MWSF and CES 2007
While I'm testing out ActiveCollab, the BaseCamp clone, I thought I'd offer a few reflections on the recent CES and MWSF events.
Sure enough, the iPhone (name pending) has been announced, and many are not sure where it fits. Is it an iPod with a phone or vice versa? Regardless, it has finally been unveiled and it is indeed a communicator as well a phone. Offering features including email, location based services, and IM I think it is poised to become the blackberry for everyone else. I also suspect that we'll learn more about the product as its far away launch date approaches (now targeted at June). I have to say I'm a bit disappointed by the tie to Cingular, the lack of 3G, the on-screen keyboard, and most importantly (at least as rumors have it) the lack of 3rd party applications. But I'll reserve further judgment on those until release.
Both at MWSF and the CES there was a theme of collaboration for the home. Apple quietly released its Airport Extreme X2 with the ability to attach drives to create shared spaces, while Microsoft has announced Microsoft Home Server (in both hardware and software versions). This slimmed down version of Server 2003 gives people the ability to create simple servers in their homes.
Finally, the other big launch that caught my eye is the HP Touchsmart PC. This widescreen touchscreen Vista PC has a custom application for bringing collaboration to the kitchen in the form of shared calendars, notes, etc. Interesting innovation.
Leave a comment