Apple's rumored tablet may write next chapter in publishing

Los Angeles Times ^ | January 24, 2010 | 4:10 p.m. | Dawn C. Chmielewski and Alex Pham

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The tech giant hasn't announced that it will offer such a device, but the anticipation that it will do so this week has already caused a stir in the newspaper, book and magazine world.

Not since biblical times has the arrival of a tablet been greeted with such anticipation.

Apple Inc. won't reveal the details of what is widely expected to be a new tablet computer until Wednesday but it has already shaken up the publishing world, whose executives wonder whether the device will revolutionize the distribution of newspapers, magazines and books in the same way that the iPod transformed the music industry.

Fueling widespread speculation, Apple last week invited reporters to "come see our latest creation" but provided no other information. Pundits and analysts have guessed the gadget will feature a 10-inch touch screen color display that's designed for reading, watching video, browsing the Web and even playing games.

How the device connects to the Internet, whether through wireless hot spots or already congested high-speed mobile networks, remains an open question. Analysts believe the device would sell for as much as $1,000, and reach stores in March.

Apple has been slowly amassing digital reading material for the forthcoming device. A team from the New York Times has been working in Apple's Cupertino headquarters in recent weeks, developing a large-screen version of the newspaper's iPhone application that incorporates video for the yet-to-be unveiled device, according to one person with knowledge of the matter. A Times spokeswoman declined to comment.

Condé Nast Publications, publisher of 18 magazines, and HarperCollins Publishers have been approached about developing content for Apple's tablet, according to the Wall Street Journal.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Another source for speculation:

Days before iTablet-palooza, the rumor hits keep comin'

[Jet Jaguar]

More speculation.

[GeronL]

How quickly afterward will the clones and knock-offs hit the marketplace? That will help prices fall.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

And:

New Apple Tablet Evidence Surfaces: Around 50 Test Devices Identified

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A new report by mobile analytics firm Flurry concludes that the Apple Tablet indeed exists, that about 50 test units are housed at Apple’s headquarters, and that it is primarily a media machine for gaming.

Flurry’s analytics platform, because it’s run on thousands of different applications worldwide, is able to measure data such as OS, location, and engagement. In its data, Flurry has discerned that a group of about 50 devices are running the yet-unreleased iPhone OS 3.2 software, all of which have been geographically pinpointed to be located on Apple’s main Cupertino, CA campus.

Flurry concludes that these devices are most likely the fabled Apple Tablets that we expect to be announced on January 27th, though the company traces testing on these devices back to “as early as October of last year.” App usage has increased dramatically this month, consistent with what we’d expect for an Apple-built tablet.

Approximately 200 of the apps that Flurry tracks were downloaded onto these mystery devices. Approximately 75% of the apps downloaded, ~150, fall into the gaming category, with entertainment, books, and lifestyle apps being the next most popular. Here’s a graph depicting the downloads:

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I think Apple is playing with everybody...but we have this:

Apple Tablet/ iPhone 4G official statement

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Posted on 19 January 2010 by pinoytutorial

The heat is on for the Apple’s collection of mythical devices – ready to be demystified on the 27th of this month.

f you’re an enthusiasts then this official statement is a must have for you, if you’re an average joe who just want to meld and know what apple has stored for you then don’t miss the said date either. Everyone is qualified, you don’t need to become a tech-fashionista just to fit in yourself, as long as you know the topic to sell and we’re all set! – So what’s the topic again? Well it just so happen that next week,Apple will finally reveal their most guarded secret gadget(s) of the month –You know? The one which was said to bring forth a yet another game-changer for our gizmos that we carry around — their mytholigical tablet which was called with ‘oh so many names’, the closest one is the title “iSlate”. Also, the ‘most awaited’ iPhone 4G will have a place on the crowd too, now getting a quality dose of rumor-juice.

So let’s start with the official statement.

Apple invites us, humans to see their latest creations on their very vibrant “Come see our latest creations” card taking place at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, on January 27, 2010 – starting 10:00am

What to see?

