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…

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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?

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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?

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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?

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1. Staying in touch and up to date the minute with your friends
2. Following big-time celebrities like Oprah, Jimmy Fallon, Al Gore, Britney Speakers, and you name ‘em!
3. Keeping up with the news way faster than traditional print and TV media (ie; Iran Elections).

What I’m trying to get at is that Twitter is a lot more than what the average person thinks it is. It is not only a social networking service, but a tool for business, professional networking, resource mining, and virtually endless knowledge.

Since I am in the Graphic and Web Design field, I will be talking about its relationship with Twitter and all of its benefits. More after the jump…

Following established Professionals: Being a web or graphic designer means that you have to stay up to date with the industry, and what the professionals are doing by keeping up with trends, news, and so forth. Most of the people I follow on Twitter directly or indirectly relate to my field. These people share their latest designs, talk about the latest trends, and link to countless inspirational and educational resouces. The amount of new knowledge I have discovered since I became active in the Twitter community is priceless.

Having a well-developed Twitter network: Say, one day, you run into a problem that you can’t get a good grasp of, you Tweet a question and someone in your network is bound to respond with an answer. If they don’t, then work on building up your network even more (you should never stop building, really).

On top of Twitter having professional benefits, it also has great socializing pluses. When you follow like-minded people, whether or not they’re in your field of work, it’s a given that you will be curious about what they’re up to, and vise versa. When people in my network Tweet about things like social events and design conferences, I immediately take interest. These are the types of places and events that will help me professionally, and allow me to meet great people!

Finding jobs and hiring talent on Twitter: If you’re new to the whole Twitter revolution, you’ll find it surprising that people actually find jobs and talent (depending on what you’re looking for) for work. When you’re a part of an active network, someone is always looking for something. A few months ago, I was searching for a team of iPhone App developers. From the moment I Tweeted about it, I had 5 responses from interested candidates by the end of the day.

If you’re a freelancer looking for some gigs, or even part/full-time jobs, you’ll be surprised to find that Twitter is a good job search engine. I keep getting back to the point of networking with like-minded people. To put it simply, it’s the best advice I have to offer. You will not only have fun interacting with people who you respect, but, along the way, you will gain life-long knowledge.

What’s to come: I am currently working on a follow-up article that discusses even more (and fun) ways of taking advantage of Twitter.

Please subscribe to my feed and follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates. Also, if you have anything to add, I URGE you to comment below.

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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.

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In a little under 20 hours from the time this post was published, your chance to get your hands on this amazing app bundle will be up. First thing’s first, click the link below to view the MacHeist page with ALL the information.

View the MacHeist Bundle information, and buy it!

Yes, I have purchased this myself and strongly believe that it’s steal, not the mention that 25% of every sale’s proceeds goes to a charity of your choice. Whether you’re a designer, blogger, an online show host, or an advocate of all things cool, in this package you will find something that greatly impresses you.

For $39, it’s probably the best investment I have ever made! Well, what are you waiting for? Check it out already!

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The Palm Pre, for the longest time, had the biggest chance to put a little fear in Apple. And so it did. Just a couple of weeks ago, the iPhone 3.0 software was revealed and most of the iPhone’s nuances have been eliminated. I actually believed that if the Pre kept up its game, it would force me to switch, but thankfully, that is no longer the case.

Palm has claimed that OS X on the iPhone is not a true mobile platform, thus it will never be as speedy and sleek as what they are cooking up. I respectfully disagree! Let’s just put it this way; Smooth scrolling and seamless portrait/landscape transitions is not what makes a great device. Yes, the Pre certainly competes in the visuals department, but that will only take the device so far.

More after the jump…

The unveiling of the 3.0 software is proof that Apple is keeping their eye on the market. The iPhone is clearly not without any faults, but Apple is constantly looking to improve. The maturity and the level of development the iPhone has reached is phenomenal. I am surprised that, to this day, phone companies have miserably failed to compete with the iPhone, except the Pre. After 2 different iPhones, and countless updates to the iPhone OS, companies can’t seem to get it right.

Now let’s take a look at a recent video of the Palm’s WebOS in action:

Judging by this video, it looks like the next few months are gonna be very interesting for both Apple and Palm. I like the fact that 3rd party apps can access the WebOS core and have multiple apps talking to each other. I would love to see this feature being taken advantage of in greater depth on both platforms.

Dare I say the imminent success of the Pre is largely due to ex-Apple employees like Jon Rubenstein being on the team?

Rumors about the next iPhone:

1. Multi-core CPUs and GPUs: The fact that the next generation iPhone may have multi-core processors is exciting as ever! It would open up countless possibilities, such as video, background apps, live-video streaming, and other various intensive tasks.
2. 3.2 and 5.0 Megapixel camera censors: For the new iPhones, and for an unknown product, respectively. This shows that Apple is getting serious with video with their upcoming products.
3. Video editing and ability to publish videos: In conjunction with the previous 2 rumors, this would work out quite well. A mini iMovie built into the iPhone, with the ability to upload your creations virtually eliminates the need of a computer for video bloggers and others alike.

Exciting times are ahead in the mobile industry. I can’t wait to see what twists and turns the industry will take along the way. I would LOVE to see what you have to say, so please comment using the form below. Thanks!

