Why I think Apple is failing the iPad!

[RAPTORSKI]

Lately I have been more and more disappointed by the way Apple treats the iPad. Badly needed features just don't make it to the iPad where they have been available on competing devices for a while and iOS7 did not help much either!
Here are the reasons why I think Apple is failing the iPad:

1. No proper multiple apps on screen and multitasking. Samsung and Windows OS tablets have had this for some time now and it is really annoying that I STILL cannot utilize the large screen of my iPad. Apple can make this an iPad specific feature maybe only 2 apps on screen, allowing the user to control an app's width, whatever it is every tablet in 2013 should have this feature.

2. Still no stock weather, stocks apps on iPad, even on iOS 7! These apps were officially not included by Steve Jobs a long time ago... iPads should come with stock weather, stocks, and other apps that are currently not included. The new weather app is gorgeous, there should not be a need for people to install 3rd person applications when such good apps are already available from Apple itself.

3. Still no proper file management on the iPad or iOS as a whole for that matter. You can't take a pdf you just made with Pages and keep it on the homescreen like an app where it is clearly visible. A file always has to be in some app, I can't just make a folder on the homescreen and shove all my pdf files in there, or all my music, and pictures, and open them with a particular app from there. Something has to be done about this, especially on the iPad which is almost like a pc. I shouldnt have to use a 3rd party application to be able to have proper file management.

I am not a hater, I like Apple and most other electronics companies out there for that matter, I just don't see why Apple doesn't work more on the iPad and it's features. Currently an iPad 2 owner, I will be considering an update in the coming years, and if Apple doesn't impress or at least have multiple apps on screen capability for the iPad, I might have to get a Samsung tablet or a Surface.

What do you guys on here think, am I right to want these features on the iPad?

Here is a Samsung Tablet I think currently meets my demands -
http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/2014galaxynote10.1/feature.html

 

[zhenya]

Apple will possibly at some point allow multiple apps on the screen. Rest assured, when they do, it will work better than the half-baked options I've tried on other platforms so far.

Apps? Who really cares? Apples weather app is adequate at best anyhow.

You'll never see a file system as it is the antithesis of what has made iOS successful. Learn to work around it with a service like Dropbox instead.

 

[Rodster]

What do you guys on here think, am I right to want these features on the iPad?

You could be as it's a personal choice. Lets wait first to see if iOS 7 or its updates addresses multitasking concerns. There is a trade off with multitasking as in speed and smoothness of the OS. The Surface Pro does it well but backs it up with a capable processor that's running PC apps.

I've used multitasking features on Android but the devices tends to not run as smooth as you try and do more. As far as Apple goes, sure they coould match it but their devices are geared for simplicity and they tend to live by the KISS principal...keep it simple stupid.

There are some really nice stock and weather apps on the App Store. I used the "weather cube" and got it for free.

 

[numlock]

Apple will possibly at some point allow multiple apps on the screen. Rest assured, when they do, it will work better than the half-baked options I've tried on other platforms so far.

Apps? Who really cares? Apples weather app is adequate at best anyhow.

You'll never see a file system as it is the antithesis of what has made iOS successful. Learn to work around it with a service like Dropbox instead.

are you trying to say that ios with a filesystem or rather access to a filesystem wouldnt be as successful or have any effect other than giving those that want that an option?

as far as apps obviously apple cares because they did add the clock app.

i do find it bizarre why they of all companies dont offer the ipad apps the op listed or the apple store. it sets a bad precedent but thankfully some companies (most much smaller and with more limited resources) dont follow that lead.

 

[ElectronGuru]

What do you guys on here think, am I right to want these features on the iPad?

Saying no to customers is one of the riskiest things a company can do. It makes your feature lists shorter and it gives competitors the chance to say yes, all the way to the bank. And yet, apple does it every day. Part of what makes apple products great is their attention to detail. Enforcing that standard means putting fewer things in and taking more time when they do.

