[iDorf]

Thought this article was interesting. Talks about how Apple is developing (perhaps) too many applications into OS X. Example - 10.3's new DASHBOARD is much like 3rd party KONFABULATOR - being called a blatant copy to some. Guess we've all come to enjoy Apple's out of the box functionality - but is there risk of scaring away 3rd party software developers. Jobs surely speaks of the desire for the gaming industry turning to the Mac platform - but what about keeping the door open for application programs? Is Apple stuffing too many apps into their OS? Is this necessary to do?

[scratt]

We've been here before...

You need to read the article on Daring Fireball

http://daringfireball.net/2004/06/da...s_konfabulator

Cheers,
scratt

[Kickaha]

The article is *SO* far off base...

Yes, Apple is providing apps.

Apple is also providing the core frameworks behind those apps for other developers to do with what they wish as well, in most cases. This means that, say, a developer who looks at Address Book, Mail, and iCal and says "You know, it'd be nice if they were more tied together..." can whip up something like Crm4Mac. Did Apple push them out? Heck no. Apple provided the base tools for them to do what they did, more easily.

This is a core difference between Apple and MS, that most people miss.

MS produces apps, and hides the functionality as 'theirs'... you don't get to leverage it. Or if you do, it's a minimalist subset.

Apple produces apps, and (usually) provides the base frameworks so that other developers can leverage their work to extend that app into new areas.

Case in point: MS produces an IE widget that other developers can add into their applications. Sometimes. Sort of. And it's very very closed. Want to extend it in your own app? Good luck. Apple produces Safari, and also offers up WebCore, and WebKit. Helllllo, OmniWeb.

Apple provides basic apps for the user, but not the end all and be all in most any case. Developers are free to add on and produce better apps, and Apple actually encourages them to do so with the plethora of technologies at their disposal.

Think of it as Apple leading the way with demonstration apps for the new technologies.

[Brad]

Read that Daring Fireball article. Then read it again.

These Apple-bashing soapbox tirades are getting old. First people complain about Mac OS X missing features X, Y, and Z and that they have to "resort" to using third-party software. Then when Apple finally does implement something similar to a third-party product, other idiots bash it and whine about Apple undercutting the developers.

[Powerdoc]

Originally Posted by Brad Read that Daring Fireball article. Then read it again. These Apple-bashing soapbox tirades are getting old. First people complain about Mac OS X missing features X, Y, and Z and that they have to "resort" to using third-party software. Then when Apple finally does implement something similar to a third-party product, other idiots bash it and whine about Apple undercutting the developers.

So true.
I Personally don't gave a rat ass, of people whinnng that Apple is undercutting the developpers. The more modern an OS is, the more feature it as. The less third party OS add you have, the less crash you will meet. Some people have a short memory, and forget the nice OS 9 plug in, that stacked together finished to destabilize the system.

[johnq]

Originally Posted by Brad Read that Daring Fireball article. Then read it again. These Apple-bashing soapbox tirades are getting old. First people complain about Mac OS X missing features X, Y, and Z and that they have to "resort" to using third-party software. Then when Apple finally does implement something similar to a third-party product, other idiots bash it and whine about Apple undercutting the developers.

Where have I heard that before? Well said!

[Brad]

Originally Posted by johnq Where have I heard that before?

Credit where credit is due. Thanks johnq! I knew I'd read that recently, but I just couldn't remember where.

[DMBand0026]

Originally Posted by Brad Read that Daring Fireball article. Then read it again. These Apple-bashing soapbox tirades are getting old. First people complain about Mac OS X missing features X, Y, and Z and that they have to "resort" to using third-party software. Then when Apple finally does implement something similar to a third-party product, other idiots bash it and whine about Apple undercutting the developers.

Couldn't agree more. Third party developers are great for moving a system foreword, but as Powerdoc said, Apple can't control the quality, and sometimes that makes the system unstable. I'd prefer to see Apple put those features right in the OS so they can control the quality.

Anyone whining about OS X having too many features now needs to shut up.

[johnq]

Originally Posted by Brad Credit where credit is due. Thanks johnq! I knew I'd read that recently, but I just couldn't remember where.

Lol, no credit necessary, I was just stunned to be in such agreement with another human being...