Check out Part 1 of this article if you haven’t already.

Lack of Multi-tasking(?)

While the iPad can’t run multiple apps, you can certainly enjoy the ability to switch seamlessly between applications. It’s not often you need something running in the background, unless it’s Pandora radio being streamed at all times (which can’t be done to begin with due to lack of Flash support).

If you can achieve virtually anything without forcing apps to stay running in the background, then what’s the point of having it? I would just be glad that I know it’s better for my battery life. I honestly can’t think of any real effects of not being able to run multiple apps simultaneously, so please enlighten me in the comments section.

The Price is Right

Starting at $499, one can’t really complain that it doesn’t do what a MacBook does. It’s already cheaper than what everyone expected (which is good!). While the iPad physically resembles the iPod Touch, it’s just not the same. It’s not released yet, but the fact is that apps won’t be designed the same way as regular iPhone/iPod Touch apps – they will be customized to take full advantage of the bigger screen and faster processor. This is a huge part of the whole “experience” of the iPad. Read on for more…

What this means for the competition

My answer to this is: What competition? Apple created a new category of computing, remember? You can’t really compare it to Netbooks or existing Tablet PCs. The purpose of the iPad is too different to compare.

Companies are going to wrestle with the idea releasing competitive products simply because there are easier alternatives, such as slapping a desktop OS on a 9 inch Netbook or Tablet. Would they try to create a custom OS designed to work with the screen size and hardware abilities? If they did, one would ask if it would even be worth it. We’ve seen how cellphone manufacturers have failed miserably when competing with the iPhone’s level of usability.

A friend of mine told me that the likes of Sony will release a tablet that will be a REAL revolutionary product in comparison to the just “ok” iPad. Can they do it?

Related posts:

1. Apple iPad, smooth landing (part 1)
2. iPad apps to be more expensive?
3. How the iSlate can change the market

User Experience

It’s designed to be what it is. It doesn’t try or promise to do anything it’s not supposed to do. This is the sole reason of why Apple’s products are so successful. Would you run Photoshop on a device that’s not designed to handle it? No, because you won’t have a good experience. This is what Apple keeps in mind at all times – thus, why people always find things lacking in Apple products.

It’s not designed to be the next revolutionary piece of hardware that will pop a piece of toast out its speaker holes, but rather to give users the experience they can’t get on an a smaller and less powerful version of the same device (iPhone/iPod Touch). If you watch the iPad video on Apple.com, you will see the level of interactivity this device achieves is not really possible on a smaller screen. More after the jump…

A brand new Category

Apple is not afraid to define their audience, as they’ve done so eloquently with their other products. They’re not afraid to make bold moves and do what they think is right. The category where you don’t think about the technology. You put it all aside and you just do what you need to do. That’s what Apple claims, at least.

Regardless, this is a new category of computing that Apple has single-handedly defined, and the markets will follow. This new “market” of computing is clearly not for everyone. It’s not designed to win over mobile workaholics or people who don’t leave their desks. There are machines that do that already (laptops and desktops). This machine, though, is designed for those in-between, and a lot of people are totally missing the point. If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, great. You don’t need this device. I can’t guarantee how you’ll feel after you use it, though. First impressions have been VERY positive at the hands-on session after the unveiling.

“It’s really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”
– BusinessWeek, May 25 1998 (Steve Jobs)

Continue to Part 2 of this article…

Related posts:

1. Apple iPad, smooth landing (part 2)
2. iPad apps to be more expensive?
3. How the iSlate can change the market

iPhone on Steroids

Nobody REALLY knows what Apple’s hiding up their sleeve, but it most likely has to do with eReaders, portable computing beyond the Mobile Phone level, and a completely new way of consuming media.

An article from the Business Insider reported that Apple has had talks with NYT, WSJ, Conde Nast, Harper Collins and so forth about content distribution. On top of readable media, Apple’s also interested in mixing video into the picture, which may be great for those on the go, provided there will be fantastic battery life. And as you may figure, Apple’s definitely dabbling on the gaming side as well, teaming up with EA to show off what it can do.

