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Isn't it interesting that the fight is between Google and Apple, while the consumer is the one holding the product in hand. They did a extraordinary job of tak

Isn't it interesting that the fight is between Google and Apple, while the consumer is the one holding the product in hand. They did a extraordinary job of taking control over the final user. The user has the power ("ability" but let's exaggerate) to switch to any search engine they want, thwarting any decision these two companies make. But that's too complicated, let's leave it to the techies. I really wish for a mandatory class in schools where students are demystified about computers.

JumpCrisscross 9y ago
> They did a extraordinary job of taking control over the final user. The user has the power ("ability" but let's exaggerate) to switch to any search engine they want, thwarting any decision these two companies make. This sounds less like someone taking power and more like everyone collectively ceding it. Part of this involves transaction costs. Relative to the minor gains many might expect from taking the time to switch search engines, the cost of learning how to do that is steep. Naturally, those economies scale favor Apple and Google. Perhaps the switching cost isn't, or shouldn't be, as high for consumers. I think the solution is in education and lowering peoples' fears with tinkering with their tech. But another part of me thinks most people simply don't find such fiddling worth the bother.
ChicagoBoy11 9y ago
I work in an elementary school in technology and I follow this space very closely. I can confidently tell you we are moving in the opposite direction. While arguably there has never been as much talked about “computer science” as there is now, we’re fueling this growth by essentially removing just about any computer science that was left in these courses.
twblalock 9y ago
> I really wish for a mandatory class in schools where students are demystified about computers. I do too, but I don't see how it would make a difference in this situation. I know plenty about computers and I choose to use Google search anyway, because I've tried the alternatives and they are nowhere near as good. I choose to use Apple products too, because I prefer them to the alternatives.
- firefoxd 9y ago
  Yes, and with your powers you choose google. If apple was to switch your default, you will silently go to settings and restore it to google search. Now imagine not even knowing there is a choice to be made.

JumpCrisscross 9y ago

> They did a extraordinary job of taking control over the final user. The user has the power ("ability" but let's exaggerate) to switch to any search engine they want, thwarting any decision these two companies make. This sounds less like someone taking power and more like everyone collectively ceding it. Part of this involves transaction costs. Relative to the minor gains many might expect from taking the time to switch search engines, the cost of learning how to do that is steep. Naturally, those economies scale favor Apple and Google. Perhaps the switching cost isn't, or shouldn't be, as high for consumers. I think the solution is in education and lowering peoples' fears with tinkering with their tech. But another part of me thinks most people simply don't find such fiddling worth the bother.

ChicagoBoy11 9y ago

I work in an elementary school in technology and I follow this space very closely. I can confidently tell you we are moving in the opposite direction. While arguably there has never been as much talked about “computer science” as there is now, we’re fueling this growth by essentially removing just about any computer science that was left in these courses.

twblalock 9y ago

> I really wish for a mandatory class in schools where students are demystified about computers. I do too, but I don't see how it would make a difference in this situation. I know plenty about computers and I choose to use Google search anyway, because I've tried the alternatives and they are nowhere near as good. I choose to use Apple products too, because I prefer them to the alternatives.

firefoxd 9y ago
Yes, and with your powers you choose google. If apple was to switch your default, you will silently go to settings and restore it to google search. Now imagine not even knowing there is a choice to be made.