Apple is about to lay out its grand plan for reshaping the classroom. Just as Apple predicted that the future of television is apps, what if the future of classrooms and textbooks is also apps? Here’s what Apple’s rumored new ClassKit framework could mean for students and teachers. — Read on www.cultofmac.com/537307/apple-classkit-education-apps/
The End of the “Plus”
Every year, as summer comes to an end, the hype for the next iPhone becomes palpable. Rumors and speculation swirl, and leaks begin to reveal what Apple might be doing at their early fall event.
This year is like every other in some regards, but is also very different in many ways. A summer of leaks and speculation has most people predicting an iPhone with slimmer bezels, a repositioned home button1, and a $1000+ price tag2. What is harder to predict is the other device that will make an appearance in 2017.
In the history of the iPhone, every other year, we get an “S” model phone, which subtly iterates on the previous years device. The iPhone 4S was essentially the iPhone 4, with an improved camera and the addition of Siri. The 5S was the iPhone 5 with added TouchID. The 6S was the 6 with a first generation Taptic motor and the introduction of 3D Touch.
In 2016, with the iPhone 7, for the first time in Apple’s history, the new phone was almost akin to an SS device. Instead of being a new design AND new features, it further iterated on the 6 and 6S design, with only a few notable new features and a familiar size and shape.
Most rumors to date suggest that in addition to the fancy new iPhone (I’m calling it iPhone Pro), there will be an iPhone 7S and 7S Plus. Others suggest that they will skip the 7S moniker and jump to iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. Either way, the general assumption is that there will be a total of 3 iPhone models this year.
I think that’s wrong.
In 2014, 2015, and 2016, it was easy (or easier) to decide which new device you wanted to purchase. If you wanted a smaller, more hand and pocket friendly device, you picked the 6, 6S, or 7. If you wanted the cooler camera features (OIS, Depth Effect, 2X zoom), or wanted a giant screen and more battery, you picked the Plus model.
In 2017, if the iPhone Pro is roughly the same physical size as the iPhone 7, but packs all the camera features and a bigger screen than the Plus, why would anyone buy the 2017 Plus. As it is, differentiating 2 devices is a challenge, aside from screen size, trying to extend that to 3 seems impossibly complex for consumers AND Apple’s marketing team.
This year, I firmly believe Apple will FINALLY fix the naming of their iPhone lineup (much like the rest of their product lines), and will stick with just 2 devices. iPhone and iPhone Pro. No more generation numbers, no more S years, just an iPhone with good specs, and an iPhone with great specs. Selling a good phone to people doesn’t seem to be a challenge for Apple, and selling a great phone seems to come naturally as well. Selling a phone that is good, but not significantly better, but also isn’t great seems much less practical.
Between getting a Plus or Pro, who would pick the Plus? I know I wouldn’t. And I think Apple knows that, too.
WWDC 2013 Predictions
With just over 12 hours until the 2013 WWDC keynote presentation, hundreds (or more) speculations, mock-ups, and predictions have hit the net.
I’m not typically one for making predictions or hypothesizing, especially when I have no insider knowledge of the matter, but I can’t help but speculate what may be on display in Moscone come tomorrow afternoon.
1. iOS 7.
This one is obvious. We know its gonna be called iOS 7 – the banners are up and photos are out. The bigger question is about what it will include.
Looking back at the iOS 4, 5, and 6 announcements (and associated banners), there was always a heavy weighted font and element of realism involved. Now that we’ve seen the slim iOS 7 type-face, I can only assume that we are bound to see a might lighter, smoother, simpler iOS.
I also think Apple is going to reshape the developers aspect of iOS. With recent rumors of AirDrop like functionality coming to
iPhone, iPad, and iPod touches, a much more advanced file structure and true app <> file interaction. Much like Android has offered for years now, the ability to click a photo and open it in any photo editor or send an document from app to app without having to export to Dropbox and move it around would be huge.
2. OS X 9?
While the general consensus is that OS X 10.9 is coming (has anyone else realized that technically the name is them OS 10 10.9?), I’m under the notion that we may see a very new OS X released. While the Mac operating system has certainly changed over time, many elements have remained consistent. It’s about time we see a huge change in OS X, hopefully not at the cost of usability or function. I’d truly like to see OS X 11.
With support for touch screen control (more on that later), more human interaction (Jarvis, look-up iron man 3), and a less hierarchical file system (to coincide with iOS) would all changes the Mac user demographic could make good use out of.
3. New products
I’m in full agreement with Mark Gurman on the lack of new iPad mini (or any iOS device). I could, however, see Apple alluding to new devices in updates to Xcode and app requirements. Support for a new screen resolution could quickly suggest a larger iPhone or higher PPI iPad mini.
Reports say Apple could be looking to AGAIN update the retina MacBook Pro line, which, to me, only makes sense if the update includes touch screen. An updated retina MacBook Air could also be huge for the Apple PC lineup, as well as a retina Thunderbolt Display.
4. The unknown.
Apple’s hobby market, the Apple TV could likely be a show stopper at WWDC, depending on what recent deals Apple may have made and how actively Apple decides to become involved in the future of home entertainment.
Another area of speculation is the iWatch market. If Apple is truly holding the Ace to drop at the end of the Keynote, it could completely reinvent the idea of wearable tech. With devices like the Pebble, Nike’s Fuel Band, and the increasing curiosity surrounding Google Glass, Apple releasing a wrist watch type wearable device could set the tone for yet another new industry (much like it did in the tablet industry with the iPad.
