What’s next for Apple after the iPad?
The iPad is just around the corner, and that leaves me wondering what’s next for Apple.
The core of Mac OS X is behind everything Apple produces (save iPods) from the Apple TV to the Mac Pro, the iPod Touch/iPhone to the iPad. Apple has done an incredible job of using this stable core and producing devices everyone wants.
What could be the next challenge for Apple? What is left for them to reinvent?
I Hate my Remote Controls
If your like me, you’ve got a TV, a cable box or satellite box, DVD player or Blue-Ray player, and maybe even a stereo. What does all this mean? More than one remote control.
Ok, I know there are universal remote controls around, but I always seem to have one device it’s just not compatible with. About a year ago I purchase what I hoped to be the solution. I paid about $100 at the local electronics store and brought home a Logitech Harmony remote.
This wasn’t an impulse buy, I had searched the net, read the reviews, and everyone just raved about the device. A year later, and I don’t even pick it up. Did I give it a chance? I think so. I spent a couple of hours programming it, testing it, and reprogramming it. I used it exclusively for several months all the while retelling it to check what input my TV was on or what mode my DVR was in. Could it have been me? Maybe, but I still believe a remote could be simpler.
I’m convinced that no one makes a truly universal remote control that EASY to setup, includes all the functions of my current remote, and makes me forget that I ever need another remote control.
So, what’s the solution? Should Apple make their own universal remote control based on the iPhone OS? I don’t thank so, they should make a TV instead.
A universal TV (uTV)
What? Yes, a univeral TV. We keep trying to trying to fix our home setups with a better/smarter remote control, but what if there’s a better way?
Imagine if you will, a TV that is the universal interface for all items in your house. Really, I mean everything. Phone, TV, DVD, Blue-Ray, Coffee Pot, Refrigerator, Freezer, DVR, Stereo, Lighting, Alarm System, Doorbell, the stove, the car in the garage, … everything.
Is this too far a stretch? I don’t think so. Appliance makers are already producing and/or creating concepts that are IP ready. Apple needs to be leading this charge instead of coming in late this time. Control standards need to be adopted so people need to realize what can be done from the comfort of the couch.
Cooking
Imagine, for a moment, your cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but your favorite, can’t miss TV show is on. You could record it, but you’ve just got to see it NOW. You’re worried you’ll forget about the turkey in the oven. If the stove was IP and connected to your Apple uTV, then you could check the temperature and cook time right from the couch. It could even notify you and pause your TV show (recording in the background) so you can go an check on your dinner.
iTunes
You could be sitting on the couch listening to the latest song from your favorite band, and you think to yourself, “I’ve got to burn that to disk so I can listen to it on the way to work tomorrow.” With the uTV and your IP enabled stereo on your vehicle, you could sync your new music right from the couch.
It’s only the beginning. The TV could become more that just an entertainment device, it could be the new toolkit to manage your life. The true Digital Hub.
Conclusion
OK, Apple would still have to build the kicking remote control for the uTV (or maybe just an iPad application). The accessory companies could figure out how to convert all the legacy items in your house to work with it. Hey, with all the time you’d save by sitting on the couch, you could finally have time to use the Wii Fit to get some much needed exercise.
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Category: Viewpoint
