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Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

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21–30 of 55 posts

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#21
post #19

My coworkers say Tim's statement "We always focus on making the best products" is BS. I disagreed, but wonder how that reconciles with a rumored low cost iPhone. If Apple introduces a "low cost" phone (vs. just lowering prices of previous generation models) how will they spin that with Tim's methodology?

It doesn't make any sense to invest in development to make a cheaper product when you can simply lower the cost by absorbing the development cost of a previous generation that is still great and runs the latest software because it had a generous design and specs to begin with. Heck, I still own only an iPhone 3GS, it works fine.

The "low-cost" strategy is for companies that have slim margins on a high-end line (that serves mainly as a way to advertise the brand and relate it to high-quality), but really make the bulk of the profits on poor-quality low-end. E.g.: cars, DSLRs cameras, running shoes... almost all manufacturers work like that nowadays.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#22
post #9

I was pretty surprised how hostile the interviewers were. It seemed like they were trying to trick him up rather than interview him.

"I was pretty surprised how hostile the interviewers were." They are always like that. Every video interview I've seen on their site is exactly in that tone.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#23
post #9

I was pretty surprised how hostile the interviewers were. It seemed like they were trying to trick him up rather than interview him.

Yeah, and not just Walt and Kara, but the Q&A from the audience as well. My favorite is the guy who asks why Apple won't let him dream.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They cut him off a few times, not sure if they would have gotten away with that with Jobs. I would have stated that the market still follows Apple, sure there is competition but rarely do new game changers come from other companies. Apple is still a leader. Name one thing (other than a phablet) that other companies did first... Google Glass is one, and there might be more but largely the market still follows Apple's…

"Name one thing (other than a phablet) that other companies did first" The smartphone. The mobile device as an independent computer. The voice interface. The web browser. The app store. The notification panel. Push messaging. The lock screen widget. Cloud synchronization. Instant messaging. Panorama images. Mail. Calendar. Documents. Maps. Apple has a track record in making good and successful products from already e…

Apple's innovations are mostly hardware then software to sell hardware. People are looking at Apple (primarily a hardware company) to innovate on hardware (please, please a beefed up AppleTV like game console/app console). Software like you describe is secondary to them.

But I will say this, Apple funded and created Webkit (Safari/Chrome/Chromium + now Opera), funded Khronos.org and OpenGL ES/WebGL which has retaken the lead and saved OpenGL from near death, is also largely to thank from Apple. That is just the tip of the iceberg there. Those are bigger innovations software wise than the feature innovations you mentioned.

Also the app store is largely Apple's doing, everyone followed their lead there. Yes there were other good appstores like Handspring/Palm back in the day but none like the appstore. Apple even revolutionized gaming and handheld gaming as a side thing. Still an innovation leader even when it is software.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't think it's fair to say Apple was the only company focusing on design, simplicity and ease-of-use prior to 2001. For example, the palm treo was much easier to use than other "smart" phones of the day. The difference between iPhones and other phones was epic, but it was also generational. There were people at Motorola focused on these things and they made the RAZR, which dominated the world mobile market for ye…

And don't forget Google, who got famous for some of their design decisions early on. E.g. the minimal design of google.com, and the "undo replaces confirm dialog" pattern.

Your "undo replaces confirm dialog" quote blew my mind the second I read it. Is there a specific article discussing this design element?

It's crazy how something simple goes unnoticed when you use it, but when pointed out you realize the thought process behind it.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#26
post #23
post #9

I was pretty surprised how hostile the interviewers were. It seemed like they were trying to trick him up rather than interview him.

Yeah, and not just Walt and Kara, but the Q&A from the audience as well. My favorite is the guy who asks why Apple won't let him dream.

That guy made me think about the fundamental differences between Apple and Google. We often compare the two because they compete in many of the same fields but it's odd to think Apple should always fight with Google products 1 to 1.

If Apple isn't interested in a providing fiber internet to the masses it shouldn't be seen as a misstep.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#27

Does anyone else think that Apple is pretty late in its interests for wearable technology? I mean I'd have thought that by now, Apple would have something ready. But then again, when smartphones came out and Apple expressed interest in them, no one could thing of something as beautiful as the iPhone. So maybe it's the same thing here. Still weird to me.

Everyone is talking about wearable computers but no one knows yet what it should look like (heck, I don't either, but certainly it isn't cyborg glasses). It was the same with tablets. Apple's strategy seems to be focusing on launching good products or nothing at all so it's understandable if they are late to the game. The interview is sad though. The interviewers are too rude at times, it seems bashing Apple is the n…

I wouldn't put down Google Glasses so quickly. I really think they're on to something; even if it's a bit ahead its time socially.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#29
post #19

My coworkers say Tim's statement "We always focus on making the best products" is BS. I disagreed, but wonder how that reconciles with a rumored low cost iPhone. If Apple introduces a "low cost" phone (vs. just lowering prices of previous generation models) how will they spin that with Tim's methodology?

Personally I think the low cost iPhone, assuming it is actually more than a rumor, will be more akin to a re-skin than a new endeavor. Wall Street, Tech writers, and those swayed by smartphone marketing don't want to see an "old" iPhone 4S for sale, they want the iPhone Mini! They don't really care what's inside of it so long as it meets their needs and can be perceived as new and cool.

The previous model iPhone generally is relegated to "old/uncool" status as soon as the new model comes out. Shrinking the packaging of the 4S and maybe adding a couple token updates like the Lightning connector, dual flash, iPod Touch lanyard, etc at a price to make prepaid and postpaid phone customers happy will likely be enough to shake the "old/uncool" label and make the aforementioned groups gush for Apple.

Re: Apple’s Tim Cook: The Full D11 Interview [video]

#30
post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And don't forget Google, who got famous for some of their design decisions early on. E.g. the minimal design of google.com, and the "undo replaces confirm dialog" pattern.

Your "undo replaces confirm dialog" quote blew my mind the second I read it. Is there a specific article discussing this design element? It's crazy how something simple goes unnoticed when you use it, but when pointed out you realize the thought process behind it.

I'm sure it's not the first documented instance of the principle, but it's part of Android's Design Guidelines. "Decide for me but let me have the final say." - http://developer.android.com/design/get-started/principles.h...
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