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BlackBerry CEO Says Despite a 'Fantastic Job' With iOS Design, Apple Now Lacks Innovation
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Agreed. But I like the competition and hope someone releases a phone with the 'wow factor' soon.
Not silly facebook, twitter [fill in your social media] intregration stuff.
two different devices.
Palm Pilots were not 'smartphones', and in their early days were not even connected devices. the first generation of Palm Pilots, which debuted in 1997 (as a division of US Robotics) was an offline Personal Data Assistant. it featured installable applications, like modern smartphones do, however, this was not unique to handheld computers of the time. There were a few PDA devices out from different manufacturers all featuring this capability, including Apple, Microsoft and Palm.
Palm Pilots themselves did not receive wireless connectivity till the Palm VII was released in 1999, this was only limited internet capability via WiFi standard. Palm was still marketted and sold as a PDA and had no cellular wireless capabilities. The First Palm PDA Smartphone was released in 2002.
Blackberry released it's first "smart pager" or "email pager", with push email, keyboard in 1999, to be followed up in 2000 with it's first full phone device, the BlackBerry 957.
I do believe that the two companies fed off eachother and together were the driving forces behind modern Smartphone industry. However if it's based on first smartphone to market, Blackberry was a couple years ahead of the curve.
One of RIM's issues, and why more people remember PALM's over Blackberries in the very early days of the smartphone was RIM's enterprise market focus. If you weren't actively in a place where Blackberries were used, you would rarely have seen or heard them. I remember back in 2003 when I bought a new Cell phone, There were Blackberries in the local Bell store. But they were listed as "enterprise" phones. And in those days before the constantly connected mindset came in, I couldn't imagine why i would ever need email and internet in a phone
iOS has something that BB doesn't have; a huge stable of developers cranking out new apps by the minute that will fill a need for something that the OS doesn't offer.
BB, on the other hand, doesn't even have Netflix which makes it pretty much useless as a work-play device...
BB, on the other hand, doesn't even have Netflix which makes it pretty much useless as a work-play device...
Hmm
Apple is so uninnovative! Every phone made since the iPhone, including the BB, looks and acts pretty much like an iPhone including the new BB. Anyhow, by the reviews I'm reading there's nothing innovative about bad battery life. Who cares how innovative your UX is if the battery life sucks? Anyhow, I hope BB succeeds, but these sorts of statements are just more signs of desperation.
Apple is so uninnovative! Every phone made since the iPhone, including the BB, looks and acts pretty much like an iPhone including the new BB. Anyhow, by the reviews I'm reading there's nothing innovative about bad battery life. Who cares how innovative your UX is if the battery life sucks? Anyhow, I hope BB succeeds, but these sorts of statements are just more signs of desperation.
How is double "clicking" the home button to bring up an horizontal, forever scrolling icon tray of running apps easier than pressing a single button on Android 4.0+ to bring up the most recently used apps which has snapshots of the app instead of using the app icon? Even on older version of Android, you could just touch and hold the home button and it would bring up a recents list presented in icon fashion.
And you cant leave out the fact that many iPhone home buttons get stuck or start to become unresponsive over time. I think the iPhone 4 was was one of the worst offenders for bad home buttons. Some Android phones may have this problem as well, but a lot of non-Samsung Android phones use capacitive buttons that, in theory, cant physically fail from general use over time like the physical buttons.
And thus my point. Apple's best bet is to copy Android and try to improve it.
Though I'm not sure I agree that Apple's is an improvement. Granted, I haven't used any Android older than 4.2.1, but the notifications seem pretty good to me. Better than iOS6.
That all seems open to interpretation. Folders on Android 4.2 works the same as on iOS6, so I'm not sure how one is better than the other. I've heard the Siri issue argued both ways, but I've never used that functionality for anything serious anyway, just reading text messages aloud when I'm driving.
Eh, I kinda prefer it. I have a custom set of home screens with just what I want. Including tacky widgets that show me at a glance what the weather is going to be like for the next week and my calendar for the next few appointments. Useful and not an iOS feature. If I want to see all apps, I can get an iOS-style grid with one click, and it's all organized alphabetically (i.e. no having to use spotlight). I'll agree that the app list (where you manage apps, delete them, whatever, not the launcher) could use some love.
I can see what I've missed right on the status bar before I choose to swipe down and see the whole notification list. I don't have an AT&T logo wasting space up there, either.
