Apple Issues Invitations for January 27th Media Event

[Carniphage]

In the mages of the MacBook Touch posted above, the virtual keyboard on the second screen looks identical to the physical keyboard, even with a touchpad. I can't see why something like that wouldn't work for all current OSX applications.

An on-screen keyboard would obscure part of the screen. Perhaps the part of the screen you want to type into.

And for all Mac apps it would have to be on-screen 24-7 because all Mac apps accept keyboard input all the time. The let's-remap-tablet-inputs-to-desktop-apps has been done before. It sucks.

Think of the natural gesture for scrolling a window. Now think of the natural gesture for moving a window. Now think of the natural gesture for selecting a block of text. In all cases it is place finger on screen and slide. Untangling and resolving these gestures is not something the Mac OS can do.

For a touch interface to work (and not suck) it needs applications built from the ground up with touch in mind.

C.

 

[ss957916]

OF COURSE!

Post 788 above: the ability to pop the tablet on a charging stand and have it connect to a wireless keyboard and mouse (and external HDD?) would be FANTASTIC.

I have a MacBook Pro but would love an iMac, but don't see how I can easilt keep the two sync'd (so if I work on document on my MBP whilst on the train, when I get home I'd have to spend time getting it onto my iMac to then continue working on it only then to have to get the file BACK onto my MBP to work on it on the journey in to work the next morning).

This idea would solve it all... assuming it's running OS X, of course.

Do this Apple, and I'll buy it. Make it simply a large iPhone and I won't.

 

[Carniphage]

I don't think you could be more wrong.

Perhaps in the future, Apple may introduce touch technology into professional applications. Why not?

But there is simply no possibility of that happening with this product.

Apple will want to aim this at the largest possible mass audience. They want to offer a personal computer thats as easy to use as a toaster.

A computer that a 80 year old can pick up and use.
A computer that a 4 year old can pick up and use.

Geeks and creatives, and bloggers and writers and office types have had the computer industry making computers for them for years. Computers look the way they look BECAUSE they are already tailored for that market.

Perhaps it's time for a computer designed for someone else for a change?

Moving a soap-bar which moves an on-screen pointer which might interact with the on-screen contents if you click the right buttons and wheels at the right time ... is less intuitive than we realise.

Poking an on-screen button with a fingertip is revolutionary enough.

C.

 

[Carniphage]

OF COURSE!
Post 788 above: the ability to pop the tablet on a charging stand and have it connect to a wireless keyboard and mouse (and external HDD?) would be FANTASTIC.

Apple Design Lab Plans

Stage 1: Create computer with no keyboard and no mouse.
Stage 2: Add keyboard and mouse to overcome the "no-keyboard-and-mouse" problem

C.

 

[awmazz]

An on-screen keyboard would obscure part of the screen. Perhaps the part of the screen you want to type into.

~

For a touch interface to work (and not suck) it needs applications built from the ground up with touch in mind.

Are you not looking at the same image I am? Obscuring what part of the screen exactly?

Anyway, as I said, the virtual keyboard should work well enough for *current* OSX applications to work just as well as they do now on any other current Macbook. New apps can incorporate all the fancy touches (pun intended) that they can imagine.

 

[ChocoTaco]

A computer that a 80 year old can pick up and use.
A computer that a 4 year old can pick up and use.
.

What good is a computer anyone can use if you can't do anything with it? I'm not saying these will necessarily be full fledged professional apps. But they are going to be far far far closer to that than to anything the iPhone does. It is really a joke how little the iPhone actually does. That shows you the strength of the UI IMO. People bought the iPhone for the novelty of the UI without even realizing the potential of it. It amazes me that people don't see the potential of a touch UI in EVERY application. This is also why I can't believe that anyone would think that the tablet is simply a media device with the potential the iPhone has shown.

The simplest way I can put it is that the tablet will be a fusion of a laptop and the iPhone and will double as a input device/keyboard for your primary PC.

It's a Cintiq on crack and steroids. It's an Apple iCintiq-Mac Book Air tablet.

 

[Carniphage]

What good is a computer anyone can use if you can't do anything with it?

What do people do with computers these days? Watch a teenager.
Facebook - movie - game - Web - YouTube - IM - Facebook.

Watch an older person. Web - Web - Web Puzzle - Web.

