Customers as Co-Innovators
Example of Hacked Product & What was Done
The hacked project I will be talking about is the jail-broken iPhone. This hack is probably the most common and them most talked about hack. It allows the end-user to install custom software and applications that Apple doesn't approve for their App Store.
Impact on the Company
The impact on Apple is a loss of money for their applications. Jail-breaking allows end-users to install applications that Apple sells in their App Store, for free. It takes all of the power and control of the iPhone away from Apple, and gives it to the user. Apple even tried to make it illegal to jailbreak the iPhone, but federal regulators declared jail-breaking legal.
Embrace or Fight Hack?
I say that Apple should embrace the hack. They should not be able to control how a customer uses their product after the customer leaves the store with it. Apple states that jail-breaking could damage your iPhone and it voids the warranty. if the customer understands and agrees to these risks, then it is on them if their phone crashes or breaks.
For class on 2/27/12