Rumor of the Day: Apple Readying Its Own Origami UMPC-like Device?

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://umpcnews.com/2006/04/20/apple-origami-umpc-looks-likely/' target='_blank'>http://umpcnews.com/2006/04/20/appl...c-looks-likely/</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Is Apple working on it's own Origami UMPC device? Well, judging from patent applications filed by Apple in recent months, it seems so... As you can see the look and size of the device seem to be very close to Origami UMPC. Of course, Apple wouldn't be just copying Microsoft's designs, it is trying to create even better user interface for UMPC."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ekkie_apple_origami.jpg" /><br /><br />Wow! There's still a lot of debate amongst us as to whether the UMPC really addresses a need or not, but there's no doubt that the landscape of ultra mobile PCs may have just received a jolt of new flavor. The article speculates on three interesting patents filed by Apple over the past few months to come to its conclusion. Two of those patents involve SIP keyboards and the third describe "gestures for touch sensitive input devices" that is accompanied by drawings (such as the one above) that show a UMPC-like device with a touch-screen. Let the speculation officially begin!

[Edgar_]

WOW -

If they bring back the key Newton people they may actually get it right and it will work! Their version of Rosetta is still better then today's iteration in Calligrapher.

It would be interesting since Jobs just a year or so ago said they wouldn't get into the mobile computing space. Every year or so a rumor arises that Apple is going mobile (besides ipod) and bringing back the Newton name.

[JD Silver]

There have been rumors of the next iPod being a touch screen to create a wide screen display, and a virtual thumbwheel. The device is likely to be released before Christmas, and is tied in with deals being forged with the studios to distribute full length movies.

[dMores]

the one thing i REALLY like about my new macbook pro is the trackpad.
i can use it with two fingers to scroll horizontally and vertically, even simultaneously.

makes scrolling around on a large photoshop file so easy.

but the size of that thing would not interest me at all.

smartphone from apple: bring it on.
UMPC from apple: no thanks!

[ddhsoftware]

Whether or not the touch screen video ipod videos on YouTube and GoogleVideo are real or fake, I think the concept is on it's way from apple- getting rid of the interface buttons on the device and using that real estate for UI on the screen. What they usually show is a virtual scrollpad and buttons that are semi-transparent on the screen, and the device is near edge to edge of screen. Very cool concept IMO, but nothing like a UMPC in terms of the flexibility it offers. Just music and vids, I think.

[DarkHelmet]

I think that the folks who are looking at this post in terms of the iPod are on the correct path to discovering the truth about the patent office filings.

Also, it would appear that this interface technology is better suited to media players and not to UMPC, tablets, or an oft-rumored Newton successor.

I don't think that Apple is interested in positioning a new product into an existing market - already heavily populated and dominated by Microsoft Windows Mobile products. Remember, Apple really does not position itself as a "me-too" company.

Recognize Apple's culture, more oriented toward industry leading than trend following.

Think different!

[aroma]

I think that the folks who are looking at this post in terms of the iPod are on the correct path to discovering the truth about the patent office filings.


I don't know... have you looked at the other images assoicated with these filings? It's definately way more than just touchscreen iPod.

[DarkHelmet]

I think that the folks who are looking at this post in terms of the iPod are on the correct path to discovering the truth about the patent office filings.


I don't know... have you looked at the other images assoicated with these filings? It's definately way more than just touchscreen iPod.

Hmmm - an interesting read. The first drawings I saw several months ago, seemed to point in the iPod direction; however, now that I have seen the drawings in the latest filings, I guess people could draw a UMPC conclusion.

I still maintain that Apple corporate positioning would likely push them in a "differernt" direction - it strikes me that a UMPC is not different enough for them. Lastly, I would add that an Apple Tablet PC (much as I would like to see one) also appears unlikely for the same reasons I have already stated.

Time will tell.

[BitBandit]

If Apple is going in a more UMPC-like direction--either standalone or as a multi-purpose video iPod--it would explain a lot to me about Microsoft's hasty introduction of their UMPC. They rushed in order to be first to market.

The whole UMPC thing intrigues me, but I can't get over how it's been rolled out. Just a few of my "Why'd they do it this way?"

- It should've rolled out with Vista and all the handwriting improvements it has

- None of the hardware was really very close to being ready to go, so why not wait?

- The video concept of the UMPC showed much promise, but it features many things that aren't in the requirements for a UMPC, such as a GPS receiver and universal/anywhere Internet access. A few notebooks now feature EVDO or Edge connectivity, so...why not UMPCs?

- The only real requirements for a UMPC seem to be, must have a touchscreen and an 800 x 480 pixel display. What kind of spec is that???

- Existing hardware is very expensive and can't operate for a reasonable amount of time. Then they even say that they think these pricepoint and runtime goals can be mostly achieved in about a year on the next generation of hardware. So, why not just wait another year? They could obviously use the development time as there are no current applications designed for the category. They need to do a bit more to make it really compelling, such as a good synchronization tool, as these are supposed to be supplemental machines, not primary computers.

In short, the roll out was way too early and for no apparent reason. Unless, of course, it was to beat the compeition to the start line.

Who knows?

[isajoo]

it will be a real shame if apple succeeds at this... but maybe from their success our ppcs will get more powerful... i just hate it when the media makes apple out to be an inventive company when the real companys like hp, dell and other pda makers dont get the same recognition. real shame. what will the apple device do that any ppc made in the last 3-6 years can't do? besides out sell in a market of newbies to mp3/video ipod generation.

[Mark Johnson]

The whole UMPC thing intrigues me, but I can't get over how it's been rolled out. Just a few of my "Why'd they do it this way?"


No question that this has been the most incredibly bungled hype/announce/disapoint cycle I've seen in years. Microsoft got HUGE attention for the platform and then delivered NOTHING. There was not a single device ready, and even TODAY it seems there is no information on Samsung's website for the ONE major-brand UMPC that is coming to market. (I'm sure there is some news release you can find, but going to www.samsung.com and then "drilling down" in an attempt to find it got me nowhere.)

Microsoft didn't even coordinate with their partners well enough to ensure that INFORMATION about the devices would be on their partner websites when the announcement was made, much less have actual device availabliity! Unbelievable! So now when the things eventually do start to trickle into the market, there will be near zero industry news pickup on it.

Even worse, the only brand name device is supposed to be over $1,200! This is a horrible marketing start for what I think is a very appealing concept.

[isajoo]

i am not sure if it is just me but when u look at the picture for this apple device... its seem weird that they show a pair of hands(very small hands, or very big device) one side holding the device and the other using the click wheel... i just tried that same position on my much smaller and i'm guessing lighter ppc which is only 190grams this apple device has to be atleast 300-400 grams at the present size and i really felt uncomfortable holding it with one hand... u be the judge? would u be able to hold a device for more than 10 sec. with one hand and use the other to scroll the ipod looking click wheel thing?

[Pete Wilson]

Apple's UMPC is called the Newton! :D