Mac OS X key to Apple's consumer electronics strategy

[AppleInsider]

Apple Computer plans to leverage one of its most vital assets as it accelerates its assault on the consumer electronics markets.

People familiar with the strategy tell AppleInsider that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company has been developing an operating system based on the core technologies of Mac OS X for use with embedded devices.

Apple intends to integrate the software on a couple of devices beginning early next year, those people say, while more comprehensive plans call for it to form the bedrock of a jaw-dropping device not due to hit the market until the following year.

By leveraging the underpinnings of Mac OS X, Apple is striving to deliver with its consumer electronics products the same flawless digital media experience enjoyed by the approximate 20 million people who use the system on Macs worldwide.

The commonality of the underlying software will also unlock expansive interactive capabilities between the company's electronics devices and its PCs, further fortifying its industry leading integrated model and software advantage.

One of the first Apple devices rumored to draw from the new system is the company's forthcoming iPhone. Sources have maintained that Apple plans to ship the handset on time next quarter despite a flurry of doubt from members of the analyst community.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Mr. Me]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

...

One of the first Apple devices rumored to draw off of the new system is the company's forthcoming iPhone. ...

Earth to AppleInsider: The iPhone is a Linksys product.

[theveeb]

MacPhone?

[Splinemodel]

Whatever, this article is about embedded Mac OS X. . .

If Apple were open with it (which they probably won't be) it could have a monstrous impact on the embedded industry. Right now, there is the embedded Linux camp and the WinCE camp. support for rich graphics has traditionally been the reason why people use WinCE at all. An embedded Mac OS X would tear into WinCE sales, and would likely bury Qtopia in the space of a year.

In all honesty, I think embedded Mac OS X could come to dominate the smart phone market very quickly -- if Apple lets it free.

[techno]

Steve Jobs is worth every one of those 100 pennies per year, oh and the jet too. His vision not only saved the company upon his return, it has poised the company to topple goliath. Don't laugh and say there is no way, Microsoft is too big. Just as civilizations have crumbled throughout history, so will MS. Few living in the moment could expect the walls to come down.

[Mobius]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

...One of the first Apple devices rumored to draw off of the new system is the company's forthcoming iPhone.

The word from is all too often being replaced by this cumbersome abuse of the English language.

Publishers should be aware of this encroaching bastardisation and avoid it, or any others for that matter.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by Mobius

The word from is all too often being replaced by this cumbersome abuse of the English language.

Publishers should be aware of this encroaching bastardisation and avoid it, or any others for that matter.

You broke my train of thought, thanks sir.

Now back on topic.

Originally Posted by Apple Insider

while more comprehensive plans call for it to form the bedrock of a jaw-dropping device not due to hit the market until the following year. (i.e. 2008, added by me for quote clarity)

There is no way I'm going to waste any time imagining anything with products that far off. I have a hard enough trouble waiting for this iPhone (and guys we all know the name's taken, but that's what we'll call it for now, shall we), which by golly better come at Macworld or I will be genuinely angry with Jobs (don't try and back him up, he can't defend himself anyway). I was using my mobile phone in bed this morning (Razr), and it occured to me how big of a difference an Apple phone could actually make to my life (not just thinking about the world or business for a change). We use our phones so much these days for setting calanders etc. A cool, simple, easy-to-use Apple phone could actually make people happier in their day to day lives. In the year 2006 most people rely on their phone at some level, so who doesn't want to have more pleasure doing that. We are tied to our phones most of the time these days, if that experience was a pleasure instead of a pain, it would be simply marvelous!

[tundraboy]

Apple understands, more than any other consumer electronics firm out there, that "It's the software, stupid." And they are the only one out there who has the software and hardware design skills to deliver. Now I'll just sit and wait for Apple's acquisition of Sony's consumer electronics division sometime in the next 5 years. (This becomes likelier depending on how big a flop the PS3 is.) Or a strategic partnership with Apple at the driver's seat is good enough.

When Apple cracks the consumer electronics market, I'm betting on MS-like stock price growth for Apple in the next 20 years. (That is, MS in its heyday when its stock rose about 400 fold.)

[Clive At Five]

Originally Posted by Mobius

The word from is all too often being replaced by this cumbersome abuse of the English language.

Publishers should be aware of this encroaching bastardisation and avoid it, or any others for that matter.

Well put.

In other news, this site has TOO MANY ADS! Today I had to wait, like, 15 seconds in order to post on a forum that only helps the site to grow. What are you trying to do, AI? Punish us for contributing to your site? I can't say I'll stay around too long if ads continue as such.

-Clive

[Clive At Five]

Originally Posted by tundraboy

Now I'll just sit and wait for Apple's acquisition of Sony's consumer electronics division sometime in the next 5 years.

