Gaming Industry Invited to Apple Media Event

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/19/gaming-industry-invited-to-apple-media-event/)

Several media sources related to gaming, including IGN (http://wireless.ign.com/articles/106/1061742p1.html) and Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5451042/apple-invites-us-to-jan-27-special-event-think-islate), have received invitations to Apple's media event (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/18/apple-issues-invitations-for-january-27th-media-event/) scheduled for next week. According to IGN, representatives of several game makers have also been invited to the event. While the invitations suggest that gaming may be at least something of a focus at the event, it remains unclear it might be related to Apple's tablet device or simply iPhone OS 4.0, both of which are rumored (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/18/january-27th-media-event-tablet-iphone-os-4-0-ilife-2010/) to be topics of conversation.Consider these few additional tantalizing hints about the event, though. Myself and another iPhone games writer received invites for this event today, as did contacts at a handful of iPhone game makers. Why would Apple want us collected at this event if there was not some game-related news on the horizon?While gaming offerings for the tablet would certainly not be a surprise, the question remains whether Apple could look to position the tablet as a gaming device. Although the device's large screen could offer some distinct advantages over traditional handheld gaming systems and the company's own iPhone and iPod touch as has been demonstrated (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/06/illusion-labs-demonstrates-iphone-games-on-a-large-multi-touch-table/) in the past, its expected relatively high price would likely make it difficult to position the tablet solely for gaming.

On the other hand, if iPhone OS 4.0 is in fact scheduled for an introduction at the event, the presence of gaming industry representatives may be less of a surprise. Gaming has played an important role in the success of the iPhone and iPod touch, and demonstrations from game developers have figured prominently in many of Apple's iPhone OS presentations. So while gaming appears to have garnered a greater importance to Apple when drawing up its guest list this time around, we still must wait until next week to discover whether Apple has some major gaming news up its sleeve or if it is simply acknowledging the important role gaming already plays in the iPhone ecosystem.


Article Link: Gaming Industry Invited to Apple Media Event (http://www.macrumors.com/2010/01/19/gaming-industry-invited-to-apple-media-event/)

[P99]

:) !!!

[QEII Student IT]

I hope that Apple recognise that their iPod touch/iPhone gaming success will most likely be shared by a tablet device. Point and click gaming or motion (via accelerometer) controlled gaming is better than sitting button-pushing.

[The Phazer]

It could potentially be there because they're going to anounce an attachable thumbstick/button attachment for gaming to the iPhone...

Heck, just OS level API support for other people's via the dock would be sufficient....

We'll soon see.

Phazer

[jaw04005]

If Apple plans on spending 40 minutes of their keynote on gaming demos from EA, Ubisoft, etc again (like the 3.0 SDK preview event and WWDC ’09), I think I’ll skip the live coverage.

Boring.

[Eidorian]

If Apple plans on spending 40 minutes of their keynote on gaming demos from EA, Ubisoft, etc again (like the 3.0 SDK preview event and WWDC ’09), I think I’ll skip the live coverage.

Boring.Sign me up.

Also, I'm considering getting an iPod Touch this time around if they decide to upgrade them beyond just the capacity.

[Dayv]

Myself [...] received invites for this event today, as did contacts at a handful of iPhone game makers.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a professional writer.

[depaulsunny]

Why is nobody considering the earlier rumors of an apple gaming device possibly in-built into a new apple tv??

[scoobydoo99]

its expected relatively high price would likely make it difficult to position the tablet solely for gaming.


NO DUH! how could someone even write this?! NO ONE ever suggested that an Apple tablet would be "solely" for gaming!

[arnette]

Looks like a forced use of multi-touch to put gaming on a tablet/tabletop screen.

[Felder71]

I hope that Apple recognise that their iPod touch/iPhone gaming success will most likely be shared by a tablet device. Point and click gaming or motion (via accelerometer) controlled gaming is better than sitting button-pushing.

Except that a tablet is going to cost, at a bare minimum, $500 and that's a much higher barrier than the iPod, which parents are buying for their kids at only $200 or so.

