Exactly my words. It would also be very silly to send out that "give an ipad for vallentines day" e-mail and anounce or even release the new ipad right around that time. we will not see the new iPad before March or even April.
iOS 5 would be something that is needed. Honycomb dos not look perfect, but it looks a lot more like a tablet OS while the iPad naysayers still go for the old "it´s a big ipod touch" line. (wich it issent because of the different apps... but still, a bunch of squares fit a smal device much more than this big one)
I agree. On an app by app basis, NO the iPad is NOT a giant iPod Touch. It's got tons of new UI elements, new gestures, etc. that take advantage of the larger screen.
However, looking at the home screen/apps UI, that's a legitimate criticism. The iPod Touch has a 4x4 grid of icons, status bar, and dock of 4 apps. The lock screen is the time and date, and a slider. How does the iPad use its screen that is some 7 times larger? More rows of apps!!! Oh, and they added a photo slideshow button. Whoever described it as an "app warehouse" is pretty accurate.
The iPad is an excellent first-generation device. But Google has barely given them a year's head start, and the Honeycomb UI (though it has its own pros and cons) makes WAY better use of the tablet form factor and large display. Here's what I'd like to see:
-Allow for the development of front-end at-a-glance information. The most obvious application is weather, but Honeycomb has neat things like a small, scrollable inbox preview. Or quick access to specific books, your calendar/to-do list, or your favorite documents. Use the home screen(s) for more than just 25 app shortcuts! Is the OS X desktop just a wallpaper with 25 Application aliases? No!
-Better notifications!!! Sorry, it's just embarrassing to see WebOS and Android notifications done so elegantly - a little icon or bar slides up from the bottom. Tap or swipe to see more information. Some even had the person's profile pic and the first line of the message. What does Apple, the master of UI, do? BIG PURPLE BOX ON TOP OF EVERYTHING! Emails, SMS, calls, etc. all need better notifications. 3rd party notifications should also be optional (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
-Quick access to settings. A pop-up menu or something where you can quickly go to "Airplane Mode", adjust brightness, sounds, Wi-Fi/bluetooth, etc. without launching the Settings "app" or leaving the home screen.
-Improved voice control. Search the web, contacts, etc. And the ability to search for a certain song!!
Apple never rests, so I'm hopeful for iPad 2 + iOS 5. But this is one of those times where their minimalist philosophy could possibly cause a lack in functionality.
