Apple is a dangerous blight on the entire personal computing industry. From their core corporate identity and their attitude towards software developers, to the dictatorial hammer wielded against third-party distributors and the utter contempt they hold their customers in, Apple goes against everything which made early personal computers flourish and which made it possible for the industry as we know it today to come to fruition. Even many who should know better — software and hardware engineers — have sold themselves, their history, and their peers out for shiny mediocre trinkets. However, the bright side is that it is these same traits which have prevented Apple from becoming more than a niche platform. Even newer markets in which Apple surged early (such as multimedia and mobile computing) have seen a steadily decreasing market share as consumers realize alternatives exist, alternatives which offer real freedom of choice. Eventually only those “dedicated” shallow-minded consumers which fear the freedom of choice will remain in Apple’s Garden of Pure Ideology. True invention and innovation require freedom of expression, and these things will tolerate no dictator, regardless of how benevolent he may seem.
Tags: current events
February 10, 2011 at 11:55 am |
Referring to Apple as a blight is based entirely on opinion. The evidence shows the contrary. Since the release of the iPhone, Apple has defined the smartphone market. Many companies are attempting to copy what Apple has accomplished, but they are still far behind. Almost a year after the release of the iPad there is still no clear competitor. Apple created a successful tablet market where no one else had previously succeeded. This is not a blight; this is growth.
As for the app store, Apple has created a market that the average developer can compete in. This has opened the doors for anyone to be a developer. Though the app store rejections are highly publicized, they are few in number and could have been avoided. Apple has posted their app criteria. It’s not unreasonable to adhere to and does provide protection to developers.
Even in Apple’s “walled garden” there is still room for innovation. Developers have created ideas that Apple hadn’t imagined. For example, the Twitter app created a simple reload UI element naturally activated by scrolling to the latest Tweet. Now, many apps have incorporated the idea. Apple has simply created the strong, stable environment for developers to innovate in.
Occasionally, Apple does permit an app that goes contrary to their guidelines. For example, Instagram, Path, and DailyBooth have added a button to the standard tab bar. They have done so in a way that it is clear that it is an action button and not another tab. Apple does recognize innovative creativity.
February 10, 2011 at 7:16 pm |
I think that iTunes is a good example of what you are talking about. Rather, I should say that Mac-users being forced to use iTunes is a good example of what you are talking about. Granted, that is only one example, and I think that Apple’s products have a lot of redeeming qualities. But iTunes left a bad enough taste in my mouth that I’ll probably never forget it.
February 16, 2011 at 9:54 pm |
This post succinctly describes why I do not own an i-anything.