Call blocking. UI customization so that *I* can decide what tacky things I'd like on my homescreen. Lock screen customization. Swype. Even better, third party keyboards (Android's keyboard is better than Apple's, but wow, SwiftKey kicks both their asses clean out of the park).
Eh, keep it
. That's something I'd *not* like on my home screen.Yep, got those on my N4, and I do like having them handy. Going through several levels of nicely-organized-but-painful-to-navigate hierarchy in the settings menu just to get to brightness is silly.
As for the package deal -- that's apparently something that was a problem for Android in the past. Along with responsiveness, something that kept me using iPhones for generation after generation, it seems like Google has made huge strides in improving the experience. Setting up my N4, I entered my Gmail credentials and it set up the phone, complete with auto-backup, just like iCloud does. The UI is consistent, responsive (no lag, seriously -- about time they figured that out given how powerful the hardware as been). Easy to use, and more personalization options than I've ever seen with iOS.
Apple had a good claim to constraining the features when the tradeoff was a stable, cohesive package. That argument doesn't apply anymore, so they're going to have to shake up iOS a bit and innovate.
To be fair to RIM, the Z10 has to be the nicest alternative to iPhone recently released, above any of that Samsung or HTC stuff.
Someone commented that it looked a lot like an iPhone - go figure.
Someone commented that it looked a lot like an iPhone - go figure.
I think a lot of kids use and want social media integration. Like you, I can do without that crap.
I can agree with you very much regarding the the fact that phones are and will become that of what laptops are, but to a much more personal level. I however, disagree with you strongly in the sense of the second part of your comment. Apple doesn't make anything regarding the iPhones hardware, except designing the SoC's for Samsung to manufacture. Apple just happened to put a lot of money down for manufacturers to pump out these "Retina" gimmick displays, before anyone else could utilize them. Look how much dense the S4's screen will be, that Samsung will be manufacturing themselves, as well as the Exyno's SoC, DRAM and so on. I can see Apple purchasing a multitude of specific hardware manufacturers to keep up in the game.
It is easily possible to distinguish pixels below 350 ppi, at least to my keen eye.
Why does my phone have to titillate me, wow me, and surprise me? If I want all that I'll go ride the new roller coaster at Six Flags.
No, I want my phone to work seamlessly, integrate with my stuff, and be a useful tool.
Anything I wan to do on my iPhone, I can. It's called "apps".
The only missing thing I'd truly appreciate would be a larger screen for my iPhone.
No, I want my phone to work seamlessly, integrate with my stuff, and be a useful tool.
Anything I wan to do on my iPhone, I can. It's called "apps".
The only missing thing I'd truly appreciate would be a larger screen for my iPhone.
Apple's law suits are indicative of the stagnation, defending old turf. Ideally, Apple would be innovating at a level whereby the old is inconsequential, an artifact to the ongoing innovation. Bell Labs was a stunning example.
Android isn't my cup of tea. But I do acknowledge where Android actually have advantages over iOS. To say iOS isn't stale isn't helping with Apple improving iOS. It is exactly the people who are brainwashed by Apple's every single claim that enables Apple to hold on to a UI that is 5 years old and not worry about the need to improve. I get the "don't fix it if it ain't broke" and "change for the sake of change' arguments. But like all things in life, there's a balance. In my humble opinion, Apple is dangerously dancing on a fine line between being stale and insisting perfection.
1) Multitasking
Multitasking is a joke. No, I don't want true multitasking. It's dumb unless its for maps, navigation, music and a few other functions. However, the UI on how to bring up multitasking and killing/deleting them is a nightmare from an HCI point of view! Google, MS and Palm lets you swipe to discard/delete. The process of double tap -> swipe to the right page -> hold an icon for a few seconds -> find the tiny "-" mark in the wiggling corner -> tap "-" mark .... is crazy!
Multitasking is useless for the most part. Again not because it doesn't do true multitasking with all apps, but because actually using it isn't more convenient than to just going to the homescreen and finding the app there.
2) Notifications
Notifications is too basic. Why are stocks and weather the only widgets available? Someone said, putting toggles for bluetooth or wifi is a reason enough to fire the UI designer. Complete, nonsense. At least give us the option to put whatever we want in the notifications center. Plus we're stuck with Yahoo weather... again no options.
