Andy Ihnatko, Chicago Sun-Times technology and computer columnist, makes an interesting prediction over at Macworld.com:
A sophisticated, gesture-based user interface. OS X running on nontraditional devices. A new developer environment and API for iDevices that was so tricky that Apple couldn’t release it or even hint at it until three months after the iPhone was released… and even then, only under duress. Features embedded in Mac OS that help you invisibly tether two OS X devices’ resources together, whether they’re in the same room or merely on the same planet. A movement from Apple to put the bulk of its energy into consumer products and not computer products.
I’m fairly sure that 2008 will see an entire new platform. The iPhone is a phone, and the iPod touch is an iPhone without the phone stuff. The next i-Suffix will be a totally new thing. Not a Mac… not really. An iPhone, kind of, but sort of not. Take the screen off a MacBook and slice it in two vertically. That’s the device. It’ll play media—including Office documents, PDFs, and e-books—from its 16GB of flash storage. It’ll have Wi-Fi and the Safari browser… maybe even 3G or EDGE, as with an iPhone. It will secure-tunnel back to your home Mac or PC, and you’ll be able to use this thing to access any resources you might have left behind. It will put every digital resource you have at your fingertips, in one compact black slate.
It will run native software, too. Curious, isn’t it, that in October Steve Jobs announced that Apple wouldn’t be taking the wrapper off the iPhone developers’ kit until February? It’s almost as if the resources that are plainly available in the SDK would have spilled the beans on the device Steve intends to unveil during his Macworld Expo keynote in January.
Much more in the full article, including predictions from Dan Frakes, Macworld senior editor, Dan Moren, Macworld associate editor and MacUser co-editor, and John Moltz, Crazy Apple Rumors Site editor in chief, here.
MacDailyNews Take: This article’s prescience gets scarier with each passing day: Is Apple building ‘The Device?’ – SteveJack, MacDailyNews, December 10, 2002
blowhard
@iDon’t,
Problem is, you gotta buy the stock when it’s low.
I’ll put my $34 AAPL purchase up against your Poorsha purchase any day!
Vrrrrrrroooom
@iDon’t
Glad I brought the Porsche instead of stock.
Let’s do an analysis on your investment of your $100,000.00 Porsche. Five years ago, you paid $100K in your two seaters sportcar . That investment is estimated at around 40K if you can sell it in today’s market.
AAPL five years ago $100,000.00 can buy 3000 shares.
Today that 3000 shares = half a million $$$$
So, your investment strategy is not a sound one.
Just a thought
There is some interesting speculation on how an Portable Internet Device could work in connection to such a dock at http://huibert-aalbers.com/blog/archives/161. That could be the device Andy is predicting, neither an iPhone nor a Mac.
Ain’t it funny that most pundits’ prognostications about unknown Apple products are based on modifications of known Apple products.
I remember the ApplePhone predictions – Apple blew them all away.
———
Oh yes – ‘Daner’:
Who the heck quotes **themselves** in a forum???
“Here is a selection of what I had to say back then…”
Oh good grief.
@Funny:
Both Go2Mac.com and the article that resulted from that mail have disappeared. I would have linked to it if I could have. The entire message contained other stuff that had nothing to do with the device in question, so I edited it out and noted that fact.
MDN referred back to a SteveJack piece from December 2002, which reminded me that I had similar stuff from July 2001. Both of us envisioned things that are similar to what Inhatko describes, and I’m sure that we are both looking forward to the announcements from Apple later this month.
PS – The last time I read the phrase “Good grief” was when Charles Schulz was still playing hockey regularly at his ice rink in Santa Rosa and I still had a full head of hair. Thanks for helping bring back some pleasant memories!
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@ Dutch
Thanks for the link…was thinking just those same thoughts and wanted to share them. Thanks.
mw ‘yet’ as in ‘yet to come’
Wrong Andy Ihnatko, And by-the-way, what is it that you actually predicted there. A Macbook sliced in half. Lame.
Let me tell you what real predicting for Apple is like. And what Apple will actually present…
Presenting the excitingly new “iJesture”.
To described it in a few words: it is an over sized iPhone and digital keyboard in one. And it needs a little explanation.
The “iJesture” is a rectangular item which is roughly the size of todays current wired Mac Aluminum keyboard. At the same time it is about as thick as the iPhone. And the capabilities which fit the category of a sub-notebook. There is no lid to close. And similar to the iPod Touch it consists of a glossy surface ( est. 13″ wide by 3 ” high ) LASTLY, there is only one button on the side. Similar to the wireless keyboard to power-on / toggle off the device. “iJesture” shall come with two USB ports, built-in WIFI, and by order to have 32 or 64 Gb of NanFlash memory internal.
