Applemorphic

Reports are coming in from all over the web with additional details about the iPhone, too many such reports to link them here. You’ve probably already seen them, but from my perspective, here are some of the highlights that weren’t obvious in Tuesday’s announcement.

• As far as we can tell, the iPhone system is closed, meaning you get to use the software that Apple provides for it.  Its hard to imagine Apple making the iPhone widget-friendly and not allowing users to install widgets of their choice (among other software).
• The iPhone is not Microsoft friendly. As of today, it apparently cannot read or write MS Office files, sync with Outlook, or connect to an Exchange server unless that server supports IMAP or POP.
• iTunes songs cannot be set as ringtones.
• The screen appears resistant to smudges, or at least they don’t impact viewing (they seem to be more obvious when the phone is off).
• Like other iPods, the battery is not user-replaceable.

I expect all but the last of these to change at some point in the future. After Apple actually gets this thing produced in volume and into the field, and now that they can openly develop solutions for it, things will evolve rapidly.

The iTV has a new name: Apple TV, using the Apple logo. In addition to the features announced last year, it has a 40GB hard drive and can stream or copy files from up to 5 iTunes clients (Mac or PC). The interface appears to have evolved very nicely. Shipping in February. Order today.

BusinessWeek online has a new special report up called “The Apple Economy.” Articles cover its influence on other companies, its success in corporate markets, and its relationships with partners, among others.

As we approach the 24-hour countdown to Macworld 2007, I was wondering whether I’d actually be able to purchase my iTV tomorrow, and if so, when it would arrive. My guess is that it will be available for order and will ship either immediately or by the end of the month. (I realize I said I was done with Macworld 2007 predictions, but what’s a guy to do? I’m an Apple fanatic. It’s my drug of choice.)

I also got to thinking… when Apple CEO Steve Jobs pre-announced the iTV, he said it would be compatible with the Apple Remote. You know the one. It looks like an original iPod shuffle in size and design, and has only six buttons. It ships with the newest Mac laptops, iMacs, Mac minis, and is configured to run Front Row out of the box (it can be modified to run other applications as well). It can control an iPod through an iPod dock with infrared sensor, as well.

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Okay. I’ve made my own predictions (here and here), and I’ve reported on those of others here, here and here. Now, Sunday morning before Tuesday’s Macworld 2007 Keynote, I’m done with predictions. But I’m not done dreaming. Besides, Apple is being even more proactive and obvious with their hype machine, given that the Keynote is now 2 hours instead of 1-1.5, and the Apple homepage dramatically promotes what is to come in 2007. Here’s what I’d like to see, which is all within easy reach of the fruity one and it’s mercurial leader, though far from likely, at least in the near future.

Mac OS X Embedded: A lite version of the OS for embedded applications. The new OS would be made available only through Apple’s own products and carefully selected strategic relationships. For example, Mac OS X Embedded would be bundled on future generations of the iPod, the iTV, and an Apple mobile phone, as well as in certain car-based systems (dockable iPod, iTunes head-end, music through stereo, video through rear-seat displays, etc.).

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Ever since Mac OS X was first released to consumers as a beta in 2000 (is that right? I’m surprised Wikipedia’s history section of its Mac OS X entry doesn’t included such a date, but I distinctly remember running it while I was working at VarsityBooks.com in the Spring of 2000), there have been rumors of a so-called “lite” version of the operating system that could be used on a new-century version of the Newton and other devices. Speculation about a limited version of Mac OS X has been increasing of late, particularly with regard to iTV and the rumored Apple mobile phone (nee, iPhone).

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Other World Computing on January 9 (right after the keynote) claims to be announcing the first Mac tablet computer. Dubbed the ModBook, it appears to be a modified MacBook, with a touchscreen, pen input, inkwell support, and built-in iSight, plus optional GPS. The OWC site claims that it will be made of aircraft-grade magnesium alloy.

My guess is that this thing will be spendy. Even if they buy the MacBooks at wholesale, they’ve got the labor cost of completely de-constructing them and putting them back together in the new casing, plus the cost of the new screen. Only those who really, really want or need a tablet Mac will be buying one of these puppies. If, and I emphasize if, Apple doesn’t try to shut them down.

Dan Benjamin at Hivelogic makes his picks, and he sees things similar to the way I do, at least with regards to Macworld 2007 predictions.

Macworld magazine put together an impressive panel and asked for their predictions for Apple in 2007. The panel includes Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, Andy Ihnatko of the Chicago Sun-Times, and John Moltz of Crazy Apple Rumors Site, along with Christopher Breen and Adam Engst, both of Macworld. These are all long-time followers of Apple who are usually on the money with their reporting and/or analysis. Most of the predictions are quite level-headed, and this makes for an interesting read. Most interesting will be the follow-up article next year to see how everyone did with their predictions, as Macworld did for a smaller set of authors at the conclusion of this article.

Several readers have said they want a more concise version of my earlier Macworld 2007 predictions, so here it is. If you like the highlights, you can always read the full post.

