Today Marks the 15th Anniversary of Apple's First Two Retail Stores

[appleye]

Apple's next BIG thing?

Can you say iSmell or perhaps Smell-o-Vision? Contrary to what the article says at the end, I believe Apple really is working on this. It won’t happen did you say? Well, that’s what Steve Jobs said before the iPad was introduced. Why only excite just your sense of vision and hearing and ignore your sense of smell? The more senses you excite the more realistic the experience.

http://www.appleworld.today/blog/2016/5/10/future-macs-could-sport-theoretically-at-least-scent-technology

 

[brendu]

Apple's next BIG thing?

Can you say iSmell or perhaps Smell-o-Vision? Contrary to what the article says at the end, I believe Apple really is working on this. It won’t happen did you say? Well, that’s what Steve Jobs said before the iPad was introduced. Why only excite just your sense of vision and hearing and ignore your sense of smell? The more senses you excite the more realistic the experience.

http://www.appleworld.today/blog/2016/5/10/future-macs-could-sport-theoretically-at-least-scent-technology

Great, now people cat fart on me through FaceTime...

 

[SuKim]

So we should applaud them for updating their product lines?

And watch band, watch band.

 

[SteveW928]

Eat a #%#). Good. I hope Cupertino reads all of the negative comments. Maybe it will kick them in the ass....

The sad thing is that there have always been Apple-haters, but they were usually outsiders who were pretty clueless about Apple. Now, they're the long-time Apple evangelists who are as pissed off as heck that the company they loved so much is being ruined.

Unfortunately, I don't think the ranting will matter much, even if Cupertino is reading it. I think Apple's well aware of the 'problems', they just don't consider them problems, but part of the plan for the 'new' Apple.

AKA YOU don't like that product so you assume no one else does. Never mind all the posts about people who actually have one and love them. Next month the laptop YOU want will be updated. Come back and complain when that model doesn't have enough for you.

I'm a bit mixed here, as to the hardware complaints, they are mainly coming from the abandoned pro users. I think it's quite fair they are upset. But, otherwise, I think Apple's hardware is fairly solid. The software is where things are really falling apart.

That said, the hardware lineup is overly complex, yet not broad enough. It's an easy fix though.

For desktops, the iMac is already a pretty good lineup for the consumer to prosumer market. It could be simplified even more, but no big changes are needed there. The mini isn't all that useful anymore, as it's now too anemic. The Pro is fairly useless as it isn't designed for pros. So, maybe they could just take the current Pro design and offer a range of 'guts' to satisfy people who'd rather have a headless machine, with adequate cooling, GPU, etc. People could still order a Xeon and fancy GPUs if they wanted, or more iMac-like hardware with same or a bit better GPU as build options.

iMac - maybe 3 CPU options (i5, i7, Xeon), 2 or 3 GPU options
Mac Pro (housing) - 2 CPU options (i7, Xeon), 2 GPU options

For laptops, a Macbook and a *true* Macbook Pro. Maybe it's changed with the lower thermal characteristics in the last couple of years, but the problem with 'pro' MacBooks is that they can't be run under full load for long. If you do, they would destroy internal components and shorten the lifespan. Apple needs to fix that, if they haven't already.

For the Macbook, there's no reason for the Air and MB anymore or the variety of sizes... just add a port to a slightly bigger MacBook, with a few options for GPU/CPU and done.

Macbook 12 or 13" - a couple of CPU/GPU options
Macbook Pro 15" - a couple of CPU/GPU options

Done.

Same with the mobile lineup....

iPhone - 3 sizes with storage options... done.
iPad - 3 sizes with storage options... done.

Easy peasy folks. Still more complex than Jobs' product grid, but way better than currently, and better serving the client range than the current lineup. The problem is that Apple isn't focused on making a good product lineup for us... they are focused on making it confusing, not quite being a good fit, etc. so we're forced to buy a bunch of their products to create a solution that works well.

 

[ProjectManager101]

When I see Steve, it feels like it was a lie, like... he really existed and I do miss him because I learned so many things from him. He was a leader, a practical dreamer. The Salvador Dali of the computers. I miss you.

 

[ErikGrim]

Bittersweet to see that kids section. My daughter, around 6 at the time, cried the first time we took her to the Apple Store and she saw they had taken it out.

My local Apple Store still has a kids section. It's just iPads instead of iMacs now.
[doublepost=1463706461][/doublepost]

No, it's simply his/her opinion.

