Next Wave: Apple-Intel Xsan holographic storage solutions
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Jun 10, 2005 at 3:00pm
Neo is Macsimum News’ international man of mystery. If we told you more, we’d have to kill you.
So watt motivated Apple to switch?
Steve Jobs made his initial argument for switching to Intel as follows: “As we look ahead, we can envision some amazing products that we want to build for you. And we don’t know how to build them with the future PowerPC roadmap. And that’s why we’re going to do this” – (@ QT 24:15). His main focal point was the mid-2006 and beyond outlook at performance per watt. The PowerPC would hit a wall at 15 units of performance per watt while Intel’s roadmap was targeting up to 70 units per watt. Steve Jobs concluded with “So, this tells us what we have to do.”
Wow, if that didn’t relieve me, what could have! Thanks Steve—that really clarifies things and truly excites us all! We look forward to our new cool Macs, literally. Did you pop the champagne at that moment? Wow, a moment to forget.
Yet that reference to the mid 2006 and beyond time frame sure rang a bell with me. I had just finished researching something that had a connection to Intel that I couldn’t really see coming to the Mac platform any time soon. But Apple’s shift to Intel changed that perspective in a flash. This may not excite everyone, but its potential market impact could be huge.
Holographic storage technology
The first ever public demonstration of holographic data storage systems took place at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) convention this past April by InPhase. While none of us were able to see that presentation, I thought you might be tempted to take a peek at this exciting four-minute QuickTime (only) presentation. A quote in the video from Hitachi Maxell states: Maxell believes that holographic storage is a revolutionary technology which will impact markets from consumer to the enterprise. InPhase’s own homepage greets you with “imagine holding 100 movies in the palm of your hand – holographic storage makes that possible.”
The context that’s important to remember here is that the first demonstration of holographic data storage was made at NAB. InPhase strategically targeted this premier audience as one of the first that could take advantage of such a breakthrough. In context (Final Cut aside), Apple was also focusing on Storage solutions for Broadcasters, as they had just released their Apple Xsan Drives 24-Hour News Station news report – one week prior to NAB’s Convention.
Now looking forward, it’s clear that Apple will have to ensure that Xsan with Holographic Information Storage solutions have a place on their roadmap if they wish to remain a contender in this all important arena. In addition, Apple must have a digital rights management solution that both Hollywood and Broadcasters approve of, and the Intel Pentium D appears to be one of the best ways that Apple could accomplish this without rattling any feathers.
Intel’s connection to optware
Intel has been an investor in a company called Optware Corporation, which is one of the leading innovators in optical disk storage systems, since 2003.
Here’s a recent statement made by Yoshio Aoki, Chairman and CEO of Optware: “With the rapid spread of broadband communications based on high-speed optical fiber telecommunications networks and the expansion of the digital contents market, the world is heading towards an unprecedented “super-information-intensive society.” Meanwhile, it is forecasted that the global market for data storage will grow more than twofold into a $200 billion market by 2006 (according to a study by IDC). The optical disc device based on holographic storage technology is expected to have a wide range of applications, including data storage for digital HDTV (high-definition television) contents for business use, and as home servers and peripheral devices of PCs in the homes.”
Ecma International is an industry association founded in 1961 and dedicated to the standardization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Consumer Electronics (CE). On January 26, 2005 Ecma put out a press release containing this:
Ecma has created Technical Committee 44 (TC44) to develop a standardization strategy for Holographic Information Storage (HIS) systems, initially based upon the Collinear Technologies of Optware Corporation, a leading developer of Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD) storage products. TC44 was set up at the request of Optware Corporation and several of its partners, including CMC Magnetics Corporation, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Pulstec Industrial Co., Ltd., Strategic Media Technology and Toagosei Co., Ltd.
According to Ecma, HVD’s initial capacity of 200 gigabytes (due to grow to 1 terabyte), together with the high transfer speed – growing from 100 megabits per second to 1 gigabits per second – represent a quantum leap in storage possibilities. Holographic Versatile media will be available in both disks (HVD) and cards (HVC).
“Intel is delighted that Optware and its HVD/HVC technology have made a significant step toward making the technology an industry standard. The standardization through Ecma process should accelerate the commercialization of the technology, as many of the key players in this field will actively participate in and collaborate with the committee’s efforts. Intel looks forward to seeing a commercial HVD/HVC product that will advance the optical disk roadmap one generation ahead,” said Claude Leglise, Vice President of Intel Capital.
