What does webOS need to be Tablet-ready? 131
webOS tablet rumors have come in several flavors since the big HP buyout announcement: tantalizing hints from HP execs, dubious rumors, and winks from chipmakers to name just a few. It has us thinking: webOS clearly needs a few more features and functionality before it can be tablet-ready. Sure, webOS apps that are mostly built in HTML, CSS, and Javascipt may scale quite nicely, but some of the can and should be rewritten to take advantage of the extra screen real estate. There's also the virtual keyboard issue - webOS will need one in order to work on a tablet.
There's plenty more to think about once you start thinking about the iPad: should a webOS tablet auto-rotate so you can use it at any angle? If so, what do you do about the gesture area? Put it on all 4 sides? Plus, although we're hesitant to mention it given the history here, it seems crazy for a webOS tablet to ship without a proper document editor.
What other tweaks, changes, or additions do you think webOS needs before it's tablet-ready?
131 Comments
Multiple active & visible cards at once. Maybe touch and hold 2 or 3 cards while in card view and rotate to zoom in on those cards, using the larger screen to maximize all side by side. This would allow for some pretty slick (and easy) copy and paste between cards.
ditto, 2 or 3 cards side by side as an option. USB support for KB, storage, etc. Doc editing, more "it apps", rdp, vnc, putty, without having to hack it to pieces to get linux ones on it. HULU support.
Better file management and media playback (hdmi out?), native printing support, and a file explorer, both for local and network.
essentially, for me to want it, I need it to do 75% of what my laptop can do.
I have an idea how that would work, too.
1. Swipe into the screen from the gesture area to display the cards (double swipe if you need to see more cards).
2. Hold in the gesture area and tap the cards that are desired to be displayed simultaneously. They would get a blue halo to indicate selection. Cards could be dragged around without being selected through a normal touch and drag operation. Cards that cannot be multi-selected (full-screen games, for example) would have a yellow halo around them.
3. Release the gesture area to have the cards snap to the forefront. The active card would have a halo around it. Tapping any of the other cards makes it the active card.
I'm not quite sure how you might handle, for example, full-screen video with another app forward of it. For example, watching the news in the background while writing an e-mail message might utilize this. But I'm also at work and supposed to be working. (Technically, I am -- I'm testing the new web filter system.)
Or by dragging the app to the bottom and have it snap into place.
Interesting, but that involves the cards shifting around automatically as you select them. That could get annoying, having to go look for the other card(s) you wanted, even though it's only a moment for each one. It also lengthens the amount of time needed to select multiple apps. Instead of "tap-tap-tap" it would be "drag-drag-drag."
If showing two apps at on, define a gesture area below each app. Like a black rectangle to swipe, tap, etc.
Obviously the on screen keyboard has to be properly sorted out
Oh... and maybe recognizing two fingers for "gesture area" moves anywhere on the screen and one finger for standard touch gestures.
I had the same thought. This would be awesome, and get rid of the need for a separate "gesture area" entirely.
ACTUALLY CHECK OUT BBerry OS 6 it has the on screen gesture area and i have to say that its Meh... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VW-EnRz_fY&feature=player_embedded
Don't mistake a poorly implemented idea, on an incomplete OS, with a webOS style gesture area. That video shows poor touch sensitivity more than anything else.
And we're talking about doing away with the gesture area and recognizing the difference between two finger and one finger gestures.
It would be a good idea for a tablet, but not a good idea for anything else.
Soft Keyboard, multiple cards visible at one time, document editing, video (flash or some other solution for amazon or netflix).
Hella Processor and memory.
I would want to see not just a line of cards but multiple rows of cards to take advantage of the screen real estate.
Rather than organizing Cards in a grid (which is functional, but boring), they should be arranged in a pinwheel formation that can be spun.
or an on-scren dedicated area that can render the gestures. It must also auto rotate if the slate is rotated. And the wave dock is going to be a great addition to cater the apps menu.
how about when the screen rotates a small black bar on the bottom of the screen rotates to. Gesture area. Like width of your middle finger.
This is exactly what I was gonna say, but you beat me to it! I fully agree that this is the most obvious way to get gesture support in any orientation.
I was thinking the gesture area would be on all 4 sides...the only one that would be active would depend on the screen orientation. Maybe the LED would light up indicating which one is active. Going further, if you're reading say a Book in portrait, the Left and Right gesture areas could be enabled to allow your thumbs to turn the page.
That way screen space is not 'wasted' by the gesture area.
exactly, we have to remember that that area is for notifications so either we stick to the gesture area as separate face from the screen OR we go with the two finger idea.
Nice ideas and I like the LED perf indicators that show the gesture areas and which ones are active depending on position.
Someone else mentioned the gesture areas not being too large, which I agree with and I like your concept of multiple gesture areas like maybe on both left and right of of center median point and only active depending on screen orientation or left or right handed options. Multiple Gesture areas would absolutely rock for Book Reading, web scrolling, and the list goes on. Love it and yes two finger/multi finger gestures would also rock.
