I've said this before, I think the iMac will morph into a media center device.
I think Apple is working on developing a user interface appropriate for such a device. I think Apple are working on a UI (gestures?) that will make a mouse unnecessary. The wireless keyboard is already available.
I don't think it will just be a Mac with a port for a cable connection.
I can see that in the future. A computer like the iMac that could act as HDTV and media center. That would be cool. That would make it special and different than the rest out there.
But. I have hard time seeing Apple making just a HDTV with/out AppleTV on it.
The iMac is a computer, it's being sold as a computer. It's like the way Apple TV and Mac mini are different products. As will the iMac, the Cinema Displays and Apple's television be. It's not simply how they are defined, but how their respective UI's are designed and what they are intended for. It's like the way the iPhone is called a phone, but internally it's kind of a "computer".
Make no mistake, if Apple release a TV (and they will before 2010), it won't be an iMac also.
The iMac is a computer, it's being sold as a computer.
Make no mistake, if Apple release a TV (and they will before 2010), it won't be an iMac also.
True but I think these(tv and computer) will converge. Hell if Apple can put a phone, internet browser, camera and iPod all in one device, this should be a piece of cake.
Will the iMac be this convergence machine? I think so, but perhaps Apple will make a new machine for this. I think it will be the imac because it already some things in common with and HDTV. The physical appearance is similar to an HDTV and not a computer. The glossy display also yields a picture like an HDTV.
Here's what I think is necessary for such a machine.
1. Unique and specially designed UI. Apple are good at this and I already think some elements are in place or under development. Gestures, anyone? I think the UI will resemble time machine in that there will not be a menu bar running across the top of the display. Who wants to see that while watching TV? Notice how time machine's user interface is a departure from the usual Apple UI? Is this a harbinger of things to come?
I think there will be some feature similar to spaces or expose in order to move between TV and apps. Say you're watching CNBC and breaking news is released on Apple. Pretend Apple release a cure for boredom. Wouldn't it be cool to open a browser in another window, or split screen, and go to your broker to buy more shares of AAPL? What if you saw on the weather channel that Vail got 2 feet of snow in the last day. Wouldn't it be nice to check Expedia for info on flights and lodging in Vail?
2. Multi touch remote to work with the new UI. Say you're watching TV and a weblink is posted. Wouldn't it be nice to quickly open your browser on the iMac/TV, and copy + past the link into your browser with a hand gesture using the multi touch remote? Maybe the remote will have an interface similar to the iphone which switches between functions easily.
3. Wireless keyboard. Already have that covered. Notice how it doesn't have a numeric pad? That's because it doesn't need it if the computer/device is primarily used for entertainment and not an Excel ss.
To me some of the elements are already in place. I have no doubt though that Apple want to own the living room. The battle here is up for grabs.
Comments
I've said this before, I think the iMac will morph into a media center device.
I think Apple is working on developing a user interface appropriate for such a device. I think Apple are working on a UI (gestures?) that will make a mouse unnecessary. The wireless keyboard is already available.
I don't think it will just be a Mac with a port for a cable connection.
I can see that in the future. A computer like the iMac that could act as HDTV and media center. That would be cool. That would make it special and different than the rest out there.
But. I have hard time seeing Apple making just a HDTV with/out AppleTV on it.
Make no mistake, if Apple release a TV (and they will before 2010), it won't be an iMac also.
The iMac is a computer, it's being sold as a computer.
Make no mistake, if Apple release a TV (and they will before 2010), it won't be an iMac also.
True but I think these(tv and computer) will converge. Hell if Apple can put a phone, internet browser, camera and iPod all in one device, this should be a piece of cake.
Will the iMac be this convergence machine? I think so, but perhaps Apple will make a new machine for this. I think it will be the imac because it already some things in common with and HDTV. The physical appearance is similar to an HDTV and not a computer. The glossy display also yields a picture like an HDTV.
Here's what I think is necessary for such a machine.
1. Unique and specially designed UI. Apple are good at this and I already think some elements are in place or under development. Gestures, anyone? I think the UI will resemble time machine in that there will not be a menu bar running across the top of the display. Who wants to see that while watching TV? Notice how time machine's user interface is a departure from the usual Apple UI? Is this a harbinger of things to come?
I think there will be some feature similar to spaces or expose in order to move between TV and apps. Say you're watching CNBC and breaking news is released on Apple. Pretend Apple release a cure for boredom. Wouldn't it be cool to open a browser in another window, or split screen, and go to your broker to buy more shares of AAPL? What if you saw on the weather channel that Vail got 2 feet of snow in the last day. Wouldn't it be nice to check Expedia for info on flights and lodging in Vail?
2. Multi touch remote to work with the new UI. Say you're watching TV and a weblink is posted. Wouldn't it be nice to quickly open your browser on the iMac/TV, and copy + past the link into your browser with a hand gesture using the multi touch remote? Maybe the remote will have an interface similar to the iphone which switches between functions easily.
3. Wireless keyboard. Already have that covered. Notice how it doesn't have a numeric pad? That's because it doesn't need it if the computer/device is primarily used for entertainment and not an Excel ss.
To me some of the elements are already in place. I have no doubt though that Apple want to own the living room. The battle here is up for grabs.