Ondrej Holzman Walter Isaacson, the author of the Steve Jobs biography, gave an interesting interview for the American TV station CNBC. He talked about Apple and Google, in the context of the latest moves by both companies - agreements with China Mobile a acquisition of Nest.
For Apple, reaching an agreement with China's largest mobile operator and the world's largest mobile operator was a key point in unlocking access to the additional hundreds of millions of users in China who were previously unable to use iPhones. But Isaacson thinks the move has somewhat overshadowed Google's latest move -- buying Nest.
"Buying Nest shows what an incredibly strong and integrated strategy Google has. Google wants to connect all our devices, all our lives," said Walter Isaacson, who, thanks to writing a biography of Steve Jobs, knows more about Apple than the average mortal or journalist. However, at the moment Google is building higher.
"The biggest innovation today is launched by Google. Fadell was part of the team that created the iPod. It was ingrained deep into Apple's culture, at a time when Apple was innovating. Now Tony Fadell is heading to Google as the head of Nest," Isaacson recalled, perhaps one of the biggest loots they made in the Googleplex thanks to the acquisition of the thermostat manufacturer - they got Tony Fadell, the father of iPods and a former key member of development at Apple.
Apple can answer, Isaacson says, but it has to introduce something new this year, something that changes everything again. An American writer stated that if Apple was headed by Steve Jobs, he would clearly want to create something that would completely disrupt the stagnant waters.
“Steve Jobs was a disruptor. I think there are two things that Tim Cook needs to do now - after he's made a big deal in China. First, take over the company. At the end of February, there is a meeting of shareholders, who will probably have to start thinking about who will continue to sit on the board of directors. In fact, all Jobs' people are in the current board of directors. It's not exactly a Tim Cook fan club," Isaacson pointed out to an interesting fact.
“And secondly, Cook has to say to himself, 'What am I going to disrupt now? Will these be wearable devices? Will it be a watch? Will it be television?' In 2014, we should expect something big from Apple," says Isaacson. If Cook didn't come up with a great product this year, he could be in trouble. But if we count on the fact that he is a man of his word, we will really see something big this year. Cook has been inviting us to new products in 2014 for more than a year.
I would clearly disrupt console gaming with AppleTV as a new gaming option, and next year Apple's Classic TV with 4K resolution for example. This year, I expect a maximum larger iPhone, maybe a larger iPad (more skeptical), improved MacBooks, for example by adding the touchid function to the touchpad. And maybe even the watch...but let Apple wait until the development is far enough along so that we don't have to recharge it every 4 days
I haven't been in school for a few Fridays, but I would assume that there will be a big trend in this area. I still think the rule is that what I learn to use, I don't like to leave. Yes, if it's as welcoming as switching to "touchy-feely" Apple products, then it pays less. So I see great potential in preparation by releasing "office" applications. What will be next?
Is Isaacson already infected with the cheap rhetoric "if this year Apple doesn't introduce X, Y will happen"? A bit awkward and short-sighted in my opinion.
What will Apple introduce this year? I have no idea. And I will not pretend that I know what is necessary and what is not, that is below my level. Saying 'I don't see' is perfectly fine and some people should realize that.
And what would I like? I would definitely appreciate some kind of wearable, but I'd like to consult with you before I release it. I'll wait an extra year, when it will be a real bomb. And I'm really looking forward to the reactions at the end of 2014: "apple hasn't introduced a water fountain yet, Cook should resign" - but no one remembers the delayed and unfinished products that were sent under Jobs - because they didn't click on it that much.
So Mr. Isaacson and the rest of the smart world - calm down and admit that you have no idea what you would do in Cook's shoes, that you actually know absolutely nothing about hw making and sw making, that you're just, like the rest of us, just waiting for it , which Apple itself will present - you'd only feel inferior if you didn't add your own clever commentary.
In my opinion, wearable electronics are useless. Until miniaturization is so advanced that it completely replaces the mobile phone that most people have with them, until then it will just be fashion and chasing the t-shirts of individual manufacturers. I personally would like Apple to do something with printers. These are boxes that have been the same for maybe 20 years and completely out of the spotlight.
My exact words. I totally agree with him. I'm not saying that Apple necessarily needs to make a coup this year, but Google may not be enough in the future. I would rather expect Apple to buy Nest. Wearable electronics and TV will no longer be a surprise.