I often get asked: “What would you do if you ran Apple?” Well, actually, no one asks me that. But if they did, there are a lot of things that I would do that I think would make the company’s product line stronger. Apple isn’t going to do many of these. But I wish they would.
1. iBooks reader for Mac
I saw a recent study that said that many people still read ebooks on computers. But you can’t do that with books purchased in the iBookstore. You can only read them in iBooks on an iOS device.
For this reason I prefer to buy books from Amazon for the Kindle, even though I don’t use a Kindle. Kindle books can be read on the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and the Mac. Why would I buy a book from Apple when the same book from Amazon can be read in more places?
2. New Mac Pro
This is almost a certainty for 2013, since Tim Cook said so. I’d settle for the same box with just the latest processors, graphics chips, Thunderbolt and USB 3. I suppose a design change is in order, and I wouldn’t mind not having any card slots since Thunderbolt takes care of that. But I hope we can still plug in some extra internal drives.
3. Retina iMacs
This is the next logical step for the iMac. But a 27-inch retina display will be quite a tall order when the largest one produced now is only 15-inches. But by putting retina displays in their MacBook Pros, they have a huge advantage over Windows laptops. They can do the same with desktops by going retina.
4. Retina version of Thunderbolt display
And if they can produce a 27-inch retina iMac, then they have to update the Thunderbolt display too. Seems silly that a Mac Pro would have in inferior display to an iMac. But the problem here is how to send all of those pixels over a cable. Can Thunderbolt handle it? I hope so.
5. Retina iPad mini
A second generation iPad mini should be identical to the current one, except with a retina display. An iPad mini with a retinal display would be the most perfect iOS device Apple has ever built.
6. A Bluetooth watch that connects to your iPhone
There are rumors that something like this may be in the R&D phase. What makes it possible now is the low power consumption of Bluetooth 4.0. Before, it would work but you’d have to recharge your watch more often than your iPhone.
The idea here is to have a watch with a simple display that displays incoming messages and phone calls. It also has a mic and a speaker so you can take phone calls and talk to Siri. It is totally dependent on the iPhone for everything. So it is basically just a Bluetooth extension of the screen, mic and speaker.
7. A way to watch live TV networks on your Apple TV
Apple TV continues to get better and better in tiny little steps. Apple has already tried out some live streaming. Now if it could only start offering commercial networks live. Even if you had to buy a subscription to it for a few bucks, it would give people another alternative to cable.
8. Put the video camera back in the iPod nano
The best iPod nano? 4th gen, no doubt. This little beauty had a SD video camera in it, making it possibly the lightest video camera ever made not including some spy gadgets. Plus it could record a ton of video to its memory. It was so cool.
So add an HD camera to the nano again for the 8th generation.
9. Time Capsule updated to become home iTunes media server
I get so many questions from people who are frustrated trying to set up a way to share iTunes media at home. A great solution would be to update the Time Capsule with a way to be a server for iTunes. You could basically store your music, video and other content on it through iTunes and access it with any Apple device connected to that network.
10. A Documents and Shared folder for iCloud
People are frustrated that there is no way to share documents freely with iCloud. Each document has to be shared in its own space according to the app.
What is needed is a Documents folder where you can put anything. And you can open anything — at least attempt to open anything — from that location. So basically what DropBox does now. Maybe to go along with it a Preview app for iOS so we can view images and PDF files easily.
11. Public/Private/Drop iCloud Folders
In addition to a Documents folder, people want to use iCloud to share documents with others. A Public folder would be documents that anyone can see, even over the Web. A Private folder would require a password, maybe even a simple list of email addresses and passwords to access subfolders. A Drop folder would be place where someone can leave you a file.
12. Thunderbolt Camera
After Thunderbolt came out there were a lot of promises from companies to make Thunderbolt cameras. So far, all we have is one very high-end expensive one. Apple should take matters into its own hands and produce a simple $99 Thunderbolt camera. Just take the camera from the iPhone or the top of the Thunderbolt display and create a simple webcam. Or, for $199 make one that has a battery and can record to an SD card too.
