Tech Industry Swirls With Word of Tablet From Apple

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple has been on the forefront of innovation in the world of industrial engineering with the iPod and iPhone, and now Steve Jobs' empire is working on a touch tablet.

Reports around the Internet describe the proposed device as a larger version of the iPod touch, with 3G Internet access and all of the usual bells and whistles associated with Apple's mobile devices, including support for photos, videos and music.

Unconfirmed online reports indicate that Apple is brokering an exclusive Internet and potential phone service deal with Verizon much in the same way Apple signed AT&T to be its exclusive provider for the iPhone.

But what would this tablet do? Tech analysts have sounded a dubious note about Apple's tablet, mainly because Microsoft has been trying to push a tablet-ready version of its Windows operating system for years.

But Apple's skill at delivering high-quality content over the iPhone could potentially serve its tablet well, giving it the power to simultaneously compete with portable DVD players and Amazon's Kindle.

“It would be a color, flat-panel TV to the old-fashioned, black and white TV of the Kindle,” one publishing executive said.

According to one online reports, Hollywood executives would be more willing to distribute content over an Apple-powered tablet than they currently do over the iPhone.

But along with Microsoft's difficulty in launching a tablet, some tech analysts suggest that even an Apple-powered tablet would be doomed to fail.

"The tablet form-factor in general is good only for a few things," tech analyst Michael Scalisi said. "It’s great for artists and for specialized applications like taking orders. Note-taking in class is debatable since many people are better at typing than handwriting. There are lots of things that tablets are not good at. Take watching movies, for example. Since a tablet is designed for lying flat, you have to be looking straight down to view the computer. Actually, that makes it suck for most things. I guess Apple could build in some sort of stand, but that detracts away from the sort of sexy minimalism that it is famous for."

According to online reports, the device would cost anywhere from $600 to $1,500. Apple is reportedly aiming for a launch in September or October.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Ofcom: Age Assurance Going Live Across 'Thousands' of Porn Sites

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom said in a statement Thursday that providers of online pornography are implementing age assurance across “thousands of sites” accessible in the U.K., in response to Ofcom’s Online Safety Act (OSA) enforcement program.

ASGMax Debuts 'Roleplay' AI Chat Feature

Alpha Studio Group (ASG) has introduced the ASGmax Roleplay AI chat feature.

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Show More