Briefly: Foxconn retail, Samsung struggles, Microsoft ponders Office for App Stores

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  • Reply 21 of 64
    nhtnht Posts: 4,522member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dick Applebaum View Post


    Here I sit in front of a nice fire.. In non-NYC, non-Boston...



    Seriously the only chance for Office is to ASAP release an iOS version... Then an Android version...



    ... And maybe, a year from now a WP7 version...





    Otherwise, the parade has marched by...



    MS has a MS Office Mobile version for WP7.



    http://player.vimeo.com/video/166270...0&color=ffffff



    It's one of their competitive advantages. I could see porting MS Office Mobile for the iPad since they already support Office on Macs but hell no for Android. MS is directly competing with Google for handset licenses.



    WP7 tablet with MS Office Mobile and slightly enhanced enterprise security would destroy the Playbook. Not that it's going to take much to destroy the playbook given no BES without a freaking BB.
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  • Reply 22 of 64
    nhtnht Posts: 4,522member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prof. Peabody View Post




    If MS doesn't get Office for iOS out the door within the next year, there will be folks that have used iOS for up to two years without ever needing Office. People who have already switched to other methods and tools. They are essentially leaving Apple to play by themselves in the iOS market place, unchallenged.



    Neither Pages or QuickOffice is completely Office compatible. iOS Keynote isn't even completely compatible with Mac Keynote at the moment. The next iWork I'm hoping is seamless.



    The primary point is that most folks that use office need much better compatibility with the desktop workflow before anyone can claim that MS has missed the boat with a MS Office Mobile on the iPad.
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  • Reply 23 of 64
    zoetmbzoetmb Posts: 2,657member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prof. Peabody View Post


    For instance I'm a writer so I haven't had my iPad out of my hands since I bought it and I use Pages (even though it's not really that great), because right now, it's the only word processor you can get for iPad.



    I think the iPad is a great device, but I don't know how you type on the thing - it hurts my hands (and I don't have especially big hands.) It's fine for a short email or entering info into a form, but I would never use it as currently configured for any "real work" just like I don't use my iPhone to respond to long and detailed business email. I don't know what the answer is - it might be a larger holographic keyboard that projects out of the unit, but still provides tactile feedback or it might mean getting away from the Qwerty keyboard (although that's been tried before without success.)



    My fear for the future is that Apple stops recognizing (or stops caring) that people who do "real work" still need something that resembles a traditional computer: one with inputs/outputs, lots of memory and local physical storage with a full-sized keyboard and the ability to have multiple applications active and on-screen at the same time. That's very different than the use of simple games, apps that require minimal input (find me a restaurant), tweeting, texting, reading books, viewing video or viewing webpages.
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  • Reply 24 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by bloggerblog View Post


    The longer MS takes to release Office for the iPad the tougher their competition will get, especially when users get use to using alternative apps.



    Exactly!



    MS needs to learn how to compete on the iPad (new tablet) form factor while it is still in the early formative stages. This includes:



    -- rethinking app features

    -- reworking app UI

    -- reworking app interaction with other apps

    -- app interaction with a mobile OS

    -- app collaboration

    -- app scripting

    -- app packaging

    -- app pricing

    -- app distribution

    -- app support



    Some of these things are not. yet, allowed or practical on the iPad -- but they will be within the next few years.



    If Microsoft, or anyone, wants to play in this "Tablet Application" marketplace, they need to get into the marketplace as soon as possible.



    What will happen if MS withholds the Office apps from the iPad, until they have a competitive tablet OS 2 years down the road...



    ...and then, 2 years down the road they bomb, cancel or delay their tablet OS project?



    The risks are too great.





    If Gates were still in charge, MS would be all over the iPad -- learning, copying and gaining app market share.



    MS has an MBU (Mac Business Unit) -- they need an iBU... Soon!





    I dislike MS and no longer own any MS products -- it's getting easier to be MS-free as each year passes.





    Slange!
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  • Reply 25 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by MacRulez View Post






    Yep.



    Your pie chart might make a point - but I suspect if you look at the data over time it would tell a slightly different story. All it does now is point out that MS can't get people to switch from an OS that is a full TWO product cycles back (understandably so after the Vista debacle but most of what I have seen with Win7 says it is a vast improvement - at least over Vista and may add to the feature set if you are an XP user - although I seriously doubt you could get anyone to move from Mac OS X to it).
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  • Reply 26 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prof. Peabody View Post


    ...It's a golden opportunity for MS really, but I have the suspicion they are going to blow it. iOS software is almost the opposite "style" of software to that Microsoft is used to producing. While they specialise in bloated "everything but the kitchen sink" suites, iOS is all about focussed tasks and minimalism.



    I wouldn't be surprised to see them put something out for iOS, but I would be very, very surprised if it was good. Microsoft has never shown any talent at all for this kind of programming. The last product I remember MS making that was as clear, focussed and easy to use as an iOS app, is MS Word 5.0 for DOS.



