東西 | dongxi

With the announcement of WWDC, rumors quickly spread on the possibility of an iPhone 5 delay. While the next iteration of iPhones are normally announced at the conference, analysts have been pointing to a possible fall delay for the phone. The conference meanwhile will focus primarily on the iOS and MacOS software. Though this possible change would be a shift in Apple’s normally time-based strategy, really isn’t that big of a shock. For one thing, Apple can afford to wait. Apple at this point isn’t pressured to release out the next iteration; their current phone is still in the lead and selling extremely well. What Apple does need to work on, however, is updating their relatively “dated” operating system.

The iPhone is due for a revamped iOS. The hardware, which had been a main focus the past few years, is still on top. The retina display, HDR camera, and slim design are still unrivaled, even against the latest smartphones. The pressure now is in the software. While iOS is extremely easy to use, it’s started to look dated, especially as new competitors such as Android and WP7 have come to market. Features such as multitasking, widgets, pre-installed GPS, and cloud storage have given other phones an edge over Apple. While Apple might not rush to get all these features out in its entirety, iOS 5 should have some pretty significant changes to not only keep their position as a marketplace leader, but to also address a much larger lineup of iOS devices since the original iPhone. With larger devices like the iPad and a rumored move of their PCs adopting an iOS-like operating system, iOS needs to evolve.

So what can be expected of iOS5? Here are a few predictions and a couple of wishes:

1. Multi-finger Gestures: As patents for multi-finger gestures leaked out, rumors of a home button-less iPhone have been circulating. With iOS 4.3, developers have been able to use multi-finger gestures for additional commands and functionality (e.g. “Back” and “Forward” comments on a browser). Especially with larger devices like the iPad this is almost certainly a guarantee.
2. Cloud storage and Wireless Syncing: Long rumored for Apple as well, Amazon this week pulled the trigger with their cloud-based service. iOS devices have truly grown to be a multimedia device. With the strength of the iTunes Store, Apple can easily “lock down” users by offering streaming services for music, movies, and other files.
3. Maps & Geo-location: While seemingly a small feature, other smartphones have been excelling in their maps and geo-location services. Google maps on Android phones offer 3D vector graphics as well as touchable links for ratings, transit schedules, street views, etc. Android phones have a built in GPS as well, taking full advantage of voice commands, Google Search and Google Maps. Given Apple and Google’s recent rift, there’s a strong possibility of a revamped non-Google maps program. Apple’s been long rumored to be considering additional geo-location functionality for their devices as well, allowing users to tag media and find nearby friends.
   

   Google Maps

4. Widgets: Widgets have really given Android a “wow” factor that Apple once received. The only “widget” currently on iOS is the calendar icon that reflects the date. Even the weather and clock icons are but a static image, non-reflective of actual conditions. At the very least these icons can use a revamp to provide users with additional information. Especially with the iPad, much of the screen real estate is unused and wasted on bland icons. Email, calendar, and iPod can easily be revamped to allow users to access data without opening the app itself. Other functions, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G/4G should be re-considered for easy access. Currently turning on/off any of those functions requires several clicks into settings. Third party app developers could also clearly take advantage of an on-screen RSS feed as well.
   

   Xoom Widgets

5. Home Screen Navigation: As the app store has exploded, users are now dealing with several “pages” of apps to scroll through. Swiping through several screens is quite cumbersome and definitely does not reflect the style and ease Apple likes to represent. Considerations include hiding or shifting less used apps (a la “Menu” on Android), revamping app folders for better grouping of apps, and a quick view of all the “pages” of apps to allow for quicker access to programs on the device.
6. Notifications: Honeycomb made a big splash with their side notification system. With mail, instant messengers, calendar alarms, device connectivity, etc., the new OS should focus on better delivery and access to notifications to fix their pop up notification system. Handcent SMS for Android has a great popup notification that allows to user to write/speak/pick a quick response back.
   

