3 Apple Products For The Future Without Steve Jobs
The spirit of Steve Jobs’ vision for Apple could live on for some time.
The iPhone 4S (or iPhone 5, if you believe the analyst) may be widely considered to be the last product on which Jobs actively worked. There is speculation that Jobs left behind possibly four years’ worth of new Apple products. As important as Jobs was for Apple, the current CEO, Tim Cook, will have to transition the company into its next era to create a fresh legacy that will sustain the present pace. If you were Cook, which products would you choose?
I can still remember Steve Jobs’ claims last year that 2011 would be an even bigger year than 2010 for Apple. Surely it has been a more dramatic year than any previous ones for the company, but not in the sense many of us would have expected. What we anticipated was a product expansion that would go beyond the Mac, iPhone or iPad, which has not occurred. The expectations in Tim Cook will continue to grow next year. It will be interesting to see if he will attempt to step out of the shadow of Jobs’ heritage and avoid the situation that we are now watching at Microsoft. There, Steve Ballmer is mainly considered a business manager, whereas Bill Gates was the visionary who created the company.
If Cook were to plan a legacy, which of the following would be the obvious opportunities? Here are my three choices.
Apple iTV
Apple TV was always considered to be a Jobs "hobby" product, which indicated that Apple was not very serious about it. The Apple TV wasn't quite right, and while it is still selling, it is almost invisible and could be phased out at any moment. Even in its most recent generation, the Apple TV set top box never had the punch of other Apple products.
Interestingly enough, it is possible for the Apple TV device to be the first Apple product that could be fixed and turned into a success. Will Apple be integrating Apple TV into a regular LCD TV?
The rumors that Apple is planning a TV have been around for some time. Because of its exceptional ability to bridge the gap between traditional computers and consumer electronics, Apple can expand into HDTV and drive innovation in a space that is rather slow to develop. How long have we been waiting for compelling smart TVs and app TVs? Apple has the platform (iOS, App Store), the hardware (iPhone, iPad), and the content (iTunes) to create a unique user experience that could change the TV in the same manner that the iPhone changed the cellphone.
I could imagine an "iTV" becoming a media hub in homes—much like the iMac-based media hub Steve Jobs talked about in the late 1990s.
Video Game Platform
While smartphones and iPads are used for video gaming and handheld console makers are clearly seeing the effect of Apple's success, I believe that Apple is underselling its opportunity in this space. For example, what if Apple were to acquire Steam to support its App Store service for iOS and MacOS X? Among enthusiast PC users, this would not sit too well, but the concept must sound enticing for Apple. It would be a video game platform that spans from the PC/Mac, to the tablet, to the phone and to a possible TV. A platform with Steam’s reach would help Apple to fuel game development for its devices even more, and it would ensure they become available across its product offering, perhaps via iCloud.
The Mac itself has never been a great gaming platform, mostly due to the lack of developer support as well as the lack of developer tools to create games for Macs. Furthermore, Apple never really showed particular interest in working with game developers. That scenario, however, changed with iOS. Apple has a big opportunity to leverage its current traction to evolve game apps in its App Store into a much more powerful cloud environment that could easily rival the current game consoles offered by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Imagine Onlive on steroids that meet PS3/Xbox 360 inside a smart TV that interacts with your iPad/iPod/iPhone.
Touch and 3D Data Input
The iPhone and iPad have made touch a very compelling method for replacing the keyboard and mouse as the main data input methods. However, touch is largely a two-dimensional activity that does not work very well on today's (vertical) computing devices. For example, on Windows 8 notebooks we will need to hold the notebook screen with one hand so that we can move tiles on the screen with the other hand. Touch is an unlikely replacement for the keyboard and mouse on desktop computers and notebooks.
3D is with us already, but there is a good chance that 3D data input may arrive before 3D displays will penetrate the general market. Last month, Apple was granted a patent that may highlight the direction in which Apple is thinking of going. The company suggested that a 3D detector beam could be integrated into a mouse pad or perhaps in the location of today's track pad in a notebook. This beam could be used to detect hand movements in the space vertically above the pad. Those movements would be translated into actions on the screen. Granted, it isn't the most convenient form of 3D data input, but it is obvious that touch will have to evolve at some point; this could be one promising way.
If we consider how much the concept of the multi-touch screen has influenced the invention of Apple products and the shaping of Apple's current user and platform model, we could assume that the modification of that model will be Apple's next big opportunity. It could create a legacy for Tim Cook while it maintains Steve Jobs’ vision of creating a cohesive product lineup. A game platform, iTV and 3D data input could all easily be integrated in today's Apple lineup.
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So is Apple iTV going to be like HTPC, which existed a long time?
If it is, then the way I see it is that they are heading into a territory dominated by cheap ITX, microATX build and Apple need to get some serious hardware, excellent software and gui bundled with media content to compete.
Also, do you think Apple will popularize HTPC with iTV and everyone think that they came up with that idea?
The best consumer electronics company just keeps getting better!
Apple iTV will never work because Apple products don't let you watch porn. How am I suppose to watch all the porn that I downloaded through Bittorrent on it?
