[KevinEldon]

Steve Jobs suggests that Apple didn't innovate while he wasn't there (http://www.macrumors.com/2011/09/19/steve-jobs-apple-almost-...).

The question is then does Apple, without Jobs, have the visionaries and the management team supporting those visionaries to pioneer very specific markets to continue earning billions in the future. I'd guess that over the next few years a Google Glass-style device is ready for the market and some sort of car-friendly voice-controlled heads-up-display computing device is capable of commanding billions, but outside of that it's going to be about apps and information... and although Apple has a huge presence today and lots of cash they've got a very hard positition to hold as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc. are fighting for the same consumers who are paying a premium for Apple products.

My dad got a 1st gen iPad and really liked it. He just got a Nexus 7 and ditched his iPad. He doesn't think it's amazing or anything, but he can fit it in his pocket, buy books from Amazon directly, it was only $200 and it's lighter and easier to read on. At some point Apple's differentiation shifts from being innovative devices to being "sexy" design and a great interface... sure that sells, but it doesn't sell at nearly the same level as truly innovative devices like the iPod, iPhone, or iPad can. Apple's doing well today, but maintaining this level of success if going to be extremely difficult.

[duaneb]

Apple did still innovate (the Newton, anyone?), just... pathetically.

[taligent]

> Google Glass-style device is ready for the market and some sort of car-friendly voice-controlled heads-up-display

I am sorry but anyone who thinks devices like these are going to be some wild success are ignorant of the realities of our society.

People do not want to be recorded by random third parties and existing privacy laws in many countries respect that. As such the current use case of the device is likely to be illegal from day one. Throw in the problems of recording of children, recording inside workplaces and public institutions, complications for law enforcement, distraction whilst driving etc. The end result being the only place you could safely wear them is inside your own home.

Do I think it will be common in the future. Sure. But society and the law moves a lot slower than people realise.

[drumdance]

People do not want to be recorded by random third parties

...unless they get tremendous (perceived) value from it. Facebook, anyone?

[dfc]

People do not recognize the privacy invasion of using facebook. Try and follow a stranger around with a video camera, I doubt it goes over well.