The majority of all computer use is for these very ordinary tasks. If Apple create a device which is purpose-built for this kind of use, I think they will have a successful product.

Anyhoo. We will see, it's not long to wait now!

C.

 

[ChocoTaco]

What do people do with computers these days? Watch a teenager.
Facebook - movie - game - Web - YouTube - IM - Facebook.

Watch an older person. Web - Web - Web Puzzle - Web.

The majority of all computer use is for these very ordinary tasks. If Apple create a device which is purpose-built for this kind of use, I think they will have a successful product.

Anyhoo. We will see, it's not long to wait now!

C.

How would it be different than any other tablet to come out? Look at the iPhone -- as a phone it has a ton more capabilities than other phones. Now, as I said, for the price early on, the value wasn't there. But what separated the iPhone from everyone else was it's capabilities and it's UI. I see no reason why the Tablet will be any different.

You are right to say the tablet will be like the iPhone.. but it will be like the iPhone in the sense that it will do much more than the competition. This means a full fledged portable PC with an amazing UI while the other guys are running under powered devices that aren't really good for anything and have terrible UIs. But of course with an Apple you are going to have to pay through the nose for it.

 

[Thex1138]

Multi-This, Multi-That

It's all about multi-tasking and the new version of iPhone OS... and the new 'floating' OS where one app can overlay another

 

[Carniphage]

How would it be different than any other tablet to come out?

You mean tablets that run Windows?

Microsoft made the dumb mistake of running a desktop OS, which could run all Windows apps. Anyone buying a tablet then discovered that their Windows applications barely functioned.

Look at the iPhone -- as a phone it has a ton more capabilities than other phones.

Really? I remember the iPhone being heavily criticised, because it lacked a ton of features which other Smartphones had; No document editing, no MMS, no exposed filing system and so on. The iPhone did nothing that was not available on other phones.

The iPhone sold, not because it did more, but because it did *less*.
It simply did it *better*.

The tablet will be exactly the same. It will do less than a netbook. But once the audience see the tablet, they will realise why they want one.

C.

 

[kdarling]

You mean tablets that run Windows?
Microsoft made the dumb mistake of running a desktop OS, which could run all Windows apps. Anyone buying a tablet then discovered that their Windows applications barely functioned.

For enterprise and technical field apps, an MS tablet was just fine.

As you say, running a desktop OS is why it missed the mark for mass consumers. Even though Origami and other touch oriented UI attempts existed, MS never pushed them.

The iPhone sold, not because it did more, but because it did *less*.
It simply did it *better*.

Exactly.

The tablet will be exactly the same. It will do less than a netbook. But once the audience see the tablet, they will realise why they want one.

To be a must-buy, I think Apple's tablet will need a unique twist beyond just nice online magazines and running iPhone apps. Perhaps something like this visually oriented home control with some external hardware modules, except on the slate instead of a table?

Or at the least, a magnetic back to put it on the refrigerator door to serve as reminder, weather and picture frame controlled by your desktop.

 

[ChocoTaco]

You mean tablets that run Windows?

Microsoft made the dumb mistake of running a desktop OS, which could run all Windows apps. Anyone buying a tablet then discovered that their Windows applications barely functioned.

You can buy a Mac book for a 1000 dollars.. so why would someone buy a tablet with a smaller screen that can't do half of hat the Mac Book does? Simply for the iPhone touch interface?

Really? I remember the iPhone being heavily criticised, because it lacked a ton of features which other Smartphones had; No document editing, no MMS, no exposed filing system and so on. The iPhone did nothing that was not available on other phones.

You are talking features.. I am talking capabilities -- full screen -- touch interface - the app store. The ability to run a full Safari browser. The iPhone was really a full fledged tablet PC itself...

The iPhone sold, not because it did more, but because it did *less*.
It simply did it *better*.

Yes Jobs likes limited functionality with no clutter.. but he also gives his products spectacular capabilities others don't.. like the original iPod that was incredibly simplistic but had a massive harddrive at the time. It seemed absurdly large at the time.. The iPhone was the same in it's own way and the tablet will as well I am sure. Though the tablet will likely excel with it's performance, lightweight and versatility, innovativeness and it's rvolutionary UI, not storage capabilities.

The tablet will be exactly the same. It will do less than a netbook. But once the audience see the tablet, they will realise why they want one.

