LAB+2

The 'Mac Store'

The Mac app store is neither a new concept nor a is it a new innovation by any means. Not including the restrictions, which don’t really impede on the overall service and purpose of the App stores anyway, the ‘Mac Store’ is an exact duplicate of the already widely used ‘App Store’. Comical, since one of the outlined restrictions of the ‘Mac Store’ include the rejection of ‘duplicate’ apps. Before anymore of this topic is explored, lets first examine a 2 social and media phenomena. First, the // Multi-step Theory //, which suggests that consumers follow and value the opinions of cultural and social leaders. Steve Jobs, to say the least, is a social icon and leader in the areas of communication (iPhone and facetime) and computer-related digital innovation (iPad, Mac, iPod). With the reputation of Apple founder and a computer genius, consumers value his opinion deeply. The term // Neomania // describes a social phenomenon that persists in individuals that consistently crave and desire the latest and newest things, be it clothes, gadgets, music or movies. These 2 phenomena when combine make for a powerful marketing strategy that I believe has not only revived Apple Inc. but also placed Apple Inc. in the strong financial position it finds itself in today. Since 2002, Apple has continued to release some variation nof the iPod every year. With the ‘newly’ added features of the annual iPod, Steve Jobs, in his leadership position( Multi-Step Theory), markets why it is the ‘greatest digital innovation ever’ (or something along those lines) to his loyal customer base. The sad part is that we actually buy into it. Accompanied with the relentless desire of obtaining the latest items on the market (Neomania), Steve Jobs, is able to convince people why the newer and smaller iPod is such a revolutionary product when compared to last year’s already tiny iPod model. The devices are virtually identical in operation and software, sure maybe this time pictures can be added or instead of touch sensor it’s a button, but what does that have to do with playing music? Nothing! Thus my feeling towards the ‘Mac Store’ is to no surprise, less than unenthusiastic. I truly believe that the existing ‘App Store’ can perform the exact same functions and features labeled on the ‘Mac Store’ and the main purpose of the ‘Mac Store’ is to continue Apple’s annual routine to persuade its audience into believing Apple is always at the forefront of computer technology and innovation. The ‘Mac Store’ is the exact same gift only wrapped and presented under a different spot light and stage. It is essentially the same thing as the already existing ‘App Store’.