TWTRCON, Jerad Hill Photographer

We don’t typically cover personnel moves, but we’re making an exception this week as I’m personally bummed that TiVo Inc. is letting Shanan get away. Most know her as the long-time “voice of TiVo” … but she’s served a far more important internal role as consumer advocate. As TiVo seems to focus more on corporate partnerships and patent lawsuits, while their direct subscriber count dwindles, I was disappointed to learn of her upcoming departure and wonder if TiVo can (or will) find a similar champion for we, the people. (I was a TiVo customer long before I was a TiVo blogger.) Specific to Shanan, our friendship transcended TiVo Inc. years ago. She knows I’ve got her back and wish her great success with the next thing(s).

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After catching up on the coverage and sleeping on it, I’ve got a few more pre-release iPad thoughts to share.

More and more I come to the conclusion that the 10″ iPad is a supersized iPod Touch. Which is not a bad thing but, given the current state of the iPhone OS, will be somewhat limiting for power users. And why the Nokia N800, HTC Advantage, or WorkPad Z50, with their streamlined operating systems, never panned out for me. Yet given the OS point upgrade (to 3.2) and the size/power of the iPad, I’ve independently come to the same conclusion as Boy Genius — there’s GOT to be a major iPhone OS 4.0 refresh on the docket for 2010. How could it not include multitasking? As John asked yesterday, “What if your in Pages and need to look up something on Wikipedia? You have to save your work, go to Wikipedia, then go back into Pages.” And I’d simply like to stream Slacker while check email or browsing the web. This HAS to be coming…?

However, if I reduce my expectations, pumped up after months of imaginary iSlate features, and limit my environs to the home (like Glenn and Ben) the iPad – even in its current form – would make a nice home theater accessory or Audrey replacement. The Slingbox SlingPlayer client possibilities are particularly appealing (pictured above). Especially since Echostar/DISH clearly won’t be offering their SlingTV accessory at retail. Although, we need Sling to bump the video resolution streamed to “mobile” clients for maximum enjoyment.

Also, while Jobs and company probably didn’t want to move the spotlight from the iPad, I suspect some iPad enhancements will surface on the iPod Touch and iPhone platforms. iBooks are a no-brainer and will surely be available to the iPad’s smaller siblings. But I’m also hopeful the iPad Keyboard Dock and/or Bluetooth keyboard tethering will be available to all iPhone OS 3.2 devices, as I Photoshopped below.

Lastly, we’ve seen some crazy talk that the iPad will effectively kill Amazon’s Kindle initiative. While there’s certainly and obviously overlap in function, I don’t see the two devices as direct competitors. Kindles run 50% (or less) the cost of an iPad and does one thing very well. Perfect for many. My mom would absolutely love a Kindle. Whereas she’d have no interest in or idea how to maximize an iPad. (Sorry, Mom.) I’d still like to see Amazon release a 3G-less Kindle at $129 and offer a more reasonably priced blog/RSS download plan for those on Whispernet. But they’re not going anywhere. In fact, with their cheaper eBook prices, I predict the Kindle app will do quite well on the iPad.

Right on schedule, all was revealed. Yet I’m not convinced the 10″ iPad is a “magical and revolutionary” new device.

Of the three likely naming candidates (iPad, iSlate, iTablet), Apple went with my least favorite. Actually, I was hoping we’d witness a resurrection of the iBook moniker (for hardware). But iPad does make sense as this is the evolution (both in size and function) of the iPod experience. Which is actually my biggest concern. The upgraded iPhone OS (3.2) looks improved, with various overlays/windows and obviously more screen real estate to work with, but true multi-tasking and Abode Flash are still MIA. Additionally, Apple seems to be positioning the iPad as a computer accessory, rather than a computer… given the sync cable. On the other hand, the new, demo-ed apps (like the reimagined iWork or calendar) look powerful and should be able to function independently. Assuming we’ll have cloud or Time Machine backup capabilities available to us.

On the hardware side, there’s not a whole lot to say. Apple knows how to make attractive and powerful mobile devices. The iPad is no exception… slim, sexy, bright, multi-touch, with exceptional battery life. And Steve Jobs kindly answered my early morning request for a keyboard accessory. Use Apple’s existing Bluetooth keyboard or go with the charging dock/keyboard combo pictured above. But I’m not so sure my other request was addressed…

Unsurprisingly, Apple also announced an iBooks Store and reader to “go a little further” than Amazon’s monochromatic Kindle. But there was no mention of the monthly periodicals that I’d hoped for. However, there’s nothing stopping various publishers, or a third party, from producing magazine applications – the subscription model already exists within the App Store. And I imagine Apple has contemplated building this functionality right into iBooks.

