3 ms·

I think the simplest answer is that apple simply kept innovating at a pace that shenzen couldn't match. Back in the iPod's hey-day, every new release was a gro

I think the simplest answer is that apple simply kept innovating at a pace that shenzen couldn't match. Back in the iPod's hey-day, every new release was a groundbreaking improvement in miniaturization. The other OEMs were racing to copy the iPod mini while Apple was developing the iPod nano, or the iPod Colour while apple was working on the iPod video. and, of course, as another reply says the software has always been a big part of the iPod.

QML 9y ago
Though it seems counterintuitive, I think it's the lack of a patent system in China that prevents its people from being innovative. Without a guaranteed monopoly, people are less likely to take risks and just turn to methods that are known to turn a profit (replicating foreign products and/or focusing on lowering manufacturing costs). But now, the economy of Shenzhen has matured to the point where squeezing every ounce of production is no longer sustainable, and thus is forced to innovate. Perhaps that explains the number of hardware startups there: it's an advantage to be closely located to the manufacturer of your parts. That was also once true for Silicon Valley. Maybe the failure of many hardware startups now can be attributed to manufacturing jobs being outsourced.
- DigitalJack 9y ago
  I don't think it's counter-intuitive at all. I think the patent durations of hardware should be shorter, just like many here think that they should be shorter (if existant at all) for software. Part of the issue with durations in hardware is development time. It would be nice if the duration could take into account the date of first sale rather than just the inception of the idea.
dilemma 9y ago
In 2006, China was not at the stage of development where it could innovate and create brands. Today, it is Apple that can't keep up.

3 ms·

I think the simplest answer is that apple simply kept innovating at a pace that shenzen couldn't match. Back in the iPod's hey-day, every new release was a gro

by notatoad 9y ago

QML 9y ago
Though it seems counterintuitive, I think it's the lack of a patent system in China that prevents its people from being innovative. Without a guaranteed monopoly, people are less likely to take risks and just turn to methods that are known to turn a profit (replicating foreign products and/or focusing on lowering manufacturing costs). But now, the economy of Shenzhen has matured to the point where squeezing every ounce of production is no longer sustainable, and thus is forced to innovate. Perhaps that explains the number of hardware startups there: it's an advantage to be closely located to the manufacturer of your parts. That was also once true for Silicon Valley. Maybe the failure of many hardware startups now can be attributed to manufacturing jobs being outsourced.
- DigitalJack 9y ago
  I don't think it's counter-intuitive at all. I think the patent durations of hardware should be shorter, just like many here think that they should be shorter (if existant at all) for software. Part of the issue with durations in hardware is development time. It would be nice if the duration could take into account the date of first sale rather than just the inception of the idea.
dilemma 9y ago
In 2006, China was not at the stage of development where it could innovate and create brands. Today, it is Apple that can't keep up.