Apple Newton, Part Deux?
from the before-it's-time dept
The New York Times (free reg. req'd) is running an article speculating on Apple's plans to release a smartphone dubbed the iPhone. Ever since the fall of the Newton, rumors have always circulated that Apple was going to re-enter the PDA space. The rumors are back and are fueled by the release of Apple's latest operating system release, Mac OS X 10.2. The new release includes improved Bluetooth support, SyncML based PIM syncing and new PIM software. Personally, I think an Apple smartphone is the wrong move in the short term. As an OS X user I first want t to see broad support from Apple for existing mobile devices. I want to know that whatever device I purchase, whether it be a Palm, PocketPC or even Danger device, it will sync with my Mac. Once that's in place I might be open to an Apple PDA provided it offers significant value over existing devices. I know Apple is capable of designing a great smartphone, but they really need to stay focused on their core business for now. But in the long term,a well designed device could be another iPod, a device that really is best-of-breed and has the potential to win Apple new customers beyond the Mac faithful.
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