An opinion can be false.

 

[nxent]

Geeez... I can remember going to the opening at Tyson's Corner. The line... just to get in the store was ridiculous. Got a free t-shirt out of it.
[doublepost=1463712015][/doublepost]Geeez... I can remember going to the opening at Tyson's Corner. The line... just to get in the store was ridiculous. Got a free t-shirt out of it.

 

[5105973]

My local Apple Store still has a kids section. It's just iPads instead of iMacs now.
[doublepost=1463706461][/doublepost]
An opinion can be false.

Yes they initially kept the kids section at one of the stores I visit and stocked it with iPads. But it didn't last long and was completely removed between one visit and the next, which was approximately a couple of months if I remember correctly. I almost forgot there ever was a kids section until I saw this video clip today.

I sometimes go to the Tysons VA Apple Store. It is nice but last time I checked they didn't have any SE's in stock, either. Sigh.

 

[redheeler]

4k and 5k iMacs = nice screens not made by Apple bolted to underpowered computer hardware that doesn't come close to being able to power the screens.

Ignorant post from someone who has never used one, except maybe the slow spinning hard drive model in the store (which I admit they should not be selling that one).

 

[G4DPII]

What's with all this 'We' crap. Under her and the muppet before her, shopping in an Apple Store has become hell. Needing to see 4 people just to buy something.

The level of knowledge the staff have is also worse than ever before. The local store to me has some great guys, who know actually listen - the most important part, however 75% of them talk at and down to you. As though they are doing you a favour by purely being there.

Seems as though they have more training in how to be arrogant than they do about the products they sell. They need to realise Apple products are now more common than Primark T-shirts.

Which is sad as it tarnishes those that do know there stuff and are really helpful when you have a genuine issue.

 

[cult hero]

+1 for mentioning Swift. It's been the most exciting thing they've released in years. Great that it's open source too.

ResearchKit is great too if it really gets used. I imagine that might be the second gen Apple Watch's main niche.

It's sad how the people you responded to and many others take things for granted and have such rose tinted glasses. It was probably the same ones complaining about how bad Apple was for not having 3rd party apps or 3G on the OG iPhone. Or no Cut/Copy/Paste etc. Or how the iPad is just a blown up iPad and offered nothing new. I guess it'll never change, I remember the same negativity when the iPod came out, people claiming Apple had lost all hope and were doomed.

To add to (and duplicate some of) your list some things they've released since 2011 that have been positive for me:

- TouchID - not much to say except awesome.
- A new line of iPads in 2 sizes with the addition of a highly regarded stylus. This product has made the biggest change to my working life in the last 5 years and probably ever (completely ditched paper - all notes now taken digitally).
- New True Tone display on iPad Pro 9.7" - massive difference when using iPad outdoors (hope this tech filters to other iOS devices).
- Starting with the A7 moved A-series chip design in-house and transitioned to to 64-bit for their iOS devices. The latest releases the A9 and A9X which have been excellent in performance terms.
- iPhone with 3D Touch - something else which has made working life quicker (can get through dozens of emails in a much smaller amount of time).
- Research Kit: fingers crossed this leads to some good.
- A completely new MacBook line (Retina 2015), introduces several firsts for Apple - USB-C, new Butterfly mechanism keyboard, fanless, custom shaped battery, individual LED backlit keys (as opposed to an array previously), Force Touch trackpad.
- The 2105 MacBook (Retina) has also just received an internal upgrade with some decent performance boosts.
- A mapping service.
- A new Apple TV with a much requested App Store.
- A new programming language: Swift.
- Roll-out of Apple Pay.
- In the last year or so released 2 operating system updates (OS X 10.11, iOS 9) and 2 new Operating systems (watchOS and tvOS) - which have been pretty rock solid for me.
- Apple Watch which has made a big difference to my fitness (no more phone carried when on runs, easy logging of sets and reps, ability to buy drinks whilst running/cycling without cash etc.).

Plenty of innovation there. Apple are not perfect, never were and never will be. But they have one very happy customer here with a lot of their recent products providing nice incentives to upgrade over older alternatives.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Eat a #%#). Maybe they will learn NO ONE GIVES A FLYING #%#A)%#( about THIN.

Such passion, yet such mystery. Here I am, trying to figure out what eight letter profanity you've hashed out. "No-one gives a flying bumpoops about thin?"

Tell me your secrets, MacAddict.

