Apple v. Google, Maps Edition

The Wall Street Journal has a story today talking about the strained relationship between Apple and Google. Most of the story is a rehash of events that have taken place over the last couple years. The context of the story is to talk about the future effects of a Google free experience on Apple devices. It's perhaps the worst kept secret in the world that Apple will be introducing their own Maps app for iOS 6, so this little blurb made me think about the future possibilities.

Apple's goal is to develop a "holistic" technology that integrates maps with other Apple software, says a person briefed on the strategy. For instance, if Apple's iCalendar program knows that a person has a meeting across town soon, and traffic is backing up, it might alert the person about road conditions.

Even though it seems like we're reaching a mature market in the smartphone space, we're actually still in the toddler phase. The future will be full of ideas that will make us think new features were always inevitable.

Smartphone Platform Data

As usual, Horace Dediu takes a very detailed look at the latest comScore data and puts it in perspective. Smartphone growth slumped dramatically in the latest quarter. iPhone growth and Blackberry losses are about what you'd expect. Far more interesting is the trend line for both Android and Microsoft.

New iPhone Mockup

There's been a lot of talk about the rumored leaked next iPhone chasis and front screen plate. There's a really nice mockup over at the Verge that shows off the design running iOS apps rumored to be changed at next weeks WWDC. Overall, I really like the look. That may just be because I've always loved the iPhone 4 design and this seems like a natural extension.

I won't be surprised if the iPhone released in October looks nothing like this. Apple is doubling down on secrecy after all.

Android Fragmentation

The market for Android operating system devices is incredibly fragmented, and the adoption rate of the latest OS, Android 4.0, is very slow. The Verge has the numbers in a post today. If I was an Android fan, I'd hate to be the tech geek that I am and try to support the devices of my friends and family.

Google Maps

The folks over at The Next Web have a story about a Google announcement scheduled for June 6th, just a couple days before Apple hosts WWDC. I'd say this confirms Apple's Maps app will be Google free and Google's a bit worried.

Hat tip to marco.org

Steve Jobs Describes iCloud....in 1997

Great catch by Dustin Curtis. Here's video and a transcript of Steve Jobs at WWDC in 1997 decribing his personal iCloud.

Hat tip to The Loop.

Tim Cook at D10

Macworld has done a great job in a post summing up Tim Cook's thoughts on a variety of topics. The topics are fleshed out of the transcript from Tim's appearance on stage at D10. Overall, the interview was pretty great and each time Tim is in the spotlight I come away feeling like the right guy is in charge at Apple.

Beautiful (Fake??) Next iPhone

9To5Mac has a post up today with high resolution photos of what could be the next generation iPhone. I don't know what to make of these shots exactly. It seems very unlikely that photos of this quality could surface so far in advance of a product release. If a design like this happens to be accurate, I'd be very happy the next generation iPhone is more of an evolution of my beloved iPhone 4/4S design that something more radical.

Memorial Day Hiatus

Take the day off and remember all those who have sacrificed so much for their country.

Facebook Phone

Chalk this one up to the list of things that will almost inevitably happen. The Bits blog over at The New York Times has a story about Facebook assembling a team comprised of former Apple folks to help build them a phone. This evokes a bit of a yawn from me, because until we see a working phone, there's not too much to be said. 

I'm sure there'll be a lot of people interested in this in theory. After all, most of the world has a Facebook account. But how many people love Facebook enough to turn their mobile life over to them? I'm guessing not enough to put a major dent in the marketplace. And that's if it's a good experience. I doubt version one or two will be. This stuff ain't easy. It only looks that way because of the success Google has had with Android volume and the crazy profitability of the iPhone for Apple.