Dramatically increased storage density
Holographic Information Storage breaks the density limits of conventional optical storage by recording through the full depth of the medium instead of recording on the surface only. One HVD can store upwards of 200 gigabytes of data, the equivalent of more than 40 of today’s DVDs, and that is just for starters. Future implementations will be able to store more than 1.3 terabytes. Additionally, unlike optical discs, which record one data bit at a time, HVDs allow over 10 kilobits of data to be written and read in parallel with a single flash of light – and the recording and reading processes do not require spinning media. Data transfer rates of up to 20 megabytes per second (far faster than DVDs) are easily achieved with rotating or translating media.
Ambitious goals
TC44 will begin standardizing three different storage media:•Holographic Versatile Disc cartridges (capacity: 200 Gbytes per cartridge)
•Read-only Holographic Versatile Discs (capacity: 100 Gbytes per disc) and,
•Holographic Versatile Cards (capacity: 30 Gbytes per card).
•
The fourth project is standardization of a case for 120 mm read-only HVDs. Ecma has ambitious goals: In December 2006 the new standards will be submitted to ISO for fast-track processing.
Dr. Yoshio Aoki, President and CEO of Optware Corporation, commented “We are very honored that Ecma International is undertaking standardization of Holographic Information Storage systems. We are particularly gratified that Ecma has chosen to start its standardization work with projects that make use of our Collinear Technologies for Holographic Versatile Discs (HVDs) and Holographic Versatile Cards (HVCs). HVDs and HVCs use a completely different technology from the conventional two-axis method and fully exploit the optical servo technologies associated with conventional CDs and DVDs. This unique feature of the Optware Collinear Technology is very well suited for high-performance recording formats, file structures and I/O interfaces for both the enterprise storage market and the AV/IT professional electronic media storage markets such as film and broadcast content for the disc and card form factors.”
In the Big Picture
Apple is focusing on the future. Their current Xsan solutions have worked their way into over fifty Telcos and Cellcos worldwide and Apple is now targeting broadcasters as proven by their recent sales of Xsan solutions to Poland’s TVN 24. Intel is an investor in Optware and has made it clear that they look forward to seeing commercial HVD/HVC products that will advance the optical disk roadmap one generation ahead. Apple now has the opportunity to work intimately with both Intel and Optware engineers to develop and deliver next generation Xsan solutions with Holographic Information Storage technology.
In addition, Apple’s ability to eventually deliver an approved Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution based on Intel’s Pentium D will eliminate any confusion there may have been with Hollywood, Broadcasters and the Telecom Industry, in choosing Apple media, storage and web service solutions. Having that 10 ton Gorilla known as Intel as a partner will now allow Apple to win more industry support and influence where it’s needed most. If the Next Wave of the Internet is to be won by Apple, then this shift to Intel will be seen as brilliant move in the years ahead.
While Holographic storage technology may begin with Xsan, we all know that Apple will rapidly filter it down to consumer hardware that will benefit us all, if not open the door to new possibilities. In fact, take a look at this little gem of a Set Top Box from VNL with HomeChoice. Can you see the Mac Mini’s influence here? Yes, of course.
Back on May 6, 2005 I presented you with an article entitled NAB Videos: Insights on Apple and the Video Ecosystem. Well, one of the key AVC presenters found at the 5:26 mark of the Video Services ARPU session video, stated the following: My personal feeling is that what’s going to sit on top of the TV, if anything, is going to look more like a Mac mini than a traditional set top box.
While I still maintain that Apple will license a universal web services platform for the Set Top Box and other markets that Apple can’t conceivably tackle on their own, the VLN unit is just too close to the Mac Mini to completely ignore as a possibility out of hand. Let’s face it; stranger things have happened lately!
As one Macsimum reader by the name of Eldon Tyrell put it recently, “don’t tell me that it’s impossible, because after yesterday all bets are off.”Although he wasn’t referring to a Set Top Box, he most certainly captured the spirit of our Intel moment succinctly. Yes, all bets are off and so are the kid gloves. If you still think that a Set Top Box is in the cards, then I want to hear about what you guys are envisioning – before Apple announces anything. Take the kid gloves off and give it your best shot.