Heck, if we're going all out...how bout Button Controls on the base/bottom of the Slate to click, help control orientation, and allow physically clicking something like when using a mouse. Great way to enhancing pointing and clicking and for that matter multi finger gestures.
To be honest, all of these ideas would rock on a tablet, but I'm not sure if their is enough screen landscape for these options on a phone? I just hope Palm and HP are listening.
Sorli...
My idea would to make the gesture area a defined strip (maybe 10 pixels wide) that is incorporated with the screen. This 'gesture strip' will rotate with the screen's orientation, making it always where you need it. It wont be incorporated with the bezel.
wtb voice interaction
awesome if it will have that.
It needs to be in portrait mode, just like the pre, turn it on it's side, then rotate into landscape for certain apps and whatnot. Just like the pre, otherwise all those cards would need to be wide and short, which looks weird i think.
incoporation of a file manager of some sort is vital. come to think of it they should get w/jason, adopt internalz from preware, and just make it a native app. slick stuff. :)
can't imagine a uber portable device (tablet hybrid) not having one... much less a smartphone.
Absolutely.
A way to enter hand drawings and equations into whatever word processor we end up with, and to work with charts in the spreadsheet.
More gesture area stuff! Way more!
And methods of interacting in general. Basic multitouch is boring.
Dieter - As always on Precentral, Nice Graphic.
Hulu app, Netflix/Blockbuster app, Amazon Kindle app, Notepad app (as in, yellow lined paper, not text editor), 100+ GB hard drive that USB plugs into your computer for file storage and access, RDP app
I say DECK of CARDS w the ability to arrange side by side (if needed) would be better.
WiFi/Bluetooth media sharing between tablets. Like flicking photos to the side and it appearing on another tablet close by?
... oh, and APIs so developers can use this in apps. Hello multiplayer card games.
this is a really great idea.
as far as the gesture area a is concerned. 1)it could be replaced wit multitouch gestures. theproblem with this would be that the gestures couldnt be used to interact with apps. 2) a hardware button could bring up a gesture overlay. this could be clunky, especially for apps that use the gesture area 3) there could be a dedicated off screen gesture area thats spans the bottom of the device and glows ala Palm Pre Plus. the function of each swipe would be dependent on the orientation of te device. downswipe:landscape as backswipe:portrait. no need for multiple gesture areas
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And not the noname stuff coming out now. Real web and brick and morter names.
Sorry to hear about your stuttering problem...
Is that you, Steve Ballmer?
I think some of the ideas so far are awesome!
The first slider tablet? :)
webos, on tablet or phone, needs to be able to run more file formats. How many people get emails with a funny clip, usually a .wmv, and are unable to play them. Total bummer. Also, it should be able to charge on a larger version of the touchstone.
Hope they don't call it the Tombstone (in the history books). Come on webOS - show us what you can do on fast hardware.
in regards to the gesture area, similar to the pre (sprint) when you press on the area the button lights up. If HP made the entire black bezel around the screen a gesture area and added a camera, then one would be able to press on the bezel to initiate camera tracking. There you could just touch the bezel and swipe your hand backwards/forwards in air, not touching the screen to do gesture options. it would work in either landscape or portrait. just my 2 cents
That may seem nifty for the first 5 minutes, but you don't realize how heavy your arm is until you have to wave it around at your "computer" all day.
Does it necessarily have to be an actual movement? Perhaps the camera tracking could be coded to recognize certain hand signals?
Well, first, it needs a software keyboard. This is a moderately large change for WebOS to this point - Pre, Pixi, and WebOS are all built assuming that a hardware keyboard exists. This impacts various parts of the OS - for example, Universal Search needs to be reworked to allow for a software keyboard - today's devices assume you just start typing.
The gesture area as you note is a key area that needs some changes. I'm struggling to think of a good solution for a tablet. I think you want the device to do portrait and landscape modes but having a huge bezel on each side is a drawback. This same problem exists if you do a landscape slider device (do you have gesture area on 2 sides?) Palm has some sharp folks, though, so I'm hopeful that they will come up with an elegant solution (they've had plenty of time to think on this).
Like the iPad, figuring out whether existing and 3rd party webOS apps will scale, run in a small window (both options used on the iPad) or some other method needs to be considered. Delivered apps - email, calendar, notes, clock, photos, youtube, videos, etc will need to be reworked for the HD display. An office app is desperately needed as you note. A bundled book store (hopefully they can bring Kindle app and Barnes & Noble stores online) and ebook reader are needed.
Overall, though, the cloud syncing approach is a good one and will work wonders for a tablet (no PC required!!!) Being able to attach to shared drives on a network would be valuable in a business environment. A bundled VPN client for remote business document access (or for advanced home users) would also be a key requirement.