You are not wrong to want more, it's good and natural. But getting more often means getting less. A kitchen with 100 appliances won't help you cook faster if you spend so much time managing the tools that you don't actually get to cook. Apple knows this and enforces a feature discipline on itself. But it's a balance they may not always get right.

Borrow or rent that Samsung for a month. Bask in the huge feature lists. See what yes yes yes feels like. Did you loose anything in the process, is it more cluttered or unstable or slow? Or is apple just being close minded and doing both - more features + good design - isn't that difficult to achieve?

 

[RAPTORSKI]

Borrow or rent that Samsung for a month. Bask in the huge feature lists. See what yes yes yes feels like. Did you loose anything in the process, is it more cluttered or unstable or slow? Or is apple just being close minded and doing both - more features + good design - isn't that difficult to achieve?

While I agree that a wave of features can perhaps overwhelm people and ruin a product, the features I suggested Apple should implement into the iPad would definitely not overwhelm and are some of the most desired features users have been requesting for some time.

Multiple apps on screen is perhaps the most needed thing as people hate how they have a large high resolution screen yet cannot use it and have more than one app present at one time. Weather app on iOS 7 is great so I am sure people wouldn't mind having that either. It just doesn't make sense to have no weather app on the iPad, why?!!

 

[iEvolution]

- they're charging 100 more for 128gb as if we are still in 2009
- still cant customize the keyboard we all have the same hands according to apple
- theyre behind the curb both in features and arent the leaders in capacity like they used to be.

They arent failing at all but they certainly arent exceptional like they were in 2005-2010. I wont buy another Apple product again after that money grab they pulled with the iPad 3.

 

[rowspaxe]

Depending on how you look at--windows 8 was too little too late or too much too soon This fall oem products are finally falling into step with MS all in one vision and the results are interesting. These devices are productivity tablets--hybrids that do not compete directly with the ipad. The sony tap 11 and surface pro 2 more naturally compete with the mba, but the digitizer gives them special appeal to designers and students. Ironically--the appeal of these products owes little or nothing to MS modern ui--the value is having x86 files and software on a tablet. The productivity tablet market is not nearly as large as the consumption market--but its significant. I am an ipad fan but I will likely skip the ipad5 and go with the tap 11

 

[phrehdd]

I tend to agree that there are some serious short comings to the iPad (and yes I have one).

1) Why do menus fonts continue to be small as if the same on an iTouch or iPhone? There are plenty of people with vision problems that are not considered unless they want to put their glasses on every time they use the iPad.

2) While I am all for keeping apps and such on the internal drive, it certainly wouldn't be so bad to include adding additional capacity via card akin to what is used in a digital camera.

3) There are various things people would like to do with a tablet/pad and Apple keeps insisting on telling us what we want to do or how we should go about it. Sadly, no competitor has really created a 'winner' that can compete dead on.

4) While not an Apple issue directly, they should pressure to allow tethering to iPhones without having to pay more for tethering. Yes there are some apps available but Apple itself should put the muscle on ATT, Verizon etc.

 

[leman]

Apple will possibly at some point allow multiple apps on the screen. Rest assured, when they do, it will work better than the half-baked options I've tried on other platforms so far.

Well, WebOS still holds the crown for me as far as smartphone/tablet UI goes.

 

[linkgx1]

My biggest issue with iPad is multitasking. It feels so backward without it. I think Samsung did it correctly with it's note Series. I love the side-by-side.

But I really hope that the 64-bit processing means better multitasking. And icing on the cake, a better file managing system. Then it would be golden!

 

[Bilalo]

While I agree that a wave of features can perhaps overwhelm people and ruin a product, the features I suggested Apple should implement into the iPad would definitely not overwhelm and are some of the most desired features users have been requesting for some time.

Multiple apps on screen is perhaps the most needed thing as people hate how they have a large high resolution screen yet cannot use it and have more than one app present at one time. Weather app on iOS 7 is great so I am sure people wouldn't mind having that either. It just doesn't make sense to have no weather app on the iPad, why?!!

