Tablets
19 hours ago
- The term 'tablets' should replace 'mobile devices' to include both iPhones and iPads, with the iPhone being a tablet small enough for calls.
- Many special-purpose objects (e.g., GPS, music players, cameras) are being replaced by tablet apps, and this trend will expand to more items like keys and reading glasses.
- Tablet startups should focus on identifying objects that can be made unnecessary by software apps.
- Buckminster Fuller's concept of 'ephemeralization' drives the shift from physical machinery to software, with tablets accelerating this force.
- Apple's potential monoculture raises concerns, but competing by making tablets a better platform for ephemeralization is a viable strategy.
- Tablet makers should include versatile hardware (e.g., accelerometers) and software to enable unexpected developer innovations.