Alex Iskold has written a compelling post, arguing that iPhone is more than just a breakthrough mobile phone device. Alex says it's a strategy that may expand Apple's sphere of influence, from web browsing to social networking and even possibly search. So to complement Alex's post, our poll this week asks: what has Steve Jobs got his eye on next? Please take part in our poll below:
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Other - An Apple gaming console.
Posted by: Robert Billing | July 2, 2007 4:45 AM
I selected "Mobile Web" - though probably should have gone for "other" - as I think that Apple seem to be concentrating more on the hardware for new developments.
I don't think that Browsers or Social Networking are commercial enough for them. Yes, maybe they'll start a social networking site (iNetwork no doubt), but they won't be able to charge for it, nor will they be able to have features that just Mac users can use, as they know that even the most ardent mac users have friends that aren't.
However, I do think that the mobile web would have the potential to exploit the iPhone - in much the same way as iTunes/ QuickTime, are geared towards Apple's hardware, though work on other platforms.
Posted by: Emma | July 2, 2007 5:11 AM
@Robert Billing: One word - Pippin ;)
I've pondered about Games before on my own blog, I wonder if it's something Apple would go for? I certainly think they'd be more like Nintendo than Sony or MS simply due to wanting hardware sales to be profitable rather than lossleading.
Posted by: Rick Curran | July 2, 2007 6:12 AM
None of the above - because no hardware would be involved.
Posted by: dataGuy | July 2, 2007 6:22 AM
I'd go with none of the above.
Mobile web -- I think Apple's competitors will catch up a lot quicker and faster than they think/hope, and Apple won't want to slash prices as deeply and quickly as everyone else in this industry for their handset. They'll be come a player, but not a conquerer.
Browsers -- Not unless Safari gets a lot better, oh, and Microsoft decides to bundle it with Windows. ;)
Social networking -- Only if they buy one of the existing networks. I don't see Apple as a web company anyway.
Search -- Uh, I don't think Google, about their closest partner, would be very happy with that. Now, if Google buys Apple... but I don't think that's what you meant.
@Robert #1 -- We already have an Apple-like company in gaming: Nintendo. :)
Posted by: Josh Catone | July 2, 2007 8:23 AM
I voted 'other' as I read a rumor a little while ago that they're possibly developing an in-dash gps/audio solution.
Which I would pick up in a heartbeat.
Posted by: Jeff Skinner | July 2, 2007 8:58 AM
It seems pretty obvious if you think about each insertion, into each segment of the whole market. iPod, AppleTV, Safari for Win, iPhone. Each of these aspects are "at least" good. Some would say Safari has problems - what doesn't? How companies deal with problems is a cornerstone of Web 2.0 innovation. We have seen the pattern hundreds of times. It is about insertion, timing and ultimately response to user generated feedback followed by improvement.
Jobs is brilliant (I don't say that much) and is inserting Apple in between MS and Google. All these products and services from Apple are closely interdependent and designed to create the ultimate brand in my opinion. Alex did a superb job on that post and I am sure we can look for much more from Apple. I voted Wuuuuhahahahah!
Posted by: Phil Butler | July 2, 2007 9:15 AM
Cameras, Please Cameras.
I want a camera that works. I want a navigation system that makes sense.
Some Bluetooth and Wifi (THAT WORK) would be nice.
I want to be able set up my sync and account settings in an iTunes like desktop app, then go to Disneyland take some pictures of the kids, use wifi or my phone to send them back to my computer, an email address or an online photosharing site.
Better yet, if my mom could do all of that on her own, I could give up my part time tech support job.
Posted by: VitaminCM | July 2, 2007 9:48 AM
You know, since I voted other, I should probably give a suggestion other than "neither." ;)
My guess is that Apple's next big push will be into your living room. Jobs calls the Apple TV a hobby project, but I don't buy that at all. Apple knows Microsoft wants in on this space as well (they're using the Xbox), and Apple knows that as TV and the Internet converge, controlling people's living rooms will be huge. The whole "hobby project" thing is just to deflect from early hiccups with the Apple TV.
The iPhone does play into this, as it theoretically can be the device that ties all the Apple home products together (computer + Apple TV + iPhone = total control of all aspects of your digital life from one tiny device).
It'll be interesting to see the renewed MS vs. Apple battle over this. Apple has elegant design and easier to use products, but Microsoft has a huge installed user base in this area due to the Xbox ... plus, the Xbox plays games and supposedly will have a head start on IPTV by the end of the year.