Less? Not a chance.. it may be incredibly focused.. but it's going to have ridiculous features and capabilities compared to other tablets. Just look at the patent I showed you. Did you read that entire article?

 

[0dev]

Didn't the iPhone start out as a "Safari pad"? Maybe that's where the tablet's coming from.

Also, think there's anything in the non-centred text?

 

[Carniphage]

To be a must-buy, I think Apple's tablet will need a unique twist beyond just nice online magazines and running iPhone apps. Perhaps something like this visually oriented home control with some external hardware modules, except on the slate instead of a table?

Or at the least, a magnetic back to put it on the refrigerator door to serve as reminder, weather and picture frame controlled by your desktop.

I suspect "Picture Frame" will be the favourite tablet application for the over 80s.

I think an awful lot of technical people will look at the tablet and say "Wha?". It simply will not be the kind of device that the technorati are looking for.

But with the right combination of content deals, a compelling interface and a set of functions which closely mirror how regular people use computers - I think Apple could have a hit.

(providing the price is right)
If there are any surprises in this device, my guess would be HDMI out.

C.

 

[EvilEmpire1212]

Perhaps the alleged "iPad" will tether to peoples' iPhones?

I hope not... if that meant a wired connection. What about a new iPhone with removable sim card and sim slot on the iPad? Use the same rate plan just use the sim card like an air card and move it from device to device.

 

[EvilEmpire1212]

An on-screen keyboard would obscure part of the screen. Perhaps the part of the screen you want to type into.

Do you even own an iPhone? You only need to see a few lines at a time when the keyboard is visible. I, and thousands of others have written entire blogs or long emails on an iPhone... it wouldn't be a stretch to type entire documents on an intuitive keyboard.


Also, you keep mentioning that a tablet wouldn't be powerful enough for photoshop/video editing. The iPhone has video editing and photoshop-like capabilities which many users use everyday! The typical amateur-created content (the bulk of whats starting to fill up the web) is created with the simplest tools. No one is claiming this device, from it's launch, will be a tool to replace anything a professional has in his arsenal. This tool will, however, be something everyone can use for their normal computing needs (apps, email, web, networking) but also be a device able to make better content than you can on an iPhone.

Choco has the right idea... it would be a waste to make something strictly for consumption! Sure iTunes and the App Store will be HUGE on this new device, but why would someone want a 10" iPod? This tablet WILL do SO MUCH MORE!

There are fantastic artists out there who draw/paint amazing things just by using an iPhone... imagine the possibilities of what you could do with a 7-10" surface and a more intuitive UI!

 

[Carniphage]

Do you even own an iPhone? You only need to see a few lines at a time when the keyboard is visible.

Yes, I own an iPhone.
I noticed that the keyboard is only on screen when it is needed.
AND
When it appears, the area I am typing into is in the visible portion.

Clever huh? Ever noticed that?

That clever stuff happens because the iPhone OS applications are designed that way.

But Mac OS applications are not designed that way.

They don't reconfigure their screens to accommodate the sudden appearance of an on screen keyboard. And since Mac apps accept keyboard input *all the time* that on-screen keyboard would have to remain on-screen *all the time*!

An on-screen keyboard would reduce the small screen of a tablet to be a half-of-a-small screen. Not good!

This is why Mac OS applications, will not be appearing on a tablet, near you anytime soon.

C.

 

[EvilEmpire1212]

Yes, I own an iPhone.
I noticed that the keyboard is only on screen when it is needed.
AND
When it appears, the area I am typing into is in the visible portion.

Clever huh? Ever noticed that?

That clever stuff happens because the iPhone OS applications are designed that way.

But Mac OS applications are not designed that way.

They don't reconfigure their screens to accommodate the sudden appearance of an on screen keyboard. And since Mac apps accept keyboard input *all the time* that on-screen keyboard would have to remain on-screen *all the time*!

An on-screen keyboard would reduce the small screen of a tablet to be a half-of-a-small screen. Not good!

This is why Mac OS applications, will not be appearing on a tablet, near you anytime soon.

C.

Why does the keyboard need to be on-screen at all times and why do you assume it needs to run Mac OS apps and use Mac OS? It's more likely we'll be looking at a version of the iPhone OS or something else. There will be no optical drive, so its safe to say that, like the iPhone, Apple will rely solely on the App Store for software. This doesn't mean that only iPhone software will be available for the tablet, it just means that the software doesn't have to be Mac OS software.