In the big picture, Holographic based storage solutions are going play a huge roll in Apple’s future product mix, be it for Xsan, a possible Set Top Box, home server or creative in-vehicle or other type of mobile device. Thanks to the Apple-Intel connection, I think that Apple’s ability to deliver the very best solutions in this new frontier has been greatly advanced. And who knows what other Intel Bunnies they could pull out of their hat! Perhaps this is where GigaWire comes into the picture.
To Steve Jobs and all the hard working engineers and staff at Apple that are pioneering a great future for us all, Cheers!
What is Holographic Storage – PDF
Chaper Index
Part 15: “Apple’s iPod-Pro 2006, a specialized computer”
Part 14: “Tiger’s Real Secret Weapon – To Rock the Market”
Part 13: “Apple’s connections to Wind River, Red Hat and Linux-ITRON”
Part 12: “Apple’s NEW-TRON Bombshell”
Part 11: “Apple and IBM: Rethink the PowerPC Revolution”
Part 10: “Suddenly! The Next Wave of the Broadband Wars”
Part 9: The Next Wave: Apple Patent Reveals QuickTime TV: What the Other Sites Missed
Part 8: A Closer Peek at Sony’s CELL Patent: What’s missing here?
Part 7: The Next Wave: Apple’s Connection to the CELL Processor
Part 6: Next Wave: Motorola, MeshNetworks and In-Car iServices
Part 5: OS X Tiger’s QuickTime Could Reach More than 3 Billion Users a Day!
Part 4: Apple’s QuickTime Leaps to the Silver Screen and Beyond
Part 3: Tiger Revving-up QuickTime TV Live-Network
Part 2: On the Road to iPod-Live! In 2005
Part 1: Apple’s Next Wave of the Internet: Darwin’s leap to MAN
The Next Wave of the Internet Series
By Neo
Ken Says:
Alek,
I think it was all about the G5. The reason why Motorola was a good match was because the G4 was meant to be an embedded chip so it was perfect for laptops AND cool desktops… Same chip both places, for the most part, same performance (subtracting HD, memory speeds). The main problem was that they just weren’t very good at making them.
Starting from the HOT end of things...ie whippin fast tower chips, it’s a lot harder to get things smaller and smaller and cooler… Well, let’s just say that it’s easier to take a cool chip and place it in a spacious enclosure with a passive heat sink and a fan or two than it is to take a chip that REQUIRES water cooling and get that into a laptop.
PowerPC is going to be top of the line until Intel makes something that can beat it… which Apple reckons to be two years from now.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
As for the “five year secret plan” - this article may shed light on the plan of both IBM and Motorola to focus on all things embedded back in 1999: http://news.com.com/2100-1040-225442.html?legacy=cnet
Being that Apple will continue with Universal Binary, Apple will take advantage of the PPC where it’s advantageous. The focus for Intel chips seems to be the desktop and server areas. Most of the chips in vehicles are PPC, so Apple will always have a foot in that camp.
Side note: What is with the MacIntel, MacTel stupidity surfacing from some in the Mac community. Lame or what! What’s next? Perhaps iPodTel. Give me a break! It wasn’t the MacPPC, just the Mac. It’s a Mac, period! Sorry, I had to get that off my chest :-)
Posted on June 10, 2005
Insha Says:
Good article Neo. I was reading somthing similar on the register (I have to digup the link) from Hitachi on perpendicular Harddrives.
Both of these techs have sparked my interest. I guess I would like to how long before it becomes available to consumers like me?
OT:
I agree with Ken on Apple’s move to Intel. There have been so many opinions flowing in the Mac community on this that it has become hard to see through them.
And of course having said that, I will throw my opinion into the mix… :)
In the Keynote when SJ put up the 3Ghz G5 and G5 slide and sight them as one of the reasons for the switch, I understood his decision (to some extent).
Given the incresingly demand for laptops over desktops, this reason is justified.
