Does anyone have any thoughts on whether or not stylus input (for precision) will be supported, and whether true handwriting recognition (as on the Newton, or using Calligrapher on Windows Mobile devices) will be supported?
A touch interface isn't fine-grained enough to allow for precision shape drawing, which is a prerequisite for effective handwriting recognition. If Apple's tablet will support stylus input, I'm in. If not, either I'll look to tablets powered by Windows (that I assume will support stylus input and true handwriting recognition, as does the existing version of Windows Mobile), or continue my long wait for handwriting recognition to return to the forefront.
I think that it was a great move to get away from a physical keyboard on the iPhone, but it doesn't go far enough. We don't need an ineffective soft keyboard, but true, stylus-based handwriting recognition, just as we had on the Newton. The Calligrapher fellows developed WritePad Pro for the iPhone, which uses the Calligrapher engine and works very well. Unfortunately, it's contained within the sandbox of the WritePad app, itself, instead of functioning as a system-wide handwriting recognition engine. Also, using a blunt fingertip to draw character glyphs isn't nearly as effective as using a stylus.
Please, Apple (that is, Steve): bring your version of the Newton back, but with stylus-supported, system-wide handwriting recognition!
I do wonder how special Apple will make this. I wonder if they are going to use thats special coating they used on the new iphone 3gs glass, that would be nice. but the thing is how will they make it lighter and cheaper and more appealing
Regarding: "Foley went on to note that Microsoft apparently intends to get out of the hardware business, with only a few more iterations of its Zune hardware before the functionality becomes a part of mobile phones."
Why would MS be stocking up on retail stores if they were getting out of the HW Biz?
Hmmmmm.
They're not - it's just a way of bluffing the monopolies commission into even less activity - as they must be wondering just how long it will be before Microsoft taking absolute control of another technology sector.
The falling of Nokia into the 'make this or else we will and that will destroy you' partnership programme must surely be a wake-up call for someone in authority?
Nokia were about the only remaining independent technology company out there and are now just a few years away from being nothing more than another MS hardware manufacturing proxy like Dell and HP.
I think you're writing ATV's obit a little early. Its been a placeholder, and as a user, I'll testify that its a damned good one. I also just upgraded it to ATV Flash while I wait for gen2, and my family loves it. Always has.
So lets see what the turf looks like in a year. I think Apple is going to own the living room within 5 years.
edit: The 'living room' as entertainment hub will be dead in 5 years, and Apple will own the whole terrain.
Amen - everyone I've ever shown it to loves it. It's just not time yet in the market.
I think you're writing ATV's obit a little early. Its been a placeholder, and as a user, I'll testify that its a damned good one. I also just upgraded it to ATV Flash while I wait for gen2, and my family loves it. Always has.
So lets see what the turf looks like in a year. I think Apple is going to own the living room within 5 years.
edit: The 'living room' as entertainment hub will be dead in 5 years, and Apple will own the whole terrain.
That's wonderfully optimistic view, but...
Apple's Achilles' Heel is that they simply appear way overpriced to the average consumer, and in many ways they are, especially with regard to their computers and Apple TV.
The iPod was ridiculously overpriced for years, but in a quest to gain market share, prices came down and features increased.
Apple's computers (and most other products) remain unrealistically priced to the average consumer (particularly in these tough economic times), especially as one can now buy full-featured (faster processors, Blu-Ray drives, dual hard-drives, numeric key-pads, removable batteries, 'real' media card readers et al) Window-based laptops for some half-of what Apple is charging for computers that don't even offer said features.
The ONLY way that Apple will ever approach the capability/market popularity that the Windows world enjoys, is to stop the exorbitant pricing nonsense, add competitive features, and Truly Compete.
Apple's Achilles' Heel is that they simply appear way overpriced to the average consumer, and in many ways they are, especially with regard to their computers and Apple TV.
The iPod was ridiculously overpriced for years, but in a quest to gain market share, prices came down and features increased.
Apple's computers (and most other products) remain unrealistically priced to the average consumer (particularly in these tough economic times), especially as one can now buy full-featured ([I]faster processors, Blu-Ray drives, dual hard-drive.
Yet Apple is posting record Mac sales. In a rcession. In these "tough economic times", Apple is actually selling more Macs.
Despite the availablity of lower-cost alternatives that purportedly add more value, Macs are flying off shelves in record numbers. Apple's quarterly reports tell the tale. since 2006, Apple has only gained marketshare. But they stay out of the low end and even most of the mod-end. This is done deliberately.
