Backwards vs Forwards

The launch of the App Store helped cement the success of Apple’s iPhone. So much so that other phone makers have since introduced their own variations of it.

Today I learnt that when Microsoft introduce their latest Windows Phone operating system later this year it will not be compatible with any of the apps they currently have available.

Is it just me or is that a seriously dumb move?

Apparently Microsoft are not that keen on backwards compatibility. Or as Microsoft’s Charlie Kindel puts it, “For us the cost of going from good to great is a clean break from the past.”

Which is all good and well but what about all those people who don’t want to upgrade their phone this year?

And what about all those people who have invested in a number of apps already. How will they feel about having to buy new versions of what they already have?

Windows has its loyalists. And many people are still hesitant to switch to Apple. But surely a move like this is going to encourage people to move away from Microsoft?

iPhone optimisation

Although it is vastly superior (in my opinion) to other mobile browsers, the iPhone web experience is obviously quite different to browsing on a computer.

Which is why optimising your site for the iPhone is definitely something to think about when creating a new site.


Smashing Magazine has recently compiled a list of iPhone optimised sites. It's a great showcase I think.

They've also put together a comprehensive list of tools and resources to help you create the perfect iPhone site.

Click here and go get inspired.

Experts unlimited

I first got involved with digital media around the time that Rupert Murdoch first spoke about the Information Superhighway.

As you can imagine a lot has changed since then. In fact a lot has changed since as recently as last year if truth be told.

It really is a great time to be in the advertising/comms business with a new possibility created almost every week.

Mobile apps are a great example.

The Apple App Store is only about 18 months old. Yet apps have become so commonplace that AdAge are now promoting app workshops.

I wonder if they ran television advertising workshops back in the day? Doubt it.

Which for me highlights one of the problems with the contemporary ad biz. Snake oil salesmen.

Internet Evangelists. Social Media Gurus. SEO Specialists. And now App Experts.

For every new technology or innovation there will always be people looking to make a fast buck.

Sadly it's not from the technology itself but from their self proclaimed proficiency with it.

Mobile mania

Taken from a presentation by Karl Fisch.

The next big thing?

Last month Facebook reached the magical figure of 150 million users.

It did it in just 5 years.

To put that number into perspective take a look at how long it took other products to reach that same number.

Facebook = 5 years

iPod = 7 years

Mobile phone = 14 years

Television = 38 years

Telephone = 89 years

Source

Help get people talking

This is the best idea I've heard today.

A charitable thought that anyone can contribute to.

Everyone has an old phone charger sitting in a drawer for a phone they no longer use.

If you do, put it to good use.

Give it to bushfire victims to help them stay in touch.

Pop the charger in a postpack and send it to:

Telstra Country Wide,
Locked Bag 4670,
Melbourne Vic 3001