Last week I told you it was the right time to take a step back and reconsider the way we use our mobile devices. The right time to re-think our setups, and free us from the need of installing new apps every day while missing the real point of iOS: the “built-in factor”. See, Apple always provided a great set of tools to get things done on a new OS without the need of going out there searching for software. With Mac OS X, most users can do stuff without ever opening Safari and browse to some developer website. With iOS it’s just the same, but the App Store and its flowing stream of new applications made us forget about the built-in factor. We often don’t remember that we can enjoy an iPhone as it comes out of the box.
Some people didn’t get my point, though. They don’t understand that there’s a fundamental difference between trying new software just for the sake of it (to promote new developers and get the word out there about a new revolutionary technology) and taking a step back to reconsider the OS’s potentialities. “You’re not coherent, Federico” - they told me. “You’re always trying new apps and now you’re saying it’s time to take a step back. I’ve always sticked with one, I’ve never jumped from app to app, this proves me right. You’re an hypocrite.”
These people are wrong. These people - and by “people” I mean bloggers, geeks, casual users who just happen to read MacStories - just don’t get that the approach is all that matters. Are we trying new apps because you care about new developers, or do we keep on installing new software because it’s just a bad habit? They don’t get this difference. I think they never will.
These people think they’re entitled to criticize users who’re constantly living on the edge of new software because they chose to stick with an app and let go. They chose wisely which app to love and use, and they never changed. I’m not saying they’re wrong, and I’m not saying they’re missing out because they don’t install new apps. But these people, the ones who criticize and make fun of others, those who write negative reviews of a new Twitter client just because “it’s new”, even the people who’re forcing themselves to not test something because they think they don’t need it - they don’t deserve our attention. They don’t get our approach.
You are not your app. You are not the software you’ve been using for months and you’re not the developer who built it. You are not entitled to criticize others because their vision goes further than yours, you are not the Twitter client you mention every time someone suggest you to try a new app. You are not your app, and you’re not even promoting it.
Your habit is just as bad as mine, but at least I can take a step back.
