How will Apple counter Windows 8 tablets?

[Piggie]

I don't think it is quite that far off. There are technologies we are using now that people with less foresight such as yourself estimated to be decades away from being used in the mainstream.

A couple more years is a little more realistic and a lot less pessimistic.

As long as I can easily and quickly download and upload 10GB movie files to the cloud then I'll be happy.

 

[nuckinfutz]

I don't think it is quite that far off. There are technologies we are using now that people with less foresight such as yourself estimated to be decades away from being used in the mainstream.

A couple more years is a little more realistic and a lot less pessimistic.

Yes there's a confluence of technology that's going to make this happen very soon. I'm rarely pessimistic about technology. 5 years ago the iPhone was hitting the market and Tech pundits told us Apple would never beat the incumbents. Not only has Apple beaten the Nokia's and Motorola's but so has upstart Google with Android. A half decade in today's innovation is blinding.

Cellular technology is blending with Wifi. Carriers are already looking at ways of hopping from Wifi to Cell towers without you ever knowing it.

Couple this with software now that connects to the cloud and takes the shortest or quickest way to sync data.

Nvidia and Intel are both going to be integrating 4G technology into the SoC. I suspect Apple will do the same.

Those that still want to run Macs or Windows PC will have that option but don't be surprised to see some households become mobile device only.

 

[Piggie]

Without a file system on the iPad, it'll never replace a computer. For production a touch screen is clumbsy and inefficient. As a play device its great. I still don't see tablets replacing computers, I see them as side kicks.

I do agree with you.

I also do accept that for SOME people tablets will do all they need. Not everyone does need a full computer. If your computing needs are web browsing, social networking, viewing/sharing photo's, writing the odd letter and some light gaming then I'm sure a tablet will be all you need.

There will always be others who want to do more than this of course. I don't see why both devices cannot find their own place and customers in the market.

 

[TheWheelMan]

How will Apple counter Windows 8 tablets?

By laughing dismissively while they continue counting their money.

 

[nuckinfutz]

By laughing dismissively while they continue counting their money.

Money money money

 

[Cheffy Dave]

Why bother, it's just a copy cat venue like Samsuck!😉

 

[chokem]

They won't counter them. No need to.

This. Agreed.

 

[Medic311]

while Apple's current design of iOS is tried and true, they will need to innovate if they expect to stay where they are and keep getting better. the Windows Metro interface is actually more intuitive than iOS, and much more functional. it puts a spin on UI that Apple is behind on. i find nothing wrong with the grid-like arrangement of apps in iOS, it works great. however i never knew how interesting it could be until i used a Windows phone.

only time will tell...might be a good investment opportunity though, to grab some MSFT if Metro takes off (considering how cheap MFST is currently)

 

[nuckinfutz]

while Apple's current design of iOS is tried and true, they will need to innovate if they expect to stay where they are and keep getting better. the Windows Metro interface is actually more intuitive than iOS, and much more functional. it puts a spin on UI that Apple is behind on. i find nothing wrong with the grid-like arrangement of apps in iOS, it works great. however i never knew how interesting it could be until i used a Windows phone.

only time will tell...might be a good investment opportunity though, to grab some MSFT if Metro takes off (considering how cheap MFST is currently)

I don't find it intuitive at all. iOS developers have already used the "swipe from the side" feature. The tiles they use are large but waste space and it appears that Skydrive is going to be Microsofts take on sync which is basically just Dropbox.

Nothing really to worry about here. The real power is when you're inside an application and that's were I expect that iOS 6.0 will concentrate most of its efforts. Windows 8 has better inter-application sharing but there's nothing that makes me even ponder selling my iPad for Metro on a tablet.

 

[Medic311]

I don't find it intuitive at all. iOS developers have already used the "swipe from the side" feature. The tiles they use are large but waste space and it appears that Skydrive is going to be Microsofts take on sync which is basically just Dropbox.

