Jobs to Keep His Hands Tight on Apple Management Reins
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5. A pro-Adobe partnership
Adobe is in a dangerous position. Although the company is still
wildly successful, it's up against the one firm that could drastically affect
its position in the mobile market: Apple. And although it has tried to get back
in Steve Jobs' good graces, that won't be happening anytime soon. In fact, it's
entirely possible that the Apple CEO will
hold a grudge against Adobe for the foreseeable future. Realizing that, all the
talk about a potential pro-Adobe partnership, or one that would allow its
mobile-development platform to work again with the iPhone, seems rather
ridiculous.
6. An update to Apple TV
When Google announced the Google TV platform last week, it effectively
jumped-started the long-stagnant set-top box market. Finally, there is a
platform on the way that could conceivably change the way consumers interact
with their televisions. All the while, the Apple TV was sitting in the shadows.
Apple's set-top box, which has been called a "hobby" by Steve Jobs
and his executives, just doesn't seem to get the kind of attention that the
rest of Apple's products do, and
that likely won't change at WWDC. Although the hardware company might
eventually update the Apple TV and make it a real competitor to Google TV, that
won't be happening anytime soon.
7. An 'open' iPhone
As Google announced its Android 2.2. improvements last week, the
company made it clear that it believes in open-source technology. Based on its
sales, that's understandable. Android has become a revelation in the mobile
business, and it's giving Apple something to worry about. But that doesn't mean
that the iPhone will be opened up. Steve Jobs has said time and again that his
company wants to control its software. Opening iPhone OS, arguably the
company's most important operating system, just wouldn't make much sense based
on that strategy. Sorry, but the iPhone will remain closed after WWDC.
8. An iPad price reduction
Don't look for Apple to reduce the price of the iPad anytime soon.
Although the tablet is somewhat expensive, it's still selling extremely well.
At this point, it doesn't make much sense for Apple to offer a price reduction.
In fact, that probably won't happen until next year when demand starts dropping
off and Apple ramps up a new version of the device.
9. An online strategy
Apple's acquisition of online-music service Lala made some wonder
what the company might have in store for the Web. But so far, it has stayed
relatively tight-lipped about its plans. That said, Apple undoubtedly has an
online strategy in the works. It's now just a matter of time before it
discusses how it will attempt to make a splash on the Internet. Just don't
expect that to happen at WWDC - Apple might want to make it a bigger event by
hosting a press conference dedicated exclusively to its Web efforts.
10. A successor
Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been the
company's savior. If not for him, it's unlikely that Apple would be in the
position it is today. But his days as the CEO
of the company are numbered. Eventually, he will need to give up the reins and
allow someone else to take his place. But that time isn't now. Although Jobs
has faced health issues, they seem to have been resolved for the time being.
Based on his recent statements, he
still has much he wants to accomplish before he says good-bye to his
beloved company. In other words, don't expect him to name a successor anytime
soon. Steve Jobs' work isn't done yet.
