Will Apple’s closed enviornments succeed?

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I have long admired Apple‘s ability to produce high-quality products, from their early Apple II ad Mac products through the iPod and iMacs of today.  But I have often held off purchasing Apple’s products because of their maniacal control that they place over their systems.  I was disappointed (but not surprised) that yesterday’s iPad announcement continues their insistence that the iPad will continue to be a closed ecosystem allowing only approved App store applications.

The iPhone is a wonderful device but really I should be able to install software of my choosing, just like on a computer.  I have the same gripe with the AppleTV.  I absolutely loved Boxee on the Apple TV, as I’ve written about in the past but I eventually had to give up on it because of the constant upgrade wars with Apple.  Now, if I want to watch the State of the Union address (or many other shows), I have to watch on the computer and not the TV because Apple has said so.

Were I to do it over again today, I’d buy a Mac mini and attach that to the TV, instead of an Apple TV.  That way I’d have the ability to install and run whatever application I want – Boxee, a web browser, etc.,

And were I to do it over again today, I’d buy a Google phone.  I’m aware of the shortcomings of the current Google application offering but that will only improve as more people adopt that device (or, more accurately, device platform).

And so, what will I do today?  Will I buy an iPad?  (Beside the fact that I’m not really in the market and won’t be buying one in the near future..)  Certainly the device is compelling.  I really think Apple has hit the nail on the head.  It really is a great device for most casual computer users.  Cruise the web, watch a video, look at some photos, check the weather, etc.,  It really is made for the couch (or the train/airplane).  But I won’t be able to install Boxee.  I won’t be able to run flash.  I won’t be able to install Firefox.  I won’t be able to decide whether the power-burden of background apps is acceptable or not.  These might not be deal-breakers for the iPad device – but if this signals the future of computing platforms – closed ecosystems where you have to fully buy in to one company’s environment – one where you have little control over how it works – I’m concerned.

3 Replies to “Will Apple’s closed enviornments succeed?”

  1. See this related piece from Gruber (specifically, the “automatic transmission” section): http://daringfireball.net/2010/01/various_ipad_

    I see what you're saying, but I think Apple believes that most people don't want or need that much control over a product. And those of us who do have other options (e.g. Mac mini instead of the Apple TV).

  2. Yeah – I agree that's the direction they're headed – and computers are a whole lot better when the underpinnings are kept from the masses (dip switches, serial port addresses?)

    But what I'm concerned with is the control of the experience post-purchase – would you buy a car where you could only install tires from the manufacturer? – where you couldn't hang some fuzzy dice from the rear view just because you feel like it?

    What Apple is doing is going a little far. They could easily have 'supported' and 'unsupported' apps or capabilities. There are plenty of examples of this today – especially with extensible software. The manufacturer will only guarantee the experience if you stick with what they've given the seal of approval. Anything else and you're on your own. I guess I'd like to see something more like this from the folks at Apple.

  3. Yeah – I agree that's the direction they're headed – and computers are a whole lot better when the underpinnings are kept from the masses (dip switches, serial port addresses?)

    But what I'm concerned with is the control of the experience post-purchase – would you buy a car where you could only install tires from the manufacturer? – where you couldn't hang some fuzzy dice from the rear view just because you feel like it?

    What Apple is doing is going a little far. They could easily have 'supported' and 'unsupported' apps or capabilities. There are plenty of examples of this today – especially with extensible software. The manufacturer will only guarantee the experience if you stick with what they've given the seal of approval. Anything else and you're on your own. I guess I'd like to see something more like this from the folks at Apple.

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