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Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

post #1 of 52
5/22/09 at 6:40am
Thread Starter 
Daring Fireball: The Next iPhone

Here's my predictions (and note I've never been remotely close to right!)
-Almost TOTAL snoozefest from a consumer point of view but lots Devs will dig-

-iPhone RAM, CPU, Storage bumps snoozer, intro of external devices through dock is the big 'wow' (think keyboards). No iPhone Mini and no other phone carriers like Verizon. Tethering however gets official and destroys the market the MiFi had to itself for 2 weeks. Apple TV not even mentioned
-No tablet, no consumer refreshes but Mac Pro will get a 16 processor build to shake things up with Snow Leopard
-Snow Leopard features are 75% of the talk with only 'wow' being UI improvements but a lot for devs to like under the hood.

All that snoozing then one more thing outta left field
-Refresh to Final Cut studio which makes the pro apps a lot more like the changes to iMovie. BluRay Authoring gets embraced. Blu BTO option for Mac Pro ONLY.
-iLife '09 free add on refresh includes update to iDVD which finally allows BluRay playback but not recording, external drives only supported now for consumer line.
(If I keep predicting it eventually I'll be right!)
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post #2 of 52
5/22/09 at 8:03am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I consider the current iPod nano perfect. It's small enough to be used everywhere (gym, yardwork, office, travel), while having a screen large enough to let me watch movies. With 16 GB of storage, it holds my entire music library, a full suite of podcasts, and several DVDs. And the battery lasts long enough that I don't think about it, except for week-long trips. I don't need anything more from a portable "music" device.

Reading DF's iPhone predicts, I thought this could be the perfection of the iPhone, in similar fashion. It will do everything most anyone needs, and do it fast enough, with enough storage and battery life, that "normal" users won't encounter computing barriers in any practical way.

Ok, not quite perfect. It's still only for AT&T customers. The iPhone will be perfect when I can get it on Verizon.
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post #3 of 52
5/22/09 at 12:01pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveF
I consider the current iPod nano perfect. It's small enough to be used everywhere (gym, yardwork, office, travel), while having a screen large enough to let me watch movies. With 16 GB of storage, it holds my entire music library, a full suite of podcasts, and several DVDs. And the battery lasts long enough that I don't think about it, except for week-long trips. I don't need anything more from a portable "music" device.

Reading DF's iPhone predicts, I thought this could be the perfection of the iPhone, in similar fashion. It will do everything most anyone needs, and do it fast enough, with enough storage and battery life, that "normal" users won't encounter computing barriers in any practical way.

Ok, not quite perfect. It's still only for AT&T customers. The iPhone will be perfect when I can get it on Verizon.

The Nano is probably the best Ipod they offer now, it's the only one with a crossfade feature, I think it's the best sounding one in the lineup too, although it still pales to my Cowon S9. For the Ipod Touch/Phone to be perfect.. they need to improve the sound quality, and the screen... the S9 has a gorgeous AMOLED screen. And not only does it look like a little Plasma TV in clarity and color, but the dang thing lasts near 50 hours listening to music and 11 hours for vids. Now think about how the Phone would benefit from the low power consumption, not to mention how vids would look on it compared to the dull and lifeless look now. Everything else about the phone/Touch is great, fantastic apps and games better than I ever thought they could be. Just fix the main purpose of Music and Vids.
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post #4 of 52
5/26/09 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Giz weighs in:
Gizmodo - What's Cooking for Apple WWDC '09 - Wwdc 2009

The new Nano?
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/bac...nges-revealed/
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post #5 of 52
5/26/09 at 10:45am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Having absolutely ZERO insider information, I'm going to leave the predictions to those more qualified.

I will however offer a slight variant to the thread title: here's what I *hope* will be announced (obviously tied to my purchasing preferences):

1. Min 32GB iPhone, hoping for 64GB (very unlikely), with video and MMS. Couple this with a price drop in either the rate plan or the subsidized phone.
2. 64GB flash-memory based iPod (again very unlikely)
3. New version of Logic Studio (not a .x build, but a whole new version)
4. Nehalem in either the Macbook Pro or iMac line

Of course, I'll likely strike out on all four. So at least I'll have good disposable income for the next 6-12 months!
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post #6 of 52
5/26/09 at 10:55am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I predict that Apple will release something that will cause me to give them more money.

