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It's the disconnect between what Google is (the 800 pound gorilla that can roll out a new product like an appliance manufacturer can roll out a new toaster), an
by onemorepassword 13y ago
It's the disconnect between what Google is (the 800 pound gorilla that can roll out a new product like an appliance manufacturer can roll out a new toaster), and how Google sees itself (the brave disruptive startup launching something cool in private beta).
It's the same disconnect that we know from Microsoft, that couldn't see itself as the monopolist they were, because their self-image was still that of the little startup that took on the mighty IBM.
Of course it could all just be marketing, like every word out of Google these days is just marketing without substance.
Either way, Google doesn't listen to user feedback and is perfectly capable of rolling out a new product on a global scale. "Request an invite" is BS.
- smokinjoe 13y ago> It's the disconnect between what Google is (the 800 pound gorilla that can roll out a new product like an appliance manufacturer can roll out a new toaster), and how Google sees itself (the brave disruptive startup launching something cool in private beta). How do you know this? I find this Request a clever way to stagger the release of the update. In case there happens to be any issues then only those who volunteered for the update would be affected, hopefully resulting in slightly higher patience.
- moystard 13y agoYou sound very biased against Google. In that particular case, I think the new Maps is not ready for prime launch yet. I think two things tend to prove that this is the truth: no Google Maps API are available for this new Maps, the presenter (forgot his name) mentioned that they were not ready for prime time; also for other products announced today, they rolled them out right away (new Google+, new Google Music, etc.) so why would they not release this one?
- untog 13y agoand how Google sees itself (the brave disruptive startup launching something cool in private beta). What? Since when has launching a product to a small audience and gathering feedback been something that only a startup is allowed to do?
- ok_craig 13y agoI don't know why you assume that an invite system is something that's "cool" or only a viable strategy for small companies. It's a good and reasonable way to scale a new product.
- chatatap 13y agoThe difference between a software launch and appliance product launch is that not everyone immediately goes and buys that new product. It slowly penetrates the market and feedback from the first buyers gives the manufacturer a chance to make minor modifications and deal with any issues. If Google flipped the switch and enabled the new maps with a flaw that went unnoticed until consumer use, they could potentially bring the whole service down. Also, your negativity makes you sound very disgruntled.