In Apple's quarterly financial conference call for Q4 2010. Steve Jobs declared that the new tablets flooding the market were dead on arrival (DOA). One reason was the fact that the 7" is 45% smaller than the 10 inch iPad. This makes the smaller tablets sit it an awkward spot. It is too big to be a mobile phone and too small to be a serious mobile computing device.
The other reason was simple. The operating system, running on these tablets, was not essentially built for a tablet experience. It was more like taking a mobile phone O/S and pushing it on a bigger so-called Tablet.
Most of the tablet manufacturers rushed to get their devices out in the market only to ensure that they don't lose out to the iPad(7.5 million sold in 2 quarters).
But Honeycomb changes the game for these manufacturers. While Apple redefined the mobile phone platform and then took that platform to the iPad. It is quite obvious that the iPad has its limitations.
Honeycomb on the other hand brings the desktop experience to the tablet in a seamless manner.
In short, it means that the tablet manufacturers will no longer try to play catch up with Apple as far as the operating system is concerned. Apple will really need to dig deep into its bag of tricks(IOS 4.3) if it has to surpass Honeycomb.
That said, a lot will depend on the hardware and the new tablets that will come into the market with honeycomb. Battery life will also be a key factor. Both Samsung and Dell are working on a 10inch version of the Galaxy Tab
and Streak
. Not to mention the MOTOROLA XOOM
Some of the features in Honeycomb are as follows:
The other reason was simple. The operating system, running on these tablets, was not essentially built for a tablet experience. It was more like taking a mobile phone O/S and pushing it on a bigger so-called Tablet.
Most of the tablet manufacturers rushed to get their devices out in the market only to ensure that they don't lose out to the iPad(7.5 million sold in 2 quarters).
But Honeycomb changes the game for these manufacturers. While Apple redefined the mobile phone platform and then took that platform to the iPad. It is quite obvious that the iPad has its limitations.
Honeycomb on the other hand brings the desktop experience to the tablet in a seamless manner.
In short, it means that the tablet manufacturers will no longer try to play catch up with Apple as far as the operating system is concerned. Apple will really need to dig deep into its bag of tricks(IOS 4.3) if it has to surpass Honeycomb.
That said, a lot will depend on the hardware and the new tablets that will come into the market with honeycomb. Battery life will also be a key factor. Both Samsung and Dell are working on a 10inch version of the Galaxy Tab
and Streak. Not to mention the MOTOROLA XOOMSome of the features in Honeycomb are as follows:
- Hardware acceleration for 2D and 3D: Applications can now use hardware acceleration there by improving the gaming and graphic experience.
- New animation framework to add transitions
- Better multitasking menu, with faster switching across apps.
- All software based buttons, such as the Home etc.
- Renderscript: A brand new graphics engine there by improving the YouTube, Album and Books experience (particularly the page flipping is close to the iBook experience)
- Support for multi-core processors
- Media Capabilities: New Camera application with re-designed user interface giving the user more options. Ability to tap into a front facing camera, built in image stabilizing technology (which should improve the video calling capabilities and reduce bandwidth)
- Built in video chat capabilities coupled with a contact shortcut widget that enables a quicker way to contact, chat and video call.
- Seamless synchronization with the cloud.
- Market Place: Hot synchronization of apps purchased on the desktop with your mobile devices (eliminates the need for cables to transfer your purchases from your desktop to mobile devices. Friend based recommendation for apps using email and twitter. Soon to be rolled out buyer currency support so that you can buy apps in your own currency without having to do conversions. Developers can monetize their application by promoting apps within their existing apps using the in-app purchasing SDK. Ability to promote your app over YouTube.
I have not seen a better battery life experience than Apple IOS+iPad’s. I own both Android based Dell Streak and iPad. As far as Dell Streak is concerned, I am always worried back of my mind about its battery charge. With Apple iPad+IOS, I am least concerned. I know if my Dell Streak runs out of battery I am connected over Apple iPad. I keep that on standby for days. Android Dell Streak drains out pretty fast.
ReplyDelete@Ganesh J. Acharya: I agree, battery life will be critical. But this is also depends on the apps that you install. I have seen the iPad and iPhone drain pretty quickly when using certain apps and also the notifications feature in IOS
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