WWDC 2010 Keynote Predictions
Just looked on the calendar and June 7th is literally, right around the corner, so it’s time to trot out the usual predictions and wishful thinking for Apple’s WWDC.
Haven’t heard much to change predictions from a post I wrote about a week ago, but here’s what I’m expecting:
1) New iPhone 4G. The most likely prediction, what with halted iPhone 3G sales and AT&T’s new data plans with the telling start date of June 7. The new iPhone should have several new features:
- Speed. This phone will contain similar custom chips to the iPad and be on par, if not faster. Using the iPad makes my iPhone feel slow, and the iPhone is sure to be pumped up to match.
- Front facing camera. This implies one big thing: video phone calls.
- Carrier. Some clarity regarding a new iPhone carrier (fingers still crossed for Verizon). Unfortunately, recent changes in AT&T’s data plans have me thinking it’s unlikely – AT&T wouldn’t be messing with unlimited data plans unless it knew it could get away with it. I think Apple is sticking with AT&T and will just gloss over any hint of another carrier
- Lots of rumors regarding RFID in an iPhone, meaning using it for payment in lieu of a credit card, or interesting interaction between devices or objects (this is one area where Apple’s “closed” could be spun as a plus: security).
2) Subscription-based iTunes, music stored on the web. Am now thinking this cloud thing may be more extensive and with Apple’s own angle that makes sense to users.
3) MobileMe: Free. Some have noticed their account type changing to “Full Member.”
4) Apple TV. Really hope that the reason for few past updates is because Apple was working on a completely new product. Will trot out the same ideas:
- Apple TV morphs into little more than a wireless video out dongle that routes video from an iPad or iPhone to the television.
- Apple TV opens up to the iPhone OS so you can run all your apps on the TV.
- Apple TV software is unified with Front Row, therefore runs on all Macs, and the Apple TV is folded into the Mac Mini, the Mac Mini gets an HDMI port, and Apple TV is discontinued.
- And after Steve’s talk at D8: Apple starts selling televisions. Or, essentially, an iMac with a 30 – 40 inch screen.
Steve’s D8 talk made me more hopeful something is in the works here. Saying they hadn’t figured it out and that nobody wants a box could be a Jobsian distraction, much like saying nobody reads anymore and then adding ebook functionality to the iPad. And I don’t think Apple is going to give up the living room without one last volley, particularly after Google’s pre-announcement that they intend to do something there.
And based on other rumors, here’s two more possible announcements:
5) Updated Mac Mini with an HDMI port. Supplies are running low.
6) Preview of 10.7. Funny how easy it is to overlook OS X with all the other stuff Apple has going on.
I’d say 1 is a no-brainer, 2, 3, 5 and 6 likely, and 4, less likely but probable. Looking forward to seeing how wrong this all is come Monday.