Posted on June 10, 2005
macuser Says:
Sorry Neo, but since Apple chose Intel, IMHO your stories have lost most of the credibility they had.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Sorry you feel that way “macuser” because Apple’s leap to Intel actually advances the Next Wave. I guess you never really understood the series to begin with, which was about delivering Web Services. Does it change anything on IPTV, a wireless iPod, the connection to Boeing, mesh networks, Apple’s leap to the silver screen, a next generation of QuickTime TV? No. I was one of the few who pointed out that Apple was working with Intel on CE-ATA and prior to the announcement point to a possible Intel inside iPod or other device, which Steve Jobs all but confirmed on CNBC the day of Apple’s announcement.
The leap to Intel simplifies the Next Wave’s execution. If you were looking for perfection, then a prophet I’m not - oh big news. Anyways, that’s your opinion - and that’s just fine.
Cheers!
Neo
Posted on June 10, 2005
Dick Applebaum Says:
To Neo
Just about to have my first cup of coffee and read your latest.
(I read somewhere that Teddy Roosevelt drank 15 gallons of coffee per day-- talk about wired!).
I just sent a link to your wife & the contact tab-- good read!
Dick
Posted on June 10, 2005
John Lockwood Says:
Apple did not have to change processors to Intel just to get holographic storage so I fail to see the point of your article. There is a small possibility that the DRM built-in to the Pentium D might be relevant however that alone would not have justified such a disruptive change.
Also by the way, the HomeChoice set top box predates the Mac mini by a considerable margin, so no it was not influenced by the Mac mini.
Here is a quote from the legal page of HomeChoice’s website
“HomeChoice is provided to subscribers by Video Networks Limited ("VNL"). VNL was established in 1992 and since 1999 has been offering broadband entertainment to subscribers within the London area. For simplicity, VNL is referred to as HomeChoice throughout this Code.”
While I cannot remember back that far I can confirm as a UK resident that this product has been available for several years.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Juanxer Says:
Perhaps it would be best to try guess and define the next discrete Web Service Apple is going to implement instead of trying to divine vast overarching strategies. After all, the failure of .net as first campaigned was being so big and ambitious and complex and actually mostly nebulous and undefinied that it ended up nowhere, while Sherlock and iTMS were these little so very focused things that everybody got instantly. Dashboard is another example of a very tangible Services thing.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
John, giving me dates doesn’t help. My Motorola STB has been around for a long time as well. I doubt that homechoice had this form factor in 1992/99. If you have a link to an article showing the unit in 1999, I’d love to see it.
I guess the President of AVC pointing to STB’s looking more like a Mac Mini was interesting, as I didn’t hear him saying that they would look more like VLN’s unit - Being that VLN uses H.264.
Yes, I’m sure Apple could/would have worked with InPhase if on a PowerPC holographic storage solution and that’s why I listed them and their video in this article.
The point is that Intel’s inside track with Optware will allow Apple to work with Intel/Optware engineers that have backed this venture. It’s Optware’s standards that are initially being accepted, so they’ll have a leg up in some respects.
Intel is also influential (to a point) in hollywood and all of the many things that Apple and Intel could work on together will be beneficial. I’d rather be writing about the positive side of an Apple-Intel connection, than whining about the past like so many are. Yes, it was a bit of shock for Apple to go wholesale Intel, but this is the reality we were dealt, and I’ll continue to pump up the volume where I can.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Juanxer, Widgets were discussed in Chapter 14 just a few weeks ago - so of course I agree with you there.
Being that it was SJ that pointed to mid-2006 and beyond and it coinciding with Holographic Storage Solutions market timing, that’s far from “ trying to divine vast overarching strategies” as you suggest. InPhase’s first demo for Broadcasters pretty much tells you this is a no-brainer for Apple who is wanting to play a bigger role in the Broadcaster....and telecom markets.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Furthermore to the relevancy of the next wave series, see Dennis’ story today on: Nokia, Intel collaborate on WiMax broadband wireless technology - http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/nokia_intel_collaborate_on_wimax_broadband_wireless_technology/
Dennis writes: “The first version, due this year, would beam signals to rooftop antennas.”
Now take a look at Next Wave chapter 6: Motorola-MeshNetworks, in-car iServices & iTunes - http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/next_wave_motorola_meshnetworks_in_car_iservices_itunes/
Jeez, look at that. Relevant, yes of course. :-)
Posted on June 10, 2005
Bob Says:
Another informative read. Yesterday’s news on Microsoft’s difficulties in delivering an IPTV solution to SBC is hopeful as far as it goes.
