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by icebraining 3171 days ago
Windows Live Messenger, just as a random example, had apps for J2ME, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry and later iOS, besides the desktop.

Is "mobile first" an euphemism for "doesn't have a native desktop client"?

2 comments

No. In this case "mobile first" meant that their user identity was a phone number, not a username or email address.
Thanks. I think that's in fact an innovation. Were they the first?
I believe so. The first I remember anyway.
Are you asking why Whatsapp is better than Windows Live Messenger?
No, I'm asking why it's more innovative than Windows Live Messenger.

This debasement of the concept of innovation is exactly what I'm railing against.

I think Whatsapp is a good app, and their business is obviously successful. I just don't see the innovations. And I think it's important to preserve the word for those who merit it, even if they don't have the interest or skill to build a successful business.