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In order to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe.
Carl Sagan, Cosmos (image by duchessa)
Always bear in mind the big picture. Always.
Posts tagged Apple
Think different
This time is not the apple motto, but the topic of an article by Jim Canterucci at ELcircle.
Jim writes and in brackets my comments:
“[...] The only way for this executive to shift the culture of his new organization is to shift the way people think in order to establish a new normal way of interacting and operating.
- Model Behavior: For change to occur from a leadership perspective the energy of the leader is critical. (True, because people will target at you as a model to follow, so the most you represent a model for the value you want to promote, the easiest will be the change)
- Give Permission: Through past teaching and habit people may not realize you expect them to make decisions a certain way or that they are allowed to make certain decisions. (Again, true in a certain sense: people like to feel they have the power to define their way, so in this way can help; on the other side too much delegation in a change can be a problem if not correctly managed, because can move you away from the targets)
- Change Accountability Rules: In your new structure you are likely increasing responsibility for people who aren’t used to this responsibility. Make authority clear. (absolutely true; making accountability clear can scare people but definitely sets the expectations and roles)
- Reward Failure – If they get it.: If someone is getting the new way but makes a mistake be sure to celebrate that mistake. Certainly don’t punish it. (True, since learning goes through errors)
- Don’t Wait – The Employee Review is too late.: Feedback is crucial and business as usual annual reviews are much too infrequent. (Feedback is a key. Use it to reinforce behaviors you need and to cut those you don’t want)
- Tell stories: Replicate every lesson for the entire team by telling stories of success and failures so that everyone can learn as quickly as possible what the new rules are and how they work. (common knowledge diminishes the repeated errors) [...]“
This post as a comment also here feel free to discuss it here or on our forums.
Apples
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree…
Martin Luther
———-8<———-
There’s always hope, though may seem so distant.
———-8<———-
A source for talks
When trying to find inspiration, there are some things that work better and other that don’t. In first category belong speeches that
All of us remember the power of the famous “stay hungry, stay foolish” from Steve Jobs.
TED is for sure one of the places to look into.
Now open culture gives relevance to an initiative to put in a single spreadsheet the most relevant ted talks.
Ipad 4G misunderstanding
The guys at geeks are sexy report that some people (starting from Australia) are asking for refunds because the new Ipad, is not compliant with 4G in their country.
“[...] Apple has reportedly agreed to refund buyers of the new iPad in Australia who are disappointed to find it does not offer 4G speeds. The company may face similar problems in Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The 4G feature on the new model only works on specific wireless frequencies, namely 700MHz and 2100MHz. Those aren’t used for 4G (LTE) services in all countries, such as Australia which uses 1800MHz. Buyers there have found the 4G version of the iPad automatically switches to a 3G connection — faster than the cheaper version of the new iPad, but considerably slower than 4G. [...] ”
My opinion is that everyone is free to ask and Apple is free to give, but that before buying you should at least document yourself, otherwise you cannot complain.
Steve Jobs resigns as Apple CEO
Yesterday Steve Jobs, one of the most influential persons of all times in tech resigned from Apple.
Many sites have launched the news and the question of what will be the future of Apple (and technology) without this guru (among them Matthew Humphries at geek.com, Tim Stevens at Engadget.com, Michael Trei at Dvice.com, Ken Mingis at Computerworld , Geeks are sexy.net, Betanews.com).
As I wrote many times, first of all the first sign of respect should be towards Steve Jobs’ health and privacy. From now own there will be no reasons to continue invading is life.
On a operational and leadership POV, Steve leaves a company solid and well ahead of other players (a study from this days says that Apple has leadership on tablet market at least for another 2 years).
This means Apple managers will have enough time to strengthen their position.
On a financial POV Apple can rely on the first (or second depends on times) value in stock market with over 320bln USD.
Overall I’m confident that Apple will continue in its market leadership and envisioning new ideas, despite the absence of Steve Jobs.
This post also at geek.com , at Engadget.com, at Dvice.com, at Computerworld , Betanews
iPhone 5 is on the final
Darrell Etheringhton at Giga OM reports that “[...] Sprint will be offering Apple’s iPhone 5 for sale beginning in October, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. The iPhone will go on sale in mid-October at the No. 3 U.S. carrier, according to the WSJ‘s sources. [...]“ (full article here).
Again Apple is mastering the art of controlling the news about its new jewel.
Many rumors, too much informations and the world (including me) that is struggling to buy the new phone.
Chapeau!
See this comment also here
iOS 4.3.2 out for delivery
Vlad Savos at engadget reports that Apple has just released “[...] version 4.3.2 of iOS is now available for downloadin’ and updatin’. Fixes for occasional “blank or frozen” FaceTime video and iPad 3G issues get top billing, while the obligatory security updates fill out the rest. The size of this mighty software drop? A hefty 666.2MB [...]“.
Just plug your device into iTunes and install it, but I’m still convinced that releasing a new OS version every 2 weeks is a little bit too much….
