Is Apple the new Microsoft?
Written on June 24th, 2010 by McKinnon Diane
Written on June 24th, 2010 by McKinnon Diane
Apple
With all the noise around the iPad, Adobe, iAd and Google, what is the meaning and impact of Apple becoming the world’s most valuable technology company? It appears that in gaining that lofty position, Apple may have lost a little of its soul.
Now there is simply no arguing that fact that Apple’s product design has not only outpaced the competition in the PC and mobile device realm — let’s face it — they have outpaced the imagination of the consumer. The world has started to bend around the Jobs-ian vision of gorgeous, light, mobile, entertaining, game-changing devices. But there’s a catch: other technology companies — even former allies — had better toe the line to the cool kids, or they will be shut out. Great. The evolution of personal technology has devolved back to the rules of junior high school.
Is seems that Mr. Think Different is out there trashing Adobe, one of the software companies that helped Apple bridge the gap between early cult-like devotion and its comeback as a consumer and business products company. Those of us in the advertising and design industry remember that Adobe made the leap to OS X with Apple and essentially secured the future of digital design on the Mac. I have no doubt that there are legitimate frustrations with Flash and it appeared Adobe was ready to address them. But never mind.
Meanwhile, out in the crazy parallel universe, Bill Gates, Chairman of the formerly most-hated technology company on the planet (I have no empirical data here, but come on) has joined forces with Warren Buffet to ask every billionaire in the world to give half their wealth to charity. Gates and his wife Melinda, in partnership with Buffet, may have more impact on the future of health, education and human welfare in the 21st century than any president, prime minister, diplomat or general. As Mr. Jobs denies Google a chance to compete for mobile ad revenue, Bill gates defies expectations and brings his fortune and intellect to bear on educating the world’s children. Not that we have to root for Google, either. But the fact remains that Steve Jobs seems to promote an “us and them” universe, where you do not want to be left out.
The comparisons, both favorable and unfavorable, between Apple and Microsoft seem destined to continue as Steve Jobs determines what technologies we simply can’t live without.
Coker wrote: totally agree. well put. you're my favorite.
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Tuesday, July 19th 2011 at 1:59 am |