August 5, 2008
Apple’s MobileMe misadventure
It appears that Steve Jobs has admitted to a rare mistake in the launch of MobileMe, the re-vamped version of Apple’s .Mac internet services suite.
The subscription service, which allows users to store files, check email, upload photos, and perform other tasks online, has been plagued by problems since it launched at the same time as the new 3G iPhone, the iPhone applications store, and the iPhone 2.0 software update last month.
Ars Technica, which claims to have seen an email sent to Apple employees by Mr Jobs, says the Apple boss felt that the launch of MobileMe was “not up to Apple’s standards”:
“It was a mistake to launch MobileMe at the same time as iPhone 3G, iPhone 2.0 software and the App Store,” the website quoted Mr Jobs as saying. “We all had more than enough to do, and MobileMe could have been delayed without consequence.”
Ars Technica says that, in the same email, Mr Jobs announced a reorganisation of Apple’s MobileMe team:
For one, the entire group will now report to Eddy Cue (you may remember Cue’s name showing up in numerous iTunes-related press releases). Cue will now lead all Internet-related services at Apple—including iTunes, the App Store, and now MobileMe—and will report directly to Steve Jobs.
Teething problems aside, Apple clearly has high hopes for the MobileMe service. And it’s easy to see why. Given the increasingly on-the-go nature of Apple’s target audience, a service that allows users to seamlessly synch their email, contacts and other important files with their iPhones, Macs or PCs over an internet connection sounds compelling. All the more reason for Apple to take the time needed to do it right.