I can’t help but predict a new consumer device from Apple before next year in order to counter some of the expected sales uncertainty. If it isn’t ready by Fall I would expect something at Macworld S.F..
I’m also excited about Peter Bannon’s team from Alpha via Compaq working on the Tanglewood chip at Intel. At last they got the needed talent to design their Itanium replacement! It’s 2007 debut coincides nicely with Apple’s timetable.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Sebhelyesfarku Says:
Neo you are a Mactard, pull out of your head from Jobs’ ass. That “To Steve Jobs and all the hard working engineers and staff at Apple that are pioneering a great future for us all, Cheers!” was the gayest thing I’ve read on Mac sites, which is quite a feat. IBM showed the middle finger to Jobs having secured the PPC game console business. It’s simple as this, you iDiot.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
I agree bob. Apple should have something upcoming to counter any percieved drop in sales.
I’m not too familiar with Intel chips...yet… and looked briefly at your Tanglewood chip reference. At the bottom of the following link, they supposedly renamed it TukWila. Where do they get these crazy names anyways.
http://www.intel.com/cd/ids/developer/asmo-na/eng/dc/itanium/93092.htm?page=3
Being that I was writing this article yesterday I didn’t see the IPTV MS problems news. I’ll look for it now. Thanks. I like to read about MS problems! :-)
Cheers!
Posted on June 10, 2005
hmurchison Says:
They get many names from the Northwest.
Tukwila Washington is 20 minutes South of Seattle. Mukilteo another codename is 35 minutes North of Seattle.
They’ve used plenty of Oregon names as well.
now as for Holographic Storage. I was excited until I heard that this tech will debut in the 5 figure range. Not good.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Gay? With a name like Sebhelyesfarku - please, give me a break. Your name says it all: Farku.
You sound like a bitter MacCult member. Yes, Cheers to Apple’s engineers. You obviously have no appreciation for the road ahead of these guys. Grow up.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
hmurchison, thanks for the Northwest references.
For Xsan solutions the cost is justified. However check out the link below as there are relatively lower costs for coming home units:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/
If my money conversion is right, that’s a little under $1,800 U.S. for a unit. In volume, that’ll fall quickly....if my yen to U.S. dollar conversion is correct.
Posted on June 10, 2005
MoldyJohn Says:
Remember how Steve’s Next devoured Apple from the inside out? Like invasion of the body snatchers, watch closely as Apple slowly infects Intel and accomplishes what Steve has always wanted, total control of the whole widget and by the way, domination of the marketplace. Steve has demonstrated with iPod/iTunes that he really likes domination, like a duck to water.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Derrick Says:
Neo:
As always, a very thought provoking article ... thanks.
As interesting as it may be many of us to be ‘armchair CEO’s’ and try to determine the reason for the change to Intel and what it means ... ultimately, there are many unknowns that we are not privy to and may never know ... unless Steve decides to write a memoir someday :)
My take on things is that Apple simply had to make a decision ... after all, they don’t make chips so they are dependent on another party to supply them ... which obviously has proven to have both advantages and disadvantages.
While the move to Intel may have an unexpected change to many (including Apple) ... I am confident that Steve is thinking many, many moves ahead ... just like a chess master.
Looking forward to the next installment ... BTW ... looks like the Sun announcements were pretty lame in hindsight.
Take care,
Derrick
Posted on June 10, 2005
Bob Says:
Neo:
There is a lot of CNET Intel coverage in their archives. Here’s a different link to a Tanglewood report.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/07/10/intels_tanglewood_pumped_full/
Posted on June 10, 2005
Bob Says:
The page formatting from our input text box puts up errors in lines longer than the box input width. You can see the space in the url above between the two “o"s in “tanglewood”. This has fouled up some of the url links posted before.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Derrick, you’re right about armchair CEO’s. That’s why I wrote “Some things just don’t add up,” earlier this week. Of course we’ll likely never know what happened, and I still have questions every day. I put out my initial questions on the table, but we could question things infinitum and get nowhere. Hindsight is a rear view mirrow on the road ahead and I seldom use it, save for perspective.
