What will iPad and tablet computers offer us? What will the experience be like?
With all the talk in recent months about the iPad, e-readers and tablet computing as a whole we've seen very little about the actual experience of using one.
Steve Jobs was clearly presenting the common denominators of the iPad for it's broad appeal. What was left out was the true potential of the multimedia experience of magazine/media content. What will the iPad apps be capable of with so much more screen real estate?
Gaming
While I'm not a big gamer, game development is essential to pay attention to because it often represents the cutting edge of user interface design. We're on the cusp of really developing a new physical language of interaction here. Think Nintendo Wii.
Newspapers and Magazines
On the other hand, the New York Times interface was weak. Their attempts to 'capture the essence of reading a newspaper' is archaic thinking. Forcing users to adhere to old media types of interaction on this type of device is silly. I don't want to read a newspaper, that's why I have a tablet. I want the information and articles presented to me in a slick, formatted style that is easy to use.
There are a handful of interesting videos that show the awesome possibilities that magazine publishers will have on tablets. Here is a great one.
Every magazine or newspaper has the potential to develop their own app which will include multiple levels of media content and interaction. Where things go from here will be fascinating for sure. How do you plan to use computers and tablet devices in the future?
Tim Andren is the founder of Guideas, Inc. an innovation and marketing company.
