Andy Gets It. So do I
January 19, 2007Revolutionary?
A few days ago I heard about the iPhone and I looked at the screenshots, and I was somewhat impressed. I was also a little disappointed in the look of the interface; it just looked a little cartoon like.
Since then I’ve read three pieces from writers I respect. They all tried the actual device, and they all said that it turned them into silly giggling fools.
This is huge. Sometimes it does take a few days for something new to sink in. I read the transcript of the keynote and Steve Jobs was saying that he felt that this was going to be as much of a revolution as the introduction of the original Mac.
Now I understand what he means.
Back in 1984 when there were micro computers, and the IBM PC, and the first Mac, I attended a local computer expo. All of these machines were on display. Most people there were curious non-computer owners like me; we all looked at the micros and the PCs, but didn’t touch. We were afraid we’d break them, afraid to explore their features.
When we discovered the Macs though, there were literally cues forming to sit at each one. I watched as folks discovered the mouse, and then as they explored the interface by clicking, dragging and so on, losing all sense of time, having a ball.
These people found out for themselves how to interact with the interface, and then discovered that the interface responded logically to whatever it was they expected it to do.
Now in 2007, three jaded tech writers are having the same reaction, to a phone!
Go into a mobile phone showroom today and there appear to be three types of phone, and corresponding buyers: There are the super-cheap “Whatever” phones and buyers. They just want to make the occasional call. There are the “Looks Cool” phones that most go for; used mainly for calls, messaging, and the odd picture taking. Finally, there are the “Smart” phones, at the far end, probably behind glass. Probably just for business types — at least that’s the implication.
So, what’s happening in that showroom a year from now? There’s a crowd around the iPhones, which happen to be real and connected to a network, not hollow dummies with printed screens. They’re trying things on the phones, tapping and wiping and stretching — and they’re succeeding at what they try.
They’re getting a real kick out of it. Every time one of them says, “Hey, I just did this,” or, “Hey, I just did that,” one of the surly smart phone users claims that he can do the same on his.
“Don’t Care!” comes the chorus from the iPhoners. They’ve gotta have one! Today!
Doesn’t read Word docs? Who gives a shit?
Can’t install apps? Who cares? Just look at all the iPhone-friendly websites that have popped up.
Battery won’t last more than a day? What do I care? I’ve got to synch it to my latest tunes every day anyway…
Yes, revolutionary.
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Andy Ihnatko :: You could call iPhone perfect
