Windows Vista, Microsoft's recent "advanced" operating system was released, and its fair to say that it was an utter failure. It had many issues and problems ranging from compatability to security and the infamous constant crashes and general unreliability of the system. Surprisingly, Microsoft did not deny that their product was failing on many aspects and in response released a new operating system Windows 7 (Points for creativity!). It took less than 2 years of Vista problems to spark this response my Microsoft, who were clearly sick of the negative reactions towards Vista, which they had high hopes and ambitions for. While it hasn't been out there long in the world of consumer electronics, so far the response has been positive. Maybe because it is being compared to the less than solid Vista (maybe this was all part of Microsoft's plan- Making an average product look impressive by releasing it after a real shocker to acheive a "good by comparison" sort of effect. Or it may be unfair to make this assumption, it may well be a stable and reliable system. One thing that is certain is that Microsoft has a large consumer fan base,who are very loyal to the company, whatever they do. Many companies have always seen Windows as the only option in the operation of their businesses, because they have the professional image. Because of this, they hold a large market share, so other companies are always striving to create things that stand out, that have the potential to lessn Microsoft's power and dominance in the market.
Which is where Apple comes in, another consumer electronics company which has always been a minority in the market. Even though the quality and innovation has seldom failed to outshine their competitiors, some people even go as far to say that Apple are 5 years ahead of other companies. Despite their consistant ability to design, manufacture and distribute incredible technology, they are still fighting a constant market share battle with Microsoft. Their share is building, ever so gradually, as people start to move over to Mac, in hope of an easier experience and more advanced technology and features. So when a Microsoft released a new operating system, Apple had to strike back, distract people from the initial hype that the announcement had created. The old saying fight fire with fire, can be adapted here to this subject- fight change with change. It has the ability to distract people, change their opinions rapidly and cause a sort of hyper confused state which consistantly leads to $1000's of dollars being transferred accross for the latest, the cutting edge. People want to keep up, change is seen as neccessary, those with 1990 Macintosh Classics in an era of touch screens and wireless connectivity would be simply laughed upon. Seen as old fashioned and unwelcoming of change, which comes in the form of updating technology. So, to distract any hype and confusion that may have arisen from the Windows 7 release... Apple released new products to direct those feelings and mindstates to their side, its genius. The same tool has been used in arguments and debating for years, in a way outdoing the previous "punch". The products are undoubtedly very impressive and will spark a mad rush to continue the pattern, get the latest, keep up with it, all in a confused hype that change creates.
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