With the introduction of the iPad a new device is added into our (already heavy) backpack. Is this device going to change the future of websites? Are websites doomed as claimed by Boris in his post on thenextweb.com? Boris thinks websites will be replaced by Apps. I beg to differ. I don’t think it is about the device, the App or the website. I thinks it’s about data and services. I don’t care if I have to use an App or a website as long as I get to do the things I want to do WHERE I want to do them. For example if I want to check IMDB on my phone I would like to use an App, but if I want to check it on my laptop I would rather use the website. The App or website is just a tool, not the goal. The goal is to get information as quickly as possible.

More likely future websites will have added layers enabling Voice Control or simplified touch controls. Making websites easier to use on the iPad and future iPad competitors without compromising experience for users viewing the website in an ordinary browser. Because it will take a very long time for the iPad (or any similair iPad-like device) to become a household product. Take a look at the penitration of smartphones. In 2009 only 17% of every mobile phone was a smartphone. Offering your data and services merely through Apps won’t cut it! You still need a website to please the biggest share of users. Websites are not dead, they are ready for their second life.

Today I wanted to put some new music on my Zune. I tried to boot the device as I haven’t used for a couple of days. But my Zune decided to stop loading and got stuck on the start up screen. When I went looking for a solution I discovered that it’s an epedemic. Many Zune users report the same problem. It looks like a software problem and I hope Microsoft will fix it soon. Because the Zune isn’t being sold in the Netherlands I’ll probably wont get any support. I’m already looking for a replacement. iPod maybe?

Update: My Zune works again! I booted it yesterday evening and it went in ‘upgrade mode’. I had to put all my songs back on but it works OK now. I guess it was something do with the internal clock not capable of registering a leap year (366 days) and which resolved itself when the new year started.