I would hate to see multiple apps to be honest, and the whole file thing, i don't really care about that i just want to be able to upload files on safari such as documents and all that and that safari automatically changes flashplayer to something that is compatible as well as microsoft silverlight for uploading. On the ipad just swipe 4 fingers left or right and your in the other app, works flawlessly and 10x better than samsung or microsoft. Don't forget this is a tablet and that gives it the right to not be a notebook, if so then ill just get a freakin laptop.

 

[RAPTORSKI]

I would hate to see multiple apps to be honest, and the whole file thing, i don't really care about that i just want to be able to upload files on safari such as documents and all that and that safari automatically changes flashplayer to something that is compatible as well as microsoft silverlight for uploading. On the ipad just swipe 4 fingers left or right and your in the other app, works flawlessly and 10x better than samsung or microsoft. Don't forget this is a tablet and that gives it the right to not be a notebook, if so then ill just get a freakin laptop.

If the rumours are true and Apple is indeed planning for a 12 inch tablet in the future your opinion might change. The iPads are quite powerful machines, they need more features such as multiple apps on screen in my opinion. Apple can make this work smoothly and easily. I will seriously consider an update to a Microsoft or Samsung tablet if they don't do this, as my next tablet needs to be a big step up from my current iPad 2.

 

[Giuly]

Lately I have been more and more disappointed by the way Apple treats the iPad. Badly needed features just don't make it to the iPad where they have been available on competing devices for a while and iOS7 did not help much either!
Here are the reasons why I think Apple is failing the iPad:

1. No proper multiple apps on screen and multitasking. Samsung and Windows OS tablets have had this for some time now and it is really annoying that I STILL cannot utilize the large screen of my iPad. Apple can make this an iPad specific feature maybe only 2 apps on screen, allowing the user to control an app's width, whatever it is every tablet in 2013 should have this feature.

Enable multitouch gestures and swipe left/right with three fingers.

2. Still no stock weather, stocks apps on iPad, even on iOS 7! These apps were officially not included by Steve Jobs a long time ago... iPads should come with stock weather, stocks, and other apps that are currently not included. The new weather app is gorgeous, there should not be a need for people to install 3rd person applications when such good apps are already available from Apple itself.

Download one of the gazillions from the App Store.

3. Still no proper file management on the iPad or iOS as a whole for that matter. You can't take a pdf you just made with Pages and keep it on the homescreen like an app where it is clearly visible. A file always has to be in some app, I can't just make a folder on the homescreen and shove all my pdf files in there, or all my music, and pictures, and open them with a particular app from there. Something has to be done about this, especially on the iPad which is almost like a pc. I shouldnt have to use a 3rd party application to be able to have proper file management.

You need an app to view that PDF anyways, don't you? And iBooks does exactly that, along with storing your PDF library.

Here is a Samsung Tablet I think currently meets my demands -
http://www.samsung.com/global/microsite/2014galaxynote10.1/feature.html

Come on, bro.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Multi tasking is nice but I think there are still some areas where the iPad shines, I.e app selection, fluidity, reliability, content.

 

[James717]

I read on Wall Street that they're still waiting for Apple to bust out.

Waiting .

2014, 2015, 2016 or never.

Apple is terribly behind and yet people are buying Apple products and Apple stock based on potential to re-gain what made Apple special 5 years ago.

I work in the Stock Market and people are selling (why apple stock is down) but it's still getting bought up in bulk by traders. Why? in the next two, three months, Apple will introduce Ipad and iPad Mini. Then stock goes up, traders sell for quick profit and we'll see what happens next. LOL

The negative hype is SO helping traders make a quick buck.

 

[OutSpoken]

- they're charging 100 more for 128gb as if we are still in 2009
- still cant customize the keyboard we all have the same hands according to apple
- theyre behind the curb both in features and arent the leaders in capacity like they used to be.