Macs are well-positioned as a Premium item, and the Premium end of the market is lining up to buy. Apple currently has the lion's share of the Premium market. I see no problem. It's not an Achilles heel, it's a deliberate strategy that is paying off, and has been for years now.
Yet Apple is posting record Mac sales. In a rcession. In these "tough economic times", Apple is actually selling more Macs.
Despite the availablity of lower-cost alternatives that purportedly add more value, Macs are flying off shelves in record numbers. Apple's quarterly reports tell the tale. since 2006, Apple has only gained marketshare. But they stay out of the low end and even most of the mod-end. This is done deliberately.
Macs are well-positioned as a Premium item, and the Premium end of the market is lining up to buy. Apple currently has the lion's share of the Premium market. I see no problem. It's not an Achilles heel, it's a deliberate strategy that is paying off, and has been for years now.
That's Nice, But...
Consumers are becoming more, and more educated every day, and one could argue that the days of asking 'premium' prices for mid-range hardware (no matter how 'artfully' packaged said hardware may be) are drawing to a close.
Only time will tell how this all works out, but if Apple considers resting on their laurels a viable marketing strategy, as they so obviously did with the latest iPod updates, then they might want to back-up and regroup ASAP.
Consumers are becoming more, and more educated every day, and one could argue that the days of asking 'premium' prices for mid-range hardware (no matter how 'artfully' packaged said hardware may be) are drawing to a close.
Only time will tell how this all works out, but if Apple considers resting on their laurels a viable marketing strategy, as they so obviously did with the latest iPod updates, then they might want to back-up and regroup ASAP.
Educated about what, exactly? Prices they are already willing to pay? We've been through the "Apple overcharges" bit earlier this year, and it has proven to be an argument without any teeth.
And as the economy improves, the obvious trend will be an even greater increase in Mac sales, provided Apple keeps its usual pace of Mac development. And with the tablet supposedly around the corner, Apple is set to give this industry another shake-up.
The iPod event was one event out of many iPod-related events held so far. And there is still no viable competition today (or on the horizon) for the iPod Touch. Don't target your complaints against Apple. Target them against the rest of this near-comatose industry. Who else combined everything into a single, capable device - or "pocket computer", as it were, with a robust and ever-growing App Store behind it. But if you view Apple as the only real provider of interesting and worthwhile tech these days (you wouldn't be too amiss in doing so), then I can understand you banging on Apple's door. Just keep in mind that such an admission is also an implicit admission that the competition sucks phenomenally and is unable to even "compete."
Educated about what, exactly? Prices they are already willing to pay? We've been through the "Apple overcharges" bit earlier this year, and it has proven to be an argument without any teeth.
And as the economy improves, the obvious trend will be an even greater increase in Mac sales, provided Apple keeps its usual pace of Mac development. And with the tablet supposedly around the corner, Apple is set to give this industry another shake-up.
The iPod event was one event out of many iPod-related events held so far. And there is still no viable competition today (or on the horizon) for the iPod Touch. Don't target your complaints against Apple. Target them against the rest of this near-comatose industry. Who else combined everything into a single, capable device - or "pocket computer", as it were, with a robust and ever-growing App Store behind it. But if you view Apple as the only real provider of interesting and worthwhile tech these days (you wouldn't be too amiss in doing so), then I can understand you banging on Apple's door. Just keep in mind that such an admission is also an implicit admission that the competition sucks phenomenally and is unable to even "compete."
You keep thinking whatever makes you happy, and we'll see where the industry is come this time next year, and the the year after that, with Apple still relegated to 10% (or less) of the computer market share, selling 'style over substance' computing appliances.
Oh Yeah! Apple would rather sell the best computers as opposed to the most computers.
Well, to be quite honest there's nothing the least bit superior about the 3000.00 US MacBook Pro 17 that I use everyday (company issued), especially not underwhelming battery life (when compared to the claims), lack of a numerical keypad in an endlessly empty sea of aluminum, lack of 25gb capacity of storage yielding BR-recorder, inadequate number of USB ports, or no media card reader.
I own/utilize products from almost all major manufacturers, and they each have their respective pros and cons, but I'm very much a realist, one devoid of any FANatical delusions, and Apple is way behind in the technological race at this point.
We'll see what the future holds when it gets here...
You keep thinking whatever makes you happy, and we'll see where the industry is come this time next year, and the the year after that, with Apple still relegated to 10% (or less) of the computer market share, selling 'style over substance' computing appliances.
Oh Yeah! Apple would rather sell the best computers as opposed to the most computers.
