ExtraBITS for 20 June 2011
Two particularly interesting bits of reading this week, though you’ll have to jump through a Google hoop to get to the Wall Street Journal’s article about Apple’s retail operations. Easier to get to, but less certain what it will mean, is the news about Garmin buying rival Navigon.
Wall Street Journal Examines Apple’s Retail Operations — The Wall Street Journal has published a detailed look inside Apple’s retail store operation, giving us a glimpse at a workforce that is well-trained and tightly controlled. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in an Apple store, or just how Apple hit on its wildly successful approach after years of languishing in computer superstores, click through from the Google search results (the only way in for those who don’t subscribe to the Wall Street Journal).
Garmin to Acquire Rival Navigon — We’re uncertain if this is good or bad, but GPS giant Garmin is acquiring the privately held Navigon, makers of the popular Navigon MobileNavigator GPS app for the iPhone. The press release makes all the usual calming sounds, but the fact is that Navigon’s devices and apps were preferred by some over Garmin’s, leading to worry that Navigon’s differentiating features may just disappear.