[MacFly123]

Man Apple is SERIOUSLY going to REGULATE this year!!! I am SOOO EXCITED for the iSlate! :D :cool:

[iOrlando]

maybe I missed it, but I would obviously need to know one fact, were these people invited in the past to iphone/apple meetings?

If they weren't, that is pretty important. If they were invited to iphone meetings etc, then this is no news.

[QEII Student IT]

Man Apple is SERIOUSLY going to REGULATE this year!!! I am SOOO EXCITED for the iSlate! :D :cool:

Well, I would say they dominated since Windows Vista's launch date.

If Apple brings out a tablet, everyone will, like with MP3 Players and Smartphones. HP and Dell have already taken interest in making one.

Apple will take Tablets from the bottom of the computer heirachy, to the top. And simultaneously send netbooks plummeting.

[bbydon]

Why is nobody considering the earlier rumors of an apple gaming device possibly in-built into a new apple tv??

That would be neat....but suck because i would have to get a new apple TV.

[MacFly123]

Well, I would say they dominated since Windows Vista's launch date.

If Apple brings out a tablet, everyone will, like with MP3 Players and Smartphones. HP and Dell have already taken interest in making one.

Apple will take Tablets from the bottom of the computer heirachy, to the top. And simultaneously send netbooks plummeting.

I would say the real transition was when they switched to Intel! They really are an amazing company!

Read this article:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/01/15/the_inside_track_on_apples_tablet_a_history_of_tablet_computing.html

It is really interesting. Basically, the tablet is what "personal computing" was always imagined to be, but has never been successful. People don't even realize, that Apple being successful with iSlate will LITERALLY be Apple reversing the entire history of personal computing to its original intentions in a sense! And all of it is possible because of this MASSIVE and TOTALLY COMPREHENSIVE product strategy and ecosystem that Steve Jobs has put in place piece by piece for decades! It is really incredible! The ability to do this all centered around culture and art/media with such a clear vision really gives me respect and admiration for Steve Jobs. Yes I know the man is a bit odd and not perfect, but there really is nobody else like him. He is very unique. More than I could EVER say for Bill Gates and others! :rolleyes: That is why I like Apple, even though they are not perfect as no company is!

[MacFly123]

Why is nobody considering the earlier rumors of an apple gaming device possibly in-built into a new apple tv??

I think Apple will finally update the hardware this year and integrate with the iSlate! :eek: Anyone agree?

What they REALLY need to do, is release an SDK and the App Store for it as well this year! If they do not, they will REALLY be dropping the ball. They should have done it last year! Lets hope for the best! :o

Sorry, double post.

[G58]

NO DUH! how could someone even write this?! NO ONE ever suggested that an Apple tablet would be "solely" for gaming!

scoobydoo, you beat me to it!

Although I've read and heard this sort of dumb comment from strictly non tech commentators on national news items, it looks really absurd here doesn't it?

I suppose there must be a word for this style of commentary: debunking an outcome that was never likely, but it has to be the height of laziness, born of ignorance.

Apple's announcement on the 27th will very likely follow the theme used to announce the iPhone, when Steve said:

"Well today, we're introducing THREE revolutionary new products. The first one is a widescreen ipod with touch controls. The second is a revolutionary new mobile phone. And the third is a breakthrough internet communications device... An iPod, a phone, an internet mobile communicator. An iPod, a phone, an internet mobile communicator.... these are NOT three separate devices!"

I thought it was worth revisiting that wonderful moment of theatre. My guess is Steve probably feels the same.

Here's an 'exclusive preview' from next week:

"Well today, we're introducing THREE revolutionary new products. The first one is a widescreen internet communications device with touch controls. The second is an intuitive new book reader - with a color screen! And the third is a new games platform. A widescreen internet communications device with touch controls, an intuitive new book reader - with a color screen! and a new games platform... these are NOT three separate devices!"

"And one more thing: It plays music and movies too!":apple:

[utsava]

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a professional writer.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a grammar douche.