Now, this is starting to sound a bit familiar, right? Yes, the iPhone. Just like how the iPhone introduced a new wave of portable computing and data consumption, Apple is aiming to do the same with the iSlate. They already have an established App Store, a fantastic base of developers, and a loyal user base. There’s no better time to try and pitch a new product to those looking for the next greatest thing.

I read somewhere a long time ago that the display technology for this device was going to be revolutionary. If Apple is targeting both traditional media AND digital media consumers, they better have a screen that works superbly well for both tasks. It’s one thing to introduce a fantastic new way of interaction with a device, but if you can’t look at what you’re doing for a long period of time, it goes to waste. Read on for more…

Competition

Currently, I’d say that Barnes & Noble’s Nook is the coolest eReader on the market — 2 screens, Android OS, huge development potential. Apple’s “reader” would surpass anything on the market with App development for the iSlate device, which would then have people question the life of its competition.

Amazon recently announced the Kindle App Store, but it’s currently limited to selected partners. With the eInk technology the Kindle uses, it’s purely limited to text-based apps, so I don’t understand what EA will try to pull out of their ass to make a game (Sudoku?). Unless the Kindle has some hidden secret powers, I don’t see how Apps are going to succeed.

Speaking of App Store and apps in general, people are asking whether existing iPhone apps will be upscalable to run on the iSlate. My guess is no. It just doesn’t make sense to take existing apps and simply enlarge them to bit a bigger and higher quality screen. I do, however, think Apple will provide the tools necessary to make it easy for developers to create modified versions of their software.

Muli-Touch

On numerous accounts, it has been reported that the device will have amazing new multi-touch abilities. It’s hard to imagine what this could translate into, judging on the fact that the iPhone and MacBook touchpads have fantastic multi-touch as it is. I don’t think the public is quite ready for the type of technology we’ve seen in Minority Report and Avatar, yet.

However, a fantastic interface design would do. Incorporating existing multi-touch technologies would successfully drive forward an interface designed with the user in mind. Regardless of the technologies being used, a user’s likability of a product is primarily determined by their experience. And Apple knows how to provide a good experience.

Durability

Apple products get thinner and thinner for every major update/release, but not necessarily weaker. Apple’s unibody architecture has served the notebook line very well, and I am sure the same level of build quality will be put into the iSlate. But, what about the display? If it’s glass, it WILL crack because a bigger display can be damaged more easily. So, what will it be?

Related posts:

1. iPad apps to be more expensive?
2. Apple iPad, smooth landing (part 1)
3. Apple cuts Netbook support, which means…

Impulse Wave is going to be a new series of posts based on impulse discussions, thoughts, ideas, and so forth. I am positive that this is going to be an interesting series, provided new installments get posted regularly. This series is going to require your feedback, so make sure you keep up by subscribing to the feed.

Style and Organization: Since a lot of the content for this series will come from text-based discussions, there will be excerpts posted from the dialogues. I am also considering posting full conversations (edited, of course) so you don’t miss any juicy details… and the drama.

User contribution: This series will be the first to invite the public (that’s right, you!) to participate. If you want to share your thoughts, email me. I’m waiting.

Related posts:

1. Dell Joins the Green Route with Studio Hybrid Series
2. On the Web: Penzu, Free Private Journal & Diary
3. Coming Very Soon, January 2009

If Flash CS5′s iPhone application authoring does what it promises, the future of app development is in for treat. This means that anybody with ActionScript skills can make iPhone apps/games. The average user will become the “average developer” very quickly. It appears that this will erase the dividing line between design/development professionals and the average Joe.

Click here to view the Adobe Labs page for iPhone Apps.

Despite the high chance of crap-output from developer-wannabes, this will  give people an opportunity to create quality products. From what Adobe Labs has shown so far, it proves that this model works. In the meantime, I’ll be boosting my ActionScript 3 skills, learning to make some awesome apps.