I already have an iMac, an iPhone, and an AppleTV. I also see a Macbook in my future as well. Curse you Steve Jobs!!!!
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post #7 of 52
5/26/09 at 11:54am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I would love it if they came out with a new Nano, not because I'd buy it, but because they would knock at least $50 off the existing models. I don't need a stupid camera in my Nano. The existing model is damn near perfect. Drop the price by $50 and I would dump my 2G Nano right now.
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post #8 of 52
5/26/09 at 2:28pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

More broadly, I want and expect Snow Leopard (10.6) release info. My wife gets a new Mac this year and I'm making her wait until SL is out. And when she gets her new Mac, I get her 20" Cinema Display for my MBP and I get to upgrade iLife and iWork! So we both suffer until Apple releases SL.

And having now watched about 30 episodes of TV on my iPod nano, I'm more convinced of its awesomeness! But I don't need a new model to lust after; I just got this one five months ago.
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post #9 of 52
5/26/09 at 4:18pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

When is WWDC?
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post #10 of 52
5/26/09 at 4:24pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
When is WWDC?

The keynote (which is pretty much what most people here care about) is June 8th...less than two weeks away.
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post #11 of 52
5/26/09 at 5:09pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd H
I predict that Apple will release something that will cause me to give them more money.

o_O

Holy crap! I made the same prediction!! What odds?!!?!?



Yeah, I converted to Mac last year (gods, I *love* my iMac!) and also obtained a sexy sexy iPhone. Macbook for the wife (that's my story) soon to follow...

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post #12 of 52
5/26/09 at 9:22pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carlo Medina
1. Min 32GB iPhone, hoping for 64GB (very unlikely), with video and MMS. Couple this with a price drop in either the rate plan or the subsidized phone.
2. 64GB flash-memory based iPod (again very unlikely)
The iPhone will likely increase to 32GB, but will not be 64GB. The iPod Touch will go to 64GB, but not at WWDC -- the iPods will be refreshed in September. The reason the Touch has double the storage capacity of the iPhone is that it holds just one chip, vs. two in the Touch. Yes on video & MMS, maybe on the prices (possibly a cheaper plan option).


Otherwise, my predictions: what Gruber said. Anyway WWDC is going to be 99% about iPhone 3.0 and Snow Leopard. If you are expecting something else: don't.
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post #13 of 52
5/27/09 at 5:50am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I think WWDC will be all about universal remote software for the iPhone!

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
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post #14 of 52
5/27/09 at 6:23am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Looking forward to seeing what the new iPhone model will be like - the local phone shop have said they're definitely expecting an iPhone update in June. I think later in the year I'm finally going to buy an iPhone (when my contract with my current provider comes to an end).
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post #15 of 52
5/27/09 at 8:23am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

over on ars someone said the newest beta of 3.0 had references to a iphone 2,1. The first phone was 1,1, the 3g was 1,2. Most are thinking a small upgrade would be 1,3, and the fact its a 2,1, means there might be more major guts upgrade then people think.
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post #16 of 52
5/27/09 at 9:43am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Let the speed bumps begin...according to Macrumors they just quietly bumped up the "white" Macbook (from 2.0 to 2.16 GHz CPU; 667 to 800MHz RAM; 120GB to 160GB HD). Word is Macbook Air may be upgraded to include 3G. That might actually be enough to get me to spring for one for travel use.
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post #17 of 52
5/27/09 at 3:01pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shane D
over on ars someone said the newest beta of 3.0 had references to a iphone 2,1. The first phone was 1,1, the 3g was 1,2. Most are thinking a small upgrade would be 1,3, and the fact its a 2,1, means there might be more major guts upgrade then people think.
An argument can be made that is indeed the case from current rumors: the only things that changed from the original to the 3G iPhone were the addition of GPS and 3G. Meanwhile, this time around you are getting a much faster CPU, 256MB RAM (up from 128), better still/video camera, compass and faster 3.5G.
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post #18 of 52
5/27/09 at 10:39pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I already thought the white MacBook was a great buy with the old specs. These "quiet" updates make it an even better value and very hard to justify the extra $300 for the entry level aluminum model.
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post #19 of 52
5/28/09 at 2:11am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Macmall just sent me an ad for the new Macbook this morning.

$929 ($999 list)
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post #20 of 52
5/28/09 at 5:49am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

The latest MacBreak Weekly is adding strength to the rumor that Verizon will get an iPhone in June.

I don't believe it, but it would exceptional (if personally expensive) news if true.
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post #21 of 52
5/28/09 at 10:50am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveF
The latest MacBreak Weekly is adding strength to the rumor that Verizon will get an iPhone in June.