13. MacMost Now in iTunes
MacMost Now has been around for more than 5 years now. I’ve done more than 800 episodes. Haven’t taken any time off. One frustrating thing for me has been that Apple has never featured it in iTunes.
Oh, it is listed, and always has been listed. I’ve even been able to break into the top 10 video podcasts in the technology category. But it has never been featured on the main iTunes podcasts screen, where people can actually discover it. In the meantime, hundreds of other shows have been featured — some of which haven’t even survived since then.
Podcast subscriptions to MacMost Now haven’t grown at all since 2009. I know some of that has been because podcasting itself has been stagnating. But viewership on YouTube has increased by about 50 percent each year in that same time.
I know MacMost Now isn’t the most professionally-produced show, and I don’t have a big brand name or a former Tech TV personality hosting it. But I think the show does a lot of good and helps people every day. But it is kinda weird that I get more views at YouTube than I do on iTunes.
13 Things I Would Like To See From Apple In 2013
Comments: 47 Responses to “13 Things I Would Like To See From Apple In 2013”
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iMacs have big screens, so that would be a lot of pixels. Of course, it would depend on how "Retina" is defined; it was certainly not defined as a specific PPI as that is different for each device. I suppose it's possible to just pack a lot more pixels into the 27-inch displays and call it Retina resolution yet still be far less than the PPI of an iPhone 5, or even an iPad.
As for the MacMost Now videos, I think they're the greatest and I hope you get the exposure and audience they deserve.
I'd like to see a compilation of the MacMost Videos on a DVD.
:) 800 videos X 5 minutes = 67 hours = 34 DVDs.
I totally agree with #13 100% if not more. The others I don't really care.
#14 quadruple down on secrecy because double down was a mofo joke!
#15 Jony Ive no skeumorphic design. Something that is totally revamped on every single stock app.
#16 no Google apps, which means hire more ppl to work on your own internet search and get it right! if they want Google, get an android. No hard feelings.
I'd like to see 2, 3, and 4. I have a rMBP 15 incher. I am waiting for a worthy display to connect it too.
I follow your RSS feed and then visit the site. For me, video podcasting doesn't offer much extra value. You do have a great bunch of videos. Usful and entertaining. Don't be discouraged. You do a great job and perform a great service. You are right; Apple should feature MacMost Now.
Agree. To me there are so many podcasts that its hard to narrow down and separate the good from bad. YouTube has 10's of 1000's more videos than podcasts but the immediacy of video and ability to email a non-podcast user a link makes it more user friendly. I suspect people viewing macmost now for first time are referred newbies who prob don't know how to use podcasts. Don't fret. Macmost now is far and away the best Mac tutorial site. Keep it up Gary!
You deserve front page on iTunes!!!! When my friends ask me how I know all these things I tell the "subscribe to macmost". Great job...!!!!!!!
I agree! You deserve front page billing on iTunes.
so do I. A most informative web page and great tutorials
Poppy
14. App Store for the Apple TV.
15. Put a volume control option on the Apple TV remote (its crazy to me that function was skipped. Nobody likes having to grab a different remote to adjust the sound level).
16. Apple TV remote with a QWERTY keyboard on the back. Anybody seen the remote for the Boxee? That thing is cool! I want one like that for my Apple TV.
17. Stream a DVD from computer to Apple TV.
18. Let Siri read things to me...email, texts, web content.
BBC iplayer on apple tv would be top of my list.
Like many I follow MacMost on utube and owe most of my, now rather extensive, knowledge about all things Apple to these little video gems. I like the fact they are short and to the point. I've heard a lot of people saying that podcasts are not as popular these days but I think podcasting like blogging has shaken down to less but better quality offerings which has to be good.
There's nothing else like MacMost out there so long may it continue.
