Apple has sex appeal, don’t get me wrong, but I have long been questioning the usefulness of some recent products – AppleTV, iPod Touch, Air…The iPad only continues me to wonder “Really, what is the point?”

Really, just take a look:

Come on, it’s a giant iPhone!

This isn’t a device that is “bridging the gap” between the iPhone and the Laptops… this is Apple’s moment of corporate masturbation where they try to push a device to the public, based on pure sex appeal, in the belief you will buy it simply because this is their latest “it” thing.

It is not worth it. For the wonderful price point of $499 you get:

Call me crazy but why would I want to spend $500 for a device that is, admittedly, sexy but can be easily matched or outperformed by other devices?  Case in point, the Freescale Tablet. The semiconductor company recently introduced their own line of tablet devices for $300 less than Apple AND it includes the additional features of:

• Built-in webcam
• Adobe Flash Support
• USB Ports
• Bluetooth
• A full OS, not iPhone “lite” OS Apple will be slapping on this

If I want a tablet, I want one that will allow me the free will to do what I please – be it program and develop to my standards or simply surf websites that utilize flash. While one can debate the need for a tablet device that only holds minimal processing power, the need for an iPad seems flat out pointless when there are clearly more cost effective options on the market.

So, Apple, what is the point?

You have to love when a company tries to rewrite history.  In response to an FCC inquiry Apple is claiming they did not reject the Google Voice application but that they are still studying it:

Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it. The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail. Apple spent a lot of time and effort developing this distinct and innovative way to seamlessly deliver core functionality of the iPhone.

So Apple has not rejected the official Google Voice application, they simply didn’t get around to approving it.  However, if Apple never approves the application isn’t that de facto rejection?

No, this isn’t a I hate all things Apple blog, nor is it going to turn into one. It just happens that my switch from the iPhone has brought the focus onto Apple for a short period of time. All said and done, I’m very happy with my choice to move away from their products.

With my defection from the iPhone to the MyTouch now complete, I have the ability to give my initial comparative thoughts between the two devices.  As much as one who reads the blog may expect me to be biased in my initial thoughts – and trust me, I would love to me – that will not be the case.

Visual

The iPhone was just flat out sexy when the device came to market.  No other device really captured that “oh, wow” sex appeal in a long, long time. With the iPhone owning roughly 11% of the smartphone market it’s hard to get away from the device – or copycat wannabe designed device.  The MyTouch does not attempt to copy Apple’s design; however, there is no groundbreaking sex appeal either.

HTC manages to make a phone that is smaller in width and length but slightly thicker.  Due to a number of variables, including the lack of a glass screen, the MyTouch weighs a bit less than the iPhone as well.

My problem with the visual aspect of the MyTouch is the comparison one can make to the Blackberry Storm. Not being a huge fan of Blackberry products, one could see how this would be a slight turn off for me. So, the winner of the Visual aspect – Apple

Interface

The iPhone has the “First Mover” advantage when it comes to user interface.  Apple set the standard as to what one would expect when dealing with touch screen devices. As a results it takes a bit of “thinking differently” when using the MyTouch.

The major difference in the interface between the iPhone and the MyTouch is the use of buttons to perform certain navigation functions.  With the iPhone one simply uses the giant button at the bottom of the device if they use to exit/navigate away from an application.  The MyTouch requires a person to use one of three small buttons.

Again, the iPhone/First Mover mentality was in full force.  I had to keep reminding myself that I was not using the iPhone.  Once I overcame that hurdle the device became second nature.

Winner of the interface – Tie.  One really does not outperform the other, it’s just a matter of perspective.

Applications

MyTouch – COPY AND PASTE, BABY!

Sorry.  I had to get that out.

The advantage the iPhone has going for it is the developer community.  It’s large.  The disadvantage is that Apple tells the developers what it can and cannot do.  While the Android market is small (Android being the OS the MyTouch runs on) it is open source, allowing developers more flexibility in what can be accomplished.

I’ve installed a Twitter application called Twidroid on the MyTouch.  The user experience is seamless with Android where as Twinkle or Twitterific feel as if they are applications simply utilizing the iPhone OS for functionality.