Flash will be a given (it's already on webOS roadmap). A powerful yet frugal processor is needed. Hopefully, they have USB slots and flash memory slots for expandability (if they don't, I'll be disappointed). Having one device with a combined 4G/3G radio (in addition to Wi-fi) would be slick. Allowing device tethering would be a plus.
My only concern is timing and how the first device will be designed/built. Given Palm wasn't planning to get bought out until just a few months ago (Jan/Feb), I doubt they started working on their own device with any seriousness. On the HP side of things, HP probably can't work on a device jointly with Palm until the buyout completes. Lead time for a device is at least a year. My concern is that the first device might be a joint venture with HP sticking webOS on HP designed HW and the result might not have a consistent design. Of course, Palm could have prototypes already just awaiting a go and/or have shifted their efforts since the buyout announcement (HW lead time for ramping up a production line, in this case, is unclear to me). The sooner, the better is a truism but I want to see the first device really hit the mark - hence the concern. Also, I don't really see how Office software can possibly be ready by 3rd or 4th quarter given porting by Davaviz is at a standstill and no other vendor has committed to doing so.
I think the gesture area would need to be a little different for such a large device. The gesture area should not scale up, less bezel is preferable. I don't want to swipe 6 inches to do something. A small, square gesture area on one side of the tablet is all that is necessary. The gesture area orientation would change with the tablet orientation, but its location would be the same. Or you could have multiple gesture squares on one side instead of a long gesture bar. Current gestures: tap then swipe in any of four directions, tap then release, double tap, tap and hold while touching main screen. Are there other useful gestures?
I'd also like to see a modern browser. The Pre's browser is fine for a phone. It would not be adequate for a web oriented tablet. At least give us tabs.
in regards to the gesture area, similar to the pre (sprint) when you press on the area the center button lights up. If HP made the entire black bezel around the screen a gesture area and added a camera, then one would be able to press on the bezel to initiate camera tracking. There you could just touch the bezel and swipe your hand backwards/forwards in air, not touching the screen to do gesture options. it would work in either landscape or portrait. just my 2 cents
If youve seen the ipad, a lot of apps are completly redesigned in order to take advance of the bigger resolution and real state of the screen and in some ways it really seems as a completly different app in terms of productivity...
...so this thing about being able to see several cards at the same time would need to be optional or limited to those ones that do not take advance of the bigger screen (thats better than how ugly an iphone app looks in an ipad at 1x or 2x).
This also means probably the core webOS applications are going to be adapted straightaway to take advance of the bigger screen.
Also, current webOS is very optimised for being able to be interacted just with your opposable finger, thats awesome, but Im sure for a "tablet" they have to change the chip given you are going to use at least one full hand or even one hand and some finger of the other one.
Also gesture area could probably not go all over the bezel as you must hold the front of the bezel too. So you will need to have a dead area there. They did an awesome work with interactions on the phone sized version so Im expecting the same great work on a tablet one.
1. A file manager
2. Move gesture area up to the main display
3. Handwriting recognizing
4. Power user mode, webOS is a linux, should give users option to run most linux apps in a power user mode.
Revenue streams and a reason to buy it over an ipad or kindle
APPS FROM COMPANIES PEOPLE KNOW
music purchasing service
upgraded music player
ebook store
Video download service
virtual keyboard
Better graphics on apps. (now most look amateurish)
Palm/HP definately need apps from big companies. Amazon, Barns & Noble, Blockbuster app for renting movies. Palm is not even close to being able to pull this off. Hopefully HP can.
Actually, we don't know how close they really are. You never know what they have going on in the depths of R&D.
The ability to organize cards in more than one dimension would be nice. If you've got a couple gigs of memory on the thing you might have a few dozen cards open. If all you have is that tiny card view to organize them it'll be annoying.
Small disclosure: I'm running Linux with nine virtual desktops with 13 apps open. Two-dimensional organization of apps is awesome.
A webOS tablet needs a raison d'etre - a reason for existing other than the fact that HP wants to be in the tablet market. It has to do something better than the competition which will be the iPad, Windows 7 tablets, and multiple Android tablets.
An HP tablet will not have any carrier-driven demand like the Pre had with Sprint. It will have to sit side-by-side along with its competition and do something so much better that the consumer chooses it above the others. It won't have the largest or deepest catalog of mobile apps (that's the iPad), the most capable OS (that's Windows 7), or the largest variety of configurations (that's Android).
A tablet for die-hard webOS fans is good for maybe 50K units sold. A webOS tablet is going to have to come up with something a lot more tangible and unique than that or it will never get off the ground.
Front-facing camera/mic and full Skype support.
Kickstand.
Light and paper-thin. Think Alex e-reader thin.
How about a removable clip, so it could be clipped into a leather padfolio?
Who cares about the bells and whistles if it can't do the basics already:
- Being able to send 1 text to multiple recipients.
- Being able to search all fields in contacts.
- Having many more alarm choices in Calendar
- Having a real memos app
- Text and spreadsheet editor
- File manager with full functionality e.g. able to change file name, etc.