[Yixian]

More Tablet Rumours, Directly Into My Veins. A New Rumour Every Minute Or I Will Bleed.

[mattgoldey]

is just for a CPU/GPU update on the MacBook Pro. I want to order one soon, but I'd hate to order it and then have them update the CPU & GPU just after I place my order. :)

[Lesser Evets]

Apple has mentioned or been mentioned having serious intentions when it comes to portable gaming. Those lil' app games have made some serious dough, as Apple stumbled across the market in the past couple years.

If this slate is more of a gaming platform than connectivity-production-media machine, I'll have to put a purchase on ice. Kitchy doodad might be fine for many, but some people need to create records/documents and art on the run.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a professional writer.

What is youself talk about?

[alent1234]

I would say the real transition was when they switched to Intel! They really are an amazing company!

Read this article:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/01/15/the_inside_track_on_apples_tablet_a_history_of_tablet_computing.html

It is really interesting. Basically, the tablet is what "personal computing" was always imagined to be, but has never been successful. People don't even realize, that Apple being successful with iSlate will LITERALLY be Apple reversing the entire history of personal computing to its original intentions in a sense! And all of it is possible because of this MASSIVE and TOTALLY COMPREHENSIVE product strategy and ecosystem that Steve Jobs has put in place piece by piece for decades! It is really incredible! The ability to do this all centered around culture and art/media with such a clear vision really gives me respect and admiration for Steve Jobs. Yes I know the man is a bit odd and not perfect, but there really is nobody else like him. He is very unique. More than I could EVER say for Bill Gates and others! :rolleyes: That is why I like Apple, even though they are not perfect as no company is!

the reason tablets haven't taken off was because they cost more for less usability. if apple wants to sell itablets to non-fanboys for $1000 or even $800 than it needs to offer usability and the freedom to run almost anything you want. not just an approved app store or media subscriptions.

no one is going to pay for magazines to read on a computer unless it's the WSJ or some other specialty content

[OllyW]

If Apple plans on spending 40 minutes of their keynote on gaming demos from EA, Ubisoft, etc again (like the 3.0 SDK preview event and WWDC ’09), I think I’ll skip the live coverage.

Boring.

All the App demos at the Keynotes are boring.

The only thing anyone wants to know is when is it going to be available and how much does it cost. :D

[strike1555]

Apple will take Tablets from the bottom of the computer heirachy, to the top. And simultaneously send netbooks plummeting.


Don't count on it.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a grammar douche.


LOL

[Peace]

As funky as the fake hand looks I really believe this is as close as we will see about the device and the potential for gaming.

Watch at the 2:40 mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntyXvLnxyXk

[Lesser Evets]

the reason tablets haven't taken off was because they cost more for less usability. if apple wants to sell itablets ... for $1000 or even $800 than it needs to offer usability and the freedom to run almost anything you want...

At heart, I agree.

On specifics, I would differ. It isn't so much about running anything "you want" but being able to do anything you have to in order to facilitate a purchase. Apple can take a laptop, trim it down, chop off the top end computing, and allow modified app versions to run, and I'd definitely buy a $1000 tablet over a $1000 laptop.

Not sure about how many others would, though. In mobile computing, I am never looking for complete floor model/desktop function, though many have in the past. I doubt most notebook people use full function of their portables by doing complex computing; they probably use it more for iWork/iLife type stuff.

[G58]

I think Apple will finally update the hardware this year and integrate with the iSlate! :eek: Anyone agree?

What they REALLY need to do, is release an SDK and the App Store for it as well this year! If they do not, they will REALLY be dropping the ball. They should have done it last year! Lets hope for the best! :o

Sorry, double post.

Are you suggesting they should have released an SDK for an unannounced product???

Where have you been for the past thirteen years? What effect do you think pre-announcing a new device by releasing an SDK would actually have?

