Letting Mac Run iOS Apps - Not Ever Going To Happen But Widgets Should Be Given Another look

Here is an idea that I had long thought would be a great but Apple would never go for. That is iOS apps running on the Mac. Apple has made it clear that iOS and OS X will never be merged. Microsoft tried it with Windows 8 and we know how that is going.

This idea about iOS apps being a part of Mac was rehashed again on this blog post from The Mac Observer.

But maybe widgets on OS X should be given another look. It has been years since Apple has upgraded Dashboard in any significant manner and I am not sure anyone is aware that it is still around.

TMO did come up with a list of reasons why iOS apps should be allowed to runs in its own environment. The outlined reasons each have their own problems - least of which is that there are other ways native Mac apps or the Web won't take care of. Plus, there are iOS apps that have companion apps on the Mac.

The only advantage I think widgets will have over native apps is the ability to be able to exist within a separate environment that potentially can be sandboxed.

What I like to see is maybe cloud and iCloud integration for future Dashboard upgrade. Even better iOS integration beyond what we see now.

As I understand it, many widgets are based on Web standards which are robust enough that native-like apps can be created. And as much as we are used to the App Store and separate apps, webapps won't go away and will become more full featured and robust over time.

Perhaps, this is why Apple has not done anything with Dashboard. My hope is that they have been working on this in the background and will release an update for it and not see it die of a slow death.

 

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About the Apple TV Not Being A Hobby Anymore, New Features, Costs

There has been a lot of rumors and posts about what the next Apple TV will feature and, over all, what Apple's television and living room strategy is.  I've got an idea about that I would love to share but that's for another post.  Today, it's about Apple TV.

There is talk that we are nearing another Apple TV update after largely being ignored for the last year since the last Apple TV was updated.  Today, Apple added an Apple TV section.  Any time Apple does anything, it's a big deal especially among the tech media.

And adding a specific section for Apple TV counts as that.

The talk around the Apple rumor water cooler is that Apple could add a router to Apple TV as well as give it the much sought after app gaming store and accessories to go along with it.  There is even talk of a TV tuner.  (9to5Mac)

Huge rumor.  And if true, I'll be one of the first to order one.

For the purpose of this post, let's call this new Apple TV the "Apple TV Media Center".  ATMC.  As you can see, I don't have much of an imagination.

So, folks, get ready for this.  It's gonna cost more than $99 that the current generation Apple costs now.  In fact, I think if Apple does release such an update, I reckon Apple will likely keep the $99 unit around for those who just wants to stream video.  In fact, Apple may even cut the price for the Apple TV to around $79.

How much will ATMC cost?

If the rumors are true and Apple does add a router, TV tuner, and better specs like the 64-bit chip in the A7, the build could triple the cost of the current Apple TV.  Given Apple's focus on profit margin, we are talking about a cost that could be three to four times more than the current Apple TV.

ATMC likely will cost anywhere from $300 to $400 - about the price of a console like an Xbox for Playstation 4.  A bit less but not by much.  Maybe even a $500 with something extra like doubling the storage.  After all, this is Apple we're talking about.  It'll cost a pretty penny.

Of course, I have to include a wishful thinking portion of this post and because I'm a fan.  Apple can try to keep the cost down.  Maybe $200 to $300.  Apple can make money back through a different manner:  iTunes content and game sales.  Also include a premium version with more storage as well.

On top of that, ATMC would likely evolve into a home hub for all things Apple.  And to control the hub, you would need an iPhone or iPad.  Which means Apple will be able to even further expand its ecosystem.  And that means more money down the road.

Social: Bubble Ball - Fun, Funny, And I Hope It Catches On

Source:  Live Science.

Tell me this doesn't look fun.

What's Next For FaceTime?

It's great that we now have FaceTime Audio.  It is a feature that should have easily come along with the video chat feature but I figure it's likely that Apple did not include it in the beginning to avoid roughing too much weathers with the carriers.  Now that we have it, great.  What's next for FaceTime?

It's important to remember that we humans are social creatures.  Most of us are anyway.  Most of us not only want social interaction but need it.  FaceTime has allowed many people to stay in touch over the years from vast distances - fostering and retaining relationships.  And let's not forget how many parents and grandparents are able to keep in touch with their families because of it. 

Now I ask this:  what is next for FaceTime?  What will Apple do to take FaceTime to the next level to make it a more robust mean of communication?

I like to be able to see a conference feature - allowing more than just the one-to-one chat available now and expand on that into a group chat.  It would be great if we can do this with both video and audio.  On top of that, I like to be able to record chats - both audio and video as well. 

Personally, I think those features are forthcoming.  We already know that this is possible on the Macs because other chat services like Skype and Google Hangouts are already possible.  And with the new 64-bit chips the iPhone 5S, iPad Air, and iPad mini with Retina Display all have powering iOS, maybe that's what Apple will finally let loose what FaceTime is meant to do. 

On top of this, FaceTime conferencing would be a powerful feature that businesses can use to stay in touch with its own people as well as clients.  This could be one singular feature that Apple can offer that none of its competitors can hope to match. 

