Not sure what you are talking about. My son is a research analyst (degrees in economics and math) working with PHD economists for a major policy organization in DC, and all they do is statistical analysis. First thing they did was give him a Windows PC to use. It wouldn’t be his choice of computer, but I really don’t think he had a choice.
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All iPads John Gruber’s iPad rant
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Not sure what you are talking about. My son is a research analyst (degrees in economics and math) working with PHD economists for a major policy organization in DC, and all they do is statistical analysis. First thing they did was give him a Windows PC to use. It wouldn’t be his choice of computer, but I really don’t think he had a choice.
There seem to be an agreement that iPad is an excellent consumption device. However, the discussion about professional work is limited to programming, movie editing, photography and music. It may come as a surprise to you all but it is small percentage that do this kind of work. Spreadsheet work increases the percentage a bit but very few uses heavy excel sheets.
So, if we look at other professions such as like teachers, pilots, lawyers, medical doctors, engineers in the field and others, iPad may provide lots of benefits, if you see them. Tech journalists (want everything to be the PC on they desk), IT department (want Windows) and the upper management (want cheap here and now) are often completely clueless about the work requirements of others. These are the main influencers for IT for professional use...
So, if we look at other professions such as like teachers, pilots, lawyers, medical doctors, engineers in the field and others, iPad may provide lots of benefits, if you see them. Tech journalists (want everything to be the PC on they desk), IT department (want Windows) and the upper management (want cheap here and now) are often completely clueless about the work requirements of others. These are the main influencers for IT for professional use...
No vision? Did nothing? I disagree. As users we get updates yearly showing the vision Apple have for the iPad... they are iterative, but we get an idea. For example, iPad has always been this one-window focus OS... but Apple has evolved ways to incorporate two-windows, and now it has the ability to use three-windows along with PiP video.
With the iPad, being fairly new in terms of software... Apple is only getting started with how they will approach multitasking going forward. We started with iOS 9 multitasking and evolved to iPadOS multitasking and I’m sure there will be tweaks along the way.
IMO, the long term goal is bridge the gap with macOS... it’s never going to be macOS, but it’s going to take features from macOS and integrate with iPadOS... but in a iPad-centric way.
Yeah, I was indifferent with Gruber on his iPad rant. Because he’s coming from it as someone who heavily favors macOS with iMac/Macbook. Anyone who follows Gruber knows his stance whereas he’s more of a Mac user point blank.
I’m not saying that all Mac users have his mindset, but what I’m saying... users who use the iPad heavily wouldn’t take his approach, IMO.
I think this is part of the picture of why some old folks appear to be comfortable with technology and some aren’t. If you start rejecting new tech when you’re young, like, if you don’t have the intellectual curiosity then, it’s probably very easy to lose it over time. I’m reminded of folks their entire lives that always says “I can get up and change the channel, what do I need a clicker for”. BUT, as the usefulness of the clicker was realized and more products came out based on the form factor, by the time they get to the point where they don’t want to get up to change the channel, they pick up the remote and see a seemingly complex and confusing expanse of buttons.
Statistically, I think most working folks are working in jobs that don’t require a computer.
I think his complaints about multitasking on iPad OS are entirely valid. It's needlessly complex. I think that millions of current iPad owners probably aren't even aware that they can multitask.
But that’s the point... you can choose to multitask. Some iPad owners probably prefer just having one app at a time (like Gruber), I know my sisters does. They don’t accidentally evoke SplitView or any multitasking options. They open up an app, when they are done with it.. close the app to open up another. And for me, I’m nearly always interacting with two windows. I occasionally use SplitView, but majority of the time... I use SlideOver and I multitask that way.
And with a keyboard (optional), it opens up even more possibilities. I can use Spotlight to search for an app.. and it shows up in it’s last state. And, that’s the beauty of the iPad... you can choose to use it rudimentary or make it complex. I think his best argument is the state of iPad app, but there are many factors that contribute to why developers can’t find better financial success in creating iPad apps.
