic macbook tho, not the Air.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 06:30 PM

I believe Apple will discontinue the MacBook Air when it releases its tablet. The Air isn't the smallest or most capable in its class any more. The tablet will be Apple's pricey netbook.

No. Tablet and Air have nothing to do with each other. Air is a full featured computer, while Tablet is special-purpose media consumption device. Air isn't going anywhere.

McGiord

Jan 7, 2010, 06:36 PM

Any mockup?

How comfortable will this Tablet be?

If it is going to be 2 times the iPhone size, I don't see myself handling it in a comfortable way to watch a movie or browsing the web for more than 5 min.

My neck will be killing me and my hands are lazy...

ngenerator

Jan 7, 2010, 06:40 PM

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone."

Hopefully it's not one of those controlled leaks that has lost control and mentioned here and everywhere a few days ago :confused:

I'm hoping this is just a messed up version of the telephone game. Original message? "It's NOT a big iPhone, it's NOT a big iPhone"

Lepton

Jan 7, 2010, 06:41 PM

Highly doubt that. Tablet isn't a netbook, it's two different thing. No matter what anybody say, typing on a touchscreen is still something that's not fun to do especially with no feedback and the keyboard taking up half of the screen.

What might make your statement accurate if Apple was going hybrid by including a detachable tablet screen with laptop. This would replace the basic macbook tho, not the Air.
The tablet will accept a Bluetooth keyboard. Problem solved. BTW I also predict stylus and mouse ability and other stuff, lke a slot that will let one model work with any carrier. My article on this is at myallo dot com slash blog.

Eidorian

Jan 7, 2010, 06:45 PM

MikhailT

Jan 7, 2010, 06:52 PM

The tablet will accept a Bluetooth keyboard. Problem solved. BTW I also predict stylus and mouse ability and other stuff, lke a slot that will let one model work with any carrier. My article on this is at myallo dot com slash blog.

Then how would you hold both the screen and the keyboard? You might as well get a macbook if you are going to be typing most of the time. Is it really worth 1000$ just to get extremely portable screen for less than 20-30% of your workflow, not to mention low performance compared to a real laptop?

rols

Jan 7, 2010, 07:00 PM

Will it run Flash?

I do hope not - unless the browser comes with a built-in flash blocker.

agreenster

Jan 7, 2010, 07:05 PM

Its fun to watch the competition scramble to release a tablet before Apple, make them all look the same (or like an iPhone ripoff), running windows 7, while the rest of us KNOW that Apple is going to destroy them with something that surpasses them all because they did their homework about what a tablet should exist for. Theres going to be a great integration of style and substance, and an OS that just works for what it's meant to do in that particular form-factor.

Have fun Dell, HP, Microsoft. but you're fighting a losing battle.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 07:06 PM

The tablet will accept a Bluetooth keyboard. Problem solved. BTW I also predict stylus and mouse ability and other stuff, lke a slot that will let one model work with any carrier. My article on this is at myallo dot com slash blog.

The problem is not solved. If I have to lug the Tablet, plus separate keyboard and mouse - I may as well just take my MBA with me instead (yes the one you erroneously think will disappear ;)).

But the bigger point you're missing is that the Tablet is NOT a general purpose computer. I run a variety of custom MacOS apps on my MBA, none of them will run on Tablet. For that reason alone, Tablet won't be a replacement for any general purpose computer.

McGiord

Jan 7, 2010, 07:22 PM

Liquorpuki

Jan 7, 2010, 07:23 PM

The tablet will accept a Bluetooth keyboard. Problem solved. BTW I also predict stylus and mouse ability and other stuff, lke a slot that will let one model work with any carrier. My article on this is at myallo dot com slash blog.

You're thinking the tablet is either gonna be a laptop or a phone when by nature it's not optimized to be either. And if they did go either route, all Apple would be doing is cannibalizing its own profits. What's the point of putting out a new product if it forces you to lose revenue off an existing product line? Where's the business sense in putting out a product that will eat up iphone sales?

Apple has a track record of creating market share out of thin air. Before the iPod nobody knew why they needed an MP3 player. At this point in time, nobody knows why they need a tablet.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 07:26 PM

Back to my mac will allow you to do it from your Mac at home... ?

You serious? You think remote Screen Sharing is a substitute for running real apps?