    Kudos to the Prof.:

    Could not agree more - very well said.
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  • Reply 27 of 64
    solipsismsolipsism Posts: 25,726member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by MacRulez View Post






    Yep.



    Where is Windows 7? Why is Windows broken up over 2 OS versions but Mac OS is all clumped together as one?
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  • Reply 28 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dick Applebaum View Post


    What will happen if MS withholds the Office apps from the iPad, until they have a competitive tablet OS 2 years down the road...



    I think that the real problem is that have not figured out that what they have now is not the right thing. They have been trying to use Windows with a touch screen or on a tablet for several years and the only sign that maybe someone somewhere gets it is in the new Windows phone OS. Still is not my favorite but it is a step in the right direction. Someone needs to smack 'em upside the head and explain the Windows is NOT a cross platform solution i.e., one size does not fit all.



    I don't own any MS stock and have no stake in them whatsoever so I don't really care except they remain the de facto std on desktops/laptops (Office that is) and I hate what they have done. It just keeps getting bigger and messier. I avoid Office whenever possible (I detest the ribbons and other crap and the tiny area they leave as a working area for your document - but I digress).
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  • Reply 29 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Damn_Its_Hot View Post


    I avoid Office whenever possible (I detest the ribbons and other crap and the tiny area they leave as a working area for your document - but I digress).



    Documents? Documents?



    MS Office can do Documents too?



    I thought MS Office was just a drill-and-practice tool to train users with various arcane UI elements that they might encounter in a desktop OS.



    Well... if Office can do Documents... I might just give it another look!
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  • Reply 30 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by MacRulez View Post






    Yep.



    No kidding, thats a much nicer pie chart than I ever produce, Would you mind telling me what s/w package you used?
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  • Reply 31 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by zoetmb View Post


    I think the iPad is a great device, but I don't know how you type on the thing - it hurts my hands (and I don't have especially big hands.) It's fine for a short email or entering info into a form, but I would never use it as currently configured for any "real work" just like I don't use my iPhone to respond to long and detailed business email. ....



    If it's any help to you, I had the same experience. I thumb-type on the iPad in portrait mode exclusively, and it really hurt my hands at first. I have rather large hands but it's still quite a reach to be able to hit all the keys with any accuracy and speed. Also, the sharp edges of the bottom corners dig into your palms right where some major tendons are, which is also very painful at first.



    I tried to use the iPad for about three weeks and then actually gave up and started leaving it at home for roughly a two week period after that. Then all of a sudden, I guess the muscles in my hands just got used to it and I'm fine now except after long periods.



    When the iPad first came out I was shocked that it wasn't 7" instead of 10" and even posted a few diatribes here about how they "got the size wrong," but now I'm not so sure. If it was lighter, and ever so slightly smaller, and if the corners were less sharp it might be "just right" (at least for me). Coincidentally, this is apparently what they plan for version 2.0.



    I do think that Apple really doesn't seem to care much about human ergonomics though and I think this is true across a wide range of their products over a long period of years, especially when it comes to hand-size.



    Hand size varies by inches, yet all of Apple's products are made for the "average" hand. If you are a kid or a small person for instance, you will never be able to thumb-type on an iPad. If you have bigger hands like mine, you can expect to never be able to use the swipe gestures on the Magic Mouse, etc. etc.



    Why Apple doesn't make a small, medium, and large version of their hand-held products has always been a mystery to me, and something I see as a mistake on their part. Same goes for keyboards.
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  • Reply 32 of 64
    blastdoorblastdoor Posts: 3,853member
    I think that in order for Office to be in the app store, Apple would have to give Microsoft latitude to continue offering Office in other contexts at different price points. For example, I don't think it would be in consumers or apple's best interest to have the Microsoft home use program cancelled for Mac users (I don't know if the app store rules would prevent that or not).



    The broader point here is that Office is an incredibly important application for the Mac and including it in the App store should in no way inhibit the distribution of Office to Mac users through other means. If that means MS gets special treatment, so be it --- Office deserves special treatment. (so does Adobe Creative Suite)
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  • Reply 33 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prof. Peabody View Post


    If it's any help to you, I had the same experience. I thumb-type on the iPad in portrait mode exclusively, and it really hurt my hands at first. I have rather large hands but it's still quite a reach to be able to hit all the keys with any accuracy and speed. Also, the sharp edges of the bottom corners dig into your palms right where some major tendons are, which is also very painful at first.



    I tried to use the iPad for about three weeks and then actually gave up and started leaving it at home for roughly a two week period after that. Then all of a sudden, I guess the muscles in my hands just got used to it and I'm fine now except after long periods.



    When the iPad first came out I was shocked that it wasn't 7" instead of 10" and even posted a few diatribes here about how they "got the size wrong," but now I'm not so sure. If it was lighter, and ever so slightly smaller, and if the corners were less sharp it might be "just right" (at least for me). Coincidentally, this is apparently what they plan for version 2.0.