I think multitasking on iPad OS is fine - why? I'm not ignoring the typical complaints, they definitely are valid when compared to Mac / PC. But we can only focus on a few things at a time. I use a PC at work and getting 'lost' happens a few times during any one task or process. It's not the end of the world, but as a human it's like I'm having an iOS style 'reload the safari cache' moment and despite the computer keeping tonnes of windows open etc, I can only really gain in productivity to a set point and after that I'd argue 20+ tabs and background windows etc are actually unproductive.
In short: the iPad's ""focussed"" approach to multitasking is more in line with what the average person can realistically work with productively. Beyond that and I think we don't focus enough / do a poorer quality job and maybe even get lost in our workloads.
I'm not saying it's perfect, but some people with my view or similar might prefer the focus of working within the iPad OS limits as they stand today
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The number of friends and family I've shown split view to on iPad since 2017 who were in complete shock when they saw that 'an iPad can do that' is uncanny. Even other 20s and teens people young enough that you'd expect them to know! Lol But I agree with what you say, they use one app at a time.
I must admit, my friends with Android phones seldom know how to or of their phones capability to run two windows top/bottom of each other at the same time too. It's crazy they're missing this functionality
In short: the iPad's ""focussed"" approach to multitasking is more in line with what the average person can realistically work with productively. Beyond that and I think we don't focus enough / do a poorer quality job and maybe even get lost in our workloads.
I'm not saying it's perfect, but some people with my view or similar might prefer the focus of working within the iPad OS limits as they stand today
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The number of friends and family I've shown split view to on iPad since 2017 who were in complete shock when they saw that 'an iPad can do that' is uncanny. Even other 20s and teens people young enough that you'd expect them to know! Lol But I agree with what you say, they use one app at a time.
I must admit, my friends with Android phones seldom know how to or of their phones capability to run two windows top/bottom of each other at the same time too. It's crazy they're missing this functionality
Really? It’s not implied that, when we are talking about multitasking on computers vs tablets for work, that we are talking about the population of working folk that need computers (or tablets) to do their jobs in the first place?
So, the point is that iPad multitasking is more than sufficient for average consumers, given that more complicated work related multitasking is likely done by typical workers on an employer provided computers select for them by their friendly IT department.
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Agreed. When I tell my family or friends what multitasking features the iPad can do, they look in awe... But they go back to using one-app at a time, because they are accustomed to it.
It’s like “when you know.. you know”... meaning, the power users will be able to adapt to the change and are willing to accept it.
And yeah, I just picked up a Note10+... transitioning over from an iPhone. I’m most likely coming back to the iPhone when the new one is introduced in the Fall. I just wanted to take a break from the iPhone... and Android is a delight to use when having that multitasking functionality.
I had an S10+ briefly in June 2019. It was impressive in what it could do, had every feature I heard being discussed like two way wireless charging... the thing was a beast, amazing camera and beautiful display - superior to my previous XR and the XR that eventually replaced it 7 days later lol But it didn't stop me returning the the familiarity and comfort and convenience of iCloud, Apple Stores, Apple Care, all the accessories I built up over the years etc. Even though Samsung built a stunning phone packed to the brim.
That’s what the iPad Pro is for... It’s one piece of Apple hardware I’ll never get rid of. I still have iMessage to connect with Family and Friends (cellular model), the App Store. Only meaningful accessory I have for my iPhone is the Twelve South dock. It’s going to be some minor inconveniences with using the Note10+ in tandem with the iPad Pro, but I think I can overcome them.
IMO, Apple has painted themselves into a corner with their approach to the iPad. They started out amazingly strong with an approach that blew all the experts away. I was a day-1 gen-1 fan on the day it was announced and pre-ordered the iPad and the (long forgotten) keyboard dock.
But their reactionary incrementalism (and straining to keep the iPad closed like the iPhone) with subsequent updates to iOS (mostly driven by the iPhone) resulted in the mess they now have with iPadOS.
By "reactionary incrementalism" I'm referring to the tacking on of features as a result of what the competition was doing. Because these additions aren't part of a cohesive long-term strategy, the results are disjointed and don't flow consistently or well.