Well, to be quite honest there's nothing the least bit superior about the 3000.00 US MacBook Pro 17 that I use everyday (company issued), especially not underwhelming battery life (when compared to the claims), lack of a numerical keypad in an endlessly empty sea of aluminum, lack of 25gb capacity of storage yielding BR-recorder, inadequate number of USB ports, or no media card reader.
I own/utilize products from almost all major manufacturers, and they each have their respective pros and cons, but I'm very much a realist, one devoid of any FANatical delusions, and Apple is way behind in the technological race at this point.
We'll see what the future holds when it gets here...
It's only the millions of customers that are responsible for Apple's record quarters and Mac sales, who are willing to pay more despite cheaper alternatives (in a recession), vs. your anecdotal opinion.
Hey, all I have are facts to draw on, Apple's current and past performance, and projections out to the next quarter. You know, what a "realist" does. Apparently it's nothing compared to your crystal ball, Mysterio.
It's only the millions of customers that are responsible for Apple's record quarters and Mac sales, who are willing to pay more despite cheaper alternatives (in a recession), vs. your anecdotal opinion.
Hey, all I have are facts to draw on, Apple's current and past performance, and projections out to the next quarter. You know, what a "realist" does. Apparently it's nothing compared to your crystal ball, Mysterio.
You keep thinking whatever makes you happy, and we'll see where the industry is come this time next year, and the the year after that, with Apple still relegated to 10% (or less) of the computer market share, selling 'style over substance' computing appliances.
1) Market share doesn't denote quantity. People focused on market share as a indicator of success are almost as clueless as the feature focused checklist scorekeepers.
2) That you think Apple produces 'style over substance' computing appliances just indicates your continued future confusion over Apples sustained growth.
Apple isn't for everyone and that's ok.
Apple doesn't have to have majority market share to succeed and that's ok.
Indeed, I'm sure Apple would prefer to leave the high volume, low profit bottom end of the computer market to the likes of Microsoft, Dell, HP, etc....
Comments
No. Not really.
Allchin was one of those rare truth-tellers at MS. He's probably composing music with a Mac somewhere right about now.
A touch interface isn't fine-grained enough to allow for precision shape drawing, which is a prerequisite for effective handwriting recognition. If Apple's tablet will support stylus input, I'm in. If not, either I'll look to tablets powered by Windows (that I assume will support stylus input and true handwriting recognition, as does the existing version of Windows Mobile), or continue my long wait for handwriting recognition to return to the forefront.
I think that it was a great move to get away from a physical keyboard on the iPhone, but it doesn't go far enough. We don't need an ineffective soft keyboard, but true, stylus-based handwriting recognition, just as we had on the Newton. The Calligrapher fellows developed WritePad Pro for the iPhone, which uses the Calligrapher engine and works very well. Unfortunately, it's contained within the sandbox of the WritePad app, itself, instead of functioning as a system-wide handwriting recognition engine. Also, using a blunt fingertip to draw character glyphs isn't nearly as effective as using a stylus.
Please, Apple (that is, Steve): bring your version of the Newton back, but with stylus-supported, system-wide handwriting recognition!
Steve
Havent you heard of the Axiom Modbook pro(yea,,,, it's expensive 4 grand U.S. i think, but it exists)?
You can see Steve Wozniak using it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnsk7KDZXSY
And a live demonstration here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIYQ4IcQSTY
I do wonder how special Apple will make this. I wonder if they are going to use thats special coating they used on the new iphone 3gs glass, that would be nice. but the thing is how will they make it lighter and cheaper and more appealing
Zune's don't even operate properly outside of the USA, and Microsoft is not currently thinking of selling them anywhere but the USA.
That's not true at all. They sell them in the UK (at least) and they work fine.
- Gates himself has said he believes it is a good thing, which is probably why MS have put so much effort into it already
- they're not common in the real-world, but Sky News seem to use them all the time, so at least someone thinks they're good.
Regarding: "Foley went on to note that Microsoft apparently intends to get out of the hardware business, with only a few more iterations of its Zune hardware before the functionality becomes a part of mobile phones."
Why would MS be stocking up on retail stores if they were getting out of the HW Biz?
Hmmmmm.
They're not - it's just a way of bluffing the monopolies commission into even less activity - as they must be wondering just how long it will be before Microsoft taking absolute control of another technology sector.
The falling of Nokia into the 'make this or else we will and that will destroy you' partnership programme must surely be a wake-up call for someone in authority?
Nokia were about the only remaining independent technology company out there and are now just a few years away from being nothing more than another MS hardware manufacturing proxy like Dell and HP.
I think you're writing ATV's obit a little early. Its been a placeholder, and as a user, I'll testify that its a damned good one. I also just upgraded it to ATV Flash while I wait for gen2, and my family loves it. Always has.
