Bob Kernen is jacAPPS’ new COO. He has wide-ranging experience in software development, web design, and marketing, and has hit the ground running in his first 60 days with our growing company. To celebrate the gridlock in Washington, Bob goes right to the Senate floor with today’s guest post. – FJ
“Why the h*** do I have to keep updating my apps?”
That was the question from America’s foremost video poker playing senator, John McCain, for Apple CEO Tim Cook. Good question, Senator McCain, good question. At the end of a congressional hearing on Apple’s tax avoidance strategy, he changed the subject because he wanted to know (to paraphrase) “What’s up with that?”
At jacAPPS, we are very aware of how people feel about the constant updating of their apps. After a week or so with my iPhone’s Wi-Fi antenna out of commission, I had 27 apps that needed updating. When I finally did it, it took most of an hour. Whenever we are asked about a new feature or a minor bug fix to one of our apps, the first question that always comes up is, “Will this require an update for the user?”
I think most developers are like us on this issue and we avoid pointless updates. People don’t mind doing an update if they actually get something for it, like a cool new feature, or updated look and feel. But when the update description says, “minor bug fixes and enhancements,” a growing number of people elect to pass.
This is not good. Software is a dynamic thing and part of what makes delivering it over the Internet great is that you can easily make something better and deliver it to your users just as easily. If people don’t take these updates, their software gets out of date and the performance suffers. Our developers at jacAPPS are constantly improving our apps, and I don’t think they’re unique in that way.
Kaizen is a Japanese concept that was popular back in the ‘80s and it’s even more relevant today. It means “constant improvement.” Whether you’re writing code, or refining your station’s sound, we should all practice kaizen.
Of course, Apple has kaizen baked into its DNA. They are always improving, always looking for ways to make their hardware and software better. Senator McCain’s time ran out just as he asked that question, but I’m sure that if given the chance, Mr. Cook would’ve told him that in iOS7 – the latest update to the iPhone’s software – the user can elect to update his apps automatically.
So take the update. Domo arigato, Apple. You’re welcome, Senator.
If you’d like to talk apps, mobile strategy, or simply ask Bob what it was like working for Martha Stewart, you can reach out to him at bob@jacapps.com
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Radio + Thanksgiving = Gratitude - November 27, 2024
- Is It Quittin’ Time For SiriusXM? - November 26, 2024
- Radio, It Oughta Be A Crime - November 25, 2024
Well they might want to get those iOS7 bugs sorted first… but then I’m an Android guy.
There is that, but when you have to update an operating system a week or so after its release, it certainly makes the jacAPPS team feel not-so-dumb. Thanks, Lee.