Ever since the introduction to multitasking, Apple has significantly changed the way multitasking works with each major release of iOS/iPadOS. This reveals a lack of serious planning of the function. Rather than taking a basic concept and incrementally adding features to in a consistent manner, they have a jarring re-design that leaves the user guessing how it works with THIS particular version of the OS.
There is little rhyme or reason to how settings are organized in the Settings app, or why the settings for many apps are split between a settings option in the app itself and a settings entry for the app in the Settings app.
Sandboxed storage is necessary for smartphones but is an impediment for multipurpose tablets. Apple's insistence in retaining sandboxing in iPadOS results in very convoluted workflows.
These are just a few. Unless Apple decides to fundamentally change iPadOS, the iPad line will be slightly more functional than the iPhone but not as flexible as a macbook.
But their reactionary incrementalism (and straining to keep the iPad closed like the iPhone) with subsequent updates to iOS (mostly driven by the iPhone) resulted in the mess they now have with iPadOS.
By "reactionary incrementalism" I'm referring to the tacking on of features as a result of what the competition was doing. Because these additions aren't part of a cohesive long-term strategy, the results are disjointed and don't flow consistently or well.
Ever since the introduction to multitasking, Apple has significantly changed the way multitasking works with each major release of iOS/iPadOS. This reveals a lack of serious planning of the function. Rather than taking a basic concept and incrementally adding features to in a consistent manner, they have a jarring re-design that leaves the user guessing how it works with THIS particular version of the OS.
There is little rhyme or reason to how settings are organized in the Settings app, or why the settings for many apps are split between a settings option in the app itself and a settings entry for the app in the Settings app.
Sandboxed storage is necessary for smartphones but is an impediment for multipurpose tablets. Apple's insistence in retaining sandboxing in iPadOS results in very convoluted workflows.
These are just a few. Unless Apple decides to fundamentally change iPadOS, the iPad line will be slightly more functional than the iPhone but not as flexible as a macbook.
I agree with most of what you have said above. I just wonder if fundamentally becasue a tablet is a one app at a time touch experience multitasking will always be a somewhat disappointing experience. So, while Apple can introduce some level of multitasking to the iPad, it is always going to be much less sophisticated and versatile than multitasking on a Mac. Just the nature of the beast so to speak.
Now, I agree that Apple has had some false starts with multitasking. There are some things that are just not very intuitive and could be improved. There are some bright spots. I actually like slide-over. I use it frequently and it have become second nature to me. I understand that many will disagree with me on this.
I work in higher ed and one use for the iPad is replacing textbooks in classes...I've worked hard at revamping my classes to eliminate required print textbooks (because they are so expensive), but I do want students to have our readings (made available online) accessible in class for class discussion. I'd also prefer for students to annotate them, as well. Printing out every reading is pain in the butt for them and a waste of paper. Many do the work on their laptop. Phones might work in a pinch, but are not preferable. In this case, iPad is clearly a better experience than reading/annotating on a laptop. The issue is that it requires paying up front for the technology, in order to avoid expenses later (ebooks are often cheaper than printed versions, printing out online materials, etc.).
Let’s put aside AppSwitcher, because that’s really not multitasking.. technically yes, but not really. Ever since the introduction of multitasking... I believe they only changed it once, if I’m not mistaken.
First, it was swipe to the side in iOS 9... and there was this long list of compatible SplitView apps. For which was cool when first announced, but the execution was horrible. And starting with iOS 11, it’s from the dock with Drag-and-Drop multitasking. Which is still here today, but they have made some minor tweaks to it. However, the basic concept is the same.
The method for selecting apps to use in multi-window is integral to the multitasking experience. But if it helps your argument to separate that out, sure go ahead. My view of the state of iOS/iPad OS doesn't hinge on that one point.
There is also the significant changes to notifications, how to access the control center that change with each major version.
Ipad os does appear to lack a roadmap. Look at ios mouse support and monitor support. How
does one explain such lame implementations? The history of external hard drive access is
similarly clouded.
does one explain such lame implementations? The history of external hard drive access is
similarly clouded.
