Is an Apple Tablet on the Horizon?

Posted by Jim Bashour on December 14, 2009

Apple is mum on the long-anticipated Apple tablet. But that hasn’t stopped the rumor mills from predicting the design and features of what’s to come. Technophiles are not the only ones jumping on the bandwagon to push Apple in the tablet direction. Publishers also want it. (See the Time video below.) Apple’s innovation would bring a new set of features and simplicity that the Kindle and Sony Reader can only dream about.

Both publishers and consumers want electronic readers but neither want to give up their expectations of what an electronic book, newspaper, or magazine should be — including high resolution, rich color, easy full-light reading, internet access, and video. And hey, while we’re at it, why not a full-blown computer operating system and built in cell-phone.

Pixel Qi is a small company that will start production of new LCD screens that promise low power, easy readability in direct sunlight as well as support for full color and are expected to ship in quantity in Q1 2010. This screen might be what Apple was waiting for.

Publishers showing possible Apple tablet scenarios either have inside information or they’re just excited about Apple’s entry into the tablet market. The most advanced demo that I have seen of converting a print publication to an electronic version is Time’s tablet demo of Sports Illustrated. If this happens, e-publishing will explode. I believe it will.