The Zeitgeist

Like just about everyone I was hitting the refresh button on my browser as today’s Apple Special Event unfolded. The refresh of the iPod line was a “given,” but i didn’t actually expect them to intro a WiFi-based iPod based on OSX today (even though it’s been rumoured for weeks).

I think this is a real game changing device, even more so than the long-lusted-after “MacTablet.” Here’s why: Despite years of Internet and technology adoption, most people only browse the web from the homes or their offices. Most people do not either keep laptops with them (unless you’re a techie, or your business requires it), nor do they, unless they have an iPhone, browse from their mobile phones. Laptops are a pain to cart around, and the experience of browsing the Internet on most mobile devices is utterly dreadful, and insanely expensive.

However, over 110 million iPods have been sold to date, and people who are using iPods are very hip and proactive consumers. By putting the power of the Internet into the hands of iPod uers, Apple has suddenly changed the game in terms of entertainment devices and connectivity. Notice they they didn’t but EvDO in the iPod Touch (as they probably will eventually in the iPhone), but rather WiFi which is by definition an open access connectivity system that more often than not people don’t have to pay much, if anything, to be able to use. They have created in one fell swoop a reason for municipalities to go forward with their WiFi roll-outs by appealing directly to people’s core interest, which is a lot more closely tied to causal entertainment than talking on the phone.

They’ve also just given Web2.0 developers everywhere a reason to smile by upping the ante on the quality of mobile/portable web apps and poured gasoline on the fire they lit under other phone makers back in June with the iPhone release.

Apple is the definition of innovation these days, wherever they go they create opportunities and new markets.

More Like This Please.

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