Mobility Today Podcast #118

Great debate, gentlemen. It has been interesting watching it all unravel, er, unfold. And as always, the consumer suffers.

JN,

I do not disagree that there are benefits to both open and closed systems. However, a closed system is by default, less maliable and tailorable to custom needs. People and businesses do not come from the same template no matter how much the marketing industry wants that to be the case.

It's simple, for the purposes of finger usability the iPhone was created from the ground up with that in mind and they have a pretty good interface to show for it.

For the purposes of stability Apple went with a closed system from the ground up which by default will not do as well as an open platform. Whereas other OSes have an advantage since they are designed from the ground up to be open they will succeeed with being more customizable and more tailorable for custom needs while maintaining stability.

From what I have seen, the stability issues for most of the issues with open systems is that the hardware does not match the software needs. MS is making strides to better manage that aspect as we speak and I am sure that this will lead to some great future devices. Already the newer devices like yours JN are more stable than before. In addition, the alliance that is being developed with Android platform takes this into account and hardware mfrs are working hand in hand with the OS software developers and carriers to help insure that those same needs are met for a stable but open environment.

You know very well JN, that Apple has not only closed the system for the purposes of stability but also largely to counter act the free market and shore themselves some guaranteed cash flows while minimizing competition. (E.g. no competing Multi-Media software)

Apple has competeing interests with the consumer. Dave had it right when he stated that Apple has the consumers being the guinee pigs just like every other company.

It is hillarious to me when people start defending iPhone by stating that the stability issues are the fault of the 3rd party software, while at the same time trying to place the blame on other companies for their OSes rather than 3rd party apps. lol

Hopefully owners with 2.0 will have their issues resolved quickly. That would be the only saving grace here.

Phys,

Because the iPhone OS is a closed system, it should be easier for Apple to target and fix various problems. Unlike WM, where developers have API's to various core level functions, it more difficult to pin down system issues when "everyone has their hands in the cookie jar" (so to speak). Combine that with the fact that the system runs on one type of hardware platform adds to the point above.

I have been saying all along that the iPhone's stability was due to the fact that it was a closed system. These issues are occuring now and the OS is still no where near as open as a WM,BB or Symbian device. "Certified" software is not solving the problem.

It is interesting to hear how the iPhans defend the iPhone using the same claims of open system advocates. lol

great podcast!

Mike,

You have a crappy phone. The Cruise handles Edge to 3g transfers (and vice-versa) just fine. That's even without WM6.1 and graphics drivers! :)

With regards to the iPhone 3g, I am glad I didn't get it. Apple has a ways to go to fix the various issues. The app store is (at this time) a disappointment as well as what's available in the store itself.