Constantin Schwarz

Bit of a change in direction for the organisers of the Ryder Cup regarding social media.

Initially the announcement was made that RFID tags would be made available for the tournament, giving entry to the site, allowing "wearers to take part in interactive activities around the course and share their movements instantly via social media".

The opportunity to "High Five" with your favourite team, make cashless payments on the course at selected stations and various other interactive experience opportunities, led to the assumption that this years Ryder Cup would truly be a step forward in interactive sports entertainment.

The technical challenges on a golf course, geographic spread, weather, and varying user levels as the matches move on, can be quite daunting, making football stadia and tennis complexes child's play.

When news broke that all social media activity would be prohibited, to protect intellectual properties and media rights owners and all that malarkey, the question arose whether it would be enforceable.  Logistically the enforcement could only occur post event, by which time it would have been too late any way.

Fortunately somebody seems to have had some common sense and the position was changed with this press release.

Selfies, sharing and social media are now allowed in most places.  The usual etiquette still applies, i.e. no picture taking on a players backswing, which is sensible.

Now, if the Tours could just get rid of the "Mashed Potatoes" guy. 

Apple's upcoming event on September 9th, curiously named "Wish we could say more", leaves to believe that few surprises will be announced on the day.  Expectations are set around the expansion of the iPhone product offering and a possible smartwatch offer.

While this is could be compelling, with Samsung and LG having already launched their products, the design element and Apple's vision for the future in wearable technology will be of interest.

Unfortunately the changes in the iPad range will not likely take place.  The one I am really looking forward to is the 12.9 inch iPad.

Bigger is not necessarily better, but in this instance it will be a market changer.

When Steve Jobs initially introduced the product, he relied on the most intuitive pointing device we have, our own finger.  With the development of the apps designed for the iPad, in terms of sophistication and precision, the finger and screen real estate have not kept up.

Other manufacturers have introduced a stylus or keyboard to go with the tablet.  I hope that Apple, or one of their partners, will provide a solution for this.

The question is also how the product will slot into the enterprise market, dominated by notebooks.

There are issues surrounding connectivity and productivity on the device, which will be clarified when launched, but I do see this product as a potential threat to the notebook category.

Recently I was fortunate enough to see a group of 10-12 year olds work on their iPads.  The speed, accuracy and ease was astounding.  I asked them whether they would not prefer a notebook, with its keyboard, improved processing and memory capacities.  The answer was a resounding "no".  The pad suited their needs and they could get an app for whatever shortcomings they encountered.  

With app development and improvements in the device itself - which includes a very accurate data input mechanism - the days of the notebook may truly be numbered.

Just say it already - "we have got the bigger iPad for you! Today!"