Applemorphic

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.

I’m one of ‘em, so I can’t talk. Late December and early January attract Macworld speculators like a California gold rush attracts miners (and just about anyone within earshot). Here’s a quick list of where you can find various predictions. Use our comments feature to make your own predictions.

• Applemorphic (hey, that’s me!)
• MacRumors (who always does a good job of reporting on others’ predictive track record)
• ThinkSecret (no specific Macworld prediction article yet, but expect it; Nick usually does a very good job the closer we come to the keynote)
• The Unofficial Apple Weblog - TUAW (which features multiple authors’ predictions)
• The Apple Blog (these predictions are for all of 2007, not just Macworld)
• LoopRumors (a good overview of the product announcements they expect)
• Mac OS Rumors (they promise their predictions any day now; hopefully before the keynote)

These are the sites I typically rely on for rumors and speculation, among other things. But here’s a quick rundown by Richi Jennings over at ComputerWorld that also includes venture capitalists and others in their rumor roundup.

This next 6-7 days should be fun. Enjoy!

I suppose I made a mistake by taking New Year’s Day off. I had a huge spike in traffic from people interested in Macworld 2007 predictions. By now, most of you have probably also learned about the message and graphic adorning Apple’s website, but here it is just in case. Contrasting one year (2007) with 30 is bold, indeed. Apple usually lets rumor and speculation drive the hype machine until they have something to announce (”you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet” types of media event invitations), but this just sets the stage for both its customers and anyone else who follows the company, including stock market analysts. This likely foretells some really interesting announcements. I may revisit my own Macworld 2007 predictions as a result.

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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My wife derides me for not making new year’s resolutions, which I avoid because the change from December 31 to January 1 seems an arbitrary marker for prioritizing one’s life. Still, for many people, the turning of the calendar to a new year is often a time of reflection, planning and goal-setting. With that in mind, today’s Friday Software Spotlight focuses on Life Balance by Llamagraphics.

The company calls its product “the to do list for real life.” And in many respects, this is true. I’ve been using it for over a year now, and have come to rely on it to keep track of all my activities. For a to list manager, Life Balance has two key features I cannot live without, and one that I cannot stand. First, some background about the software and its positioning.

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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?

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a poll asking what Apple would call its long-rumored mobile phone, since Cisco used the iPhone trademark it owned for Linksys-branded VOIP devices. Macworld’s Jason Snell speculates on what Apple might call its phone, and the iTV, which is a code-name for the device and also a trademark owned by another company.

I agree with Jason that it makes sense for Apple to leverage the iPod franchise in naming a mobile phone. But I also think there is reason for Apple to leverage the Mac brand and what I expect to be strong connectivity between the two devices, and the likely capability of the phone to be an extension of the desktop. iPod is a sub-brand to Apple, and iPod already has a collection of sub-brands of its own (Mini, Nano, and Shuffle). There appear to be two options for nomenclature if Apple chooses to leverage the iPod brand: create one or more new sub-brands like Nano and Shuffle, or simply make voice a feature of the iPod and appending the existing sub-brands (e.g., Nano with Voice).

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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.

Parallels Desktop for Mac was recently updated again. I still have only the initial launch version installed, but I’ll be upgrading over the holidays by installing BootCamp, reinstalling Windows through BootCamp, and running Parallels off that same copy of Windows. Previously, you had to install one copy of Window for BootCamp and one for Parallels. I’m intrigued by all the new Windows drivers for Apple products (like iSight), but mostly for drag-and-drop, and copy/paste between Mac OS X and Windows XP running in Parallels, as well as the Coherence feature that allows Windows windows exist within the Mac Finder by hiding the Windows Start menu and task bar, or locking them into place. I’ll let you know how it goes!