It was a bullet point during the opening presentation and I continue to see it popping up in almost every discussion I see regarding the iPad. Yes the iPad will have access to the App Store and all 140,000 apps that are available on it, but stop and think about how many of those apps are actually relevant to the new device. We have all become at least mildly app crazed and this might be a good time to step back and consider what it is those apps are really doing for you.
How many apps in there are similar to the Engadget App, basically an RSS feed for a single website? How many of those apps replicate a function that you can easily find on the web for free, but you use an app because as good as Mobile Safari might be it is not the same as a desktop browsing experience? How many of the games actually translate well to a screen three times the size and even if they do are they really games you are going to want to play in the places you will actually use the iPad? How many apps are only relevant on a device that you have on you at all times?
You get my point. I’m not trying to suggest that the App Store counter needs to be reset at zero as obviously there are quite a few apps that will absolutely translate over just fine. But how many apps are even going to prove necessary or desirable for this device? Those time wasters that are so fun on the iPhone/Touch aren’t probably going to seem so important or entertaining on a device that you can’t just pull out of your pocket while you are stuck waiting in line. The larger screen and powerful processor can offer more graphically impressive games, but is that really what this device is meant for? That goes for the “Don’t Forget The Milk” type apps as well, if I don’t have this with me at all times where is the need for those apps?
I’m sure developers will begin churning out the iPad apps in short order and that some of them will be beautiful to behold, but if people just try using the device for a little while before hitting buy on some of those apps I think they will find that the iPad has most of the functionality they need already built into it.
I say this now, but I can also imagine this playing out in much the same way as the iPod Touch. It was not originally envisioned as the gaming machine that it has become. There may well be a killer app category for the iPad that simply does not reveal itself until the users and developers have taken it in and made Apple’s latest creation their own.
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5 Responses to Why the App Store on the iPad Doesn’t Matter
Amos February 1, 2010
I am entirely looking to buy the Apple iPad, and I am excited to see what kinds of games and apps will be sold for it. I just don’t accept some of the nitpicky criticisms in this site. Size of the bezel?? OMG!
Riles February 1, 2010
I think you have your wires crossed a little on this comment, I didn’t say anything about the size of the bezel. I actually agree with those that have said it basically has to be that big to allow you to wrap your hands around it comfortably without triggering the touchscreen.
I’ll be watching with interest to see what kind of games and apps come out for the iPad as well, but I’m not 100% sold on the need for thousands of iPad apps.
boca raton plumber February 7, 2010
The ipad is the next generation of gadgetry to replace the netbook, but lets face it, it is no kindle and thus the only reason to replace my netbook with it would be the battery life and apps.
Sean Riley February 7, 2010
No question this is not a Kindle killer as it stands. I’m sure it will take a bite out of the Kindle’s market, but I think people predicting the death of the Kindle don’t appreciate the different markets the two devices are going after. The bigger danger to the Kindle is whatever launches with the Pixel Qi screen, the use of that screen can give a device the ability to bridge the media/web consumption and ebook markets.
I don’t think you will be alone in hanging on to your netbook for a year or two while this device category develops.
Taylor F. Gautreaux February 17, 2010
Heyy, Found your blog on Bing and I am so glad I did! Keep it up! =)