On more useful technology. A watch isn't anything spectacular that will "wow" anyone.
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Today Marks the 15th Anniversary of Apple's First Two Retail Stores
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On more useful technology. A watch isn't anything spectacular that will "wow" anyone.
Forget the stores.
We're a few weeks away from WWDC—where are the leaks and detailed “rumours” about new Macs?
We're a few weeks away from WWDC—where are the leaks and detailed “rumours” about new Macs?
So what you're saying is, Apple really has nothing that stands out yet, but hopefully they will find a direction for all of it? If that is the case, how exactly is Apple so amazing right now? If it takes 10 years to look back and say "you know, they actually did well" .. they actually are not doing well.
The original iPhone did not need a year or two to mature, it was a fantastic product out of the gate. Yes it had issues, but it changed the game. Each iPhone after that was a fantastic improvement with obvious vision behind it. Much of what is being released now really reminds me of a Samsung mentality, "lets throw it at the wall and see what sticks".
I own many Apple products and do like them, please don't get me wrong. However, what is Apple doing right now different compared to their competitors? It is most clear for the iPhone, but for many of their other products it is quite hazy. Apple earned the status they had (that whole Apple Distortion Field) because they had really awesome products. Now it just seems to be a "me too!" mentality.
And about the added comment of Tim Cook going to a "2", obviously that is impossible. Tim Cook has no vision about products, he is a financials guy. He "leads" as every other CEO at any run of the mill company does by getting the books looking better.
I don't expect a constant flow of innovation, but improving on those products is expected if you want to keep customers. Their product is no longer just the iPhone, it is everything else on it (Siri, Maps, Music, etc), it all shapes the view of Apple.
I almost forgot there was a time when Apple did not present everything it does in a pretentious manner involving either Jony Ive mumbling to himself, or some other try-hard vice CEO of something else in Apple trying to sell me the 'Emperors New Clothes'.
I forgot that there was a time that I actually liked both Apple and it’s products and that I now only tolerate their products now, after becoming so buried in the Eco-system I cannot escape.
I am not a nostalgic “I miss Steve...” type, but Apple could do worse than trying to capture even a glimpse of what I just saw in this video - Pride and Passion. I suppose it is hard to feel proud and passionate when insisting on selling a 16GB device, or updating the rMB and still keeping 1 USB-C port, when a rose gold option will do I suppose.
These days, I no longer look forward to new releases, I just sit in fear to see and hear how the device I bought recently will be quietly unsupported by unnecessary, unresponsive and often damaging software updates.
Even if it was all just an illusion of doing what the customer wanted and I am just a sad nostalgic, he certainly had me fooled and that is surely what good marketing is all about?
Hat off to you Mr Job's.
I forgot that there was a time that I actually liked both Apple and it’s products and that I now only tolerate their products now, after becoming so buried in the Eco-system I cannot escape.
I am not a nostalgic “I miss Steve...” type, but Apple could do worse than trying to capture even a glimpse of what I just saw in this video - Pride and Passion. I suppose it is hard to feel proud and passionate when insisting on selling a 16GB device, or updating the rMB and still keeping 1 USB-C port, when a rose gold option will do I suppose.
These days, I no longer look forward to new releases, I just sit in fear to see and hear how the device I bought recently will be quietly unsupported by unnecessary, unresponsive and often damaging software updates.
Even if it was all just an illusion of doing what the customer wanted and I am just a sad nostalgic, he certainly had me fooled and that is surely what good marketing is all about?
Hat off to you Mr Job's.
Steve was amazing. I remember the Circuit City Mac displays. They were in the back corner of the store covered in dust. CC staffers told us to buy Windows because the Mac didn't compare well. We are fortunate to have a Micro Center store here. MC has a dedicated Mac room. Staffers were Mac savvy and helped with general questions and tech support.
Steve just build a division of retail stores to do what the run of the mill electronic stores would not or could not do for Apple customers. The customer experience. Genius.
Steve just build a division of retail stores to do what the run of the mill electronic stores would not or could not do for Apple customers. The customer experience. Genius.
Not true, the MR masses will be happy when they get a 5" iPhone with 48 hours of battery life that weighs less than a quarter pound and is no thicker than it is currently. It must also feature every possible software feature imaginable, and enough sensors to power a self-driving car. And it must, must must must MUST, be in a completely reimagined shell, since the outside is the only thing that truly matters when it comes to technology.