   Notifications

7. Lock Screen: Apple is rumored to be testing an Android-like pattern based unlocking system. Additional protection options are always welcome. The lock screen could also use some widget functionality, much like how the iPod is available. Access to weather, email, or RSS feeds would be a great feature.
   

   iPhone Lock Screen Widgets

8. Multitasking: Apple has remained fairly conservative when it comes to multitasking for very good reason. Unchecked, multiple apps can quickly slow down the entire system creating a dreadful user experience. So far, Apple has skirted around the issue, allowing for light multitasking across specific apps. Music players can run in the background. Games are paused when another program is running. In all fairness, the cries for multitasking have mostly dissipated. Still, there is room for improvement. With the iPad as well, the ability to run a few programs simultaneously (on the same screen) would be an interesting move as well, such as allowing a user to watch a video on the top third of the screen while using the browser with the rest.
9. Multiple User Accounts: While Apple would love to sell a device for each user, iOS devices are often shared, especially between parents and younger kids. Given the recent in-app purchase controversy (with children “accidentally” spending money in freemium games), Apple should consider allowing multiple user accounts on their devices. Users can set restrictions (for minors) as well as customize apps and screens per account.
10. RFID/NFC: Rumors have gone back and forth for implementation of some sort of payment system through the iPhone. There has been a recent rash of moves by major corporations to adopt digital payment systems and Google moreorless confirmed to be testing with Android phones in New York and San Francisco. To turn the iPhone into a payment device could give Apple a similar wow-factor as a game changer the iPhone initially received as a “first” smartphone device.
    

    iPhone NFC

The main concern with a drastic change to iOS is its compatibility with older devices. The newer iPhone 4 and the iPad 2 should be able to keep up, but no matter the scale in change, the oldest models will most certainly be left out. Still, iOS is long due for some major upgrades and Apple is more than certain to deliver this June.

Mock of a possible iPhone 5

If you’ve been holding out for the next iPhone, here’s a bit of good news. The WWDC (where previous iPhones have been announced) is scheduled for June 6. At this point (if you can afford to do so) it’s better off waiting – even if you’re not into getting the next iteration, you’ll be able to get the current models at a discount. [TechCrunch]

Update: A lot of journalists inside with Apple are suggesting that this year’s WWDC event will be software only. In other words, there may not be any new announcements for any of the iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad), but instead be new offerings for a new OS, perhaps iOS 5. [All Things D]

Amazon Appstore

As analysts predicted, Amazon released their Android app store earlier this week. Yet despite fears of confusion in the plethora of third party app marketplaces, the Amazon store has done well to impress. What truly shines for Amazon’s store is their exclusive deals. Not only are they the only one to carry the new Angry Birds Rio game (for free), they also offer a daily free app deal where a paid app can be “bought” free of charge. So far, the app deals have been fairly prominent “premium” apps, including Shazam and Doodle Jump. It’s a very enticing offer that gets users going back to the store each day.

There is a slight amount of setup required, however, although it’s much easier than it first appears. AT&T customers aside (who are restricted), users will have to first allow the phone to sideload apps – that means allowing the phone to install apps outside the official Android store. After that, log into the Amazon.com (on your desktop browser), install the Amazon Appstore app, and you should be fairly set. It can take a few frustrating minutes to set up, but once done, it’s time well spent.

Check it out now on http://www.amazon.com/

Twitter was abuzz with AT&T-T-Mobile acquisition. How will the affect current T-Mobile consumers? Speaking of AT&T, if you’ve been secretly tethering your device, you might want to look out for SMS or email messages! You may need to pay up.

Source: Crenk.com

And of course, speaking of paying up. The New York Times is building up their paywall – will you have to pay?

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Andrew at @frontline99. Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download the Show

Subscribe in iTunes

Subscribe RSS

Show Links

AT&T Buys T-Mobile: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/atandt-agrees-to-buy-t-mobile-from-deutsche-telekom/

AT&T Cracks Down on Tethering: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2382228,00.asp

NYTimes Digital Subscriptions: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/business/media/18times.html?_r=1

Online – Print Paywall Comparison Chart: http://paidcontent.org/article/419-how-the-nytimes-paywall-compares-to-those-of-other-big-papers/

Netflix Original Shows: http://paidcontent.org/article/419-its-a-done-deal-netflix-making-content-play-with-house-of-cards/

Radiation Chart: http://xkcd.com/radiation/

App of the Week

NCAA March Madness
iOS: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ncaa-march-madness-on-demand/id423246594?mt=8

With the Japanese disaster situation hitting close to home for many people, in and outside of Japan, we look into some ways to receive updated news as well as provide support for those directly affected. Be sure to check out the links below for more info on ways to contribute to relief efforts.