According to foxnews this event will surely dazzle us – I suppose seeing first hand what the rumored tablet can do is exhilirating already (hopefully, it can live up to the expectations of the uproaring crowd) Other than the tablet, iPhone 4G and iLife 2010 software will also be tackled. What’s that again? iLife? Hmm, now that’s new! Here’s the excerpt

I spoke to a source at Apple this morning, before the invite hit my inbox, who said the event would likely focus on three projects: The tablet device, iPhone 4, and a new round of iLife 2010 software. While we won’t see new iPhone hardware just yet, we will see the next-generation software.

So while you’re here waiting, we prepared some things that you may want to look at before you head on with Apple’s D day ceremony.

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And

iSlate Specs Rumors: Real Specifications still on January 27-28?

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According to mac4ever: Developers had been given an iPhone OS 4 SDK which includes a “simulator” for reformatting / scaling applications to a new, tablet-sized screen – Obviously, for beta testing purposes to make app’s compatible with the bigger resolution of the new tablet – and other purposes as well.

[GeronL]

It should be interesting. Iphone screens are too small for my eyes and I hear those book reader things are usually b/w. Something like the rumored I-Slate is an item I can see being used by all kinds of people.

Schoolkids for one, my niece lugs a few year old school laptop around, seems pointless. Anyone who needed a clipboard could be another.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

iSlate Rumor: The Apple Tablet Rumor Mill

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Posted on 14 January 2010 by pinoytutorial

Right before the year ends, dozens of speculations are already heating up with Apple’s mytholical tablet. Starting from its equally elusive name in which the closest one that was unraveled is the term ‘iSlate’ – then to the leaked specs proclaiming two new patent technologies that’ll be infused with this slate. Hilariously, even some techblogs manage to produce their own ‘specs’ just to pacify the curiosity of some curious individuals.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

All of the eReaders out use a technology called eink which requires low power and doesn't do color....

So if they do something with textbooks...which I think would require color...I want to get a look at it!

[Swordmaker]

It's getting to the point of not being Rumor... PING!

Mac+iPhone=iPad? iTablet? iSlate? Ping!

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[TheStickman]

Quite happy with a macbook and a 2010 Mini. Cool factor for the tablet will be high but I don’t see a reason we’ll be in the market for one.

[4rcane]

i don’t think it it help the publishing business all that much. They have the internet already and a tablet is just like a computer. If these publishing business can’t make it on the internet, then i see no difference

[Swordmaker]

I’ve got a $17,000 lawsuit settlement coming due soon from being rear-ended by a White Freightliner Semi... and after the lawyer takes his cut, I will let Apple get theirs, and I will get one...

[kevkrom]

A new report by mobile analytics firm Flurry concludes that the Apple Tablet indeed exists, that about 50 test units are housed at Apple’s headquarters, and that it is primarily a media machine for gaming...

Approximately 200 of the apps that Flurry tracks were downloaded onto these mystery devices. Approximately 75% of the apps downloaded, ~150, fall into the gaming category, with entertainment, books, and lifestyle apps being the next most popular.

I don't think the conclusion matches the facts. Testing gaming apps is probably the best way to ensure overall compatibility with iPod Touch/iPhone apps, since games are the apps most likely to push the edges of the hardware and software specs. The fact that games are a disproportionate number of app downloads doesn't signify that the tablet will be primarily a gaming device.

On a complete tangent, I finally got my iPhone this weekend, and I'm loving it. Any good app suggestions?

[MaryFromMichigan]

Hope you weren’t injured!

Hubby is very keen on getting more details on the tablet!
Can’t wait to get my hands on one!

[tubebender]

Does that explain why the New York Times is talking about paid access...

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Hmmm...the plot thickens...could be maybe...

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I know nothing about the iPhone,...my grandaughters are in love with their iPods,...but I think still getting by with regular Cell Phones.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

CNBC had a little segment on Apple this morning with the Techguy out of Silicon Valley...as to whether the announcements would help the stock..