Now this is important to understand – so please listen ANDY.
This groovy little thing is more then a prediction since it is so close to Jan 14th and reality is near. It goes something like this.
When you come near a Mac ( which ever – an iMac to MacPro ) with your “iJesture” it AUTOMATICALLY senses with WIFI to become a digital keyboard and finger gesturing mouse.
That’s right a virtual keyboard appears on the glossy surface at the same time this occurs a mounted 32 Gb drive appear on the MAC screen. The keyboard is similar in fashion to the iPhone keyboard yet it has full size keys displayed. More detail on the keyboard and finger gestured mouse in a moment.
That’s right – three products no longer needed. A keyboard, a mouse and a docking station. Just by coming up close to your Mac with this device. As I said this product needs some explaining but it makes wonderful sense when you see how easy all this is. Backup and file transfer is a breeze… finger touch “iJesture” to drag n drop files from “the 32/64 Gb mounted to the internal iMac. Easy. Painless.
Now, when you walk away from your computer with the “iJesture” — it magically dissolves the virtual keyboard displayed on the the glossy screen. And the “iJesture” goes into sub-notebook mode. Once again Wifi detects you are further away from the computer and goes into this laptop mode. It becomes a self contained functional device like a glorified iPod Touch. It can play videos, music, browse the web, draw pictures, and even manipulate or set type. Out doing the Touch with as it has enough power and software, because this device lets you install extras stuff useful when on the road.
We all have seen the iPhone and iPod Touch. The functionality is pretty much that of those but done on a surface that is around two or three iPhones in size. Just remember that more software is coming… and that Multi-Touch is an important goal for Apple. So soon we will be seeing demonstrations of new finger input methods – like the double click… “two finger together – one click.
All the software extras for “iJesture” are Muti-Touch apps… so although they run completely in OSX 10.5.2 the design for these applications required different approaches and different space layout for ergonomics. UE or User Experience; also know as User Ergonomics. Another Apple patent to read up on. So, since the basic understanding and function of iPhone and iPod Touch is fairly well understood.
Just recapping… the “iJesture” is a Keyboard, Mouse, docking station and a complete functional sub-notebook. Interestingly, the code-name for that part of the project was “MacSlate”. Once you see the device and it’s slim lines reminiscent of iPhone it is very much a “MacSlate”. However, being a cross-over product something to bridge Mac with iPods the chosen name became, “iJesture” taking in the unique and fun input method which we shall know as, “letting the fingers do the mousing”.
Now back to the topic of the on the keyboard mode for the “iJesture”.
Multi-touch is the most distinctively differentiating technology in Apple’s eyes to make a such a huge impact on the computing industry. And multi-touch can be so extremely complicated. But with some innovation the factors pointed to the old keyboard and mouse. We saw the invention of the tack pad come and live comfortably on the mac laptops for years… it still has a cool factor to it… but not the keyboard. The keyboard is clunky, old and not customizable… the iPhone expressed this notion well. Adding another key to be tooled costs money… do it digitally and it’s ever changing. So there, Apple decided to delete the keyboard and mouse in one quick swoop, killing two turds with one slate.
With “iJesturre” you can change the language keys, make them glow, hint for spelling as you type, colour code keys for different applications. Better yet, it can be changed on the fly for right handed or left handed. If you don’t like the number pad on the right – slide it over to the left. Or just pop / hide the number pad off the screen and there is plenty of room for the finger to navigate your computers arrow. Ink2 lets you draw perfect squares and circles long since the Newton times.
Please note that OS 10.5.2 adds multi-touch to any Mac only when used in unison with the “iJesture”. Ink2 has been completely updated to further use Core Graphics and Core Animation and achieved by finger gesturing. The entire surface of “iJesture” can be used as input from finger gesturing,
thx for reading
enjoy the future Apple will bring,
sincerely,
Dougless
I have a feeling that Andy knows something that we don’t. You just listen to him on Macbreak Weekly and he goes on and on about this new thing……We’ll see.
I’d be more impressed if “Gesture” was spelled properly…
Is this it? http://greenrabbits.blogspot.com/
Those who aren’t buying AAPL after its recent drop may want to quickly reconsider.
Yeah, I actually believe that $180 isn’t a bad deal…
Some think it might get to Google levels, so trade in the Poorsha and buy some AAPL!
BORING!!
HOWS AMERICA These days.
Bored bored bored here in NZ.
