Courtesy of Giffens-Gadgets
Apple is expected to introduce its latest blockbuster consumer product to the market Wednesday, in the form of a 10-inch touch screen tablet computer.
The name, which has been speculated to be the “iTablet,” will operate on an upgraded iPhone software platform and perform in a similar manner.
The tablet is rumored to be an e-reader similar to Amazon’s Kindle, but adding on top of that a high resolution screen capable of playing movies, music and storing pictures similar to the iPhone.
Many media outlets have come out and called this product a potential “game changer.” Print media in particular is excited as it could solve many problems plaguing the industry. Currently, print products arrive out of date and usually the content has already been seen online for free.
The Apple tablet would allow media to deliver content instantly, along with other forms of media to supplement the print product like detailed color photos and videos, something Amazon’s Kindle is unable to do.
The tablet is also rumored to offer basic computing functions like the ability to surf the Internet as well as run iWork, Apple’s version of Microsoft Office.
The tablet could also be a boon for Apple’s App store. Currently the App store generates close to $1 billion in revenue for Apple and the App creators. Many analysts feel however, that with a larger and better multi-touch screen it could allow for more new creative interfaces and uses for the technology. This could allow for much more innovation in the App creation and more detailed multi-user functionality.
One major concern for the product is the immense amount of bandwidth it would require to operate. The tablet, which is rumored to have a deal with Verizon for 3G use, would suck up large amounts of bandwidth. Some analysts feel this could be a lot to ask of the current bandwidth infrastructure. However, the tablet will have the ability to connect to WiFi hotspots similar to the iPhone.
With so many potential uses and tie-ins, the product could be a multi-industry performance and productivity game changer. And at a rumored price of up to $1,000, the iTablet will be just another example of the tremendous Apple pipeline adding to its bottom line.
