My guess: Apple & eInk
Apple upcoming product speculation is mind-numbingly boring. Why am I interested, then, you ask? I am a perfectionist, and Apples are made by perfectionists. The fit and finish of the cases combined with the rendering of the text on the screen (literally 50% more readable than Windows XP’s text), is enough to sell the machines (for me). It is obvious that Apple is a company guided by people with ridiculously high expectations for the Apple Computer experience.
So, I present to you my first speculation about an Apple Media Event. Possibly because I’m just a media tool of their genius marketing scheme. Oh well.
Here’s my idea: Apple is going with eInk for an upcoming product. Just as they “created the market” for MP3 players by setting a standard in mobile audio for other companies to strive for, Apple is in a perfect position to “create” another market by employing eInk display technology and setting the standard in mobile electronic reading. Some more details on eInk:
Superior Look — Because it’s made from the same basic materials as regular ink and paper, electronic ink retains the superior viewing characteristics of paper, including high contrast, wide viewing angle, and bright paper-white background.
Versatile — Electronic ink can be printed on almost any surface, from plastic to metal to paper. And it can be coated over large areas cheaply.
Low Power — Electronic ink is a real power miser. It displays an image even when the power is turned off and it’s even legible in low light reducing the need for a backlight. This can significantly extend battery life for portable devices.
So what? Well. First, Apple licenses electronic versions of books (anybody think the Harry Potter iPod was a little random?) just as it licensed electronic music. Second, Apple delivers the perfect device on which to read this material. Finally, this device sells well, and companies scramble after Apple to pick up the technology.
This all fits in. The potential of miniature hard drives was widely recognized before the iPod and a few devices using the tech preceded the iPod … but the iPod was the simplicity people were searching for. So … a couple of devices are already out with eInk (notably, the Sony Librie), but they don’t provide that simple experience. Historically, this would be the prime time for Apple to jump out and say (brimming with marketing hyperbole, as always) “we invented this!” They haven’t invented it by any stretch, but Apple is the company that can make eInk truly useful. Bonus similarity: iPod and eInk both have initial lower case letters. Of course.
Who knows, maybe this prediction will be another Shuffle Phones.