The iPhone again is generating huge hype. With the soon to be released 3G version. Other rumors revolve around a new touch pad type device. All this is very interesting, but I personally think its quite easy to predict Apples products.
The rule of thumb I use when predicting what Apple will do goes like this. Take some rumors such as details about a touch pad. Then consider what Apple could do with it to drive users to Itunes.
Whala… Apple is most likely to release a new device that will be a combination of touch screen computer with a focus on being an electronic book reader with Itunes becoming yet another portal to your media needs. This could be a killer product being a Book reader, huge Movie viewer, Music, picture viewer and, what I want most, a brilliant addition to your TV viewing tool for looking up details or interactive tool with a main screen while not interrupting the group experience. (How many of us watch TV while on the Internet at the same time. I would if I could)
The AppleTV is also likely to evolve. I expect an AppleTV with HD-tuner and DVR, and possibly blu-Ray player all in one. Ad a bigger announcement for game support and the new AppleTV3 being a type of gamer console too. Unfortunately, I think this one will not be announced soon, as the Patent filings seem to indicate that they are a little behind in what I call “Process usage development” It takes a long time (Years) to work through all the models that dictate design and implementation. But then again, they could be rushing this one as this product needs to be out NOW if Apple plan to keep evolving Itunes as the one and only media portal of he future. (Evident by the fact that they are selling day in date Movies via AppleTV at a loss right now simply to make sure the end users evolve into this mindset.)
2 responses so far ↓
1 Philip Hodgetts // Jun 3, 2008 at 3:31 am
An AppleTV with DVR, Tuner and Blu-ray is wishful thinking, not prediction. There’s zero indication from Apple that they will ever do such a product. Every indication is that if it doesn’t come via the iTunes Store, Apple isn’t interested.
Philip
2 JamieG // Jun 3, 2008 at 8:33 am
Philip,
DVR from what I understand is inevitable. A while back, I remember reading an extensive BLOG covering Apple applying for a number of patents describing DVR functionality.
Apple has also learnt that the AppleTV needs to be an island unto itself. Ie not needing a computer with Itunes to be a functional device.
Finally, for it to become a successful item, it needs to be more then yet another SetTopBox and Remote control messing up my living room.
Blu-Ray is wishful thinking yes.
The big worry for Apple right now is stuff like the Roku box at $100. Its bloody cheap, and if Roku could get something like that accepted by Tv manufacturers as a new part of the Digital STB in every TV. Ie every TV comes with DigitalTV tuner and Internet Tuner.
If that happens, AppleTV and all like them are never going to get traction like Steve wants.
Thats why it has to happen soon.
James
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