The official word is finally out. In an invitation sent to select media outlets, Apple has revealed that its "latest creation" would be unveiled at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts at 10 AM on January 27. While the launch of the Apple Tablet looks certain, it is still not clear if Apple would also use the stage to unveil a few other things.
According to a report on Fox News, Apple is also expected to demo iPhone OS 4.0 and a new version of iLife 2010 software. While rumors about iPhone OS 4.0 has been doing the rounds lately, this is the first time that we are hearing about the launch of iLife as well.
As the D-Day draws closer, we have also been hearing about a few partnerships that Apple is possibly working on. The Wall Street Journal writes that HarperCollins Publishers could be working with Apple to bring their e-books to the Tablet. Though it is not clear if there would be a dedicated ebook platform to sell their ebooks or if HarperCollins would sell their content via iTunes, the Apple Tablet appears to fit their scheme of things better than other rivals including Amazon Kindle would. According to Brian Murray, the CEO of HarperCollins, the company is looking to launch ebooks enhanced with videos, author interviews and social networking applications. As WSJ reports, enhanced ebooks, which can fetch a better market price would only work on a platform like Tablet and not Kindle.
This is not all. It is also reported that The New York Times shall be announcing a partnership with Apple to offer their newspaper content on the Tablet. The NY Times has been rumored to be moving to a paid model for the distribution of digital content and well knowing the relationship that the company has had with Apple over the years, an agreement of this kind appears likely.Though details regarding this are sketchy at the moment, this is another company Apple could possibly be working with.
The Apple Tablet is expected to be a multi-purpose device and it is possible that Apple is banking on such exclusive partnerships to bring added value to their customers. What do you think? Will these partnerships work? Please tell us in the comments.
Can't wait to hear about the features in 4.0
I'd say the partnerships (especially the e-book one) would work quite well. The newspaper deal may be jumping the gun a bit, but that's just because there are plenty of news outlets available online that don't cost a thing, and would be readily accessible with the tablet's browser.
It all depends on how Apple (and the potential partners) set everything up though. Just as with any new piece of hardware, or software, if they try too much all at once, it could lead to a lack of support across the board.
Screw the tablet! My iPhone IS my tablet. 4.0 stuff is always welcomed.
I have owned every iPhone and I can't wait for the Tablet I don't care if I am currently drawing workman's comp…I need something to play with while I'm off work…I think i will hate having a screen protector on it…can you imagine all the air bubbles….I have waited in line for an xbox 360 and 3 ps3's and 1 wii and of course 5 tickle me elmos..next will be this Tablet…
michael "I have waited in line for an xbox 360 and 3 ps3's and 1 wii and of course 5 tickle me elmos..next will be this Tablet…"
LMAO… ARE YOU SERIOUS 5 ELMOS…extreme all I have is Mac air and iphone 3g 16gb… wanted to wait till june iphone 4g …
I could careless about how many new berrys,droids,nexus or whatever other device comes …iphone all day
has anyone seen the South Park episode where Cartmam is waiting for the Nintendo WII… http://www.southparkstudios.com/clips/155349
Its exactly like that.. I am desperately waiting for the new look in iphone..
But hey… ATT still suckss… 2 call failed today!!
what a bunch of turds – while all you idoits have nothing to do with your life but wait in line for hours (if not days) for the next apple product – I will be having a nice dinner with my fine lady and a drink. Afterwards we will go and enjoy a concert, have great sex, wake up in the morning and eat a healthy breakfast and if we want too go and pick up a new apple product. You people are so lame.
The tablet is sounding shittier and shittier.
DRMed content that is easily found at other places on the internet is going to make people want to buy this thing? the lawyers and marketoids have really taken over at Apple.
Just give me a Tablet PC running Snow Leopard and some cool new touch based UI options.