You can send an SMS message to multiple recipients. Just add their names before you send it.
Rows and columns for minimized applications rather than just one row.
I was reading (and looking at video) about the OMAP4 processor. Similar to what wwarren2 described it has software that gives it the ability to use a front facing camera so that you do don't have to touch the device to perform a gesture. I'm not sure how reliable that is but if HP/Palm uses OMAP4 this we would be something worth trying.
interesting, but it seems like it could potentially be a battery hog
Did you notice how slow it was in the video? Will you be able to scroll as fast waving your hand as you can sliding your finger today? Do people realize how hard your muscles have to work to hold your hand/arm in the air?
FLASH! Adobe get on the ball, I hate to be nipping at Androids tail all the time. Flash for the Tablet would seriously be a great marketing point over the iPad. More exposure=more sales=more money=better software!
I want to bluetooth tether my Pre to the tablet so I can use the keyboard.
I'd like an Optional stylus for fine control (drawing, drafting, handwritten notes, some games). Along with the stylus, I want a pop up Graffiti box. I'm really fast with graffiti and I don't have to look at the screen to take notes. That is what I hate about on screen keyboards. You can't look away from then for even a moment.
I was thinking about bringing graffiti to webOS! I used to be extremely fast with graffiti!
Maybe gesturitti? Graffiti strokes in the gesture area?
Now that's a good idea!
Yep, just like the others have mentioned -- without the proper apps this concept will fail. Even the iPad is somewhat of a novelty at the moment - so there needs to be a specific reason why someone would buy this. People are trying to find uses for it beyond looking and pictures and reading books... it's coolness factor is what is selling it right now.
If it's less "cool" than the iPad, then it better be half the price, or have something that the iPad doesn't aside from a great OS.
For example, an app that was made specifically for Tethering a DSLR to the slate might be a good investment, although a niche app. I know they are working on such a thing for the iPad, but it's not necessarily going to be that useful to photographers.
If the Slate can be used as an HDMI monitor, that would be a killer application for such a device. (Videographers and Filmmakers would all want one)
Flash, video browsing are a given... as it Netflix.
A pretty awesome e-reader app is a must.
Video Conferencing out of the gate... since iPad is lacking this.
A wireless music app with streaming accessories (like a Sonos) would make this a killer device. Some would buy it just for the ability to control music all around the house in addition to the other benefits. If marketed correctly, mediaphiles would buy this if it were cheaper than a Sonos and more flexible.
Network gaming apps and a community behind it.
I think with some very focused energy put into very slick uses for the slate you could differentiate it enough to make it successful. WebOS just isn't going to cut it by itself -- nobody knows the difference outside of people like us anyhow... so it's not the best selling point for the masses.
Yes I agree completely. Palm did not have the money to make needed apps happen out the gate and with HP this should not be a problem. They should be hiring people now to create interfacing for developers, making the applications needed to make the tablet a reality and compete against the iPad, and give the interfacing to use HDMI, link with a docking station, or otherwise to overshadow the iPad and Android devices.
HDMI is a no brainer, Apple won't do it and the more options we have the better it will compete. Another perfect example is a SD Memory slot(s) for photographers and external storage with proper file management and image control software brings something professional that everyone can use without a lot of complication when it comes to programming and implementation.
Sorli...
Novelties don't sell over 1 million within the first two weeks.
The iPad is a bigger threat to the theoretical webOS tablet than you might think.
I own an iPad. It is nice, but not nearly as useful as you are suggesting. The fact that they have sold so many has MORE to do with its uniqueness and brand loyalty...I'm not sure why you believe they are selling. It is a great gift, since there's a level of status symbol to own one, and it's not the same as giving someone a plain old netbook.
Novelties DO sell like this -- it is a FAD at the moment. The nature of Fads is an initial explosion of popularity. These devices have not proven to be useful just yet...
I'm not saying there will be more use for these devices. What have you been using yours for? I find myself using it because it's there...because I spend $500 for it...not because I need it over any other device I own.
That's how a market gets started, though.
Early adopters pick it up, limitations - those that matter - become clear, future revs become indispensable.
To an extent the early iPod ad iPhone were like this, they were expensive but much less useful devices in their first year.
it would be cool if instead of the normal card view with lined up in a strait line, they should be in a grid like the homepage of the web browser has your bookmarks in a grid. Then you tap once to switch to that card, or tap twice to have it take up half of the screen and double tap another to have two cards active on the screen at the same time side by side.
* Expandable memory slot!
* App for supporting/editing/creating Office docs
* Webcam
* user changeable battery
* Sleek, slim design
* Homebrew
* FLASH
* connection i/o for devs to create hardware add-ons
* well designed virtual keyboard w/ good auto-correct
If they can do the above items - for the first time ever, I would be in line for one on launch day!!
OK, since it will be running webOS (and thus Linux under the covers), how about the ability to run KDR and/or GNOME natively with touch screen, gestures, etc.?
