Tablet News: RIM Introduces Playbook, iPad Killer (Okay, hit bait right?)

RIM introduces its tablet, Playbook. yeah!!!

Won't be ready until 2011. Boo!!! What a downer...

Smartphones Are Future of Computing But Not Next PC

Jen-Hsun Huang,Nvidia's CEO, believes smaetphones are the new PC. Well, he is right that smartphones will replace personal computers as these mobile devices become more and more powerful. Instead of replacing PCs outright, smartphones are ushering in a new era of computing and revolutionizing how we interact with mobiles.

We think that when a CEO of a company declares its products or services as the next greatest thing in their markets, we have to believe that they are merely selling their wares. Or it could be that they believe the future is moving in a particular direction and has maneuvered its corporate strategy accordingly.

During a recent strike in South Africa, students were left unprepared for their exams which prompt them to receive their lessons over cell phones running on a local mobile platform.

Farmers in third countries receive reports over their cell phones. The Japanese consumed books on their mobiles while commuting to and from work as well as during breaks. In the US, our iPhones and Android devices have liberated us from even laptops, allowing us to conduct social and business interactions much the same way mobile warriors did on their laptops before smartphones became a parting our social consciousness.

Huang is trying to sell his Tegra 2 as the chip to power these new class of more powerful smartphones and tablets and while it is self-serving, he isn't too far off. Only these mobile devices are not here to replace computers, much of it the domain of Intel and Microsoft. Anyone trying to design their smartphone or mobile device with the idea of replacing PCs will fail.

Rather, mobile devices will continue to augment our social and mobile experiences. Perhaps we shoul do away with the term "mobile computing" when talking about smartphones entirely.

More at CNet

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

From iPhone And Androd to Equinox

I am on the T-Mobile Equinox from Sony now. It'll be my main phone for a while until HTC, Motorola, or Apple blow me away with something much more impressive than the boring old iPhone or Droid. G2 is great but let's face it: 2-core chip it don't got or a 4" screen.

So I've been telling folks that I've gone retro. And there is something quite nostalgic about it. It was like this one time when I had to use dial-up in an emergency.

Although I do worry about the health of my thumbs. Even when I was on my Samsung Trace or the older Sony phones, I hardly text. There was no need to but, now, with the first month of Internet free, I decided to set up IM and my email which, surprisingly, included push. So I likely typed more and exerted more force with my thumbs than ever before at any other time in my life. With the iOS, thumb typing involved only light pressures.

One function I'll use quite a bit is the reading app called Qi00. I first discovered this when I was trying to see whether I can download text files to read. When you go to the mobile site, one of the option download is Qi00 mobile. It ends with a ".jar" suffix. To my surprise, Qi00 was already on the Equinox.

So that is all for now. I am going to take some videos and pictures to see how well the camera works for fun casual uses. I'll post then later tonight.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Tablets May Increase Productivity And Concentration

This is just my opinion but I like to share it with you. I've been using the iPad for awhile now, since it went on sale. Waited early in line for it too. And when I am on it, I couldn't have been more productive. Yeah, even more productive with some tasks than on my MacBook.

I write, study, read, and, on a few occasions, draw. When the need arises, I surf the web, Bing out searches, and check on tweets. On a regular computer, there is quite a bit that can distract you. IM, video, emails, and whatever bells and whistles that one might install on there.

With a tablet, there is multitasking but the screen is only filled with the app and nothing else. Push notification might come through to let me know I've got to harvest my broccoli on We Rule but I van easily dismiss that. The same goes for incoming mails and instant messages. Get rid of the pop-up message and I get right back to what I was working on.

On the G1 and iPhone, I hack out a blog entry or two when I wait in line at post offices or supermarket checkouts. A few times, I also dictated notes and emails, allow me to maximize my time where as before, I would just waste away pockets of 10 or 15 minutes of time away staring at the back of the head of the person in front of me or lamented why I am always stuck in the slowest line ever.

