subject: Iphone Development Companies And Its Growth [print this page] iPad growth has been nothing short of spectacular. Early analyst estimates were that the iPad would sell a couple of million units in it's first year. In-fact, the iPad ended up selling 1 million devices in 28 days, less than half of the 74 days that it took for the iPhone to reach the same milestone. Many analysts estimate that Apple is on track to sell 8.5 million units by the end of the year.
On Black Friday, a team at Piper Jaffray observed that Apple was selling 8.8 iPads per hour, per store. Analyst Gene Munster has made the statement that the iPad is "The Mac of the masses."
Initially some critics reactions were that it was nothing more than an overgrown iPod touch. In-fact, this was part of the genius of the device. Because of how similar it was it was, it was easy for iPhone app builders to be able to embrace it, and easier for consumers to be able to adopt it. Couple that with the existing iTunes and App Store and the product was instantly credible. With the recent release of the much needed iOS 4.2 version, the iPad is an extremely useful productivity tool. Within Crash Bang Studios, we use iPads beyond just application development and application testing. We use iPad's to capture notes, browse, collaborate, read reference books, and even attend remote meetings. One of the most impressive parts of the iPad is the amazing battery life.
While it is possible to run iPhone applications on the iPad the additional screen size makes it possible to create a much more immersive experience for the end user. This is due to the extra space available for touch and gestures along with the obvious extra screen area for information.
With the next version of the iPad on the horizon there are many rumors about additional new features that may be coming. Speculation seems to center around a front facing camera to take advantage of FaceTime, and a micro-USB port. While it seems highly likely that the camera will make an appearance, we are not so sure about the micro-USB connector. The biggest evidence for micro-USB comes from the fact that the European Union has mandated all mobile phones need to come with a micro-USB port for charging. Apple, along with Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, LG, NEC, Qualcomm, Research in Motion, Samsung, and Texas Instruments have backed the standard. That being said, Apple is awfully protective of their 30 pin dock connector.
What has been surprising is how little competitive response there has been to the iPad. The obvious contender of Android has not yet surfaced in a compelling and credible way, yet there are plans for more feature rich Android devices to appear in 2011.
