The problems that are plaguing Research in Motion (see: Battered Blackberry Maker) have got me thinking about obsolescence. Why do some products die quickly while others seem to prosper with facility? Often the answers are not obvious. For instance, the rapid growth of the iPhone and iPad technology can be attributed to the sexy new user interface ... using touch-screen swipes to quickly get things done. However, this may not be the primary reason. I had another thought tonight that I would like to pass on ... and I hope my lack of user experience on this new i-interface doesn't make me look foolish.
The classic Microsoft/PC interface which still dominates the Internet world has an Achilles heel. That is the requirement that users constantly perform utility clean-up operations to maintain the integrity and speed of their systems -- antivirus scans and updates; registry clean-up operations; defragging of hard-discs; and purging of file clutter (temporary Internet files, shortcuts, cookies, usage-history, etc.). One need only see the repeated TV-commercials for companies that offer these services to realize what a pain this overhead has become. And I repeatedly run into people whose PCs have become doorstops because they haven't realized that they must perform such nagging periodic maintenance.
Now, I don't believe that this same syndrome is suffered by iPhone and iPad users (Droids too?). If in fact this is the case, then Microsoft need quickly emulate the genius of Steve Jobs in revamping their operating system and user interface ... or in a few short years they might well walk the same plank that Research in Motion seems to be currently trodding.
Now, if you will excuse me, I have to do a Registry clean-up.
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