Still, working on smartphones is nothing like working on the iPad or on the future on tablets with the hardware-software combo.

A couple if reasons why this is so. First, Apps are usually designed for single-purpose functions. Writing. Reading. Surfing. Searching. Gaming.

The other reason is real estate. Tablets have bigger screens. For me, It mean more production. Smaller screens such as those on the iPhone, while it doesn't mean apps are limited in what they can do, does hinder the workflow.

Even when I am gaming, it is nothing else but that. On a mobile device, you can be distracted by a call and depending on how popular you are, it can be quite frequent.

Of course, this is on the iPad and future tablets based on Android, RIM, or WebOS might be very much different. LG promises tablet that'll allow users to be more productive than the iPad. I think it is a rather bold statement and I love to see LG carry that though. Competition is great, especially for us mobile warriors.

However, I am not optimistic. Carriers and some Apple competitors have the idea that more is better. And I am not sure that is what we want on tablets. Take Sense from HTC. It is a nice skin but it can be distracting. It works well on smart devices but it may not fit well with an agenda-driven tablet market. And LG's idea of productivity may not yield the desired effects.

In general, tablets should be the tools that most students and mobile warriors roll as they become more power and versatile.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

WiMax in Big Cities - SF & NYC

Consider how hard Clearwire had been working on getting WiMax ready against T-Mobile's supercharged HSPA+ and Verizon's LTE, I still wonder why there are still no WiMax in many of the major cities.

Well, wonder no more. San Francisco is getting ready to be turned out while just a bit ago, I learned that New York City's WiMax access is live.

So what about LA where I live? I can only hope that we will soon follow. Personally, I am angling for a mifi instead of an EVO or Epic.

Sure, I can wait for LTE from Verizon which promises to be faster than WiMax. But I would rather go with a T-Mobile wireless data plan since I am a long time customer but I have not heard a peep about a mifi solution from them (they offer three USB modem sticks). And I have not considered Verizon Wireless because of their perpetual evilness and I just don't think they'll will have as compelling plans as Clearwire. Oh and ATT isn't even in the game at all.

So I guess I have no choice but to wait. And it better be freaking worth it. Plus, I am in the midst of my no-wireless experiment.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

SolarEagle: Drone That Can Stay Aloft For 5 Years & Many Uses

Imagine in the heat of a battle, you need first hand intel from the front so you know where to send your tanks and troops to plug holes and where air support is needed to pave a path for your column to a strategic rallying point.

Of course, I'm talking about playing a RTS game. What did you think I was talking about? Oh, you mean a real war? Well, if a Boeing drone called the SolarEagle works out as planned, this little drone can stay in the air for up to 5 years and provide intel for troops on various war theaters or provide wireless Internet access where I sit safely in my home or a Starbucks.

Sure, it's called a drone and its development was commissioned by DARPA but like many technologies developed for the military, they eventually find a way for civilian use. I do hope that the SolarEagle will help us in the fight against extremism wherever our troops are sent but I also do hope to see them deployed for civilian uses as well.

More than just wireless access, they can provide law enforcement with some needed air support. Or help in recovery during the aftermaths of natural disasters. I am also sure there are scientific uses as well, much the same way balloons are being used. And it make prove cheaper than using satellites.

Well, we're not there yet. Boeing has a lot of work to do still but I think we are closer than anyone envisions - drones in the skies.

Los Angeles Times

21K Invited To A Fifteen Year-Old's Birthday Party...Through Facebook

An English girl used Facebook to invite over 21,000 users to her 15th birthday party. So far, 8K have RSVP'd. Needless to say, it was an accident. It was a lesson well learned since her birthday party is now cancelled.

Perhaps it was the girl's fault. Perhaps, it was also the confusing Facebook privacy settings deliberately created to obfuscate any understanding of what an information an user is sharing.

