Despite all the tweets from the community, no Mac Tablet was announced at Apple’s WWDC event today.
I’m a bit surprised that Apple didn’t surprise us with a Tablet or more likely a smaller MID-like device. Wouldn’t a grown up iPod Touch or iPhone make sense? Bigger screen. Similar connectivity. Doubles as a reading device with content accessible through iTunes. Remote control and viewing of Apple TV content.
Maybe the rumors will come true some day, but the longer it takes, the more time we’ll all have to remember that Microsoft and its partners are the lead innovators when it comes to Tablet and Tablet-like technology.
Compare the handwriting recognition. Apple’s InkWell is so much the lagging technology–whether it came from the Newton or not. And touch? You think Apple’s in the lead here? Not exactly. Look at how much further Microsoft is taking multi-touch in the UI with its TouchWall and Surface initiatives. And then there’s the form factor itself. Who’s taking more innovative technology to the market? Apple? I think not. And what about education? And the arts? Shouldn’t computers be offering people even more than what you can type on a notebook or cell phone.
It disappoints me. I think Apple would make some awesome “Tablet” products.
Right now I’m kind of down over the lack of a Tablet announcement, but I look forward to the fall and the next Apple conference. Just think of all the Tablet rumors between now and then!