Copying Features

John Gruber, quoting Paul Thurrott

On iOS 5:

Best features were literally copied from other mobile platforms.

True!…

One could argue that these are purposefully antagonistic ways of saying these things. Or, perhaps better said, purposefully belittling.

I can see why, from a tech pundit’s point of view, that “literally copied” is meant to have a punitive sting. However, these “copied” features are a big win for Apple. The iPhone has been in the lead in so many competitive areas (app store, ease of use, ecosystem integration, best “under finger” experience etc). However, some consumers have been hesitant to choose iPhone because of a specific advantage of a competitor.

For example, some people consider BBM the key feature of a BlackBerry. As of iOS 5, the “iOS doesn’t have it” argument is gone. The only thing left is what iPhone does better. Same with notifications and Android, which Jonathan Geller thinks Apple did better than Android.

Buyers now have all the reasons to choose the iPhone that they had before – AND they have no reason to buy any competitor.

About the only gripe left is Flash, but mostly from Mossberg.