http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/hidden_dimensions/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_to_compete_against_apple_..._and_win%2F&seed_title=How+to+Compete+Against+Apple+%26%238230%3B+and+Win http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_compete_against_apple_..._and_win/ Smart, technical people have known for a long time why their company, their executives, and their CEO can’t seem to fight a winning battle against the competition, namely Apple. It’s a dirty little secret that no one wants to admit to. John Martellaro explores the problem. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 15 May 2012 13:15:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_mother_eats_her_young_ipad_vs._macbook%2F&seed_title=The+Mother+Eats+Her+Young%3A+iPad+vs.+MacBook http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_mother_eats_her_young_ipad_vs._macbook/ Could the iPad really cannibalize the MacBook line into extinction? Could there be a resurgence of the desktops? John Martellaro has more questions than answers, but gives it a shot. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Fri, 04 May 2012 13:05:36 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fno_fridgetoaster_for_you_let_the_ipad_evolve%2F&seed_title=No+FridgeToaster+for+You%3A+Let+the+iPad+Evolve http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/no_fridgetoaster_for_you_let_the_ipad_evolve/ During Apple’s Financial Results Conference Call on Tuesday, Tim Cook dismissed the idea of a hybrid device, the convergence of the MacBook and an iPad. He clearly stated, “We’re not going to that party.”  John Martellaro has some thoughts on that related to the natural selection and evolution of the iPad. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:50:15 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_dream_of_appliance_computing_is_unobtainable%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Dream+of+Appliance+Computing+is+Unobtainable http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_dream_of_appliance_computing_is_unobtainable/ When dial-up gave way to always-on broadband, and our computers came to be exposed to the Internet 24x7, a perpetual conflict sprang to life: the direct interests of Apple to tout care-free “appliance computing” versus the reality of technology, evil hackers, and the limits of a modern OS.  The Flashback Trojan renews the question: how’s Apple doing? Can the security war be won? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fgoogle_glass_vs._the_vision_of_steve_jobs%2F&seed_title=Google+Glass+vs.+the+Vision+of+Steve+Jobs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/google_glass_vs._the_vision_of_steve_jobs/ There’s been a lot of excitement about the Google Glass Project in the past 24 hours. John Martellaro has some thoughts on how that vision compares to Apple’s. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:25:50 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fokay_scifi_fans_what_comes_after_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=Okay%2C+SciFi+Fans%2C+What+Comes+After+iPad%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/okay_scifi_fans_what_comes_after_the_ipad/ The evolution of our science fiction technology, the dramatic visions of people who dream the future for a living, have steadily percolated into our lives. We dreamed of a personal tablet, and now we have it. What could be next for Apple — and us? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:55 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_ceo_tim_cook_a_report_card%2F&seed_title=Apple+CEO+Tim+Cook%3A+a+Report+Card http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_ceo_tim_cook_a_report_card/ Tim Cook has been the full-time CEO of Apple since late August 2011. The new captain of the ship is steadily earning our confidence. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:19:17 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_hdtv_shifting_from_domination_to_delight%2F&seed_title=Apple+%26amp%3B+HDTV%3A+Shifting+from+Domination+to+Delight http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_hdtv_shifting_from_domination_to_delight/ There was a time in 2011 when we had a feeling that Apple might be able to deliver a new kind of TV viewing experience. It would be so good that we would gladly cut our cords. The cable and satellite industry would be embarrassed. We would be in Apple Nirvana. Now, however, that ship has sailed. Something else is emerging. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:59:41 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_customers_can_sometimes_just_say_no%2F&seed_title=Apple+Customers+Can+Sometimes+Just+Say+No http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_customers_can_sometimes_just_say_no/ An endless array of technologies are thrown at us by Apple and all the other technology companies. How can we decide which ones are worthwhile, ignore others, and thereby achieve a balanced, productive life?  John Martellaro has some ideas. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:50:03 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsimpler_apple_apps_shouldnt_be_simple-minded%2F&seed_title=Simpler+Apple+Apps+Shouldn%26%238217%3Bt+be+Simple-minded http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/simpler_apple_apps_shouldnt_be_simple-minded/ Some of Apple’s new OS X apps are exhibiting an interesting tendency. Instead of a brilliant user interface to deal with technical complexity, there is the removal of functionality. However, simpler isn’t always better. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:30:14 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsuperpower_apple_makes_us_worry_too_much%2F&seed_title=Superpower+Apple+Makes+us+Worry+Too+Much http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/superpower_apple_makes_us_worry_too_much/ The list of things that Apple does that make us worry is getting larger. That’s natural when a company becomes a superpower.  