The iPad’s dominance in the tablet market took a hit this past fourth quarter as Google’s Android powered tablets jumped from 2.3 percent of tablets shipped up to 22 percent. Apple’s iPad dropped from 95 percent to 75 percent in the quarter, said market researcher Strategy Analytics.
A wider range of devices with Google features like YouTube and Google Maps will probably erode the iPad’s market dominance, said Neil Mawston, director of Strategy Analytics. Its share of the global tablet market will probably drop to 67 percent this quarter, he said. In an interview Mawston reiterated his opinion, “Apple’s volumes will continue to go up, but market share will inevitably go down. Even at $500 retail, based on some research we’ve done, that’s probably two or three times more than what most mass market consumers are expecting to pay.”
This trend will likely continue as customers will clamor to get their hands on tablets and looking for cheaper iPad alternatives. With so many companies like Samsung, Toshiba, Dell, and Acer pushing out Android tablets Apple will have a tough time maintaining its overwhelming lead in the market.
The Wi-Fi only iPad with 16 gigabytes is the lowest end version Apple has, at $499. Jim Wong, Acer’s head of information, Acer is planning to unveil an Android tablet in April for $299. Google’s approach is to give Android away for free so that it can boost revenue from services like mobile advertising and expand the market for its search engine.
The tablet market is about to explode says research firm ISuppli, who predicts 57 million tablets will be sold this year and 171 million in 2014. I’m sure Apple is rushing to put the next generation of the iPad out there to stave off all the challengers to its crown as king of the tablet market.
“If you were to ask me in two years time, will Apple have less than 50 percent of the global tablet market, I think that’s a certainty,” Mawston said.
In advance of Google’s Honeycomb deep dive scheduled for this Wednesday February 2, I wanted to do a quick analysis of what Honeycomb means for the tablet market. I’ve been working with a number of the current Android tablets in the 7-inch range and have reached several conclusions about the form factor which I will provide more insight to in a later analysis.
One conclusion, however, that may seem completely obvious but which, from a software standpoint, has not historically been obvious for makers of hardware, is that some form-factors require software created specifically for that form-factor.
This was, to a degree, the observation made by Jeff Hawkins when he started Palm and brought to market the first Palm Pilot. Many of the products competing for handheld computers at the time were mini clamshell devices running either Windows CE or some proprietary OS.
Many of these devices were attempting to be very small versions of their notebook counterparts. Jeff Hawkins’ vision was that computing could take place in the palm of your hand and a new form factor as well as a new operating system was necessary to make that vision a reality.
The same is true in the tablet / touch computing market. These devices are not phones, nor are they clamshell PCs with a physical keyboard and mouse. Smartphone apps are built to work on a small screen. Clamshell notebooks and desktop software were made to work with a mouse and keyboard. This is why, for the tablet market to succeed, it will depend on an operating system and suite of applications that are purpose-built for a larger screen touch computer.
Honeycomb is Android built for tablets from the ground up. Not just the OS but the apps represent optimized versions for the larger touch screen. I pointed this out when the iPad first launched and I’ll point it out again for Android app developers. Apps need to be re-created not re-purposed for Honeycomb. For the Honeycomb software ecosystem to be successful it will require software that is not just optimized but specifically created for larger touch screens. More simply put, develop apps like it was your first app and the 10-inch screen is the only screen.
Nearly every major consumer products vendor I speak with on a regular basis wants a piece of the tablet market. They have very high hopes and to some degree are betting heavily on Android and in this case Honeycomb. We will see if Honeycomb delivers when we get to actually use a functioning version of the OS on Wednesday.
Honeycomb represents a real opportunity for vendors to compete in this space with the 800lb gorilla that is Apple. If Honeycomb does not deliver it could set vendors back again another six to eight months. All will be revealed on Wednesday and we will be there to report it. Check back on Wednesday for my first impressions and analysis of Honeycomb.