Likewise, the Google Voice application can be fully integrated into the MyTouch – and done so in a really slick fashion – the iPhone won’t allow Google Voice related applications because they compete with iPhone functionality.

Winner of the Application showdown – MyTouch.  Applications are part of the phone, not an extension of the phone and developers are not limited to what they can do.

Overall first impressions

As I noted before I would love to be biased and say the MyTouch kills the iPhone.  I cannot.

Apple has set the standard for design and all other devices must overcome this hurdle. Just from a sex appeal stand point the MyTouch falls short. On the other hand, the MyTouch has a superior user experience once one utilizes applications.

I’m sure as I use the phone over time I will continue to pick out features that I like and dislike but, as of right now, there is no clear winner between the two.

A number of experiences in life as of late have caused me to say “that’s it, I’m done” with certain things.  Be it cutting out poor performance from a service provider to removing people from my stable of friends due to idiotic behavior, I’m don’t dealing with a certain level of stupidity in my life. If something or someone cannot meet my expectations I don’t need it/them in my life.  I don’t need it in my life.

Let’s take the concept of planned obsolescence. This would be a product that is designed and produced with a very limited lifespan.  Too much wear and the product would break. Too much uses and parts may wear out, creating the need from the consumer to replace the entire unit. Whether true or not,  General Motors is commonly accused of working planned obsolescence into their goods. I now think Apple utilizing the concept to move more iPhones.

Today I dropped my iPhone and the screen shattered.  I dropped the phone on a concrete floor from all of 8” inches away. I dropped the phone on a concrete floor form all of 8” inches away AND it was in a protective case. Yes, it was 8″ as I went back to measure.  I wasn’t moving, nor was I involved in strenuous activity. I was simply picking up an item from my car and the phone slipped out of my hand.

Shattered.

What about this is planned obsolescence?

I would make the argument that any phone that breaks from an 8” fall is poorly designed, but that aside, the last information I was able to find regarding Apple repair for a 1st generation iPhone is roughly $250.  Seeing a NEW iPhone is only $199, that sure sounds like planned obsolescence to me.

Now I know, you may be saying… just buy the new phone.  Here is the kicker – I don’t WANT the new phone.  I want my phone. I want what I want, not what Apple tells me I want.

This is truly the final straw for me and my dealings with Apple. I’m no longer going to be pressured into what technology and/or service provider I should be using.  I’m no longer going to be told I can only use specific applications.  I am not longer living within Apples “don’t mess with our OS” world.

So, to use the phrase I’ve utilized a lot as of late “that’s it, I’m done.”

It seems that Apple and Google have been at odds with each other for some time now.  When Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, joined the Apple board of directors it seemed as if there was plenty of opportunity for both companies to grow and leverage their technologies. That never seemed to happen.

The most recent public spat between the two companies was Apple’s controversial decision to deny Google’s App Store request  for Google voice claiming the submission mirrored functionality already included on the iPhone.  Most critics disagreed and pointed to Apple’s borderline illegal service provider agreement with ATT as the reason Apple denied the request.

Today Google decided it will have no more of the one sided behavior.

The close personal link that sealed an unusual alliance between Silicon Valley’s two most prominent companies was broken on Monday as competitive conflicts forced Eric Schmidt, Google chief executive , to step down from his controversial position as a director of Apple.

Mr Jobs said Mr Schmidt’s departure had been“mutually decided”, adding: “Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest.”

Translation: Google is gunning for Apple. The decision may not have been planned but Google’s entry into Mobile OS and voice services meant it was just a matter of time the two companies were going to be at odds.

So, here is the question – who will win out?  Is the technology arena big enough for Apple and Google to coexist in the long term or will Google overtake Apple?

Currently Apple has roughly double the revenue of Google.  While Apple has turned into a monster company, due in part to Microsoft providing funding almost a decade ago, can the company continue to pump out revolutionary products that all consumers want?  Look at the continuing control the company is trying to place on products, will consumers continue to support such behavior or will they turn to free (as well as open) alternatives such as Google?

Frankly, I would be on Google in the long term.  Why?  They have an Open MobileOS, they will have an open PC OS, they have groundbreaking applications that are free for the consumer but provide large revenue streams. All things Apple seems to lack.  Even thought Apple is selling iPhone like the world is going to end tomorrow, there is a time when people will move on to something bigger and better.

