<strong>Funny, I read that as an emphasis on the voice capability. In other words, three new devices running OS 5 comma one of which "is capable of making phone calls."
Screed
Mmm-okay, I reread a fourth time. He did say "a handheld running Palm OS 5 that is capable of making phone calls."
I still don't think that implies the other two will run 4.x. But then again this is Palm.
For the record, I want:
-Color
-integrated wireless (but not necessarily voice)
-Mac compatibility (obviously)
-a processor faster than the Dragonball
The Treo 90 comes the closest short of the processor.
The final piece in the puzzle, nail in the coffin, the straw that breaks the camel's back...
Let's review:
1. Bluetooth support in the OS. No obvious reason.
2. Inkwell included in Jaguar. No obvious reason.
3. Completely overhauled AddressBook in Jaguar. No obvious reason.
4. Handspring, engaged in a hard fight with Pocket PCs and other Palm licencees decides not to bother supporting Mac users - a platform a non-MS affiliate would naturally cultivate - No obvious reason.
Actually, it is obvious, Jeff and Donna know something we don't.
Things are looking very interesting allen. Very interesting.
First, look at the technology demo of Inkwell during the keynote. Oh wait, you can't because Jobs skipped over it. Why would Jobs skip a technology like Inkwell that is guaranteed to be in the new version of the OS? The reason is because there will be another opportunity to show it off.
Also, look at the demo of iSync and how they linked with the Palm. Wait, Jobs didn't show that either. Kind of funny considering that more people have Palms than phones, right?
I did get to use Inkwell at Macworld- they had one iMac with a tablet hooked up. The technology is Newton like, but not the same. For example, to delete, you draw a straight line from right to left. It only deletes one character at a time. They say the Newton 'scribble' might be an option in the future, but can't comment. I commented on how cool it would be to see the writing not only on the screen, but also on the pad I was writing on. The person said, "Yeah, it is cool." Quickly afterwards, the person nervously said, "I mean it would be cool." I then had to 'move on so others got a chance'.
<b>Only problem with the phone idea is that there are a bazillion competing mobile phone networks and standards, at least in the US. It's one thing for Handspring to develop multiple versions of the Treo to deal with various networks. Handspring has nothing else to do. Apple, on the other hand, had better things to do than deal with the multitude of competing mobile phone standards.</b>
Which is why I think Apple may leverage it's partnerships with Sony-Ericsson and NTT DoCoMo and simply provide OS-level functionality and interoperability atop their hardware - until a true dominant standard emerges.
Apple may just "pick a side" like they did with the MPEG-4 standard and live or die based on the decision. I don't think that would be a very responsible decision in a down market, but if they wanted a good bet, GPRS is as good as any.
I will also be watching closely to see if anyone can stream to one of Japan's FOMA phones with the Quicktime Streaming Server and MPEG-4. If that's the case, an arguement can be made that Apple doesn't NEED a device win as long as its software adheres to a standard.
All that said, I would still love to have a bitchin' new Newton-like PDA/phone/Bluetooth/WiFi terminal to make all my friends droool. ;-)
As I understand it Apple went with the standart this time. The data in the Adress Book follow some kind of standart AFAIKR and I bet the same goes with the calender. All the phone producers have to do is to write something that translate the data to the type used in the phone and thats is not very hard on newer phones.
I really don´t understand what Singular had to do in that equation. Are they the only ones to offer GPRS in the states? I didn't see anything in that demo that had to do with GPRS (which is a clever way of using existing GSM technology for package (instead of swich) data communication.) GPRS is roughly to ADSL what GSM is to phone line (and G3 is to fixed data line) and really hasn´t anything to do with the tech showed.
What it comes down to is this: Can the device recieve data from an Apple computer and can it interpret the data. Which kind of mobile standard used is of lesser importents (with the possible exception of CID and SMS to and from the mac). None of the Adress book and calender functions used the 68i primary function (which isn´t to make polyfonic ring tones or play snake but...surprise to many...to make phone calls. What I'm trying to say is this is like discussing if ADSL or cable modems are better for preserving the formatting of a email.
I have to disagree with Fran on this one. The show didn´t bring us closer to a Newton2. They are pushing the iPod as a information device hardcore. Jobs almost said that its good to have information with you but you really don´t need to edit it on the road. I think we somewhere down the line will see a Newton2 but not because of this show...
[quote]I have to disagree with Fran on this one. The show didn´t bring us closer to a Newton2. They are pushing the iPod as a information device hardcore. Jobs almost said that its good to have information with you but you really don´t need to edit it on the road. I think we somewhere down the line will see a Newton2 but not because of this show...<hr></blockquote>
Anders, also look at the uses of Rendezvous in this case.
If you're in a class, have a document sent to each handheld from the teacher's iMac. If you're in an office meeting, have all of the information in your hand and the ability to beam video presentations via QT 6.
Get friends iChat identities, as well as business contact information. The possibilities are great for such a device.
