Apple’s tablet device is coming, the question at this point seems to be we whether it’s coming on the 26th of January. One might point out that we have had tablet computers for a while, that they haven’t caught on; e-book readers are starting to take success and that Apple seems to be doing just fine. All of these are true, but this is Apple – they do not respond, rather they innovate. This article serves to examine that which is likely to be Apple’s tablet and the importance it will have.
The Basics
All that is information about the tablet is speculation, so perhaps consider this, “educated speculation.” The screen size is likely to be 10″ perhaps 10.1″ The device will be a touch screen, how many actual buttons surround the device is unclear. Will it be a supersized iPod touch – perhaps, probably not as thin. Given Sports Illustrated’s supposed UI demo it seems that it is likely the device will feature a speaker, making a headphone jack all the more likely. Filling in the holes after that becomes less-educated guesses.
The OS
For the past year, the largest question without a doubt has been a discussion over the OS. Whatever the case, it seems likely that the OS is going to be a modified version of something that we see in a current Apple product. The two obvious candidates for serving as the seeds of the tablet’s OS are Mac OS X and the iPhone/iPod Touch OS. Each have their advantages and their flaws.
Mac OS X would allow users to run Mac apps and would allow users to use the tablet as a possible secondary computer. Without a doubt there are a slew of problems. First and foremost, Mac OS X currently doesn’t support any touch capabilities (Windows 7 does however). That (large) issue aside, the tablet could not possess the specs to run a lot of apps (assuming those apps get touch support). Those problems can be solved in my opinion, the functionality of a tablet cannot simply be changed. Imagine I’m writing this article on a tablet… large problem. Given the touch screen, I must place the computer flat on the table to type on it. So here’s the problem, I’m now leaning over the table to type… there go the ergonomics. Sure, it could support USB or Bluetooth keyboards; but, there goes the whole value of the touch screen.
The above mentioned problems coupled with rumors that Apple is having top iPhone developers to develop demos for the tablet leads me to believe that the tablet will likely feature a modified version of the iPhone/iPod touch OS. There are some problem – apps will obviously have to be modified for the larger screen, but in the end significantly less work then trying to put Mac OS X in any form on the tablet. We hope that the modified OS would add features (besides just ones for media.)
Networks?
One large factor that will dramatically shape the entire device is wether the device will need/use a cellphone carrier’s network. Previously it has been discussed that Verizon might get the tablet, that seems to not be the case. TheMacFeed has previously stated that as long as you hear Verizon talking about a deal with Apple, just assume a deal isn’t coming. Even if Verizon had their mouth shut, AT&T has to be the front runner for another Apple device and it would only seem fitting that they would get the device if it did indeed require a cellphone network. There are some advantages to having it on a network. The price will likely be subsidized, bringing in more users initially. Secondly, it would allow for the device to not be crippled because of a lack of Wi-Fi, this is particularly important if the device is to serve largely as a media device. However, there are some obvious drawbacks. The Initial price might be lower – but in the end, users will pay more. Also, it would mean more contracts, etc to deal with – something that is not a positive.
Importance for Apple
This is Apple’s first entrance into a new market since the iPhone’s original launch two and a half years ago and by no means is it anywhere near as important. The launch is much hyped, but the overall sales figures might seem disappointing to some. Apple has a reputation riding on it, but the device does not need to be the savior that the iPod was or the revolution that was the iPhone. Given the hybrid nature of the device, there will be some innovation – but a lot of it will be old technology that exist in and outside of Cupertino.
Importance for Kindle/Other e-Books
The iPod was not the first MP3 player, but it changed the game. Amazon and Sony have two e-book readers that have already taken large stakes in the market and Apple already has an App Store, but the tablet will be the glue that ties the two together. The rumors of Apple’s tablet don’t help Amazon or Sony’s sales numbers, but unless the tablet actually serves as formidable e-book reader it is hard to see how it is going to be competition. Whatever the case, neither Amazon or Sony can downplay the tablet or its impact. Even if the tablet doesn’t feature e-book capabilities or the apps that would allow it to be an e-book reader, the possibility is still there and users will take note.
Importance for Print Media
The print media business isn’t doing well. The price of the New York Times’ Daily Edition has quadrupled in the past ten years while at the same time the number of daily readers has taken a nose dive. Numerous newspapers have shut their doors and it is hard to find a print media company that is doing well. The story in the magazine business doesn’t look a whole lot better. Readers look elsewhere for the news that they used to find in print. The internet is the biggest culprit, but get on a train in a major city, look at the amount of people glued to their smartphone. The fact is that more and more are using the iPhone instead of the paper and advertisers have taken note. The above example of Sports Illustrated shows how Apple’s tablet very easily could revolutionize the print media industry. There is no group that has more riding on this single device then the print media industry. If the device flops, Apple isn’t going to bankrupt and it’s unlikely that many will stop buying Apple’s products (see the Apple TV’s sales records if you need proof.) App developers are unlikely to be destroyed as the iPhone and iPod touch will be unaffected – print media might die. The future is no doubt grim and the likelihood that one device from Steve Jobs can save an industry that has existed for close to two centuries seems slim, but then again, if anyone can do it – it’s Steve.
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