 

[J InTech82]

It's times like this you realize how much Apple did in 2001-2011 and how little Apple has done over the past 5 years.

People seem to forget that Steve Jobs had failures too.

• Power Mac G4 Cube
• iPod Hi-Fi
• ROKR
• MobileMe

Those are at least ones that I can remember. It hasn't even been five years since his death and people are screaming bloody murder and that Apple must be a failing company because they have not done anything new or innovating. I beg to differ.

• AppleWatch (still in it's infancy, look at the iPod when it first came out)
  
• Apple Music (also still in it's infancy)
• AppleTV 4 (let's face it, with the App Store, this too is still in it's infancy and basically 1.0)
• HealthKit
• HomeKit

To name a few. People need to be a little more patient. Sure Steve Jobs did a lot of amazing things when he came back but look at the course of time he was at Apple until he passed away. Exactly like you said, how much Apple did in TEN years. Do you really expect Apple to do this much in FIVE?

 

[dilbert99]

all they'll see is rubbish like this where it's not called for..."well, you guys will never be happy no matter what we do."

Problem is there are lots of innovation that others are doing and Apple isn't keeping up.

 

[Optimus Frag]

I've still got one of the iMac DV Snow's shown in the clip. It still works.

 

[cpowers2016]

I haven't seen the red phones in years, trust me I've had some problems that have stumped even the best Apple Geniuses around & their solution usually was to keep the device overnight or send it off to California. According to more than one Apple Genius, they were instructed to never use the red phones...I doubt they ever were used.

Chris

Does that red phone still exist? Can someone go to the Apple Store and ask when the new Skylake Macs will be shipping? I am sure the Genius employees at the store will not know so they will have to call Cupertino who will know the answer.

 

[Tycho24]

Both great and sad to see Steve. Wish he had taken his health more seriously earlier. He might still be around.

Lol, people "liked" this post??!!

Wow, that is REALLY sad.

Ok. To the 30+ very, very, very, very, very embarrassingly uninformed MacRumors commenters:
Pancreatic cancer is incurable & you can't just "take your vitamins & exercise regularly" to prevent it.

Your post comes off as blaming Steve for getting cancer!!!!!!!

 

[DarthApple]

Well, who doesn't miss the old Apple with Steve as CEO... The enthusiasm has really disappeared nowadays. It just seems to me that today's Apple is all about profit, selling more and more iPhones and quality going downhill. I mean, Steve's salary was $1. 1 freaking dollar a month. He owned shares, of course, as it was originally his company. But it was so obvious that he really cared. Tim Cook has a $1.7 million salary + shares. Enough said.
The only person that looked like he also truly cared about Apple was Scott Forstall. And what happened to him? He was fired by Cook, because he didn't agree to sign an apology letter about Apple Maps. So instead of taking the responsibility on him as CEO, Cook fired one of Apple's greatest minds. Yeah, he really cares about Apple.

Anyway, past's in the past. We should give post-Steve Apple some more time to see if they actually bring back the enthusiasm and do something remarkable.

 

[elmaco]

In fifteen years, Steve took a company that was about to go bankrupt and turned it into highest valued company in the world, bypassing Microsoft, Exxon Mobile and Berkshire Hathaway.

In the video, you get a glimpse of how much thought he put into the Apple store, i.e. how it was going to be divided, the genius bar and the red phone with a direct line to Cupertino etc.

He started with the vision. If I am going to make a store, how can I make it the best store in the history of mankind. Every little detail had to perfect. He didn't start out with some building and, Oh, where can I put these computers so we can maximise profit for the shareholders. If he did, he would never come up with the genius bar.

 

[SteveW928]

Ok. To the 30+ very, very, very, very, very embarrassingly uninformed MacRumors commenters:
Pancreatic cancer is incurable & you can't just "take your vitamins & exercise regularly" to prevent it.

Your post comes off as blaming Steve for getting cancer!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, a lot of people don't really understand cancer, and especially what Steve had (what he'd already gone through and tried). The press reported he was trying to control it with diet, which many see as woo-woo stuff. He probably decided it was a better way to spend his last days, than some of the draconian things the 'medical industry' would have recommended. And, for that, people think he was responsible for his death, i.e.: reckless, careless, etc.

 

[ConnorMcJeebus]

Lol, people "liked" this post??!!

Wow, that is REALLY sad.

