Steven's Dilemma

We’re pretty happy with the antenna design … we’re not feeling right now that we have a giant problem that we need to fix. -- Steve Jobs


A lot of people saw Jobs' tone at the press conference on the iPhone 4G's "AntennaGate" flap as contempt for his customers. His attitude seemed to be: look at all that I’ve done for you people — and now you quibble over some trifle?  -- Michael Malone

I really thought lightning had struck with the original iPod, and that (mostly) it was because Apple made it accessible to the masses, not because there was much that I thought was special about it. I had MP3 players that worked as well and were less expensive. But Apple always had the inherent promise that they would make it as painless for the masses as possible, including making the necessary arrangements to make the music accessible for a reasonable price.
Although I figured they would hold the market for a good long time, I thought that their niche was already cast, and they'd be in maintenance mode.

The iPhone surprised me, as did the iPod touch. I'm still figuring out all the things my touch can do. I've had it for a year or so, and  until recently, I was only vaguely aware that I could surf the web on it.

Remarkable stuff...and clearly another stroke of lightning in the same spot.  So, now the world expects to be delighted and thrilled with Apple.
I have now seen the iPad, which as near as I can tell is iPod for the eyesight impaired. The numbers of units sold simply floors me. It's probably a better form factor for what a lot of people were doing with the iPod (i.e., sitting at their breakfast table or in front of TV scanning email and facebook), but it can't be considered a breakthrough product. Some people were conditioned to buy it. Others saw it as a solution to their needs. Clearly a home run for a product engine like Apple. But the buzz has died down quickly on that product. An iPod on steroids, and that's it. Yes, yes, very nice. So, Steve, what's the earth-shaking followup?

Maybe that's where the iPhone 4 comes in. Mostly mature technology, diffferent package. Some nice enhancements. What all is there to talk about? Gizmodo (1) and Antennas (2). Both of those focused more on the company and it's processes than the product itself. If they really want the next lightning bolt, it's going to have to come from somewhere else. People are bored with their smart phones.