The iPad leaked: we knew it was coming
What we knew was going to happen, did happen.
I ‘m started to get miffed at the fact that the Apple-interested are getting so good at predicting what Stevie has up his sleeve.
I mean, who was truly surprised at today ‘s announcement? We all knew the tablet was coming. Consider how:
- Steve Jobs speaks out against the Kindle (he denied working on the iPhone for years) effectively guaranteeing that he was working on a super secret better version of it. He denied working on an e-reader back in September 2009.
- We knew what it was called “ carefully planted foreign-language sites and speakers had dutifully posted the company ‘s not-so-subtle leaks. C ‘mon, the iSlate iteration was just a chuckle-worthy distraction, n ‘est ce pas? Not to mention the McGraw-Hill slip. Oops.
- We knew that developers were being asked to design their iPhone apps for bigger screens
We are smart and we knew it was coming. So why do I feel let down? Because there is no surprise moment. No oohs, no ahs, no ahas. No widening of eyes at the prospect of the new Next Big Thing unfolding before our eyes at a presentation. That ‘s the downside.
Is there an upside? I ‘m convinced Apple deliberately leaks tidbits of their releases and preps their fanbase indirectly not only to augment hype (and lots of free publicity) but also to test the waters. And of course, they routinely start shipping after a month or two ‘s delay, to give themselves time to prepare stock and to make adjustments. All in all, a good and winning strategy. Perhaps Google should take note next time?
Now that it ‘s here, our thoughts can go from, ‘Give me a break and announce it already ‘ to ‘I wonder how soon I can buy matching His and Hers iPads for the hubby and myself? ‘ Sheesh.
What about you, were you surprised at today ‘s iPad announcement?
I was surprised by the cost, at least, especially compared to the original iPhone, which was something to get excited about.
I didn't think it was called "leaked" when the company not only makes an official statement confirming its existence, but rather a full-out live presentation dedicated entirely to the product.
Leaked was referring to how much we knew *before* the presentation.
Seemed to me that most people did not know what was coming. Sure, if you cherry pick details from around the web you can come up with the relevant details but try to find a full and accurate prediction of what Apple introduced today. Don't think you will find many (if even one).
I don't think Apple leaks anything. Jobs & Co. are so sure that what they like is more than good enough for the masses that they aren't floating ideas to test the waters – do you seriously think they would have stuck with iPad if they were listening to the public.
I disagree. Apple's leaking policy is no secret, as former employees have confirmed. Many saw it and even called it. The mockups were pretty darn on the money. I think Apple is getting predictable in the way they are going about it though.
Here's 538.com's take: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2010/01/what-obama…