The Curious Case of Pokemon GO , iPod and iMac
Niantic Inc, a company name that was the least familiar a couple of days ago have become the most popular and viral with their awesome new AR game Pokemon Go.
As I wrote over 250 words about the birth of Pokemon GO from Ingress and Ninatic Inc, I got hit by moral epiphany that was felt by many with the launch of Apple iPod and iMac. So I had to rewrite the whole thing!
I’m sure I don’t have to explain about the game here for the 90’s kids who I’m sure are the reason for its blockbuster opening in app store and play store( you just hang in there microsoft users). With over 5M downloads in play store from US region alone, the app has skyrocketed Nintendo’s stock since 1983. But Pokemon Go is not just another AR mobile game as today’s toddlers think. We 90’s kids get to live the dream of Catch em All! for real. The nostalgia the game brings is immense and reminds us of the simple good old days. The game connects with us on a personal level and touches our human soul with the perfect amalgamation of fun, Pokemon, mobile, internet and AR.
Now you must be wondering what any of this has to do with iPod or iMac?
Lets take a trip down the memory lane to 1997. Remember, Apple was considered a successful failure. The company was dying without a visionary and enter Steve Jobs. In 1998, iMac G3 (fully blown Macintosh) was launched with projections to sell 1 Million units in first 90 days, 32% of which were first time computer users and 12% were Windows PC customers and becoming best selling computer in the world. Even after a iconic comeback by the once world’s most valuable company still had negative cash flow which was blown away by the surprising success of the iPod.
iPod made everyone to carry their favorite songs wherever they go and listen to it whenever they want without any hassle to the clunky Sony Mp3 Players. It was a dream come true for music lovers.
The common thing between the iPod, iMac and Pokemon Go is, it was never considered as a device or machine or game but it helped us get to live our dreams and imaginations of better UI, thousand songs in our pocket and Catch em All!
Technology which is a natural extension of human behavior and feelings will be the best technology or a product.
The iMac, iPod provided us with simplicity to use great technology with ease and little to no knowledge. Pokemon Go is a small manifestation of the same when you compare its predecessor Ingress which is complex, high tech, alien and boring. A defining factor for a successful product is its ability to connect with the user naturally.
