At the new iPad introduction, and again during a conference call with business analysts, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that 2012 will see the introduction of several new products. What might the future hold for the iPhone, iPod, iPad and portable MacOS computer lines?
1. There are a boatload of rumors circulating about a smaller iPad. 7.7 inches is the most commonly reported screen size. The question is whether Apple should stick with the 1024x768 screen resolution, or find a way to squeeze the 2048x1536 resolution of the new iPad into a smaller screen.
The reason this is a problem for Apple is that iOS software is programmed for a fixed screen size. To make a universal app, iOS developers have to code for the iPhone, original iPad, and new iPad screen resolutions. Android software, in contrast, is independent of screen resolution, and can display properly on just about any screen. It seems unlikely that Apple would require app developers to add a fourth screen size to their apps.
2. A bigger iPhone is another rumor. Somewhere just larger than 4 inches is a possibility, with 1024x768 screen just like the original iPad.
3. The iPod Touch is overdue for a hardware refresh. The current iPod Touch runs hardware similar to the iPhone 4, but with a lower quality screen. Upgrading might add the dual core A5 processor and more RAM, making a better machine for gaming. A 5 megapixel camera would be nice. And how about adding SIRI?
4. A MacBook Air with touch screen would work with the new MacOS X 10.8, called Mountain Lion.
Your thoughts?
1. There are a boatload of rumors circulating about a smaller iPad. 7.7 inches is the most commonly reported screen size. The question is whether Apple should stick with the 1024x768 screen resolution, or find a way to squeeze the 2048x1536 resolution of the new iPad into a smaller screen.
The reason this is a problem for Apple is that iOS software is programmed for a fixed screen size. To make a universal app, iOS developers have to code for the iPhone, original iPad, and new iPad screen resolutions. Android software, in contrast, is independent of screen resolution, and can display properly on just about any screen. It seems unlikely that Apple would require app developers to add a fourth screen size to their apps.
2. A bigger iPhone is another rumor. Somewhere just larger than 4 inches is a possibility, with 1024x768 screen just like the original iPad.
3. The iPod Touch is overdue for a hardware refresh. The current iPod Touch runs hardware similar to the iPhone 4, but with a lower quality screen. Upgrading might add the dual core A5 processor and more RAM, making a better machine for gaming. A 5 megapixel camera would be nice. And how about adding SIRI?
4. A MacBook Air with touch screen would work with the new MacOS X 10.8, called Mountain Lion.
Your thoughts?