Apple’s Music event today was interesting as much for what was said as for what was left out. But after a few hours of reflection, here’s my initial take on the impact of Apple’s announcements.
1. Apple will protect the iPhone franchise at all cost
Well, we did not get the most important announcement – the microphone in the new iPod Touch. Thus no video. But no camera at all? Unless Apple will release an out-of-cycle iPod Touch update due to the rumored manufacturing issues, the de-featuring of the new iPod Touch is a clear indication that Apple wants to protect its iPhone franchise at all cost. Apple was aware that a microphone would make it much easier for digeratis to use the iPod Touch as an “Ersatz” phone. Obviously, they were not willing to take the risk. And with no video, why incur the extra charge for a camera? Thanks, but we’d rather keep the money.
In fact, by looking at the OS 3.1 update, especially the peer-to-peer gaming feature, Apple seems to be positioning the iPod Touch more and more in the gaming space. Not surprising, but not totally understandable, either.
2. The iPad will not have a camera, either
While the iPad was neither announced (not surprisingly) nor mentioned, the continued de-featuring of the iPod Touch is a clear indication what not to expect in the iPad. For the same reasons as with the Touch, the iPad will not feature a microphone, either. No mic, no video and now we know, no camera. Frankly, I’m not sure, we would need a camera in the iPad, but we can now be sure we will not get one.
3. Developers scratching their heads
What’s this new iTunes feature allowing homes to share apps? I have not seen data indicating how many copies of an app a household buys on average, but if it is only 1.1, that is a 10% sales cut the developers just incurred. Thank you, Apple – first the approval mess and now you cost me sales as well? Even although the impact will probably be minimal, I’m sure developers are not happy about Home Sharing. But there’s some compensation for that, in the form of App Genius.
4. App Genius is genius – for Apple
Genius for Apps looks interesting, although I have not spent a lot of time with the new OS 3.1. Of course, it is Apple’s blatant attempt to get more cash from us through additional and better merchandizing. This must have developers smiling. We will see how good this will work, how much sales will increase and whether it will make up for lost sales due to home sharing. But it will boost the number of apps downloaded and also the number of apps sold – both important numbers to Apple’s Marketing machine. Not to mention additional revenue which they will gladly take.
What else do you think was really important in today’s event?
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