Has Apple really ever invented anything?

[Dangelus]

An interesting look at Apple products, and no it's not an Apple bashing video before you ask.

Taking a look at what Apple have done with technologies over the years and if they have actually invented anything rather than refined existing products. It does criticise the current climate of patent disputes of with Apple are a major culprit (but granted not the only ones at it).

Has Apple Really Ever Invented Anything?

[Bryancd]

Has Microsoft? Isn't all technology simply building on the work that came before? It's derivative by nature. The winners get all the credit. Apple created their own independent OS for desktops and laptops. They then moved into the consumer space and created iTunes which wasn't revolutionary but the right application of a certain technology at the right time. That is why they succeed, they create (as opposed to invent) the right product at the right time doing the right thing.

[billybob476]

We stand on the shoulders of giants...

[Dangelus]

I should have said this video is focussing on hardware. Of course anybody who has actually watched it before commenting would know that and could tailor their response accordingly. ;)

[Dangelus]

Has Microsoft? Isn't all technology simply building on the work that came before? It's derivative by nature. The winners get all the credit. Apple created their own independent OS for desktops and laptops. They then moved into the consumer space and created iTunes which wasn't revolutionary but the right application of a certain technology at the right time. That is why they succeed, they create (as opposed to invent) the right product at the right time doing the right thing.

I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.

The thing is the game never ends and winners become losers and vice versa. I have a feeling we are coming up for a charging of the guard in the technology space in the next 5 years. It's exciting times.

[billybob476]

Actually, Apple didn't create iTunes, they bought an existing app called SoundJam and rebranded it.

Some of the arguments in here are definitely reaching. Their arguments for the iPhone and iOS are just silly semantics. Yes, Linksys had a product called 'iPhone' before Apple did, I have one, it's a Skype phone. That's hardly the same thing.

[Bryancd]

Yeah, when I said created iTunes I meant took what was out there and put it in a package and price point that resonated with consumers becoming fearful of music piracy litigation

[Bryancd]

Has Microsoft? Isn't all technology simply building on the work that came before? It's derivative by nature. The winners get all the credit. Apple created their own independent OS for desktops and laptops. They then moved into the consumer space and created iTunes which wasn't revolutionary but the right application of a certain technology at the right time. That is why they succeed, they create (as opposed to invent) the right product at the right time doing the right thing.

I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.

The thing is the game never ends and winners become losers and vice versa. I have a feeling we are coming up for a charging of the guard in the technology space in the next 5 years. It's exciting times.

Yeah, I think Apple's hold on the consumer market will begin to wane within the next 5 years. In no small part due to the death of Steve Jobs.

[Dangelus]

Actually, Apple didn't create iTunes, they bought an existing app called SoundJam and rebranded it.

Some of the arguments in here are definitely reaching. Their arguments for the iPhone and iOS are just silly semantics. Yes, Linksys had a product called 'iPhone' before Apple did, I have one, it's a Skype phone. That's hardly the same thing.

Yeah they bought the name iPhone. It's a brand name and doesnt fit in with the discussion on invention. They should have commented that smartphones did exist before it but I would say the iPhone most definately was "revolutionary" for the time and the concept was an invention.

Interesting about iTunes being purchased and repurposed. Didn't know that. While we are at it OS X itself isn't totally created by Apple. It has Unix / BSD at it's core, Apple only added the pretty stuff :) Actually even the pretty stuff is based to NeXt Step isn't it? An OS put together by Jobs old company that Apple acquired when he returned to the fold.

A lot of the friction comes from in my opinion, that Apple products are not designed for the geek, tinkerer or tech nerd. They are designed to work for people who don't care how they work. They are designed for users.

[billybob476]

A lot of the friction comes from in my opinion, that Apple products are not designed for the geek, tinkerer or tech nerd. They are designed to work for people who don't care how they work. They are designed for users.

Yes and sadly there are many more users then there are geeks :)

[Bryancd]

Correct! That's because tech geeks are cheap. :)

[Dangelus]

Has Microsoft? Isn't all technology simply building on the work that came before? It's derivative by nature. The winners get all the credit. Apple created their own independent OS for desktops and laptops. They then moved into the consumer space and created iTunes which wasn't revolutionary but the right application of a certain technology at the right time. That is why they succeed, they create (as opposed to invent) the right product at the right time doing the right thing.

I agree with your comments wholeheartedly.

The thing is the game never ends and winners become losers and vice versa. I have a feeling we are coming up for a charging of the guard in the technology space in the next 5 years. It's exciting times.

Yeah, I think Apple's hold on the consumer market will begin to wane within the next 5 years. In no small part due to the death of Steve Jobs.

I don't think all these courtroom dramas are helping much either. Apple make great products and it's clear Samsung for example are trying to emulate them to a certain extent. Consumers don't care about all that, they just want great products and all involved should just put that competitive energy into making even better products.

My option is that iOS is getting a little stale for me now. I'm happy with my current Apple products (although my 3GS is getting a little long in the tooth) but I don't think I'd would automatically be looking to continue my relationship with Apple products.

Again, my opinion, but I feel Apple still make the best quality tablet hardware but I don't think they have the best functionality for giving the freedom to do what you wish. iPads are not quite tablet computers (unless jailbroken! ;) )

[Dangelus]

Correct! That's because tech geeks are cheap. :)

Lol or in my case poor. :) makes you desire more bang for your buck!

[KingIsaacLinksr]

I talked about this on my blog recently, but the short version is that with Apple and now iOS app devs suing each other over bogus software patents/trademarks has soured my taste of buying their products. There is room to protect your products and there is being overzealous. I don't think that aggressively attacking Samsung and HTC over bogus patent claims is healthy for the industry at all.

As such, I'm weighing my options before I upgrade my technology in the coming years. But I'm definitely not going to touch Mac OSX with Apple's attitude of locking down the system as much as possible in addition to sue-everyone-as-much-as-possible.