With apologies to Steven Colbert for the title... 
What I mean is "We are ALL Apple". The fanboys, the whiners, the newbies, the hackers, etc. We all love the iPhone and many of us just wish it could be better. In many ways, the iPhone is superior to anything out there. But in many ways (Instant Messaging, non-music ringtones, Bluetooth Stereo, Bluetooth syncing, Office apps, notes nyncing, Lotus Notes compatibility), it is a step back. With 3rd party apps, endorsed by Apple, the iPhone now has the opportunity to claim its rightful place as the "Breakthrough Internet Communications Device" we were promised.
As an Instant Messaging user (via 3rd party apps on 1.0.2), I was one of those early, vocal complainers, so it's only right that, now, I say "Thank You, Apple." This change will indeed allow the iPhone to reach its full potential.
If I have to install apps via iTunes, and pay, that's fine...my concerns have never about money. Indeed, though I paid the original price, I never complained about the $200 price drop. I felt I had gained $200+ in value during my ownership.
...But I admit that I did take Steve up on his $100 credit... and I immediately bought four iPods as gifts. So, again I have to say "Thank You" to Steve, but also to those who did indeed make their voices heard in opposition to Apple's pricing decision. Sometimes, a little tough love is required to get Apple to take notice.
Remember, Apple's initial stance was that Web Apps were the SDK. To claim, without evidence, that native 3rd party apps were the plan all the time, is at least inconsistent with Apple's public messaging. Perhaps it's true, but a lot of bad press and ill will could have been avoided by stating so.
All of you who whined about our whining should keep in mind that Apple has listened, not to the "yes men", but to the customers with genuine concerns. And that has made the difference. Something to keep in mind in March when you run one of those Apple-blessed 3rd party apps that got its start in these hacking days. Much like my Apple II which owed a debt to Woz's hacking days.
What I mean is "We are ALL Apple". The fanboys, the whiners, the newbies, the hackers, etc. We all love the iPhone and many of us just wish it could be better. In many ways, the iPhone is superior to anything out there. But in many ways (Instant Messaging, non-music ringtones, Bluetooth Stereo, Bluetooth syncing, Office apps, notes nyncing, Lotus Notes compatibility), it is a step back. With 3rd party apps, endorsed by Apple, the iPhone now has the opportunity to claim its rightful place as the "Breakthrough Internet Communications Device" we were promised.
As an Instant Messaging user (via 3rd party apps on 1.0.2), I was one of those early, vocal complainers, so it's only right that, now, I say "Thank You, Apple." This change will indeed allow the iPhone to reach its full potential.
If I have to install apps via iTunes, and pay, that's fine...my concerns have never about money. Indeed, though I paid the original price, I never complained about the $200 price drop. I felt I had gained $200+ in value during my ownership.
...But I admit that I did take Steve up on his $100 credit... and I immediately bought four iPods as gifts. So, again I have to say "Thank You" to Steve, but also to those who did indeed make their voices heard in opposition to Apple's pricing decision. Sometimes, a little tough love is required to get Apple to take notice.
Remember, Apple's initial stance was that Web Apps were the SDK. To claim, without evidence, that native 3rd party apps were the plan all the time, is at least inconsistent with Apple's public messaging. Perhaps it's true, but a lot of bad press and ill will could have been avoided by stating so.
All of you who whined about our whining should keep in mind that Apple has listened, not to the "yes men", but to the customers with genuine concerns. And that has made the difference. Something to keep in mind in March when you run one of those Apple-blessed 3rd party apps that got its start in these hacking days. Much like my Apple II which owed a debt to Woz's hacking days.
