Manufacturing is changing with us

Uncategorized 1 Minute

Back in 2004 I wrote Bill Gates a letter telling him how to compete with the iPod. I said to design it in public view with everyone’s help. I was called a massive idiot back then.

It has totally shocked me that more companies haven’t taken my advice. This weekend shows that things are changing and that my advice in 2004 is now being heeded.

1. Bug Labs is working with famous design firm IDEO and is designing its UI in public eye. VC Fred Wilson reported that on his blog this weekend.

2. TechCrunch is designing a Tablet PC for less than $300. Mike Arrington gave a report on that this morning.

This is huge and is only going to get bigger. Thanks to companies like PCH in Shenzhen, China, and Twitter and friendfeed (where you can have conversations with thousands of people in live time) we’re going to see new companies spring up and design products and build brands.

Is Techcrunch a blog anymore? Or did it just become a consumer electronics brand?

Or, even better, if you read my comment over on TechCrunch maybe TechCrunch isn’t a brand at all. Maybe they’ll charge you to put YOUR brand on the Tablet PC.

After all, you can already get camcorders with your own image on them (Jeremy Toeman showed me his and it’s very cool) so why not get your own brand on everything?

Published by Robert Scoble

I help entrepreneurs build their technology business' story, help with getting ready for investors, with other launch plans, and many other strategic things that can help your new startup. Call to talk: +1-425-205-1921 (text first).

Published

86 thoughts on “Manufacturing is changing with us”

  15. I think TechCrunch just became a consumer electronics company. Arrington will need a slogan and a wardrobe for the CrunchWorld product expo’s.

    Like

  16. I think TechCrunch just became a consumer electronics company. Arrington will need a slogan and a wardrobe for the CrunchWorld product expo’s.

    Like

  17. I think TechCrunch just became a consumer electronics company. Arrington will need a slogan and a wardrobe for the CrunchWorld product expo’s.

    Like

  18. I think TechCrunch just became a consumer electronics company. Arrington will need a slogan and a wardrobe for the CrunchWorld product expo’s.

    Like

  19. I think TechCrunch just became a consumer electronics company. Arrington will need a slogan and a wardrobe for the CrunchWorld product expo’s.

    Like

  20. Pingback: Can Hardware Development be Crowdsourced? | Chris Pirillo
  21. Pingback: » Can Hardware Development be Crowdsourced?

  22. Putting your ‘brand’ on something is ridiculous. It lowers the value of the item instantly. Who is going to want to buy that from you when you’re done with your logo all over it? This reminds me of those iPod engraving services. Who would want to buy a used iPod with someone else’s name on it? Just sell a pack of stickers with that laptop or ipod and move along.

    Like

  23. Putting your ‘brand’ on something is ridiculous. It lowers the value of the item instantly. Who is going to want to buy that from you when you’re done with your logo all over it? This reminds me of those iPod engraving services. Who would want to buy a used iPod with someone else’s name on it? Just sell a pack of stickers with that laptop or ipod and move along.

    Like

  24. Another data point that supports you:

    The Pandora open gaming handheld is a cross between a tiny netbook and a Nintendo DS. It was designed, specced built by the members of the retro, emulated and homebrew game community. Similar to some musicians’ recent strategies, they actually sold-out the first run of 4,000 copies before anyone had even seen a dev-unit. Interesting times.

    For more info, see: http://www.openpandora.org/

    I like the CrunchPad but I feel their focus on Flash-delivered video probably ruled out ARM chips with the attendant impact on size, heat and battery life.

    Adobe are working on this, but I’m not sure where they are with it.

    http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200811/111708ARMAdobeFlash.html

    Like

  25. Another data point that supports you:

    The Pandora open gaming handheld is a cross between a tiny netbook and a Nintendo DS. It was designed, specced built by the members of the retro, emulated and homebrew game community. Similar to some musicians’ recent strategies, they actually sold-out the first run of 4,000 copies before anyone had even seen a dev-unit. Interesting times.

    For more info, see: http://www.openpandora.org/

    I like the CrunchPad but I feel their focus on Flash-delivered video probably ruled out ARM chips with the attendant impact on size, heat and battery life.

