As I am less than a week away from owning my first post-pc device (while naturally receiving another PC and installing a new OS on the same day), I've had some thoughts on this new era of smartphones and tablets. I've come to the conclusion that the "normals" have never wanted personal computers. Oh sure, the tech hobbyists formed a market that influenced form, function, and style, but as you've probably seen what desktops, laptops, and notebooks looked like after the iPhone and iPad were introduced, those things have looked almost exactly the same, whereas the real innovation has been in portable devices. The iToasters I call them, and that includes all the Android junkfood. Why? The tech hobbyists were happy with what they got up until 2009. It was the "normals" who were always frustrated for not having what they wanted, but forced to use things that looked like TV's but sure as hell didn't act like them.
The "normals" wanted to listen to music, have their nerdy friend tag along to answer questions, make sure there were plenty of friendly strangers to ask for directions and shopping and dining advice, maybe read a newspaper, magazine, or book, and to watch TV whenever they wanted. The "normals" didn't even really want a phone to carry around, and that was forced on them too. They just wanted to send quick messages to friendly strangers, either to say hi, ask quick questions, or get some attention. And with the introduction of the iPhone and its competitors, the "normals" finally got what they wanted: portable music, map apps, social media, search apps, and shopping. If they're bored while waiting for a friendly stranger to respond to their text blast (twitter update or facebook status), they can now play games like the ones that used to come for free with Windows like Solitaire.. You tech hobbyists know what I'm talking about. The only "gaming" the "normals" ever did on a desktop was play Solitaire. These days: Angry Birds or the next equivalent. And the tablets are the little TV's and portable bookstores they always wanted.
The "normals" never wanted a PC at home or out in public. The PC was for work. The walkman, TV, nerdy friend, friendly strangers, books, newspapers, magazines, shopping catalogs, road maps, Gameboy were for everything else. And now, they're all there, in one hand, glowing, ready, waiting for a familiar touch.
Update 11/4/2012: Here's a report on how "normal people" are reacting to Windows 8 and touch-centric computers sold on HSN. Mildly surprising on how Microsoft is moving in tune with the "normals."
Fascinating. That certainly does make sense, suggesting as well that a market that was looking a little overplayed is actually still wide open, as long as the devices offered meet the 'simple man' requirements you note.
ReplyDeleteNot only that, the interfaces to these devices are in their infancy. Look at the first two with the large market share, iOS and Android. They both look like a big field full of square icons. Look familiar? The bro pointed me to every "normal's" WinXP desktop in the office. There's no revolution here yet, except for what Microsoft introduced with Windows Phone 7, and next with Win8 and WP8. Google and Apple, in terms of operating systems and user interface, are stuck in 2005. Microsoft has taken the next step, and wait until they figure out how to stick the Kinect into a smaller device too.
ReplyDeleteoh dear. i'm a normal. a simple man. but of course, you two already knew that... given my love for all things apple.
ReplyDeletei must have you know, though: i do not, and never have liked angry birds.