Tony Wang and I also look into the iPad 2 craze that has emptied out Apple stores across the nation. As online shipments have been pushed back to four to five weeks, the grey market is seeing prices soar to over $1,000. Is the iPad 2 really that amazing?

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @tonywang. Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download the Show

Subscribe in iTunes

Subscribe RSS

Show Links

Free Calls to Japan: http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/15/t-mobile-sprint-waive-japan-calling-and-texting-fees/

Google People Finder: http://techland.time.com/2011/03/11/google-launches-person-finder-for-japan-earthquake-victims/

Mobile Textcode Donations: http://paidcontent.org/article/419-mobile-giving-a-list-of-shortcodes-to-donate-to-japan/

Charities for Japan: http://philanthropy.com/article/Charities-Respond-to-Pacific/126706/

iPad 2: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

Time Warner Streaming App: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/twcable-tv-app-for-ipad-now-available-but-dish-has-something-to/

App of the Week

Street Fighter IV
iOS: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/street-fighter-iv/id354655665?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4#

It’s actually been a few days since I got my iPad, but the experience so far has been good. While I’ve owned an iPod Touch, the experience on the much larger iPad is far different from the iOS devices. The functions and uses I’m getting out of the iPad far surpass the rest. Here are some preliminary observations and thoughts:

Weight
It does feel a bit lighter than the original iPad, but there’s definitely still a bite to things. It’s quite hefty and its still takes quite a bit of getting used to when it comes to holding the device, whether it be when standing, sitting, or reclining. Then again, the weight is comparable compared to some of the heavier magazines like GQ or Vogue. When it comes to replacing the netbook or even laptop in your bag, there’s no competition.

Functionality
Despite being part of a new product category, the iPad has already begun to make significant changes to my daily routine. Instead of turning on my computer in the morning, I’m able to flip on the iPad and check on my emails, Twitter feeds, new stories and weather without much effort. As I take the train to work, I catch up on the news (currently with The Daily and the New York Times). After work, the iPad becomes my primary computing device, as I catch up on feeds, browse, and chat while watching TV. Essentially aside from a few tasks (major photo editing, podcasting, gaming, and syncing), I don’t have a need to use my desktop computer.

Another great use for the iPad – checking work emails remotely. While I’m able to access Exchange through my phone and on webmail (desktop computer), the iPad interface offers the best balance – quick access while the large screen allows me to view the content with ease. The Gmail-like stringing of emails is a nice bonus as well, chaining together related emails that may have been received at various points through the day.

Battery Life
The battery life on this device is great – much better than my iPod Touch and HTC EVO. The one thing is that it does require a significant amount of time to charge back.

Smart Cover
Apple’s new cover design is certainly impressive. The magnets are quite strong but the cover instantly snaps on to the device. The inside microfiber lining is nice. The cover works as a stand in landscape mode, but I wish there was a way to get better use of it while in portrait mode. The case doesn’t come cheap, at least for the colors you’re more likely to choose. The black, navy, red, and white are leather (at $69.99). The cheaper polyurethane covers come in the brighter pastel colors (at $39.99).

Apps
A few of my favorite apps right now:

Flipbook

Flipboard: Essentially an RSS reader, but turns it into a magazine-like experience
Pulse News: Another RSS reader, but more for browsing through a mass list of articles
The Daily: News Corp’s daily “newspaper” for the tablet
Twitter: Unless you have more than one Twitter account, it’s still one of the best Twitter apps
Friendly: With the lack of an official Facebook iPad app, Friendly does a good job replacing

Criticisms
Multitasking is still a bit limited. The mini-taskbar is quite a pain when you have to go back and shut down every app that’s on. There’s a few bugs in the system too, from WiFi disappearing at times to the location feature not working during the initial setup.

Having gone from Android, I definitely do miss the Google support, especially as the few Google apps that are available are severely lacking – no dedicated Gmail or Reader app, no vector views or clickable link on Maps, and Google Voice is running off of the iPhone version. Google Calendar was easy to setup (although it took some quick research in importing multiple calendars).

