東西 | dongxi

In the past 12 hours, I’ve seen more friends buy HP Touchpads than all the days leading up. In fact, I personally didn’t know a single person who bought a HP Touchpad ’til now. What made all the difference? The price dropped, to $99.

HP Touchpad Now $99

Competition needs to be in price

The irony is that for the days leading up to HP’s announcement on the Touchpad (and the subsequent price drop/fire sale), HP had spent millions of dollars on advertising, hiring celebrities like Lea Michelle and Manny Pacquiao. What’s become evident now is that consumers weren’t moved by the branding or the messaging. It all came down to the price point. The HP Touchpad is now selling out. Had HP utilized those advertising dollars on price cuts or offers, the TouchPad may have lived on.

What HP has provided though, is a valuable insight into the tablet market. Lately, several analysts have suggested that the tablet market doesn’t truly exist – that consumers weren’t looking for tablets per se, they just wanted the iPad. Perhaps that’s not entirely true either though. With this rush for TouchPads, there definitely is interest. It’s more a question of value and worth. How much is a consumer willing to pay for a non-Apple tablet.

In all other devices including smartphones, laptops, computers, etc., nearly every competitor of Apple is priced much lower than the Cupertino giant. Strangely, despite coming in much later to tablet market, companies like Motorola, HP, Toshiba, RIM, and HTC have been pitting their tablets directly against the iPad, even when it comes to price, with prices in the $500+ range. However, they fail to recognize that Apple (and the iPad) carries an additional brand value that no other tablet maker has been able to replicate. Thus, when you stack these tablets against one another, Apple wins out. The key, perhaps, is to mark down the pricing, even if it means taking an inital loss.

Android smartphones have been able to dominate the market by becoming a low cost alternative to the iPhone. Same can be said of the Blackberry of the last few years. Tablets, whether of Android, RIM, or WebOS origin needs to consider this strategy. Forget the branding, multi-million dollar ad campaigns, or trying to “be” the iPad. Instead, offer users with a similar experience for half the cost of the iPad. It’s not the prettiest thing to hear, but it can potentially save other tablets from going down the same route as the Touchpad.

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.

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.

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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.

MacBook Pro (Source: Apple)

Is it worth getting a MacBook? We weigh in on the pros and cons of splurging on an Apple computer. Andrew Hoover also goes off on a “slight” rant on phone carriers and their policies to digital devices. What gets him so worked up? Check out the episode and find out!

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.

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Show Links

New MacBook Available: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/

iPad 2 Announcement on Wed: http://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/23/apple-issues-invitations-for-march-2nd-media-event-to-introduce-next-generation-ipad/

Xoom Tablet Out: http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/motorola-xoom-tablet/4505-3126_7-34468548.html

Amazon Prime Video Streaming: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/22/amazon-launches-prime-instant-videos-unlimited-streaming-for-pr/

App of the Week

Tiny Wings (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tiny-wings/id417817520?mt=8

Iyaz returns as we make sense of the latest news and rumors. Are you locked out of Twitter? Why even try a non-official third party app? We also give our thoughts on the Facebook phones as well as the latest batch of Apple rumors, including the iPad 3, iPhone 5, and the next line of MacBooks.

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

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Show Links

UberTwitter Responds to Twitter Lockout: http://www.quora.com/Why-did-Twitter-suspend-UberTwitter

Nokia-Microsoft Partnership: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20031468-264.html

Xoom Pricing: http://techland.time.com/2011/02/16/motorola-xoom-tablet-to-start-at-600-verizon-version-at-800/

Atrix 4G Release Date: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2380540,00.asp

HTC Facebook Phones: http://www.androidcentral.com/htc-salsa-and-chacha-under-glass-mwc

Apple’s New Subscription Rules: http://www.dxstuff.com/2011/02/16/is-apple-shooting-itself-in-the-foot/

iPhone – Cheaper, Not Smaller: http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/02/iphone-may-get-cheaper-but-not-smaller.ars

MacBook Launch: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/02/18/apple_gearing_up_for_major_product_launch_early_as_next_week_sources.html

App of the Week

Words with Friends (Android): https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zynga.words

Androidify (Android): http://androidify.com/

Starfront Collision (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/starfront-collision/id402025815?mt=8

Source: Verizon

We return from our brief hiatus with Aric Mellot of The Gmen Show. We got quite the roundup in news from the Verizon iPhone to sorting out the Playstation Phone and the PSP2. Plus, with so many tablets coming out, we look at some of the big players and what you should consider before buying one.