This post as a comment also here
Another iOS (4.3.2) update coming short
Jennifer Bergen at geek.com informs us that “[...] t hasn’t even been two full weeks since we saw an iOS update. We reported an iOS 4.3.1 update on March 25, and today we’re hearing rumors of another small release, iOS 4.3.2. This one will supposedly bring bug fixes and other enhancements to people’s iPads, iPhones, and iPod touches. [...]” (full article here)
As as I said in another post, IMHO is not cute to have a bug fix after another every two weeks, also if I consider the fast changing competition that obliges Apple to deliver a revised system a couple of times a year.
But as a end user and IT manager, I cannot think of something coded in a hurry and with lot (much) bugs either if they are not too much visible.
This post as a comment also here.
iOS 4.3.1 on the ramp
Apple is releasing iOS 4.3.1, which, as Jacqui Cheng from Ars Technica explains here, “[...]
brings with it fixes for a fourth-generation iPod touch graphics glitch as well as bugs that caused iPhones to have trouble activating and connecting to cell networks. The update also addresses flickering issues that occur when connecting a device to certain HDTVs with Apple’s Digital AV adapter and “resolves an issue authenticating with some enterprise web services.”
The release notes don’t make specific reference to fixing some of the battery issues reported around the Web or patching iPad jailbreak vulnerabilities, though rumors had suggested that iOS 4.3.1 would address both of these topics. It’s possible, however, that they (and other fixes) could fall under Apple’s umbrella of general bug fixes. [...]“.
I think that a wrong release could happen to anybody, but releasing a fix only after 2 weeks is a signal that Apple is a little bit in a hurry in their releases.
This post as a comment also here
Using iTunes Home share feature
Kelly Clay at Lockergnome (http://www.twitter.com/kellyhclay) wrote a good tutorial on how to use Apple Home Share feature. Simply “[...]
- Open iTunes on one computer connected to your home network.
- Select Home Sharing from the sidebar of iTunes.
- Enter your iTunes account information.
- Authorize this computer, if not authorized yet.
- Repeat steps 1-4 on each additional computer of the home network. Keep in mind you can only authorize 5 computers for each iTunes account, so you may want to set up your kids or leeching roommates with their own accounts, or create a new iTunes account
[...]” (full article at http://www.lockergnome.com/windows/2011/03/04/how-to-use-itunes-home-sharing-at-home-or-work/).
Please remember you can authorize at most 5 computers.
Tablet wars
The guys at geeks are sexy provide a useful comparison chart from Investintech providing comparison of the 4 most wanted tablets: iPad2, Motorola Xoom, Samsung sliding PC7 and Notion Ink Adam (full articles at http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2011/03/02/full-ipad2-specs-vs-competition-whos-best-infographic and at http://www.investintech.com/ipad2/)
Here is a scaled image linking to full one.
Steve’s way
At Arcamax (http://www.arcamax.com/businessnews/s-845606-464627?source=1930) report that Steve Jobs has been welcomed with a standing ovation at iPad 2 event.I don’t believe that Steve Jobs is someone so dedicated to work that he needs to be present just because is part of his work.Nor I think that Steve is so attached to money to be tehre just because otherwise his company will loose money.What he said is something like “we worked so much for this that I wanted to be here”. And this despite his health.Is something near to natural leadership and is made of a well blended mix between being attached to work, believe in what you do and of course, a little bit of “being at the crenter of spotlight”.I don’t like some things in Apple way, but this appearence is something other companies should be scared of, because of the embedded implications it has, ranging from motivation to money matters.
This post as a comment also at http://www.arcamax.com/businessnews/s-845606-464627#posts
Apple launching something big next week?
Many rumors are going around saying that a major product launch can occur next week.
Hypothesis are that the occasion is a revised Macbook pro line launch where will be presented a high speed connection based on Intel Light Peak.
Let’s see what happens… 
In defense of Steve Jobs right to be ill
I see from many source that National Enquirer that someone has conducted an analysis on Steve Jobs health using photos taken folloing him outside cancer treatment centre.
No guys! This is not freedom nor jornalism. It’s being stupid.
Steve is a public person and he’s famous. But has the same right of each one of us of having privacy in this moments.
But what is really awful is the fact that those who said that he has 6 weeks to live made this diagnosis through photos. I ask why those people (that BTW are doctors) are not removed from their associations: this is not something that has been made for saving lives or in emergency, they had the only urgency to become famous discussing with a news magazine.
Again, this is not journalism nor freedom of speech.
This is pure gratuitous stupidity, even if is the news is true.