Feedback: Does this make you want to develop for the iPhone, or will this saturate the App Store with even more fart apps?

Related posts:

1. iPad apps to be more expensive?
2. iPhone future looks stronger than ever, thanks to Palm Pre
3. iPhone Hype for WWDC 2008!

Apple hasn’t had a problem with supporting the Atom processors, but all of a sudden they’re picky about it. To me, this can only mean one thing – Apple’s shutting out competition. I think they’re cooking something up of their own that might be a little “Netbookish.” Some rumors say that they’re building a device that will completely change the way we consume media on the go.

Something like this is probably since Apple has a history of reinventing existing products and concepts — iPhone, Mac mini, Mighty Mouse, iMac, Unibody Macbooks, etc. They also have a history of being involved in media consumption with iTunes music, movies, and TV shows. Books and magazines, with an eBook reader of their own, may be a logical target. Would you be interested in a revolutionary $599 iReader?

Related posts:

1. Apple iPad, smooth landing (part 1)
2. Why should you buy a Netbook?
3. Macworld 2009 Wishlist, without Steve Jobs!

The MacBook Pros are the greenest Macs Apple has yet to deliver. All models of the machine (13, 15, and 17 inch) are EPEAT Gold rated and meet the Energy Star 5.0 requirements, which isn’t even out yet. This makes the machines consume less electricity, and easier on the environment.

Speaking of the environment, both the MacBook Pros and the iPhone 3GS are made mostly out of earth-friendly materials, which are also easily recyclable.

• Highly recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure
• Mercury-free LED-backlit display
• Arsenic-free display glass
• BFR-free
• PVC-free internal cables

The iPhone 3GS shares a lot of these features as well. All of Apple’s products ship inside of much smaller packaging which is great for several reasons: Easier to ship more units per airplane, easier to carry, easier to store, less garbage in the dumps. Everyone wins.

It would be amazing to see companies utilize more environmentally friendly materials. This is a great start, and I am glad that Apple is trying to pioneer being fully green, or as green as they can be. Which other companies, other than the ones that specialize in green tech, actually manufacture products of similar nature? Post in comments below, please.

I predict that some day, we will have a way to teleport technology we buy straight to our homes. No jetplane delivery, no fumes, no packaging garbage.

Related posts:

1. Dell Joins the Green Route with Studio Hybrid Series
2. 5 Easy Steps to be Green at Home
3. Teaching Our Kids to be Green!

Before the unveiling of the iPhone 3.0 software, I was absolutely certain that the Palm Pre and the Android platforms were going to give Apple a run for their money. Boy was I wrong. I always preach the idea that if a company doesn’t keep a heavy eye on its competitors, it will begin to fall short. When Apple set a goal to sell 10 million iPhones within the first year, they stuck to it and sold well over their desired mark. This is simply because they have an ingenious R&D department that knows exactly what needs to be done to stay ahead of the game.

Okay, enough about the software. The iPhone is close to hitting the 2-year mark and we have only seen 1 hardware update that wasn’t too significant (addition of 3G, GPS, and a flush headphone jack). Rumors around the web are going nuts trying to predict what the next major hardware update is going to be like. The original iPhone set a new industry standard for the things that should be expected in a smartphone. There have been no major performance upgrades in the last 2 years, yet the iPhone still outperforms most phones of its kind to this day. If the next version of the hardware is unveiled come the 8th, I cannot imagine how ahead of its game it will be.

Now to talk a bit about what’s to come for the Mac OS. More after the jump…
I think Apple couldn’t have said it better when making a statement about Mac OS X “Snow Leopard” on their Snow Leopard page:

“Taking a break from adding new features, Snow Leopard — scheduled to ship in about a year — builds on Leopard’s enormous innovations by delivering a new generation of core software technologies that will streamline Mac OS X, enhance its performance, and set new standards for quality.”

