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

[MacRumors]

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 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'

 

[GeekLawyer]

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

This is in line, exactly, with my expectations.

 

[tofagerl]

That sentence makes my english teacher cry.

 

[miles01110]

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]

What?

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

 

[zombitronic]

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]

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

Not sure if want.

 

[GeekLawyer]

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.

 

[Cleve]

Really? That's considered information?? SIA is full of it.

 

[MacDawg]

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


Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Peace]

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]

What?

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

Nobodies forcing you to buy one.

 

[Eidorian]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[Eduardo1971]

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]

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


Woof, Woof - Dawg

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

 

[*LTD*]

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]

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]

can the 27th come sooner.

 

[Stella]

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

 

[derek1984]

Will it run Flash?

 

[mathewr]

just let me see the thing already

 

[anubis]

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.