Some free resources from Open Culture
Open culture published some free cultural resources worth a read:
- 100 great posters of film noir (http://www.openculture.com/2011/02/100_greatest_posters_of_film_noir.htm)
- MIT free iPhone app (http://www.openculture.com/2011/02/mit_opencourseware_launches_iphone_app.html)
- The first Werner Herzog 3D film: the cave of forgotten dreams (http://www.openculture.com/2011/02/cave_of_forgotten_dreams.html)
- Fully flared, the skateboarding film by Spike Jonze, Ty Evans and Cory Weincheque (http://www.openculture.com/2011/02/fully_flared.htmll)
- IBM centennial film by Errol Morris (http://www.openculture.com/2011/01/errol_morris_ibm.html)
- The state of wikipedia animated (http://www.openculture.com/2011/01/the_state_of_wikipedia_animated.htm)
- Henry Jun Wah Lee Yosemite winter films (http://www.openculture.com/2011/01/winter_in_yosemite_national_park.html)
Enjoy
Having problems syncing your iPod? Here are some hints
Angela Alcorn at Makeuseof.com reports some useful hint when your iPod doesn’t want to synch (full article at http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/12-most-common-ipod-sync-problems-fix/).
Worth a read to save some time.
iPhone applications tracking your habits
David Zax at Fast company (http://www.fastcompany.com/user/253232) reports that “[...] reveals that over half of all iPhone apps gather and share the device ID code–and they do it without the users’ knowledge. The study, [was] conducted by Manuel Egele [...]” (full article at http://www.fastcompany.com/1720580/which-iphone-apps-are-tracking-you).
I’m quite surprised that Appple, that has a so strict approval policy on application sold through App store, omits checking the data monitored by applications.
This post as a comment also at http://www.fastcompany.com/1720580/which-iphone-apps-are-tracking-you
Why I bet that Apple future without Steve Jobs is as bright as the past
Many sites and authors (among them Matt Hartley at Lockergnome, full article at http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2011/01/17/is-steve-jobs-critical-to-apple/, Joe Wilcox at Beta news, full article at http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Apples-future-without-Steve-Jobs-wont-be-as-bright/1295327829 and at http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/What-future-does-Apple-have-without-Steve-Jobs/1295286850 and at http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Steve-Jobs-takes-another-medical-leave-from-Apple/1295278306, Juan Carlos Perez at Computer world, full article at http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9205362/With_Apple_s_Jobs_on_leave_many_questions_and_few_answers, Peter Sayer at Computer world, full article at http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9205342/Update_Apple_CEO_Steve_Jobs_to_take_medical_leave_of_absence, Chris Foresman at Ars Techinca, full article at http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/01/apple-ceo-steve-jobs-back-on-medical-leave.ars, Matthew Humphries at Geek.com, full article at http://www.geek.com/articles/apple/steve-jobs-goes-on-medical-leave-of-absence-20110117/, Mike Halsey at ghack.com, full article at http://www.ghacks.net/2011/01/17/steve-jobs-to-take-leave-of-absence-from-apple-for-health-reasons/) covered the anouncement of Steve Jobs leave for absence due to medical problems. Most of them also told that Steve Jobs is strictly related to Apple future in terms of positive impact. On top of this Apple shares declined after the announcement has been made.
In my opinion, Steve Jobs is very important for Apple because of charisma, innovation, leadership and vision. But times are different now form those when Steve came back and reseurrected Apple from ashes.
Apple is now a company with a stronger brand, that goes over the geeks and is more linked to marketing.
Apple is a strong company with cutting edge technologies and more patents that can turn in billion dollars ideas.
Apple has now an industrial approach for going live.
Apple has also grown or acquired lot of professionals and managers that can continue the business.
Apple also has a marketing and commercial model for applications selling that is something that is a step beyond also for new coming devices.
I don’t work for Apple (in fact I work for another very big company that is a competitor for part of Apple business), but I think the Cupertino company is stronger than ever.
With Steve at the helm also has the plus of a Guru, but without can continue the business without problems.
This post as a comment also at http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Apples-future-without-Steve-Jobs-wont-be-as-bright/1295327829, at http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/What-future-does-Apple-have-without-Steve-Jobs/1295286850, http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Steve-Jobs-takes-another-medical-leave-from-Apple/1295278306, http://www.computerworld.com/comments/node/9205362#comment-716336, http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/01/apple-ceo-steve-jobs-back-on-medical-leave.ars?comments=1&p=21225850#comment-21225850, http://www.geek.com/articles/apple/steve-jobs-goes-on-medical-leave-of-absence-20110117/comment-page-1/#comment-3975084, http://www.ghacks.net/2011/01/17/steve-jobs-to-take-leave-of-absence-from-apple-for-health-reasons/#comment-1295892 and at http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2011/01/17/is-steve-jobs-critical-to-apple/comment-page-1/#comment-250537
iOS Home screen going home?
John Gruber at Daring Fireball makes a comment on the rumors of a completely gesture based family of devices (full article at http://daringfireball.net/linked/2011/01/12/gestures-home-buttons).
Apple devices had success for marketing ad usability more than for theri hardware.
I don’t think that is so useful for the most part (business or not) user to have a gestures not as an option but as the only way of using the device.
