“iPod Father” Tony Fadell on Apple’s “AI Marketing Bullshit” and Missed Auto Opportunity | News
Tony Fadell was once one of the leading people in the development of the iPod, which is why he is often referred to as the “iPod father”. However, in 2008 he retired from the company – officially because he wanted to spend more time with his family, although internal tensions were probably the deciding factor (see article). He is now one of the people who is not uncritical about Apple’s development. In a detailed interview, he discusses how, in his opinion, the company pursued the wrong priorities. Apple jumped on marketing bullshit in the AI space
Fadell believes that current AI marketing is greatly exaggerated. He describes terms like “AI-first laptop” or “AI-first phone” as “complete nonsense” and adds that Apple has never done such “marketing bullshit” before. Instead, the company was strong in delivering more than promised. He hopes that Apple will “find its way back to the old religion.” However, Apple is certainly not the only provider with this undesirable development. He sees current projects to replace smartphones with AI accessories as having no chance. The situation is different with accessories for existing products, for example an AI pin developed by Apple, a smart ring or AirPods with additional sensors/cameras to supplement the platform.
Apple Car: Everything should have been rethought, the setting was a mistake
On the subject of the Apple Car, Fadell says Apple made the wrong decisions here. Back in 2008, he spoke to Steve Jobs on the Apple campus about a possible car. According to Jobs’ ideas, this could have been a kind of “Volkswagen for city traffic” – comparable to how the first Volkswagen was once designed. However, the actual project went in the direction of self-driving SUVs without radically rethinking the mobility concept itself. “Don’t make another normal me-too car that competes with everyone else and the Chinese – how can you change the market instead?”, this question should have been at the forefront, says Fadell. In his opinion, by abandoning the project after investing billions, Apple definitely missed a great opportunity.
Smart home, iPod – and whether he would like to be Cook’s successor
The interview, which is well worth watching, lasts around an hour and also covers other topics. Fadell also commented on why smart home isn’t a lucrative field either, as he learned during his time at Nest. He also puts forward an interesting theory: Apple should bring back the iPod, possibly integrated into AirPods. The nostalgic value of the brand alone should not be underestimated. Towards the end he is asked whether he would really be considered as the future Apple CEO (see article) – he has loved this company since his first Apple II, and if someone from the board calls him, he will definitely answer. If you believe the reports, there are no considerations in this regard; instead, Fadell simply brought himself into the conversation.
