iPad & The Future of Everything
I have been trying to understand the potential of the iPad since Steve Jobs announced it to the mainstream media in January of 2010. At first, I thought it was a pretty lame device. But the more I began to unravel it’s tight integration with media, applications and corporate partners and the incredible intuitiveness and simplicity of the device, I began to understand what Apple had created and I had to buy one. Apple is leveraging their distribution models in a way that has the potential to revolutionize the way we relate to media and conduct business on so many levels.
Fortune posted an article on 5 iPad Competitors. All are compelling devices to purchase, but I made the following comment and observation below for the iPad.
The 5 iPad Competitors are all great and well-designed “devices” but the most obvious things these tablets are missing is access to iTunes, the App Store and iBooks. The iPad will be revolutionary in that it will offer a fully integrated media experience with direct access to millions of media assets available at a competitive price point.
The tight relationship Apple has created between it’s products, software, developers and media partners leaves these competitors playing catch-up or not being able to compete at all. Apple has already established a significant lead in software development for these mobile devices that no one can touch for at least another year or two.
If you factor in those distribution channels available to an Apple device, then it’s obvious why the iPad will succeed on so many levels.
Creative Brilliance
Drew Wilson of drewwilson.com continues to expand his portfolio of work into many areas by creating great designs, code, communities and artwork that blend together so they are seamless, intuitive and a sight to behold. In a previous article I wrote, I mentioned how Drew is easily one of the best designers in the interactive media space. Below is a list of what Drew Wilson has created. I’m not a coder by any means, but I have the fortitude to continually learn more and implement ideas when it’s needed to enhance the user-experience. I hope you will be inspired by these projects as well.
Drew Wilson Personal Projects:
Web Applications
Open Source
Corporation
Learning from others is a big help and I hope Drew Wilson’s passion for great work sparks interest in you as well. Check back often as I will be updating the list with background information for each. I’m anxious to see these projects grow in quality and size as Drew’s style of design, interface and code becomes more ubiquitous throughout the web (note: I’m linking to an Objective-J article until the Titan framework becomes available.)
Drew Wilson.com
Drew Wilson’s work was introduced to me last year by a fellow designer and now friend. Drew is probably, if not easily, one of the best designers in the interactive media space. He not only designs websites, but full-blown experiences that make your browser melt away into the background. Browse his website and you will see what I’m talking about. Whether he is building a CMS, Social Network or cutting-edge graphics and effects, there is always something new and exciting around the corner. Drew was recently added as an exclusive (mt) MediaTemple Partner.
Sharon Wright – Magnamole Inventor
Update – Ocotober 3, 2009
A big shout out and “Thank you!” to the team over at Magnamole™ for linking my article on the Press Section. Sharon Wright has a great product and team behind her that is sure to make the Magnamole™ invention a big success. It is the type of product that I can see having many useful applications here in the United States. Cable, electric, fiberoptic and telephone companies are just some of the types of businesses that would benefit greatly from the Magnamole™.
Originally published on August 5, 2009
I am a really big fan of the BBC America show Dragon’s Den that airs Tuesday evenings at 9/8C. During the day I am a designer, social media strategist, website designer and wordpress developer. I’m all over the newsfeeds looking for exciting new articles that I can read and post about. Fortunately, today I came across one of the nicest ones I have seen in months.
Sharon Wright of North Lincolnshire, England was featured on a recent episode of the Dragon’s Den and I missed the show for some reason. Luckily though, I came across Justin Parks website where he actually had an interview and a two-part video of Sharon Wright showing her product to the Dragons. I’ve been following Justin Parks for the past few months because of his insightful, yet casual approach to social media. He doesn’t to try to wow and dazzle you, he provides facts and commons sense. I tend to follow people I trust rather than being sold something.
Sharon Wright was featured showing an ingenious, yet simple product named the Magnamole™ that she invented to solve problems that most cable, phone, electrical and repair companies face every day. The product helps installers to guide a cable through walls without needing to use unsafe methods like a wire hanger. A demo video of the product can be found here.
Sharon’s background in Health & Safety was a key factor in providing the “aha!” moment that we sometime have. As she presented her demonstration and product to the Dragons, “our jaws dropped” according to Theo Paphitis. The product was a hit and she got more funding than she asked for from Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan, who now have a 22% equity in her company. It was great seeing every Dragon loving the product, smiling and providing Sharon with the support she will need for what is truly a great product. I’ll be following Sharon’s story and product more closely to see how it does. It’s great to see success stories in action. Congratulations to Sharon and your Magnamole™. I wish you all the best.
TapIt Water
I think this is a wonderful idea. As I sit in my office after lunch, I’m always struck by how much plastic I throw away. It boggles the mind. Plastic cups, plastic bottles, plastic forks, plastic gum containers and the list goes on and on. Well, an organization has sprung up in New York that hopes to change that. By partnering with cafés, restaurants and other foodie shops, TapIt Water hopes that we can ditch the plastic bottle for good. I hope this changes our use of plastic bottles just as much as reusable grocery bags have done to the question: “paper or plastic?”
Here’s an excerpt from their website:
“Some people say its easy to go bottle-less: grab a glass from the kitchen cabinet and fill it from the tap. But what about when you’re away from your home or office? We’ve taken hundreds of local cafes and bound them together into a network that lets those who want water find those willing to provide it.
TapIt water bottle refilling network was founded in 2008 to give New Yorkers free access to clean sustainable water on the go. Café owners sign up as ‘partners’ to provide water to those who carry a reusable bottle. Partner locations are easy to find using our features (PC or Smartphone) or by downloading ‘TapIt Water’ from the . For those with limited access to technology, can be downloaded and can be found on café windows.”