3) Deleting Notifications
Why can't we swipe to delete notifications?? Just like multitasking, Apple clearly is behind its competitors that can swipe to delete/discard notifications and apps. I hate missing the "x" in the corner and end up opening the associated app.
4) Calendar
Why can't calendar events stay in the lock screen? (or give us the option)
5) The app icons should be able to show more information than number badges.
6) What's with News stand? Plus its so annoying to see it in the multitasking bar. I know it functions as an app, but couldn't Apple find a way to hide it in the multitasking bar?... I mean.. really? It's just added clutter.
7) Safari Full screen
Why can't we browse with full screen when viewing in portrait view? Apple took the step to add it for landscape.. but somehow leaves it out for portrait view... why? Don't tell me to download another web browser. I'm just extremely curious as to why Apple didn't/couldn't implement it.
8) Music/iPod app.
Why can't you swipe to delete music when you're viewing a playlist? The idea of tapping edit and then having to find and tap each song and then tapping delete is ridiculous.
9) Music/iPod app.
Why can't you sort the songs as you wish?
It's really bad when you're searching songs within a playlist.
10) iCloud is half broke. I don't think any explanation is necessary for this.
There certainly are useful aspects of it, which Google also does a great job at. But, just like mobileMe, there are many other areas that really needs to be improved.
The list goes on and on.
It really annoys me when people say Apple doesn't have to innovate or improve because its the easiest to use and most simple yet sophisticated OS.
The incomplete list above shows where Apple is actually behind its competitors when it comes to ease of use.
Also, Jelly Bean is just as easy to use as iOS. It just happens to provide the option to the user to dig deeper and get really crazy with the OS. That's when it isn't as easy to use as iOS. But for 90% of the functions your grandma is going to use?.... well Android is just as easy if not more in certain areas like those I listed above.
Don't get me wrong, Apple excels in other areas. My point is that Apple is not without its shortcomings.
1) Multitasking
Multitasking is a joke. No, I don't want true multitasking. It's dumb unless its for maps, navigation, music and a few other functions. However, the UI on how to bring up multitasking and killing/deleting them is a nightmare from an HCI point of view! Google, MS and Palm lets you swipe to discard/delete. The process of double tap -> swipe to the right page -> hold an icon for a few seconds -> find the tiny "-" mark in the wiggling corner -> tap "-" mark .... is crazy!
Multitasking is useless for the most part. Again not because it doesn't do true multitasking with all apps, but because actually using it isn't more convenient than to just going to the homescreen and finding the app there.
2) Notifications
Notifications is too basic. Why are stocks and weather the only widgets available? Someone said, putting toggles for bluetooth or wifi is a reason enough to fire the UI designer. Complete, nonsense. At least give us the option to put whatever we want in the notifications center. Plus we're stuck with Yahoo weather... again no options.
3) Deleting Notifications
Why can't we swipe to delete notifications?? Just like multitasking, Apple clearly is behind its competitors that can swipe to delete/discard notifications and apps. I hate missing the "x" in the corner and end up opening the associated app.
4) Calendar
Why can't calendar events stay in the lock screen? (or give us the option)
5) The app icons should be able to show more information than number badges.
6) What's with News stand? Plus its so annoying to see it in the multitasking bar. I know it functions as an app, but couldn't Apple find a way to hide it in the multitasking bar?... I mean.. really? It's just added clutter.
7) Safari Full screen
Why can't we browse with full screen when viewing in portrait view? Apple took the step to add it for landscape.. but somehow leaves it out for portrait view... why? Don't tell me to download another web browser. I'm just extremely curious as to why Apple didn't/couldn't implement it.
8) Music/iPod app.
Why can't you swipe to delete music when you're viewing a playlist? The idea of tapping edit and then having to find and tap each song and then tapping delete is ridiculous.
9) Music/iPod app.
Why can't you sort the songs as you wish?
It's really bad when you're searching songs within a playlist.
10) iCloud is half broke. I don't think any explanation is necessary for this.
There certainly are useful aspects of it, which Google also does a great job at. But, just like mobileMe, there are many other areas that really needs to be improved.
The list goes on and on.
It really annoys me when people say Apple doesn't have to innovate or improve because its the easiest to use and most simple yet sophisticated OS.
The incomplete list above shows where Apple is actually behind its competitors when it comes to ease of use.