About Sun...lame is kind. I have some other choice words not suitable for here. Build-up +10, Delivery -10. They should have just left as it as something coming...and not give it a day, whatever “it” was - no one got “it” which puts “it” down as the marketing blunder of the century in media. I trusted that to be a relevant event: Ouch. You win some, you lose some, move on.
Bob, Thanks for the link to Tanglewood. It’s a 2003 post, so I’ll look up both code names going forward.
Moldyjohn, good one. Your image of the invasion of the body snatchers is creative.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Peter J. Pedersen Says:
Neo,
It still seems that you need to discuss the dichotomy between the reliance on IBM’s upcoming Cell processor in your predictions (which, while not essential, is still significant) and Apple’s present rejection of All Things Blue. Unless you are saying that Apple will at some point return and use SOME PPC products?
Regards,
Posted on June 10, 2005
Dick Applebaum Says:
To Peter J. Pedersen
I watched the Keynote, carefully 3 times.
I do not believe that Apple “rejected All Things Blue” or slammed the door on future cooperation with IBM.
Also, I saw no announcement that the AIM alliance is being dissolved… just that Apple will switch to Intel chips… a fine point… maybe, maybe not.
Steve even said that Apple had some great PPC products in the pipeline… we shall see.
For example, I do not recall any discussion of the XServe.
I too, think that the CELL chip would be ideal in an Apple box… but not as the primary CPU in a Desktop or Laptop computer.
The CELL could be used in special-purpose boxes or to augment the main CPU in a general-purpose computer (h264 encode/decode, for example).
As I understand it the majority of CELL chips will be manufactured by Sony… so they could supply Apple.
And, Apple through the AIM alliance may have some rights to the PPC design and the CELL derivative.
Dick
Posted on June 10, 2005
mcloki Says:
Hi Neo.
Another good article. Upon seeing these “optical chips” for the lack of a better term. The first thing I thought of was “solid state” Ipod. No moving parts and 30 gig storage. Depending on how small they can get the reader device. Or a smaller version to put into a cell phone. Lots of benefit there.
And a few other thoughts about this intel thing. If Intel is trying to get back at Microsoft as has been explained elsewhere on the web. Could not Microsoft just use PPC for “Longhorn”. I don’t know if Microsoft has any"secrets double lives” on the Redmond campus. You may have a rumour to that effect. This would open up a can of worms. The probability is low but it could be possible.
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Peter J. Pedersen, Good question.
I go back to Sony signing a deal with Nvidia that I mentioned in chapter 8. I think that for video, iChat AV, Quicktime in general, we may very well see cell on a video card. In fact, I never said that it as a primary processor to begin with. That nice little visit from Ando this January may be seen in even a more significant light.
I think it’s too early to write anyone out of the picture right now. Apple’s Universal Binary approach definitely doesn’t close the door on the PPC story. QuickTime will run on anything PPC - Apple or not - and believe me, there’s a lot of embedded systems on their way to market that QuickTime services could run on.
I’m still keeping up with any news on Cell. Until there’s something definitively negative, I don’t think much changes on that front. Cell isn’t about accellerating Spreadsheets, it’s about web services/multimedia and communications in real-time. Apple’s engineers could easily work this into their intel systems roadmap.
IBM has made it clear, as the story running on Macsimum
(which I passed on to Dennis) - that as far as the “desktop” goes, it’s not a market they wished to persue knowing that the next generation of computing (=Next Wave) isn’t about the desktop.
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/ibm_lots_of_transistors_on_single_chip_more_heat_power_consumption/
So before any of us talking heads (especially writers) get too ahead of ourselves as to what exactly the switch to Intel really means, I’d tread lighly. We don’t have the big picture yet and won’t for some time to come.
Cheers!
Neo
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Hey mcloki,
MS Windows to PPC? They’ve declined so far and doubt with 95% of the market on Intel, they’ll shift anytime soon. But hey...Hell Froze Over...and now the Intel switch...pretty much allows the craziest things to happen. But no. Geeks have run OS’s on XBox, so who knows what that’s saying.
Holographic storage on an iPod, due to arrive in 2098 :-). With 60 GB hard drives on their way from Toshiba and shrinking as reported today (another Macsimum story) kills that one. I have a hard enough time getting my playstation to remains stable let alone a laser on an iPod on-the-go.