Of course, we shouldn't count out other players like Tivo and Amazon, Joost, and Slingbox (or, hey, Sony), from making a big push into this area as well. It might end up as competitive as the mobile phone market. ;)
Posted by: Josh Catone | July 2, 2007 10:25 AM
I read somewhere that Apple had designed the user interface of a European car manufacturer's in-car system. So I think that Apple will get pulled that way more as car manufacturers' request their design services.
But the next mass market solution will most likely be an in-home touch-screen flat panel device that would connect wirelessly to either a Mac/PC for internet access or the AppleTV to watch TV and play music remotely. I'm thinking that it will most likely be a tablet that you can carry, sit on an easel or hang on a wall. It could be used to read books, used in the kitchen to watch TV while cooking or access the Internet.
Imagine accessing your Google calendar through an interface that's on your wall and the google calendar is always highlighting today's date or displaying your upcoming appointments.
Posted by: Don Vaillancourt | July 2, 2007 11:41 AM
#1 Don't be silly.
Launch a new games platform and directly compete with Nintendo, Sony & Microsoft ?
A new games platform is probably the most expensive development option possible.
Failure would destroy Apple.
Posted by: eddie | July 2, 2007 12:15 PM
You brought up some great points Josh. Sometimes I forget about my old favorite device make Sony. I would never count them out as even now some tech Samurai dudes are working on the next sleek, pretty, quality interface into our gadget loving hearts. The P3 fiasco will not keep them down long - they don't like losing.
Don makes a good point as well in that an Apple on a portable tabletop in an effort the beat MS to the "consumer" version would be a very smart move. Sony could do this as well in a race. Who would you pick in such a race to create and affordable device like this?
I also agree with Eddie to the extent that the next game console will be the PC with a "hot" drive containing the next generation of MMOG or such (boy I should get something for that one).
Posted by: Phil Butler | July 2, 2007 3:12 PM
If you want to figure out what market Apple may go into next--and I'd give them a couple of years of iPhone mania before they move into a new market--just look at the Sony product line and imagine what Sony gadgets (home theater, DVDs, cameras, etc) would look better with an Apple logo on them.
Apple is a hardware company that makes great hardware by making great software and wrapping them in beautiful hardware. But they're a hardware company--which means that Apple's main competition is not Google or Flickr or MySpace or Microsoft. Their main competitor is Sony.
Posted by: William Woody | July 2, 2007 4:45 PM
I expect a TV from Apple.
Posted by: Raju Vegesna | July 2, 2007 5:35 PM
It will be something related to the new ways of interfacing with devices thanks to multi-touch and the software algorithms which enables precise manipulations. Apple will leverage their edge on making this technology available and affordable.
I wrote a more extensive argumentation at YashLabs in March:
How apple will revolutionize the music industry.
Posted by: Josh Nursing | July 2, 2007 5:44 PM
Maybe Apple gets into Hard Disk business.
Or maybe NanoTube Tech by taking over small companies pioneering in this feild,such as Nantero..
Posted by: Abhinav Sood | July 3, 2007 1:48 AM
Speaking of fixing OSes, how can Apple conquer the portable media market, launch a ginormous attack against the Cell Phone industry, and still can't manage
http://www.versuri32.com/versuri/t.php
Posted by: Mark | July 3, 2007 6:40 AM
Steve made it clear that they are no more into only "Computer" business. They are going to be in devices business. And my guess is that the next thing they gonna surprise the world with is going to be insanely revolutionary TV. There "hobby" AppleTV business is going to evolve into a next generation television with iLife and YouTube integration. Its not going to be TV, its going to be many things, A television with DVR, an insanely big video iPod, and Internet. And there will be one more thing, which only Steve knows! :)
Posted by: Dipesh Batheja | July 3, 2007 8:19 AM
TV
Posted by: Patricia | July 3, 2007 12:54 PM
TV has got to be next. But not just the TV in your home; something mobile as well-- and with better licensing. Look for Apple to do a deal not only with Disney (Job's connection with Pixar and such), but also with YouTube/Google.
Google needs to salvage their YouTube purchase by somehow wringing money from it. The thinking is what Jobs/Apple did for the music industry, they could do for video as well.
For Jobs it works because a deal with YouTube/Google first gives Apple a cudgel for better deals with traditional content.
Posted by: John Milan | July 5, 2007 4:45 PM
A new kind of Starbucks.
Posted by: Sunday 8pm | July 6, 2007 2:20 PM