MacWorld 2008 sees yet another great product launched by renowned computer maker Apple Inc on Tuesday afternoon. Steve Jobs’ keynote presentation, one of the more interesting public conferences to look forward to in the technological market, still wows the crowd, albeit some of the announcements Jobs made did make me frown.

Many Mac lovers like Chinghan finds Apple latest arsenal for iPod Touch disappointing. Chinghan appears to be whinning about Apple’s decision to charge iPod Touch early adopters on the USD$20 software upgrade. The next thing he received, were comments and comments that were out to crucify him, definitely not a pretty sight. The interesting side is, his entry sparks several perspectives and questions on the technological world, in particular within the business context.

Software value

The fact that there is a perceived difficulty in measuring software value shows the reluctancy in individuals forking out extra cash for these intangibles. Software, unlike hardware are intangible, you can’t hold on to them (with the exception of product boxes). They do not come in exotic materials which can justify that extra dollar, nope, no leather, no fur.

Henceforth, the basic yardsticks left for measuring software value (in a consumer’s perspective) are probably effectiveness (how effective is it to complete your task or how useful is it to you) and ease of use (user friendliness). 

Apple releases five new applications for the Touch: Mail, Maps, Tasks, Stocks and Weather. I don’t question the quality and the aesthetics of the software when Apple is in question, my concern, however lies in the practicality of us using these software here in Singapore. For instance, Maps’ probably the best solution that can come by in the States if you’re lost. But does it work for an average Singaporean in Singapore. That’s probably the utmost concern for Mac lovers here – localization.

Back onto Chinghan’s entry. I don’t think he is impugning Apple’s quality of software when he mentioned “They’re (the software) are not mind-blowing by my standards“, because it is exactly what I meant here, we hardly need it and it’s a killer app anyway. Just a good to have.

Goodwill

Chinghan hit the nail on this one. Similarly, I felt that software upgrades could have been free for the Touch if software upgrades are offered free to Apple TVs and iPhone users, in particularly the early adopters. And to say that Apple are forced to charge users for software upgrades is crap.

The burning issue is that new Touch users pay for the same amount with the add-ons all ready. So in another words, they are offered the apps for free because they waited and early adopters are penalized for being impulsive on their quick buy decision, an exact replica of the iPhone saga. Maybe Jobs will offer another round of rebates to Touch early owners.

Business world 

The rest of his entry became emotional when he rattled on that Apple works solely for the pursuit of money. Still, not that Apple promises that they aren’t, but I am definite Mac users love Apple because their products, applications and services are always out to do more. 

We are waiting for Apple to do, another thing more.