Apple’s Concept Product: Knowledge Navigator

John Sculley ex-CEO of Apple recently compared the concept product ‘Knowledge Navigator’ with the new age innovative technical device, iPad. This unique invention was conceived by Apple in 1987 and videos of the product were circulated in the market. Sculley in his book Odyssey makes special mention of this technological genius that was described as working with the help of a bulk database of hypertext information. But what set this concept apart was the use of virtual software agents who were deployed to garner the information searched for.

The tablet system that Apple demonstrated through the vignettes was like, fairytale equipment.  Unlike the iPhone which was previously compared to the Knowledge Navigator, it did not have a touch-screen interface. Rather it was designed with a powerful text-to-speech system and a speech comprehending system which enabled the user to converse with the virtual butler (software agent).  In fact if the device was built it would completely alter the outlook of publishing solutions and re-inchoate the entire dimension of desktop publishing.

Anyone who did hear or see the videos of the Knowledge Navigator definitely thought that it was a piece of equipment right out of a science fiction. It was never launched in the market but products like Newton MessagePad 100, ARM6 processor core with Acorn Computers, PowerBook Duo-based tablet and the PenLite, were built incorporating many technical facets of the Navigator. Finally the iPad took shape which in Sculley’s words ‘is the most brilliant product’ and of the same brilliance as the first Mac and desktop publishing software.