Haddad says Apple ‘expanding its universe’

Calling OS X a “launch pad for an arsenal of new technologies,” BusinessWeek’s Charles Haddad said that the new operating system is providing Apple a lead in innovation that PC makers will ultimately follow. His comments come in a new “Byte of the Apple” column entitled How Apple is expanding its universe.

Haddad cited Rendezvous, Apple’s zero-configuration networking technology, as an example. With Apple convincing big players like Philips to support Rendezvous in forthcoming home entertainment peripherals, Haddad likens Rendezvous to Apple’s “next QuickTime.” Rendezvous has also captured the interest of printer manufacturers.

iSync is another example of Apple’s innovation, Haddad said. iSync addresses “the hassle of syncing a common database of information” with various electronic devices, something that up until now has stumped PC makers.

Apple’s also doing a better job of supporting existing standards than it has in the past, as well, according to Haddad. Mac OS X’s Unix underpinnings and support of Bluetooth, the wireless personal area networking technology, are both examples.

All of these efforts mean that Apple is wiser and more flexible than it was even a few years ago, Haddad said. “It’s sifting through the heady and confusing stream of new technology — both its own and others’ — to give the Mac a portfolio of features that will keep it fun, useful, and ahead of the curve.”