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What is it that makes Netbooks so attractive?

1. Price. With the current economic state, people are afraid to spend money. They are not as lenient with their wallets as they may have been before the “crisis,” so, machines that easily run below $300 are quickly considered.
2. Portability. It’s a great feeling to be able to carry stuff with you wherever you go, especially when it’s something as useful as a computer. It’s light, looks good, and does the job. Screen real-estate may not be there, but people don’t seem to mind giving it up for on-the-go productivity (which is another issue on its own). Most of the time, we only need our computers to perform basic (but important) functions, and Netbooks often do a great job at it.

Read the rest after the jump…

What should you keep in mind when considering buying one?

• Limited productivity due to small screen, small battery, and keyboard:
  A screen smaller screen with a resolution that’s barely enough to get the job done may be annoying at first, but if you learn to manage your space properly, it shouldn’t really be a problem. Today’s laptops have pretty crappy battery life, especially if they’re designed for performance. The battery lasts, on average, about 3 hours depending on your activity. If you purchase a 6-cell battery, your productivity will drastically improve. Last but not least, going from a full-size keyboard to one that’s about 85% of the standard size (or smaller) won’t exactly be the most comfortable experience.
• Lack of performance with intensive tasks, and limited upgradability:
  Let’s face it – the fact that these Netbooks come standard with 512MB to 1GB of RAM doesn’t exactly help the mobile Atom processors. Some machines allow you to upgrade the RAM to 2GB on your own, but that’s about it. 1GB may get the job done with tasks like web browsing and power points, but you can’t get too heavy with the amount of pages you load and how many slides you create.

Is it worth buying a Netbook?

Yes, but only after you understand the purpose of having one; It cannot be your primary work machine, and it probably should not replace your existing (more powerful) notebook. Do mind that extra bells and whistles like Bluetooth and Webcam will probably cost you extra.

I was seconds away from buying a Dell Mini 9 with good specs for a great price, but I decided that it would be more for leisure than productivity.

Question to you: If you own a Netbook, what made you get it, and was it worth it? If not, what’s holding you back?

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You can call me a tech savvy person or geek for short given that I can’t keep away from anything technological, but when Apple first announced the iPhone I wasn’t floored like the majority of geeks. I’ve always been a lover of Research in Motion’s (RIM) Blackberry and the iPhone wasn’t going to create any voids in that relationship. I knew the iPhone was going to be killer device, but when I heard some of my friends calling the iPhone a BB killer, I quickly shouted foul. The BlackBerry as a business device is leagues ahead of the iPhone. There are many reasons why the iPhone can’t tackle the Blackberry as a business phone, but I’m going to give you my top five reasons….

5. Maturity. The iPhone has a lot of growing to do if it wants to take the market and mindshare the BlackBerry holds. The BlackBerry OS is mature and outside of a few quirks, can do everything the iPhone does and more…better. When Apple leaves out simple things like copy & paste from the iPhone, you can’t expect it to beat RIM in the major business application duties like BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES).

4. Ultimate Wireless Usability. Whether you are at home, at the office or out and about, the BlackBerry is king of wireless usage. If your service provider allows it, you can use the BlackBerry with Wifi to use the web or other online activities. If you have a laptop near, you can use the BB as a tethered modem, either wirelessly or with a USB cable, with wifi or your phone’s service provider data plan.

3. Hardware Input. This is going to be a dinger. Like console gamers with a controller versus PC gamers with a mouse and keyboard, it is all about the input. If you are one of the latter, you know the mouse and keyboard beats a controller in a landslide in almost all activities and the input between the BlackBerry and iPhone is no different. A full QWERTY keyboard is going to beat the virtual keyboard of an iPhone 9 out of 10 times. Couple that with the Trackball and you have a mouse and keyboard in the palm of your hand.

2. Corporate. The BlackBerry is a business device after all and is king of the corporate world. Before the mainstream BlackBerry phones like the Curve, Pearl and now Storm, the BlackBerry was and still is the iconic phone 90% of business folk use. The BlackBerry Enterprise Server is software that allows complete wireless collaboration and messaging of major business applications like Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and more. Basically BES brings the office to you. Not only that, but you can edit a lot of application formats on your phone, like Microsoft Office docs and spreadsheets, natively.

1. E-mail. You can’t think about a BlackBerry and not think of e-mail. From e-mail filters, remote searching, full attachment viewing and HTML, the BlackBerry is the master of e-mail. I’ll say this, before getting a BlackBerry, e-mail didn’t mean much to me. Now, whenever I see that little red light blinking or hear that beeping sound, it’s like Christmas morning. It feels funny stating this, as I use to be a huge notebook user, wherever I went I had one of my notebooks with me but since the day of me buying my first BlackBerry, my notebook usage was cut in half and if you ask my girlfriend…that’s a huge improvement.

Well those are my top five reasons why the BlackBerry wins over the iPhone as a business device. I can proudly say I am a crackberry addict but I tried to write this article with as little bias as possible (I said I tried!). Feel free to argue if you’re an Apple zealot, but you know I am right regarding these reasons. I have no doubt in my mind that if Apple really wanted to steal RIM’s thunder, they probably could but as it stands now, BlackBerry is King!

Frank.

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