Anyone really use a Sony Walkman anymore?  Didn’t think so.

TechCrunch has an interesting article stating Apple will not release the official Google Voice  application, developed by Google, in the App store and it is removing applications that utilize Google Voice.  Why?  Because the applications “duplicate features that come with the iPhone”.

First off, what is Google Voice?  It happens to be on of the largest advances in VOIP technology in years in the sense that it has the abilityt to integrate all of your voice communications into one single hub.  Really, check out this list of services it can provide.  Free SMS.  Free voicemail. Free call Screening.  Free directory assistance.  Boy, you don’t think that Apple is trying to put a ding in the Google Voice service because of their partnership with ATT, do you?

I think TC has it right with this passage:

The thing that really bothers me about the move is that Apple is now actively stifling innovation. Google Voice is the kind of service that can actually have a positive impact on your life, and not in a frivolous, entertainment-related sense. It makes it easier to connect with people, and to manage those connections.

Over and over I’ve openly aired my fears on the control Apple is trying to assert with the platforms they own. I cannot wait for the new G2 phone to hit the market as I will no longer be using the iPhone – or any Apple product – for my communication needs.  I want to be able to use the product in the means that fit my needs and not how the company tells me I must use it.

In the middle of January Steve Jobs, the almighty CEO of Apple, stepped down from his post in order to address a medical issue that was “more complex than originally thought”. The press started to jump on the “Steve’s got cancer” bandwagon right away, and I think it was safe to say that anyone who could look at pictures of Jobs in January vs. Jobs in June of 08 could see that something serious was going on with his health.

And with the blink of an eye, he was gone… until this past weekend.

On June 20th, the Wall Street Journal went to press with the following headline: Jobs Had Liver Transplant

Be it the original cancer bout, the leave of absence taken in January, or a potential liver transplant, this all isn’t so much about Steve (tho he does have a cult of personality following) as it is about the company – Apple. While Steve is not the entire company, and I suspect it will live on without him, but the company has the responsibility to inform shareholders of what is going on within the organization.

But take a look at this quote from the article:

Material information like that must be disclosed only “if you are asking shareholders to make a decision based on [that] information,” said John Olson, a senior partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Washington. “You can’t expect the company to give a blow-by-blow account of Steve Jobs’s health.”

Agreed, a blow-by-blow account is not what is being asked, however; when a key decision maker – one who has the final say on what products move forward – has serious health issues or concerns, the company needs to be upfront with the situation. Finding out from news from the Wall Street Journal is not exactly “forthright”, is it now?

While I do not fall into the category of Mac fanatics, I do make use of their goods. They are top notch in just about every way. That said, the control over their products and the lack of information they provide regarding key members of leadership have really pressed me to look at future Apple purchases. I just fear the company may be too tight on information and, in the end, that may come back to hurt the consumer or shareholder.

Today is Memorial Day, an touching holiday in the U.S.  Here is a little did you know – the holiday was originally started in order to honor Union soldiers who died during the Civil War.  I never knew!  Nothing like having a friend who is a college professor who’s background includes U.S. History.

Since everyone had the day off, the folks in my condo building had a BBQ.  Sure, it is raining and it is cold, but getting together was a good time. I wish that it didn’t feel like a damp fall day, but it did. The food was good (as usual) and the company was quite nice as well. It’s interesting how so many people, with such diverse backgrounds, manage to enjoy the time they spend together.  

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the concept of a media center once again. I’m thinking that a Mac Mini running Plex may be in order. 

Why Mac?

Well, Plex is a rather flexible option for individuals who wish to develop a media center because of the open source aspect.  It is true that XP/Vista have open source options, but they are not as well developed for my taste. Plus, I don’t want to use the Microsoft created Media center simply due to the freakish desire for control issues Microsoft has.  

There are also Linux open source options, but there is a wide range of issues I would need to overcome with Linux as well. Mind you, I’m not saying Linux is a bad option – I have one system running it now – but the Apple option seems to be the right fit. 

I need to do a bit more investigation into the system before I make that jump.

