On a lighter note

[azekeil]

I'm very aware 99% of my journal recently has been very... introspective, to say the least.

In an attempt to break that pattern, I'd like to ask you a question. What do you think the 'killer app' is for computers? I have an answer but I'd like to see what you think and why before I tell you what I think it is.

This post brought to you by the letters procrastination and the number work avoidance.

Comments

[oholiab.livejournal.com]

Define 'killer app.'

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Killer Application - as in the application which either kick-started sales of computers or ensured their mass adoption.

I think there is one and it has occurred in the past simply through the evidence of the proliferation of computers - but what is the common element that has lead to their ubiquity?

[woz.livejournal.com]

In that case past or present "app"? Also - can it be a protocol rather than an app - as such! Cos my answer would likely be that - or an associated language!

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

I should clarify further - when I say 'application' I don't necessarily mean software application..

And yes, as I suggest, I believe the Killer App for the computer ensures its continuing ubiquity; it occurred in the past but is still relevant today.

[woz.livejournal.com]

Well I guess that in growth terms it was http that caused the biggest proliferation of computer purchasers once t'interweb grew wings. I guess that could well be interpreted as the browser as suggested below but imo thats just a tool to manipulate an incumbent innovation.

But, having seen your opinion I am way off guessing what you were thinking. Upon reflection though, perhaps not - the protocol was created to link multiple "copies" of information so its interrelated!

Meh - I should go back to my dull slide deck and stop trying to have fun when I should be working!

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly.

Well it certainly beats working ;)

[oholiab.livejournal.com]

If we're talking about adoption en mass by the general public, then it's probably either an easy to use word processor, or it's a game. Being as young as I am, I have no clue which word processor OR which game :)

Hooray :D

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Everyone has aspects of what I'm thinking of in their answers, but I'm really thinking of this underlying concept that underpins everything..

[woz.livejournal.com]

Meh - the original question leads one to believe we are discussing an "app" when really it is a concept as you say above. You cheat - or summat! :P

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

It's interesting to see the way in which my writing was interpreted! I thought the phrase 'Killer App' was fairly widely known, but apparently not! Wikipedia's entry does indeed focus on software applications, but I first heard the term in relation to the Killer App for DVD, which was the film 'The Matrix'. That film was quite often the sole reason for someone to buy a DVD player...

[woz.livejournal.com]

Its the literal interpretation of the abbreviated "App" I guess and its meaning in computer terms.

[woz.livejournal.com]

I should also point out that my interpretation was of a protocol which really doesn't fit into the widely accepted understanding of "App" in the general populus! Go me!

Meh - I can see this is all just subliminal messaging to get us all to go out and buy apples!

[hawkida.livejournal.com]

Web browser. Window onto so much stuff, entertainment, interaction, shopping, information. Not much use without the internet, though...

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

You're on the same lines as me.. but as I said above, I'm thinking of the underlying principles here..

[katieastrophe]

Introduction of GUI?

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

These are all things that almost certainly helped, but not what caused them to gain popularity in the first place I feel.

Why were they originally invented? Actually, this may be a little misleading because I believe the Killer App is actually almost a by-product of the original invention reason..

[ev1ldonut.livejournal.com]

*reads above comments*

Erm. Communication, and specifically, making it eaiser to do so in whatever form you choose.

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

I think you're the closest yet to my definition..

[gerald_duck]

Er… computation. The clue is in the name. (-8

They went through decades of being used for cryptography and accountancy, gradually acquiring the storage to do database work. Only once the technology was really well established did anyone think about CAD, typesetting, A.I. or networks and the PC had to be created before spreadsheets or video games became popular.

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

As I said to malcygoff, I don't believe that the ability to do computation was what made them ubiquitous. Sure, it is nice to be able to 'do stuff' with the information once you have a copy of it, but I do think that's secondary to the ability to duplicate the information for nominal cost. I believe that the ability to duplicate information cheaply was what made them successful and continues to drive them now.

[reddragdiva]

The killer app for any technology is getting people laid. I knew the Internet was a sufficiently mature technology when I realised the previous five people I'd slept with I'd met on Usenet.

[azekeil.livejournal.com]

Heh, you do have somewhat of a point there... ;)