These threads get a lot funnier if every time you see PDA you think Public Display of Affection (like the public service messages have on TV). Taking that into account "Inkwell on Mac OS X proves the existence of Apple's Public Display of Effection". Well duh! Apple is nice and effectionate of all of us. We ARE the children of light after all....
<strong>Well now that iCan iSync with iEverything, does anyone know if the Treo will officially be made compatible with Jaguar?
I'm guessing the above-mentioned "no support" comments were made to hide the fact that iSync was in development.
(P.S. Can somebody please fix imacmike's link so the thread can be read properly ?)</strong><hr></blockquote>
Interesting take on the email I got. I didn't even think of it in that way. Can the Treo's do bluetooth? If so, I don't see why they wouldn't work. I'll keep my eye on this one and see what happens. Although, the more I've used my Newt, the more I've come to depend on it. I'd be completely and utterly clueless without it. I'm not sure I could make the transition at this point even if I wanted to (I just started a residency and ALL my information is in there.)
Well now I'm confused. Handspring's now releasing a new version of <a href="http://pdabuzz.com"; target="_blank">Palm Desktop 4 for OS X</a>. Guess they're not overly thrilled with the iCal/iSync idea.
And on the subject of confusion, does ANYBODY think much of Palm's new PDA naming scheme: Zire (low-end) and Tungsten (high-end)? What were they thinking? <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />
<strong>Well now I'm confused. Handspring's now releasing a new version of <a href="http://pdabuzz.com"; target="_blank">Palm Desktop 4 for OS X</a>. Guess they're not overly thrilled with the iCal/iSync idea.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Why shouldn't third party developers have their own software that works with their own hardware?
It's nice to have alternatives, and hardware developers that relies on Apple to make their drivers/software just sit back and blame Apple everytime something is not working.
Comments
<strong>Funny, I read that as an emphasis on the voice capability. In other words, three new devices running OS 5 comma one of which "is capable of making phone calls."
Screed
Mmm-okay, I reread a fourth time. He did say "a handheld running Palm OS 5 that is capable of making phone calls."
I still don't think that implies the other two will run 4.x. But then again this is Palm.
For the record, I want:
-Color
-integrated wireless (but not necessarily voice)
-Mac compatibility (obviously)
-a processor faster than the Dragonball
The Treo 90 comes the closest short of the processor.
[ 06-20-2002: Message edited by: sCreeD ]</strong><hr></blockquote>
Actually, the Treo 90 misses on all three counts. Here's an email I got from Handspring regarding current and future Mac support:
[quote]
Dear Sammy Banawan,
Thank you for your email.
I understand you cannot hotsync your Treo 90 with mac OS X.
Treo 90 is not compatible with Mac OS X and we do not plan to release any
updated software to make it compatible. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Note: All Handspring handhelds come with 30 days money back guarantee and
since you will not be able to hotsync your Treo with your Mac, you can
return it for a full refund.
Please quote the case number listed in the subject line of this email, this
will assist us in tracking your contact. If you have any more difficulties
or inquiries please feel free to email us or contact the Handspring
Technical Support line at 716-871-6448 if you had your Visor less than 90
days or 1-888-345-5150 after the 90 days period - $19.95 charge per
incident. We are open from 9 AM to 9 PM EST, Monday to Friday. One of our
agents will be happy to walk you through a solution. If you would like the
latest updates or latest news concerning our products please sign up for the
FREE Electronic Newsletter. Please visit us at <a href="http://www.handspring.com/support"; target="_blank">www.handspring.com/support</a>
for any FAQ's.
Regards,
Vitaly
Handspring Technical Support
================================================== ====================
What is your timeline for Mac OS X support for my Treo 90? Do you have a
firm date for the release of an OS X native palm desktop? Currently I'm
having to resort to virtual pc as my computer does not and will not have OS
9 on it. Thanks.
<hr></blockquote>
My Treo was returned last night. Handspring is no longer getting my money. Now I'm back to my newt, waiting for something from Apple...
Also, so much for one common OS (Palm). Shouldn't hotsyncing be hotsyncing?!
Screed
The final piece in the puzzle, nail in the coffin, the straw that breaks the camel's back...
Let's review:
1. Bluetooth support in the OS. No obvious reason.
2. Inkwell included in Jaguar. No obvious reason.
3. Completely overhauled AddressBook in Jaguar. No obvious reason.
4. Handspring, engaged in a hard fight with Pocket PCs and other Palm licencees decides not to bother supporting Mac users - a platform a non-MS affiliate would naturally cultivate - No obvious reason.
Actually, it is obvious, Jeff and Donna know something we don't.
Forget the G5, the PDA is coming....finally!
Sales of the bluetooth adapter have stopped. NOT a good sign.
<hr></blockquote>
So, Fran, I think Apple has the d-link bluetooth adapter back. Are things better?
Basically all I'm saying is that the hardware is now there to create a new PDA even if Apple never intends to do it.