Last, but surely not least, is iPad pricing. When you consider the original iPhone launched at $600, the $500 iPad entrance fee seems like a reasonable value. Sure, you could buy two Wintel netbooks for the money. And you’d probably want to upgrade to an iPad model with more capacity for more cash. But within Apple’s premium ecosystem, pricing looks good. Also reasonable is the $30 monthly fee for AT&T (?!) 3G service, should you opt for integrated wireless GSM capabilities ($130).

Given what we know, and I’m not convinced we know everything (other than no webcam or solar cells), and not having actually touched a unit (shipping in 60 days), are you in? I’m undecided at this point. The iPad 1.0 looks promising, but I don’t see it replacing my 13″ laptop and/or my 3.5″ iPhone. Which means one more device to charge and carry… with very little new functionality. Yet when I watch the iPad video, I feel strangely compelled to pull out my wallet. Hm.

As a geek blogger and frequent gadget early adopter, all sorts of folks have been asking me what’s coming from Apple today and how much I’m willing to spend. Like most outside Cupertino, I only have rumors to go by. Which we typically abstain from covering. Yet the last time we were engulfed by this sort of singularly focused crescendo, the iPhone was accurately predicted. Maybe not the precise details, but product type. So given the compelling “evidence,” as reported by the Wall Street Journal and McGraw Hill’s CEO, a computing tablet announcement today seems likely. But what I’m willing to pay is highly dependent on functionality, perceived value, and unfortunately… lust. A $600 color Kindle, as designed by Apple, probably wouldn’t move me. Yet a $1200 slate that does everything, including things I’ve yet to imagine, and does them well housed in a compelling package could very well separate me from my cash. Fortunately, and finally, all will be revealed in about five hours.

While it’s probably too late for Mr. Jobs to receive my requests, there are two things in particular I’d like to see from them (or someone else) in a tablet form factor. First, I’ve always loved magazines. Yet, I no longer love paper. I’m not too fond of Zinio either. So I’d really enjoy a well-done digital magazine storefront and reader, controlled via touch. Yes, I’m willing to pay. And perhaps a monthly ZNF digest would look nice reformatted for couch-based browsing.

The other thing I’d appreciate is some sort of stand or easel along with the ability to use a wireless (Bluetooth, or other) keyboard. Same as a frequent iPhone request of mine. Because, despite how clever the Apple tablet may be, I probably don’t need both a 10″ slate and 13″ Macbook. Even if the OS is locked down (think iPhone, non-multitasking apps), a keyboard will allow me to GTD – at home and on the road.

Licensed photo by AP/Paul Sakuma

While racing around Vegas during CES, I received a few inquiries regarding magicJack’s new cellular femtocell. Unfortunately, I missed them at ShowStoppers and the rep on the convention show floor was uninformed. Fortunately, post-show, I’ve been able to dig up some details (and a photo) via their PR firm. And magicJack’s solution is pretty wild.

Like the existing magicJack VoIP solution, a small USB widget is attached to your computer to route phone calls over the Internet for about $20/year. Unlike the traditional solution, used in conjunction with a POTS-style telephone or PC headset, the magicJack femtocell essentially intercepts registers your cellphone signal — allowing you to bypass your carrier’s network at home, saving minutes and potentially improving “reception” by routing cellphone calls through magicJack’s network.

I’m trying to get additional detail on supported frequencies, as all we know at this point is that the magicJack femtocell will provide at least some GSM coverage (think AT&T and T-Mobile handsets). But I’m also wondering if their solution is voice-only, or does it also handle SMS and data like the carrier’s own femtocell solutions? Lastly, we could use some pricing and timing details. Stay tuned, this one is hot. (And it should also be entertaining – as I doubt the CTIA appreciates these guys encroaching on their licensed turf and may have something to say to the FCC about it.)

Licensed photo by AP/Paul Sakuma:

Verizon FiOS televisions customers will be treated to Internet radio streaming services beginning tomorrow. Like the Verizon Hub (RIP), the new public beta service is powered by Clear Channel’s IHeartRadio – currently consisting of 387 radio stations of various genres and simulcast online from numerous regions. Like most online content, FiOS TV still (and unfortunately) requires a home computer as an intermediary for transcoding purposes. However, power users ultimately have more flexibility with this solution and will be able to manually enter any URL to stream MP3, WAV, WMA audio feeds or ASX, WAX, WVX, PLS, M3U playlists. Initially, only Verizon’s Windows Media Manager will offer Internet radio capabilities, but I’m hopeful we’ll see a significant OS X software update later this year.

(Speaking of software, I have it on good authority that a FiOS TV Windows Mobile client will be joining Blackberry and Android FiOS TV apps in the not-too-distant future.)

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Photo by Thomas Hawk

Looks like Davis Freeberg has awoken from his long blogging slumber…!

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