Apple
My iPhone 2.1 update went off without a hitch and did not “re-lock” my iPhone.
I’ve had the 2.1 update installed for a few hours now, and everything seems to be functioning better. the install went off without a hitch, this is how iPhone 2.0 should have launched. Hopefully the luck continues and I others won’t run into problems.
My phone isn’t jailbroken for the moment, the iPhone Dev Team is at work on an update to allow for non-Appstore apps to be installed on the 2.1 update. However I’m better off for the moment as I my iphone now feels very usable. Before the update it was a very different story.
Apples Recent Failures
Apple’s 2008 WWDC Launch included a notoriously flawed Mobile Me introduction. People who depended upon the service where left in frustration as the service went up and down and reliability issues struck. Apple has since acknowledged their errors, issued a formal apology, and gave some consolation to Mobile Me members, extending account expiration dates.
Less talked about by the company but disseminated throughout blogs, and forums, was the constant problems face by users of the latest iPhone software 2.0, 2.0.1, and 2.0.2. Intermittently iPhone users with phones Pwned or not, faced dropped calls, weak 3g signals, 12 hour sync and backup times, corrupted backups, resets, freeze ups, non functioning app store apps. The simple thought of connecting the phone to the computer for a podcast update became daunting. It was, in short, ridiculous, and highly uncharacteristic of the company.
These two recent product launches begin removing that idea of “it just works,” often spoken on behalf of the Apple brand.
Despite the problems the iPhone really is an amazing tool. It’s still light years ahead of the competition. The caliber and utility of many of the tools (often free) introduced thus far are awesome. And while the phone it self is pretty awesome, it’s those applications that really make it a competitive product.
However, if Apple is going to continue on the growth path that has made competitors take notice of it’s growing market share and dominance in media distribution, computers, smart phones, software and portable music players, it’s going to have to get on the ball with product quality. Otherwise they’ll find themselves facing the same criticism they themselves are dishing out to Microsoft.
Living Critic 