[faceplant]

I think "killing" is probably an overstatement, but your idea has merit. Look at Apple's supposedly iron-clad Human Interface Guidelines, they were intended to create a similar kind of homogenised experience as well but Apple continuously challenges them because they're just too stifling.

Harmonisation and consistency is important, but there is such a thing as monotony.

[benjaminlotan]

i guess i was thinking about what they could do if they did not stifle their apps to fit some kind of unified design specification. 'killing' is supposed to reflect where i think they could be without following their own guidelines. Though apple sticks to design strategies and guidelines, there is much more flexibility, ie. when i use iphoto i dont feel like i am using itunes. whereas with google gmail feels like google.com, which feels like the rss reader, which feels like analytics.. and in my experience, i never really know where i am in google world. I know i am there, but i make mistakes because its all just generic space.