Over
Hey there Dougless,
It sounds like you know a ton about this new “iJesture” device. Jut curious, do you work at Apple or have someone on the inside with intel on Apple’s next awesome device? So this thing will run a FULL blown Mac OS 10.5, right? Complete with iLife and all of that jazz? If it is as cool as it sounds, I will DEFINITELY buy it!!! I am very excited for Steve to unveil this cool new “iJesture” thingy!!! Also to “D” who posted a link to the photo, this look soo real! If this is the exact same device as Dougless described, then this is fantastic!!! I can’t wait for Steve’s keynote to find out!!
We’ll soon see.
Keep in mind that if Apple intros anything (even remotely like what’s been postulated) it’s still going to be a first generation device that will likely leave a lot of people less than enthused about. An old saying about not being able to please everyone comes to mind.
Personally, I think predictions about this sort of thing are waaay off base.
We all know the original designer of the Macintosh spelt Apples competing computer to the Lisa incorrectly. Rather then, “McIntosh”, commonly known as the rich red skinned dessert apple, Jef Raskin, made an slight spelling error. His spelling of “Macintosh” was an honest mistake.
As for, “iJesture”, the J was intentionally inserted in place of a G. In a different post I mentioned the “J” was induced for a sense of fun; playing on the word “Jester”; yet not to overplay the goal for Apple in 2008 — that being Multi-Touch. Where by the word “Gesture” reflects naturally to hands and fingers expressions with multi-touch in mind.
The deliberate word and chosen word for this product is, “iJesture”.
——
The links provided by, “D”. are honestly off base – in fact, it resembles as I described before. The form is taken from the current keyboard, between the width of the wired and wireless. And, the glossy screen sits approximate one quarter inch in from the aluminum frame.
I tired not to be negative about this product where ever I could.
And I purposely avoided this question of software as it most-likely could be considered the downside as software usually is.
To answer your question on the OS. It is OSX scaled down. Not the full-fledge operating system. But that of the iPhone.
It shall run custom apps as the iPod Touch and iPhone will. Hence broadening the need for new development with the line of post-computing. These products use software requiring finger input and require different layouts and application designs. By this I mean, Photoshop will not run on it stock. It is not intended in Apples opinion yet that isn’t to say it will never happen. It just means, Adobe would require to assess the requirements for this device. Remembering this multi-function device fits in between the Macbook and iPhone. It is a sub-notebook with extended reason and use. To obliterate the mouse, keyboard and docking needs, yet also to port data and use and manipulate the stored data while on the road. Be that browsing the internet without a true terminal such as the iMac, writing up a report with style in iWorks for “iJesture”, or making presentations in the office. It has enough power to preform well.
http://www.macrumors.com/2006/03/10/apple-refining-the-touch-screen-interface-evidence-for-a-tablet-mac/
http://www.fingerworks.com/igesture_tech.html
http://www.fingerworks.com/downloads.html
iGesture <—- already was a reality
—–
Take the iGesture combine it with the iPod Touch interface of OSX, increase the screen size, base the dimesions on the keyboard on a rectangle the size of a keyboard and mix it all into the conceptualized and commission project from Art Lebedev.
AND APPLE has the “iJesture”
http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus-tactus/
Art Lebedev + FingerWorks + iPod Touch = iJesture
Apples NEXT big thing. That is how one INNOVATES!
—–
@John Goode McLatte
I am sorry to say that I do not work at Apple. Which allows me with my situation; to postulate. Besides, anyone would be in breach of contract and soon in serious legal action by exposing such secrets.
Though I am TOTALLY guessing, yet, the patents point to specific technologies. And, with the demands from customers expressing the desire for such a Sub-NoteBook – one which includes Multi-Touch ability — this special virtual keyboard/mouse/iPod Touch will be the sub-notebook that BRIDGES multi-touch to the DESKTOP for us all.
d
Dutch,
I for one would not buy into something like they have illustrated.
Though I believe that is a nice docking setup there isn’t need for physical connectivity anymore. WIFI can provide this.
Secondly, has been also depicted by enlarged photoshop imagery of a iPhone style device. This also makes sense to that post-computer branding but I AM BEATING all my Apple stock that this new sub-notetbook DOES NOT include phone communications.
The iPhone is on identity, the iPod Touch is the Ultimate iPod, the Sub-Notebook will be something that is SUITABLE in between a DESKTOP and a LAPTOP – yet rather run on full blown OSX it too will be scaled down to something faster then the iPhone.
@ Dougless,
Back in the Vic20 days Commodore had a complete computer that was basically a keyboard. It is very possible that the keyboard is the form factor for the sub-notebook. And it sure would be nice not to see hinges and monitors – as most people carry their laptops in a soft case. And though, Dougless makes a pretty good attempt at envisioning a new Apple product; I for one am not entirely convinced on his vision. It’s fun to imagine and inspiring to hear. Even a picture would be cool.
Yeah, Dougless, get a picture and post it!!!!