I think this really calls for Facebook to abandon their practice of opting out before something dangerous and deadly really happens. I don't think Facebook is on firm legal ground with regards to how they view privacy on a social network. Worse for them, they are inviting Congressional or other governmental oversight.

More at The Telegraph


-- Post From My iPad

President Obama's Town Hall on CNBC

I've included the video of the CNBC town hall meeting between President Obama and voters. I like to think that CNBC is not too friendly to the President, or unfriendly for any particular reason, so I don't think the audience is stack up for or against the President.

I just think that anyone a President interacts with ordinary Americans, it is worth watching, especially in an election year.

It's called "Investing In America".

Internet Withdrawal

Yesterday, I altered my T-Mobile wireless data plan: now, I am without data on my G1, iPhone, or my upcoming Sony Equinox. I have done away with wireless data completely. Why?

I find that I am too connected. At work, home, Stabucks, and bookstores. Not to mentioned between stops at intersections and anywhere that doesn't readily offer free wireless broadband. However, today, it was different. This afternoon, I went to a supermarket deli area for continuing work on my iPhone development. There was no Internet access there. But that was fine as I was able to get considerable amount if work done.

But then I went to my cousin's house for dinner. While he has wifi access, I didn't want to ask (he would have seen it as begging since he detests anything Apple), I held off on it.

It was problematic, not because I could not check my emails or tweet my about my withdrawal but I had a few missed calls that went directly to my Google Voice voicemail. The only solution was to call the missing numbers back but a couple of them I wanted to screen possible voice messages first.

And truly, there was discomfort. It was not so bad that I was going mad but it was like a really bad itch that I couldn't get rid of.

When I finally arrived home, within the range of my wifi network, the chime of mail beeped from my iDevices and I instantly fired up the mail app as soon as I put my car into park on the driveway.

You know what it felt like? Like I was coming up for air after holding my breath for along time underwater.

Okay, you might think me pathetic or exaggerating this ordeal. Okay, perhaps a bit. But the feeling of disconnect certainly was there.

Hoe long can I last with this experiment? I don't know. I am very good at adapting. And the reason I wanted to do this was I was afraid the constant connectivity was preventing from stopping now and then to "smell the flowers". I saw my nephew appreciate his new Wii. Had I had Internet access, I might have missed much of it.

I think this is for the best. Should a greater need require that I have wireless Internet access at all time, I can always get it back.

I'll continue to update my wireless-less experiment as well as my iPhone development experience. Hopefully, both endeavors will turn out well and fruitful.

Note: I was offered an option to being back my data at a considerable discount. But even with this enticement, I will try to hold out longer. Not only that, I was even offered for free a brand new Android device for being such a long and loyal customer. Yeah, I passed on that too.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

First App Went Okay

My first app went okay. This is my first attempt at creating an iPhone app.

However, as you can see i have ran into a problem.




Anyway, I am currently trying to work around it. I've dedicated the day for just this. I am very excited about the plethora of fart apps I can contribute to the App Store.


update: this is due to an instance of the app already running in the iPhone simulator. So all I had to do was to quit or delete the previous build of app in the simulator. Thanks to Dave the mobile warrior for bring this up to my attention.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Completely On Mobile

A couple of days ago, I said I would go completely mobile for all of my computing needs except specific needs such as working on the iOS SDK or working on my personal site, Greenjava.

There have been no emails, searches, Netflix or even downloading iTunes U class lectures. All RSS updates, blog entries have been through the G1, iPod touch, or the iPad.

Even this blog entry is done without the support of my MacBook. And if I really want to, I can edit video clips I took using the mobile iMovie app.

So far, it's been going quite well. I am concerned about battery life from time to time. I make sure all my mobile devices have their batteries charged to 100% and with three devices (sometimes four), it isn't a big concern as it might be if I had only a G1 or my iPod touch with me.

One mobile activity that I have decided to give up is checking into various locations on Foursquare or Yelp. It is a personal choice rather than an inducement created by my decision to use only my devices for my computing and Internet needs. I just don't see any benefit yet. And I quit Facebook about a month ago.

