Apple has positioned itself well in the upscale niche market of high end consumer electronics. Practically everything that Steve Jobs touches turns to gold. In terms of strategy taking over Facebook is not only bold, but beautiful as well.
First of all, facebook user base, is one of the main target groups for Apple's main product lines. College students, highschool students, and young profesionals are important driving forces behind Apple's growth in both consumer and computer products. Most importantly Facebook allows an important outlet for integrating its computer base with a strong online community.
Instant photosyncing, integrated address book services and great iChat connectivity. Furthermore, the iPhone offers even greater hardware/internet/connectivity integration which in combination with facebook services can turn an Apple/Facebook combination into gold.
Internationally, Facebook integration could drastically enhance the sales base of the iTunes store.The cash flows coming from advertising would also add another value driver to Apple's general business framework.
Facebook has made it clear that it's not in the business to be taken over. It has taken a rather strong willed and independent approach. But as Facebook becomes bigger and complex it could use the help from Apple in terms of usability and user interface. So even if it resists the future pressure from Google, Apple, Yahoo or another rogue party, it is going to need big friends in the big league. Zuckerberg, young as he may be, seems to have a clear vision where he wants to go, and it doesn't seem he's easily swayed by billion dollar offers. Partnership or buyout, whoever buys Facebook shurely needs deep pockets.
Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Gubuntu- Google and Linux
Gubuntu, Glinux or Ginux could all be worthy names if Google were to seriously consider entering the platform battle. A more united and professional Linux front headed by a behemoth such as Google could help Linux achieve a mainstream market.
Dell's move to offer computers with linux instead of the standard windows configuration is indicatory of future trends. Dell has realized it needs to listen more carefuly to what consumers and business wants, instead of complying to the usual Microsoft platform hegemony. Google's wellestablished name and market access could act as a fitting catalyst to make this possible. A linux strategy would make them more independent from Microsoft and allow them to capture and access a growing market share of Linux based platforms.
Looking at the adoption rates of Apple Computers in family homes, I do believe that Google's venture into the desktop market would come at the right time. Many current computer users either have to opt for a new pc to comply with the hefty standards of Microsoft Vista or instead buy an Apple. Google could capture significant market share from those people unwilling to buy a new computer, but who are fed up with the limitations of Windows XP.
More and more applications are web based, therefore an OS should only serve as a platform to serve those applications. This platform should be secure, lean and efficient. Currently XP and Vista are far too clunky to offer the support and dedication that a web based platform requires. The internet, not the OS, is the sandbox of human-computer and human-human interaction. Microsoft only seems to accept this unwillingly with their OS. On the other hand, Xbox 360 is a far better future oriented product than Vista will ever be.
Coming back to Google, they do have the pockets and engineers to make Gubuntu or Glinux possible. As both a mac and pc user I can only applaud it if this ever happens.
Dell's move to offer computers with linux instead of the standard windows configuration is indicatory of future trends. Dell has realized it needs to listen more carefuly to what consumers and business wants, instead of complying to the usual Microsoft platform hegemony. Google's wellestablished name and market access could act as a fitting catalyst to make this possible. A linux strategy would make them more independent from Microsoft and allow them to capture and access a growing market share of Linux based platforms.
Looking at the adoption rates of Apple Computers in family homes, I do believe that Google's venture into the desktop market would come at the right time. Many current computer users either have to opt for a new pc to comply with the hefty standards of Microsoft Vista or instead buy an Apple. Google could capture significant market share from those people unwilling to buy a new computer, but who are fed up with the limitations of Windows XP.
More and more applications are web based, therefore an OS should only serve as a platform to serve those applications. This platform should be secure, lean and efficient. Currently XP and Vista are far too clunky to offer the support and dedication that a web based platform requires. The internet, not the OS, is the sandbox of human-computer and human-human interaction. Microsoft only seems to accept this unwillingly with their OS. On the other hand, Xbox 360 is a far better future oriented product than Vista will ever be.
Coming back to Google, they do have the pockets and engineers to make Gubuntu or Glinux possible. As both a mac and pc user I can only applaud it if this ever happens.
Monday, April 16, 2007
"Phony Leopard"
For a device that's aiming to get only 1% of market share, Apple sure has committed a lot of resources to the iPhone. Is this surprising? Hardly. Apple's change of strategy was reflected at this years Macworld when Apple changed its name from Apple Computers to just Apple. Allthough this went fairly unnoticed by most people, many Apple users are realizing that it's becoming a sour bite.