Nothing really to worry about here. The real power is when you're inside an application and that's were I expect that iOS 6.0 will concentrate most of its efforts. Windows 8 has better inter-application sharing but there's nothing that makes me even ponder selling my iPad for Metro on a tablet.

well i can't say you're wrong about Windows mobile not being intuitive for you, after all it's a subjective opinion that we both have. as stated, i found it to be more intuitive (i came from a Blackberry). ultimately i didn't go with the Windows device, but that doesn't mean it didn't have advantages over the iOS interface. as stated, the grid pattern of apps is tried and true but it was refreshing to see a different take on it. when i returned to my iOS device, it made the experience feel a bit "closed in" so to speak

i'm confused when you say "nothing to worry about here". i wouldn't really say anyone is "worrying" about anything in this thread. if you separate the posts of the people blindly bashing from the people who have actually tried the UI, many welcome the competition regardless of what the outcome of the product will be. i am one of those people, in that i look at competing products as a whole for the industry all together, and not a "this and not that" mentality or as you said, sell your iPad for a Windows 8 tablet. i don't think anyone here suggested you do that. i think my iPad 2 and iPhone 4S are great devices, however i still use Windows 7 for my OS on my laptops (and 1 laptop that runs XP for engineering software compatibility reasons). i welcome an attempt to integrate the experiences of my PC's and my tablet (without having to use LogMeIn)

i'm a bit late to the discussion so perhaps it was the title of the thread that riled people up --> "How will Apple counter Windows 8 tablets?" . perhaps it could have been worded differently

 

[nuckinfutz]

Windows 8 is refreshing.

Microsoft decided not to play it so safe and I applaud them for this. iOS is getting a bit dated this is true.

What I hope is that the OS become more transparent. As much as I like the flash what I really want is a cohesive system the behaves like I want and allows me to use my favorite apps.

I'm eager to see how iOS 6.0 helps me become more efficient and in turn how Microsoft plans to accomplish the same thing in their way.

 

[Abazigal]

IMO, Apple is going to continue doing what it has always done. People seem to forget the ipad is as popular as it is not simply because it is a remarkable piece of hardware, it has decades of Apple ecosystem supporting it. Something few other companies can compete directly with because they were too busy playing "cheaper, better, faster" with other windows PC manufacturers. 😱

Create great products people love to use, while at the same time focus on locking them into the apple infrastructure and disincentivising people who want to leave it.

For people who have invested a small fortune on apps and built up a sizeable itunes library, I think microsoft will need to outright bribe them to actually pick up a windows tablet to use. 😛

I currently have an imac, iphone and ipad. They all work great and play great together. What reason would I have to disrupt this perfect harmony amongst all my devices by switching to a non-apple device? 😕

 

[Redjericho]

I see a windows 8 tablet as a supplement to the iPad.

They both have their strengths, but it is essentially comparing Mac to windows, they both have strengths and weaknesses.

 

[tmarks11]

Win8 tablet sounds nice, but it will flop. Notice how well the win7 tablet worked out that HP was going to release with much fanfare?

Microsoft learned nothing with either the UMPC or their original tablets. They couldn't come up with operating systems or software that provided for a satisfying user experience. They provided no software that could make use of the form factor they were trying to pioneer. Yes, I liked my Raon Everun UMPC, but it was almost impossible to find any software to make it useful.

Apple will counter Microsoft by ignoring them and continuing to sell a tablet that provides a smoothly running operating environment with a huge app catalog that supports the user.

 

[Piggie]

Win8 tablet sounds nice, but it will flop. Notice how well the win7 tablet worked out that HP was going to release with much fanfare?

Microsoft learned nothing with either the UMPC or their original tablets. They couldn't come up with operating systems or software that provided for a satisfying user experience. They provided no software that could make use of the form factor they were trying to pioneer. Yes, I liked my Raon Everun UMPC, but it was almost impossible to find any software to make it useful.

Apple will counter Microsoft by ignoring them and continuing to sell a tablet that provides a smoothly running operating environment with a huge app catalog that supports the user.