Ok, you need priorities. Will most users even want (or even know) or care about the ability to run the KDE/GNOME GUI's on top of webOS (it isn't even possible anyways)?
All of the above plus my two cents:
1. Users are able to use the same palm profile for the tablet and phone so they have access to purchased apps but still somehow be able to differentiate between the two.
2. Touchstone goodness.
Frankly, I'm easy-- I want a device that can sit in the living room, barely drawing any power, then when I hit the on button, I want it to come to life immediately, allowing me to search for things online.
Along those lines, I'd like a configurable universal search, so I can add IMDB or my favorite wiki to the list of options. And I do want to be able to add that myself-- I'll probably put in a game cheat wiki that I will subsequently remove once I finish the game.
What I don't want? 3G. I have a Pre, it has multiple tethering solutions. If I actually take the thing outside the range of my WiFi network, I'll use the Pre to get online, thanks.
Frankly, they should make that part of the package-- if I buy my Preblet from my carrier, they give me a special app for the Pre/Pixi that enables tethering, even if the carrier doesn't normally allow it (*coughSprintcough*).
Beyond that, it's all gravy-- a card reader would be great for showing pictures taken with a real digital camera and uploading them to various sites, but I can live with just USB.
Inductive charging would definitely be a plus, even if it is going to dictate where the thing will usually sit.
Bluetooth support for speakers & input devices might be useful, but I can certainly live without it (at least right now, while I don't have any bluetooth-capable speakers kicking around)
Better windows filesharing integration-- I don't want to have to copy media to the Preblet when it's sitting on the NAS.
What I don't want? 3G. I have a Pre, it has multiple tethering solutions. If I actually take the thing outside the range of my WiFi network, I'll use the Pre to get online, thanks.
I spend a lot of time looking up stuff while I'm on the phone, so tethering would make this way too awkward for me.
Can you put a sim card into a tablet? what about a slimline openoffice app?
This probably isn't an issue-- the iPad and a number of netbooks and laptops all contain 3G radios that accept SIM cards of one flavor or another so you can get online anywhere, anytime.
webos, on tablet or phone, needs to be able to run more file formats. How many people get emails with a funny clip, usually a .wmv, and are unable to play them. Total bummer. Also, it should be able to charge on a larger version of the touchstone.
Leap from the user interface with back of device input. See this blog for examples.
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/18/the-promise-of-back-of-device-interaction/
Way easier to use than a front facing keyboard.
Virtual keyboard? Hell no. I say make it a slider.
on a tablet?? ewww ;)
the card metaphor needs to use the larger screen better. Specifically, the cards need to be able to move in multiple directions, and be shown in different sizes.
All it needs is to be "Magical"... That is enough for a couple million units.
What does webOS need to be tablet-ready?
The same things it needs to be phone-ready.
++1
Slider/flip-out keyboard + kickstand. That way we can laugh at all of the ipad idiots that can't do a d*mn thing without at least one hand on their junk at all times!!!
Give the ability to lace several backgrounds together that encircle you. Instead of sliding the cards back and forth, you would rotate the backgrounds (and cards) around you, ala Sun's Project Looking Glass. It makes sense since a good WebOS tablet would be the center of the portable computing universe! :-)
With X11 running, a full version of OpenOffice would be a snap.
It desperately needs good Google apps - threaded Gmail, and a blisteringly fast Maps app, not the crawling piece of gosa that passes for a GMaps app right now.
If people video the iPad and the webOS tablet side by side with google maps, and the iPads is way smoother, then game over.
I would like a tablet but HP would be better off with a 4.1 in screen that is glass a great battery top of the line processor and better apps not just a lot of them.
The most popular apps on the iPad + industry specific targeted apps that HP can use to target specific industries. IE medical charts & records for doctors or photo editing studio for photographers. I can see every photographer buying one of these for off-site photo sessions to do some quick editing and then using it to display the photos. Maybe they could capitalize on the failed adobe/apple relationship by incorporating Flash as well as Photoshop.
Actually, that is a great idea...HP/Palm/Adobe.
Bring Flash, Photoshop Lite, and how bout Lightroom Portable...all we need is an expansion slot to bring in Photos from our SLRs and Printer Drivers to print Proof Sheets and we're set.
First of all, I'm not convinced the world needs a webOS tablet. I'm not convinced the world needs an iPad either. But what do I know? I don't like soft keyboards. That's why I have a Pre and a laptop. Plus I think a tablet is just bad ergonomics.
That said, from what I've heard a tablet today needs to support different user accounts. It seems that tablets like to be shared within households, so people will want to personalize (bookmarks, playlists, etc.) and protect their privacy (email, documents). At least until we get to the point where households buy multiple devices.
http://blog.funambol.com/2010/05/ipad-personal-or-family-device.html
There's a thought...maybe this tablet needs bundles: sell them in 4-packs.
It isn't about what the world necessarily 'needs.' Does the majority of the world need a smartphone?
Absolutely not.