All very good and valid points, especially the comments around iCloud. The one thing I would like most from iCloud is the ability to store ALL my photos in iCloud. Photo Stream just doesn't cut it, in a true post PC era I need all my photos, docs, music etc in one cloud solution. Icloud should sync my photo collection and make it available across all my devices. I would be more than willing to pay for that kind of extra storage and functionality.
Where is the iphone? They should redesign the ios plus the hardware. We need bigger display. Keep this tiny one for some who prefer it, but produce a new bigger beautiful apple display for the rest of us. We are board with this design. Really. I moved to galaxy note 2 and was very happy with the hardware, the only thing that brought me back to apple was the apps. Apps on the android market are ugly.
So please Apple do something to the design of the hardware, software and encourage developers
Would love to see #7 myself. Thanks!!
Hi Gary,
It's a pity and very strange that "13. MacMost Now in iTunes", has never been featured in iTunes.
But, as one might say, while there is life there is hope ...
Thanks for your excellent work and keep going.
Regards and a Happy New Year.
José Couto
Porto
Portugal
Gary,
Macmost is the most useful source of Apple information there is. Period. We buy the Ferraris yet you teach us how to drive them. You have legions of fans over the globe who follow your every pearl of wisdom. Keep going, your efforts will be recognised, and here's to a great 2013 for Macmost and all it's followers!
Anoop
Hey Gary, great post. As far as your #13. Have you thought of a "subscription" model? I mean a free model of course to keep traffic and invite newbies, but also a paid subscription that may offer more "perks". I imagine you have thought of this before, but at a reasonable price, I would be happy to subscribe to what you have to offer. I personally have contributed to your hard work by buying your book, apps, etc.
I think you can do it. Just a thought. Anyway, Happy New Year.
I have thought of it, but there are drawbacks. Instead, I sell some products -- my books, and my Video Guide to Mountain Lion app. But the ads pay the bills. Thanks.
I would add:
- To be able to use iPhone with less restrictions from iTunes.
- To be able to run MacOs in a normal PC hardware for those mortals who cannot afford a Mac Pro.
Add me to the list agreeing with #13. It is a superb effort. I have been using Apple products since 1986 and there are lots of good sources out there-Gary’s is one of the absolute BEST with practical information and lots of “wow, it does that?” stuff.
I would like to see an upgrade of the iLife and iWork package.
I agree with #13. I tell everyone I know about your newsletter and videos. I have learned so much from you. Is there anything we can do as your fans to get iTunes to feature your podcast?
Thanks! I guess there are things that can be done to help: review the podcast on iTunes, and the MacMost app in the app store. Like the MacMost Facebook page -- but more importantly Like the individual posts to Facebook (and Google+). Re-tweet the tweets about new episodes. Things that that start to add up over time. Thanks.
I just want to thank you for your instructional podcasts, they have been a great help to me. I appreciate all your work. Thanks again!
Indeed quit a shame that MacMost was never featured considering all your enthusiasm that must have convinced viewers to buy or stick to Apple's products. How can we support you in getting featured?
Gary
No doubt, you should feature front and centre on iTunes because of the great work you do via Macmost.com... its the one newsletter that I read as soon as it arrives. Keep up the great work and I wish you a great 2013.
I agree that we should have more file access and sharing options within iCloud. Right now, Dropbox has this down to a science. Thunderbolt Camera? Not sure why Thunderbolt would be an advantage.
You wish for more but somehow we are getting less. The new iTunes is disappointing and i really miss the DJ-shuffle function, coverflow and the preview pane. The "back to my Mac" function was great and just taken away from us. Somehow i am no longer able to copy and paste filenames when saving? Why? Am i the only one using dashboard? Nothing's happening there. And the MacPro? It just doesn't make sense. Instead of new features i would rather have the old ones back and improved...
I found that I need to turn off the new itunes and restart it. THEN I can paste my song file into it. It's probably just a quirk that will soon be fixed in an update.