Look, this is why Microsoft have become irrelevant. Ballmer has announced the MS slate/tablet thing three times now. And do we have a wide take-up of MS slate/tablet things? No, we do not - indeed, far from it. It's not just because Ballmer announced it [although I can't imagine a surer way of branding a thing 'UNCOOL!'], but it's the mentality behind such a tactic that damns it to hell before birth.

What Apple does is very very different. They work up many many ideas. Commit on just a few and actually release even fewer. And they say nothing until it's ready. Good plan? I'd say so. It's sure as hell worked for them so far.

And as for the SDK question, why shouldn't the iPhone SDK work if, as rumoured, the new device runs on the iPhone OS?

Apple will of course integrate, but let's hope they don't call it iSlate! It's a horrible name. Who uses a slate?

iPad, iBook [why not?] iTablet even, but iSlate is ugly. Just say it a few times: iSlate, iSlate, iSlate, I Slate, I Slate you, I-Sol-ate

No, it has to be more friendly sounding than that. After all, they're not Google! [Android Nexus One any...er - one?] My money is on iPad, or iTablet, with a resurrected iBook in third - but only because it's retro, and I don't see Apple doing retro - even in the naming process.

[-=XX=-Nephilim]

Pushing already some fantastic gaming experiences on iPhone / iPod Touch further via more powerful hardware as well as bigger screen is only obvious and logical thing to do...

Bring it on :)

[QEII Student IT]

iBook [why not?]


I don't think they'll go back to iBook, it stood for Notebook the first time round and I think the tablet will be more than an e-reader. I hope anyway...

[QEII Student IT]

I just looked at Apple Insider and Apple Stock is up about 10% since those invites went out!

[bossxii]

People are too narrow minded if they think the Tablet will "fail" if it doesn't do "Pro" apps such as Photoshop or some desktop applications. Gaming has driven sales of consumer PC's since very early on. The hardware has evolved in speed due to gaming, not to run some word processor or excel spreadsheet. They don't create new graphics cards for Photoshop... or whatever "arts/design" program is out there. Gaming pushes technology to create the fastest GPU, the fastest CPU, the best interface for the end user. Take project Natal, while I'm sure their could be some medical or other use for the technology, gaming is what pushes it to reality, the masses of gamers will pay for the advancement of the technology to be applied elsewhere.

If Apple puts out a tablet device that has access to the App store for gaming, video, music and debuts ebook, emags (such as the ESPN demo) it will sell like crazy. Creating spreadsheets, email etc.. is a given since it can already be done on the iPhone, although tough to do with such a small device. If they don't cripple it with an under powered CPU/GPU it will be huge. The Archos 9 tablet is a perfect example of an underpowered Tablet, that tried to fit in the 500 dollar price range. Their were many examples of Atom based tablet's (shown at CES) trying to take netbook market share and will fail because they are gutless wonders that try to put a desktop OS on a underpowered system. Then with little thought to the "user experience" they are bashed by even their biggest fans after they release.

IF HP or Dell was convinced they had the "best" tablet going they would have made a HUGE deal about them at CES. They barely even powered them on, my guess is they believe that Apple will set the bar as to what it "should" be and then they will try to play catch up. They are to far behind on the "touch" interface to even bother putting out something prior to Apple. They will try to add some feature Apple doesn't have, such as a better camera, add a SD slot, add something they can brag about because their CPU/GPU will be slow/cheap, their interface will be horribly slow and they will still just load Windows 7 vs creating anything original.

[turbineseaplane]

A control interface that attaches to include buttons would make the touch/phone sky rocket even further into the gaming realm.

I agree with the poster who asked for at least API support through the dock connector for 3rd parties.

There are a ton of games that really need hardware buttons to be at their best.

[lukecro]

Why is nobody considering the earlier rumors of an apple gaming device possibly in-built into a new apple tv??

I think Apple will finally update the hardware this year and integrate with the iSlate! Anyone agree?

What they REALLY need to do, is release an SDK and the App Store for it as well this year! If they do not, they will REALLY be dropping the ball. They should have done it last year! Lets hope for the best!


