I'm not shy to admit it. I have an iPhone and I absolutely love it. To be honest, it is normally always attached to my hand and I rarely go anywhere without it. Therefore, I found Jonathan Zittrain's article, "The Future of the Internet-And How to Stop It" very interesting because some of the devices mentioned have a direct relationship about the applications I use and which are available to me. Before getting into the article, we discussed the history and, more specifically, generativity vs. tethered devices.
Tethered devices particularly interested me, because, as stated above, I have an iPhone and I frequently visit the App Store. Now, as mentioned in class, these devices do not allow any form of tinkering, pretty much the complete opposite of generativity. Individuals are not allowed to try to better any kind of software. What kind of consumer would appreciate such limitations?
To some extent, I can understand Apple's hesitancy when deciding on how all the applications can work or be produced. However, they should allow those who buy the handheld devices to be able to devise their own applications for the phone. They know that they want. Let the consumer speak! Who better to satisfy whatever craving they have to improving their phone than them?
Currently, there are many applications which have yet to be produced. Therefore, why not give people the freedom to create what they want? Because, when push comes to shove, if one person wants a certain application, there are probably at least ten more who want it as well. Why fight the consumers and punish them with certain restrictions? It could not hurt the industry, but rather improve it. Of course there need to be regulations, but if there are Apple and others can make a profit from this new relationship.
I agree completely that the iPhone's "tetheredness" hinders its potential. I don't have an iPhone, but the apps for the iPod Touch are entertaining. I don't have a clue how to make an app, but I know people who do. I think it would be an opportunity for them to innovate and learn from the existing technology. Many of the iPhone apps actually originated with user innovation. I think it's in Apple's interest to loosen the ropes.
ReplyDeleteExactly! It is really practical from Apple's Point of View. They would be able to really profit from the fees they could charge for the applications. Also, it would allow them to focus their time and energy on other projects. Apple really needs to change and this gives them the perfect reason!
ReplyDelete