What I was meaning to point out... do you not like the approach of Drag-and-Drop multitasking concept? I wasn’t trying to argue your point on multitasking. However, I feel the Drag-and-Drop approach is clever... because it spans across different situation and its perfect for touch-input.
From dragging websites, or photos... files, text, anything. And at some point, I think there will be some tweaks to how Drag-and-Drop will react to multitasking... but I think Apple concept on how to multitasking with the iPad is great.
And yeah, the Control Center has been in disarray for a while now under the iPad. But argument can be made with the iPhone as well.
It’s very conflicting because I do really like my iPad Pro, however I’m not sure where Apple are heading with it. In an area where there is Microsoft with their Surface devices, will Apple move toward the iPad Pro becoming more of a computer or will they stick to their guns and keep the iPad as it currently is? What I do find interesting is the Sidecar feature that uses both the iPad and Mac! It’s a great little feature, could that be Apple heading towards the two devices becoming more friendly toward each other?
As it stands in order to have the best of both worlds, we have to own both a Mac and an iPad.
I love the portability of an iPad. I owned many different types of iPad even the massive 12" one but it all came down to portability to me. The 12" one is too heavy and hefty so now I have the iPad mini with pencil support which I LOVEEE!
I have been waiting for this forever! I always had the 10.5 with pencil support but I loved a smaller form factor and in fact I really want to replace my iPhone all together. I just wish they came out with an iPad mini pro and one that can potentially replace the phone.
Also, they need to add the keyboard gestures to the iPad keyboard like the iPhone.
I have been waiting for this forever! I always had the 10.5 with pencil support but I loved a smaller form factor and in fact I really want to replace my iPhone all together. I just wish they came out with an iPad mini pro and one that can potentially replace the phone.
Also, they need to add the keyboard gestures to the iPad keyboard like the iPhone.
”Most working folks use the computer provided by their employer”
It may be implied, but it’s not clear. I think that’s what The Samurai meant as well. Knowing that providing the needed clarity would have meant adding only two or three additional words, the upshot is that you must have intended to be literal. And, that being the case, you left out a large number of working folks that don’t have computers provided by their employers.
In reading your intended point, I’m trying to build a venn diagram of your idea, but not sure that I can.
The iPhone can exist without the iPad, but the iPad wouldn’t exist without the iPhone.
As much as I absolutely love the iPad, I honestly dont see what these yearly updates are telling you about Apples plans for this platform. In fact, I’d say that the iPads reliance on iPhone iterations only reinforces the point that Apple has no vision for the iPad. We do get some cool features but even most of those are scraps that fell off the iPhone design table.
Again, I think the iPad is an amazing product and I do so much with it. But still, I dont think its inaccurate to say Apples tagline for iPad is “There, we made it. Now go find some 3rd party that will help you figure out what to do with it”.
In actuality, the iPhone was derived from the iPad... Apple delayed plans for the iPad and developed the iPhone... but I get your point that foundations of iPhone/iOS helped bring along the iPad.
But I don’t see what you mean... by there’s no vision for the iPad. Apple doesn’t really do roadmaps for their software. Obviously, the iPhone is their cash cow.. but the iPad as mention by Apple, is their future for computing.
You truncated my post. It stated: "Most working folks use the computer provided by their employer, which means they probably do most of their multitasking intensive tasks on a windows PC that the IT department bought at a discount in mass."
Clearly, the context relates to the population of people that use computer at work for multitasking. It would be ridiculous to add a qualification to exclude people that are employed for manual labor or other jobs that don't require a computer, since my post and the entire thread is about doing multitasking intensive tasks using a computer or iPad.
The point clearly stated was that many people can get by fine with iPad Multitasking (imperfect as it is) because they perform work related multitasking intensive tasks on an employer provided computer. You don't need a venn diagram to understand that. I think you are just being intentionally snarky. We are done.
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I guess my OP was specifically about multitasking because that’s what Gruber‘s blog post and podcast focused on. I think all the improvements for iPadOS that people suggest are good. I also think iPad would be a way worse product if multitasking were to go away.