09/08/14 21:46
Ok, the big event with the
mysterious white tent is on for tomorrow morning. I'm locking in my predictions for posterity now:
First, the uncontroversial: A “regular" 4 inch and super-sized 5.5 inch iPhone have been widely rumored. Seems like a pretty safe bet. I'd expect the larger phone to go for $100 over the smaller one, perhaps only at the higher memory (64 GB+) tiers. Start it as a premium model, and see how it performs over the next few quarters.
Easy predictions: Faster A8, better camera, thinner and/or lighter than last year's model. Oh, and NFC for the new billing capability.
My guess is not too much else, since the spotlight is likely to be on…
The wildcard new wearable. Everyone is calling for an iWatch. I don't buy it. Here's why: No one wears watches anymore. It's very difficult to promote a behavior that is long out of fashion and on the decline.
If it's a wearable, it is as likely to be a clip-on device, and here's what the killer feature will be: Voice recognition.
Apple's invitation
hints: “We Wish We Could Say More.” That's a pretty big hint.
Imagine: The iDot, a small clip on device you attach to your collar or sleeve (sure, it could also go on an arm or wrist-band if you like). No screen, just one button. It is always on, with Siri+ listening to you and connected to the cloud (probably via your phone).
You say, “iDot, turn on my upstairs lights,” and they magically come on, fully integrated with iHome.
On your way back from work, you say, “iDot, list all Italian restaurants ahead of me… read directions to the second one,” and it guides you to your destination.
“iDot, compose an email to Sally… Dear Sally, guess what I'm using to write you this email..."
“iDot, read my new Facebook posts…"
This would be perfect when driving, and while at home. With a wireless headset / mic (perhaps the iDot could be used like a bluetooth headset as well), you can use this anywhere. All the functionality of Google Glass, without anyone accusing you of being a Glasshole. Ok, maybe the mic is not always on, but it could be when you are alone.
All this technology already exists, and is proven. Hooking it up via a new form factor is straight forward, and will happen sooner or later. With all the build up to this event, Apple will certainly stun its audience if it pulls this out now.
My bet is that the big white tent is an iHome showcase. Again, iHome has already been announced, and Apple might as well move into it in a big way. All the pieces are already in place:
A new “AppleTV” will serve as the control hub for the iHome. You control it via your iPhone or “iDot”. Buy a range of 1st or 3d party electronics to attach to it, everything from lights to switches to appliances and security systems. Monitor and control your home from wherever you are. Just like
AT&T predicted you would 20 years ago. Really, nothing surprising in this at all, just that it takes Apple to pull it all together so that we will actually buy it.
My expectation is that most of the focus will be on iHome. iHealth will be driven by healthcare providers not consumers.
Unfortunately, with Intel delaying Broadwell, it's unlikely there will be a Mac announcement tomorrow. Too bad. I'm itching to upgrade my MacBoook. Also on my wish list is a new Mac Mini and a Retina Thunderbolt Display. I still have my fingers crossed we will get at least the latter, but I don't have high hopes.
There hasn't been as much attention or speculation on the iPad. Logic would suggest that if Apple is going to push a new larger iPhone, then they will delay any iPad updates to avoid confusing the message. There also aren't any obvious new form factor changes for the iPad, other than perhaps TouchID integration, and a processor bump. The most I can hope for tomorrow is a small price decrease, or perhaps (more likely) a RAM boost to the base specs.
There, those are my bets for tomorrow. Other than the “iDot", the rest are pretty conservative. Of course, what all of us are really hoping for is that Apple throw us a curve ball here. It's been 4 years since the iPad announcement. We’re all waiting for them to change the game again.