Not gonna happen. Sony has way too much baggage, and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too big of a product line for Apple to handle. Digital cameras, game consoles, TVs... all things that Apple has had zero experience in.

-Clive

[e1618978]

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

Well put.

In other news, this site has TOO MANY ADS! Today I had to wait, like, 15 seconds in order to post on a forum that only helps the site to grow. What are you trying to do, AI? Punish us for contributing to your site? I can't say I'll stay around too long if ads continue as such.

-Clive

Use a pop-up blocker - I have never noticed an ad on applesider that didn't catch my eye with a naked girl or something, once you have a pop-up blocker the ads melt into the background.

[Darth_Apple]

Originally Posted by Ireland

I have a hard enough trouble waiting for this iPhone which by golly better come at Macworld or I will be genuinely angry with Jobs (don't try and back him up, he can't defend himself anyway).

You know your really starting to get annoying, Apple has never said or announced any plan to release a phone, they are just rumors if you don't know know the difference between a rumor and reality you should stop coming to this site!

If Apple release a phone it will be when there ready not when you say it should... and I for one am very thankful for that fact.

So if your going to cry, whine and act immature because a product that has not been announced is not released when you want it to be released then please and do us a favor... do it somewhere else, thanks.

----
Back on topic

I agree with Splinemodel if Apple releases an embedded Mac OS X, Apple would dominate that market, while the the linux group and windows have good embedded OS's I don't think neither side has made especially fantastic or innovative product and I'm sure Apple could.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

Well put.

In other news, this site has TOO MANY ADS! Today I had to wait, like, 15 seconds in order to post on a forum that only helps the site to grow. What are you trying to do, AI? Punish us for contributing to your site? I can't say I'll stay around too long if ads continue as such.

-Clive

That's strange I haven't seen any ads on this site in years.
Actually I don't see any ads on most sites.

If you are that bugged by it, take 10 seconds and google for a solution to your problem.

[jwyatt]

jaw-dropping device ? Here we go again !!

[mark2005]

Not just calendars and address books, but Dashboard widgets are coming to a future Apple pocketable product.

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

TOO MANY ADS!-Clive

Clive,

I don't see any ads on the Apple Insider website. Zero.
Firefox 2 with Adblock reduces ads to almost nothing everywhere I surf.

,dave

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by tundraboy

Apple understands, more than any other consumer electronics firm out there, that "It's the software, stupid." And they are the only one out there who has the software and hardware design skills to deliver. Now I'll just sit and wait for Apple's acquisition of Sony's consumer electronics division sometime in the next 5 years. (This becomes likelier depending on how big a flop the PS3 is.) Or a strategic partnership with Apple at the driver's seat is good enough.

When Apple cracks the consumer electronics market, I'm betting on MS-like stock price growth for Apple in the next 20 years. (That is, MS in its heyday when its stock rose about 400 fold.)

I wholeheartedly agree that it is the software that makes the difference.
However I disagree that Apple will acquire Sony's CE division.
Steve has said he wants Apple to be more like Sony as far as being a lifestyle brand.
But Apple doesn't need Sony's baggage.

I am amazed that Sony hasn't figured it out yet. Without their own OS they are always going to be at the mercy of someone else's software.

My guess is that in 5 years Sony, DELL and HP will each have their own distributions of Linux.

[kenaustus]

I've long been hoping for a stripped down version of OS X in the iPhone. It would allow for great syncing with apps like iLife, Address Book and iCal. It also open a huge door for current Mac developers to deliver Lite version of their own apps, or at lease the small apps - I'm not talking PhotoShop here. Freeware and shareware developers would have a ball - as would iPhone users.

The challenge will be the Window users. Would Apple let them have a stripped down version of a few Apple apps like iPhoto? Probably as it only increases the halo effect.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by jwyatt

jaw-dropping device ? Here we go again !!

Newton's revenge.

[BRussell]

Originally Posted by Mr. Me

Earth to AppleInsider: The iPhone is a Linksys product.

Earth to Mr. Me: Everyone here on our planet uses 'iPhone' as a placeholder for an Apple cell phone.

[jwyatt]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella

Newton's revenge.

I loved my Newton, I can only hope that they resurrect.

[Barabas]

Originally Posted by jwyatt

I loved my Newton, I can only hope that they resurrect.

OMFG. You must be old. Really old.

I remember seeing it once in my youth. It was expensive but looked cool, very cool indeed.

[jwyatt]

Originally Posted by Barabas

OMFG. You must be old. Really old.

I remember seeing it once in my youth. It was expensive but looked cool, very cool indeed.

The Newton was only released in the mid to late 90's man I'm not that old (39)
It used wireless (infrared) tech to send /receive input from other Newtons....sound familiar?