Apps are great although I do feel the pinch of having to pay again (and at times significantly more) for the iPad “HD” version of the app. Other apps are limited to the iPhone version only, which scaled to the iPad resolution definitely looks pretty bad and heavily pixilated.

The camera is also a joke – not quite sure why such atrocious cameras were put in when they’re worse than cameras on feature phones. With the promotion of Facetime as well, it’d make sense to have the better camera up front. I suppose they’re waiting for the iPad 3.

Summary
Overall, the iPad is a fantastic device. For anyone who doesn’t have a tablet yet but is considering one, it’s probably the best way to go. Going back from Android hasn’t been of any hindrance yet and I haven’t encountered a “Flash” issue yet. It’s a great device to use both at home and on the road (on travel). One warning, however, the spending doesn’t stop with the device (and case) – a lot of the premiere apps will cost money. The print-subscription model on iTunes is still a mess and until that works out, most digital print apps are charging pretty high newsstand prices for each issue. RSS aggregators are definitely the way to go in the meantime. A lot of tablets are still up in the air, despite supposed released calendars within 2011. Between the price and quality of the iPad, it’s definitely a clear winner in value. With online shipping at four to five weeks, the problem now is trying to find one.

Apple iPad 2

There you have it, the iPad 2, as expected. So did it live up to the hype? Is it worth getting or should one hold off for the Android tablets. We also got some good reminders for you in protecting your security online. Don’t fall for those scams!

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Tony at @tonywang. Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download the Show

Subscribe in iTunes

Subscribe RSS

Show Links

iPad 2 Announcement: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

Gmail Accounts Wiped for 150,000: http://www.techspot.com/news/42582-gmail-accounts-wiped-for-more-than-100000-users.html

AT&T iPhone Hot Spot: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/04/atandt-mobile-hotspot-for-iphone-4-limited-to-just-three-wifi-devi

Twitter Viewer Virus: http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/05/tweet-viewer-virus-spreads-on-twitter/

App of the Week

TurboTax SnapTax
iOS: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/turbotax-snaptax/id406364213?mt=8#
Android: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.intuit.instantreturn

Alright Android-tablet manufacturers (yes, I’m talking to you Motorola, Samsung, HTC, LG, and the rest of you out there!). In approximately five days there’s a very good chance I’ll be dropping a good sum of money to Apple to get an iPad 2. You have five days to convince me that I should hold off and wait for one of your devices. Here’s what you need to offer to win me over.

Honeycomb
This should be a given but yes, I want Google’s tablet-specific Android operating system. It should come bundled in – none of that Froyo + later update business. Honeycomb IS the reason why I’d consider a non-iOS tablet. That should be the top priority.

Android Honeycomb

Camera
Apple’s iPad 2 camera specs were quite the disappointment. I’m not expecting to take any photos with the back camera so there’s no reason to load up the back camera and add to the weight and cost. All I ask for is a decent front facing camera video chat so I don’t look like a dark pixilated mess when I decide to chat with my folks back home or my friends on the other side of the country.

USB, SD, and other Ports
I intend on doing some actual work on this thing, something Apple seems to refuse to do for its consumers. A USB port allows me to import and export documents and files between my computers and tablet. An SD card slot would be nice too, especially for transferring pictures from my camera. If you really want to get ahead of the game, outdo Apple and put in a Thunderbolt port. Don’t forget about the HDMI port too (and again, none of that extra adapter crap that Apple does to skip out on HDMI royalties)

LG Optimus Tablet

Resolution
Apple’s got a 1024×768 resolution for the iPad 2, the same exact one as the first iPad. You know it’s only a matter of time before they kick in their retina display for their iPad 2 HD or iPad 3 – might as well put it in now.

Physical Size
Personally I’ll probably go for a larger tablet, but it’d be nice to see both 7” and 10” models. Still, with all that extra stuff, it’s important to keep this thing thin and light. After all, this is supposed to be a portable device – if it’s as thick as a laptop or as heavy as a netbook, it almost defeats the purpose. Apple manages to keep their devices looking quite good and sexy. Call it superficial, but people are buying it (quite literally).

