Delayed WWDC Commentary

If you're reading this, I assume you do not live under a rock and have thus heard about the advancements and new features that are to come in Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. If not, you can check them out here. I will focus on the one new feature I believe to be the most important that will be coming in Leopard and one announcement made during the “Stevenote” that is extremely relevant.

Part 1: The Finder

While many felt that Steve’s keynote was a boring rehash of a lot of features we already knew about, there were several truly new features that were revealed. In my opinion, the most important new feature is the Finder. Like most of you, I’ve been to Apple’s website and previewed, as first hand as possible, everything I can about the new features. The thing that really stands out to me about the new Finder is the fact that it is practically an exact copy of the iTunes interface. Like iTunes, it includes several options for viewing your files, including the graphically rich Cover Flow view. To me, here is why this is extremely important. During Steve’s keynote, he mentioned that to date, there have been in excess of 500 million downloads of iTunes…….wait for it, wait for it…….that’s iTunes for Windows! Now, we know based on some information released by Apple earlier this year that there is an installed base of more than 100 million iPods. Making the assumption that the majority of the iPod owners are Windows users, (this stands to reason given current OS market share), that means that there are hundreds of millions of people who do not own iPods that are using iTunes to manage their media libraries. Are you following me? 500 million – 100 million = 400 million. Ok, you’re right; there have been 500 million downloads, that doesn’t mean there are 500 million users. I’m with you, so lets half that, fair enough? Let's say there are 250 million users. That still means that approximately 150 million people are using iTunes to manage their media library and those folks don’t own an iPod.

So, where am I going with all this Finder, iTunes, and iPod nonsense? Here’s the real deal, Steve, Apple, its engineers, and marketing team, or whomever you wish to give credit to, have literally taught the world to use a Mac on their P.C. Are you with me? How, you ask? iTunes. Can you use iTunes? Do you use iTunes? Yes? Then you can use a Mac. The new Finder is iTunes made over. Its pure genius, and I dare say, it's not happenstance either. This was part of the master plan that was formulated long ago folks.

So how easy will it be to “Switch” now???


Part 2: Safari for Windows

So, in Steve’s standard fashion, he pulled out the “one more thing” at the end of his WWDC keynote. Safari 3.0, for Mac…….and Windows???? Whaaa….. Are you kidding me? No kidding.

Many are wondering why Apple would make such a move. Some speculate they want to start another browser war, while others speculate this decision is motivated largely by money, (which I agree with somewhat), but I say it has very little to do with these two reasons. The biggest reason that Apple has made Safari available to Windows users is iPhone.

Unless you live under a rock these days, you have certainly heard about iPhone. The device runs a version of OS X which includes Safari as the web browser. Without a doubt, there will be millions of Windows users purchasing their iPhone starting at 6:00 p.m. on June 29, 2007. Could there be a better way to help them become familiar with how best to utilize the Internet functionality on their new device? I think not. Think about this, the majority of iPhone buyers already know how to interface with it from a configuration and sync standpoint because they already use iTunes. Safari 3.0 gives them a head start on their iPhone web browsing experience.

The most important aspect of this is the appeal Steve made during his keynote to developers that the best way to develop “applications” for iPhone is Web 2.0. While many developers were a bit disappointed with this, this position really makes sense for Apple, AT&T, and most importantly, every single person that ever intends to use the internet, whether on a Mac, P.C., or iPhone. Folks, the days of purchasing a Software Application off the shelf, packaged in a box, are rapidly coming to an end. (At least I hope this is the case). Web apps make far more sense and are another blog topic altogether so I won’t get on my soapbox about that here. Suffice it to say, once again, Apple’s decision to create and release Safari for Windows is not coincidence, but all part of the master plan.

So, let’s cut to the chase. Hundreds of millions of Windows users are using iTunes. Many of those same folks will be in line at 4:00 a.m. on June 29 in front of AT&T Wireless stores to ensure that they get their iPhone the first day it's available. They’ve been browsing the web with Safari 3.0 since June 11, and by the way, haven’t been susceptible to any spyware, thanks to the lack of ActiveX controls in Safari. Within the next three years many analysts believe that Apple could acquire as much as 20% market share in the cellular industry with iPhone. Couple that with the fact that tons of developers are working 24/7 on web apps for Safari and iPhone, many of which will be ready for release in conjunction with iPhone on June 29, 2007.

Anyone think there will be any switchers leaving the dark side during the next few years? Me too.

Jarrod Skeggs is one of the principles of Digital Design Solutions, an Atlanta based Apple Consulting Firm and authority on Rich Media Publishing. When he’s not blogging about all things Apple he enjoys the finer things in life like bicycling and trail mix.