There are a lot of sub-plots to this. One I like is the whole Linux
for Devices thing.
I got the Nokia 770 web tablet and was amazed how little support
Nokia gave to the linux platform it used. Similarly, I know the
Linux guy at Motorola, and they too have a weak Linux platform
approach. It took Apple (note: no longer Apple Computer .. they do
more than that .. so changed their name to just Apple Co.) to port
the linux/unix/mach based OS X to small devices. In other words, all
the other players were just playing, not serious. Apple is going to
really change the fundamentals of phones and PDA-like devices. They
really get "convergence" and are willing to work HARD at making it
real. So long Treo. Nokia, go hide. Windows Mobile, OK for some
but...not most. Apple has just taken the lead.
Another interesting thing here is the "second UI". Those of us
who've used the Mac "Front Row" UI with the Apple Remote have been
exposed to an entirely new UI. Sorta iPod on steroids. And you
know? .. its not bad! I found myself staring at the UI, then
downloading Remote Buddy, a software stunt that vastly extends Front
Row to all apps and has simple plugins for managing all your apps
with that new UI.
At first I thought it was weird, but now I see it is a unified
attack. It will make iTV a really interesting interface. And
naturally ditto for the iPhone.
I'm not a fanboy here. Very skeptical of Stevie. He's not a
friendly. Note Cingular. But he does truly have a wide, coordinated
vision for Apple Computer^W Co. And he's the only one willing to
commit. Really commit .. to the hard work of making the new digital
devices really work.
-- Owen
Owen Densmore http://backspaces.net
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