Monday, October 26, 2009

The iPhone's Mindshare

I keep reading on tech blogs how when Android and other multi-device mobile operating systems gain a significant market share, the consumer will feel overwhelmed by all the smartphone choices out there, as an abundance of choice fills them with fearful thoughts of making the wrong choice. At the face of this daunting task the consumer will run to the loving arms of Apple and their iPhone due to its simplicity and the fact that it's only one device, knowing they're getting the best.

But is it really the best? Even after 3 years, my iPhone 3GS fails to bring me one of the most useful features in a PDA/Smartphone: Multi-tasking. I have to quit Pandora and interrupt my music in order to write a spur-of-the-moment idea in the notes app, or to browse the web, or look up a location in Google Maps. Really? There is no accessible file system. Lack of customization. It took them 2 iterations to include a simple copy/paste mechanism.

Apple apologists will continue to recite their chant about Apple "protecting the experience" but it is painfully obvious that the reality of the matter is they don't give a shit because they've already got their hand in your pocket. It's like the guy that's no longer chivalrous because he already got into your pants.

After 3 years, finally, there are choices out there. Good choices, and choice goes a very, very long way. Will the average consumer care? Probably not. Let them get their iPhones. As soon as a comparable Android device comes to my network, my iPhone will find itself in a selling ad on Craigslist.

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