I don't believe it, but it would exceptional (if personally expensive) news if true.
I don't believe it either: does the Scott Bourne character promulgating the rumor have any kind of track record? If it had come out of Andy Ihnatko, then I'd be scratching my head. One could see why Verizon would spread false rumors -- the number of iPhone switchers leaving Verizon has gone up lately, and maybe they are concerned that the AT&T network upgrades will actually work as advertised. Anything to stop customers from leaving, until they can get a LTE iPhone x year(s) down the line.

It just doesn't make sense. By all available reports Apple is under EXCLUSIVE contract with AT&T until summer 2010. Even if Verizon is talking about a future product announcement being made -- no way in hell would Apple agree to a Verizon iPhone being announced an year out -- it would seriously jeopardize current sales.

The only possibility of truth in the rumor I see: Verizon is getting an Apple device that is NOT an iPhone -- like a MacBook Air with built in EVDO, subsidized price and a two year $60 a month Verizon contract.
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post #22 of 52
5/28/09 at 11:47am
Thread Starter 

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Exclusivity sucks.
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post #23 of 52
5/28/09 at 1:41pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
Exclusivity sucks.
Agreed, but locking sucks even more. I don't mind being under contract to AT&T (which in any case is about to expire), I don't think that they are in any way inferior to T-Mobile the only other GSM choice. As a frequent traveller Sprint and Verizon are non-options for me.

On the other hand, I would love to be able to buy local SIMs whichever country I find myself -- and that is what locking prevents. In some countries (like Italy) SIM locking is illegal -- I wish that was the case here.
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post #24 of 52
5/31/09 at 9:54am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I'm holding out for the Macbook Wheel.

Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard | The Onion - America's Finest News Source
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post #25 of 52
6/7/09 at 5:50pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Grupdate!

Daring Fireball: WWDC 2009 Predictions
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post #26 of 52
6/7/09 at 7:48pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
the new iPhone 3GS models will not replace the 3G, but rather assume the flagship position while the year-old 3G slides down to the second spot in the product lineup.
This was my though when hearing the rumors about a cheaper, lower-spec iPhone. It's a no brainer: today's regular hardware is tomorrow's lower-spec hardware. Release a new, faster iPhone and the current model easily drops in price to become the lower-spec intro model.


I predict there won't be any changes to screen size or resolution. It's too soon to confuse the marketplace (and the appStore) with new screen sizes.


I predict Tethering will be an expensive AT&T option.


I predict that Verizon is getting worried as the only carrier without a consumer-friendly "smartphone".
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post #27 of 52
6/7/09 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

I don't think Verizon is worried at all.
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post #28 of 52
6/7/09 at 9:37pm

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
I don't think Verizon is worried at all.
I'm no mind reader, but by external evidence, they are worried. Look at the recent brouhaha between Sprint and Verizon over Palm Pre exclusivity. Sprint's CEO basically called Verizon liars for implying that they would get the Pre in six months. I have to presume that the Sprint guy is telling the truth -- and thus for Verizon to lie like that they must be pretty damn worried that not only will they lose more customers to AT&T iPhone, but the Sprint & the Pre as well. (And they are damn worried about the iPhone -- they wouldn't be sending out "Verizon iPhone" surveys to their customers and making nice with Apple if they weren't.

The iPhone is outselling the Storm by what, 4 to 1 right now? What's going to happen to that ratio when the iPhone 3GS and the $99 iPhone are released? I can tell you I don't expect a $99 Storm or Pre -- neither company has Apple's economies of scale to afford it.
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post #29 of 52
6/8/09 at 5:40am
Thread Starter 

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Smartphones are a tiny part of the market. They will continue to be so until well past the time when the next generation of cell technology arrives and basically blasts carrier exclusivity out of orbit. At that point every carrier will have every phone and Verizon's superior network (and installed base) will be the real advantage, not who can woo tech companies the best. And when that day arrives you will see a much bigger market for smartphones as a side benefit.
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post #30 of 52
6/8/09 at 6:09am

Re: Gruber's predictions for WWDC, place yours!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Posten
Smartphones are a tiny part of the market. They will continue to be so until well past the time when the next generation of cell technology arrives and basically blasts carrier exclusivity out of orbit. At that point every carrier will have every phone and Verizon's superior network (and installed base) will be the real advantage, not who can woo tech companies the best. And when that day arrives you will see a much bigger market for smartphones as a side benefit.

Sure I agree, but that doesn't preclude Verizon being worried in the here and now. Two years is a long time in this business.
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