iOS 5: Predictions

My predictions of what will be in the next iOS. More from the author: http://andrrrew.tumblr.com/

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What I Want To See In iPad 2

Back in January 2010, Apple revealed the iPad. The world seemed to be divided by this ‘marmite’ product. Some saying it would 'revolutionise computing' and others classing it as nothing more than a 'big iPod touch'. Which one is the best description still seems to be majorly undecided. But what’s for sure, no matter on their opinions, everybody was (and still is) talking about the iPad. Apple did a fantastic job of marketing this product. It was essential to get across what it does, why it’s needed and how revolutionary it is. Otherwise people would quickly consider it the latter of the two descriptions.

I know many people who have been lucky enough to receive an iPad this Christmas. But, as all Apple users are guaranteed to experience, get ready for that heart crushing feeling of being outdated. The new iPad is on its way.

In reference to the title of this post: ponies, sunshine, unicorns and a money-printing slot. But, maybe we should be realistic? I use this example to draw your attention to a popular rumour:

“The 2nd generation iPad will have a retina display.”

Everywhere you will look online people are saying that the amazingly high-resolution display, first seen in the iPhone 4, will make its way to the iPad.

So, what is a a retina display? Basically, it’s a display so sharp that you can’t differentiate between the individual pixels. Apple has determined this to be in the ballpark of 300 PPI (Pixels Per Inch). Just to be safe, Apple included a 326PPI screen in the iPhone 4. Now, I don’t have the dimensions of the iPad’s 9.7″ screen on me. But, if it were to have a ‘retina display’, its resolution would be a whopping 2560×1920. Now, don’t worry if you have no idea what this means! Let me explain. I’m sure you’ve all heard of the wonders of ‘high definition’, HD for short. Well, the resolution (number of pixels in each way) of a full HD video, picture or game is 1920×1080. Compare that to the iPad’s would-be retina display (clocked at 2560×1920) and you get the picture (pardon the pun). This would bring about numerous problems for the tiny sub-10″ display (especially regarding rendering of images, videos and games), all of which would accumulate to a HUGELY increased cost. So, in short, I don’t think we’ll be seeing a retina display in the iPad any time soon.

What can we expect to see? Moreover, what do I want to see?

Internal Boost

Sure, the current iPad packs a pretty hefty punch. But, apps like DJay are already maxing out its measly 256 MB of RAM. I’d definitely like to see at least 512 MB to match the iPhone 4. I can’t really see 1 GB being an addition, but we never know! Also, there are some talks of an upgraded processor. Up to a 1.5GHZ model, perhaps (but unlikely) a dual core A4 chip? Although I want to see more processing power, it won’t be a dealbreaker if it’s not included. But, increased RAM is a must-have.

Camera(s)

Simple: front facing for video calls, yes. Rear facing for regular photos/videos, not so much. Apple don’t really like to just throw things in the mix for the sake of it. Remember when the conversation of touch-screen Macs came up at their last keynote? (No? Just me?) Well, Steve Jobs simply said, referring to reaching out and touching the screen:

We’ve done tons of user testing on this, and it turns out it doesn’t work. Touch surfaces don’t want to be vertical.

He goes on to say that it’s uncomfortable to use and reiterates how dysfunctional it is. For the same reason, I can’t see a rear camera making an appearance in iPad 2.

Better, Higher-Resolution Screen

“But, Kiran, you said the iPad wouldn’t get one of those ‘retina’ things” (That’s you. No offence).

Retina display, no. But, who’s to say Apple won’t bump it up a bit? It’d be great to see an improved display (although, it’s pretty decent now). I’m not expecting anything too mad, it’d just be nice to see (another pun? Really?).

Something to stop those fingerprints!

I can honestly say, I have never, ever seen an iPad (in person) that’s not covered in fingerprints! Apple could really do themselves a favour by putting an oleophobic coating (first seen on the iPhone 3GS to help prevent fingerprints) on the new model.

More of Apple’s Apps

Right now, Apple ships the iPad with a pretty decent set of apps; but, I want more! I’d love to see an iPhoto, iMovie and maybe even an Xcode version for iPad. I’m sure there are 3rd party alternatives, but, few people can rival Apple’s finesse when it comes to apps (and yet have to in the areas above).

… And that’s that

That brings this blog post to an end. These aren’t ‘predictions’ as such, simply things I’d like to see that have been rumoured. Whatever is announced, I hope we’re not disappointed! If I think of anything else before it’s released, I’ll let y’all know (either by updating this blog post, or, if it warrants it, by writing a new post).

Thanks for reading. If you like my posts, be sure to check out my personal blog.

My "Back to the Mac" Event Prediction

That's right, I only have one prediction. If you were looking for something more, sorry to disappoint you. Basically, I predict that what everyone is saying about a new MacBook Air is false and that, instead of launching a new MacBook Air, Apple will kill it. Bold claims. Below, I will state the sole reason why I think Apple is going to kill the Air: iPad. If this prediction is false, I honestly think Apple would have made the wrong decision.

First, what are the current rumours surrounding the MacBook Air?

1. Appleinsider claims that the new MacBook Air will have upgradeable RAM
2. Engadget has a photo of the new insides. 

The first thing I want to say is Apple has always been about user experience. If the Air has upgradeable RAM, I will guarantee it will be a nightmare to upgrade. Apple would much rather lock you out and charge for an upgrade.

Now let's move on to the main reason why I think Apple would abandon the Air in favour of the iPad. As we all know, the Air is not a practical solution to anything. It's not good even for basic browsing as Flash is still out there, believe it or not, and people still play Flash games. If Flash can't run decently on a Mac Pro, don't expect it to on an Air. When Apple released the Air, it was to show off. It was a proof of concept, if you will. The MacBook Air was like the Cube and the Millenium Mac. It was a fashion statement and didn't fit for anyone who wanted to use their computer, not even a niche market. These computers are all examples of art. Beautiful to look at, but useless. And beauty is their main function.

Now, compare the Air to the iPad: 

1. The iPad is more beautiful than the Air. This may not seem like that important a detail, but when beauty is the best feature that the computer can boast, this is a killer.
2. The iPad is now the best-selling gadget of all time (official). It would be money better spent on marketing the iPad, rather than selling a new Air
3. The iPad is attractive to the consumer, because it's so easy to use and they don't have to worry about little details. I'm not saying OS X isn't easy to use, but comparing iOS and OS X, it's clear who's the winner
4. The Air is very slow and completely impractical. If you want ports, there is the MacBook for that.
5. The Air will undoubtedly still be more expensive than the iPad, if it were released. 

I hope it's clearer now why I think Apple will kill the Air. With no market, the Air just will not sell. Even the thinness and beauty factor won't matter anymore, when the iPad is thinner and better looking. This means the only hope that the Air had left, art collectors, won't bother as well. This leaves no-one to sell the Air to, and with no-one to sell to, there will be no profit. Once again, we, including myself, must be reminded that Apple is a capitalist company and exists for profit.