[daigoba66]

Per Microsoft: "App contracts and extensions" have existed since day one: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/hh46490...

Per Healthcare: that is a really exciting new feature and there is a LOT of potential here. But I wonder how successful it can actually be in the grand scheme of things. I.e. not everyone can have or wants an iPhone.

Edit, expanding a bit:

On the flip side, I am huge advocate for personal health records (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_health_record), but no one really knows about them and no really uses them because they don't work with your doctor. I don't think Apple has even remotely come close to solving the overall problem of integration and usefulness, but maybe it will get more people interested and thinking about the concept of a personal health record.

[sz4kerto]

You're right, app contracts have been there since ages, just not really used as much as they are on Android.

Re. Health: it can fly in the US, and if it does, then they've got the momentum to port the stuff to other mobile OSes. Health itself is such a big industry that they might not want/need to use it just as a promoter for their devices.

[threeseed]

Expect health devices to be the new hot space for the next few years.

Yes Apple will have an iWatch but they would be more than happy having hundreds of dirt cheap equivalents that integrate seamlessly with the iPhone.

[nextweek2]

Really? It's my understanding that those with the least amount of money have the greatest need for healthcare. How is Apple with its premium product going to help those that cannot afford their products?

A cheap Android device could be used to help monitor the health of an elderly relative, however do you really perceive people leaving the latest iPhone with their dementia stricken parent?

Are expectant mothers going to be happy with having wireless transmissions constantly next to their unborn child (regardless of safety records)?

Are nurses going to have sterilised iPads for for the ward, where fluids are abound?

Health monitors haven't taken off because people do not care enough to want constant monitoring.

[bztzt]

since day one of Windows 8 on tablet/PC, but it wasn't brought to the phone until 8.1.