With the iPad and its closed software universe, has Steve Jobs committed an unforced error — unnecessarily created an obvious opening for Google and MicroSoft to compete?
Today, Google says: “If you throw enough crap at the wall, sooner or later something’s gotta stick.”
Today, Microsoft says: “Pigs will eat anything.”
The revolution is not the technology.
This is the revolution: The consumer is now in charge.
Learn to love it — or get liquidated. PT Barnum’s day in the marketplace is done.
Jim Klein says:
“The hardware and software will be tightly integrated. This makes perfect sense — Microsoft can’t compete with the iPad on ease of use unless it creates a similar end-to-end experience.”
I find that one intriguing. “Gee, it worked for them for so many years; it’ll work for us.” My guess is that it’ll blow up in their face. There’s no business sin worse than not understanding what you sell; seems common in the RE business BTW.
I can hardly wait for the economic theorists flailing, trying to explain it. Same business model, same expertise, maybe as good a product…why in the world wouldn’t it have the same results? Because a huge segment of the demographic can hardly stomach even buying the software and won’t tolerate buying the package; that’s why. People /wanted/ an Apple; find me someone who wants a Microsoft machine.
Briggs & Stratton pulled it off; their own-built products are viewed as premium, at least by some. But MS ain’t no Briggs & Stratton, and doesn’t build anything anyway. It’s easy to get carried away with your own view of what you do, but what counts is the customer’s view of what you do. Ask Coke.
February 9, 2012 — 8:41 pm
Minerva says:
I think it is also right to say that technology evolves because of the increasing evolution of consumer demands. 🙂
February 12, 2012 — 9:01 am
Francisco says:
Technology will keep changing rapidly; it is amazing what we hve seen evolving over the last 5 to 10 years.
I can’t wait to see what is the next big thing.
February 12, 2012 — 1:38 pm
Lem says:
To be fair, many of Apple’s ideas were ‘borrowed’ from other sources. There were portable mp3 players before the iPod even technology that resembled iPhones long before the actual iPhone.
Where Apple changed the market is by making everything so user friendly, attractive, and accessible. This is really the area where Microsoft has been lacking (and Google to a lesser extent).
“This is the revolution: The consumer is now in charge.”
Exactly.
February 13, 2012 — 1:07 pm
Derek says:
It’s nice that companies are starting to take more of the advice of the consumer now. I’ve noticed lately that they are more open to suggestions from the consumer and implementing them quickly. Hopefully they keep the trend!
February 16, 2012 — 3:57 pm
Scott Grace says:
Love my iPad and looking forward to the 3rd gen. next month! =)
February 17, 2012 — 12:09 pm