But there are some subtle things that Apple could do to make things better. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:47:19 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhistory_wont_be_kind_to_apple_textbooks%2F&seed_title=History+Won%26%238217%3Bt+be+Kind+to+Apple+%26amp%3B+Textbooks http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/history_wont_be_kind_to_apple_textbooks/ Apple has entered several publishing markets where the company takes its 30 percent. Textbooks are one market where, for the sake of good image and an endowment for children, the company should have backed off and made a contribution to human history for all time. But Apple is thinking small, not big. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:47:41 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_the_perils_of_power_and_human_emotion%2F&seed_title=Apple%2C+The+Perils+of+Power+and+Human+Emotion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_the_perils_of_power_and_human_emotion/ Small companies simply try to build great products. Large, powerful companies exercise their power. In doing so, they influence our emotions about them. Then human nature kicks in. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:59:50 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_in_2012_its_own_worst_enemy%2F&seed_title=Apple+in+2012%3A+Its+Own+Worst+Enemy http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_in_2012_its_own_worst_enemy/ Apple is large and still growing.  By itself, despite the DNA of Apple’s culture and the legacy of Steve Jobs, that’s going to create problems. In fact, it already has. Apple’s heritage of simplicity has run headlong into Apple’s complex, interactive services, and customers are getting restless. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 06 Dec 2011 09:32:35 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthis_is_how_apple_will_eventually_defeat_directv%2F&seed_title=This+is+How+Apple+Will+Eventually+Defeat+DIRECTV http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/this_is_how_apple_will_eventually_defeat_directv/ The contrast between Apple and DIRECTV as television content providers is never more apparent than when it’s time to upgrade equipment. It all started when John’s DIRECTV DVR started to sag under its software load, and it was time for an upgrade. Then the not-so-great adventure began and provided oodles of insights on how each company treats the customer. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:44:03 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhy_the_mac_pro_wont_last%2F&seed_title=Why+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Mac+Pro+Won%26%238217%3Bt+Last http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/why_the_mac_pro_wont_last/ Apple has a long tradition building a powerful “desktop” tower Macintosh. It has been a given that some customers needed a Mac with PCI slots, fans, and a powerful CPU, bus and graphics card.  Nowadays, technology has changed and so has Apple’s market. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:04:30 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsteve_jobs_is_gone._will_our_dreams_be_next%2F&seed_title=Steve+Jobs+is+Gone.+Will+Our+Dreams+be+Next%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/steve_jobs_is_gone._will_our_dreams_be_next/ In the last century, our technology dreams inspired us, and now we’re living that dream. However, somewhere along the way, the process of turning technical dreams into reality became warped. Against all odds, Steve Jobs didn’t let Apple’s size destroy its dreams. Can others follow? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:27:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsiri_please_dispose_of_my_mouse_and_keyboard%2F&seed_title=Siri%3A+Please+Dispose+of+my+Mouse+and+Keyboard http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/siri_please_dispose_of_my_mouse_and_keyboard/ Siri on the iPhone is a game changer, but does it also portend a change on the Macintosh side? It won’t be long before gestures plus voice completely eliminate the mouse and keyboard, and if you think you can’t fine-tune text that way, leave it to Apple engineers to prove you wrong. But how will Apple get there? How will the Mac evolve? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:21:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_cost_of_betrayal_apples_destruction_of_android%2F&seed_title=The+Cost+of+Betrayal%3A+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Destruction+of+Android http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_cost_of_betrayal_apples_destruction_of_android/ Apple is at war against Google’s Android.  In any war, you make preparations, marshall your assets, analyze the enemy weaknesses, and recall the mistakes of the past.  That’s exactly what Apple is doing. Android may not survive its wounds. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:04:27 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_steve_jobs_influenced_me_as_a_writer%2F&seed_title=How+Steve+Jobs+Influenced+Me+as+a+Writer http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_steve_jobs_influenced_me_as_a_writer/ Steve Jobs has affected many people in many different ways, and that certainly includes those of us who make our living writing and talking about Apple and its products. In this remembrance, John Martellaro talks about how Steve Jobs affected him as a writer. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:52:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_safari_lingers_on_as_second_rate_browser%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Safari%3A+Lingers+on+as+Second-Rate+Browser http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_safari_lingers_on_as_second_rate_browser/ An essential part of our modern life is to browse the Internet, and the single most important tool for that is the Internet browser. However the Internet can be a dangerous place, and so we want the very best browser. Regrettably, the largest, most successful company in the world, Apple, has flubbed with Safari. What’s with that? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:30:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Four_superhero_ceos_richly_rewarded_for_failure%2F&seed_title=Our+Superhero+CEOs%3A+Richly+Rewarded+for+Failure http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/our_superhero_ceos_richly_rewarded_for_failure/ We live in a superhero culture. Authority is rolled upwards in corporations and the government until there’s only one person at the top who can make definitive decisions. And then, in a fit of irrational idealism, we reward them for total failure. Except, of course, Apple. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:34:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_netflix_lost_its_glamor_and_its_way%2F&seed_title=How+Netflix+Lost+its+Glamor+and+its+Way http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_netflix_lost_its_glamor_and_its_way/ How did Netflix get into so much trouble? How did the darling of American video culture suddenly and greatly annoy millions of customers? How would Apple have handled it all? Here’s John’s take on the whole affair. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:00:50 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fassessing_apples_future_with_tim_cook_as_ceo%2F&seed_title=Assessing+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Future+with+Tim+Cook+as+CEO http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/assessing_apples_future_with_tim_cook_as_ceo/ It is said that investors only have two emotions: Fear and greed. Right now, everyone is in a fearful mode about Steve Jobs’s retirement as CEO. But assessing the future is more complicated than simply recapping Steve’s glorious past and then fretting about how Apple will do without him as CEO. There’s much more to think about as Tim Cook assumes the CEO role. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:00:09 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fos_x_lion_apples_continuing_unix_dilemma%2F&seed_title=OS+X+Lion%3A+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Continuing+UNIX+Dilemma http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/os_x_lion_apples_continuing_unix_dilemma/ OS X Lion looks to become a great operating system, an OS based on UNIX. While Apple has used its UNIX expertise to great advantage, UNIX gurus often scratch their heads about Apple’s philosophy. Now, we’re at a crossroads. Where Apple goes from here, how it handles the UNIX underpinnings, its attention to UNIX technical detail and how Apple’s warm embrace by consumers impacts its UNIX community becomes an even more interesting question. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:15:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Feight_things_apple_does_better_than_your_company%2F&seed_title=Eight+Things+Apple+Does+Better+Than+Your+Company http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/eight_things_apple_does_better_than_your_company/ Early last decade, Apple got a reputation for doing some things differently than other companies.  Amidst the surfeit of Windows in the enterprise, those policies were seen as offbeat and ultimately ineffectual — even though they made perfect sense.  Ten years later, those decisions are paying off in spades while Apple’s competitors are suffering, financially embarrassed by the effects of Apple’s long term thinking. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:20:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Falien_technology_required_to_beat_the_ipad%2F&seed_title=Alien+Technology+Required+to+Beat+the+iPad http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/alien_technology_required_to_beat_the_ipad/ Apple’s iPad competitors are having a tough time right now, both in the marketplace and in the courts. It’s going to require, essentially, alien technology to surpass the iPad, not merely copy. John explains.  Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:16:29 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_tablet_competitors_will_never_catch_up%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Tablet+Competitors+Will+Never+Catch+Up http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_tablet_competitors_will_never_catch_up/ It’s time to admit it.  Despite all the forecasts and best hopes for the competition carving out a stake in the tablet market, it isn’t happening.  And it isn’t going to happen. Apple owns this market, and the best the competition can hope for is crumbs. Forever. Here’s why. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:15:31 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhard-nosed_thoughts_on_apple_closed_open_systems%2F&seed_title=Hard-nosed+Thoughts+on+Apple%2C+Closed+%26amp%3B+Open+Systems http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/hard-nosed_thoughts_on_apple_closed_open_systems/ The art of the sound bite is to encapsulate a complex idea into a few words that sounds convincing, but are devoid of any technical merit. The sound bite is intended to persuade, not enlighten. This is how Apple detractors use the phrase “Open systems are better.”  But are they? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:43:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Flions_plan_set_the_stage_--_dont_burn_it_down%2F&seed_title=Lion%26%238217%3Bs+Plan%3A+Set+the+Stage+%26%238212%3B+Don%26%238217%3Bt+Burn+it+Down http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/lions_plan_set_the_stage_--_dont_burn_it_down/ Apple has a vision for the way we’ll interact with Macs in the future. It appears first in Lion. But we can’t get there unless we learn to think differently, to become magicians with our hands so to speak. How will Apple do it? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions, Reports, Mac OS, Lion Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:55:03 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_once_and_future_macintosh%2F&seed_title=The+Once+and+Future+Macintosh http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_once_and_future_macintosh/ It’s really clear now: the Macintosh is going to evolve quickly. The term “Mac” has been eradicated from the Mac OS X lexicon, the mouse is on the way out, and 75 percent of Macs sold are notebooks. Where does the beloved Mac evolve from here? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:20:57 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftechnical_overload_not_in_apples_playbook%2F&seed_title=Technical+Overload%3A+Not+in+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Playbook http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/technical_overload_not_in_apples_playbook/ Technology is developing at an ever faster pace.  Technology developments, in turn, provide a way to develop even newer technologies. Companies want to sell us these new technologies, but only a few company’s products, like Apple’s, come with coping mechanisms included at no extra cost. We don’t even realize it’s happening.  Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 11 May 2011 09:00:10 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsense_and_sensibility_regarding_apples_iphone_tracking%2F&seed_title=Sense+and+Sensibility+Regarding+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+iPhone+Tracking http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/sense_and_sensibility_regarding_apples_iphone_tracking/ Between the almost religious extremes of outrage and loyalty to Apple lies the heart of the matter regarding Apple’s iPhone tracking data. That is, how does Apple treat its customers? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:35:20 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_no_one_has_dared_think_about_apples_data_center%2F&seed_title=What+No+One+has+Dared+Think+About+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Data+Center http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_no_one_has_dared_think_about_apples_data_center/ So far, thoughts about Apple’s data centers have led to confusion, dead ends and contradictions. John and Adam have thought about what Apple may really be trying to achieve with its massive new data centers.  Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:29:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_the_reluctant_arbiter_needs_an_advisory_council%2F&seed_title=Apple%2C+the+Reluctant+Arbiter%2C+Needs+an+Advisory+Council http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_the_reluctant_arbiter_needs_an_advisory_council/ In my last Hidden Dimensions column I argued that modern technology trends, fate, and Apple’s self-imposed obligation to customers have led to Apple becoming the ultimate arbiter of which apps get approved for the App Store. But that doesn’t mean that Apple has to go it alone. Here’s a proposal. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:30:56 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_the_reluctant_arbiter_exodus_and_the_national_story%2F&seed_title=Apple%3A+The+Reluctant+Arbiter%2C+Exodus+%26amp%3B+The+National+Story http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_the_reluctant_arbiter_exodus_and_the_national_story/ Whenever there’s a heated debate, a breakthrough in insight can come from an outsider with a fresh perspective. This has happened in the case of Apple and the Exodus International app. A writer from outside our inner circle instructs us. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:59:58 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhat_apples_competitors_just_learned_from_ipad_2%2F&seed_title=What+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Competitors+Learned+From+the+iPad+2 http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/what_apples_competitors_just_learned_from_ipad_2/ In previous years, Apple taught its field sales force from a book by Rick Page called “Hope is Not a Strategy.” Apparently, that’s the focus of the iPad’s competitors right now: hope. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:30:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsome_deeper_questions_about_apple_and_publishers%2F&seed_title=Some+Deeper+Questions+About+Apple+and+Publishers http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/some_deeper_questions_about_apple_and_publishers/ Apple’s message to publishers has been clear. If you want to play in our sandbox, you’ll have to pay. That’s requiring painful change on the part of publishers, but as part of that change, broader technical issues are at stake. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:31:19 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_phony_firestorm_rages_over_apples_future%2F&seed_title=A+Phony+Firestorm+Rages+Over+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Future http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_phony_firestorm_rages_over_apples_future/ So far, I’ve been relatively silent on the Apple subscription tempest in a teapot. Now I’m going to unload. Few will be spared. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:10:36 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_piece_of_the_action%2F&seed_title=A+Piece+of+the+Action http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_piece_of_the_action/ Apple’s business model has changed.  It has gone from being a Mac hardware and boutique UNIX company to an ecommerce giant, taxing everything that passes through its portals.  How will this affect Apple and its executives and what future is in store for Apple? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:30:52 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_secret_weapons_if_mr._jobs_retires%2F&seed_title=Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Secret+Weapons+if+Mr.+Jobs+Retires http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_secret_weapons_if_mr._jobs_retires/ We all hope that this leave of absence by Mr. Jobs will be a short one and that he’ll spend many more years at the helm of Apple. If not, and Mr. Jobs retires, Apple will still be in good hands.  