Not so flash
Two thirds of consumers would prefer the next generation of Apple's successful iPad to support Flash or include USB ports, over a built-in digital camera.
A total of 48 percent of Europeans want to see support for Adobe Flash Player on the next generation iPad, according to German shopping website Gutschein-Codes' survey, conducted by OnePoll, which questioned 3,000 Europeans in August.
Despite its lack of Flash support, the current version of the iPad is tipped to shift 13m units by the close of 2010, but it will be interesting to note whether Apple adds Flash to its rumoured smaller 7inch screened iPad, which is expected to launch early next year.
European regulators have joined forces with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate whether Apple's blocking of Flash from its iOS devices including the iPad and iPhone is legit, according to The New York Times.
Authorities are now questioning whether Apple's move harms competition, although the computer giant has maintained its ban is within its rights and is necessary to preserve the quality of its technology. Apple CEO Steve Jobs made his views on Adobe's Flash perfectly clear in an open letter where he said it was ‘unfit' for modern products.
Gutschein-Codes' survey also discovered 48 percent of consumers want USB connectivity more than any other feature, compared to 29 percent who hanker after a built-in camera, although it is thought the iPad 2 will feature a front-facing camera.
Top 5 Missing Features Wanted on iPad
- USB ports for direct file upload (48%)
- Support for Adobe Flash Player (44%)
- CD/DVD drive (42%)
- Built-in TV receiver (38%)
- Waterproof and shockproof (30%)
- Built in Digital Camera (29%)
Interestingly, despite a relative lack-of interest in a camera-toting iPad, the research revealed a standalone digital camera was the Apple product most shoppers yearned for in the future.
Just over half of respondents said they wanted to see a camera offering, while 49 percent said they would be interested if Apple made television sets (not to be confused with Apple TV!)
One in five people said they wanted kitchen appliances, while one in ten desired an Apple vacuum cleaner. The research also found 5 percent of respondents would happily use Apple sports equipment and 14 percent would like to sport an Apple car.