    I do think that Apple really doesn't seem to care much about human ergonomics though and I think this is true across a wide range of their products over a long period of years, especially when it comes to hand-size.



    Hand size varies by inches, yet all of Apple's products are made for the "average" hand. If you are a kid or a small person for instance, you will never be able to thumb-type on an iPad. If you have bigger hands like mine, you can expect to never be able to use the swipe gestures on the Magic Mouse, etc. etc.



    Why Apple doesn't make a small, medium, and large version of their hand-held products has always been a mystery to me, and something I see as a mistake on their part. Same goes for keyboards.



    Apple should allow the user some flexibility to customize the system virtual kbs -- as you mention, hand (key) size/spacing, split kb for thumb typing. There are apps that do this -- but it really needs to be a system-wide function.
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  • Reply 34 of 64
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prof. Peabody View Post


    If it's any help to you, I had the same experience. .....

    I tried to use the iPad for about three weeks and then actually gave up and started leaving it at home for roughly a two week period after that. Then all of a sudden, I guess the muscles in my hands just got used to it and I'm fine now except after long periods.

    .....



    Why Apple doesn't make a small, medium, and large version of their hand-held products has always been a mystery to me, and something I see as a mistake on their part. Same goes for keyboards.



    Hey, any bluetooth wireless keyboard can be used to enter data, at least with 4.0 on the iPhone 4 it can. I am pretty sure they updated it for the iPad.



    Anyone out there know for sure. ???



    EN
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  • Reply 35 of 64
    docno42docno42 Posts: 3,764member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by zoetmb View Post


    My fear for the future is that Apple stops recognizing (or stops caring) that people who do "real work" still need something that resembles a traditional computer: one with inputs/outputs, lots of memory and local physical storage with a full-sized keyboard and the ability to have multiple applications active and on-screen at the same time. That's very different than the use of simple games, apps that require minimal input (find me a restaurant), tweeting, texting, reading books, viewing video or viewing webpages.



    yup, they are totally clueless and the MacBook Air was a happy accident
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  • Reply 36 of 64
    docno42docno42 Posts: 3,764member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Right_said_fred View Post


    No kidding, thats a much nicer pie chart than I ever produce, Would you mind telling me what s/w package you used?



    Copy/Paste?
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  • Reply 37 of 64
    docno42docno42 Posts: 3,764member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Prof. Peabody View Post


    Why Apple doesn't make a small, medium, and large version of their hand-held products has always been a mystery to me, and something I see as a mistake on their part. Same goes for keyboards.



    Do you see Apple's record profit? That's not by accident. Reduction in the number of parts and variations reduces overall costs for a plethora of reasons.



    Much like they eventually started offering matte finishes on some MacBook Pro's after a while, I imagine at some point Apple will start offering more variation - but now they are focused on growth and developing their platform, so I wouldn't look for much variety in hardware from them for the near future.



    As for keyboards, there are tons of good third party alternatives out there, but I do understand and somewhat agree with you for all-in-one devices like the iPad. Then again, there are two different sized software keyboards in it already (just tilt it) and you can add third party keyboards via Bluetooth (I have a nice case/keyboard combo that I really like for longer typing sessions) so Apple may not feel compelled to offer much variation.



    Time will tell - but it hardly seems to be holding them back for now
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  • Reply 38 of 64
    Agree . Apple ecosystem is undefectable.
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  • Reply 39 of 64
    haggarhaggar Posts: 1,568member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by DocNo42 View Post


    Do you see Apple's record profit? That's not by accident. Reduction in the number of parts and variations reduces overall costs for a plethora of reasons.



    Much like they eventually started offering matte finishes on some MacBook Pro's after a while, I imagine at some point Apple will start offering more variation - but now they are focused on growth and developing their platform, so I wouldn't look for much variety in hardware from them for the near future.



    As for keyboards, there are tons of good third party alternatives out there, but I do understand and somewhat agree with you for all-in-one devices like the iPad. Then again, there are two different sized software keyboards in it already (just tilt it) and you can add third party keyboards via Bluetooth (I have a nice case/keyboard combo that I really like for longer typing sessions) so Apple may not feel compelled to offer much variation.



    Time will tell - but it hardly seems to be holding them back for now



    Why does Apple still make 3 different Magsafe power adapters with different wattages and trivial difference in size when all MacBooks, MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs can just use the highest rated adapter?
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  • Reply 40 of 64
    newbeenewbee Posts: 2,055member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Right_said_fred View Post


    No kidding, thats a much nicer pie chart than I ever produce, Would you mind telling me what s/w package you used?



    Nice looking?, Yes. .... Accurate? .... Not according to this link: http://statowl.com/operating_system_market_share.php



    It shows Mac at 11.49 %, not 7% .... plus, if you drill down you can see that Win7, which isn't even included in the Macrulz chart, accounts for 19.1% of total windows. .... chart info is for the last 12 months.



    Come on Macrulz, if you're going to take the time to post something, at least make sure you're "up to date" .... unless of course .... you're just trying to "manipulate the info".. ....
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