Apps, Third Party Partnerships, etc.
This is probably more on Google, but we’ve seen devices and carriers make deals. One place that iOS has Android beat is their 3^rd party support, especially in apps. It’s been a few years and games are still scarce. Guys, get some partnerships going. Get the big game developers to develop some exclusive games for Honeycomb tablets. What about Skype? There’s no reason why there shouldn’t be video calling via Skype – make it happen before Apple. Apple’s got GarageBand and iMovie – why not get a better Adobe Photoshop/Premiere (for tablets), podcasting/audio recording software, and some good word processing/spreadsheet/presentation apps in. iOS is forgiven of their limitations because of their app ecosystem – but that doesn’t have to stay exclusive to them.

iOS App Ecosystem

Pricing
I don’t care how loaded it is, you can’t sell it for more than an iPad, at least for the consumer market. $499 16GB WiFi only is your goal. If you match it, you’ll do well. If you can get below, you can do some actual damage. Tablets are not cheap, but right now people are getting settled in to them. Apple’s already won the front in mindshare. To win it in the long haul, you’ll have to take a cut (and perhaps a big hit). Otherwise, you’ll just be another tablet sitting in the back rack of Best Buy collecting dust.

Timing
Get this device out by mid-year. If it takes longer than that, I might as well get settled with an iPad. Oh, and definitely don’t pull a Microsoft with a 2012 strategy. Seriously though, start announcing your release windows. We’ve got a bunch of announcements but no dates – ambiguity does not help sell a product. Start committing to certain deadlines. Even if you do have to push it back, it at least gives consumers something “concrete” to latch on to. Otherwise, it’s just another magical white unicorn to join the ranks of the white iPhone.

Balance
All the things I listed – you can’t just do 80% of it. Whether you like them or not, what Apple does, they do it rather well. They manage to balance their products so that you never have to worry too much about one issue over another.  If you get all these things I listed in but price it at $800 or give it a battery life of 4 hours, it’s never going to compete and sell. This is where all the years of experience in manufacturing, R&D, and business need to come together. You gotta tie this all up in a neat bow and make sure the darn thing works, and works well!

So there you have it. You have five days (really four) to make a big announcement to get people to wait. Once Friday rolls by, you’ll lose a ton of people over to the iPad (along with extensive media coverage). I’m telling you now, I’m one of those many people willing to wait, but you got to give me something worth waiting for.

Earlier this week, Steve Jobs announced the iPad 2, the next line of tablets from Apple. As the dust begins the settle, one question remains on many people’s minds, “should I buy one?” Remember, no one actually “needs” a tablet computer, but perhaps the FAQ below might help you decide.

What’s new in the iPad 2?

The iPad 2, as one journalist put it, is evolutionary, not revolutionary. The operating system, overall feel, user experience is moreorless the same as the first iPad. However, Apple did polish things up a bit more, making it noticeably thinner, faster, and lighter. With front and back cameras, you can also use Facetime and other photo applications.

iPad 2

How much is the iPad 2?

It’s the same price as the previous model, although the iPad 1 now drops $100. Pricing starts at $499 for the 16GB WiFi model and $629 for the 16GB WiFi + 3G. The 32GB and 64GB models go up $100 in succession.

What’s the difference between the other tablets (Xoom, Galaxy Tab, RIM Playbook)?

Aside from Apple, several other companies are developing tablets as well. Just as the smartphone market is divided by iOS (iPhone), Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone 7, etc., tablets will come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, each running a different operating system.

In terms of product offerings, other tablets do offer other abilities that may be limited or unavailable on the iPad. Most other tablets, for example, can run Adobe Flash, which, while slowly being phased out (in favor for HTML5) still makes up a significant portion of the web today. Other tablets may also offer expandable memory, memory card slots as well more powerful cameras.

Motorola Xoom

I have an Android/Blackberry/etc. phone. Should that affect my decision?

Yes. Your current phone OS should be a consideration when choosing a tablet. Not only will certain devices sync with one another (e.g. iPhone-iPad, Blackberry-Playbook, etc.), you’ll avoid having to pay twice for your apps and games. Having a consistent user experience across devices makes things easier as well.

What can I do with a tablet?

