News began buzzing over the weekend about Apple being in talks with Verizon about carrying the iPhone in the 2010-2011 time frame. A MacRumors story speaks of an “iPhone Lite” and the fabled “other device” that may or may not be a tablet. Specifically it’s referred to as a “Media Pad” that is overall smaller than a Kindle but with a larger screen.
The first question that comes to my mind is, “Why would Apple need to talk to Verizon about a tablet/media pad?” The answer is to have a device with a constant data connection for surfing the web and maybe downloading music and apps like the iPhone. That’s great, but who is going to have another device for which they have to pay a monthly fee especially when the iPhone does such an admirable job at doing the previously listed tasks. If Apple were to make such a device, they would of course want to sell them to iPhone owners. The answer to that may be an arrangement like the Kindle, where the access to the wireless network is subsidized in the purchase price of the device. There are problems with that scenario too, but it’s difficult to see another solution unless access was at a greatly reduced rate. Am I wrong here? Would you as an iPhone owner want a device like this, essentially an overgrown iPhone and then pay another monthly wireless fee? While I would like the device no doubt, I can’t see the justification in paying a monthly fee for wireless service.
One thing’s for sure. This is still just a rumor. If this device even exists, the possibilities are many. It may be just that, a media pad that only has wi-fi and controls other devices like your Apple TV or an extension of your computer screen. Maybe more like an overgrown iPod Touch than an iPhone.
The other thing we know… Apple is the best at making a device you’ve got to have and never knew you needed.
Buy the above illustration from the Defy Creative Store for $0.99.
A new item has been added to the Defy Creative Store. The SOHO IlloPack1 is a collection of illustrations for use in print, video, and interactive that offer quirky character with a touch of flair. The collection includes 5 fully editable illustrations in Adobe Illustrator format and also each individual illustration in a high resolution JPEG version. The illustrations include a printer, business card, laptop, stickies, and phone. The collection is available as a download now for $4.99.
I wanted to let everyone know that the Defy Creative Store has been revamped to provide a more simple shopping experience. Previously the store had been built using Zen Cart shopping cart software. Zen Cart is a great tool that is absolutely packed full of useful features. However, it has always been more than I needed in terms of its complexity.
Recently I became aware of a plugin for WordPress called WP Shopping Cart that allows shopping cart functionality right in a WordPress installation. Now customers can shop without ever leaving the pages of the main Defy Creative site. This plugin, while rich with features, offers a more seamless and simplified shopping and checkout process. Enjoy!
One of my favorite things is when the various graphic design magazines come out with their design annuals and showcases of promotional designs. The self-promotion annuals are particularly good because there are a lot of supporting articles dealing with the issue of promotion. As most any designer knows, self-promotion is the “red-headed step child” of your body of work and we need all the insight and inspiration we can get. If you’re like most, you either can’t reach a point at which you’re satisfied with what you’ve done or you flat out don’t take the time to do the project at all.
As good as some of these articles are, the thing that really irks me about others is how cynical the authors or those they interview are about the efforts of some promotions. These art directors and marketing managers say they are so inundated with such things that they usually end up in the trash. The disdain is palpable.
What I would like to say to fellow designers and creatives everywhere is, don’t listen to the negativity and do that which you are able to do and do it well. Established firms and individuals probably don’t need my encouragement but instead it’s for those striking out on their own for the first time. In tough times, you do what you can to promote yourself. If that means sending out postcards, then that’s what you do. If you don’t have money for that, get out and go to local professional events and other networking opportunities. If none exist, start one.
Promotion is not so much a mystery as it is a call for us to stretch ourselves professionally beyond what we thought we could do. A friend recently wrote a note on her Facebook wall that was apparently a quote from Jennifer Aniston, “Everything you want in the world is just right outside your comfort zone.” That totally hit home for me. Much of what I have to share with you is usually also a call to action for myself. It’s my hope that as I work through these things, they can benefit anyone who reads what I have to say.
Just a Theory "With the recent spate of Verizon ads that have been attacking AT&T’s 3G network, and by extension the iPhone, I began wondering what life for ..." Read More
Getting It "In social media circles and particularly stories written about social media, one of the favorite topics is customer service. There are some good examples of ..." Read More
News began buzzing over the weekend about Apple being in talks with Verizon about carrying the iPhone in the 2010-2011 time frame. A MacRumors story speaks of an “iPhone Lite” and the fabled “other device” that may or may not be a tablet. Specifically it’s referred to as a “Media Pad” that is overall smaller than a Kindle but with a larger screen.
