Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaggy
I think iRex was really counting on a lot more Business partners stepping up with software modifications or additional applications than has happened. I think their original plan was to focus on the hardware side and come up with a basic software/application build, and then have a third party Business partner come and fill in all of the gaps for their specific market. They list a bunch of partners on their website, but the only one I've really heard much about is the eFlyBook. Even that one seems to have tailed off quite a bit. ARINC got out of the business and handed it all over to MyAirplane.com, and I haven't heard much from them since (admittedly I'm not a pilot, so maybe I just haven't been following the right news).
I would bet that iRex's original plan never really had them selling the device directly to eBook customers. That could explain a lot about why the current software doesn't take full advantage of the device's potential. The big question is, what can we do about it? The hobbyist programmers can only do so much unless they get a much larger community of people working on it.
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I reckon you're probably right. Thing is, I'm not convinced application specific software is necessary, so if they were waiting for someone to develop the perfect pilot's apps for example, they've missed a trick. Application specific content is another thing entirely of course, but the software doesn't have to wait for that.
I'm sure there are exceptions, but in most cases a really good notes app will suit a doctor and an engineer and a scientist just as well as it'll suit a pilot. Same applies to scribbling on documents, reading, indexing and getting content. In other words if the iRex did all those things really well, it'd satisfy 90% of users, whereas now.........??????
I'm sadly very pessimistic about the future for iRex. I think they're destined to go the way of the Sony SmartPad - neat attempt at "intelligent paper", with massive potential, but let down by poor software and so never likely to be adopted mainstream.
And the sad thing is that the iLiad could have been the device to take e-books to a wider audience as well, as (until the Kindle??) it was the only one with any added value to justify the large price tag. Think about it - who can justify spending £450 on a book reader? No-one can really, but as a full paper replacement it becomes a much more sensible purchase.
Mark