Yeah, refreshing the Apple TV hardware specs and adding in an App Store would seem like a really smart move . . . iPhone apps designed to scale-up for a tablet could perhaps also be scaled up for a full-sized TV screen, giving users a single iSlate + Apple TV app store where they can purchase apps/games to use on all their Apple devices.

With every game console having some degree of multimedia-management now -- even the Wii is about to allow for Netflix streaming -- and non-gaming set-top media devices like the WDTV Live allowing you to access all sorts of media from your network or a hard-drive for easy playback on your TV, the Apple TV has fallen behind the times, being just a spruced-up old-school Video iPod for your TV. But if people could use apps and play games on the Apple TV, then Apple will be cutting right into the game-console market with a family-friendly, multi-purpose device. . . . Essentially an iPod Touch for the family TV. And iPhones/Touches could act as super-remotes and game-controllers for the Apple TV apps/games.

Plus, maybe then you'd see Apple open up the platform for some really cool Apple TV apps - like Boxee/Plex/XBMC, Netflix, eyeTV, and Skype/Google Voice <cough, :eek:> apps. This would allow Apple to maintain some control (app-approval process, $$ from app sales) while opening up the Apple TV enough so that we'd no longer be forced to hack it to get it to do everything we want it it to do.

With the right upgrade they could keep the costs down while still making the Apple TV consumer-friendly enough so that everyone would want one in their home, in the same way that everyone's got an iPod/Phone/Touch/Nano. It'd be as all-ages friendly as the Wii and as media-useful as the upcoming Boxee Box -- a potential market dominator that could be even more successful than the much-hyped iSlate tablet, which it could none-the-less integrate with in many ways (use the iSlate to browse TV schedules; control games on the TV, sync apps between the iSlate and the Apple TV; etc.).

That said, I'm excited about the iSlate, and I won't be holding my breath when it comes to waiting for Apple to finally upgrade the ATV. At this point, the iSlate seems more likely than a really useful Apple TV refresh. But we'll see :cool::apple:

(Personally, I'd probably just lust for an iSlate for a few years before buying one. But if Apple made an Apple TV that could everything it does now + allowed apps so that it could do what the Boxee Box promises it can do without having to hack anything + can play some simple iTouch-style games -- all for less $$ than buying a Mac Mini -- I'd buy it immediately; I think a lot of people would.)

[JakeTheMac]

Maybe Big Steve has decided Apple need's to gain the gaming market back to Mac's. Although that's more a WWDC announcement.

[TAJones99]

wish I can go.

[TheSlush]

Perhaps an Apple TV tie-in?

[nagromme]

I’m amazed how much gaming I do on my iPhone—even sitting at home where portability is not the top priority. If I ever buy a tablet, touch-based gaming will be my killer app.

[zap2]

Point and click gaming or motion (via accelerometer) controlled gaming is better than sitting button-pushing.


Perhaps on a casual scale, but currently FPS are much better on classic controllers(like X360 and PS3)

[flottenheimer]

"Modern Warfare 3" exclusive for Mac only! That would rock!

PS: Really looking forward to see a Steve in great shape (hopefully).

[jayducharme]

Can anyone say, "Surface?" The demo seems a bit clunky, and looks like stuff MS was presenting a few years ago. I'm not sure if a tabletop system would take off. The viewing angle is too awkward.

But if the table projected holographic images above the surface.... :D

[ariza910]

It could potentially be there because they're going to anounce an attachable thumbstick/button attachment for gaming to the iPhone...

Heck, just OS level API support for other people's via the dock would be sufficient....

We'll soon see.

Phazer

This would make the most sense and would put Apple in direct competition with DSi and PSPs. Touch screen is fantastic on the iPod Touch but adding physical buttons via a dock attachment would make it a much more capable portable gaming device.

[Yixian]

I think you guys are overlooking the real implications of this story.

Whether Apple intend to show off gaming on the iPhone or tablet, you don't invite the gaming press to an event to show off new APIs that may be useful for game developers...

You show of games.

