Apple WWDC 2009

In two hours, we'll know the specs on the third-generation iPhone....I think.

I think we'll probably get a 16GB version and a 32GB version. I'm doubtful on the 4GB version.

I think we'll get a better camera, and it will record video. I don't think they'll be a forward-facing camera for video-calls.

I think the processor and the RAM will both be improved.

I think we'll get a compass. I hope we get an FM transmitter.

I don't think they'll go to the rubber backing, or install a glowing Apple, or switch to OLED.

I do think the battery performance will be better.

I think they'll probably announce an estimate on Snow Leopard's release. (e.g. 1st Quarter 2010)

We might hear something about 3G coming to the MacBook, but I think WWDC will be all about iPhone and Snow Leopard this year.

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The big announcement I would love? Apple Tablet.

I want something that's bigger than an iPhone, but smaller than a MacBook (and cheaper). This niche is currently occupied by Netbooks. Apple could flip the paradigm with one announcement. I just don't think that announcement will come today.

Lonely Planet comes to the iPhone

I love Lonely Planet. I think their travel books strike the perfect balance between being informative and interesting. I always buy their books when I'm going somewhere unknown, and sometimes even if I'm just dreaming about a destination.

Honestly, travel guides were one of the first things I thought of when I first started hearing about the iPhone. There were some free apps when the app store first opened, and of course you can go to any travel website as long as you're on the network. Until now we've been waiting for a full featured, iPhone specific answer to carrying around an actual book.

The wait is over.

















I'm planning on downloading the San Francisco version as soon as I can find some WiFi (it's too big to download over 3G). The San Fran guide is free this week, to coincide with Apple's World Wide Developers Conference. The guides are regularly $16 for those of us in the US. Read the article from Wired, and I'll try to watch for his follow-up once he's actually used his guide in NYC. Maybe someday I'll use one in some far-flung land, and I'll be able to write my own review.