I visited my first Apple Store in Philadelphia in 2014. It was so packed, you could hardly find a place to stand. My next Apple Store visit was last year November, Bellevue, WA. Just as crowded and buzzing with activity. Yeah, people were buying an assortment of Apple hardware. Bought my first Mac, a MacBook Pro and iPhone 6s. Its a great experience, I should note though, the staff can be a bit too hand holding and interfering.
When I moved to the table to setup the MacBook Pro, one of the staff members just came and took the wrapping to throw it in the garbage and wanted to setup the hardware for me. Its my money, let me enjoy my own out of box experience!!!!
I had to insist, I am not new to computers and I have used a Mac before. They also need to do something about the Wi-Fi in the store, either staff or visitors not buying anything is hogging it. I wanted to upgrade the preinstalled Yosemite to El Capitan, but it was next to impossible just getting basic apps updated.
When I moved to the table to setup the MacBook Pro, one of the staff members just came and took the wrapping to throw it in the garbage and wanted to setup the hardware for me. Its my money, let me enjoy my own out of box experience!!!!
I had to insist, I am not new to computers and I have used a Mac before. They also need to do something about the Wi-Fi in the store, either staff or visitors not buying anything is hogging it. I wanted to upgrade the preinstalled Yosemite to El Capitan, but it was next to impossible just getting basic apps updated.
I'm not sure I'd call what Angela Ahrendts has done "leadership"
Because it's not ready as Apple promoted it. I say this as an owner and daily wearer. I use it to get texts, use ApplePay, get sports notifications, ping my iPhone when I misplace it. That's it. I don't use the apps b/c they are crazy slow to the point its worthless.
Had Apple been less ambitious and limited features in the first version to be more of a Fitbit on steroids but less than a smartwatch, and also capped the price at $350, the word of mouth buzz would be much more positive. Apple has sold a lot of watches, but not really compared to how many iPhones are in the wild, and not as many as Fitbit. Fitbit's features pale in comparison to AW but everyone loves Fitbit. TC's egoism got the best of him.
I'd say they know that and don't care about that part.
It is very difficult in todays business environment, the influence of social media etc. to come up with anything undisturbed. Was possible before, but now no more.
What I do not like is that none of the haters have anything to suggest, let alone would they be able to run Apple and such a high profile job.
To compare Steve and Tim is just dumb and people tend to forget there were plenty of snafus under Steve.
I do think that Apple has to re-invent itself in the creativity department and think of new ways to do things.
They want us in the cloud, but we will not follow, because the underlying structure and security needed to trust it is non existent.
For me Apple MBPs are the best out there , can run 2 different OSs and whenever they do something I do not like (removing ports) I look around for a solution (OWC dock). Whatever else I do not like I do not buy.
The rahrahrah of lots of exiting products in the pipeline or best ever in 15 years should be muted, because they have nothing to prove it and people want to see the magical next thing.
(What have you done for me lately?)
Tim has to realize that while he is the spokesperson, he is not enough of a showman to pull off exciting marketing performances or presentations. People know he is a money man and the numbers they mention leave most ice cold.
I do not care about billions of app downloads or what has been paid to developers, store openings and unimportant non product related stuff. We get it, you sell a lot and have a lot of $$$..
All that should require 5 minutes, put on the website for those who want to know.
There are many areas where they were actually first or had a slight advantage, but they missed exploring those. Apple TV should be an Xbox competitor by now.
Apple needs an interruptor with authority and being backed up by everybody. That person should be ruthless, tell it like it is and be ready to fight in meetings, like they used to.
I love the, "we are hoping this becomes something big!" innocent comment from Steve. So many things had humble beginnings with Steve... and were the "next big thing". The Apple Store is probably the single most successful retail move in business history. Their revenue per sq ft is amazing.
The problem with Tim, to me, is that he is more passionate about making political statements than about driving innovation. He seems to be OK with mediocre. I never felt that way about Steve. I can envision Steve going into the office and ripping everyone a new one if the product wasn't the best it could be, but I can't see Tim doing that.
The problem with Tim, to me, is that he is more passionate about making political statements than about driving innovation. He seems to be OK with mediocre. I never felt that way about Steve. I can envision Steve going into the office and ripping everyone a new one if the product wasn't the best it could be, but I can't see Tim doing that.
Six out of those first ten years were strictly Macs and iPods. Apple made new models but they were mostly refreshed versions of existing models.