Thanks for dropping by mcloki. Cheers!
Posted on June 10, 2005
Dick Applebaum Says:
To mcloki
I suspect that MS has also has plans to be platform-independent.
Actually, adding PPC to Longhorn to support the relatively few Mac PPC configurations is, likely, easier than the varied Intel configurations they are trying to support.
From what I read, MS is having major problems with Longhorn… hence, the delays, removal of features and the increasing minimum hardware requirements.
So, I think MS’s plate is pretty full at the moment and they are focused to deliver whatever they can, for as many x86 configurations as they can, as soon as possible (I am hearing 2007-- a year and a half away).
I am also beginning to hear that (at least, initially) there will be no compelling reasons (for the majority of Win users) to migrate from XP to Longhorn-- or at least none worth the cost involved.
If true, Longhorn/PPC is not the problem, rather will significant numbers of the Win install base migrate to Longhorn/x386-- to where MS wants/needs them to be.
This could be a fantastic opportunity for Apple… to deliver a robust, secure, proven OS that does more for less $ on less expensive minimum configurations.
Apple OS X/x386 and Apple boxes could be the best, least-expensive, only migration alternative for a very large percentage of the Wintel installed base.
At some point, it may make sense to skip Longhorn, altogether.
Time is on Apple’s side!
Then what?
I’d be willing to bet* that Apple will release some OS X/x86 boxes & OS X/x86 before the end of the year, just to announce: “we are here!”
* I bought some additional Apple shares today
Dick
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Dick, buying shares is a vote of confidence, good for you.
It would be nice to see a machine at least by January, but I’ve heard developers comment that were pleased that Apple gave them a year to get their apps ready. So prior to the new year would be contradictory. I’m sure Apple is going to keep track of how developers are doing before putting out their first system without enough software.
It could be that Apple has a particular chip in mind that won’t be ready until the June. I’m sure that whatever is decided on that Intel will bend over backwards to make it happen.
Something tells me that MS won’t be ready (oh big surprise there), so lets hope that Apple has a pro office suite of their own to launch this baby with to really “kick it up a notch!” I could hear the roar with that announcement to take the war to MS.
Like your confidence Dick!
Posted on June 10, 2005
Dick Applebaum Says:
To Neo
Posting that I bought Apple shares is the vote of confidence…
...Buying the shares is an investment!
Dick
Posted on June 10, 2005
Neo Says:
Investment - Yes of course.
Dick, it sounds like this stupid email work-around problem may be coming to an end. Sounds like email privileges will be extended to more of us at Macsimum. When it happens, you’ll know.
Sure would be interesting to hear HP’s view on Apple’s Intel move. I doubt that Apple would have announced this move without some heads up out of courtesy to HP, being that they just adopted the Mini iPod. That silence is sure interesting though. Have you heard anything from HP?
Posted on June 10, 2005
Dick Applebaum Says:
To Neo
I Resent it to your wife… not to the contact tab.
No word from/about HP.
Dick
Posted on June 10, 2005
Dino Says:
So watt? Reminds me of billy crystal: so watts nu with you?
Definitely for xsan first. Something about the card aspect that I like instead of a disk. Apple loves being first at things and this would really be interesting to see Apple first on this.
Yet with Blu-Ray, Apple has to stick with volume and Blu-Ray is only beginning to have a roll out date. I read that Matsushita will be rolling it out ahead of schedule!
For Xsan though, it seems like holograhic storage is a natural for broadcasters and telecom for starters.
Posted on June 10, 2005
MoldyJohn Says:
At the end of the movie ÒBridge on the River KwaiÓ the proud British engineer looks at the magnificent bridge he built for the Imperial Japanese and says something to the effect of ÒOh God, what have I doneÓ. It occurred to me that Sony must be looking at the brouhaha with IBMÕs PowerPC division failing to crank up clock speeds, crappy yields, spotty benchmarks and Apple of all people saying sayonara to the PowerPC, and saying to themselves ÒOh God, what have we doneÓ. Sony bet the farm on the Cell processor and they must be wondering just how incompetent IBMÕs chip division might be.
