The Apple iPad is a Game Changer. Here’s Why.
This isn’t a comprehensive guide to the Apple iPad – there’s already one of those.
This isn’t an article about iPad’s limitations – though there are many.
This is an article about why everyone should care about the Apple iPad. Love it, hate it, disappointed by it, or ready to buy it, the bottom line is Apple has created a product that will help usher in a new form of information experience. The iPad doesn’t have everything (some would argue it doesn’t have anything), but it’s clear that the way we consume information and media is evolving, and the iPad is a first draft of where we’re headed.
Here are four reasons why I believe the Apple iPad is a game changer:
1. Rich User Experience
Apple is the undisputed leader in user experience. From the beginning when Apple introduced the scroll wheel for its iPods to the unprecedented iPhone user interface, Apple has revolutionized the way we interact with technology. Granted, Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel with the iPad experience (it’s a lot of the same features we see in the iPhone). But what is clear is that future devices, applications, and technology must include rich user experience. Mouse clicks and scrollbars won’t last forever. What Apple has done is create an experience that involves natural human elements – why click a mouse when you can use your fingers? Why scroll when you can swipe with your hand?
Though the iPad isn’t the end-all, be-all tablet yet, its user experience is a game changer. It’s a game changer because it will influence the future tablets and devices yet to be developed.
2. All-Inclusive Content
I’ll say from the start Apple missed the boat on this – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t close to the boat. As we consume more and more information and media through digital and online channels, it’s becoming clear that eventually we will need devices that provide all-inclusive content. This means being able to read a book, newspaper, surf the web, watch a movie, and connect through social media all through one device. Doesn’t the iPad do that already? Well, yes it does, but the problem is that Apple’s device isn’t open source yet, and it severely limits the user’s ability to share content across multiple devices.
For instance I can’t share files, information, media, or applications across my computer, iPad, iPhone, etc. I can’t hook up my iPad to my television. These are limiting factors that Apple will have to address at some point. But, the iPad is a step in the right direction. We are always trying to simplify our lives, and while the iPad seems more like an extra device than a convenient replacement, the devices of the future will look and function a lot like the iPad. All-inclusive content is the future, and, though limiting and restrictive, Apple’s iPad has it in spades.
3. Mobility
As our information consumption becomes more centralized it also has to become more mobile. We won’t put up with sitting at our desktop to read the news anymore. We’ve solved the mobility issue in large part with the technological advancement in phones. I can do quite a lot on my iPhone. So is a device like the iPad necessary? Yes, and here’s why.
My iPhone is small.
Mobility and portability are essential, but so also is a good experience. The experience on the iPhone is awesome, but I’d rather surf the web, watch movies, and read books on a larger screen. Wouldn’t you? The Apple iPad is small enough, thin enough, and light enough to be mobile while also optimizing the “consumption” experience. Don’t get me wrong it could be better (I don’t like the huge bevel around the screen for one). But the bottom line is I would feel comfortable carrying around an iPad, rather than my laptop, if the functionality were in place.
Mobility is key, and the iPad is a very good start.
4. Entertainment
Just as the way we consume information is changing, the way we consume entertainment (digital) is changing. It won’t be much longer before cable, and even television are obsolete. The internet has changed things. So how will we consume our digital entertainment in the future? It will be through a variety of means one of which will be through devices like the iPad. Whether it’s reading a magazine, watching a network show, watching a movie, or playing games, our devices will become smaller, faster, and more mobile.
The Apple iPad is small, pretty fast, and mobile. Yes it has some big limitations – namely that you can’t connect to your TV, can’t share content, and must route everything through Apple’s proprietary platforms (iTunes, iBooks, etc) – but once again it’s a mold that I believe many will follow. Imagine being able to control your digital entertainment library at the touch of a button with a mobile device that can share content across multiple platforms.
That’s where we’re headed.
Should you buy an iPad?
That depends. Will I buy one? Probably not…yet. But the die has been cast by a visionary brand, and despite all of the negative chatter surrounding the iPad, you can’t argue that it will be a game changer. There is a third device platform between phones and computers, it’s not just a marketing gimmick. The iPad could definitely be better. But the bottom line is that just as the iPhone changed the way we view phones, the iPad will change the way we view, interact with, and share content.
If Apple is smart (which they usually are), they’ll listen to the feedback from its user-base, make the necessary hardware and software upgrades, and continue to push the technology envelop for the iPad. If anyone could lead the charge for this third device platform, Apple is my choice to do it.
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