Maybe I will buy into your dream.
RON TURNER
Dutch,
I for one would not buy into something like they have illustrated.
Though I believe that is a nice docking setup there isn’t need for physical connectivity anymore. WIFI can provide this.
Secondly, has been also depicted by enlarged photoshop imagery of a iPhone style device. This also makes sense to that post-computer branding but I AM BEATING all my Apple stock that this new sub-notetbook DOES NOT include phone communications.
The iPhone is on identity, the iPod Touch is the Ultimate iPod, the Sub-Notebook will be something that is SUITABLE in between a DESKTOP and a LAPTOP – yet rather run on full blown OSX it too will be scaled down to something faster then the iPhone.
@ Dougless,
Back in the Vic20 days Commodore had a complete computer that was basically a keyboard. It is very possible that the keyboard is the form factor for the sub-notebook. And it sure would be nice not to see hinges and monitors – as most people carry their laptops in a soft case. And though, Dougless makes a pretty good attempt at envisioning a new Apple product; I for one am not entirely convinced on his vision. It’s fun to imagine and inspiring to hear. Even a picture would be cool.
Yeah, Dougless, get a picture and post it!!!!
Maybe I will buy into your dream.
RON TURNER
Dutch,
I for one would not buy into something like they have illustrated.
Though I believe that is a nice docking setup there isn’t need for physical connectivity anymore. WIFI can provide this.
Secondly, has been also depicted by enlarged photoshop imagery of a iPhone style device. This also makes sense to that post-computer branding but I AM BEATING all my Apple stock that this new sub-notetbook DOES NOT include phone communications.
The iPhone is on identity, the iPod Touch is the Ultimate iPod, the Sub-Notebook will be something that is SUITABLE in between a DESKTOP and a LAPTOP – yet rather run on full blown OSX it too will be scaled down to something faster then the iPhone.
@ Dougless,
Back in the Vic20 days Commodore had a complete computer that was basically a keyboard. It is very possible that the keyboard is the form factor for the sub-notebook. And it sure would be nice not to see hinges and monitors – as most people carry their laptops in a soft case. And though, Dougless makes a pretty good attempt at envisioning a new Apple product; I for one am not entirely convinced on his vision. It’s fun to imagine and inspiring to hear. Even a picture would be cool.
Yeah, Dougless, get a picture and post it!!!!
Maybe I will buy into your dream.
RON TURNER
Dutch,
I for one would not buy into something like they have illustrated.
Though I believe that is a nice docking setup there isn’t need for physical connectivity anymore. WIFI can provide this.
Secondly, has been also depicted by enlarged photoshop imagery of a iPhone style device. This also makes sense to that post-computer branding but I AM BEATING all my Apple stock that this new sub-notetbook DOES NOT include phone communications.
The iPhone is on identity, the iPod Touch is the Ultimate iPod, the Sub-Notebook will be something that is SUITABLE in between a DESKTOP and a LAPTOP – yet rather run on full blown OSX it too will be scaled down to something faster then the iPhone.
@ Dougless,
Back in the Vic20 days Commodore had a complete computer that was basically a keyboard. It is very possible that the keyboard is the form factor for the sub-notebook. And it sure would be nice not to see hinges and monitors – as most people carry their laptops in a soft case. And though, Dougless makes a pretty good attempt at envisioning a new Apple product; I for one am not entirely convinced on his vision. It’s fun to imagine and inspiring to hear. Even a picture would be cool.
Yeah, Dougless, get a picture and post it!!!!
Maybe I will buy into your dream.
RON TURNER
Dutch,
I for one would not buy into something like they have illustrated.
Though I believe that is a nice docking setup there isn’t need for physical connectivity anymore. WIFI can provide this.
Secondly, has been also depicted by enlarged photoshop imagery of a iPhone style device. This also makes sense to that post-computer branding but I AM BEATING all my Apple stock that this new sub-notetbook DOES NOT include phone communications.
The iPhone is on identity, the iPod Touch is the Ultimate iPod, the Sub-Notebook will be something that is SUITABLE in between a DESKTOP and a LAPTOP – yet rather run on full blown OSX it too will be scaled down to something faster then the iPhone.
@ Dougless,
Back in the Vic20 days Commodore had a complete computer that was basically a keyboard. It is very possible that the keyboard is the form factor for the sub-notebook. And it sure would be nice not to see hinges and monitors – as most people carry their laptops in a soft case. And though, Dougless makes a pretty good attempt at envisioning a new Apple product; I for one am not entirely convinced on his vision. It’s fun to imagine and inspiring to hear. Even a picture would be cool.
Yeah, Dougless, get a picture and post it!!!!
Maybe I will buy into your dream.
RON TURNER