They arent failing at all but they certainly arent exceptional like they were in 2005-2010. I wont buy another Apple product again after that money grab they pulled with the iPad 3.

What money grab did they pull with the iPad 3? I'm still getting the same enjoyment out of mine since the day I bought it on release

Ok, yes I did get a slight sour taste in my mouth when they brought out the iPad 4 nine months after the 3 but honestly other than a little inconvenience with charging cables...nothing else about the situation has bothered me to the point of yearning for the latest iPad 4. If anything; people who bought an iPad 3 on release and skipped the 4 timed it right! as I'm now in the market for the iPad 5.

 

[dumastudetto]

2. Still no stock weather, stocks apps on iPad, even on iOS 7!

Yeah the lack of a stock weather app is really hampering iPad sales. I hope Apple listens with the next update.... or they could go bankrupt.

 

[andiwm2003]

........................................You'll never see a file system as it is the antithesis of what has made iOS successful. Learn to work around it with a service like Dropbox instead.

That is the reason why i never upgraded from the iPad1.
I like the iPad1 as a toy but I just can't use it for work without a real file system. Palm handhelds had the same philosophy and many people hated that.

I guess I'm just not a iPad person. I'll either get a different tablet or a Macbook Air in a year or two.

 

[PracticalMac]

2. Still no stock weather, stocks apps on iPad, even on iOS 7! These apps were officially not included by Steve Jobs a long time ago... iPads should come with stock weather, stocks, and other apps that are currently not included. The new weather app is gorgeous, there should not be a need for people to install 3rd person applications when such good apps are already available from Apple itself.

THIS!

iPad is like a second class citizen!
So many functions on iPhone absent on iPad for no reason.

Apps? Who really cares? Apples weather app is adequate at best anyhow.

At lest it does have it!
The pull down weather and stocks are really handy.

Unfortunately it seems Apple locks it out, as the Bloomberg app does not replace the iOS ticker.

 

[roadbloc]

I agree with the OP tbh. The iPad should not be treat like a phone. It should be treat like a PC. I feel Microsoft are hitting the nail on the head much better than Apple. Windows 8 makes iOS feel very limited and lacklustre. You can't even use a memory stick on an iPad yet!

(Although, I don't really care about stock apps. They are easily replaced.)

 

[RevTEG]

I've been an iPad user since week one of iPad one. Bought the two. Bought the three. Was a little bummed at the iPad four quick release. So i skipped buying. I will be buying the five. I hardly ever use my MacBook anymore. Love the iPad. However, there are also a few things I wish the iPad had as well. I use FaceTime and Skype a lot for family and business a lot. I personally hate the camera position on the iPad. It really needs to be in the landscape position to look normal. It's current position just creates weird viewing angles for conference calls.

So I also went a tried out a Note tab. I did like the camera position but the tablet felt really cheap in my hands. I was disappointed.

The iPad is missing a few things... yes. But so far I haven't found anything I'm willing to leave it for.

The weather and stock app should be a no brainer to included... In my opinion of course.

 

[FrankB1191]

When I bought my iPad 4, I panicked because there wasn't a stock calculator! I thought I was being ripped off, since my Samsung tablets all had a stock calculator. I then discovered the App Store..... The free calculator I chose is light years ahead of the stock Android version, as is the weather app I chose. In fact, I deleted the Samsung weather app, and installed the weather app I found in he App Store.

People say that Apple treats its customers like children, but I've honestly come to the conclusion that allowing users to choose what they want on their tablets is the adult thing to do. I've deleted as much of the stock apps and widgets as possible on my Android devices, but not all can be removed.

 

[johannnn]

The iPad is failing because no weather app? LOOOOL

 

[andiwm2003]

The iPad is failing because no weather app? LOOOOL

You are missing the point. The OP said Apple is failing the iPad, not that the iPad is failing.