I switched to the Mac about 5 years ago. And ever since discovering your podcast I've been a faithful viewer / fan. I truly appreciate all the work and effort you have dedicated to MacMost. More so, I'm always learning something new and useful. And although I agree that podcasting has been stagnantof late and I too have reduced the number downloaded and listened / viewed; rest assured that yours is and will always remain on top of my favorites list. Keep up the excellent work.
Regarding #13, do you know any girls that can read a script for you? That'll take you to the top in a flash. But seriously, your content IS great.
I know a woman who does great voice-overs. I use her for all my local commercial advertisement production.
#9 would be amazing. With three kids and many upgrades of apple products, our iTunes is a mess. What a great way to centralize all of our music and videos.
Hi Gary,
For me there's no other Mac resource then MacMost!! Everytime a friend buys a mac voor the first time, I send them to you!!
Regards,
Hessel (from the Netherlands)
While it isn't being made by Apple, there is an answer to #6 in the mass-production stage from another company. They will connect to iPhone and Android via Bluetooth 4.0, have a screen to display text and phone info, and will be Siri friendly. I'll get mine in January for participating in their Kickstarter.com campaign, for others they can be pre-ordered with a delivery projection of February or March. You can check them out MartianWatches.com
Tonya is spot on - #9 would be my 2013 wish from Apple - only have the 2 kids but with the imac with 4 accounts, 4 ios devices plus a few old ipods still in high use all our music is a shambles.
I wholeheartedly agree with you about iBooks. I would like to add that you can purchase the same ebook at Barnes and Nobles or Amazon for close to half the price of that book from iBooks.
As for #13, iTunes is really missing out. I get more information from you about my iOS devises than I can at apple.com. Thank you and please keep up the good work. If someone starts a petition to get iTunes to put MacMost on the front page of iTunes, I will gladly sign it.
I would love to see a phone in the iPad mini. The mini is one of the nicest devices Apple has introduced.
Amen to #7!
I'd like to see a more robust iWorks/Pages. It's a great value for the price, but it's a long, long way from Microsoft Office/Word. Yes, I could buy Office for the Mac, but that takes me to another wish list. Office for the Mac does not include Microsoft Access. I've read that Microsoft has no plans to add their database application to Office for the Mac. Too bad ... .
Your weekly email/podcast is great for me and somewhat more personal.
Sure it would be nice to be featured and I too don't know why. Maybe you will now...
I haven't, and don't care to, look elsewhere for your informative insights to equipment and software related to Apple.
You would be greatly missed if you stopped.
Lots has been said here about point 13 and I couldn't agree more! I'm looking forward to every new release of your podcasts Gary and have learned more from you then any other place!
Thank you for this and keep it the way you are doing it now; short, to the point and understandable.
Roger
Dubai
PS. I also would pay for a subscription or sign a petition!
Love MacMost Now. I love the regular tips that land in my mailbox. They are read always and dumped if not relevant but treasured if they fit my needs.
I think every body has answered that. I see you represent Apple in a personal way,and i don`t know if Apple appreciates the work that you do.
Has for the 13 teen things Apple will do. Apple will do what it wants regardless of the customers.
I would like to thank you for all what you have taught me Gary.
Mac Pro w slots plus front & rear Thunderbolt USB 3.0 ports.
iBooks on the Mac-Yeah!
Retina iMacs would increase cost.
Bluetooth watch would be neat.
iPod Nano camera like the 5th Gen Nano
Live TV on the Apple TV and allow you to chose your carrier and add a card from your carrier plus DVR to the cloud or connect external storage
Thunderbolt camera sounds cool.
iCloud folders to be like Dropbox. Apple, I would pay for storage like Dropboxin addition to my iCloud storage.
...and most if not all Apple products built in the USA.
I want the 24-inch iMac back. This is what I have, it's nearly five years old, and I want a new iMac but I do not want the 27-inch or the 21-inch. It would be too hard to downgrade to a smaller display. And the 27-inch is too massive for me, and it would mean I would have to spend hundreds of dollar for a new desk setup. Apple should offer all three sizes.