Apple will be expanding the 64-bit technology to tremendously increase performance and increase RAM support up to a theoretical 16TB (yea, I know!). They will also be optimizing the Mac OS to take full advantage current multi-core and multi-processor technologies by advanced allocation of tasks, and so forth.

This is fantastic, in my opinion, but when Apple announced this about a year ago, they didn’t know that Windows 7 would be stepping up their game in the OS wars. I am certain that Apple is going to throw in a thing or two to even things out (high hopes, yes).

What’s upsetting is that people aren’t as excited about Snow Leopard as they should be. Imagine getting twice the performance out of your exisiting machine just by upgrading your OS! That’s equivilent to buying a brand new computer, which is something people don’t really want to do these days. All in all, I can freely state that I am ecstatic about all that will go down at WWDC 2009.

Related posts:

1. iPhone Hype for WWDC 2008!
2. iPhone future looks stronger than ever, thanks to Palm Pre
3. Apple WWDC 2008 – Right Around the Corner

By trying to replicate the techniques other designers use in their work, you can learn how to approach things differently. For example, when I was new at Photoshop, I would always try to achieve various results by experimenting with all the tools, layers, masking, and so forth. If you think you lack the technical knowledge to do this, a simple Google search will perform wonders.

Things to do for Web Designers:

1. Put together a list of websites that you love.
2. Open your application of choice for web design and start laying out one of the websites.
3. Try to replicate color, gradients, shapes, and placement of content elements as best as you can.
4. If there is something you cannot do, you can find a tutorial, or do something you are familiar with that will look just as good.

More after the jump…

Things to do for Print Designers:

1. Research some great ads, magazine covers, and separate them by category.
2. Create lists of what makes those ads attractive. Consider typography, positioning, concept, color, use of imagery, etc.
3. Open your application of choice for layout design and start put things into place.
4. Practice thinking conceptually. After all, that’s what advertising and print design is about; a great concept beautifully executed.

Useful Design Resources:

• Hemmy.net – Creative Advertisements Around the World
• Adsoftheworld.com
• Foto Ads – Best Print Ads of the World
• Ad Seduction
• Abduzeedo – Awesome Clever Advertising

Use these websites for creative inspiration, conceptualization, and so forth. Just remember this: There is no limit to great ideas, so, don’t feel overwhelmed by anything. What you want will come to you, with patience.

Related posts:

1. Design Tip of the Day 03: Collect Inspiration
2. Stepping into the world of Web Design
3. Design Tip of the Day 04: Work in a new medium

Now that school is back in session, my daily to-do list has grown 10 fold. So far, it has been a good thing since I have to stay on top of the game, but it is bound to get harder as my classes are advanced level design courses. One course I want to talk about in particular is Advanced Web Design. Our goal throughout the course is to develop and deploy a live website, indexable by search engines, with active affiliate programs. Most people in the class don’t have any experience in this, but it will be great to see what I am up against come this Tuesday. Continue reading…

Another course that I feel is going to be very exciting is Graphic Design Projects. Here we will be covering the developmet of logos, identity systems, symbolism, conceptualizing, and so forth. Based on the first class and the assignment that was given, it looks like things are on the right path.

Aside from school, there has been no real progress with the projects I am working on. The redesign of One Fused Life is on a momentary pause, and I am positive that good progress will be made during this week. I just have to remember: Do one thing at a time instead of tackling many things at once. When creating a custom WordPress theme from scratch, a step by step process is almost manditory.

I have been doing a ton of research on which plugins and web technologies I should use to bring all the functions of the new design to life! JQuery is so, so sweet!

Plans for February:

1. Finish redesigning One Fused Life.
2. Maintain balance between school, work, and personal projects.
3. Follow a strict GTD schedule.
4. Maintain constant organization of materials & resources.
5. Turn iPhone into ultimate planner/organizer.

What about you, any exciting things you’re looking forward to? Please share.

Related posts:

1. What’s to Come This Month
2. Now a Part of the 9Rules Network
3. Movies, Sleeping Late, and School