Within the last month, Apple announced the iPad and Google announced that it wants to deploy 1 gigabit (1 billion bits/per second or 125Mbytes/second) internet service to selected communities. In both press campaigns there were allusions to enabling new rich applications. Given the hyperbole that tends to emanate from the tech sector it would be easy to dismiss such proclamations as just more geek bullshit…., that’s right, I used the word geek. Bullshit shouldn’t offend 
Apple might have some sense of how the iPad will drive these “rich, new” apps. As arrogant as they can be at times, Apple knows products, and is smart enough not to try and impose an all-reaching narrative on the iPad/app story arc. The feature set for the iPad, at least the initial version seems reasonable. As usual, they’ll improve the hardware platform over time . I am also pretty sure, given recent history, they’ll use the App store to help nudge things in the “right” direction.
Google, a relative newcomer (compared to Apple), has a somewhat tougher task in that their offering is more a service augmentation than straight up new product. True to form however, their hubris, and formidable corporate developer intellect should help them overcome some of the pitfalls this deployment may encumber. What remains to be seen, however, is how much of their storied prescience was brought to bear on the long term effects of this deployment. If they are smart, they will have already put together, locked and loaded, a developer community outside of Google primed and ready to go, because 1G to the house is a large pipe and there is more than just good hi-def media that could be enabled.
This is an infrequent event in the tech industry. Two titans each bringing potentially disruptive products /and or services to the consuming public. Each product/service being somewhat underestimated in its potential effect. The iPad is more than just a big iPhone, 1Gbit to the home is an awfully big pipe.
Apple and Google have asked us to “wait and see”. IMHO, I think that true results from either of these plays is a little further out then either of them knows. Good counsel would be to do as they have asked, wait and see, give this some time…