Have you not seen Windows 8 ?
It's a totally different multi-touch, tablet oriented front end for mobile devices, and totally different user interface from Windows 7 which was never designed for touch.
The beauty is of course going to be, if you want to get into a real precision windows environment, and use say an add on keyboard and perhaps a touch pad/pointer, then with a Windows 8 tablet you will have that option open to you.
It's up to you the user.

 

[phpmaven]

Why does Apple have to "counter" it? There's plenty of room for other kinds of tablets. I hope the Windows tablets do well. The new tablets coming out with Windows 8 look very interesting. I might even pick one up at some point.

 

[poloponies]

Why does Apple have to "counter" it? There's plenty of room for other kinds of tablets. I hope the Windows tablets do well. The new tablets coming out with Windows 8 look very interesting. I might even pick one up at some point.

I'd agree. Apple may have jump-started the market for tablets but they haven't staked it out as their sole domain. Apple will "counter" the way they counter other PCs and Notebooks, by providing a viable alternative within their ecosystem. The market is growing and Apple's share will drop, but that doesn't mean they won't continue to sell lots of iPads.

 

[Fattytail]

Can't people just answer Piggie's question? Lol

There's an awful lot of faith here in Apple's position. Remember, in the tech world, Goliaths can be toppled at anytime, particularly when the David in this instance is a company with the resources of MS.

I think the iPad will continue to see closer integration with the Mac, to the point where one can almost move seamlessly between the two for many apps. I expect much more robust support in iCloud to make this happen.

I also think the iPad will have to allow a better way for inter-app coordination. Tablets aren't PCs, but that doesn't mean they need to be dumbed down in their operation. Apps need to be able to talk each other where it makes sense to do so. Siri, for instance, needs to be able to interact with third party apps to truly unleash its potential. Very basic things like uploading files from Safari cannot go missing in the future. Apple will find a way to address this without sacrificing too much of their sand boxing philosophy.

And, finally, I think Apple will continue to evolve its app ecosystem, whether it's developing its own apps to bring them even closer to desktop-level sophistication or supporting the developer community to ensure that they're all staying with iOS. Windows 8 has a long road ahead of it in getting developers to develop Metro-specific apps (see the relatively lukewarm momentum for Windows Phone). The app ecosystem is one area where Apple enjoys considerable success, and this has to be maintained to stay ahead of the other guys. Windows 8 may or may not be able to build the initial momentum it needs, but if it does it'll accelerate at a very fast pace given Microsoft's ability to scale.

 

[Carouser]

Apple has, in effect one tablet. Ok it comes in 3 memory sizes, 3G or not 3G and two colours. But in effect it's one model in one size with one speed.

1) Yes, all the iPad models are the same if you ignore the things which make them different, well done!
2) The consistency across iOS and all Apple devices is a good thing for developers
3) Users don't care about having a million options

Windows 8 tablets will come from a whole range of high end PC makers, In a variety of styles, screen sizes and powers. Some based upon Intel chipsets, others based on ARM chipsets.
Not only able to run tablet Metro based apps, but also full windows apps if you, the consumer should need or wish to.

Some people like you will care, the vast majority won't.

In a years time there could be a whole line of various Windows 8 tablets on display at Best Buy, all running Metro, looking the same as Windows 8 does on people's new home computers. Are apple just going to still have just their single model on a stand at the end of the long line of Windows 8 models?

If it's anything like it is now, there will be a line of Windows 8 tablets on display, with half of them not working, or some models missing, the rest being as buggy as nobody's business, and the Apple model will be completely fine because the reps actually make sure the product is displayed appropriately.

By laughing dismissively while they continue counting their money.

No kidding. What a bunch of FUD. Windows 8 tablets are a way to turn money into electronic landfill.

 

[poloponies]

Can't people just answer Piggie's question? Lol

People have answered it but we can't see into the future. Apple has the same access to news and rumors as we do and it will either feel a need to directly respond or it won't. It's a pretty big company with a reasonable grasp of what it needs to do to remain viable in the market.

We'll find out about iOS6 this week and it either will or won't offer features that are desirable to customers. Ditto future hardware. But Apple has certainly seen Windows 8 coming, it's just a matter of how they evaluate its impact on their business.