Games. At the stage where they can be shown during play. Games that are significant enough to warrant coverage on IGN or Kotakus homepages - not little arcade titles, not sudoku compilations - full console level experiences.

If they turn out to be for the iPhone, lovely, the platform is only JUST starting to have console level titles released on it.

But what would be amazing is if Apple showed off high concept games on the tablet.

[MacFly123]

the reason tablets haven't taken off was because they cost more for less usability. if apple wants to sell itablets to non-fanboys for $1000 or even $800 than it needs to offer usability and the freedom to run almost anything you want. not just an approved app store or media subscriptions.

no one is going to pay for magazines to read on a computer unless it's the WSJ or some other specialty content

Not entirely true. You miss a MAJOR point, and that is that tablets have had HORRIBLE UIs! Mostly desktop windows trying to poke the tiniest little UI elements with a stylus instead of designing the UI FOR THE TABLET! What a concept lol! The biggest reason Microsoft FAILED MISERABLY at them!

Also, Apple has proven that people are very willing to buy into hardware and an ecosystem that offers premium content without crap and ads! Another reason the iSlate will succeed!

Are you suggesting they should have released an SDK for an unannounced product???

Where have you been for the past thirteen years? What effect do you think pre-announcing a new device by releasing an SDK would actually have?

Look, this is why Microsoft have become irrelevant. Ballmer has announced the MS slate/tablet thing three times now. And do we have a wide take-up of MS slate/tablet things? No, we do not - indeed, far from it. It's not just because Ballmer announced it [although I can't imagine a surer way of branding a thing 'UNCOOL!'], but it's the mentality behind such a tactic that damns it to hell before birth.

What Apple does is very very different. They work up many many ideas. Commit on just a few and actually release even fewer. And they say nothing until it's ready. Good plan? I'd say so. It's sure as hell worked for them so far.

And as for the SDK question, why shouldn't the iPhone SDK work if, as rumoured, the new device runs on the iPhone OS?

Apple will of course integrate, but let's hope they don't call it iSlate! It's a horrible name. Who uses a slate?

iPad, iBook [why not?] iTablet even, but iSlate is ugly. Just say it a few times: iSlate, iSlate, iSlate, I Slate, I Slate you, I-Sol-ate

No, it has to be more friendly sounding than that. After all, they're not Google! [Android Nexus One any...er - one?] My money is on iPad, or iTablet, with a resurrected iBook in third - but only because it's retro, and I don't see Apple doing retro - even in the naming process.

CALM DOWN lol! I was referring to the Apple TV, geeze! :rolleyes:

P.S. iSlate sounds good and is the MOST LIKELY name I will bet you anything! iPad HORRIBLE, tampon, dilutes iPod and majorly confuses the two! iTablet not original enough, iBook being it is a SLATE and not a dual screen form factor that obviously makes no sense either! Sorry! :p Don't worry, you'll see next Wednesday.

Yeah, refreshing the Apple TV hardware specs and adding in an App Store would seem like a really smart move . . . iPhone apps designed to scale-up for a tablet could perhaps also be scaled up for a full-sized TV screen, giving users a single iSlate + Apple TV app store where they can purchase apps/games to use on all their Apple devices.

With every game console having some degree of multimedia-management now -- even the Wii is about to allow for Netflix streaming -- and non-gaming set-top media devices like the WDTV Live allowing you to access all sorts of media from your network or a hard-drive for easy playback on your TV, the Apple TV has fallen behind the times, being just a spruced-up old-school Video iPod for your TV. But if people could use apps and play games on the Apple TV, then Apple will be cutting right into the game-console market with a family-friendly, multi-purpose device. . . . Essentially an iPod Touch for the family TV. And iPhones/Touches could act as super-remotes and game-controllers for the Apple TV apps/games.

Plus, maybe then you'd see Apple open up the platform for some really cool Apple TV apps - like Boxee/Plex/XBMC, Netflix, eyeTV, and Skype/Google Voice <cough, :eek:> apps. This would allow Apple to maintain some control (app-approval process, $$ from app sales) while opening up the Apple TV enough so that we'd no longer be forced to hack it to get it to do everything we want it it to do.

