Tablet musings
What’s worse, a “closed” Apple tablet that lets you download native apps and games, or an “open” Google tablet that does nothing but run a web browser?
When Microsoft Windows is the most attractive option, you know something is wrong.
Why Does iPad Sport a Dock?
The Dock in OSX is one aspect of Apples multitasking interface. Apple for some reason chose to use a dock that at least looks like the one in OSX for the iPad, as opposed to the one used on the iPhone. If there was one glaring omission from the iPad reveal, it was the lack of multitasking capabilities.
So why an OSX style multitasking dock?
Quoted: “if (iPad) it doesn’t support flash then I can’t play farmville so I don’t know what I would do with it.”
Quoted from a friend of mine on Facebook.
Yeah Apple you’re missing the boat here.
iPad a Let Down
It’s a nice device. I’ve wanted a bigger iPod Touch for a while, but the iPad is somewhat of a let down.
- It’s not nearly as nice looking as many predicted. The bezel is huge and not complimentary. The IPS screen is a welcome feature however.
- It doesn’t do enough. Where’s multitasking? Where’s flash support? Why on earth would they not include a camera?
- The UI is awkward. Why are those home screen icons spaced out so much? How awkward is that keyboard? This device needed a new style of text entry. A huge QWERTY interface just doesn’t cut it. One nice thing about the UI is the addition of pop up menus.
- The name: iPad really? Has Apple not watched the Mad TV spoof? Why not iNote, or something all together different?
- Pricing: While lower than what pundits thought it’d be, it also offers much less. They should have added more value by bringing more at each price point. Who knows maybe that’s why there was no camera, maybe they’re really close to the margin as things are.
- This seems like it could also have functioned as a peripheral tablet/display. Why not? Imagine the frenzy that could have created.
The best thing about the iPad in my opinion is the data plan. $15-$30/ a month without a contract. This is an excellent idea, and one that will probably open more than a few wallets.
iPad Has Peripheral Function for Macs
Today Apple Revealed their long anticipated tablet. While the device is essentially a large iPod Touch, one intriguing feature is its ability to work as a peripheral device for controlling applications on your computer.
Update: 1/28 This was a speculative rumor post. Nothing of this sort has been announced, nor is it suspected. It is possible that some of this functionality could come via 3rd party hacks or the Appstore, but there’s no indication that any tight knit functionality as implied by this post will be created by Apple.
Apple Goes Verizon
With today’s event Apple announces a new partnership with Verizon.
The next version of the iPhone will have access to Verizon’s network.
photo from Gizmodo.
Update: 1/28 Despite the red and black, almost Verizon coloring in this image the two parties have yet to announce anything. Either Verizon is stubborn, or Apple is taking their time, perhaps waiting for a Verizon Network upgrade.
Exposé Like Multitasking Coming to iPhone/Tablet OS.
There has been much speculation about how an interface might change should Apple release a ten inch tablet that sits somewhere between an iPod/phone and a Macbook (or replaces the Macbook all together).
The operating system for the new device will take advantage of Apple’s Exposé task switching application to allow for side-by side multitasking applications. The tablet will leverage true resolution independence features to allow for up to 4 applications to be open on the same screen simultaneously. Hitting a home button on the device will zoom out to show all currently running applications. When zoomed out you’ll be able to drop as many as four applications into a focus tray that will after being tapped display those applications simultaneously on the screen. The applications will fill the space sharing equal proportions. Each at independent resolutions relative to the native resolutions of the system.
This is an exciting step forward, one of the heaviest complaints leveraged against the iPhone/iPod system is the lack of true multitasking functionality. Essential applications like text to speech systems, have to work in their own separate environment not allowing interaction between applications. It’s not clear whether or not this will actually be implemented for iPhone/iPod systems.
Update: 1/28 In what was probably one of the biggest disappointments of the iPad announcement, multitasking did not show itself. That being said, it appears the software isn’t complete, or if it is it is awful and ill conceived. There were some amazing applications, but the system itself was unbelievably ugly and clunky.
Apple Tablet Getting Screen Sharing, Collaboration Features
Apple couldn’t just release a tablet, it’s got to offer something more, that’s just how the company works. As a part of the tablet launch the company is has built a new collaboration tool.
Two tablet holders will be able to share a project screen. This isn’t screen sharing, this is two separate machines manipulating the same application together. The new creative tool will be the first app to support this with iWork applications being updated as well.
This will work across the internet as well as in the same room.
Update: 1/28 With an uncharacteristic lack of vision it appears Apple was content with pasting pretty much the existing iPhone/iPod OS into a larger form factor. While this was an opportunity to really wow people, they chose a less adventurous route. It looks like it’s going to take another stakeholder with bigger visions to bring this one about.
Apple Releasing Creative Software to Coincide With Tablet
Apple is releasing new creative software to coincide with their product update announcement on January 27. As a part of showing off the new interface capabilities of their new device Apple is releasing new software in a similar vein to Corel Paint/Adobe Photoshop.
It is not clear whether or not this will be a part of the iLife or iWork Suites, or if it will be a stand alone application. What is known is that the software was developed to show off a revolutionary way to work with design tools on a computer. Apparently it will take advantage of ‘unique’ attributes of the tablet that ‘extend the touch interface beyond the screen.’ The software will not be as robust as the professional applications in it’s genre, but will rather be a high end consumer product offering capabilities a lot of professionals will find helpful.
It will be included with all Apple Touch devices, but weather iPhone, iPod will have the same version or if it will be more akin to Apple’s movie editor for the iPhone is not known.
Update: Holy crap, the thing (tablet) is going to be finger-pressure sensitive! The new paint software will take advantage of it.
