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What Will be the Killer Feature of an Apple Tablet?
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AidenShaw
macrumors P6
Look at VMware - multiple operating systems all the time.
It would be much simpler, though, to switch between two different UIs.
Run full x86 OSX, and be able to switch between the desktop UI and the phone/touch UI.
Windows does it with media center - you can switch between the 10-foot UI and the 2-foot UI.
dongmin
macrumors 68000
Not one, but MULTIPLE killer features!
1. Multi-touch input device for your desktop/laptop computer
2. eBook reader with full iTMS integration, voice-over, etc.
2b. eTextbook reader with digital highlighting, note-taking, hyperlinking, etc.
3. iChat video, i.e. "video phone"
4. Sketching, painting & note-taking using optional digital stylus
4b. Preview app with hand-written mark-ups directly on PDFs, JPEGs, etc.
6. Mobile iPhoto/iMovie
7. Mobile iWork
8. Garageband-like DJ-ing app
In my opinion, the sky is the limit. All the apps listed above would only be possible with a 7-10" multi-touch device with a digital stylus. The multi-touch/stylus features are what would distinguish this device from all the netbooks out there.
The only real potential downside is trying to type on this thing, but I'm sure Apple has a good solution. iPhone-style predictive typing could work OK with simpler a bigger screen to type on, but a flip-out keyboard may work better.
1. Multi-touch input device for your desktop/laptop computer
2. eBook reader with full iTMS integration, voice-over, etc.
2b. eTextbook reader with digital highlighting, note-taking, hyperlinking, etc.
3. iChat video, i.e. "video phone"
4. Sketching, painting & note-taking using optional digital stylus
4b. Preview app with hand-written mark-ups directly on PDFs, JPEGs, etc.
6. Mobile iPhoto/iMovie
7. Mobile iWork
8. Garageband-like DJ-ing app
In my opinion, the sky is the limit. All the apps listed above would only be possible with a 7-10" multi-touch device with a digital stylus. The multi-touch/stylus features are what would distinguish this device from all the netbooks out there.
The only real potential downside is trying to type on this thing, but I'm sure Apple has a good solution. iPhone-style predictive typing could work OK with simpler a bigger screen to type on, but a flip-out keyboard may work better.
$50 to the first person to write a Newton app. [just to p-ss off Steve. Probably wouldn't make it through the approval process.]
Killer App
That would be a killer app for me. Probably the only thing that would get me to consider getting one.
That would be a killer app for me. Probably the only thing that would get me to consider getting one.
A 10 inch+ screen that makes reading large-format media possible (magazines, comics, newspapers). That's all I ask for.
It will silence all of thefanboys for a few minutes.
Hardly.
It's just another thing to love/hate/rumor/unbox/app/hack/copy/me too/upgrade/case/crack/swimming pool/blend/set fire/censor/reject/tell people why it didn't need FireWire/refurb/queue for/buy stuff for/sell stuff for/Ballmer/Hunt/google/Amazon/Palm/Flash/64bit/bag-of-hurt
Sweetfeld28
macrumors 65816
MattInOz
macrumors 68030
better still a paint brush and a screen that can see how it's changing shape with pressure applied.
Or a whole series of touch drawing implements.
Tablet is the answer to Kindle
I personally hate the Kindle. it's black and white and locked by AMZN. The Tablet would be a great reading device and knock off the Kindle. I think Publishers will also embrace the Tablet as Apple isn't as bad compared to Amazon.
I personally hate the Kindle. it's black and white and locked by AMZN. The Tablet would be a great reading device and knock off the Kindle. I think Publishers will also embrace the Tablet as Apple isn't as bad compared to Amazon.
Game Changer
I have noted with interest that the Cramer gang at TheStreet.com and many others believe that it will be difficult for Apple to match its previous succeses with the new tablet. More interestingly, from a tech standpoint, they just don't seem to believe that a tablet would bring anything really new to the table.
I would agree that Apple will have much riding on the success of a tablet, but think that they are missing the point.
Non-believers have cited the fact that greater numbers of people are doing more "computing" on mobile devices, and thus conclude that the iphone is already the tablet and the precursor to the end of the notebook. I don't think so, the screen is perfect for calls and piddling, but not for many heavy duty business uses.
