Apple CEO Steve Jobs used the D8 Conference on Tuesday to air his views on a variety of issues, including Adobe Flash, Google, AT&T, and the next-gen iPhone controversy. In a Q&A with audience members and an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Jobs spoke his mind. The comments come just days before the start of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, when Apple is expected to announce during a new iPhone as well as further details about the upcoming iPhone OS 4.0.
Here are some of the highlights:
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On Google and Apple
A lot has been made in recent months about the 'frenemy' status between Google and Apple. This was apparent during Google's recent I/O developer conference, where the search giant made a few jokes at Apple's expense when comparing the closed platform approach of the iPhone OS versus Google's open approach with the Android OS.
Jobs told Mossberg and Swisher that he doesn't see Apple as engaged in a platform war with competitors like Google. When asked about Apple's ongoing competition with Google, Jobs said, "Just because we're competing with somebody doesn't mean we have to be rude." Which may have been a response to Google's recent jabs during Google I/O.
Video: Jobs on Google
TV is Balkanized
During the audience Q&A with Jobs at D8, the Apple chief was asked about television and whether TV needed a new interface "to make television truly interactive."
Jobs said that the television market is not ripe for innovation, because "nobody is willing to buy a set-top box." Jobs' rationale for that statement is that since cable makers offer their own DVRs and other set-top boxes for free or a small monthly fee, third-parties have a tough time breaking into the television market.
Jobs also said the TV market was very Balkanized and was absent any standards, like GSM for cell phones, that make it possible to create one product that can be distributed around the world.
Video: Jobs on TV
