UI and Ecosystem Spell WIN WIN for iPad
As the date approaches for the anticipated launch of the new Apple tablet it seems to me that the UI implementation is why the iPad has received SO much attention. Apple did it right with the iPhone following it’s manta of simple sleek design and ease of use. They developed an ecosystem that has spawned:
(as of the writing of this article)
Total Active Apps (currently available for download): 134,215
Total Inactive Apps (no longer available for download): 16,382
Total Apps Seen in US App Store: 150,597
Number of Active Publishers in the US App Store: 29,340 – source http://148apps.biz/app-store-metrics/?mpage=appcount
That has created a lush application environment for the new multi-touch 10″ tablet. (All specifications are speculations based on the flurry of information floating around the inter webs). The failure of other Tablets to truly gain mass adoption has come down to the fact that they have been computers that convert into a tablet. They maintained the same start menu UI with application windows and the likes that we see in our PC’s and Laptops.
The potential power of this seed change comes in the overhaul of interface. Even it’s only a larger iPhone multi-touch model I can see a much greater adoption even if only for the games. My wife and I play Scrabble and I can see this becoming the new board game of choice with all sorts of add on’s and extensions. The other big potential is in the reader space where a B&W Kindle looks weak next to a sexy Apple tablet.
Here is a great concept video on user interface and rich media consumption of magazine styled content that could save the print industry.
All of this is of course a pre-cursor to the coming projected UI. Now that will revolutionize computing forever. Mobile HD access to data that you touch and manipulate thats my dream UI.