Anyway, I'll report back from time to time when I discover some neat new experience or if I decide to give up this experiment.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

App Writing Progress

A while back, I said I was going to try to learn how write an app for the iPhone. Now, to start with, the last program I wrote was in Pascal back in high school.

I have managed to read the first chapters of a couple of books but I am not going to get into which books yet because I don't know at this time which book is better. So I took another route. I decided to base my education on the video provided by Stanford's iPhone development program.

I've watched the first couple of lessons while I was working out. I am going to have to go through some parts here and there but I think I am well on my way.

I've dedicated tomorrow to put in some time for this. Hopefully, I'll be able to get something going soon.


-- Post From My iPad

As you know, I've got a G1 on T-Mobile and given the amount of data I use, even with tethering, it ain't all that much. So I got to thinking about this: I can switch over to a regular phone and get the regular Internet service that only cost $10. I still get 3G service. I know it's a bit retro but hey, I am a retro kind of guy.

At the end of the day, I get a new phone and my rate is lowered by $15 a month, give or take depending on how the tax is figured.

And maybe I can even get a wireless modem to stick my sim card in if I really want to create a mobile hotspot Or if not, I can alway tether via USB based on instructions I found over the Internet with the Sony Equinox.

Has anyone else given this a try? And to go one step further, has anyone done this and stick the sim card back into an Android device?

I am still research and I'll report back in the next couple of days on how this works out.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Tablets To Replace 50% of laptop market?

Best Buy reportedly said that stores with iPads for sale has managed to cannibalized up to 50% of notebook sales and even managed to impact tv sales as well.

The iPad is pretty awesome as a device regardless which mobile platform you prefer and, soon enough, WebOs, Android, and even Windows 7 tablets will flood the market in 2011.

I think with all these tablets to choose from, I think I can boldly predict tablets will take about 50% of all notebook sales in 2011 and much after that.

But there will always be a market for laptops just as there will always be users who only need a regular cell phone without all the bells and whistles of an iPhone or Blackberry.

Plus, laptops are more functional than tablets and will remain so for a long time.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Mobile Screens: What Is The Ideal Size?

Apple has its Retina Display for the iOS devices at 3.5 inches while most others are around the 800x400 or so with varying sizes from 3.5 inches and up to 5 inches.

Of course, some Android tablets are able to go up to 7" or so. So what is the ideal display?

I have looked at the Galaxy S from Samsung and the 4" display is awesome. Very vibrant. But upon realizing that my iPod touch and iPhone with their Retina Display (324 dpi) has such crisp graphics and text, I find that I can't go back to any display that I can see the individual dots.

And it has led me ot wonder just how Apple plan on bringing Retina Display to the iPad and MacBooks and how other device makers will do the same for their phones and tablets.

I suppose we'll know in 2011. And yeah, size does matter for these screens but more importantly, the quality of what we see matters just as much. An Android phone with a 3.7" display versus a 7" display on a tablet is going to look much better.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Wireless Access On Public Transportation (In Shanghai)

One of the thing that I can't get in riding city trains is the lack of wireless Internet access be it. I can get 3G on my G1 or iPhone but good luck with that when going through dead spots or tunnels. Hey, that's life right?

Well, looks like Shanghai's maglev train (you know, the fastest in the world at 250 miles per hour, yeah, that one) will be getting LTE service. So, Huawei's Australian arm is given the contract to make it happen. How are they doing? 20Mbit/s download.



After reading the post, I want it. Actually, I want both the maglev train and LTE service but I don't want to be too greedy. Just give me wifi access on typical metro rides. I don't think that's too much to ask is it? As a matter of fact, train officials can entice more riders if they offer Internet connectivity. They offer free Internet for monthly ticket holders or at a reduced access rate for access.

I'd go for that if I have the need to ride the train on a more regular basis.

More at Daily Wireless.

