iPads, KinDroids and the Future of Books
The Apple iPad has finally become official. The 9.7 inch screen provides an expanded platform for iPhone apps and features a proprietary chip selected to move beyond the present state of interface interaction with the Apple A4 microchip. The $829 version will have increased storage and 3G wireless connection for a $30.00 monthly fee.
More interesting are the features missing - the camera, the ability to run Flash, and removable storage and battery.
The most important aspect is the ability for the iPad to run the iPhone apps. This makes it a natural extension for the happy iPhone owners. The $30 monthly fee may not make iPhone owners happy to pay the additional charge, and it would make sense for AT&T to bundle service to the two devices. It positions Apple as a much more economically significant competitor to Microsoft then it has ever been before. When configured with an optional keyboard, it makes for a powerful competitor to Windows, something Apple has never before achieved. Microsoft is trying to play catch-up with its Zune, but absent dramatic leaps in functionality, a Zune phone and tablet will have as much impact as the Zune music and video player has had the past two years.
The market response will be fast and furious. The price will likely be a ceiling on competition. The weight and functionality will also set a very high bar. But Apple is not alone. Amazon's recent decision to add apps to the Kindle will do little to make the single-function book reader into the competition. Microsoft will be trying hard with both Windows 7 devices and Zune compatible devices.
The greatest competitor is likely to be Android (or Android/Chrome) from Google. The platform has its own significant app base, a host of Google tools and of course the Google Book Search repository for the ebook experience. There are no Andoid announcements yet. Give it a week or two and be prepared for a new paradigm in books and media.
Authors - time to start writing again.
The Android platform may provide