First, look at the technology demo of Inkwell during the keynote. Oh wait, you can't because Jobs skipped over it. Why would Jobs skip a technology like Inkwell that is guaranteed to be in the new version of the OS? The reason is because there will be another opportunity to show it off.
Also, look at the demo of iSync and how they linked with the Palm. Wait, Jobs didn't show that either. Kind of funny considering that more people have Palms than phones, right?
I did get to use Inkwell at Macworld- they had one iMac with a tablet hooked up. The technology is Newton like, but not the same. For example, to delete, you draw a straight line from right to left. It only deletes one character at a time. They say the Newton 'scribble' might be an option in the future, but can't comment. I commented on how cool it would be to see the writing not only on the screen, but also on the pad I was writing on. The person said, "Yeah, it is cool." Quickly afterwards, the person nervously said, "I mean it would be cool." I then had to 'move on so others got a chance'.
All the pieces are now in place.
Which is why I think Apple may leverage it's partnerships with Sony-Ericsson and NTT DoCoMo and simply provide OS-level functionality and interoperability atop their hardware - until a true dominant standard emerges.
Apple may just "pick a side" like they did with the MPEG-4 standard and live or die based on the decision. I don't think that would be a very responsible decision in a down market, but if they wanted a good bet, GPRS is as good as any.
I will also be watching closely to see if anyone can stream to one of Japan's FOMA phones with the Quicktime Streaming Server and MPEG-4. If that's the case, an arguement can be made that Apple doesn't NEED a device win as long as its software adheres to a standard.
All that said, I would still love to have a bitchin' new Newton-like PDA/phone/Bluetooth/WiFi terminal to make all my friends droool. ;-)
[ 07-19-2002: Message edited by: Singen ]</p>
I really don´t understand what Singular had to do in that equation. Are they the only ones to offer GPRS in the states? I didn't see anything in that demo that had to do with GPRS (which is a clever way of using existing GSM technology for package (instead of swich) data communication.) GPRS is roughly to ADSL what GSM is to phone line (and G3 is to fixed data line) and really hasn´t anything to do with the tech showed.
What it comes down to is this: Can the device recieve data from an Apple computer and can it interpret the data. Which kind of mobile standard used is of lesser importents (with the possible exception of CID and SMS to and from the mac). None of the Adress book and calender functions used the 68i primary function (which isn´t to make polyfonic ring tones or play snake but...surprise to many...to make phone calls. What I'm trying to say is this is like discussing if ADSL or cable modems are better for preserving the formatting of a email.
I have to disagree with Fran on this one. The show didn´t bring us closer to a Newton2. They are pushing the iPod as a information device hardcore. Jobs almost said that its good to have information with you but you really don´t need to edit it on the road. I think we somewhere down the line will see a Newton2 but not because of this show...
Anders, also look at the uses of Rendezvous in this case.
If you're in a class, have a document sent to each handheld from the teacher's iMac. If you're in an office meeting, have all of the information in your hand and the ability to beam video presentations via QT 6.
Get friends iChat identities, as well as business contact information. The possibilities are great for such a device.
Question: "What are your views of the PDA space?"
Jobs said: "I think the PDA is going to go away"
[laughter]
Question: "And replaced by what?"
"Replaced by the new generation of cell phones."
He goes on to say that people don't need a device to enter in information - they enter it on the computer, and then carry it with them.
Later:
"We decided, you know, three years ago, that the trajectory of the handheld was going to be subsumed by the cell phone."
He says that he's asked all the time to do a PDA, but he made the right decision not to do it.
I'm guessing the above-mentioned "no support" comments were made to hide the fact that iSync was in development.
(P.S. Can somebody please fix imacmike's link so the thread can be read properly ?)
<strong>Well now that iCan iSync with iEverything, does anyone know if the Treo will officially be made compatible with Jaguar?
I'm guessing the above-mentioned "no support" comments were made to hide the fact that iSync was in development.
(P.S. Can somebody please fix imacmike's link so the thread can be read properly ?)</strong><hr></blockquote>
Interesting take on the email I got. I didn't even think of it in that way. Can the Treo's do bluetooth? If so, I don't see why they wouldn't work. I'll keep my eye on this one and see what happens. Although, the more I've used my Newt, the more I've come to depend on it. I'd be completely and utterly clueless without it. I'm not sure I could make the transition at this point even if I wanted to (I just started a residency and ALL my information is in there.)
And on the subject of confusion, does ANYBODY think much of Palm's new PDA naming scheme: Zire (low-end) and Tungsten (high-end)? What were they thinking? <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />
<strong>Well now I'm confused. Handspring's now releasing a new version of <a href="http://pdabuzz.com"; target="_blank">Palm Desktop 4 for OS X</a>. Guess they're not overly thrilled with the iCal/iSync idea.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Why shouldn't third party developers have their own software that works with their own hardware?
It's nice to have alternatives, and hardware developers that relies on Apple to make their drivers/software just sit back and blame Apple everytime something is not working.