THINK Blog

What was Steve Jobs’ long-term vision for Apple?

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Timothy Mcguckin

It’s not surprising to me that Apple’s small iterations tend to disappoint Apple’s fanboys. The technology consumer clamors for rapid iteration. Apple’s approach is incremental and long-term.

Ambient Display in a wall

I think Apple’s long-term goal could be something in-line with things that have been mentioned in reports, citing statements made from executives that devices should be ambient. That they should not impede use or be noticed by the user — content is king, usability is ambient and intuitive. Tim Cook gave us a hint during his speech on a post-PC world.

An example of this is how I used Siri (still in public beta), to dictate this article and then edited it with Apple’s Notes application on my iPhone 4S. I can see the incremental improvements (such as accurate voice recognition) coaching the user toward that goal of ubiquitous computing and ambient interfaces (pdf).

Apple not only uses ‘user experience‘ to improve the interfaces, they lead the competition. They’re even ahead of the app makers, whom they will not allow to encroach on even a short-term vision through either purchase of the company or rejection from the app store for non-compliance of Apple’s app agreement. As the largest company in history, they lead the public toward the future and away from uncomfortable positions. It’s a move away from stiffly sitting at a desk, holding a glass iPhone to our ear toward a lounging experience with the iPad, and invading the living room with an ecosystem connected Apple TV.

Steve jobs has a history of long-term visions, and left behind a short-term, four-year plan for the company. That much we know. What we don’t know, is what was the long-term vision Steve Jobs had for Apple’s future. The logical next step is the hardware television, and from there, even more ubiquitous computing. Perhaps via the Internet of Things and connected devices. Just look at ex-Apple employee Tony Fadell startup product, Nest learning thermostat — which takes the thought out of the simple task of adjusting our home thermostats.

I can imagine a long-term goal of Apple’s being voice or gesture controlled ambient computer interfaces, hidden in wall paint (pdf) — only displayed when electrically charged and not when not charged. In conclusion, ”the internet of things” is here and ambient computing is coming. Faster than you think.

Visuals credit to Smart Future, Ambient Agoras Project

This entry was posted in Strategy, Technology, User Experience and tagged Apple, Future, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook. Bookmark the permalink.

THINK Blog

What was Steve Jobs’ long-term vision for Apple?

Categories