It's about what the world WANTS. What the world will BUY. Not exactly what it needs.
And tablets are currently 'the thing' right now.
To me, it boils down to the availability of apps I use. A WebOS tablet is useless without them.
Right now, I'm actually thinking of trading in my Kindle for an iPad for these reasons: (1) iPad has a Kindle app, so I can access all of the content I already bought; (2) eWallet has an iPad app now and I use it regularly; (3) Laridian Bible software now has an iPad app and I use it regularly; (4) MaxiVista is coming out with an iPad app, so I could even use my iPad as an external monitor for my laptop when traveling. The list goes on. And I am absolutely not an Apple fanatic - I'm only considering it because the list of practical uses of the iPad keeps growing.
Obviously, each person's list of key apps is going to vary, but the results will be similar. Until WebOS catches up in terms of app availability, a WebOS tablet won't go anywhere.
FYI, the PReader app will read non-DRM Kindle files.
But I agree, a real Kindle app would be a good thing just for marketing and direct purchase.
Cards will have to be horizontal rectangles to fit the horizontal screen, but somehow also be vertical (and the info on them still formatted correctly) when you rotate the tablet.
One reason that the iPad and the iPhone have been so successful is that Apple has shown a lot of restraint about the features that they will offer. They have limited the features that they will offer in favor of making things work well. Consumers have responded with confidence, literally pre-ordering 400K iPads sight unseen and about two million units to date.
Reading the list of features mentioned, here, makes one realize that most have no chance of being implemented. HP is going to have to invent their own versions of the basic tablet features that Apple had been working on for years. Any additional features that they may come up with are in danger of being half-baked.
The windows 7 hp slate (and lots of souless android tablets) prove word by word your theory, but we are talking about hp and palm improving something made by palm.
If the presentation of webOS in 2009 showed to the world is that Palm managed to go beyond the iphone features in a way that no matter under what light you see them, they not only are far from being half-backed but are ones of the key things of webOS that got - almost ;) - unnanimous appraisal.
Im talking at least about Palm implementation of global Gestures, palm implementation of Notifications and palm implementation of Application switching. Not only that, surprisingly when apple actually presented their implementation more than a year after they saw Palm one, they still seemed to have struggled on how to do it.
So, loving Apple design as it is, and their passion for taste; Palm showed with WebOS that they were ones or the only ones able to create things on the same level or beyond. In fact, that was probably the only point of webOS where all reviewers actually agreed.
I share your doubts, but not with the palm of webOS.
The mockup doesn't seem accurate.
For one thing the orientation of the cards in the mock-up should be reoriented to portrait and match the aspect ratio of the device.
Running cards will probably need to be laid out vertically (top-to-bottom) and scroll up-down with the device when landscape, and icons in the launcher will need to auto rotate (like the icons in the camera app). That is, having a "fixed system orientation" like on current Palm webOS devices (Pre/Pixi family)
Alternatively, the system orientation can be based on the actual device orientation. That is, cards are laid out horizontally (left-to-right) in both landscape and portrait.
Also the list UI components will need additional attributes for max/preferred width and an associated view that gets displayed to the right when an item is selected. Otherwise having a single list take up an ~10" screen (by default) would be a waste of screen real estate.
More gesture area gestures, for example, 4 fingers up bring the software keyboard.
I just nutted my self thinking about it...
The sad fact of it is i like the shape size and feel of the iPad if it was something other then an apple product i would have bought it...The HP WebOS tablet would be great. But they have some obstacles to over come... More apps a better on screen keyboard a version of open office maybe or some other office program front and back facing cams good speakers a few other things would be nice too make it able to connect to sprint 4g also would need a USB port or 2 the ipad has none :(
Webcam
Mobile Hotspot
Pen Input (something like the courier)
Up to 6 cards on the screen at once
Lock screen (that way if your laying in the bed the screen wont turn.
Usb ports
Dvd player
Projector
IR transmitter
Animated Backrounds/Screen Saver
Giant Touchstone Charger!
A thought on the virtual keyboard-- it seems like that Samsung SWYPE system would be ideal for this, or any other tablet.
Unless you have giant hands like mine, you can't thumb type like you can on your smartphone, so you either have to hunt and peck with one hand while holding the tablet with your other hand, or you have to put the thing down somewhere to use both hands.
SWYPE fixes that-- hold the table with one hand, quickly enter data with the other.
http://www.swypeinc.com/
Does anyone else remember the Microsoft Mira concept? How about a webOS pad (or PADD) that could run VNC, Remote Desktop, GoToMyPC, etc. and allow you to access OTHER computers "in the cloud". This would be nice for lounging on the couch, in the kitchen/bedroom/bathroom, in meetings, out on the deck, by the pool, etc.
http://www.pencomputing.com/frames/mira.html
Mira was to be essentially a remote I/O device used to interact with a PC or remote server, which is a ripoff of the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" PADD (Personal Access Display Device).
