It has been almost 15 years since Apple Computers (now just Apple), introduced the release of the Apple Newton Personal Digital Assistant. Seven failed models and almost 20 years later, the time for this portable device has finally arrived.
It is as if it had always been Apple's plan...
The Apple iPod is practically an offspring of the Apple Newton. The Newton's ARM processor was the foundation for iPod's operating system which ironically, was created by Pixo. A company founded by two ex-Apple Newton developers. Part of the Newton's 2.1 handwriting recognition system was included in Mac OS X , (Jaguar 10.2 ).
The new iPhone, cleaverly introduced at Macworld 2007 in San Francisco while the rest of the consumer electornics industry were attending the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show covention in Las Vegas, runs on Apple's OS X operating system. Interestingly enough the 'mobile life' concept of the new iPhone is the same vision the Apple Newton once promoted. The difference between now and 15 years ago is technology and an oversaturated PDA market.
The movement of processors, storage and displays in smaller and more efficient packages has opened the door for a Newton-like product to excell in todays personal consumer electronics market. As digital phone manufacturers battle for position amongst each other, content still proves to be the deciding factor amongst shoppers.
This is why Apple currently has the advantage. They rule the portable content market for music and are making steady growth in video content as well. All the iPhone has to do is offer the same content power as the mid-level iPod offering and decent mobile phone service. Current iPod customers will make the switch and dump their traditional mobile phone companies in a heart beat.
When Newton was introduced 15 years ago the term 'music download' was irrelevant. But Apple's technology framework for instant mobile consumption of content was in place via the Newton. The name 'iPhone' doesn't properly encompass all of this new products posibilities. Maybe they should name it 'iMate', (get it? eMate? Nevermind..). Dropping the computer out of Apple's corporate name is a smart move. It is also a sign that the lines between content and hardware manufacturers is blurring. Probably a lot faster than most may think.