I’m no genius, but it looks like Apple is truly in a unique place that could greatly impact it’s position in mobile market in a matter of a few hours. If Apple fails to deliver significant (desired) changes, it could be a sign that they are losing their edge. Will we see a mass exodus – probably not – but it has become increasingly apparent that the Apple OS platforms have become stale, and developers are anxious to see what changes that will bring to the worlds most advanced computer and mobile operating systems.
It all goes down at 10 AM (pacific) tomorrow, and I’ll be following along as well as I can!
What do you think is to come? Send your best guesses to me on twitter – @IanFuchs, or leave a comment down below!
The iPad 3 – Announcement-Day Eve
this post was inspired by the mashable article “What if everything we think we know about the next iPad is wrong”
With all the off-the-wall speculation, rumors, claims, “insider” details, and the like – I figured it was my turn to share some insight into what I believe the next generation iPad will include.
Reports have claimed things like a lack of home button, 4G/LTE connectivity, a super hi-res Retina display, iOS 6, a new moniker (iPad HD), a new price point, and so much more… but here’s the truth in what to expect.
On Wednesday, March 7, 2012, Apple will release the ePad (as a throwback to the old eBooks & eMacs). The ePad will be a 7.5″ Windows 8 tablet with a surprisingly low resolution (similar to the 1st generation iPod Touch). It will come in 1 size – 4GB. It won’t have 4G/LTE… or 3G for that matter. It will only be available with WiFi – but limited to WiFi 802.11 a/b… no 802.11 g/n. This tablet will form a new partnership between Apple and Microsoft that will allow Apple to slowly start a downward spiral.
In all likelihood, Apple won’t release a new iOS ever again, and will soon shut down the App store all together to push for more HTML5 based web-apps & will use the Windows marketplace as their sole distribution center.
The likelihood that Apple will drop the home button is not likely, and I assume that Apple will actually throw back to the original iPod (remember that one… with all the buttons… yeah… that one…) and will have a button to perform nearly every normal function on the device. The device will no longer be touch sensitive as a way to make room for the Serial ATA hard drive and the hatch for the D-cell batteries. Apple will also limit syncing to a new cable, only available to customers for use within Apple retail locations, with a Genius appointment. These cables won’t be sold in to consumers, which will further strangle Apple as a company.
All of this great new technology and these fantastic new features will be available immediately after the announcement event at the startling price of $189.99 (to compete with the Kindle Fire).
So what do you think? Will you be picking one up? I know I’ll be 1st in line!
P.S. This is all sarcasm… just want to point out how RIDICULOUS some rumors can be… how 1 person saying some is from a credible source can really spin things out of control.
Tomorrow will be another fantastic event, and I seriously can’t wait to see what Apple has in store for us. My prediction is just as good as any – but I’m guessing the following
- Retina display
- WiFi/3G (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Unlocked)
- (Maybe) 4G-LTE
- Possible elimination of the home button for touch sensitive buttons (similar to many Android devices – or better yet, Palm style touch area)
- 16/32/64 GB options
- I don’t foresee iOS 6, since 5 is so new… maybe some big new features in a 5.3 (similar to 4.3 from 4.1?)
- No change in price, although the iPad 2 may drop in storage size (like the iPhone 4 did when the 4S was released) and the iPad 2 would be come the “affordable” version
Anything else Apple gives us in the new iPad will be a surprise to us all… tomorrow will tell!
Reformat
I’m on day 2 of completely reformatting and reinstalling software on the computers in our lab at Waldorf. I’m on my final computer, and tomorrow get to move to a new room and continue doing the same for 3 more computers. And it has led me to a few things I’m excited for….
-OSx Lion – hopefully a nice smooth transition
-Software that isn’t disc based – installing from files on a server is handy
-A way to move computer settings from machine to machine to ultimately save me 3-5 minutes per computer.
I also got the privilege to choose the new computer theme for the lab… 3 years ago, the lab was changed from each machine being names after 1 of the 12 apostles to 12 different Dr. Suess characters. This year, I chose something near and dear to my heart…. Star Wars. Each machine is named after a planet in the Star Wars solar system. The instructors computer – the Death Star. My laptop will also be receiving a name to coincide with the theme – Naboo.
Square
So I recently read about Square. You know, the little credit card reader that plugs into the headphone jack of your iPhone or iPad. It’s a great idea – and I started thinking…..
Being from a small town, I don’t go to half the places around because they only take cash or check. Cash is a pain – if I have it, it’s gone right away… I feel like it’s ok to spend cause I know I can’t overdraft and I’d never pay my bills with it. Checks suck cause you write a check and a week later (if you’re lucky) it comes out of your account – and during that time, you want to be sure you factor for it in your balance… Obviously card is the way to go – and Square is a step towards the future… Small towns need this. For $500, you can buy an iPad – you get the square for free and pay almost nothing for each transaction – and now all the mom-and-pop businesses can start taking card.
To add to this, Square is starting to introduce Card Case – think of it as having a store credit card for everywhere you love to go… only without the ridiculous fees and all the obnoxious emails & “special offers.” It’s a way to link your bank account to your profile, and for a store/shop to charge your profile with your consent. You don’t even have to touch your wallet.
I had heard rumors of Near Field Communications (NFC) – which is a way to swipe your mobile device and have it contain your bank/credit information to be charged. It involved extra sensors and the risk of losing your phone and someone having your phone and all your money at their fingertips. Card Case seems like a much safer, more logical spin on it. Those folks over at Square have their stuff figured out. And how can you not like them, Jack Dorsey (one of the founders of Twitter) started it.
Now if only there was a way to work for Square as a marketing person… I’d be killer at that.
Check out Square!
Let me know what you think!