Give you a quick example.. I am a Network Engineer by trade, and I frequently need a packet capture app called Cocoa Packet Analyzer, which I have on my MBA. I doubt I will be able to do run a packet cap app on a Tablet, and remote Screen Sharing is of no use. The list can easily go on.

monster620ie

Jan 7, 2010, 07:30 PM

If it can be used as an ebook reader with e-ink technology or better with great battery life and easy on the eyes, then I am going to be all over it. I would love to have all my PDF's for technical books in one place and read at coffee shops without having to lug around traditional books. Hope it is 9' or 10' in size. Will I be able to afford, well that is another question?

basesloaded190

Jan 7, 2010, 07:32 PM

If it can be used as an ebook reader with e-ink technology or better with great battery life, then I am going to be all over it. I would love to have all my PDF's for technical books in one place and read at coffee shops without having to lug around traditional books. Hope it is 9' or 10' in size. Will I be able to afford, well that is another question?

Well if anything, I think it will be above and beyond what you are looking for :)

monster620ie

Jan 7, 2010, 07:39 PM

Well if anything, I think it will be above and beyond what you are looking for :)
:D really, I don't ask for much.

Lepton

Jan 7, 2010, 07:44 PM

The problem is not solved. If I have to lug the Tablet, plus separate keyboard and mouse - I may as well just take my MBA with me instead (yes the one you erroneously think will disappear ;)).

But the bigger point you're missing is that the Tablet is NOT a general purpose computer. I run a variety of custom MacOS apps on my MBA, none of them will run on Tablet. For that reason alone, Tablet won't be a replacement for any general purpose computer.First, you only have to lug a physical keyboard if you _want_ a physical keyboard for the thing. Which you won't. But you can have it if you want.

Second, this tablet will surely be a replacement for many netbooks. What do people use netbooks for - browsing, EMail, watching video, and taking notes. On this device, do that and add screen sharing and reading publications. And it will run all App Store apps. Life will be good. MacBook Air will be gone. I betcha a buck.

hitekalex

Jan 7, 2010, 08:04 PM

First, you only have to lug a physical keyboard if you _want_ a physical keyboard for the thing. Which you won't. But you can have it if you want.

You certainly WILL want a real keyboard if you need to do anything beyond light e-mailing or twittering. As it's been pointed out numerous times, touchscreens will never come close in usability to physical keyboard. I can't imagine doing a lot of things on a touchscreen that you can easily do even with a crappy netbook physical keyboard.

Second, this tablet will surely be a replacement for many netbooks. What do people use netbooks for - browsing, EMail, watching video, and taking notes. On this device, do that and add screen sharing and reading publications. And it will run all App Store apps. Life will be good. MacBook Air will be gone. I betcha a buck.

You can use a lot of other things for browsing/watching video/etc.. like an iPhone! And yes the Tablet will run App Store applets, but they're no good for real productivity.

And by the way, MacBook Air is NOT a netbook. I am surprised someone with an Apple-centric techno blog doesn't know that ;) And no it won't be gone - I will bet $500 against your $50. However, something tells me you won't be around on Jan 28, when I show up to collect. :D

oldwatery

Jan 7, 2010, 08:10 PM

This is the most useless front page post ever made. While claiming to be new information, it tells us absolutely nothing.

"It's a big iPhone, but it's not just a big iPhone"

Wow, thanks a lot for that insight!

"It's pretty"

Useless.

I agree....but we better get used to it as every expert and pundit makes claims about their insider info.
Some people just have to get their names in the news :rolleyes:

But seriously...hope it's more than a big iPhone that has reader capabilities:(

amirite

Jan 7, 2010, 08:19 PM

Radical prediction: iPhone OS and the Tablet OS will now be OS 11... the future of Apple, the future of computing?

OS X will still be evolving as a separate platform until they eventually merge together when touch* overtakes the traditional mouse/keyboard concept as the main way of interacting with computers.

*and/or these other new ("surprising") method(s) of interaction?

Lepton

Jan 7, 2010, 08:27 PM

I can't imagine doing a lot of things on a touchscreen that you can easily do even with a crappy netbook physical keyboard.
(...)
And by the way, MacBook Air is NOT a netbook. I am surprised someone with an Apple-centric techno blog doesn't know that ;) And no it won't be gone - I will bet $500 against your $50. However, something tells me you won't be around on Jan 28, when I show up to collect. :D Really? What tells you that, my macrumors join date? I'll be here. You should have seen the laughs at my predictions well before the iPhone showed. But they were much more right than wrong.

You want a physical keyboard, you can have one. Get a Bluetooth keyboard, maybe one that doesn't need lugging. If Apple supports them, there will be plenty of light, complementary ones appearing. MacBooks will still exist too. But most won't bother with a BT keyboard. And the Air will go. I wouldn't be surprised if Steve pulls the tablet out of a _small_ envelope this time.