Back in September of 2010, we talked about the HyperDrive that would add 750GB of storage to your iPad and had an LCD that you used to navigate the drive contents. A new versions of that HyperDrive has surfaced that ditches that LCD and gets more storage space.
The new version packs in 1TB of storage and you can navigate the drive connects directly from the iPad. The 1TB version of the HyperDrive sells for $399.95 with the HDD inside already. That’s quite a bit cheaper than the older version that had the LCD, a 500GB version of that drive sold for $499.
The other big difference between the new 1TB version and the older versions with the LCD is that the 1TB lacks any memory card slots. The drive connects to the iPad via the Camera Connection Kit. I would assume if it’s nothing but a USB drive you could use it on other devices too.
Fresh iPad 2 speculation this weekend, as a new Chinese analyst report lends weight to some of the more common rumors we’ve been hearing, as well as getting specific about what processor the second-gen slate will run. According to Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities, in a report quoted by AppleInsider, the new iPad will use an ARM Cortex A9 1.2GHz dual-core CPU complete with Imagination’s SGX543 dual-core graphics. However, according to Kuo there won’t be a dual-mode iPad world 3G model.
Instead, he suggests “iPad 2 adds one new CDMA model and it could bring more market share to Apple. Project IDs of Wi-Fi, GSM and CDMA iPad 2 models are different. GSM iPad will use Infineon chip and CDMA iPad will use Qualcomm chip. More suppliers could reduce the risk of component shortage.” As with a previous rumor, the iPad 2′s main camera is believed to be around 1-megapixel in resolution, while the front webcam for FaceTime calls is VGA-resolution.
There’s also more RAM, and faster too, with Kuo claiming “iPad 2 has 512MB RAM, same as iPhone 4 and twice as much as iPad 1, but running at higher clock 1,066 MHz for getting bigger memory bandwidth (iPhone 4 memory clock is 800 MHz).” However there won’t be a super-high-resolution Retina Display, with the second-gen iPad sticking to 1024 x 768 and instead looking to improve the viewing experience and thickness of the panel:
“The improvement of iPad 2 display focuses on thickness and anti-reflection, not resolution. iPad 2 display module is 30~35% thinner than iPad 1 and it’s helpful for better form factor. Thanks to anti-reflection, iPad 2 could have better sunlight readable experience and it’s helpful for Apple to compete with Amazon’s fast growing Kindle business.”
First, let’s talk about what Macworld is briefly – it’s a trade show where all sorts of Apple enthusiasts can show off their wares in an almost completely non-fruit-free environment. This used to be where Steve Jobs set up shop to show off Apple’s newest wares until 2009 when they began hosting their own events (which we basically always attend.) This convention has been going on since 1985 and is generally accepted as being sort of “past it’s prime” but is still going relatively strong. This year’s Macworld took place January 25th through the 29th, and dismissed the idea that no Apple keynote means no Macworld FOREVER!
One of the main things of note at this year’s convention is, of course, the amount of iPad cases on the floor. The amount of cases for iDevices of all sorts – iPod Touch and iPhone included, are essentially countless, in color, design, shape, and function. In previous years, giant amounts of iPhone cases and earlier on iPod cases reigned supreme.
There’s also Mac stuff, too, incase you forgot that Apple produced laptops and desktops, sellers slinging Time Machine backups, document and video converters of all kinds, and even Windows virtualization were there to remind you. Third-party devices were also in attendance, especially those working with speaker systems, hardware for storage, and basically everything else you’d find in an Apple store, but from other brands more than likely hoping to find their way in.
Amongst the winners of the treasured Best In Show award were the following:
• Awind McTiVia acts as an intermediary between your Mac and your HDTV in a way the Apple TV SHOULD.
• BusyMac BusyToDo is a to-do list that works with iCal (already installed on your Mac) and MobileMe and syncs them all in real-time. Thus, when an item is marked as done on your iOS device, it’s marked in iCal at the same time.
