Apple considers the iPad to be “magical and revolutionary” and it may very well be. From a usability perspective, tablets have found only a few niches. Tablet adoption has floundered for years with a primary problem being an existing operating system crammed into the device. Apple again demonstrates its design capabilities not just with the sleek form factor, but with the specialized OS running the device. This is likely to be the game-changer for this tablet. The floating keyboard, and gesture support familiar to all pinch and zoom enthusiasts will adapt to professional as well as entertainment applications. iTunes and the AppStore have revolutionized how enthusiasts obtain enhanced functionality and entertainment, and the iPad gains an immediate user base by running applications in the AppStore. Significant reinvestment is not required.
The dedication to design sets Apple apart, and the tools from the iPod to the iPhone have fundamentally changed the way regular users interact with technology. The iPad is essentially a larger, and more capable iPhone. With more real-estate, and a well known OS this could be the tool for personal computing. In a world where everything gets smaller and faster, the iPad’s large format may provide the perfect platform for user capabilities. We are looking forward to our first iPad studies.
Tags: innovation, mobile