The idea that Apple cannot function without him is a media myth, and, in fact, Apple has very capable people ready to lead the company. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:44:29 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fwhen_not_to_follow_steve_jobs%2F&seed_title=When+NOT+to+Follow+Steve+Jobs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/when_not_to_follow_steve_jobs/ There are many public pronouncements by Steve Jobs that are strategic to Apple, but don’t always apply to everyone. Yet they are often given too much weight, almost the force of kingdom law. Sometimes they just have to be ignored.   Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:15:41 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_sex_and_corporate_values%2F&seed_title=Apple%2C+Sex%2C+and+Corporate+Values http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_sex_and_corporate_values/ A Danish newspaper is greatly annoyed with Apple’s App Store policies. Apple has even been accused of censorship in several protest articles because the newspaper app, which contains a nude photo feature, was rejected. Why is Apple doing this, why is the discussion so heated, and what can Apple do about it?  Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:45:54 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fa_christmas_wish_list_things_we_want_from_apple%2F&seed_title=A+Christmas+Wish+List%3A+Things+We+Want+from+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/a_christmas_wish_list_things_we_want_from_apple/ Here’s a holiday-minded list of things we wish Apple could give us starting in 2011. Some are easily doable, some are hard, and some will never happen.  That’s the way it goes with wish lists. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:18:59 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fhow_apple_will_finally_spend_its_cash_hoard%2F&seed_title=How+Apple+Will+%28Finally%21%29+Spend+its+Cash+Hoard http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_apple_will_finally_spend_its_cash_hoard/ There has been endless speculation about which company Apple should buy with its US$51B, and growing, cash hoard.  Most involve companies that are either failing by Apple’s standards or wouldn’t be a good cultural fit.  However, over time, Apple will be forced to acquire a large and very specific kind of company to insure its survival. It will be expensive. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:07:42 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fshould_apple_licence_mac_os_x_server%2F&seed_title=Will+Apple+Do+the+Unthinkable+with+Mac+OS+X+Server%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/should_apple_licence_mac_os_x_server/ From time to time, someone suggests that Apple license Mac OS X (client) to PC makers for mass market customers. That doesn’t make sense because Apple is a hardware company, and that would undermine Mac sales.  However, licensing Mac OS X Server on non-Apple hardware makes sense now, and only now, and here’s why. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:33:30 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_prefers_hot_cocoa_java_not_so_much%2F&seed_title=Apple+Prefers+Hot+Cocoa%2C+Java+Not+so+Much http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_prefers_hot_cocoa_java_not_so_much/ The recent decision by Apple to deprecate Java on Mac OS X seems, at first, like a disaster for the science and enterprise communities. Upon further reflection, that may not be the case. Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:53:47 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapples_irrational_belief_android_can_be_completely_beaten%2F&seed_title=An+Irrational+Belief%3A+Android+Can+be+Completely+Beaten+by+Apple http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apples_irrational_belief_android_can_be_completely_beaten/ Apple, Inc. under the leadership of Steve Jobs, practices a specific philosophy. That philosophy has many elements that we’ve come to know and love.  Unfortunately, it has some inherent weaknesses that prevent products from becoming populist, and so, to a certain extent, trying to win back the gains that Android has made will be in vain. iOS vs. Android Market Share History & Prediction (iSuppli) Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:35:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcan_google_tv_gobble_apple_tv_part_ii%2F&seed_title=Can+Google+TV+Gobble+Apple+TV%3F+Part+II http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/can_google_tv_gobble_apple_tv_part_ii/ For years, various companies have been trying to lure customers with a more compelling viewer experience than what’s available with cable and satellite DVRs. Content providers play favorites with Cable and Satellite to fight that and preserve ad revenue. TiVo and Roku are agressive and experienced. Microsoft has turned the Xbox into a living room entertainment center. Now, Google has jumped in with Google TV, and Apple has revamped the Apple TV.  How will Apple fare in this environment? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:38:48 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fhidden_dimensions&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcan_google_tv_gobble_apple_tv_part_i%2F&seed_title=Can+Google+TV+Gobble+Apple+TV%3F+Part+I http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/can_google_tv_gobble_apple_tv_part_i/ For years, various companies have been trying to provide a more compelling viewer experience than what’s available with cable and satellite DVRs wich are unimaginative and lock viewers in. Companies like TiVo, Roku, and Apple have provided their own take, even Apple hasn’t yet found the magic sauce, and its Apple TV has been a hobby. Now, Apple has a new Apple TV and Google is also jumping in with Google TV, How will these two fare against each other? Columns and Opinions, Hidden Dimensions Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:13:16 -0400