Let's think about what might be its most likely purpose. I dont think of it is a replacement for a desktop/laptop - where documents are "created". For me, it's highest and best use would be as a replacement for pen and paper, the two age old low tech devices that all of the computing advances to date have failed to supplant.
When I walk down the hall to a conference room to talk with one of my partners right now I 1st print out a copy of whatever it is we are going to talk about (usually a spreadsheet or draft of a proposal, etc.) to take with me, as they do. (My notebook is too heavy and hard to carry while turned on and takes too long to boot up for this purpose.) I then ink notes on the copy during the meeting and return to my office to make appropriate changes to the document itself. With a tablet I could easily bring the electronic document with me (previously created on another (Apple) device, show it to my associates, make small changes as suggested, see immediate results, further discuss and ...
For me, because I would not be trying to create most documents from scratch on the tablet, it would be a huge break-through if the device simply mimicked the itouch, but with a larger (more usable) screen and more memory. One cannot compare such a device with the heavy/clunky touch-screen PCs that are out now, nor with devices that are nothing more than readers. Apple has already mastered the interface (the key to breaking this game wide-open), only on a screen that is not appropriately sized for many business uses. Moreover, I dont think that the device would impinge upon either the iphone nor Apple's notebook sales, as I would likely own all 3. The phone for calls and super quick mobile searches, the tablet for meetings/notes (and maybe VOIP calls) and the notebook for originating and writing reports, etc.
Secondly, if the tablet is as good as I believe that Apple can make it, I think that it might well push many reluctant business PC users over the edge to move to "Macward", thereby enhancing the sale of other Apple devices at the same time.
I am a believer.
I have noted with interest that the Cramer gang at TheStreet.com and many others believe that it will be difficult for Apple to match its previous succeses with the new tablet. More interestingly, from a tech standpoint, they just don't seem to believe that a tablet would bring anything really new to the table.
I would agree that Apple will have much riding on the success of a tablet, but think that they are missing the point.
Non-believers have cited the fact that greater numbers of people are doing more "computing" on mobile devices, and thus conclude that the iphone is already the tablet and the precursor to the end of the notebook. I don't think so, the screen is perfect for calls and piddling, but not for many heavy duty business uses.
Let's think about what might be its most likely purpose. I dont think of it is a replacement for a desktop/laptop - where documents are "created". For me, it's highest and best use would be as a replacement for pen and paper, the two age old low tech devices that all of the computing advances to date have failed to supplant.
When I walk down the hall to a conference room to talk with one of my partners right now I 1st print out a copy of whatever it is we are going to talk about (usually a spreadsheet or draft of a proposal, etc.) to take with me, as they do. (My notebook is too heavy and hard to carry while turned on and takes too long to boot up for this purpose.) I then ink notes on the copy during the meeting and return to my office to make appropriate changes to the document itself. With a tablet I could easily bring the electronic document with me (previously created on another (Apple) device, show it to my associates, make small changes as suggested, see immediate results, further discuss and ...
For me, because I would not be trying to create most documents from scratch on the tablet, it would be a huge break-through if the device simply mimicked the itouch, but with a larger (more usable) screen and more memory. One cannot compare such a device with the heavy/clunky touch-screen PCs that are out now, nor with devices that are nothing more than readers. Apple has already mastered the interface (the key to breaking this game wide-open), only on a screen that is not appropriately sized for many business uses. Moreover, I dont think that the device would impinge upon either the iphone nor Apple's notebook sales, as I would likely own all 3. The phone for calls and super quick mobile searches, the tablet for meetings/notes (and maybe VOIP calls) and the notebook for originating and writing reports, etc.
Secondly, if the tablet is as good as I believe that Apple can make it, I think that it might well push many reluctant business PC users over the edge to move to "Macward", thereby enhancing the sale of other Apple devices at the same time.
I am a believer.
Great post, especially the "replacement for pen and paper" bit. It's sorta like a convergence between paper and computer.
In the scenario above, the killer feature will be being able to transfer files to other tablets as easily as handing out paper copies. Bumping would be acceptable, but something smoother would be more desirable.
I really think this is Steve's chance to do for books what he's done for computers, music, phones, (and in the case of the GS camera) point and shoot cameras - make them 'for everyone'. If Steve can drag the most stubborn of media, the book sellers into the digital age, he will have his legacy! All your media R us.