The delay of Leopard makes Apple's previous rants (redwood start your photocopiers) all the more ironic, including all the previous Microsoft Vista bashing. Furthermore, the delay comes at a critical juncture in consumer computing. Just when Apple could have offered consumers a "new, fresh and better" choice in the world of computing, Apple put it's chips in a futuristic, over-hyped phone device that is still months away from release. Not that the iPhone is a bad product, but Apple may have made a grave strategic error in terms of priority.
What Apple should have done, is committed the resources and attention needed for a timely release of Leopard, iWork and other Apple software in need of an update. To make matters worse, at last year's developers conference, the general public was made hungry for the then up and coming release of Leopard. Apple's failing to deliver, first in February, then March and now who knows when, clearly shows the rest of the computing world that Apple has "dropped the ball."
A new OS coupled with an updated macbook or other computing products would have had a much more positive impact for Apple's market share and most of all for consumers. Apple is a goodwill driven company, much of its core users are a fairly loyal community of professionals and students willing to pay a premium for quality. It is this community that Apple is now alienating by becoming a company of hype, rather than delivery. Even if I am going to be one of many standing in line for the new iPhone, consciously, I would have been much happier with a new release of Leopard, iWork and iLife.
The problem with leopard is probably twofold. One is that Apple probably has over concentrated on the iPhone and sapped the leopard project of the engineering resources and talent needed to finish a project of such magnitude. Secondly is that Apple is simply getting nervous living up to the hype and expectation of Leopard. Even if there was a releasable beta that could be passed off as a Leopard release candidate, it would have had to live up to enormous expectation. Vista for all it's flaws is a solid looking piece of functional eye candy and Ubuntu is also catching up, so anything Apple releases better be pretty damn flawless and revolutionary. That is quite a burden of expectation to live up to. In that regard the iPhone comes as both a timely reason and excuse to delay the "undelayable."
The delay of Leopard makes Apple's previous rants (redwood start your photocopiers) all the more ironic, including all the previous Microsoft Vista bashing. Furthermore, the delay comes at a critical juncture in consumer computing. Just when Apple could have offered consumers a "new, fresh and better" choice in the world of computing, Apple put it's chips in a futuristic, over-hyped phone device that is still months away from release. Not that the iPhone is a bad product, but Apple may have made a grave strategic error in terms of priority.
What Apple should have done, is committed the resources and attention needed for a timely release of Leopard, iWork and other Apple software in need of an update. To make matters worse, at last year's developers conference, the general public was made hungry for the then up and coming release of Leopard. Apple's failing to deliver, first in February, then March and now who knows when, clearly shows the rest of the computing world that Apple has "dropped the ball."
A new OS coupled with an updated macbook or other computing products would have had a much more positive impact for Apple's market share and most of all for consumers. Apple is a goodwill driven company, much of its core users are a fairly loyal community of professionals and students willing to pay a premium for quality. It is this community that Apple is now alienating by becoming a company of hype, rather than delivery. Even if I am going to be one of many standing in line for the new iPhone, consciously, I would have been much happier with a new release of Leopard, iWork and iLife.
The problem with leopard is probably twofold. One is that Apple probably has over concentrated on the iPhone and sapped the leopard project of the engineering resources and talent needed to finish a project of such magnitude. Secondly is that Apple is simply getting nervous living up to the hype and expectation of Leopard. Even if there was a releasable beta that could be passed off as a Leopard release candidate, it would have had to live up to enormous expectation. Vista for all it's flaws is a solid looking piece of functional eye candy and Ubuntu is also catching up, so anything Apple releases better be pretty damn flawless and revolutionary. That is quite a burden of expectation to live up to. In that regard the iPhone comes as both a timely reason and excuse to delay the "undelayable."
Friday, April 13, 2007
iPhone Mania: Is it Worth the Wait?
Honestly, who wasn't "wowed" when uncle Steve presented Apple's latest "wannahave" the iPhone. After months of intense speculation and a successful bid at maintaining secrecy Apple did reveal the iPhone. Unfortunately Apple and gadget lovers alike will still have to wait a few months before they can get their hands on one.