Also one of the first with fairly robust hand writting recgonition (before palm)...fun product although not extremley useful and a bit bulky.

Hell I still have an Apple made back-pack for a MAC SE, the first portable....now I'm dated.

[tundraboy]

Originally Posted by Clive At Five

Not gonna happen. Sony has way too much baggage, and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too big of a product line for Apple to handle. Digital cameras, game consoles, TVs... all things that Apple has had zero experience in.

-Clive

Digital cameras, camcorders, h-fi systems, TVs, these are all things that can benefit greatly with that Apple formula of simple, usable design and seamless integration with each other and your computer as well.

Zero experience? So Apple just designed iPhoto, iDVD, iMovie, iTunes, iPod, and now iTV (not to mention their pro Apps) without knowing or learning anything about digital cameras, camcorders, hi-fi, and televisions?

I agree, an Apple acquisition is a long shot. It will only happen if PS3 is a total flop and Sony has to hold a fire sale (bad choice of words considering the battery fiasco, eh?) and Apple gets to pick and choose from Sony's product lines.

A strategic partnership is thus more likely. Sony needs Apple more than Apple needs Sony. And both of them know it. Sony knows they can't do shit for software. PS3 is Sony's last shot at maintaining their pre-eminence independently. Samsung and a resurgent Matsushita are breathing down their necks. They'd be smart to get something going with Apple. The price will be steep though. For Sony, that is. But when you're desperate, what choice do you have really?

[Wills]

On my reading, parts of this article look and read as if they were taken from an Apple press release, the 3rd and 4th paras especially. I had no idea your sources were quite that good.

[cincytee]

Originally Posted by jwyatt

The Newton was only released in the mid to late 90's man I'm not that old (39) It used wireless (infrared) tech to send /receive input from other Newtons....sound familiar?

Also one of the first with fairly robust hand writting recgonition (before palm)...fun product although not extremley useful and a bit bulky.

Lying somewhere in my living room I have an eMate. Considering its era, it's one of the most amazing machines Apple has ever produced: ultra-sturdy case, all flash memory, IR, PCMCIA slot, AppleTalk networking, lean and functional software. Foret the Zune anaolgy, too; I maintain that a pumped up version of the eMate, not a slimmed down traditional laptop, is the more appropriate inspiration for the Apple subnotebook that I read rumors about. Especially considering what the iPod has done for the price of flash memory. Just think of OS X (OS X Lite?) booting up at the push of a button....

[BenRoethig]

Originally Posted by Splinemodel

Whatever, this article is about embedded Mac OS X. . .

If Apple were open with it (which they probably won't be) it could have a monstrous impact on the embedded industry. Right now, there is the embedded Linux camp and the WinCE camp. support for rich graphics has traditionally been the reason why people use WinCE at all. An embedded Mac OS X would tear into WinCE sales, and would likely bury Qtopia in the space of a year.

In all honesty, I think embedded Mac OS X could come to dominate the smart phone market very quickly -- if Apple lets it free.

And that is the key word, if Apple lets it free. The success of an Apple smart phone would probably depend on how proprietary Apple wants to make it. If it involves Apple only devices, at Apple no-rebate or discount prices and a Apple MVNO it's probably not going to attract much behind the most hardcore of the Mac elite. If they were to use a partner model and/or go through existing carriers and be more flexible with pricing and rebates, it might work. Overall, I see an Apple entry into the mobile market as a pretty big risk with not a large possible return.

[jwyatt]

Originally Posted by cincytee

Lying somewhere in my living room I have an eMate. Considering its era, it's one of the most amazing machines Apple has ever produced: ultra-sturdy case, all flash memory, IR, PCMCIA slot, AppleTalk networking, lean and functional software. Foret the Zune anaolgy, too; I maintain that a pumped up version of the eMate, not a slimmed down traditional laptop, is the more appropriate inspiration for the Apple subnotebook that I read rumors about. Especially considering what the iPod has done for the price of flash memory. Just think of OS X (OS X Lite?) booting up at the push of a button....

Ah, someone perhaps from my generation. Agreed, the e-mate was a nice little device.
Combine a modern ultra portable + emate / Newton concepts + OSX = coool !

[tlpintpe]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

People familiar with the strategy tell AppleInsider that the Cupertino, Calif.-based company has been developing an operating system based on the core technologies of Mac OS X for use with embedded devices.

[/url][/c]

OS X should be quite able to be scaled down for embedded use. Linux does this exceptionally well, as does FreeBSD. m0n0wall, pfsense, freeNAS are all scaled down, powerful versions of FreeBSD.

The advantage that OS X would have is the talent pool of Apple coders. Regardless of whether they open source this it will have a big impact.