So lets see what the turf looks like in a year. I think Apple is going to own the living room within 5 years.
edit: The 'living room' as entertainment hub will be dead in 5 years, and Apple will own the whole terrain.
Amen - everyone I've ever shown it to loves it. It's just not time yet in the market.
I think you're writing ATV's obit a little early. Its been a placeholder, and as a user, I'll testify that its a damned good one. I also just upgraded it to ATV Flash while I wait for gen2, and my family loves it. Always has.
So lets see what the turf looks like in a year. I think Apple is going to own the living room within 5 years.
edit: The 'living room' as entertainment hub will be dead in 5 years, and Apple will own the whole terrain.
That's wonderfully optimistic view, but...
Apple's Achilles' Heel is that they simply appear way overpriced to the average consumer, and in many ways they are, especially with regard to their computers and Apple TV.
The iPod was ridiculously overpriced for years, but in a quest to gain market share, prices came down and features increased.
Apple's computers (and most other products) remain unrealistically priced to the average consumer (particularly in these tough economic times), especially as one can now buy full-featured (faster processors, Blu-Ray drives, dual hard-drives, numeric key-pads, removable batteries, 'real' media card readers et al) Window-based laptops for some half-of what Apple is charging for computers that don't even offer said features.
The ONLY way that Apple will ever approach the capability/market popularity that the Windows world enjoys, is to stop the exorbitant pricing nonsense, add competitive features, and Truly Compete.
That's wonderfully optimistic view, but...
Apple's Achilles' Heel is that they simply appear way overpriced to the average consumer, and in many ways they are, especially with regard to their computers and Apple TV.
The iPod was ridiculously overpriced for years, but in a quest to gain market share, prices came down and features increased.
Apple's computers (and most other products) remain unrealistically priced to the average consumer (particularly in these tough economic times), especially as one can now buy full-featured ([I]faster processors, Blu-Ray drives, dual hard-drive.
Yet Apple is posting record Mac sales. In a rcession. In these "tough economic times", Apple is actually selling more Macs.
Despite the availablity of lower-cost alternatives that purportedly add more value, Macs are flying off shelves in record numbers. Apple's quarterly reports tell the tale. since 2006, Apple has only gained marketshare. But they stay out of the low end and even most of the mod-end. This is done deliberately.
Macs are well-positioned as a Premium item, and the Premium end of the market is lining up to buy. Apple currently has the lion's share of the Premium market. I see no problem. It's not an Achilles heel, it's a deliberate strategy that is paying off, and has been for years now.
Yet Apple is posting record Mac sales. In a rcession. In these "tough economic times", Apple is actually selling more Macs.
Despite the availablity of lower-cost alternatives that purportedly add more value, Macs are flying off shelves in record numbers. Apple's quarterly reports tell the tale. since 2006, Apple has only gained marketshare. But they stay out of the low end and even most of the mod-end. This is done deliberately.
Macs are well-positioned as a Premium item, and the Premium end of the market is lining up to buy. Apple currently has the lion's share of the Premium market. I see no problem. It's not an Achilles heel, it's a deliberate strategy that is paying off, and has been for years now.
That's Nice, But...
Consumers are becoming more, and more educated every day, and one could argue that the days of asking 'premium' prices for mid-range hardware (no matter how 'artfully' packaged said hardware may be) are drawing to a close.
Only time will tell how this all works out, but if Apple considers resting on their laurels a viable marketing strategy, as they so obviously did with the latest iPod updates, then they might want to back-up and regroup ASAP.
That's Nice, But...
Consumers are becoming more, and more educated every day, and one could argue that the days of asking 'premium' prices for mid-range hardware (no matter how 'artfully' packaged said hardware may be) are drawing to a close.
Only time will tell how this all works out, but if Apple considers resting on their laurels a viable marketing strategy, as they so obviously did with the latest iPod updates, then they might want to back-up and regroup ASAP.
Educated about what, exactly? Prices they are already willing to pay? We've been through the "Apple overcharges" bit earlier this year, and it has proven to be an argument without any teeth.
And as the economy improves, the obvious trend will be an even greater increase in Mac sales, provided Apple keeps its usual pace of Mac development. And with the tablet supposedly around the corner, Apple is set to give this industry another shake-up.
The iPod event was one event out of many iPod-related events held so far. And there is still no viable competition today (or on the horizon) for the iPod Touch. Don't target your complaints against Apple. Target them against the rest of this near-comatose industry. Who else combined everything into a single, capable device - or "pocket computer", as it were, with a robust and ever-growing App Store behind it. But if you view Apple as the only real provider of interesting and worthwhile tech these days (you wouldn't be too amiss in doing so), then I can understand you banging on Apple's door. Just keep in mind that such an admission is also an implicit admission that the competition sucks phenomenally and is unable to even "compete."
