sean's place

iPhones in Redmond

The Wall Street Journal has a rather interesting article about iPhone usage by Microsoft employees. It’s a good (if perhaps not a bit silly) read, but more importantly, I think it’s another pointer at Microsoft’s stunning self-delusion when it comes to producing consumer products.

Take this quote (of a quote) for example:

According to several people present, Andy Lees, a Microsoft senior vice president who oversees development of the mobile-phone software business, and his boss, Robbie Bach, explained that Microsoft workers often use rival products to better understand the competition.

I nearly choked on a carrot reading that one. I mean, come on, “to better understand the competition”? I guess it never occurred to them that the iPhone, despite its many flaws, is just a better device?

One of the things I think Apple does very well is to understand its customer, and produce a device to meet most of the desire and do so in a stunning package. Take the original iPhone for example: it only supported EDGE, didn’t have multi-tasking, and if you wanted to copy-and-paste you were out of luck. On the other hand, it had a real browser and a stunning user experience. The iPhone put a computer (or something close enough) into the hands of its customers, and they were willing to overlook the shortcomings. Even today, the latest iPhone 3GS still doesn’t have multi-tasking, an open-market for applications, or tethering (if you’re in the United States) — but people are still buying them like crazy. Even Microsoft employees.

Microsoft has the luxury, because of its position, to be a follower instead of a leader. It’s always worked for them. I think, though, if they’re wondering why iPhones are popular among their employees, they should look in the mirror and realize that the iPhone is just a better device. It’s not about what people say they want, it’s about what people don’t know they want.