Today is the Day the PC Died
Today may be the day that future historians look back on and say, "This is the day the PC really died."
And by PC, I mean "both PCs and Macs, any big breadbox-sized thing humming away under a desk, and any laptop that you curse as you lug it for the 873rd time up the stairs to your loft." Because suddenly, they are looking too big, too cumbersome, too stupid for the wonderful new age we’re living in.
Why? Here you go: http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/
Now, you may be asking yourself, "Okay, just what the hell does a software development kit have to do with marketing?"
Well, how about access to 10MM or so of the most forward-thinking, tech-savvy, fashion-conscious, and free-spending individuals on the planet? If you could write an app that reached only this demo, you’d be a very happy person. Well, there you go. That’s an iPhone app. And you now have the built-in distribution channel of iTunes, and the cachet of showing up on the most-gotta-have phone in the history of phones. If you aren’t thinking about having a branded app out, like, yesterday, check your pulse.
"Yeah, but it’s gonna be like Facebook apps, seventeen jillion of them and mostly crap," you say.
Ah, I don’t think so. Not with that $100 wall standing between the developer and iTunes. The hacks are gonna think really, really hard before they give up a C-note to post their Animated Dog Bartender or Singing PictureGram apps.
(Come to think of it, Facebook–hint, hint.)
"So what’s this talk about the end of the PC, then," you’re asking. "People will do some cool apps, some people will make some cash, some brands will show up on iPhone screens, and that’s about the end of it."
Ah, no, actually I don’t think that’s the end of it. Not at all. Look at the capabilities of the iPhone: 3D display. Advanced touch. Accelerometer-based gaming. VOIP. Photos (and I’m sure, soon, videos.) All wrapped in a persistently-connected internet device that can house most everything you might want to carry with you. Now with a serious software development kit, a distribution channel for free or monetized apps, and whole bags of money rolling in behind it. And a competitor (Android) to keep Apple on their toes.
Add that up, and take another look at that groaning, hot breadbox that is currently flapping your pants-legs, and say along with me: today is the day the PC died.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:51 am
[…] Sample the Web â?? Samplings from the World Wide Web by C.K. Sample III wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptToday is the Day the PC Died Today may be the day that future historians look back on and say, “This is the day the PC really died.” And by PC, I mean “both PCs and Macs, any big breadbox-sized thing humming away under a desk, and any laptop that you curse as you lug it for the 873rd time up the stairs to your loft.” Because suddenly, they are looking too big, too cumbersome, too stupid for the wonderful new age we’re living in. Why? Here you go: http://developer.apple.com/iphone/program/ N […]
March 7th, 2008 at 4:18 am
[…] Read the rest of this great post here […]
March 10th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
[…] so we’ve had some internal (and client) comment on Today is the Day the PC Died. Here’s an example: "Okay. So let’s suppose you’re right, and the PC really […]