Leo Daiuto

Did Apple hit a homerun or miss the point?

// January 28th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // business

As most technology oriented people did today around 1:00, i watched the apple event via the live blog on Engadget. I found myself in a few conversations with others at Slamm, and with friends online discussing the relevance of the much hyped product.

Let’s be clear the device is cool, there is no doubt about that at all. But, is it a game changer? Will it change the way people work, live or travel?  My opinion is Apple missed two aspects that, unfortunately, make me say no. That is not to say that the new iPad won’t be a successful product or that Steve Jobs is looking for my opinion (I even checked my voice mail again just to make sure). This is simply a very brief view of my opinion.

First on the product in general. As expected from Apple a very sleek, clean design. It looks like a big iPhone which i think is what most of the world expected. I don’t think there was much of a surprise there. The biggest surprise to me was no camera on the iPad. This was being touted as a revolutionary product. I think a lot of people had visions of this being their travel or mobile computing solution. No need to carry a laptop to connect back in to the office. Without, having the ability to Skype with the device in a way that you can’t do on the iPhone (video) or use iChat to collaborate with team members, is a huge void that has been left unfilled. Apple had an opportunity here to bring something to the marketplace that right out of the box changes the way people communicate. It would have resonated with business people, families, students etc. I think they really missed the mark by not making that a priority.

Now onto the presentation. I must say I was very disappointed and bordering on bored during the presentation. It was presented as a big iPhone. We got to sit through the app store (again) and got to see a calendar, mail client and photos. All very nicely done without question. However, I’m not going to buy this device to manage my mail, calendar or photos. It’s great that it does it, but that doesn’t make it a “must have device”. I was shocked to not see them touting a native note taking application for students or business people, or announcing that a certain college is going to offer it’s text books on the device. iBooks is cool, they glanced over at the end after having 25 minutes of a paint application and EA Sports demoing games. This device changing the landscape of the way people communicate, work and live is not by having Madden 2010 on $800 touch pad. Is it cool, of course it is. Would it be icing on the cake if it had that in addition to some reasons to make this a “must have device”? Absolutely.

Instead of showing things that a) are already on the iPhone and b) ancillary reasons to by at best, show me a demo of the new iChat for the iPad or a demo of a Cisco WebeX application for business. Demo brainstorming or a to do list. Show me how i can see my business better on this device, stay connected with my family my friends. Show me how this device makes my day easier, show me why my life is better having this device. Does it allow me to be more mobile more flexible, spend more time doing things i love because it keeps me connected?

Why do i care how many credit cards are in the itunes database ( i know he was showing developers the potential – but they knew the world would be watching). iWorks? Really? Interesting, even cool. But mass adoption of the product as a game changer does not revolve around a business suite that very few people use to begin with.

I love Apple, I own a lot of their products. I really think they missed a golden opportunity to change the landscape of staying connected, much like they did with the iPhone. Maybe it will get there in future revisions, but this device is not a “must have device” for most people that I know. The unfortunate thing is that everyone of them was hoping it would be.

Good Night @ World Cafe Live

// October 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // music

Great night down @ World Cafe Live tonight. Such a cool room. Went to see Vertical Horizon – big Matt Scannell fan, great songwriter. Additionally, we were introduced to a couple of great new artists. Howard Jennings a very cool singer songwriter out of NYC, had a real chill style but was very personable at the same time. He had a Jack Johnson kinda vibe, but his own style for sure.

Next was Clayton Sene a very cool piano/keyboard player who performed as three piece band from Florida. Really dug Clayton – great bluesy soulful sound – vocal style reminded me of Marc Broussard. Clayton was very energetic, really seemed to love playing. His energy came across pretty strong to the audience.

Both supporting acts were a very pleasant surprise, I had not heard of either prior to the show. Very good musicians, great performances. Would definitely recommend them to anyone.

Photo : Sam Gusman

Next was Vertical Horizon. Mix was pretty shaky for the first song. Once they got it under control, the band sounded great. Matt Scannell is an underrated guitarist and a really good songwriter. This is my first time seeing Vertical Horizon live, but i have been a fan for a while. Nice to see them back with a new record and a tour. My understanding is that they have a more comprehensive tour planned for 2010.

All in all a great night out with my wife, room sounded really good, music was great. Not much more you can ask for. Did I mention the Phillies also won that night!

Featured on Innovation Philly

// June 2nd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // business

Check out the article on Innovation Philadelphia

God … i have to change that picture!!!

Buzzbi now in alpha

// May 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // business

Our first product, buzzbi, is now officially in alpha. So far the response has been great from the private alpha we did and the very early responses from today have been the same.

There is so much we wanted to accomplish with buzzbi drawing a line and saying we are going to release “here” was definitely the hardest part.

There will be a lot more coming on buzzbi as we progress through alpha so keep an eye on buzzbi.com our facebook page and our twitter page.

If you are interested in being included in alpha send an email to alpha@buzzbi.com

Slamm Creative featured in Philly Creative Guide

// May 12th, 2009 // No Comments » // business

Hey Slamm Creative has been featured in the Philly Creative Guide. Check it out!