Note: The ironic thing is that Australia doesn't have trains this fast so by the time they have it, LTE access should be no problem.

Steve Jobs To Japanese Airport Security: Those Ninja Thingies Are for Larry

You may have heard by of the great journalism exhibited by Bloomberg in quoted a Japanese equivalent of the supermarket tabloids which had reported that Steve Jobs was caught trying to sneak ninja stars onto his private plane. Apparently, he was unable to convince the Japanese customs and airport security that it doesn't make sense for him to hijack his own plane.

Anyway, Apple responded by saying that Steve Jobs is not a ninja. Sure, Steve. The black turtle neck. Total dead giveaway, dude.

Anyway, it's what happened after Steve's plane lands in the US that we learned what really happened.

Upon landing, Steve calls Larry and said, "I'm never doing you any more favors. 'Hey, 'bring back me some ninja stars, Steve. It's totally gonna be okay...everyone in Japan carries one in their wallet...just like everyone's got an iPod in their pocket'. Frak you!"

Don't ask me where I got that recording...okay, you got me. I'm a ninja too.

Mama Cat, That Nurses Baby Squirrel, to Humans: You Can Learn From Me

A mother cat in Mississippi nursed an abandoned baby squirrel in addition to the litter of her own kittens.

I don't know about you but I know plenty of humans who can learn from this. Here's the news video clip.



Oh, and the squirrel doesn't mind being picked up. And it purrs too.

More at ABC 7.

Mobile Data Rationing

I have an Android data plan with T-Mobile that I am holding on to dearly though in a few occasions, I have wondered if I really needed it.

With new apps like Slingplayer and other streaming apps like Netflix, I have kept it if only to write about the experiences.

But I'd you've got one of those horrible new iPhone data plans, you will not likely know what it was like to enjoy 3G access worry-free. You'll probably be rationing access or saving all your data allotment for weekends or when you really need it.

And with the FCC set to provide rules on Internet, there is a battle goin on between those who think the Internet should be a open and free space fir users and companies a like, the giant telecoms and their new Google ally is trying to make sure the Internet is cut up into pieces for themselves.

Perhaps, data rationing, which I know is being practiced among some iPhone users, is the least of out worries.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Transformers: A Video Made By a Kid From Russia

I am whole-heartedly ashamed of my lack of imagination and in ability to utilize to the fullest potential of all the mobile gears and Mac powers at my hand. Why? Because of the Transformers video made by a teen from Russia.

Meet the next Michael Bay, Alex Semonov. And now, his awesome video.

Transformers from repey815 on Vimeo.

I just want to be among the first to show this to you.

Enjoy. Try to watching it in HD if you can. It'll be worth it.

Solar, Wind, And EV Incentives

Right now, if you get an plug-in vehicle, you essentially forgo the need to burn petroleum in exchange for power generated by the local power plants or whoever your city mandates you buy your electricity from. So we're pretty much making someone else increase the load of chemicals that affect the environment, and ultimately, the planet.

What if the government offers additional incentives for consumers who purchase renewable energy solutions in addition to the EV? Or what if the power companies also provide incentives for consumers with EV to drive even less?

More at GreenJava.

Android: Open But For Who?

Android has been billed as open. Based on Linux, it is open-source. Okay. But when we like to compare Android to the iOS ecosystem, we like to say it open. Apple's iPhone and iTunes definitely is not.

But what is this definition of open? And for who?

I have to root my G1 to install the tethering app. Without performing some hairy digital surgery, there was no way to install and use the app. And T-Mobile was not about to provide me with the keys to the kingdom, willingly or otherwise.

And of course, the marketplace is open for most apps and most developers. There is hardly any policing (hence, the increasing regularity of trojan horse apps). There is of course a great number of virtues in this. For developers.

What about for consumers?

