How Did Apple’s New CEO Perform During Today’s Keynote
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Only a few zillion people were watching (reading, listening) to the latest Apple keynote, delivered this morning at the ‘Let’s Talk iPhone’ event. No pressure Tim.
Even though we all tuned in with iPhones on the brain, I think it is safe to say we were watching just as much to see what Apple looked like without Steve Jobs. We all wanted to see if Tim Cook had wings and whether he would fly and the truth is, he did just fine.
Sure we saw a little more business than the boyish charm and charisma we have come to expect from a Steve Jobs delivered keynote, but that doesn’t make it worse. I would have been disappointed if he’d tried to emulate him. Apple is under new leadership and it should feel different.
Sure he was rah-rah Apple and fed us a healthy serving of Apple pie, complete with the details on why they are dominating the market and how their products are shaping the face of technology. But come on folks, this is an Apple event, what did you expect?
Cook exhibited class, poise and sophistication. He showed pride in the company he manages and shared the stage with other members of his leadership team. Eddy Cue, Scott Forstall and Philip Schiller all took turns delivering news of updated iPods, the completion and delivery of iOS 5 and a few other feature goodies like Cards and Siri. He took this opportunity to show a united front and real teamwork and I think it came across as intended.
And before you ask, no he didn’t give us ‘one last thing’. I am actually kind of glad because that is a Steve Jobs signature move. Cook needs to find his own niche and fill it; and let’s not forget that his primary role right now needs to be steering Apple competently through this transition period.
I’m not sure what people expected. Cartwheels and acrobatics? Aside from the initial ‘gee, I wish Steve was here’ felt by most of us, I would be willing to bet that none of you even noticed anything was different.
I will say that it was a nice touch with the tip-of-your-hat black t-shirt under your button-down, Tim. That didn’t go unnoticed.