You must be referring to the fact that Apple hasn't come out with another "gamechanger" since the iPhone and iPad. Fair point (I guess)
But remember what happened to other tech giants since 2001:
Compaq was failing and had to be acquired by HP.
IBM was failing in their PC business and their server business and they were both acquired by Lenovo.
Palm was failing and had to be acquired by HP.
Blackberry is a shell of its former self. (failing)
Sony exited the PC business. (failed)
Gateway, eMachines and Packard Bell were failing and had to be acquired by Acer.
HTC went from a 3rd-party assembler to a first-party OEM... but is now a shell of its former self. (failing)
Motorola was at the beginning of the entire mobile phone industry... yet they've been bought and sold a few times. (failed)
Tech is hard... but Apple is still doing pretty well by comparison, right?
We almost lost Apple in the late 90's
Yet they're still here while the rest of the tech industry is littered with corpses (and zombies)
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Don't disagree w/ Forstall but I don't think Ive has run out of ideas. Rather SJ told him when something was crap or needed improvement. I think it's either not in TC's bones to be so bold, not his mindset to understand the difference between an OK product and an insanely great one, or he is intimidated by Ive and scared undo criticism will cause Ive to quit, putting further pressure on Cook. Bottomline: Cook is the problem. He isn't really CEO material.
I remember my first visit to Apple store too. It was always was packed. The high energy environment added to the experience. We had to breath up and down instead of in and out. It was great!
The store was relocated a few years ago. It's a bit larger but not at all crowded. Several tenants left that place because of the access issues. I guess Timmy got a deal on the rent so nothing else matters.
The new place is only about three miles from the old as the crow flies. If your in a car getting there is a miserable experience. The exit from the highway is a narrow road with one lane of traffic in each direction. You crawl along as people make left turns into the rag-tag strip shopping centers that litter the way. It takes about 45 minutes to go 4 miles.
I've never seen the store busy not even the grand opening. It was on the local news. Blue shirts were holding the doors open for no one. Sad. I seldom go there. Just too much of a hassle. I buy from Best Buy now.
Who's running the store in Cupertino?
Steve was undeniably a great salesperson and CEO but I think you missed my point.
Yes, Apple did a lot in those 10 years, and their sales reflect that. But Apple hasn't done very little as the poster claimed.
That, and comparing 10 years' achievement vs 5 isn't fair. The iPod and iPhone took several generations before they took off so a more fair comparison is to see where Apple is 5 years from now.
That said, I don't see anyone topping the iPhone anytime soon... not even if Jobs were alive.
"Under the leadership of Angela Ahrendts, Apple has been aggressively expanding its retail footprint...". Seriously macrumors, if you think any leadership whatsoever has been displayed here you need to go back and do journalism 101 again. It doesn't take an exec who is paid more than the income of the total population of an average small mid-west town to OPEN MORE STORES - anyone could do that (and indeed probably does as I can't see her high-paid highness actually doing any work).
Also what is she on if she thinks there is anything "magical" about their retail experience. If only the English could take back their language from such idiots.
Also what is she on if she thinks there is anything "magical" about their retail experience. If only the English could take back their language from such idiots.
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Seriously, you can see passion on change the industry, and the world from Steve's even by looking at it... but you hardly see the passion on Tim, NOT ONE BIT..... Look at the VP and board of director now, none of them are warrior like it used to be... just a love fashion jerks, thats all.
Then why did Steve Jobs handpick him as his successor? That's a question I've always wondered. Why didn't he use all of that vision he has to see that maybe Tim Cook wasn't a good choice?
If the Watch is the future of Apple, we'd all better be really, really scared. It's an interesting niche product. It showcases that Apple's got some of the best manufacturing know-how around.
But, anyone remember Sony? When I was growing up, Sony was all it. Who was the best maker of technically excellent products? Sony. I went to school for electronics engineering, and everyone wanted to somehow work for Sony. For people who were technicians, the challenge was, could you disassemble/repair/reassemble something Sony made, as it was considered revolutionary... much like Apple over the last decade or so.
But, what happened? Sony forgot their core values, much like Apple is currently, IMO. They stopped caring about being the best or user experience. The started worrying about being everything and profit margins and chasing threats, etc. Now, all they've got left is the PlayStation and some movies (and they only make news when they've been hacked by ex-employees). Apple might want to learn a lesson there!