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

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Show Links

Verizon iPhone: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/splash/iphone.jsp

Xperia Play Preview: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-playstation-phone-preview/

NGP (Next Generation Portable): http://psp.ign.com/articles/114/1146358p1.html

Nintendo 3DS: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374399,00.asp

Google Honeycomb Event: http://www.androidcentral.com/google-honeycomb-event-recap

Motorola Xoom: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/android-honeycomb-motorola-xoom-hands-ons-widgets-grocery-iq/

Toshiba Tablet: http://www.thetoshibatablet.com/

iPad 2 Rumors: http://www.padgadget.com/2011/01/31/latest-round-of-ipad-2-rumors/

WebOS Tablet: http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/18/exclusive-hp-palms-webos-tablets-pictures-plans-and-mor/

App of the Week
Bubble Ball (iOS): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bubble-ball/id412089940?mt=8

Android QR Link

Source: CNET provided by Henry "Tapchus" Chu

Andrew Hoover and Aric Mellot of the Gmen Show share their thoughts on the Consumer Electronics Show. What were the hits and what were the misses? Tune in and find out!

Don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes with the link below and follow us on Twitter (Derrick at @derrickc82, Iyaz at @iyaz, Andrew at @Frontline99, and Aric at @PhatEmoKid). Leave a comment and check out the links to the show on the blog post.

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Show Links
CES 2011 Highlights: http://www.dxstuff.com/2011/01/10/ces11-highlights/

App of the Week
Google Translate (Android): http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-look-for-google-translate-for.html

Google Translate for Android

Google wasn’t officially at the show, but it still stole it. From the booths to the halls to the devices attendees were using, Google made its presence known.

Google's Android Honeycomb OS on the Motorola Xoom

2011 is dubbed the year of the tablets and CES 2011 was a clear reflection of that. Tablets of all shapes and sizes were found throughout the show. Yet aside from the Blackberry Playbook and the occassional Windows 7 slates, nearly all the tablets found on the show floor were running Android. In fact, CNET’s Best of CES Award went to the Motorola Xoom, the first tablet to run Android 3.0 (dubbed “Honeycomb”). Yet, the award seemed less about the actual hardware (from Motorola) than the operating itself. While previous iterations of Android have been made for smartphones, this new version is specifically for tablet devices. It certainly wowed the audience, making it a top pick among most tech and news organizations and a seriously contender against the Apple iPad.

Smartphones made a strong showing at CES as well. Yet, aside from the Windows Phone 7 phones at the Microsoft booth, most phones shown, whether by LG, Samsung, or Motorola were all running Google’s Android operating system. Again, one of the favorites of the show was the the Motorola Atrix, an Android smartphone that had the ability to dock into a laptop/desktop. It was this versatility that Android provided that set it apart from other leading smartphone operating systems, such as iOS. Even a quick poll of the showroom floor reflected a high share of Android smartphones (used by attendees) – a stark contrast from even a year ago.

Google even permeated into the television market, despite rumors of Google asking manufacturers to hold back on displaying Google TV. Sony, Logitech, and Vizio showed new lines of TV sets that would integrate with Google, whether it be with Google TV or a form of Android. YouTube, which is owned by Google, has become a staple item for widgets and apps in these new “Smart TVs” that were featured as well this year.

It’s clear that Google is looking to move further into the household, beyond the computer. Yet, Google operates very differently than traditional companies like Samsung, Sony, or Microsoft. Google is not a hardware manufacturer nor does it limit itself by a product line. Instead Google integrates themselves into the daily habits of each person, at home, at work, and in between through its software and services. As it continues to collect data, learning from the various behaviors and actions each person exhibits, it grows in its ability to spread even further into our lifestyle habits. What started as a search engine has already become an entertainment system (Google TV), translator of both different languages and voice-to-text (Google Translate, Google Voice), GPS (Google Navigate), and a guide for your next meal (Google Places, Google Maps). Who knows, maybe next year we’ll see Google spread to the rest of CES with Google refrigerators and Google-integrated cars.