With the right upgrade they could keep the costs down while still making the Apple TV consumer-friendly enough so that everyone would want one in their home, in the same way that everyone's got an iPod/Phone/Touch/Nano. It'd be as all-ages friendly as the Wii and as media-useful as the upcoming Boxee Box -- a potential market dominator that could be even more successful than the much-hyped iSlate tablet, which it could none-the-less integrate with in many ways (use the iSlate to browse TV schedules; control games on the TV, sync apps between the iSlate and the Apple TV; etc.).

That said, I'm excited about the iSlate, and I won't be holding my breath when it comes to waiting for Apple to finally upgrade the ATV. At this point, the iSlate seems more likely than a really useful Apple TV refresh. But we'll see :cool::apple:

(Personally, I'd probably just lust for an iSlate for a few years before buying one. But if Apple made an Apple TV that could everything it does now + allowed apps so that it could do what the Boxee Box promises it can do without having to hack anything + can play some simple iTouch-style games -- all for less $$ than buying a Mac Mini -- I'd buy it immediately; I think a lot of people would.)

Yup, you are on the right path. I don't know about these apps chances though... "Boxee/Plex/XBMC, Netflix, eyeTV, and Google Voice". Netflix making it would be a cold day in hell lol! Major conflict of interest with iTunes!

[StanWinstone]

It'll run every game the iPhone runs already- and I suspect it won't take long for developers to start designing upgraded versions at high resolution for the table. Could be a great mobile gaming device- especially if it allows some sort of joystick/joypad to be connected.

[QEII Student IT]

As some people suggested, an add-on accessory with buttons for gaming would be cool, but Apple like to make all-in-ones. They even made an I'm a Mac ad where Mac works out of the box and PC has loads of peripherals to setup. I think that until some sort of button system is arranged, Apple "games consoles" will not evolve far past the mini-games that dominate the app store today. I think that the tablet should be released as a stand alone device, but you should be able to buy a bluetooth gaming controller to go with it.

[Jamo12]

I hope that Apple recognize that their iPod touch/iPhone gaming success will most likely be shared by a tablet device. Point and click gaming or motion (via accelerometer) controlled gaming is better than sitting button-pushing.

A just touch screen interface will NEVER beat a controller with buttons or a keyboard and mouse.

I do wish they did have some sort of button attachment (like everyone has been saying). Maybe said attachment will also have a built in battery so you can actually get a good amount of gaming with one charge. (or you could just double the thickness of the iPod Touch{<-------------NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!!![wish it would though]} and double the battery life and have room for better stuff in it.)

My DS lite lasts me for about 12-14 hours of games on low brightness while the iPod does maybe 2.5.

[Steven Haskayne]

After seeing the use of the iphone as a remote control for the Parrot AR Drone (http://www.ardrone.org/parrot-ar-drone/en/) i think we're missing a trick here. Imagine if the iTablet/Slate/Pad has an HD output that connects to your television, then using bluetooth connects to your iPhone as a WiiMote type remote and the screen could be used as a secondary screen?

I can't help but imagine how different this would set apple apart from the likes of Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft in terms of originality and the potential to innovate with not only a tablet, but the iphone also.

Just a thought....

[Bubba Satori]

This is great news.
Maybe it means Apple will stop putting two year old, low end, $50 video cards in their premium computers.
Now if Apple could just figure out how to stuff DX11 in OSX. :D
That would be amazing, cool and really neat.

[*LTD*]

I’m amazed how much gaming I do on my iPhone—even sitting at home where portability is not the top priority. If I ever buy a tablet, touch-based gaming will be my killer app.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. ;)

[Eidorian]

This is great news.
Maybe it means Apple will stop putting two year old, low end, $50 video cards in their premium computers.
Now if Apple could just figure out how to stuff DX11 in OSX. :D
That would be amazing, cool and really neat.ENVY 15 competition or bust.

[cumanzor]

ENVY 15 competition or bust.