When the sales guys at Verizon, ATT, Sprint, or T-Mobile tooted the Android phones as open compared to the iPhone, are we the consumers suppose to know they mean for the developers and not for the consumers to do with the phones as we wish? That certain functions are locked out but the device OS and SDK remains open for developers to create any app they want. And even if can find and download those apps, we, as Android users can't use them.

In that case, isn't the iPhone just as open? As an Android user, I like to feel like I can rely on the strengths of the platform. Mostly, the Google apps and less curating involved. I think that alone is enough to entice users.

Open it is not but Android does offer a plethora of devices. Choices.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Sample Videos Taken With 4Th Generation iPod touch

I took a couple of videos this evening with my iPod Touch. The video is in 720p. I tried to capture as much of the different colors as possible.

Remember, I am far far from having any creative bone in my body. So I apologize ahead of time for the lack of creativity, jerky video, and the bad sound.





Love to hear from someone with a Galaxy, iPhone 4, or a Flip and tells us about the quality. I mainly bought the touch for quick and fun videos when I go out with friends and families. Eventually, it'll be used as a FaceTime device as well.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

Cafe And Wifi

We can now get free wireless Internet at Starbucks, Borders, and Barnes And Noble. We can theoretically sit there as long as we want.

I typically buy a drink and some kind of pastry because I don't want to be freeloading off heir kindness. Well, they are giving us free Internet to drive traffic into the store.

Still, I wonder what is a good balance. I hope to have the money one day to own my own coffee shop. And I have had a lot of discussion about what to best drive foot traffic, offer Internet access, and still make a decent living.

And let's face it, free WiFi is a fact of life now. But more importantly so is providing a good atmosphere and good java.

For now as a patron, I will continue to buy things at a coffee shop in exchange for their hospitality. Hopefully when the time comes, my customers will feel the same as I do now.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch

New iPod Touch In My Future?

I will be visiting the Pasadena Apple store in a bit. And if the stars are aligned properly, I may be the new proud owner of the fourth generation iPod touch.

Of course, more than the stars have to be aligned. Through the day, I have seen samples of the pictures and videos taken with the new touch. I have also read about the..ahem...features Apple left out of the iPod touch that they gave to the iPhone 4.

256MB instead of 512MB, no vibration motor, a subpar Retina screen but still a retina screen, smaller battery (granted there isn't a cell antenna the touch has to contend with), and, certainly, the less than 1MP still camera.

All those shortcomings will need to pass my standards. I will be grateful for the increase speed over my 2G iPhone as well as the better screen and ability to enjoy all the iOS 4.1 features. And, not in the least, the ability to capture decent 720p video.

So in a few hours, I hope to report back with some great news. If not, I'll let on on why I decided to walk away empty-handed.

Oh, the store being out of stock of the iPod touch won't count.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Google Introduces "Instant" - Predictive Search

This is Google showing that it's got a lot of innovative mojo left. With "Instant", it is a predictive search that allows users to see what they are searching even before hitting the return key.

It's live and working now. And I am freaking impressed. Oh, Google, please go back to your roots and be less evil.



Now, let's see Microsoft's Bing try to outdo Google. I love competition.

Google Tablet: Android or Chrome OS

It's going to be very confusing if Google doesn't clear up which OS it favors for its slate and tablet strategy. Right now, most hardware developers are working on Android tablets to challenge the dominance od Apple's iPad. However, word is getting out that there are also Chrome OS-based varieties as well.

Well, I for one will be forced to wait and see where this leads before I get one or the other. Deep down, Google would love for users to embrace Chrome OS for netbooks and slates. When Google introduced it to the world last year and updated us again earlier this year, it was in a netbook format. Since it is only a toss and a skip to the tablet form, don't be surprise to see Google trumps it as its favorite OS choice for tablets.

The problem is that we do love out apps. And Google is going to have to reset everything all over again to get the Chrome OS webapp store stocked up to the level of the iPhone app store or Android's marketplace.