Of course Microsoft missed the point and botched the opportunity. The Mira was too large, expensive, and heavy. Also, Microsoft's desktop operating systems only allow one active user, whether directly connected to the hardware or via Remote Desktop. Two people could not use the same PC at the same time. That is too bad. You could have had a beefy home server and (except for gaming) purchased a PADD for each member of the family to use (which should be much cheaper than buying each a PC).
Phone phone phone phone phone phone
I want to be able to use it as a phone. I dont care of the size.
People want smaller phones but I want a bigger one!
+1
Bluetooth Keyboard support.
Video out (for video, or presentations)
Apps.
International Language Support (like iPhone) PLEASE!!
front facing webcam for web chat
microphone
file sharing
file management
multiple cards active at the same time
run video media in the background
physical keyboard peripheral
How about Google Documents for editing documents?
Give me the ability to have a couple card run actively side by side would be amazing! A view that has the cards like on a table and choose which card you want from there would be nice. Landscape view will be great also for WebOS.
For the hardware side please give me OMAP4 or Tegra 2. Front facing camera and a mic so i can video chat when i want too.
And screw dataviz give me OpenOffice!! =)
okay i know this off subject but first the evo now the shadow from moto this is killin me i need to see hardware from palm asap something powerful real power full
I'm probably leaving Palm (it's hurts to type that)... but if a WebOS tablet were to be made... I'll buy it...
GREAT SUGGESTIONS!!!
I'd like to see a physical keyboard with a kickstand so you could prop it up and have it take on an L shape so you can type on it and have it upright. It would be even nicer if the keyboard were retractable so that it would still be small enough to carry in a medium size purse.
More Apps
Virtual keyboard
Better doc editor (planning to write essay on it or something?) I say ability to edit common file extensions would be nice.
Adequate Hardware
File manager (mainly for the purpose of deleting downloaded files) Current way they organize files is okay. Perhaps ability to create folders withing video/pictures would be nice.
Flash working.
Support all messaging protocol.
Depending on the purpose of the tablet though. If the tablet is meant for net only device, then making improvement on the current os would be easier.
If they're going for a full laptop replacement. Something people use intensively for word editing, something you do on a full size laptop, then there's going to be total overhaul.
Im thinking the former. It a bigger palm pre with better function. I guess Palm Pre Grande. ALl these suggestion I have I would like to be implemented on the Pre also.
if JavaScript will still be they main programming language on a WebOS tablet, I am sure, it will fail!
I've thought of this long and hard. And, I think rushing a webOS tablet (webLET) will be another wrong move. The webOS platform is not mature enough to go up against iPad and an Android tablet as it is now. I'm sorry but I love webOS and I am hooked with it's unprecendented multi-tasking, Synergy, Led Notifications, Universal Search and so on. Because I do care, I have to give my well considered opinion, advice. Aside from the obvious: WiFi: Bluetooth: Ethernet: USB: 4G/3G: Screen Keyboard: Extended Battery Life: Dual Camera: Voice Command: Abilty to view/chose individual notifications in it's class: and a litany of other things, HP-Palm should be building up in other areas.
First, HP-Palm expediting a tablet for the sake of putting one out will result in brand suicide. Many tech bloggers will dissect it and trash it because it doesn't measure up to their idea of what a tablet (an iPad) should be. Hence the kiss of death, "iPad Killer," (which gets tossed around by many tech bloggers who love the term) will be used and result in publicly crushing any device that dares to compete in the tablet arena. If or when, HP-Palm decides to put one out there, they must at all cost fight that stigma and force/convince everyone that their webLET has it own identity and stands on it's own uniqueness! Furthermore, it must be sexy, cool, and in a class by itself. Remember, most people who get an iPad do so because it's an Apple product which is associated with being cool and sexy, and not because they need one or it affords them the best tablet experience.
Secondly, and I gave this a lot of thought, HP-Palm can exceed in the tablet market if it thinks out of the box. This is one of my ideas: the home webLET computer. Ok, hear me out. Along with some models being mobile devices, there can also be those models that serve as a primary/secondary home computer "Lite." Many people are computer iliterate and can benefit from a device that doesn't have a confusing, overwhelming bloated OS. I have friends and family that are intimidated by computers but if there were one that can simply integrate contacts, email, photos, videos, and so on, as webOS does, they will be forever hooked. For example, my mother and a good friend take photos and shoot videos on their cameras but ask me to download them and put them on a DVD for watching. They also ask me to show them family and friend's photo updates on Facebook. But, if they could just press the webLET "On" button and be up on the internet in seconds they will say, "Wow, that was easier than I thought!" Next, if all it takes for them to upload photos to Facebook is to connect the camera: tap "USB:" tap "Photos:" select the photos to be downloaded and press "Download to Facebook." The words out of their mouth would be, "that wasn't that difficult at all." This will be the same for seeing Facebook updates of family and friends. Hit the Facebook app: navigate to search: swipe to find the profile: tap on the name: and you're there.