Educated about what, exactly? Prices they are already willing to pay? We've been through the "Apple overcharges" bit earlier this year, and it has proven to be an argument without any teeth.
And as the economy improves, the obvious trend will be an even greater increase in Mac sales, provided Apple keeps its usual pace of Mac development. And with the tablet supposedly around the corner, Apple is set to give this industry another shake-up.
The iPod event was one event out of many iPod-related events held so far. And there is still no viable competition today (or on the horizon) for the iPod Touch. Don't target your complaints against Apple. Target them against the rest of this near-comatose industry. Who else combined everything into a single, capable device - or "pocket computer", as it were, with a robust and ever-growing App Store behind it. But if you view Apple as the only real provider of interesting and worthwhile tech these days (you wouldn't be too amiss in doing so), then I can understand you banging on Apple's door. Just keep in mind that such an admission is also an implicit admission that the competition sucks phenomenally and is unable to even "compete."
You keep thinking whatever makes you happy, and we'll see where the industry is come this time next year, and the the year after that, with Apple still relegated to 10% (or less) of the computer market share, selling 'style over substance' computing appliances.
Oh Yeah! Apple would rather sell the best computers as opposed to the most computers.
Well, to be quite honest there's nothing the least bit superior about the 3000.00 US MacBook Pro 17 that I use everyday (company issued), especially not underwhelming battery life (when compared to the claims), lack of a numerical keypad in an endlessly empty sea of aluminum, lack of 25gb capacity of storage yielding BR-recorder, inadequate number of USB ports, or no media card reader.
I own/utilize products from almost all major manufacturers, and they each have their respective pros and cons, but I'm very much a realist, one devoid of any FANatical delusions, and Apple is way behind in the technological race at this point.
We'll see what the future holds when it gets here...
We'll see what the future holds when it gets here...
Oh, that's very profound. Can I quote you?
Oh, that's very profound. Can I quote you?
Request Considered...
Request DENIED -
You keep thinking whatever makes you happy, and we'll see where the industry is come this time next year, and the the year after that, with Apple still relegated to 10% (or less) of the computer market share, selling 'style over substance' computing appliances.
Oh Yeah! Apple would rather sell the best computers as opposed to the most computers.
Well, to be quite honest there's nothing the least bit superior about the 3000.00 US MacBook Pro 17 that I use everyday (company issued), especially not underwhelming battery life (when compared to the claims), lack of a numerical keypad in an endlessly empty sea of aluminum, lack of 25gb capacity of storage yielding BR-recorder, inadequate number of USB ports, or no media card reader.
I own/utilize products from almost all major manufacturers, and they each have their respective pros and cons, but I'm very much a realist, one devoid of any FANatical delusions, and Apple is way behind in the technological race at this point.
We'll see what the future holds when it gets here...
It's only the millions of customers that are responsible for Apple's record quarters and Mac sales, who are willing to pay more despite cheaper alternatives (in a recession), vs. your anecdotal opinion.
Hey, all I have are facts to draw on, Apple's current and past performance, and projections out to the next quarter. You know, what a "realist" does. Apparently it's nothing compared to your crystal ball, Mysterio.
It's only the millions of customers that are responsible for Apple's record quarters and Mac sales, who are willing to pay more despite cheaper alternatives (in a recession), vs. your anecdotal opinion.
Hey, all I have are facts to draw on, Apple's current and past performance, and projections out to the next quarter. You know, what a "realist" does. Apparently it's nothing compared to your crystal ball, Mysterio.
Typical FANatic attitude... How Unexpected
I'm actually quite excited about the prospects of a iPhone OS based Apple tablet device...
and so is MicroSoft http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-f...-secret-tablet
You keep thinking whatever makes you happy, and we'll see where the industry is come this time next year, and the the year after that, with Apple still relegated to 10% (or less) of the computer market share, selling 'style over substance' computing appliances.
1) Market share doesn't denote quantity. People focused on market share as a indicator of success are almost as clueless as the feature focused checklist scorekeepers.
2) That you think Apple produces 'style over substance' computing appliances just indicates your continued future confusion over Apples sustained growth.
Apple isn't for everyone and that's ok.
Apple doesn't have to have majority market share to succeed and that's ok.
Indeed, I'm sure Apple would prefer to leave the high volume, low profit bottom end of the computer market to the likes of Microsoft, Dell, HP, etc....