Even the most grumpiest geek will admit that the iPhone clearly has some great features packed into (it seems) a very enjoyable user interface. However, if we look purely at features, then there is really not that much worth waiting for. Most Sony, LG, Motorola, Blackberry and Nokia phones come fairly close feature wise. Secondly, those phones are available now, and are in almost all cases cheaper then the iPhone. Thirdly there is also the battery life issue, some people have claimed that it is absolutely abysmal. The iPhone will become most definitly a city slickers whanahave and really not be very useful for people on long journeys. Will Apple also supply a mobile power generator for recharging their device? They could call it the iPower or iCharge for all it matters.
All this waiting for the iPhone is making a hungry public hungrier. Let's hope that the iPhone can live up to its expectations without too many stomach aches: at 500$ price tag it surely is hurting my pocket. But what about 25% of America's Teenagers who confessed to wanting an iPhone? How are they going to cough up the cash to buy an iPhone? Even if the iPhone is more hype than product, Apple sure can expect to make a lot of money. And maybe...just maybe they'll come up with something that will solve that prickly battery life issue.
Even the most grumpiest geek will admit that the iPhone clearly has some great features packed into (it seems) a very enjoyable user interface. However, if we look purely at features, then there is really not that much worth waiting for. Most Sony, LG, Motorola, Blackberry and Nokia phones come fairly close feature wise. Secondly, those phones are available now, and are in almost all cases cheaper then the iPhone. Thirdly there is also the battery life issue, some people have claimed that it is absolutely abysmal. The iPhone will become most definitly a city slickers whanahave and really not be very useful for people on long journeys. Will Apple also supply a mobile power generator for recharging their device? They could call it the iPower or iCharge for all it matters.
All this waiting for the iPhone is making a hungry public hungrier. Let's hope that the iPhone can live up to its expectations without too many stomach aches: at 500$ price tag it surely is hurting my pocket. But what about 25% of America's Teenagers who confessed to wanting an iPhone? How are they going to cough up the cash to buy an iPhone? Even if the iPhone is more hype than product, Apple sure can expect to make a lot of money. And maybe...just maybe they'll come up with something that will solve that prickly battery life issue.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Nintendo and Apple: A Match Made in Heaven
Let's face it; Nintendo and Apple are two of the hottest companies in the world at the moment. And from a consumer electronics perspective, both Apple and Nintendo have a tasty lineup of great innovative products.
From a product synergy perspective, both have a lot to offer one another. This would also be inherently better for the consumer. Apple is quite deficient in the gaming arena and Nintendo would love a slice of the digital media sphere. Imagine if Osx would be compatible with Wii games, throw in complete Wiimote functionality and you've got yourself a great combination.
Also, a marriage between the Wii and the Apple TV could render the ultimate consumer product. An AppleWii tv would give consumers an ultimate all in one device.
Secondly, a merged product that takes the best from Ipod and Nintendo DS could create a fantastic consumer entertainment product, essentially outfoxing Microsoft and Sony in one swift move. When you think about it, an Apple Nintendo marriage really doesn't sound that strange. Infact, I would love to see a "DSpod".
One question remains: who would benefit the most from such a partnership? For the consumer it's a 100% home run. For Apple it would be a great opportunity to add more value and diversity to their current product lineup. Furthermore, it would earn them big time kudos with the gaming community. On a personal note, I would love to use the wii-mote for presentations in keynote. Just imagine the possibilities or using two wii-motes to lay down a drum part in your garageband. Forget guitarhero, what about the drumsmaster deluxe?
From a product synergy perspective, both have a lot to offer one another. This would also be inherently better for the consumer. Apple is quite deficient in the gaming arena and Nintendo would love a slice of the digital media sphere. Imagine if Osx would be compatible with Wii games, throw in complete Wiimote functionality and you've got yourself a great combination.
Also, a marriage between the Wii and the Apple TV could render the ultimate consumer product. An AppleWii tv would give consumers an ultimate all in one device.
Secondly, a merged product that takes the best from Ipod and Nintendo DS could create a fantastic consumer entertainment product, essentially outfoxing Microsoft and Sony in one swift move. When you think about it, an Apple Nintendo marriage really doesn't sound that strange. Infact, I would love to see a "DSpod".
One question remains: who would benefit the most from such a partnership? For the consumer it's a 100% home run. For Apple it would be a great opportunity to add more value and diversity to their current product lineup. Furthermore, it would earn them big time kudos with the gaming community. On a personal note, I would love to use the wii-mote for presentations in keynote. Just imagine the possibilities or using two wii-motes to lay down a drum part in your garageband. Forget guitarhero, what about the drumsmaster deluxe?
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