Now, I have a laptop which is a desktop replacement for my more intensive programs. However, I would buy a lightweight webLET with a 17" screen as an alternate computing device for the many times I just want to quickly get online: write/open a document: send/read emails: check-in on Facebook: upload/download videos/photos: have a Skype conversation: and the other things I don't need from a powerful computer which is much less practical and cumbersome.
Lastly, I have many other ideas which can add to the uniqueness of HP-Palm webOS and bring it into the future. For instance, a Syncing Portal (I call it webOSync)which integrates HP-Palm's full line of TV's: DeskTops: Laptops: Netbooks: webLETs: Monitors: Printers: and Phones.
It, webOSync, also has to keep the simpleness and beauty of webOS and have webOS-centric stores such as: Music powered by Amazon: (webOOKS) ebooks: the App Catalog: and many more things. Another idea is the future of Home Phones and Console Like Gaming. But, I'll keep these under my hat. I think HP-Palm needs to talk to me and hear more about my ideas. I have a lot to contribute. Most importantly, I want to see HP-Palm's webOS included as a major player and instrumental in bringing technology into the future.
You go, dude.
A webOS tablet needs to be useful to the owner(s) right out of the box without having to run to an app store right away. The most commonly needed apps and utilities should be licensed from the developers and included right out of the box to help establish the initial user experience. I think they need to target the 95th percentile user. The goal should be supplying this user with the apps they need so they can avoid spending their first few days scouring the app store for apps giving expected basic functionality. If they need advanced picture editing software, or 3D games, or other advanced needs then they can go to the app catalog.
It also needs robust, fast, power frugal hardware that supports it being useful and not a frustrating, laggy, and gimmicky toy.
1. Web Browser with fully functional Flash capability
2. eBook reader compatible with the most common eBook formats
3. Document viewer/editor
4. Spreadsheet viewer/editor
5. Presentation viewer/editor
6. Photo viewer/editor
7. Video viewer/editor
8. Media player with common codecs supported
9. Email app
10. Social Networking apps (Twitter & Facebook)
11. PDF reader
12. Support for the most popular IM clients
13. Remote access to files on home pc via wifi or 2G/3G
14. Video or music streaming from home pc via wifi or 2G/3G
15. A file manager elegant enough for webOS
16. SD card slot support for transferring pics from a camera
17. External storage via usb (thumbdrives & hard drives at a minimum)
18. 10+ hour battery life
19. A promotion to highlight the Wifi Hotspot capability of webOS smartphones to be used as a companion with a wifi only webOS tablet. (BTGP - Buy Tablet Get Pixi?)
20. Long term plans for a pdk to assist developers with porting Linux x86 desktop apps to the webOS tablet platform.
The last thing HPalm needs is a bunch of negative reviews due to lack of expected functionality on a new product that already has a strong competitor in the iPad. If they need to delay release for these apps to be ready for the platform, then they should wait.
My to-do list would be:
Virtual Keyboard - the existing patch is okay but needs a lot more work.
Predictive text input -HP should just license a predictive text engine.
Update the wave to store more apps. Hardlocking the vkeyboard to the wave would probably be an efficient fix
update the notification area so that messages can be sorted sideways instead of vertically.
Revamp the launcher screen to show more apps
Update the top bar to take advantage of the extra space. (I'm thinking of the "System Menu Today" patch)
add ability to show multiple apps. I'm partial to a 2x2 grid of 512x356 apps, assuming a 1024x768 9" screen. That would allow apps to run at a Pre-ish resolution as if they were on an independent 4.5" display.
Integrate a ton of patches into the full OS.
Add a microSD cardslot.
Get official apps from companies like Dish, DirectTV, Tivo, Sling, Amazon/Kindle, Hulu, etc
Productivity suite: either throw money at Docs2Go or buy/license existing WebOS productivity apps and tweak them to look like part of a suite.
Something new, that no one else has...Like an exclusive PARTNERSHIP with NINTENDO. Get some halo-effect love!
Playing Mario on the slate would be cool!
http://tinyurl.com/2vhnda8
The Streak
The only thing I'd add to comments above is that in addition to a virtual keyboard, optional stylus input would be nice. Some apps and screen layouts lend themselves really well to working with a stylus, in addition to fingers (for example watch interaction in the MS Courier concept videos), and Palm already owns a fantastic handwriting recognition system.
Okay I
I just saw Ironman 2 last night...wasn't that an enhanced webOS Tony Stark was using to design his next generation power source? I love the holographic projection and physical manipulation intrface. Hey, with picoprojection starting to appear on mobile phones, it won't be long!
HDMI output,
Touchstone charger,
Lock toggle for the auto adjusting screen,
Adobe/Flash,
Ability to cram more apps into the launcher,
Made out of a more durable material than the pre,
Dual cameras with atleast 1 high resolution,
A voice recognizing microphone.
All of the above - plus a sweet drop-in docking station so I can walk in my office in the morning, snap it in place and off I go. No plugging in cables.