Galaxy Collision in Action (NASA)
Galaxy Collision in Action (NASA)
Galaxy Collision in Action (NASA)
Galaxy Collision in Action (NASA)

Are iOS and Mac OS X on an inevitable crash course? After reading about the rumored expansion of the MacBook Airs (to include 15- and 17-inch models), it became very apparent that the iPad and the MBA are virtually one and the same. Or, at least they will be. Sure, one has a keyboard, but given the incredible shrinking design — thin is in! — these devices are likely to become one. It’s just a matter of time. And the OS too will become one (who doesn’t like an occasional nonsensical Spice Girl reference?).

The question won’t be do I want a computer or a tablet.

It will be: what screen size… 4-inch, 7-inch, 11-inch… all the way up to 27-inch. And: do you want a keyboard with that, sir – and will you be using it in your car?

Yes, we are entering the In-N-Out era of computer buying. Easy as 1-2-3. I’m convinced all of these systems will employ touch screen interfaces, a la iPad — not much of a stretch, that prognostication, but it had to be said.

If all roads lead to touchy-thin-app-driven devices out of Cupertino then that would likely mean: 1 OS to rule them all. And that OS will be an iOS/Mac OS hybrid.

MacBook Air - Quickly morphing into an iPad with Keyboard?
MacBook Air - Quickly morphing into an iPad with Keyboard?

It will be a full featured, multi-tasking, uber-powerful, user friendly operating system that will work across all devices. Today, it’s almost impossible, at least pragmatically, and priced for the masses to have Mac OS X Lion running on an iPhone. I’m sure, though, deep within Apple engineering it’s already a reality. And with a little backwind and Moore’s law on my side, I predict we’re going to see a world of one within 18-24 months. One OS for phones. One OS for tablets. One OS for computers.

iPhone - Soon to run full-fledged OS?
iPhone - Soon to run full-fledged OS?

I admit that this is not exactly the most far-out there concept in the world. After all, the clues are there — and they’re not in the least confounded by David Lynch symbolism. Lion was clearly a move towards touch, app-driven computing. The thing is a gesture funhouse! Meanwhile, iOS keeps getting more and more powerful.

iOS and Mac OS X – You and I collide?

Yes: 18-24 months…

Lead Photo: Courtesy of NASA / Flickr – “This beautiful image gives a new look at Stephan’s Quintet, a compact group of galaxies discovered about 130 years ago and located about 280 million light years from Earth.”

Clinton shoots videos for Stark Insider. Interests include San Francisco Bay Area arts, Ingmar Bergman and French New Wave, and chasing the perfect home espresso shot 25 seconds at a time (and failing). Peloton: ClintTheMint. Camera: Video Gear