 

[Night Spring]

Have you not seen Windows 8 ?
It's a totally different multi-touch, tablet oriented front end for mobile devices, and totally different user interface from Windows 7 which was never designed for touch.
The beauty is of course going to be, if you want to get into a real precision windows environment, and use say an add on keyboard and perhaps a touch pad/pointer, then with a Windows 8 tablet you will have that option open to you.
It's up to you the user.

I've tried Windows 8 Consumer Preview on a desktop, and it doesn't work like that. That is, when in desktop mode, you are forced to awkwardly switch back and forth between the new Metro UI and traditional desktop interface to accomplish basic tasks. Yes, a system like you say, where the tablet will have a pure tablet OS, and then switch to a pure desktop OS when docked, would be wonderful. I'm just not convinced Windows 8 will provide that kind of user experience.

 

[AppleInMyBlood]

For a young child/small lady, the iPad seems a reasonably sized device. For a large framed tall male (as myself) my hand almost dwarf the iPad.

You must have an enormous hand if it almost "dwarf" (i.e. is a lot larger than) an iPad! 😀

I've no idea what I shall buy in the future (no iTunes would of course be a bonus) but if I find larger screened models in store which can offer me what I want for a the right price, I'd have no hesitation in buying something other than Apple.

Why would no iTunes "of course be a bonus"?

As far as what you'll buy, judging by the number of Apple products in your sig and your views expressed here, and the fact you don't seem to like iTunes, I would say the chances are it won't be an Apple product.

Your series of rhetorical questions seem like trolling-lite, to me at least. But if you're not trolling, it seems anyway like you've made your mind up that the Windows 8 philosophy is more aligned with your worldview than Apple's, so I guess that's where you're headed. Good luck! 😉

 

[Renzatic]

That is, when in desktop mode, you are forced to awkwardly switch back and forth between the new Metro UI and traditional desktop interface to accomplish basic tasks.

It's not awkward at all, just different. From the desktop, the only time you'll go to the Metro Start screen is to open an app you don't have pinned to the taskbar. You're hardly forced to move back and forth between it constantly to accomplish basic tasks.

 

[Piggie]

You must have an enormous hand if it almost "dwarf" (i.e. is a lot larger than) an iPad! 😀



Why would no iTunes "of course be a bonus"?

As far as what you'll buy, judging by the number of Apple products in your sig and your views expressed here, and the fact you don't seem to like iTunes, I would say the chances are it won't be an Apple product.

Your series of rhetorical questions seem like trolling-lite, to me at least. But if you're not trolling, it seems anyway like you've made your mind up that the Windows 8 philosophy is more aligned with your worldview than Apple's, so I guess that's where you're headed. Good luck! 😉

Honestly iTunes is a horrid pile of software.
Needing to lock my iPad to one PC is a terrible lock down, upon threat of having my iPad wiped clean if I connect to another PC to move data to and fro from.

I'm not trolling. I just want to be free to do as I want with the hardware I have chosen to buy. Is that asking too much?

I simply, like many other people, just want to connect my tablet to my PC and drag and drop music/movies and other data to and from it. Without any lock down iTunes requirement.

 

[AppleInMyBlood]

Honestly iTunes is a horrid pile of software.
Needing to lock my iPad to one PC is a terrible lock down, upon threat of having my iPad wiped clean if I connect to another PC to move data to and fro from.

I'm not trolling. I just want to be free to do as I want with the hardware I have chosen to buy. Is that asking too much?

I simply, like many other people, just want to connect my tablet to my PC and drag and drop music/movies and other data to and from it. Without any lock down iTunes requirement.

Well it just seems from your posts, and comments like these in particular, that you're wanting iOS to be something it's not, and may never be. Windows 8 on a tablet may be more to your liking.

With regard to iTunes, whatever you think of it as software, the fact so many people have their entire music libraries on it, plus other media, makes it a very attractive feature for, I would assume, the vast majority of iOS users.

I guess it's a little like Word being a must for many PC users, even though it is, arguably, a deeply flawed piece of software design and has been for years.