So even if Google picks Chrome OS, Android fans might not flock to it. Only the most die-hard of Google fans are likely yo support it out of the gate.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

One, Two Punch of Apple And Google To Decimate Telecoms And Wireless Providers

It's rare to see Apple and Google working together in any meaningful way like they used to. Well, the combination of Apple's Facetime for the iOS devices and VOIP calling integration into Gmail/Gtalk, though accidental, means we can start the countdown clock to the demise of landlines, telecoms, and wireless providers.

Facetime for the iPhone and iPod Touch has the likelihood to transform communication and Internet calling just makes expensive wireless plans unnecessary once it becomes available on Android.

Of course, the telecoms and wireless providers can transform and innovate. But I'm not optimistic. Personally, I'm okay with them being dump pipes.

More on how Apple and Google are working, again not necessarily together, to end the era of draconian telecoms at Greenjava.

RIP: Cellular Phone Plans, September 3, 2010

I mark today the death of regular cell phone plans. Well, the beginning of a long but certain process to see the end of mobile phone plans. Why now? Well, if not now, when? If now me, who?

So, let's mark this day. And how?

Apple's Biggest Announcement - Ping And What Was Not Said About Apple TV

Everyone thinks yesterday's announcement was about new iPod touches with the dual cameras and the redesigned nanos. But the biggest news for iOS and iTunes users is Ping. For video fans, Apple's TV rental for Apple isn't the biggest news. It is what wasn't said.

First Ping. Ping is a social music site based in the iTunes application on Windows, Macs, and iOS devices. After downloading and signing on, it felt a bit sptartan when you compare it to Facebook and Myspace. But that is what Apple products are like in the beginning.

In time, Apple wil add new features and functions. Widgets and games may be normal. Imagine having Ping on your Apple TV as well. Plus, what about adding video and app discovery?

Well, it makes sense that all that will happen in time. First, video rental was just made available yesterday and Apple TV won't be out for another month. Apple will likely wait until there are more rental content before allowing video discovery and following on Ping.

What about apps? And isn't that what Game Center is for? game Center is Apple's leader board slash social network. It just doesn't make sense to have two completely separate social networks. I believe Apple will eventually integrate Game Center into Ping and add app discovery as well.

Is that all? No. Remember, this is Apple. You never want to take what Apple says at face value. Ping isn't a Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter. Not yet. Given the scope and opportunities, you bet Steve Jobs will move Apple more into the social realm.

Over time, other features will be added as it makes sense. Keep in mind that Apple has mobile ad design as well. With that comes location-based targetting. "Pinging" can become the next mode of checking in as some if us already do with Foursquare. So don't be surprised to see Apple made a buyout or two in this area to shortcut its way into the market.

Ping has no limits and I can't wait to see what apple does with it.

Plus, privacy, while a big deal, is less of an issue wih Apple. With Apple, giving them the same information an user might give Facebook or Google isn't the same thing. Facebook and Google has every intention of doing away your privacy and selling it to the highest bidder. Apple has always has always guarded its gotten information closely. And it isn't because Apple considers its customers In the highest regards. It is because Apple believes it has a base that is loyal, knowledgeable, and willing go spend money. And we belong to them to monetize.

Now Apple TV. Where are all the apps? Where is the tight integration with iOS devices like the iPad? Sure there will be Airplay but I want to be able to run my gaming apps on the TV and use my control iPod touch or iPhone as controllers. I want to be able to tweet updates or make Ping comments while watching a show.

A lot of things that Apple can do with Apple TV was left out. Sure we love the $99 entry fee but we also know the device can do so much more and should be allowed to do so much more.

Hence, all of that was not said. Which is why it's so important. Will Apple TV be allowed to run apps and offer more social media integration? Only Apple knows but I think Apple will begin to make more substantial announcements about Apple TV and iOS integration in the coming months.

We are still about six months away from any kind of new iOS announcement in Spring. Look for clues and neat things then. This time next year, the name "Apple TV" may no longer apply. iConsole or iBox, anyone?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone