Now that the iPhone is nearing its much-anticipated launch, one has to think what kind of cool stuff may come out from Apple. How will Apple use all the resources and technologies developed for the iPhone for other products? An interesting thought, indeed. So, here are three interesting product possibilities that may or may not appear in the future.
6G iPod. Everyone has been expecting an iPhone-esque iPod ever since Apple said the 5G iPod wasn’t the true video iPod — and those expectations were only heightened after the touch-screen patents made an appearance. In fact, many people were shocked when Apple debuted a similar device called the iPhone, way before the much-rumored iPod. Anyway, one can expect those shiny, new iPods coming out as soon as this year’s end. Now that the iPhone’s technologies have paved the way to that, it’s a much stronger possibility. As for the specs for those iPods, one can guess about the same as the iPhone — but without the Mac OS X technologies, such as web browsing and other apps, in order for it not to mess with the iPhone’s market. And whether they’re going to keep using hard drives or make the switch to flash memory also remains to be seen. But one has to think, if these are going to cost around $400, would you be willing to spend an extra $200 to get a really sleek smart-phone? Oh, touché, Apple.
Mac Tablet. The touch-screen technology found in the new iPhone can also pave the way for the much-requested Mac Tablet — one that may beat PC Tablets because of the multi-pressure point technology. Just imagine a MacBook that’s one big screen — but with a modified version of Mac OS X that may be able to duplicate touch-screen tricks as found in the iPhone — perhaps even Microsoft’s Surface technology. If they keep it under $2000, this one may just be a keeper. But sadly, we don’t even know if Apple’s really planning something like this.
MacBook mini. Not to be confused with the Mac Tablet, this would be like a crossover between the old Newtons and today’s UMPCs. Just imagine your Mac, but in a configuration that’s about the size of your palm. Here, the iPhone’s modified Mac OS X could come in handy in order to keep it simple, but some would rather see the full-blown OS. If they could find a sweet spot between both possibilities, it may just be the best. Of course, this one may seem a bit unrealistic at the moment — but hey, it’s Apple!
Want to share how Apple may use iPhone tech for other products in the future?
–
[tags]Apple,Mac,iPhone,Hardware,Future[/tags]
by Arjun Muralidharan
22 Jun 2007 at 08:59
Personally, I have a simple and humble request: A new proper keyboard. Having to rely on special software and awkward key combinations for simple things like controlling iTunes drives me mad. I want Apple to revolutionize the desktop input interface. A new multi-touch keyboard or partially multi-touch. It’s time to bid these rigid buttons goodbye.
by Frank
22 Jun 2007 at 14:06
Interesting request…
by Arjun Muralidharan
23 Jun 2007 at 01:49
I really think Apple has already laid foundations for this to happen. The nature of the new desktop and especially stacks seem to promote the idea of being able to spread stuff about, move it with hands, and play around with it, just like MS Surface computing.
Of course, such chages come only gradually, as the market will never jump on some new UI just like that. The world didn’t even care about the horrible QWERTY keyboard layout we still use today (why is it horrible you ask? http://www.dvzine.org ).
But I’m anxious to see what they do. Right now I’m very excited about where they’re taking Leopard.
by Jesse
03 Jul 2007 at 11:24
Suggesting that a Mac tablet might have Microsoft’s Surface technology doesn’t make a lot of sense since it uses large(very large) projectors which can only work on large surfaces like the coffee table sized Surface Microsoft uses in it’s demonstration.
by Frank
03 Jul 2007 at 16:12
The Microsoft Surface example is exactly just that — an example. I’m not familiar with Microsoft’s technology, but we all can dream, can’t we?
by harry
24 Apr 2008 at 16:38
a mac tablet is a great idea, I have an iPhone but a tablet would be better. my school uses pc tablets and would love to have mac tablets.
by bob
20 May 2008 at 12:06
dam this shit should come out. It be the next greatest hit.