• Dane Elec myDitto Key Working with myDitto Server, this USB key allows you access to your server files from any computer, anywhere. No software need be installed on the computer to make this work.
• Global Delight Boom App which turns your Mac’s volume up to 11. Works with streaming videos, video conferencing, iTunes music, and basically anything else on your Mac.
• OWC Mercury Aura Pro Express Solid State Drive Made specifically for the folks who purchased a MacBook Air who are now wishing they had more flash storage. Go for 180GB ($500), 240GB ($580), or 360GB ($1,180) for a massive upgrade.
• Rain Design iRest for iPad Both foam cushions for resting the stand on your lap as well as a torque hinge that lets you adjust the angle so you might have as comfortable an experience as possible sitting on the ground, your bed, or your coutch with your iPad.
• Scosche myTrek Pulse Monitor and iOS app Two LEDs and an optical sensor measure variances in blood density while Bluetooth sends data to your iPhone. App helps manage your training to stay fit.
• TenOne Design Fling Joystick to attach with suction cups to your iPad screen to play virtual joystick games. No more infititely painful thumb for you.
• Web Information Solutions Pocket Informant 2.0 Personal information manager [App] for iOS with a fresh interface, calendaring, appointments, and task features to keep you on task all day, every day.
• Zagg ZaggMate with keyboard iPad case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard, turning your iPad into what’s basically a laptop. Shut the case and your device is protected from harm.
These were the top items, the greatest of the great – that were chosen. Of course there were hundreds if not thousands of other items that deserved recognition, and certainly we hope they’ll get what they deserve in the coming weeks via press releases, underground message spreading, and good old fashion tweeting, but do take a look at the winners as they represent the atmosphere of the show this year.
Another note that’s important to make here is that last year there appeared to have been a general air of “is this it?” This was because it was the first year Apple did not plan on attending with an official booth or a fabulous keynote speech and release of items. What the atmosphere this year was like, in contrast, was “hooray, we’re still here, let’s do this!” Indeed it even seemed to some people to be a better event than ever because the people in attendance weren’t just there to see Steve, they were there to see everyone. Let’s hope this is the dawn of a new era for the Macworld trade show – on into the future!
One of my favorite cities in the US is New Orleans. I was originally introduced to this city when I had to go there on business some 20 years ago and fell in love with its people, food and culture. I take two weeks each year and designate them as eating holidays and, while one week may take place in Asia or Europe, the other week almost exclusively is in New Orleans. This city is known for its wonderful food scene with great dishes like Oyster Po Boys, red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya and the mufaletta and my favorite, a N’awlins crawfish feed.
It is also the home of Paul Prudhomme, who put Cajun cooking on the map after he left New Orelans most famous restaurant, Commanders Palace. His replacement, Emeril Lagasse has gone on to become one of the most famous chefs in America thanks to the Food Network, and his great restaurants in New Orleans have helped refine that region’s cuisine.
But what New Orleans is most known for is the Birth of Jazz. As a kid I was always drawn to the TV when Louis Armstrong was playing or when I heard Billy Holiday or Mahalia Jackson singing. But I did not really get a serious appreciation of the history of Jazz and the contribution Armstrong and a legion of early Jazz greats like Scott Joplin, Sidney Bechet, Fats Waller, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Miles Davis and a multitude of others have had on every type of music from the blues to modern day rock and even rap.
That appreciation came when I watched Ken Burns’ PBS special on Jazz and then bought the DVD collection of this special for myself to go back to and watch on my own time. This is a wonderful labor of love that PBS and Burns have given us and anyone interested in music history should watch it sometime in their lifetime.
