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2Multitouch
What would an Apple tablet be without multitouch? Apple has done the finest job in the business of delivering an intuitive and responsive touch experience in both the iPhone and the iPod touch. If it wants to be successful in the tablet space, it would only make sense for it to adapt that multitouch capability to a tablet.
3iTunes
iTunes has been the key to Apple’s success in several areas. In the music space, it helped the iPod become the dominant player. The applications it offers—over 100,000 at last count—have provided users with even more value using their iPhone and iPod touch. But the software also features movies, television shows and podcasts. All that combines to make it an ideal application for a tablet.
4Apple App Store
Like it does in the iPhone, Apple could make its App Store a key application in its tablet. So far, applications in the App Store only work on small screens. But if Apple plays its cards right, it can get developers to modify their apps to work with the new tablet. And what better way to deliver that functionality than with a readily available App Store?
5Wi-Fi and 3G
Without wireless connectivity, the Apple tablet is a useless device. It will undoubtedly feature Wi-Fi. But considering Apple’s close ties with AT&T, the company could partner with the carrier and offer access to AT&T’s 3G network on the tablet. With 3G built-in, users could access the Web away from home, making it even more appealing to the average consumer.
6Modified iPhone OS
7Finder
Although Finder isn’t available in Apple’s iPhone OS, the company could put it into a modified version of that software. In Mac OS X, Finder makes locating files and folders quite easy. And considering Apple’s tablet will likely be an iPhone-Mac hybrid, users will likely want to store files on the device. What better way to locate those than with the help of Finder?
8Mail
9Safari
10E-Reader Functionality
Although Apple doesn’t sell an e-reader itself, Amazon’s Kindle application in the Apple App Store gives users the option of viewing e-books on their iPhone or iPod touch. Considering Apple’s tablet will likely have a much larger screen than the iPhone, it could become an even more viable competitor to the Kindle or any other e-reader on the market. A built-in e-reader would be a nice offering.
11Virtual Keyboard
Although some (including myself) have had trouble with the iPhone virtual keyboard, it makes sense to offer it in Apple’s tablet. A tablet PC is about mobility and experience. If it features a full multitouch display, it would only make sense for it to also offer a virtual keyboard. Here’s hoping it adds to the device, rather than detracts from it.