Posted on June 11, 2005
Juanxer Says:
“...Being that it was SJ that pointed to mid-2006 and beyond and it coinciding with Holographic Storage Solutions market timing, that’s far from “ trying to divine vast overarching strategies” as you suggest. InPhase’s first demo for Broadcasters pretty much tells you this is a no-brainer for Apple who is wanting to play a bigger role in the Broadcaster....and telecom markets...”
Yes. What I ought to have meant is that things like Holographic Storage are, we could say, computer industry infrastructure, meaning everybody can take advantage of it, in much the same way it’s going to happen with next generation DVDs or newer high capacity hard drive technologies. Not to belittle the interest in new massive storage technologies, but whatever shows up will be used by everybody else, too. I don’t read too much in the date coincidence: Apple would implement it whenever it is ready and fits its markets, as it is a platform-neutral technology.
Actually, what I find most interesting about this holographic technology is that there must be novel uses for such humongous capacity media, and it could be useful to try sorting their practicalities out. Things like entire loads of encrypted prerecorded content pending activation codes (sort of Blockbuster-on-a-Disc) or not (public-library-on-a-disc?) and such; lighter portables with longer battery life; having a backup of your entire “data-life” in a pocket, online-able in an instant at local storage-style speeds; even smaller desktop systems and home servers, etc. Quite exciting, really.
Posted on June 11, 2005
Cats Says:
Yes I agree. It is exciting, and Apple being able to ensure that Xsan is one of the first to get it right is important for markets that Apple is targeting. Storage is great but so is finding data and Spotlight is just one solution that will shine on Xsan.
Posted on June 11, 2005
Neo Says:
Dick
Why do you think the homepage is down? Any ideas?
Posted on June 12, 2005
Bob Says:
I will guess that the TukWila, or Tanglewood chip’s debut will be at 65 nanometers with 8 cores in early 2007. Here is another ‘04 story about the difficulties with Itanium’s progress.
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9584_22-5069915.html?tag=nl
I have always thought that Apple might use a partner if they decide on a frontal assault on Microsoft’s Enterprise domain. Now, it might be HP for the service and support that Apple isn’t structured to supply. Perhaps they could manufacturer clones for direct corporate or institutional sales only. That way the corporate need for good timeline commitments would be satisfied by HP leaving Apple to innovate in secret. Later, if a sufficient beachead is established and Apple’s hardware sales are good, Apple could make OS X on Intel available for all.
Posted on June 12, 2005
Eduardo Dias Says:
Have you seen this?
Nokia’s browser using Apple’s WebCore
Posted on June 13, 2005
scott schor Says:
The nokia link is quite interesting. I’m wondering how this partnering with a Motorola competitor affects the awaited moto phone with iTunes, or are they unrelated? Could Apple be prepping Nokia for iTunes as well?
I was impatient waiting for the WWDC keynote, and now I’m impatiently waiting for June, 2006. It just keeps getting more interesting with each day.
Posted on June 13, 2005
Neo Says:
Eduardo Dias,
Thanks for the tip - it should be a news story on Macsimum today because of your observation made here.
Cheers Edurado!
Neo
Posted on June 13, 2005
Eduardo Dias Says:
I see it more like the start of a broader acceptance and implementation of Apple’s WebServices ( Safari + Dashboard + Java + QuickTime ) structure hinted on previous episodes.
One question : what happened on the backstage that made Nokia ( apparently ? ) prefer Apple’s solutions instead of MS MediaPlayer which they had agreed to use in the past? Is there any WiMax connection? Do they know that maybe WiMax is one of the most important stuff to be delivered from Apple-Intel relationship?
Posted on June 13, 2005
Neo Says:
Yes Eduardo, it is the beginning as hinted in as far back as chapter 2 of the Next Wave series.
You should post your comment on the new story that’s up now: http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/nokia_adopts_apples_webcore_for_new_mobile_micro_browser_for_2006/
Thanks again Eduardo!
Posted on June 13, 2005
Chris D Says:
The homechoice box launched in 2004.
http://digital-lifestyles.info/display_page.asp?section=cm&id=1216
Posted on November 09, 2005
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 4,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
Alek Says:
Good article NEO
But I still Can’t undrstand why Apple switch to Intel Chips.
Open Power Architecture, RISC Advantages, and ...
Ibm has invsted heavily on Power and maybe “speed inability” is not the real reason for APple migration.
Posted on June 10, 2005