Now there is a new application for the iPad called the History of Jazz [iTunes link], an Interactive Timeline that takes full advantage of the iPad’s full media capabilities and shows how the iPad and tablets can deliver a completely new way to interact with content. The program is laid out so that there are dates tied to each phase of Jazz’ history starting with Scott Joplin and Buddy Bolden in the 1890’s. In this section you learn that ragtime began as a dance and was the music of the red light districts of America. It highlights these Jazz pioneers and then links you to You Tube videos that either highlight the music of that time, or in the case of later stages where video of these Jazz greats exist, show them actually performing some of their greatest hits. I especially loved watching Louis Armstrong doing “When the Saints Go Marching In” or Fats Waller doing “Your Feet’s Too Big”.
Each timeline segment of Jazz is highlighted by great examples of the musicians and music that defined each period covered. It even has a section on what they call Future Jazz greats and highlights Joshua Redman doing “Jazz Crimes” and a performance of Sherik’s Syncopated Taint Septet’ “ Live @ Easy Street.”
And at $9.99 it is a steal. This is not in any way trying to be a comprehensive history of Jazz. But you do get a wonderful short history of Jazz and some of the iconic music performances helps the history of Jazz come alive and gives people a better appreciation of the impact Jazz has had on the music scene around the world.
Ladies and gentlemen of the, ahem, jury, we intend to show — through rumors and circumstantial evidence — that Apple might very well be building Nexus S-like NFC capabilities into next-generation iPhones and iPads. We present for your consideration exhibits A, B, and C: three Apple job posts, seeking two managers of global payment platforms and one test engineer for iPhone hardware. According to the original post, the right engineer possesses a background in both ICT (information and communication technology) and RFID (radio frequency identification), which forms the basis for NFC. Suspiciously, Apple removed the “ID” in “RFID” sometime in the past 24 hours. Still not convinced of Apple’s NFC involvement? Consider this: Apple’s manager of global payment platforms is tasked with contributing “to the analysis and development of new payment types and processes.” Okay, so there’s not a smoking gun in sight, but a little innocent conjecture never hurt anybody.
As tipped earlier this week, News Corp’s The Daily digital-only publication is now set to launch on February 2 2011 in New York, with CEO Rupert Murdoch joining Apple VP of internet services Eddy Cue on stage. The iPad-specific newspaper is expected to make use of a new subscriptions API developed by Apple, which will allow for regular delivery of new content and periodic billing.
However, issues in getting that API up to scratch has seen The Daily’s launch delayed; originally it was expected to arrive before the 2010 holidays, but that failed to materialise. A subsequent launch earlier this month was also scrapped. Meanwhile, Apple is also reportedly cracking down on workaround subscription methods employed by some publishers, with newspapers no longer allowed to offer inclusive iPad access to content as part of a paper subscription.
Samsung has announced its newest sales figures for the Galaxy Tab, and the big news is that 2m of the 7-inch slates have been sold in the three months it has been available. The new milestone follows Samsung’s announcement of 1m Galaxy Tab sales back in early December; the Android tablet is available in 94 countries on around 200 different carriers and as an unlocked device.
The news still leaves Samsung significantly trailing Apple’s iPad for sales, with the best-selling iOS slate far out-performing the Galaxy Tab in the market. Now a year old, the iPad is still seeing huge demand; Apple reported 7.33m sales of the tablet in Q4 2010.
In comparison, European sales of the Galaxy Tab have reached 500,000, North American sales 350,000 and Asian sales 330,000. Still, Samsung can take some satisfaction from knowing that it will be selling Apple many of the processors found in future mobile devices.
This concept from Econut takes the cake as being the most green gadget accessory. The concept case is made from coconut fibers and allows you to slip your iPad in, prop it up and use the built in keyboard with the device.
After using the case, you can simply give the case back to nature as it seems to be biodegradable. The design is stylish and clean and would make the Professor from Gilligan’s Island quite proud.
The video indicates the case will come in five stylish colors; white, yellow, green, red, and black. So if the designers ever do get the case into production, expect plenty of Prius drivers to be carrying them around.
After using the case, you can simply give the case back to nature as it seems to be biodegradable. The design is stylish and clean and would make the Professor from Gilligan’s Island quite proud.