I like the LG, Vizio, and Samsung built in apps. That's all I need. I barely watch TV nowadays. If there's a show I wanna watch, I'll hit up Bittorrent or Hulu later.
i doubt apple will acquire steam... they'll just make something similar, then sue valve after they patent their new "idea"
"For example, what if Apple were to acquire Steam to support its App Store service for iOS and MacOS X?"
If this were to happen, Steam would be dropped from the vast majority of PCs in a heartbeat.
I have had nothing but positive experiences from Steam. If they were ever taken over by crApple the entire service would become just another poorly managed piece of iCrap.
@Pyree - I don't think it would be like the HTPCs we build now integrated with an HDTV. I'm thinking more like the Samsung Smart TVs where it is just a huge tablet-like device. Seems like all Apple is trying to do is create a user interface then couple it with itunes, apple apps, etc (just like an ipad).
.. Then again, the concept is basically a Home Theater PC box + HDTV in one, so I guess you are correct lol.
What concerns me is the patent they got for 3D input. I read over the patent and basically it seems like Apple is just grabbing patents for ideas that appeared in sci-fi movies and calling it their own.. seriously, click the link and read over the patent. You would be like "okay.... I saw this on Star Trek like 10 years ago so what?"
if apple 'acquire steam'.
Fucking lol.
Steam sell games, not farmville 'apps'
^ Unfortunately, apple will sell its products like it always has: To kids who don't know any better and will buy an underpowered and overpriced product "just because its apple!".
Honestly though, the software is what will sell the iTV because of all the mindless idiots who have everything in their itunes account and the tv will just link up with everything else. You will probably just have an underpowered cpu with 512mb ram and a 10 year old mobo, but stupid people will buy it cause of the fruit.
At the same time, Apple makes its money from taking the iphone, changing the color and selling it as a completely new product to the dumbass masses. It would be hard to sell more and more tv's to those dumbass masses, cause there is no point in getting a new tv if you have one. They will come up with a system that will drop the tv if its hanging on the wall after 2 yrs so it breaks and you are forced to buy a new one.
i doubt apple will acquire steam... they'll just make something similar, then sue valve after they patent their new "idea"
Apple + Steam = Steaming pile of horse apples.
@Pyree - I don't think it would be like the HTPCs we build now integrated with an HDTV. I'm thinking more like the Samsung Smart TVs where it is just a huge tablet-like device. Seems like all Apple is trying to do is create a user interface then couple it with itunes, apple apps, etc (just like an ipad)... Then again, the concept is basically a Home Theater PC box + HDTV in one, so I guess you are correct lol.What concerns me is the patent they got for 3D input. I read over the patent and basically it seems like Apple is just grabbing patents for ideas that appeared in sci-fi movies and calling it their own.. seriously, click the link and read over the patent. You would be like "okay.... I saw this on Star Trek like 10 years ago so what?"
I though MS and Sony are doing research on 3d input As well. Although I think they use different approach on tracking the movement. Hopefully Apple didn't patent the general idea of 3D input and kill everyone's progress.
^ Unfortunately, apple will sell its products like it always has: To kids who don't know any better and will buy an underpowered and overpriced product "just because its apple!". Honestly though, the software is what will sell the iTV because of all the mindless idiots who have everything in their itunes account and the tv will just link up with everything else. You will probably just have an underpowered cpu with 512mb ram and a 10 year old mobo, but stupid people will buy it cause of the fruit.
Or because "the fruit" is synonymous with quality, routinely scores highest in consumer reports, and fits the majority of the population's needs...
...but you're right, every single Apple user is clearly uneducated and wrong; clearly, your likes and opinions are the only viable ones.
See you next Tuesday!
Or because "the fruit" is synonymous with quality, routinely scores highest in consumer reports, and fits the majority of the population's needs......but you're right, every single Apple user is clearly uneducated and wrong; clearly, your likes and opinions are the only viable ones.See you next Tuesday!
Be prepared for being thumbed down into oblivion (I gave you an up to counteract the down some hater had given you)..
Apple threads much like their products are wildely popular (which is why Tom's and all other blogs go nuts with Apple threads)....if this was a droid thread nobody would give a shit.
If apple acquire steam this is crossing the line of becoming the next monopoly. Steam has been nothing but good experience from them. Apple will convert full fledge games into "apps" with a "few titles" surviving here and there.
Apple is going to try and patent 3D, touch screen technology, and the television... rather, televisions with GUIs. Look out, Sony, your GUI in your newest TV models is infringing on Apple!
What I find disturbing about this article (very surprised too) is that Tom is giving Apple too much credit. They sound like they been sprayed by apple's magical dust and "spread the word of Apple" this is getting creepy. I don't dislike Apple but this is getting too ridiculously. Apple never was interested in gaming The ios is simply to create games on a tiny hardware. Not even a comparison to "full PC and console titles"
Apple will just slap iOS on the TV, patent remote control hand gesture then sue everyone with something similar.
Apple threads much like their products are wildely popular (which is why Tom's and all other blogs go nuts with Apple threads)....if this was a droid thread nobody would give a shit.