The other day I was in the Apple Store near where I live. I noticed the hand-held devices they were using to process orders. They had a built-in bar code scanner. They also communicated wirelessly with the store's POS system. The hardware was Symbol.

I glanced at the screen on the hand-held device and there was an Apple icon in the center of the screen.

Is this hand-held already running an embedded version of OS X?

[lantzn]

Originally Posted by jwyatt

Hell I still have an Apple made back-pack for a MAC SE, the first portable....now I'm dated.

I still have my Mac SE/30, I'm 47. It has an ethernet card (Farallon?) in it and so I thought I'd try and hook it up to the web the other day. I plugged the cable from my DSL modem into it and opened Navigator 3 and was surfing in full black and white! I just couldn't part with it.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by jwyatt

Ah, someone perhaps from my generation. Agreed, the e-mate was a nice little device.
Combine a modern ultra portable + emate / Newton concepts + OSX = coool !

Wouldn't this pretty much be a small form factor tablet or a sub-notebook with stylus input?

The trouble with the Newton and eMate analogies is that those machines were necessarily constrained by the tech of the day. There's a sense that they were sort of magical (and for their day, they were) and if Apple could update the idea they would have a world beater.

But once you move past pocket size nobody is interested, any more, in monochrome screens and scaled down apps and so so handwriting recognition-- you need to have a full on computer with modern amenities.

Which would be an OS X machine. In a small form factor. With or without a keyboard. With wireless capacities, pen input, and a good screen. Maybe some accessory slots. No doubt killer design. Small tablet or sub-notebook, beautifully done.

Which would be cool, but not the paradigm buster the Newton or eMate were.

[SpamSandwich]

Would be cool if Apple adopted an electronic ink display for battery savings, reduced size and/or product flexibility.

[Kolchak]

Originally Posted by jwyatt

jaw-dropping device ? Here we go again !!

No, no, you guys are reading it wrong. What they mean is Apple will be putting out software for dental practices. Now, spit.

[lepton]

I believe the 'jaw-dropping' device is a handheld, 16:9 full surface touch screen phone, iPod, media player that also does Apple Remote Desktop and other OSX-things. It's described here:

The Apple Concept Device

[Mr. Me]

Originally Posted by BRussell

Earth to Mr. Me: Everyone here on our planet uses 'iPhone' as a placeholder for an Apple cell phone.

Everyone? Some of us know that the Apple cell phone is just a rumor--and, since yesterday, a severely discredited rumor. Others cannot accept that fact.

[BRussell]

Originally Posted by Mr. Me

Everyone? Some of us know that the Apple cell phone is just a rumor--and, since yesterday, a severely discredited rumor. Others cannot accept that fact.

You think because someone else released a cell phone, that means that Apple can't release one of their own? 'iPhone' is just the name people have been using for an Apple cell phone, whatever it ends up being called, and has no impact whatsoever on whether the rumors about an Apple cell phone are true. iTV is a British television network. Does that mean Apple won't release their set-top box? Come on, don't be afraid to use that cortex.

[jwyatt]

Originally Posted by Mr. Me

Everyone? Some of us know that the Apple cell phone is just a rumor--and, since yesterday, a severely discredited rumor. Others cannot accept that fact.

Rumor my A__! I've been holding off way to long on a new cell phone for it to be a rumor...it's not, and I'm not in denial...I don't think.

[jwyatt]

Originally Posted by lantzn

I still have my Mac SE/30, I'm 47. It has an ethernet card (Farallon?) in it and so I thought I'd try and hook it up to the web the other day. I plugged the cable from my DSL modem into it and opened Navigator 3 and was surfing in full black and white! I just couldn't part with it.

I use mine as a clock on our mantle. Who remembers Moof the dogcow ??

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by BRussell

You think because someone else released a cell phone, that means that Apple can't release one of their own? 'iPhone' is just the name people have been using for an Apple cell phone, whatever it ends up being called, and has no impact whatsoever on whether the rumors about an Apple cell phone are true. iTV is a British television network. Does that mean Apple won't release their set-top box? Come on, don't be afraid to use that cortex.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the just announced iPhone is a VOIP phone, not a cell phone.

[aegisdesign]

Originally Posted by Splinemodel

In all honesty, I think embedded Mac OS X could come to dominate the smart phone market very quickly -- if Apple lets it free.

Overtaking the OS used in pretty much every Nokia and Sony Ericsson phone that has over 75% of the market? Not likely.

Kill off Embedded Linux in Asia where they don't like using proprietary OSs? Not likely.

Kill of Embedded Windows/WinCE/Windows Mobile in ODM phones rebadged by carriers around the world as their own? Not likely.

Kill of Palm. OK, That one's likely.