Open Forum: Where Apple is Heading in 2012 and Beyond

iCloud is now the focus, and all devices being released will be completely connected to it by the end of this year. iCloud (and iOS, and OS X 10.8) is not a response to Windows 8. It's a response to Google and Facebook, who Apple obviously deems its two largest competitors for the future of the computing space.

iOS and OS X will not be merged in to one OS, as it's just isn't necessary. OS X will adopt the features that make iOS so great: always connected (I could very easily see LTE MacBook Airs this year), always on, great battery life, easy to install apps, and always stable. I see iOS as becoming more powerful over the next year. I am personally hoping for some UI tweaks as well, which is very possible.

But, like I said, the big story of the year and the one thing to watch will be iCloud, and just how connected Apple is by the end of the year. Already, I feel, they have caught up to Google in terms of everything syncing. I don't think the "always on and working" aspect that Google has had years to perfect is present yet, but I think that will also be solved soon.

Honestly, I'm looking forward to this year. I am on Android now, though (as much as I absolutely love what Google is doing with ICS and their Nexus line), I could be coming back. Exciting times!

They'll probably adopt LTE on their iDevice line (since the low power radios are scheduled for this year). I'd like to see bigger displays in the iPhone line (preferably 4.3") and an awesome new design.

As for iOS itself. I don't know. I'd like to see some UI enhancements to make the interface fresh. It would also be cool to see a reworking of the homescreen. The icon grid is fine and all, but just pales in comparison to the live tiles in Windows and the interactive widgets in Android. I want at least some information directly from the home-screen without actually opening any apps.

The competition this year is hot and it's Apple's time to shine. If they can re-take their lead in the mobile space you might just see me coming back to iOS.

But again, that's no easy task. I'm asking for a lot; complete overhaul of the hardware and software reworked to take advantage of the newer hardware. If there's a bigger screen, I don't want everything to get bigger with it; I want to see more things on the display at one time. If the hardware is more powerful, I want to see software enhancements that show the power, like a home-screen that's ALIVE and beautiful animations. If the design is new, I want to see how that improves my experience.... Does it allow for better battery life or better grip?

And I'd like to see even more changes on the iPad. I love how Apple has redone the stock apps for the iPad, but the home-screen is just a sad, sad thing. All of this screen space and all I get is an icon grid with extra rows? Really? Use that big head of yours Mr. Cook.

But either way, I'm looking forward to seeing Jelly Bean and trying Windows 8 on a tablet myself.