Month: September 2012

iPhone’s recent upgrade to its new iOS 6 platform received negative attention from consumers. Due to rising competition from Google, Apple has decided to implement its own maps for the iOS 6 platform, and removed Google Maps. Apple’s challenge to Google may cause a fall in their customer base. Compared to the eight years of detailing and refining of Google’s maps, Apple’s maps contain errors and lack important details. Apple acknowledges their own shortcoming on maps and apologizes to consumers.

“We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers”

– Tim Cook,

Apple’s CEO

Apple’s effort in expanding its own services is beneficial, but it was too soon. Its decision to compete against Google’s experience prematurely can bite them back. Although Apple’s customer base is large and loyal, repeated faults that are caused by premature releases of applications will eventually dishearten the most loyal of followers.

Apple needs to spend more time improving the quality of its newer iOS releases to satisfy their loyal base. Repeatedly failures will dishearten even the most loyal of followers. At the same time, Apple’s expansion of features and services will allow them to compete in many other aspects within the smartphone market.

http://www.economist.com/node/21563730

http://www.apple.com/letter-from-tim-cook-on-maps/

As we all may know, companies often turn to opening their factories overseas. Manufacturing overseas brings to the table obvious benefits, such as lower costs. It also raises an issue of ethics due to their laxer policing of laws – workers and wages. Apple’s outsource manufacturer Foxconn hires intern students from vocational schools to produce Apple’s products. The issue is, these interns work upwards of 60 hours per week and paid a minimum wage of 1,550 yuan ($245) per month.

This raises a question of ethics. Are workers treated fairly?

I’d say no. Due to labor laws in China being reinforced less strictly compared to Canada, the amount of hours these interns are given is astounding – up to 100 hours of overtime per month. The wages these interns earn are much, much lower than what one would earn here at Canada – especially with the amount of hours these interns work. The issue of fair pay arises, and if they were paid fairly, much less working hours would be demanded and job openings could appear. Profit for the business is also a concern.

What we need is a fine balance between the two.

For more information check the CTV News article, and FLA site.

Related Link: http://www.fairlabor.org/press-release/foxconn_verification_report