Sun has announced that it will be bringing java to the iPhone.
This is good news, as it will bring quite a number of existing applications to the iPhone (notably, many which have made RIM's platform so popular). It is also good news because in many ways, the iPhone is the platform java has been looking for since its inception.
Given the generally close relationship between Sun and Apple, and the long time commitment by Apple for quality java implementations on their platforms, it's a little odd that this had not been in the works earlier. Does apple have some reason for being less interested in java on the iPhone, or are they just too busy rolling out new elements?
Sun plans for the reduced ME version of the JVM. This makes sense, but likely underestimates the power of the iPhone. More than that, it underestimates the likely growth of the iPhone into a likely range of new products (PDA, tablet, ?) which may finally hit the mark. Sun hints it may provide more, but I'm guessing that everyone needs a little experience on the platform, and of course, wants to get things out as soon as possible.
The real impact of java, though, will only be if a new class of devices emerges which compete with Apple's offerings, or better, expand the variety of devices in the marketplace. It is unlikely that other manufacturers will immitate Apple's development environment, and java already is doing a great job of providing for cross platform development.
On the other hand, java has never provided the best route to access the true power of the Apple frameworks. Apple has a real leg up in the mobile market at this moment. Time will tell whether other platforms will be able to compete.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
MacBook Air
I didn't think the first post to this blog would be about the new MacBook Air.
I've been reading several of the reviews, and have been disappointed that reviewers just aren't getting it. Then, today I saw a blog post about how the industry has been missing the point from TimBajarin and figured that at last I'd see some sense made; I was wrong.
It's not that the reviewers' comments are wrong, it's just that they are evaluating the product from the perspective of existing products. The MacBook Air is a dip of the toe into a wholly new product area, while still addressing the needs of a fringe of the existing market for lightweight notebooks.
The bottom line is that the new Air is possibly the first really mobile network client for serious users. It's great to be on the road using my smartphone to keep in touch with email or to read the occasional web page, but when I get a call and need to do some work on-line, or research an issue, I need a full screen and keyboard, as well as some reasonable network response. I just don't get this with either the small form factor or speed of the miniature network device.
I'd schlep a notebook along with me, but the weight (even at 4 pounds) and especially the bulk cause me to leave it behind more than take it along. The MacBook Air is about the biggest thing I'd consider taking along, and is as comfortable a working platform as any full sized notebook.
On the road, I usually connect to the Internet with WiFi, or though bluetooth on my phone. No problem there.
I don't believe I can edit photos, videos or do significant programming tasks when I'm trying to be ultra mobile, so I don't care about all the storage, peripheral connectivity and performance I'm missing. I don't expect all those connectors on my phone, so I don't expect them on the Air.
What I do want is a platform that is ultra mobile, but does not force me to type with my thumbs or read with my fingers. Moreover, I want it to be a full fledged network client, compatible with all the ergonomics and features programmed into todays network interfaces.
I'm happy to take a pad of paper or a magazine along with me, so why not a computer that large; as long as it is thin and light.
Apple has a winner in a new category. My opinion, anyway.
I've been reading several of the reviews, and have been disappointed that reviewers just aren't getting it. Then, today I saw a blog post about how the industry has been missing the point from TimBajarin and figured that at last I'd see some sense made; I was wrong.
It's not that the reviewers' comments are wrong, it's just that they are evaluating the product from the perspective of existing products. The MacBook Air is a dip of the toe into a wholly new product area, while still addressing the needs of a fringe of the existing market for lightweight notebooks.
The bottom line is that the new Air is possibly the first really mobile network client for serious users. It's great to be on the road using my smartphone to keep in touch with email or to read the occasional web page, but when I get a call and need to do some work on-line, or research an issue, I need a full screen and keyboard, as well as some reasonable network response. I just don't get this with either the small form factor or speed of the miniature network device.
I'd schlep a notebook along with me, but the weight (even at 4 pounds) and especially the bulk cause me to leave it behind more than take it along. The MacBook Air is about the biggest thing I'd consider taking along, and is as comfortable a working platform as any full sized notebook.
On the road, I usually connect to the Internet with WiFi, or though bluetooth on my phone. No problem there.
I don't believe I can edit photos, videos or do significant programming tasks when I'm trying to be ultra mobile, so I don't care about all the storage, peripheral connectivity and performance I'm missing. I don't expect all those connectors on my phone, so I don't expect them on the Air.
What I do want is a platform that is ultra mobile, but does not force me to type with my thumbs or read with my fingers. Moreover, I want it to be a full fledged network client, compatible with all the ergonomics and features programmed into todays network interfaces.
I'm happy to take a pad of paper or a magazine along with me, so why not a computer that large; as long as it is thin and light.
Apple has a winner in a new category. My opinion, anyway.
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