As the tension rises for the launch of the iPhone 5, I am overwhelmed with the outward pouring of expectations. In a recent blog post I wrote awhile back, I discussed the “religious” effect that the Apple brand has upon the minds of its consumers. It’s a scary world, when high flying expectations are met with any kind of religious expectations. Pretty soon, we’ll see consumers expecting the physically impossible, with a Divinity app to solve world issues. The probability of success is effectively low; compounded with the hysteria that the media is portraying what the iPhone 5 will be like.
I imagine Tim Cook is shaking in his new role, looking at the sustainability of any of the Apple product launches. If the expectations aren’t met for the masses, the position that Apple has developed in the mind of their consumers can quickly falter. With the rise and consistent wins of Microsoft, Google, and even Facebook, Apple needs to continue to find a way to exceed consumer expectations to continue their expanding growth.
I admit, I am reborn Apple follower and want to see a great success of the iPhone 5 and the future of what Apple will produce. But looking at the continuously evolving and growing mass hysteria for their product launches, I see an uphill battle for the realization for their success. Expectations are getting out of control. But if any single company can succeed in innovating success around these expectations, it’s Apple.
This uphill battle starts today. When religious expectations are met with mediocrity, we will see a shift in perception;we will see a drop in Faith; we may even see a revolt against the brand. Imagine if you heard the Divine stories of Jesus only to see that he was a mere mortal with no healing powers whatsoever… a strong let down that would make you reconsider your Faith in His word.
But we will see what happens.
Today launched the awesome incubator TechCrunch Disrupt here in NYC. I, however, was unable to attend, but was glued to my monitor like it was March Madness or the Tour de France. Some great things are happening in the world of technology. Apps connecting the dots of individual user behavior, location, customizable offers, gamification, and shiny new technologies on smartphones and other mobile devices. And as a Physical / Digital Convergence nerd, I’m excited to see what comes from each of these new startups as well as some of the others coming out of TechStars and Y Combinator.
As an advocate for transparency, efficacy and consumerism in today’s business environment, I am, however left wanting a bit… I mean we have these great technologies, we have some “fun” things happening, but what are we really doing? Are we solving anything, or are we just showing off our geek-ness and ability to make a mobile device do something cool? With the speed to market being in an increasingly quick turnaround with agile iterations happening on an almost daily basis, the rush to ship is daunting.
Are we solving anything, or are we just showing off our geek-ness and ability to make a mobile device do something cool?
What if we take a step back and start with a real problem? What if use our collective genius to collaborate and create a technological advancement to solve these real issues? We have the power to completely change the way we live, the way we educate, the way we govern, the way we support one another as human beings. I see a huge need for a new type of incubator… one that starts with a problem and the solution is in the brainstorming and innovation.
Solve First… Then Ship.
What do you think? How would you use collaboration to solve real issues?
Looking at the Physical Reality in which we all live, we can see some events where digital events begin to affect. With the influx of mobile computing and connectivity, wi-fi capabilities, and social networking sites, we are becoming more and more connected through our physical life by our digital connections. As with the variance of each of our physical realities, so is the use and role digital capabilities play in those lives. With all the different roles digital may play in our lives, they can really be grouped into two strategic uses to fulfill the activities happening in our physical lifestyle.
Empower Physical Reality: These activities help us navigate more easily through certain events in our life. Where to buy dog food, get around a traffic jam, check the score on the game when shopping with your significant girlfriend, find a toilet close by, get restaurant reservations, find the lowest price on a product, get coupons when shopping, etc. These digital capabilities give us the power to perform mundane tasks easier.
Enhance Physical Reality: These activities help us enhance the things we like to do or the different experiences that we encounter. Having content and information at our fingertips and in our pockets allows us to connect with our family, friends, mentors, colleagues, etc. when we want, where we want, during real time experiences. It gives us the opportunity to build relationships and share experiences with friends. Imagine not being able to make it back for your kid’s birthday party… Now with digital technologies like Skype and Qik, you can participate in the experience without physically being there. Imagine traveling to a foreign country and you don’t know how to check into a hotel, the combination of mobile and digital technologies can empower you to speak conversationally to the native speaker.
Digital technologies are quickly changing the way we live; the way we approach life. It gives us power and strength that we have never had before. It makes us smarter, stronger, and more powerful; almost super human.
The Collision: Physical & Digital Reality