 

[Carniphage]

Why does the keyboard need to be on-screen at all times and why do you assume it needs to run Mac OS apps and use Mac OS? It's more likely we'll be looking at a version of the iPhone OS or something else. There will be no optical drive, so its safe to say that, like the iPhone, Apple will rely solely on the App Store for software. This doesn't mean that only iPhone software will be available for the tablet, it just means that the software doesn't have to be Mac OS software.

Hi Evil Empire.

If you take the time to read the thread, you will see that I was trying to explain why this device will not and can-not use Mac OS.

C.

 

[appleguy123]

Hi Evil Empire.

If you take the time to read the thread, you will see that I was trying to explain why this device will not and can-not use Mac OS.

C.

This thread is nearing the length of a Harry Potter book. There are only a few of us that have read the whole thing.

 

[lolique]

France Telecom / Orange !

Well, Apple's logo being on top of orange splat implies that Orange / France Telecom is their trusty sock puppet and resent leak was just 'controlled' one.

Another hint:
The invitation depics Apple On The Top Of An Orange Splat (AOTTOAOS), which reads "AOTTO" OS - the new revolutionary OS!!!

AOTTO = AT&T + Omasing & Owesome.

Thx for your credit!

 

[mrochester]

What do people do with computers these days? Watch a teenager.
Facebook - movie - game - Web - YouTube - IM - Facebook.

Watch an older person. Web - Web - Web Puzzle - Web.

The majority of all computer use is for these very ordinary tasks. If Apple create a device which is purpose-built for this kind of use, I think they will have a successful product.

Anyhoo. We will see, it's not long to wait now!

C.

And there's a product already out there for these people - a netbook.

 

[Carniphage]

And there's a product already out there for these people - a netbook.

You are correct!

But have you ever noticed how bad netbooks are at doing those tasks?

“When I look at what is being sold in the netbook space today, I see cramped keyboards, terrible software, junky hardware, very small screens. And just not a consumer experience and not something that we would put the Mac brand on, quite frankly.” People looking for a small device that has Internet access might consider an iPod Touch or an iPhone, he says, adding that if Apple finds a way to make an innovative product, they’ll do that.

...A track-pad the size of a postage stamp...
...The perpetual threat of the viruses and configuration nightmares...
...The somewhat inadequate media experience....
And a clunky user interface that has it's legacy more in office productivity than in entertainment.

Using a Windows netbook for fun, is like throwing a kids party and getting an accountant as the entertainer.

C.

 

[SkyBell]

God, I wish. Then I could get rid of VMWare Fusion since all I ever use it for anymore is to use MS Paint.

Same here. Besides the occasional nostalgic game from my childhood, that's all my desktop PC gets used for as well.

...A track-pad the size of a postage stamp...
...The perpetual threat of the viruses and configuration nightmares...
...The somewhat inadequate media experience....
And a clunky user interface that has it's legacy more in office productivity than in entertainment.

Using a Windows netbook for fun, is like throwing a kids party and getting an accountant as the entertainer.

1. I'll admit the trackpad takes some getting used to, but its not so bad after a while.
2. It takes a very ignorant person to get a virus these days.
3. Depends on what you're talking about. For HD media, yeah, that's a little daunting for them. YouTube or a DVD, you're fine. I <3 my netbook.

 

[0dev]

You are correct!

But have you ever noticed how bad netbooks are at doing those tasks?



...A track-pad the size of a postage stamp...
...The perpetual threat of the viruses and configuration nightmares...
...The somewhat inadequate media experience....
And a clunky user interface that has it's legacy more in office productivity than in entertainment.

Using a Windows netbook for fun, is like throwing a kids party and getting an accountant as the entertainer.

C.

I have a netbook for Microsoft Office in school. I used to have a full laptop but carrying it around was a nightmare. The netbook is much smaller and lighter, and now I'm used to the trackpad and keyboard they're fine too.

It's got the Atom CPU, it's running XP and I have Office 2007 on there. I'd prefer to Hackintosh it, but I can't really since it's only on loan and they told me I can't even update to latest version of Windows because it apparently "voids the warrenty".

Whatever, it's a nice little laptop perfect for how I use it, and the speed isn't too bad either.