Though created as a separate category in between smartphones and PCs, tablets do share a lot in terms of function between the two. Basic functions like checking email, browsing the web, watch video can be easily done with a tablet. Professional work, however, is more of a mixed bag. While programs such as iMovie and Garage Band were recently announced for the iPad, editing is still limited across all tablet devices. There are a few Office-like apps available as well, you may run into compatibility/sync issues when importing/exporting back to a desktop computer. Also, any extended work, such as crafting long emails may require an external keyboard.

While tablets including the iPad 2, are slowly becoming creation devices (instead of consumption/content devices), it’s still fairly limited and more fit for casual use. It’ll replace your netbook or phone at times, but for any professional, it won’t replace your main computer.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2

What about the iPad 3?

While there are rumors of an “iPad 3” or enhanced iPad later this year, it’s unlikely that Apple will release a new device that soon. The iPad, despite its “limitations,” leads the market. Most competitive devices won’t be released until later this year. On top of that, Apple leads the way in pricing and mind share. To date, the sense of urgency for Apple to complete with Honeycomb and RIM is still premature and remains to be seen. However, a drastic OS update, an “iOS5,” later this summer could very well be expected (coinciding with the next iPhone release).

So should I get an iPad 2?

Again, that’s really up to you and your personal habits and needs. No one truly needs a tablet of any sort – it’s still a luxury item of sorts. If you’re constantly traveling (air, mass transit, etc.) or find yourself having a fair amount of down time (waiting, etc.), an iPad can come in handy, for games, web browsing, videos, etc. The interface is extremely easy to use and would be a good choice, especially for the elderly, children, or the not-so-tech-savvy crowd – not to say it’s a dumb device or not for techies either. However, if you’re the strong Blackberry user or someone looking for something to replace your laptop on vacations and business trips, you’re better off waiting.

The new iPad is not available for pre-order but will be on sale next Friday, 3/11 at Apple stores, as well as Best Buy, Walmart, and Sam’s Club.

Kim White/Nintendo of America, via Associated Press

At Nintendo’s press conference at the annual Game Developers Conference, President and CEO Satoru Iwata criticized the mobile app market for driving developers into producing lower quality games, putting Nintendo’s sustainability at risk. Ironic though, as the Wii platform was often criticized for the vast pool of lower quality “budget” games often found in bins at game retailers. Iwata does recognize an important point – the mobile market, specifically the smartphone industry, is a huge threat to Nintendo.

Nintendo, especially since the days of the Wii and Nintendo DS has been aggressively pursuing the casual market. It’s paid off in the short run, especially against the pricier consoles from Sony and Microsoft. However, as platforms such as iOS, Android, and Windows Phone 7 are building robust app stores with gaming offerings, the casual gaming audience is losing its need to buy a separate device for their gaming needs. When it comes to that quick five or thirty minute gameplay burst, the 3DS’s offerings aren’t substantially greater than that of an iPhone or iPod Touch.

The issue for Nintendo isn’t that there’s a splintering in the mobile game industry. In fact, Nintendo’s worry is that some of their biggest partners, Capcom, Square Enix, etc., have been developing games for the iOS platform. “Quality” games such as Super Street Fighter IV, Sims 3, Angry Birds (all listed for the 3DS lineup) as well as Secret of Mana, Final Fantasy, GTA: Chinatown Wars, Civilization Revolution, Mega Man 2, Resident Evil, Madden, Sonic, etc. are not only available for iOS, the cost of them put together is less than one 3DS game.

Civilization Revolution DS vs iPhone

Nintendo’s saving grace has always been its ability to innovate, or in a more negative view, produce a gimmick to help sell units. Still, is 3D enough of a selling point to differentiate a 3DS from an iPhone or iPod Touch? On top of that, several manufacturers including smartphones in Japan are producing 3D phones. With players like Sony and Microsoft in the console market, Nintendo has neither the resources nor R&D to develop or compete with them in the hardcore market. Not only are the former able to produce high end systems (in power, graphic capabilities, etc.), they’re also willing to sell it at a loss to make it in the long term. Now that the mobile industry is closing in on the portable and casual gaming markets, Nintendo may be out of options.

With Nintendo’s vast library of IPs and titles, it may be only a matter of time before Nintendo goes the way of Sega – getting out of the hardware business entirely and releasing their core games (which are still highly respected and top-selling) across various platforms.