Here’s a second batch of tech industry predictions from around the Web, this time dealing with Apple. Whether these predictions are born of insider knowledge or complete bullshit, I can only guess.
2013 tech predictions, part two:
1. Apple launches iOS-based PC
Apple will come out with a hybrid tablet-notebook PC running its iOS mobile operating system, says Tim Bajarin, tech industry analyst and president of Creative Strategies, writing on Tech.pinions.
“Imagine a sleekly designed hybrid that perhaps has the design lines of the MacBook Air but the iPad screen detaches from its ultra-thin keyboard. For lack of a better term, I call it the Macbook AirPad or iPadAir,” Bajarin said.
Bajarin admits that he’s “going out on a limb” with that prediction. But if Google Android and Microsoft Windows tablet-laptop combos catch on, Apple could be forced to enter the market, he says.
Berenberg Capital Markets technology hardware analyst Adnaan Ahmad also thinks Apple will launch a “MacBook Air with iOS functionality.”
2. Apple debuts iOS-based camera
Apple’s next big move into consumer electronics could be in digital imaging.
Howard Lindzon, co-founder and CEO of Stocktwits, believes Apple will come out with a state-of-the-art camera running iOS software.
“Photos are still the big thing for chronicling life and so I expect more fireworks in the photo and camera space,” he said.
Lindzon doubts Apple will make a television because there is not enough margin or money in that business in 2013.
3. Apple comes out with a smart TV or improved set-top box
Some analysts are doubling-down on bets for Apple’s long-rumored iTV smart television.
Berenberg’s Ahmad thinks an Apple smart TV will debut in the second half of the year. It will be differentiated through a combination of hardware, software and services, he says.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster has predicted an Apple television for years. He thinks it will launch in November, cost $1,500 to $2,000, and come in screen sizes of 42- to 55-inches.
Perhaps hedging his bets, Munster also is predicting Apple will update its Apple TV set-top box to accept apps from developers in March.
Cnet Editor Josh Lowensohn wasn’t willing to stick his neck out for an Apple television, but did say a revamped set-top box is in the wings.
“While a full-fledged TV set is a possibility, expect Apple to roll out a smarter set-top box with better ways to view TV programming and control basic TV functions – two things Apple’s current models can’t do,” Lowensohn said. He called it “Apple TV, take four.”
4. Apple switches on streaming music service
Munster thinks Apple will reveal an “iTunes radio product” in March.
Lowensohn agrees that an Apple subscription online music service is on the way. He dubbed it “iRadio.” It would take on companies like Pandora, Spotify and Rdio.
5. Modest upgrades to iPhone and iPad lines
March could bring a refreshed iPad Mini with a Retina display, Munster says.
September could see a “modest upgrade” to the iPhone 5 called the iPhone 5S, he says. And the next generation full-size iPad tablets will get a redesign to look more like the iPhone 5 and iPad Mini, Munster predicts.
But Berenberg’s Ahmad made a bolder prediction. He thinks Apple will come out with a “mini” iPhone in mid-2013.
Photo: Apple’s retail store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
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