Lesson 9 - 19 Oct 11

During Lesson, i saw this sentence, and i thought that it was really true of us human beings :

ØSupply can sometimes create demand – where people don’t realize they need it until they experience it (eg walkman, iPhone)

So, lets see what were the criticisms of the iPad debut,

• sounds like female hygiene products
• no flash player?
• no multitasking?
• whats the new for a blown up iPod touch?
• no e-book reader apps?
• no stylus?
• no camera?

Now, look at the different types people that are using iPad,

• Singapore Armed forces Soldiers
• Students & Instructors
• Point of Sale transaction stores
• Businessman
• Designers
• Politicians

and many more to be named. Basically, everyone has a use for the iPad now. But back then, who could have thought of it?

True that many of the criticisms were answered with constant upgrades to the software, but the fact that the hardware aspect was ready for these apps showed that it was a calculated move. They could release these apps to generate more interest, and with the power of media and word of mouth, demand is multiplied!

When iPhone was introduced, who would have thought that everyone's holding on to one now?

I am never going to underestimate the power of Supply generating Demand too. I admit, i was skeptical at first about the iPad because of the existence of ebook readers like kindle, music players like iPod Touch, and tablet PCs which were doing fine at that point of time. I was thinking, why would I need an iPad?

Slowly, the idea of using a tablet makes more sense now. It made even more sense with our telcos releasing mobile 3G internet service for bringing broadband on the go. Portability and lifestyle was simply too much to give up for, just like how the first MP3 players came to the market.

They used to appear like flash drive looking capsule, with black and white displays that only shows you the words, with a very simple user interface and firmware, to navigate songs. 128mb was quite a luxury to me at that time. Now, where do you see 128mb?

So let's think of how technology is going to work for us, instead of how we are going to reject technology because it seems useless now.

Overall, 10/10! I learnt a lot, explored a lot, and saw lots of discussions and predictions for the future.

I am more optimistic now =)

Pointers that i wished that was discussed : I am really wondering, would there be a revolutionary IT product, that China can come out with? Not talking about the parts since we know most of the parts come from there but the ability to market and sell it well is another issue.