No, Tim was supposed retain Apple's core values, ignore the 'markets', and do what Apple does best (which is why they went from 0-1 in the first place). Eventually, yes, they'd get to 2. The *PROBLEM* is that Cook is focused on getting to 2, in the way any traditional tech company tries to get to 2. And, he's largely done so at the expense of Apple's core values.... so instead of maintaining 2 or heading to 3, we'll likely see them going back to a 1, or even 0 at some point.
Yea, I mostly agree. I think Ive is a talented industrial designer, but he shouldn't be heading up everything, especially UX/UI design.
Bingo! Apple is now running like every other tech company. They are following, not innovating. And, even if Cook doesn't have the vision, I'm sure there are people within Apple that do... but he's focused, as you say, on making the book look better, not the books looking better because Apple's growing in value from within. Jobs wasn't the sole innovator, though he did have good vision. But, he knew *WHAT* was crucial about everything Apple did, and made decisions based on that. And, THAT was user-experience, not profit margins.
That sums it up pretty well!
Yep, Tim seems more about fashion, personal causes, and hanging with the Kardashians, than what's going on at Apple, aside from numbers and spreadsheets (which aren't a very good indicator for the long-term). It will interesting to see what he does when the steam starts running out.
Fire Forstall is a huge mistake, yea... Jony still have a lot of idea I guess, but he need a guide or partner like SJ to lead him to... apparently Tim cook is not a kind guy to do such as things.
and still... a lot of good VP left apple since tim took over the place. like Bob Mansfield, Ron Johnson, and maybe we miss Avie too....
It's called foundation. No one will notice extra few floors when you already have a hundred. How about you do some research about what Apple did or didn't in 5 years.
Especially as I watched this video and saw the "younger Steve" speaking, it reinforced the idea in my mind that you just can't get that level of passion for a company's success when you're not the founder of it.
Apple really was a labor of love for Steve, and clearly just a profit making vehicle for the folks at the helm during the "dark years" when Jobs was kicked out. With him gone now, it just feels like the company is floundering a bit. They have the advantage of being "on top" with plenty of cash reserves and a loyal existing customer base -- plus great operating systems for both computers and mobile devices. But while I can't really slam Tim Cook as a "poor CEO", it's also painfully obvious he just inherited the job. Apple wasn't "his baby" and he'll never have the same devotion to it that Jobs had.
I think the current Apple has been scrambling a lot to find the formula for continued success by giving key existing people in the company the right tasks to do. And the truth is? They're generally only "specialists" in certain areas, and not big-picture visionaries. Johnny Ives is great at what he does, but that's design -- not engineering. Consumer electronics and computers should be first and foremost about engineering the electrical components to make them do what you're after. Then you get a styling expert to find a way to wrap it in something attractive. Right now, I feel like Ives is designing what he thinks it ideal to look at (light, thin and pretty) and being given a green light to produce these things, even though engineering is forced to compromise on performance and/or functionality to make it happen.
Jobs may have been a PITA to work with, but I think he was the "missing ingredient" in the sense he'd beat up on people on BOTH sides of that fence, until everyone came to the best acceptable compromise they could make with the technology of the moment.
Apple really was a labor of love for Steve, and clearly just a profit making vehicle for the folks at the helm during the "dark years" when Jobs was kicked out. With him gone now, it just feels like the company is floundering a bit. They have the advantage of being "on top" with plenty of cash reserves and a loyal existing customer base -- plus great operating systems for both computers and mobile devices. But while I can't really slam Tim Cook as a "poor CEO", it's also painfully obvious he just inherited the job. Apple wasn't "his baby" and he'll never have the same devotion to it that Jobs had.
I think the current Apple has been scrambling a lot to find the formula for continued success by giving key existing people in the company the right tasks to do. And the truth is? They're generally only "specialists" in certain areas, and not big-picture visionaries. Johnny Ives is great at what he does, but that's design -- not engineering. Consumer electronics and computers should be first and foremost about engineering the electrical components to make them do what you're after. Then you get a styling expert to find a way to wrap it in something attractive. Right now, I feel like Ives is designing what he thinks it ideal to look at (light, thin and pretty) and being given a green light to produce these things, even though engineering is forced to compromise on performance and/or functionality to make it happen.
Jobs may have been a PITA to work with, but I think he was the "missing ingredient" in the sense he'd beat up on people on BOTH sides of that fence, until everyone came to the best acceptable compromise they could make with the technology of the moment.