Macworld 2008 Predictions: Our Turn.
By aSavant on Jan 10, 2008 in MacThoughts, Macword
They’ve all done it. Even those who said they wouldn’t do it have done it. The predictions of what lies ahead at Macworld next week have been pontificated by many. From c|net’s poetry to Kevin Rose’s list, Macworld is on the minds of many and many a mind at AppleSavant are ready to chime in–after all, we are the savants. (click through to continue)
- Apple TV: we expect a redesign. A system more along the lines of a Mac Mini, perhaps even replacing both products in the lineup. It may incorporate Web surfing features, DVR functionality and be made to support the unannounced, but heavily rumored, iTunes video rental service. If we’re right, we think it may be the killer media-serving/accessing device to shock all the makers of such devices dotted around CES this last week.
- Mac Mini: See item #1 or see a device that’s smaller than an iMac, but has a screen that pops up with multi-touch capability. This device could be used in education or a home-appliance information machine. Think of it as a desktop iPhone. With a tiny footprint and no need for a keyboard, then could be the device that 3Com’s Audrie, Web TV and others were suppose to be.
- MacBook Mini: This one has been round and round the rumor mill so much that it’s like fine pixie dust. We call it the MacBook Mini, others call it the sub-notebook or ultra-mobile Mac. This device is rumored to have a multi-touch screen, no hardware keyboard and be able to do all the great things Macs due it a very small, lightweight package with a large display glued to the top. We think it will be like a tablet PC with out the fancy hinge and keyboard–oh and without the much unloved Windows TabletPC software. Add to this some iPod-esque features, like quick access to music and maybe a place to store headphones. If this rumor is true and this baby sells for around $1,000, Apple could see another couple percent added to its market share and more people waiting in line at the Apple store for this smallest of next-big-things.
- iPhone SDK: This item is less of a rumor and more of an expectation. Mr. Jobs and company have already announced an SDK (software developer kit) for early 2008, allowing developers to write apps that work directly on the iPhone. We think this will spur a whole bunch of new uses for the iPhone that most users never dreamed they could gain. Our wish? iPhone as GPS Navigation System utilizing a bluetooth receiver. Bring it on, developers!
- iPhone 2.0: We believe that Steve’s going to blow us away with big iPhone news that goes beyond SDKs. We also believe the rumors flying about a new iPhone model are without merit. The iPhone is selling quite well and it looks like if Apple did nothing but a few updates, they would reach their worldwide target of 10-million units by the end of 2008. Apple, however, is not one to rest on its laurels (remember the iPod Mini?), hence our prediction for iPhone 2.0. ”What?” you say, “These statements contradict!” Not exactly. iPhone is a platform and 2.0, in our savant-speak, would be the software version. Assuming all the talk that Apple rushed the iPhone to market, and sort of “hodge-podged” the software together to make it all work, is true then a 2.0 version of iPhone OS (if you will) should be nigh. We’re thinking a full re-write, with faster performance and a dizzying array of new features. Perhaps even the ability to send SMS messages to more than one recipient (gasp!) or maybe even copy and paste functionality (dizzy from excitement). iPhone 2.0 will be a culmination of all Apple has learned about the phone business during it’s short tenure in the business, as well as improvements in areas not known at launch. We believe that this will tie into the new SDK and we think it’s been Apple’s plan all along–even though everyone whines about iPhone lock-down.
That’s it for the Savant predictions. No top-10 list or crazy thoughts of Apple supporting Windows Media Player. This should be a great Macworld and a pretty fantastic keynote by the Apple Big Daddy. We are eagerly awaiting the outcome and will be in Moscone shortly thereafter to drool all over the announcements.
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