Popularity does not = best experience. Since tom brought up Gaming for Apple.. Ok lets go there shall we and lets not include the ability to "game on the go either" Since most laptops can run very demanding games like BF3.
Angry Bird=Very popular, but overall is to kill time.
Battlefield 3= not too popular but I guess is gaining traction, but offers the best gaming experience to date showcasing how far we come in hardware Technology.
And then Toms goes further and talks about "Onlive". The service has been out quite a few and does not appear to attract most gamers. iTV is Onlive with the "Apple logo slapped on".
The fact that Tom is predicting "the next move for Apple" Maybe Tom should "patent" the idea and sue Apple to an oblivion for that idea.. Just saying
with all these patents apple is claiming, it makes me wonder whatever happened to all those ati-trust laws preventing monopolies in order to force competition?
Popularity does not = best experience. Since tom brought up Gaming for Apple.. Ok lets go there shall we and lets not include the ability to "game on the go either" Since most laptops can run very demanding games like BF3.Angry Bird=Very popular, but overall is to kill time.Battlefield 3= not too popular but I guess is gaining traction, but offers the best gaming experience to date showcasing how far we come in hardware Technology.And then Toms goes further and talks about "Onlive". The service has been out quite a few and does not appear to attract most gamers. iTV is Onlive with the "Apple logo slapped on".The fact that Tom is predicting "the next move for Apple" Maybe Tom should "patent" the idea and sue Apple to an oblivion for that idea.. Just saying
Toms (much like other sites) are in the business of predicting all things Apple, so that when Apple doesn't deliver to their expectations they can then have the next article where they piss and moan about how Apple let them down...
Apple, sooner or later your gonna have to settle for what you have... Keep it simple and just sell phones, big phones and music players that look like phones along with those pieces of crap you call computers.. It's what you do best...
hahahaha fail @ apple.
So is Apple iTV going to be like HTPC, which existed a long time?If it is, then the way I see it is that they are heading into a territory dominated by cheap ITX, microATX build and Apple need to get some serious hardware, excellent software and gui bundled with media content to compete.Also, do you think Apple will popularize HTPC with iTV and everyone think that they came up with that idea?
Actually, you may not know this, but if you have cheapo Mac Mini and/or and iPhone/iPod touch/iPad you have one seriously powerful HTPC. There's an app called RowMote which allows your handheld device to become the remote for the Mac...over WiFi... It's pretty sweet (can be used as a mouse/keyboard or as a simple pointer, etc) and the Mac Mini has built in HDMI as well as Optical output so it becomes a pretty powerful HTPC for very little money.
Back in the day when I was looking to put something together, it turned out that getting a dual core mini with all the features was cheaper than me trying to cobble something together - then with the addition of RowMote it became something I couldn't have built unless I spend quite a bit more cash...
with all these patents apple is claiming, it makes me wonder whatever happened to all those ati-trust laws preventing monopolies in order to force competition?
Too busy disputing about having the "browser ballet" to select which browser before installing Windows. After all they are still moaning and griping about unable to uninstall "internet explorer" from "Windows" lol.
Actually, you may not know this, but if you have cheapo Mac Mini and/or and iPhone/iPod touch/iPad you have one seriously powerful HTPC. There's an app called RowMote which allows your handheld device to become the remote for the Mac...over WiFi... It's pretty sweet (can be used as a mouse/keyboard or as a simple pointer, etc) and the Mac Mini has built in HDMI as well as Optical output so it becomes a pretty powerful HTPC for very little money.Back in the day when I was looking to put something together, it turned out that getting a dual core mini with all the features was cheaper than me trying to cobble something together - then with the addition of RowMote it became something I couldn't have built unless I spend quite a bit more cash...
MyRemote, been using it for a while now, let's me control my PC with my phone too, with an AMD APU HTPC it works very well.
apple already failed in the console market. without jobs i doubt they would make another attempt at it
It probably already had a name before it failed "igame console"
It probably already had a name before it failed "igame console"
it did it was called the pippin and was produced by bandai
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Bandai_Pippin
In May 2006, the Pippin placed 22nd in PC World Magazine's list of the "25 Worst Tech Products of all Time"
I think that if apple were to produce a tv (or a box) that would allow content streaming like WM12 does and uses your iTunes account to rent movies, in addition to content streaming would be a great thing.
If they were to make the mac a good platform for gaming (it could happen)..., but I think that at most they'd stick to what they have.
if they could bridge the gaps that they have in these areas, it'd be killer. btw, I hate everything apple, but I think that doing these things would be very smart.
MyRemote, been using it for a while now, let's me control my PC with my phone too, with an AMD APU HTPC it works very well.
Visited the site and it doesn't seem that there are many updates to this - how well does it work (not being a dick, just asking)...
Fixed.
The acquisition of Steam by Apple would be a fantastic opportunity to grab a chunk of the gaming market. Though enthusiast overclockers are a minute (and increasingly irrelevant) fringe on the edge of gaming, Cook/Ives may need to usher in GPU upgradable iMacs (if not a console). WebKit drives the Steam GUI as it is; a project closely associated with Apple. A unison would also be a slap in the face to MS for purloining and dumbing-down Bungie.
I will fucking erase my steam account if apple buys it, period.