    Adobe are working on this, but I’m not sure where they are with it.

    http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200811/111708ARMAdobeFlash.html

    Like

  26. Pingback: CrunchPad: a Netbook Sans Keyboard | CloudAve

  27. You’re naivety is amazing. Not a single TechCrunch tablet has been sold and BugLabs is hardly a household name yet you’re already making proclamations about the state of manufacturing.

    Do you realize how thin margins are in the hardware manufacturing business? Have you any guess as to how many tablets Arrington will need to sell to have a viable enterprise? Have you paid any attention to the dwindling demand that is hitting chipmakers? Are you aware of the consolidation that will likely take place because of the economic environment?

    Of course not.

    Get a clue Robert. Tens of thousands of new physical products are “invented” every year. Most fail and very few go on to create the foundations for new consumer brands. You need to wake up. Nothing is changing. You’re just getting more ignorant.

    Like

  28. You’re naivety is amazing. Not a single TechCrunch tablet has been sold and BugLabs is hardly a household name yet you’re already making proclamations about the state of manufacturing.

    Do you realize how thin margins are in the hardware manufacturing business? Have you any guess as to how many tablets Arrington will need to sell to have a viable enterprise? Have you paid any attention to the dwindling demand that is hitting chipmakers? Are you aware of the consolidation that will likely take place because of the economic environment?

    Of course not.

    Get a clue Robert. Tens of thousands of new physical products are “invented” every year. Most fail and very few go on to create the foundations for new consumer brands. You need to wake up. Nothing is changing. You’re just getting more ignorant.

    Like

  29. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  30. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  31. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  32. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  33. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  34. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  35. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  36. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  37. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  38. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  39. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  40. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  41. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  42. One doesn’t design breakthrough, highly-desireable, highly-competitive products by counting noses.

    Do you really think the iPhone was the result of a design-by-committee process?

    Like

  43. Pingback: Becoming a social object | Insight + Ideas

  44. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  45. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  46. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  47. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  48. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  49. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  50. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  51. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  52. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  53. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  54. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  55. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  56. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  57. Hi Robert,

    I am currently working with a client on their website. They are into lean manufacturing and had no web presence until this past week. Their site (http://micronmfg.net) is in it’s infancy, but the first thing they asked is how can this help us better serve existing clients.

    Their product (they really don’t make end products, but rather components for others) is much different than the “electronic” things you are discussing above, and yet I think that the principles will apply in their industry as well. They make very small metal and plastic parts, but they try to listen carefully to their customers and often suggest ways that they can manufacturer a part with the same results but at lower cost to the client.

    So give me some ideas Robert, what can they do with their web presence that will help others help themselves. It won’t take them four years to act on your advice.

    Like

  72. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  73. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  74. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  75. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  76. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  77. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  78. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  79. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  80. Great post and great insight. Federated Media, Intel and Asus have created the queen-mother of this concept with WePC.com: http://www.wepc.com/. Check it out. Sometime in the near future we should see the first ever crowdsourced PC, notebook, netbook.

    Like

  86. <h2 align=”center”>Don't Do For Ugg Boots UK</h2>–>If you own a pair of Ugg boots, ugg classic short, be sure to take proper care of them and clean them regularly. With the proper care and cleaning, Uggs can last several years or even a lifetime.You love sheepskin footwear and ugg classic because they are comfortable and fashionable. How to keep them looking great? The following are a few tips to help you to know what you don't do for your natural beauty and functionality uggs.–>Tip one, don't store your cardy boots ugg in a light place. Because they can bleach in extreme sunlight.–>Tip two, ugg boots should not be worn in extremely moist or muddy conditions as moisture can cause problems.–>Tip three, don't clean the exterior of? your uggs knightsbridge with a hard brush or cloth at first time dirty. –>Tip four, trying not to saturate the sheepskin footwear with water, especially warm or hot water. And don't clean them in a washing machine or dryer, this will cause problems with shrinkage and can adversely change the sheepskin.–>Tip five, if need, except specially detergent for sheepskin product, just like classic ugg mini, don't use any wool detergent. Also don't use high concentration cleaning solution.–>Some suggestions for you to protect your natural beauty and functionality uggs long periods of time. And also hoping to help you solving your hesitation, spending little time to know more information about ugg boots.–>All rights reserved, reprint, please specify source comes from http://www.goodugg.co.uk —bailey button,ugg knightsbridge boots,cardy boots,ugg tall classic

    Like

Comments are closed.