New Mobile Device On Christmas? What You Need To Do

Source:  CNET.

Got a new smartphone or tablet?  Well, let me be the first to welcome you to the mobile rank.  You're about to be more connected, productive, and in a few days or weeks, you'll forget your old life or wonder how you managed with your new trusty sidekick.

CNET has a post that suggests six things a brand new mobile warrior should do with his or her smartphone or tablet.  Personally, I think the first thing you should do is a happy dance.  Then after that, take a deep breath.

If it's an upgrade, you already know what it is like being a member of the mobile society.  If you're a brand new mobile warrior on the 25th (or later if UPS or FEDEX happened to still have your Christmas present), you've stepped into the future.  Future because of how fast the mobile market is moving and you better be ready.

Even before you follow CNET's suggestions, I think you should do the following:

1. Gather all your e-mail and social credentials.  This could save you some time. You don't want to be in the middle of setting up your e-mail or chat account and have to stop to go find your passwords.
2. Consider carefully what new services you'll need versus what you'll end up signing up for in all the excitement.  Some devices have their own crapware that you don't need to worry about and can likely ignore.
3. Check the Web for information if you need.  Or go to the manufacturer site if you're not sure.  And if you think you did something you should not have, don't worry.  You can probably go back and undo it at some point. 
4. You'll probably want to go to the app store and load up on apps.  Here, I'm gonna recommend you take another deep breath.  It's fun to download apps like games for the first time but you want to be sure it's safe - regardless of whether it's Google's more open Play Store or Apple's iOS app store.  Do some research first.

I'm not sure I care for CNET's suggestion to download app launchers or new wallpaper apps.  I almost never do that because I am just afraid they're black holes for user information.  What I do agree that you see if there are any update from the manufacturer.  Sometimes, an upgrade could mean new features or security updates.

So again, welcome to the mobile rank.  You've stepped into the future.  Have fun.  Be safe.  And enjoy your new mobile life.

Sex Toys - Mobile and Social Coming to Android Devices (They Mentioned Apple But I Doubt It)

Source:  Android Guys, indiegogo.

I'm surprised we haven't seen more of this or mobile and/or social sites haven't given this more attention.  Sex toys that the mobile and social environment we now live in should allow two people vast distances away to "connect".



Lovense, as they've stated in the Youtube video, provides sensation from one partner to another using your good old sex toys.  Honestly, I've never seen one or held one in person so I've got no idea how it already works and how much better it will be now that there will be feedback and "sensational" input from a remote sex partner.

The idea is simple.  Feedback from one partner's device will be felt on the sex toy belonging to the second partner (or maybe even partners?).

Oh, and if you're just alone or your partner needs to charge his or her device or mobile device, well, there is still a way for you to entertain yourself.  In fact, it could move to any music you have in your library.

It's not a product you can buy yet.  The Lovense developers need your help!  With 18 days left, they're only little more than 1/3 of the way there to the $50,000 they need to fund the project on indiegogo.

What's also of interest to possible backers is that the Lovense engineers are working to optimize algorithms to provide the best experience possible.  Perhaps, who knows, there could be future firmware updates as well?

Based on the types of fundings, most backers are interested in rewards for both the male and female toys.

The backers claim that it'll work with iOS devices.  Okay, Android I get but I have my doubts whether Apple will approve Lovense apps for the app store.

Note:  So far, all the comments appear to be very generic.  Like, you know, those written by those from the company.

Mobile: External Batteries Popular in Asia

Battery issues are something I write significantly if not almost weekly. I've bought myself a couple of 10,000+ mAh batteries that has more than once saved me. And currently overseas, they're getting the workout that they were meant for. I thought I would be one of there few folks who carry around a battery pack or two in the US and even less so in Asia.

Boy, was I surprised. In fact, I think one out of every three mobile warriors here could conceivably be carrying a battery pack with them.

In fact, it is very common to see battery packs of all capacities bring sold right in phone stores, 7-11 stores (there are a freaking lot of these), small convenience stores, markets, and public transportation stops.

It goes to speak about the state of mobile in Asia and the dismal state of the battery technology. Be it the iPhone, HTC, or Samsung, there simply isn't enough battery life in these phones to sustain the growing role of mobile devices in our lives.

And the race to making devices lighter and thinner isn't at all what mobile warriors want. As I walk around, ride on trains, wait for rides, practically everyone has their eyes on their phones. Some are testing, updating their Facebook statuses, chatting or talking, or streaming videos (which is very popular here in Taiwan because their 3G services are fast, unlimited, and, as far as I can tell, not throttled).

As for who makes these battery packs, there are many generic brands that I've never head of before. Some have no labels beyond what is required by law here. But in the phone stores, you can find batteries from Samsung and Sony.

In the US, I don't see a huge market for external battery packs since most of us either drive or are on our offices - both places offered plugs when we need them.

I'm hoping manufacturers will run into barriers that prevent further thinning of devices and use whatever space savings they get to pack more battery into them.

 

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