Fardreamer
Even as analysts review Steve Jobs’ most current MacWorld release, the MacBook Air, prognosticators are already looking to 2009 for the next big thing from Apple. So, how does the booming video game market play into the company’s vision and its young, tech-savvy consumers?Available gaming consoles - the most recent, the Nintendo Wii, released in late 2006 just after the Sony PlayStation 3 - incorporate online gaming, wireless convenience, and the latest DVD technology, but not all in the same package. About $400 will buy the Sony PS3, which is the only console offering Blu-Ray DVD technology. For a little less dough, Microsoft’s XBox 360 offers wireless online gaming and video chatting, as well as video and photo storage and display options and a standard DVD drive. At about the same price is the hard-to-find Nintendo Wii, with its innovative wireless, motion-sensing controllers, but which requires accessories to view standard DVDs and connect to Wii Internet channels. As technological advances require console reinvention, consumers find themselves with compartmentalized hardware choices, requiring that they choose which features they consider most advanced, while leaving other features behind. It’s a situation not unlike the cell phone scene of recent years, which required three or four gadgets for ultimate connectivity and entertainment until Apple integrated new technologies into the iPhone.
Since gamers unilaterally rank Microsoft’s XBox360 in the top of its class as far as actual gaming is concerned, does it stand to reason that the gaming world is in for its own shot of Apple-flavored ingenuity? Most Microsoft products eventually meet with an Apple counterpart, as evidenced most recently by Jobs’ MacWorld unveiling of the PC-compatible Safari Internet Browser. Presenting the browser as having only one competitor, Internet Explorer, Jobs once again set his sights singly on Bill Gates’ market share. And the Apple-vs-PC television campaign still hits Gates in the pocketbook, with Mac computer sales to new converts hitting an all-time high late in 2007.
Although Apple has an extremely brand-loyal following, the company is not immune from effects of a possible recession, a fact which could affect a move into new technologies. Post-holiday sales of the iPhone are down worldwide, iPod sales are not as high as projected in the U.S., and company stocks took a 17-point hit the first month of 2008 (NYSE: AAPL), opening February at less than $130 per share. Despite Jobs’ unwillingness to project sales for the MacBook Air, as he has done for new products unveiled at MacWorld in the past, market analysts caution that Apple is hardly down and out. The company will release its next-generation iPhone this summer, and will also use 2008 to fine-tune Apple TV and promote a new online movie-rental download site. Market forecasters are unconcerned about Apple’s future, projecting increasing stock values of 25 percent annually.
So, what’s next for the tech giant that could?
Apple’s Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook recently told analysts that Apple’s primary vision involves establishing the iPod as a “universal Wi-Fi mobile platform” that also handles multiple video types. The gaming market remains dynamic and ever-receptive to new and better technologies and user interfaces, and that plays right into Mac designers’ visions of expanding the “Apple ecosystem.” As for Apple’s foray into the world of video gaming, although company executives have not publicly targeted the XBox360 and its counterparts from Sony and Nintendo, what new and exciting toy lies beneath the veil at MacWorld 2009 and beyond could be the next big thing for game-lovers and Apple enthusiasts everywhere.
February 22, 2008
I think it’s a wonderful idea. Apple pretty much dominates in dependency and reliability in my opinion when it comes to mp3 players, phones, and computers, so why not jump in on the gaming wagon as well?
February 22, 2008
“Most Microsoft products eventually meet with an Apple counterpart…” - such a statement is surely a sign of the times, right? We would have never heard of such a thing ten years ago. Okay, maybe fifteen.
I take no issue with Apple joining in the gaming game, they will be viable opponents. I just wonder how long this new fad will last and whether it is a viable contribution to the state of living these days. It seems to me it might be better to let Microsoft take the ball and run with it, while Apple concerns itself more with the playing field. Since the younger generation has grown up on the teat of technology, perhaps there might be programming that will assist them in being more productive as opposed to engulfed. That, after all, was how it made its original entrance into the world - providing a viable service.
February 22, 2008
Ok, so where will all of the games come from. Linux has better graphic capabilitis than either a Wintel of Apple box, but there are simply no games for it. The same may be a problem for Apple, especially when most of the blockbuster favorites out righ now are written for the arch rival. Do you think that there will ever be a Halo for the IConsole. I don’t think so. If they can get popular games written in time to lift the product launch up, it should do fine. If not, then it is deadf in the water.
February 22, 2008
The article does, unfortunately, point out one big risk Apple will need to consider - the possible recession. If consumers start having to worry more about rising prices in food, clothes, and utilities, they probably won’t be enthused about buying “toys” like a gaming system.
February 24, 2008
Very good point Fardreamer. Recession is always a factor to consider when any new high priced product comes out. However, it’s a good chance to take given how great all the Apple products are.
February 26, 2008
I think for Apple to make a big splash in the console market, its obviously going to have make a product that’s heads and shoulders above the PS3 and 360. For example the ability to play a game like Crysis at a framerate that can show its more than capable than a solid PC.
February 27, 2008
Oh, and I really hope they do make a splash in the console wars. That niche needs a little variety and something different. I really feel Apple has the resolve to stick with it and put a great quality product out there.
February 28, 2008
I read one comment that said Most Microsoft products eventually meet with an Apple counterpart. Well that is very funny to me since Apple has been around much longer than Microsoft and that is basically where MS got its start.
Apple surpass any Microsoft product in every aspect and any true computer guru knows that. Microsoft has never gotten an idea for themselves, they are all developed from other peoples ideas. So for Apple to go into the console market that would be fantastic because I believe it can throw MS out of there.
March 3, 2008
Attagirl, I agree for the most part with you on MS having far inferior products, especially hardware related. And even though I am looking forward to seeing Apple produce a incredible console, I still think that MS is doing a pretty good job of having a console do fantastic things, even with the PS3 basically looking pretty awesome, and the 360 having its “rings of death” fiasco. I still want to see competition in regards to that market, because I would like to see who will put out a great product, especially in regards to what may be coming for the next generation.
March 15, 2008
Launching an iConsole on a saturated market will only work if the new features that will be offered are far more advanced and if it will be launched at a very reasonable price. Apple should include the blue ray technology and some wireless technology to make their console competitive.
March 18, 2008
Thats good news!! The ipod and iphone made it big. And i have no doubt that iConsole is nothing less. Neverthless, the market is huge and Apple is a crowd puller. So, if the Apple people offer fine quality, the iConsole will be a runaway hit.
April 1, 2008
I’m not too sure about the iconsole, to me it feels like everything is getting way to competitive. Are apple going to make a alternative product to everything u that Microsoft do? If apple do make a iconsole then I wander what features they have which will make it stand out from the crowd, allthough they are pretty good at this it us going to have to me amazing.
April 1, 2008
I’m not too sure about the iconsole, to me it feels like everything is getting way to competitive. Are apple going to make a alternative product to everything that Microsoft do? If apple do make a iconsole then I wander what features they will have which will make it stand out from the crowd, allthough they are pretty good at doing this it is going to have to be amazing.
April 10, 2008
Apple are good, but I think this could be one step to far, Apple have tried similar strategies before and fallen really badly - The Apple Pippin, right?
I personally think it would a suicidal move my Steve and pals
April 12, 2008
I think it is only a matter of time before Apple jumps in on the gaming world. Apple dominates in so many other categories its only a matter of time before they dominate in other categories. Their durability, user friendliness, and compatibility with times is what helps them to dominate. This next step is expected by us all I believe
May 15, 2008
That would be cool if apple does jump into the gaming world. I mean I am very curious to what kind of consle they would make available. I would love to see what becomes available and who knows I might splurge and buy one of them.