• Leopard: Expect a few big surprises–in part to contrast Mac OS X with Windows Vista (since large parts of Vista look so similar to OS X–though I have no idea what they will be.
• Computers: The Mac Mini is due for a Core 2 Duo update, and unless the 8-core Mac Pro rumors are true, that might be it.
• iTV: Support for 802.11n (Apple has adopted several technologies before they become standards or common, such as wi-fi and USB), NAND Flash memory, Internet connectivity beyond Apple’s movie trailers (such as accessing Flickr, YouTube, etc.), and the ability to browse/purchase from iTunes while sending the media to the iTunes library iTV accesses. Also, a name such as Airport AV or Front Row (borrowing from the software). Take the Applemorphic iTV Name Poll.
• LCD Monitors: New displays will include iSight video cameras and HDMI. They may also include TV tuners and cable card slots, but this is far less likely.
• iPod/iTunes: Expect to see a new full-size iPod, possibly the long-rumored “true” video iPod (full-screen display), as well as new content and software updates for iTunes.
• Other Software: iLife and iWork, as well as .mac, are overdue for updates. Also, the much-anticipated spreadsheet companion to Pages and Keynote may finally make its debut.

I don’t expect to an Apple-branded mobile phone introduced at Macworld 2007, but do expect it this year. Either Apple has to introduce it, or they need to quell the rumors because their stock will ultimately take a hit if they don’t respond to overwhelming analyst predictions. I also think there is strong evidence that rumors of a Mac OS X Lite to be included in iTV, a future mobile phone, and even the iPod (which would mean new software under the acclaimed UI) are true.

Instead of covering the actual keynote and announcements about Macworld 2007, Applemorphic will be posting quick analysis of each significant announcement. Stay tuned…

AppleInsider reports that while Steve Jobs will likely discuss their forthcoming iTV during his Macworld keynote, but that the product won’t ship until late January or early February. Frankly, I don’t find this at all surprising. For one thing, Apple said iTV would be released in the first quarter of 2007, and a launch within a month obviously falls within that range. Also, it is not at all uncommon for Apple to introduce products at Macworld and announce a shipping date of 1-2 months hence.

But AppleInsider goes on to cite sources who share details, such as that Apple was planning to make iTV available at Macworld, but that quality problems will prevent them from doing so. According to AppleInsider, the quality problems primarily relate to getting an OS X lite version working sufficiently for release. Apple hasn’t indicated that iTV will include Mac OS X Lite (or whatever it will be called), but these reports suggest that it is indeed coming, and it might be used on the new Apple mobile phone. If true, perhaps this is part of what Apple meant when it said the first 30 years were just the beginning.

Okay, I admit it. I’m a bag whore. I’ve chastised my wife for buying Kate Spade diaper bags, but that’s really the pot calling the kettle black. For a few years, I used and cherished my Tom Bihn backpack with the PowerBook insert. Then I decided I needed something more professional, so I got a leather Kenneth Cole satchel about two years ago.

Now I’m on another binge. The K. Cole is a great, professional looking bag, and the InCase insert is an ideal companion I use to protect my newer MacBook Pro. But it’s not ideal when I’m traveling with lots of gadgets. And it turns out I don’t need anything so professional looking anyway; I’m an Internet consultant, after all. So I went searching for a new bag. And I have a new obsession.

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As you probably know by now, Nike reported strong earnings in its latest quarter, fueled in part by the Nike+ line of products that launched with iPod related gear. I went shopping with my wife the day after Christmas, and bought a pair of Nike+ running shoes at a Nike outlet in New Jersey. Today I’ll grab the Nike+ iPod Sport kit, and give ‘er a whirl. I let you know if the gadget is good enough to get this inactive Apple enthusiast off the sofa and onto the treadmill.

I’m just a guy with a blog, so I can’t possibly give away a computer or a wad of cash. But I will do this: be the first person to accurately predict what Apple will call its product that is code-named “iTV,” and I’ll put your name up in lights. Use the comments feature to enter the contest, or simply take our poll. Personally, I think it will be Airport AV or Front Row, even though I previously suggested iTube. But what do I know?

Need another present for the Mac or iPod enthusiasts in your real-world social network? Here are a few ideas:

• MacSanta: Through Christmas Day, MacSanta is offering 20% discounts on software from over 100 companies. MacHeist aside, software just doesn’t go on sale everyday. Hurry to take advantage.
• iTunes Gift Certificates: You don’t have to buy a iTunes Music Card ($25)“>gift card at Amazon to spread iTunes goodiness, but you can. Need it quicker, go straight to the source and email a gift certificate directly.
• Apple Store Gift Card: It won’t make it to it’s destination by Christmas, but you could download some artwork from the Apple store, print it, and tell the recipient to watch for it in the mail. Hey, whatever works.
• Go to your Nearest Apple Retail Store: Seriously, if you’ve waited this late, you’re starting to run out of options. Hopefully there is one near you. Besides, they have several items set up for express shopping, which may be the easiest retail experience you’ll ever… well, experience.

Happy Holidays! See you next week.