Nobody thought Apple would succeed putting out a phone. And iPhone has changed the phone market fundamentally in a year. Everyone wants one, whether they are a 'smart phone buyer' or not.
Apple can do the same with a tablet - finally make one that really works and isn't a mouse system that (sometimes) recognises a stylus input.
Then when people like that, Apple will find a way to lay the iMac on it's back and give us Touch computing for real. All hail the tablet, may there be many more. Notice the rumours have gone from - bigger than an iPhone to - as big as 15". This could get very interesting indeed. (All rumours are true, right??😕)
I really think this is Steve's chance to do for books what he's done for computers, music, phones, (and in the case of the GS camera) point and shoot cameras - make them 'for everyone'. If Steve can drag the most stubborn of media, the book sellers into the digital age, he will have his legacy! All your media R us.
Nobody thought Apple would succeed putting out a phone. And iPhone has changed the phone market fundamentally in a year. Everyone wants one, whether they are a 'smart phone buyer' or not.
Apple can do the same with a tablet - finally make one that really works and isn't a mouse system that (sometimes) recognises a stylus input.
Then when people like that, Apple will find a way to lay the iMac on it's back and give us Touch computing for real. All hail the tablet, may there be many more. Notice the rumours have gone from - bigger than an iPhone to - as big as 15". This could get very interesting indeed. (All rumours are true, right??😕)
I really, really want it to have a stylus. But I don't expect it to.
http://academicvc.com/2010/01/03/why-a-tablet/
http://academicvc.com/2010/01/03/why-a-tablet/
georgemann
macrumors regular
Agreed all these things are nice, but the real killer feature for Apple will be the full time 24/7 connection of the iTablet to Apple's Cloud System. Apple has been trying for many, many years to get us all to subscribe to some sort of full time Apple lifestyle/service contract.
iTunes, iPod and especially the iPhone have been the most successful of the Apple lifestyle offerings. Apple is depending on the Apple Cloud System to become the final and ultimate lifetime commitment for all Apple users.
The slayer of Big Brother is about to become Big Brother.
cumanzor
macrumors 6502
the word everyone here is looking for is paradigm. What really differentiated the iPhone OS from every mobile OS back then was the usage pattern, or the paradigm. Every mobile os was click oriented and stylus oriented. Apple made a hell of a job in the usability area, that's the reason why it is so successful, despite it's many disadvantages (locked ecosystem, no multi-tasking, AT&T, etc).
Nowadays, everything is different, we have beautiful interfaces made by HTC, and even WM6.5 is just old WM but more touch-friendly. I guess, we can thank Apple for this.
The thing about current Tablet PCs is that it is a niche market. For a student, it would be great for taking notes, if it wasn't for it's battery life, weight, heat, etc. I sure hope Apple delivers. I'm looking forward for a light, note-taking, internet browsing, media-playing device.
And it'll still be a niche market. Think about it, notebooks, music players and mobile phones are devices virtually everyone has. A tablet notebook? Not so much.
I couldn't agree more, if it was as thin as the kindle or similar device...wow and that would really put devices like the kindle in dire straights. I have wished many times that I could do more with my reader...if it was a tablet than would be a dream.
I too think the Apple Cloud will certainly be part of this new device, especially if the device is all about content delivery - including delivering your own content (music, movies, documents, etc..) to yourself from the cloud. Maybe iTunes will become the interface to the cloud. Interesting article on the cloud I found:
http://wythoff.net/collecting-in-th...e-possibility-of-an-itunes-streaming-service/
However, I don't necessarily like the idea of having to subscribe to an "Apple lifestyle/service contract". I wouldn't mind subscribing to certain content, but it would/should only be to specific content that I am only interested in paying for. As far as having my own content delivered to me through this device, I hope it's free and I probably wouldn't mind suffering being pitched advertisements for this service to be free actually.
thegoldenmackid
macrumors 604
gibbz
macrumors 68030
Without a keyboard, how great can it be for taking notes? I type many times faster than I can write. If I needed to illustrate things to go with it, a tablet PC still would be king (pressure sensitive stylus)
Ah well, I guess we'll find out soon enough! 🙂