Ok. To the 30+ very, very, very, very, very embarrassingly uninformed MacRumors commenters:
Pancreatic cancer is incurable & you can't just "take your vitamins & exercise regularly" to prevent it.

Your post comes off as blaming Steve for getting cancer!!!!!!!

Since when is pancreatic cancer incurable? "Embarrassingly uninformed", eh?

Unfortunately, a lot of people don't really understand cancer, and especially what Steve had (what he'd already gone through and tried). The press reported he was trying to control it with diet, which many see as woo-woo stuff. He probably decided it was a better way to spend his last days, than some of the draconian things the 'medical industry' would have recommended. And, for that, people think he was responsible for his death, i.e.: reckless, careless, etc.

Like all forms of cancer, the general consensus is that the earlier one receives treatment, the better the chance of survival. Steve, had an opportunity to receive "traditional" medical treatment soon after diagnosis, but he went a different way.

 

[Tycho24]

Since when is pancreatic cancer incurable? "Embarrassingly uninformed", eh?



Like all forms of cancer, the general consensus is that the earlier one receives treatment, the better the chance of survival. Steve, had an opportunity to receive "traditional" medical treatment soon after diagnosis, but he went a different way.

Oh pardon me....
I guess there's somewhere around a 14% chance of survival if one catches it early. So, the OP's comment MUST stand then. If only Steve cared about his health more, he would've been in that 14% for sure.

/liberal dose of sneering sarcasm

 

[ConnorMcJeebus]

Oh pardon me....
I guess there's somewhere around a 14% chance of survival if one catches it early. So, the OP's comment MUST stand then. If only Steve cared about his health more, he would've been in that 14% for sure.

/liberal dose of sneering sarcasm

So when pointed out that you're wrong you resort to making up your own statistics to make yourself sound more credible and less wrong. Again...embarrasingly uninformed.

Ah yes, sarcasm. The sure fire resort for the insecure. The best type is the type you need to point out as sarcasm as if no one else is smart enough to understand.

 

[SteveW928]

Like all forms of cancer, the general consensus is that the earlier one receives treatment, the better the chance of survival. Steve, had an opportunity to receive "traditional" medical treatment soon after diagnosis, but he went a different way.

Of course, the earlier you can start treating/correcting a disease, the better. The question is more around the treatment or courses of correction. I'm not saying Jobs did the right thing (he probably didn't, as juice diets are fairly high in sugar, which feeds cancer, but with his condition, taking sugar out might have been problematic too), I'm just saying that we're not even in the infancy yet of understanding this stuff, biologically, and chemo, while it kind of works in some cases (usually with short-term results), has more in common with bloodletting than a true cure. Jobs probably had a lot more info from the best minds than we do, and various reasons he made the decisions he did. It's not quite as black and white as The Science™ vs Woo-Woo™. (cf. epigenetics, for example)

Here are a few articles/resources of varying opinion on this:

https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-death-of-steve-jobs/

https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/one-more-thing/

https://www.quora.com/Why-did-Steve-Jobs-choose-not-to-effectively-treat-his-cancer

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/alternative-medicine-extend-abbreviate-steve-jobs-life/

This last one explains some of it the best, and says, "With few facts available, we can only speculate about whether the approach that Jobs took early on had any impact on his survival. Medical and TCM professionals tend to agree that it's unlikely that they did any real harm, and in another context—as part of a preventative or recovery regimen, or alongside medical care—some of these measures can improve one's overall health."

 

[radiology]

Lol, people "liked" this post??!!

Wow, that is REALLY sad.

Ok. To the 30+ very, very, very, very, very embarrassingly uninformed MacRumors commenters:
Pancreatic cancer is incurable & you can't just "take your vitamins & exercise regularly" to prevent it.

Your post comes off as blaming Steve for getting cancer!!!!!!!

Well....before you call people uninformed, let me tell you a few things about pancreatic cancer.
Most pancreatic cancers are very aggressive and have a very, very poor prognosis (life expectancy of a few months). But there are many different types of pancreatic cancer, and it turns out that the one in particular that he had can indeed be cure with surgery, but only if done in a timely fashion (i.e. before its spreads all over you body). When he was diagnosed, his cancer was a curable stage. But he denied surgical treatment (he didn't want his body violated) and that is probably what the person who made that post meant. If that is the case, I totally agree with he/she.


Oh and by the way, I have no idea where you got that 14% from. His tape of cancer has a way higher chance of survival and cure (probably >70%).

You are welcome.