Also, Jelly Bean is just as easy to use as iOS. It just happens to provide the option to the user to dig deeper and get really crazy with the OS. That's when it isn't as easy to use as iOS. But for 90% of the functions your grandma is going to use?.... well Android is just as easy if not more in certain areas like those I listed above.
Don't get me wrong, Apple excels in other areas. My point is that Apple is not without its shortcomings.
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The smart phone (and it's O.S.) is an APPLIANCE, a tool not unlike a pen, a washing machine or a steering wheel.
You don't throw it out for a substitute because you're bored of knowing exactly what it does and how to use it.
The assertion that IOS is stale is not unlike suggesting that you're tired of your vehicle because you're bored with the concept of it's steering wheel.
Best,
SvK
You don't throw it out for a substitute because you're bored of knowing exactly what it does and how to use it.
The assertion that IOS is stale is not unlike suggesting that you're tired of your vehicle because you're bored with the concept of it's steering wheel.
Best,
SvK
Its pretty obvious that a lot of these posts would brush off his comments automatically.
I think Apple are well aware of a growing portion of its users regarding iOS become 'stale', especially the UI. I'd expect some of this to be addressed / starting point in iOS7.
Apple are very aware of the competition... they didn't introduce a larger screen sized iPhone 5 for sake of it, they did it because of the competition / consumer like larger displays.
I think Apple are well aware of a growing portion of its users regarding iOS become 'stale', especially the UI. I'd expect some of this to be addressed / starting point in iOS7.
Apple are very aware of the competition... they didn't introduce a larger screen sized iPhone 5 for sake of it, they did it because of the competition / consumer like larger displays.
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It's not about battery sucking animations, but time wasting flaws.
One anecdote I experienced w/ a friend who is a complete computer goof: she bought an iPad because she wanted something easier and didn't really need a home computer. She wanted to make a slide show of a group of photos. Easy enough. BUT Photos won't let you reorganize the photos in a specific order. It's FIFO only.
Here's another... say you want to directly open a PDF. You can't just go to search and type in the name of the PDF. Search will come up blank.
Or say you have all your apps organized by page. You want to go to your productivity apps on page 3, and you are currently on page 6. You have to swipe to get to page 3. Why isn't there a way to tap to bring up a page index so you can directly go to a specific page? Why isn't there a way to directly access recent documents like on a computer w/o having to punch up the app then open the doc.
i agree but he should be worrying about his comany closing and not giving his opinion over other companies
Well it's easy to just change stuff for the sake of change. Genuine improvement is a whole other matter. I don't support changing iOS just so we can say it's new.
I love the iPhone and wouldn't trade it for anything. But this guy can say whatever he damn well feels like. And to some extent he is correct. The interface HAS been around for a while. I, personally, don't want the iPhone GUI changed. I like how it looks and I love how it operates. But you have to wonder *IF* there isn't something that can be done to improve the experience, especially after so many years of the same thing.
And to all of you Apple apologists, he isn't bashing Apple, he's not saying they can't/don't/won't innovate, he's not trying to say the 10 is the new "iPhone killer," and he certainly has the right to express his opinion, considering his position at a competitor company.
Some of you are way too touchy when someone pokes Apple.
And to all of you Apple apologists, he isn't bashing Apple, he's not saying they can't/don't/won't innovate, he's not trying to say the 10 is the new "iPhone killer," and he certainly has the right to express his opinion, considering his position at a competitor company.
Some of you are way too touchy when someone pokes Apple.
In 2007 that argument was true, yes. But when Apple itself releases content creation apps like Pages, Garage Band, and Numbers, and makes ads touting all sorts of other content creation apps its hard to argue iOS devices are not meant for content creation as equally as consuming.
So to answers your question directly, even if you were being rhetorical, no, it's not possible. Apple breached that boundary a long time ago. In fact, before Jobs passed away he was very direct that devices like the iPad would someday replace computers.
Exactly. I can't understand the cries that iOS is old and boring. Windows looked and functioned nearly the same for decades, yet people didn't complain about that. Sometimes consistency is a good thing. I don't want my phone interface changing each year, so that I have to completely re-learn how to do simple things like enter contact information.
Ive is all about the user experience, so I'm eager to see what innovations he can bring to iOS. But until then, I'm quite happy with my iPhone. It works consistently and reliably, and that's what I want in a communication device.