New Macbooks are supposed to come with Core i5 cpus right?

[Rhymecrafter]

I would say the real transition was when they switched to Intel! They really are an amazing company!

Read this article:

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/01/15/the_inside_track_on_apples_tablet_a_history_of_tablet_computing.html

It is really interesting. Basically, the tablet is what "personal computing" was always imagined to be, but has never been successful. People don't even realize, that Apple being successful with iSlate will LITERALLY be Apple reversing the entire history of personal computing to its original intentions in a sense! And all of it is possible because of this MASSIVE and TOTALLY COMPREHENSIVE product strategy and ecosystem that Steve Jobs has put in place piece by piece for decades! It is really incredible! The ability to do this all centered around culture and art/media with such a clear vision really gives me respect and admiration for Steve Jobs. Yes I know the man is a bit odd and not perfect, but there really is nobody else like him. He is very unique. More than I could EVER say for Bill Gates and others! :rolleyes: That is why I like Apple, even though they are not perfect as no company is!

First time poster, long time reader. I have to agree, I have always thought that the Iphone is just the first step in re-engineering the computer as we know it. I forsee a day in the not to far distant future where an Iphone device, or possibly a tablet device, or a hybrid of both will be the computing standard.

You carry your computer in your pocket and maybe utilise a dock at home and at work. One device that wil be everything you are and do. Lets face it the Iphone is already 1000,s of multiples more pwerful than anything we ver used in the late 70's or 80's... And cloud computing is just the next step...

[MacFly123]

First time poster, long time reader. I have to agree, I have always thought that the Iphone is just the first step in re-engineering the computer as we know it. I forsee a day in the not to far distant future where an Iphone device, or possibly a tablet device, or a hybrid of both will be the computing standard.

You carry your computer in your pocket and maybe utilise a dock at home and at work. One device that wil be everything you are and do. Lets face it the Iphone is already 1000,s of multiples more pwerful than anything we ver used in the late 70's or 80's... And cloud computing is just the next step...

I am very leery of cloud computing in general. Luckily Apple takes more of an approach to it that I might agree with by using it as a COMPLEMENT to local apps and computing. Other companies are far more extreme in their pursuit which I really disagree with for many reasons.

Now as far as your vision goes I see something similar. I think we will still need a "desktop" computer that has some serious horsepower. However, I think that will likely turn into some sort of home server that is incorporated INTO your home and all of its devices like an automated home/entertainment center type idea. Your TVs, iSlates, iPhones and so on would merely connect to that main computer and interface with it as well as share its CPU and GPU and horsepower while also being cloud connected to content, services, and syncing to make everything seamless from house, to devices, to car, and so on!

[satcomer]

I will buy some tablet Apple makes IF it allowes me to watch TV on it, anywhere! :rolleyes:

[Silvereel]

If Apple plans on spending 40 minutes of their keynote on gaming demos from EA, Ubisoft, etc again (like the 3.0 SDK preview event and WWDC ’09), I think I’ll skip the live coverage.

Boring.

I signed up just to reply to this :P
There will be live coverage?

[thesmall]

that would work as a reat for all i-pad users....

i m looking forward for thata. its gonna b hell lot of fun...

[arkmannj]

Apple is announcing their acquisition of Nintendo...

They will be merging AppleTV and the Next Nintendo Console into one device,
the new device will be capable of playing games made for ipod/iphone (the new controller will have a touch pad included or as an adaptor)
Also, games made for the new console will need to be done through XCode and as such will be relatively easy to port to Mac's. Nintendo will maintain it's own branding.

<and then I woke up>

[Silvereel]

Apple is announcing their acquisition of Nintendo...

They will be merging AppleTV and the Next Nintendo Console into one device,
the new device will be capable of playing games made for ipod/iphone (the new controller will have a touch pad included or as an adaptor)
Also, games made for the new console will need to be done through XCode and as such will be relatively easy to port to Mac's. Nintendo will maintain it's own branding.

<and then I woke up>

I had the same thought last night for some reason.