Thursday, October 6, 2011

Steve Jobs is dead, long live Steve Jobs 2.0


The Internet is a buzzing. But instead of the hyper excitement or removed anger that usually drives such buzzing, this time it is a mournful drone; Steve Jobs has passed away at the age of 56.

What does this mean for Apple? Will they lose their vision and way without the turtleneck out front? Time will tell on this story, but for now they will still be strong. 

I have never been that keen on Apple. Not because of their products, because unlike many things they just work and fill a need, but because of the beret wearing hipster wannabes proclaiming that Microsoft was evil and was controlling the world.

What about iTunes? Everything goes on or in an Apple product is controlled by Apple and approved by Apple, and it took awhile for them to lose the DRM on their music. Even setting up your device to work on more than one of your computers is a pain, and to what end? Apple is not that innocent.

To be popular and successful in technology, you are invited into people's homes, offices, and everyday lives, and store and share their personal and secret information. In business it is always about growth, and growth is made by a tribe, and keeping people in your tribe. Apple did that well.

The products are still with Apple, and they are still great, the people who help create and share the dreams are still with Apple, and they are still brilliant, most importantly the tribe is still with Apple, and they still wear berets.

Do you think the next man out front for Apple should wear a turtleneck? Does it define the brand?

Mac/PC

Image taken here: http://xkcd.com/934/

2 comments:

  1. Sad, sad, sad news. The dude was brilliant and taught many the importance of enhancing functionality through simplicity. He will be missed by many, including those who don't even know him.

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  2. This is quite sad news, and I'm not even an Apple fan. I've always been a PC guy. But there's no doubt of Steve Jobs' mark on technology, and I only hope that Apple can continue to do well now that he's gone.

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