Speaking of media…

I still cannot believe how slow The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is.  Beautiful movie, absolute shit from an execution perspective. The performances are Oscar caliber, but the constant talking… slow as slow can be pace just kills the movie for me.

Oh.  

So, I’m working on my final track of the “Enhanced” series and everything is coming together better than I had expected.  Thus far the track is 2:30 in length and I haven’t even formed the core of the song yet. 

This an “epic” type of track in the making.  It just has the sound and feel of something that I can look back on and be very proud of.

Anyway, I’m off.

If you follow apple in any way, if you know anything about the iTunes App store or if you are a geek in general you’re quite aware of the power and control Apple tends to apply over their multi-billion dollar universe.  Well, one of the big complains Apple App developers have is the lack of “standards” for having an application approved.

It seems that if a reviewer find something they find “offensive” the application will be rejected, often with a rather vague explanation of the problem or “offensive” content. Now it seems that Trent Reznor, front man for Nine Inch Nails and all around rock god, is feeling the wrath of the Apple App Store police.

It’s important to point out that the following exchange is very colorful.  If you are offended easily, this is not for you.

Here is the rejection letter from Apple:

From: iPhone Developer Program <XXXXXXXX@apple.com> 
Date: April 27, 2009 11:44:12 AM PDT 
To: help@store.nin.com 
Subject: nin: access 1.0.3: Application Submission Feedback
 Please include the line below in follow-up emails for this request. 
Follow-up: XXXXXXXXXX 

Dear Craig, 

Thank you for submitting nin: access to the App Store. We’ve reviewed nin: access and determined that we cannot post this version of your iPhone application to the App Store at this time because it contains objectionable content which is in violation of Section 3.3.12 from the iPhone SDK Agreement which states: 

“Applications must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, etc.), or other content or materials that in Apple’s reasonable judgement may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users.” 

The objectionable content referenced in this email is “The Downward Spiral”. Since the app is live on the App store, please make the necessary changes to the application as soon as possible, and resubmit your binary to iTunes Connect. Thank you.

Regards, 
iPhone Developer Program 

And here is Trent’s Reply:

Now, “The Downward Spiral” the album is not available anywhere in the iPhone app. The song “The Downward Spiral” I believe is in a podcast that can be streamed to the app. 

Thanks Apple for the clear description of the problem – as in, what do you want us to change to get past your stupid fucking standards? 

And while we’re at it, I’ll voice the same issue I had with Wal-Mart years ago, which is a matter of consistency and hypocrisy. Wal-Mart went on a rampage years ago insisting all music they carry be censored of all profanity and “clean” versions be made for them to carry. Bands (including Nirvana) tripped over themselves editing out words, changing album art, etc to meet Wal-Mart’s standards of decency – because Wal-Mart sells a lot of records. NIN refused, and you’ll notice a pretty empty NIN section at any Wal-Mart. My reasoning was this: I can understand if you want the moral posturing of not having any “indecent” material for sale – but you could literally turn around 180 degrees from where the NIN record would be and purchase the film “Scarface” completely uncensored, or buy a copy of Grand Theft Auto where you can be rewarded for beating up prostitutes. How does that make sense? 

You can buy The Downward Fucking Spiral on iTunes, but you can’t allow an iPhone app that may have a song with a bad word somewhere in it. Geez, what if someone in the forum in our app says FUCK or CUNT? I suppose that also falls into indecent material. Hey Apple, I just got some SPAM about fucking hot asian teens THROUGH YOUR MAIL PROGRAM. I just saw two guys having explicit anal sex right there in Safari! On my iPhone! 

Come on Apple, think your policies through and for fuck’s sake get your app approval scenario together. 

He has a good point (well, several good points).  What I find really amazing is this: it turns out that the App Review team has in issue with content the application accesses…on the Internet. 

The point Reznor is making is more than valid.  The iphone (both the Safari browser and the mail program) access questionable content that is freely available on the Internet. Is it not a wee bit hypocritical that Apple is penalizing others for doing exactly what their applications do?

Even more reason for me to move away from Apple products.  I don’t want anyone telling me what I can and cannot view.

(hat tip TechCrunch)