There are two interesting conclusions that can be made from this interview, the first is how efficient the production of Apple’s iPhone is and the second is how much of an advantage Apple has by being the first mover to revolutionize smartphones. In term’s of Apple’s efficiency we have spoken about the power of Foxconn but, another factor is Apple’s marketing machine. Apple’s commercials, product releases, and retail stores have built loyal customers that continue to purchase Apple products. By being the first mover, Apple invented hardware and software that work smoothly together. No competitor, including Android, has figured out how to tackle the hardware/software issues.

So altogether it looks like Apple does not need to make a cheaper iPhone and will stick to a tiered pricing methodology. It is a good move and a sustainable business model and changing it would hurt a strong brand. The power of a dominate brand is invaluable.

Either way, this is just another big step in changing the way communication companies operate. Imagine not needing a cell phone contract while in NYC because everything is over WiFi? Some questions we are thinking – How would the smartphone market change if subsidies didn’t exist for new devices? How long will it take to get all of NYC on Google WiFi? What institutional bureaucracy will strike first, preventing the spread of affordable high-speed internet?

Apple recently announced that it will be bringing some of its production to U.S. soil but, the full details remain to be seen. While Apple is taking the step in the right direction by joining the Fair Labor Association, improving working conditions at Foxconn, and bringing some jobs to the U.S. ultimately, not much will change.

The reason for this is because of something that we have learned the hard way at Revivn – people and companies only take the sustainable option if it is the better cheaper alternative. If consumers were willing to pay an extra $100 for the newest iPhone, sure than the factories might switch locations or make drastic changes to the production cycle but, that will never happen. In order for Apple to make drastic improvements there needs to be manufacturing innovation that allows for better technology to be produced at a cheaper cost. Essentially, it means that there needs to be more machines doing the work which will ultimately lead to people losing their jobs.

So this is a tough situation and the best option is not so clear, but when new machines are built that can replace people non-union workers never survive.

The usage stats show the same trend with more time being spent on older tablets versus newer models.

If you think about core electronics in a household – think refrigerator, T.V., lights, etc – they all have endless power (somewhat). These items are  necessary pieces of electronics that can be used on demand through a hardline connection. The more you use the more your electrical bill is.

Bringing this to mobile is tricky, you can’t constantly have your mobile device plugged in because then it wouldn’t be mobile yet the majority of people charge there mobile device during the day because if they didn’t their battery would die. And so this is where the real need for innovation is and it looks like the government is taking it seriously. According to the Times, the Energy Department announced a $120MM research lab in Lemont, Ill. to start researching the real extension of battery life. The most encouraging quote from the article is below:

Batteries have advanced from lead-acid through nickel-cadmium, and nickel metal-hydride, to the current lithium ion, and lithium will remain the basis of batteries for the next few years, he predicted, but the hub is looking for the next big thing, something that will store five to 10 times as much energy in a package of the same size and weight.

While we do not expect to see any real advances soon other than standard sustainable improvements, such as a 12 hour battery life on the next iPad, we will be watching this lab closely. We need an alternative power source for mobile devices and whether it comes as disruptive technology or a breakthrough scientific discovery it will be better for the environment and consumers. It might actually make a dent in the growing amount of batteries that are thrown away every single day.

Access to social media is something that continually comes up these days. A recent New York Times article discussed social media sites that are banned on Wall St. As millenials continue to enter the workforce (if they can find a job) it will be interesting to see how corporations adapt to their online social habits. This poses a difficult question: should corporations block social media sites?

Most large corporations operate as a large country intent on getting as much productivity as possible out of their workers. In attempts to monitor this behavior, certain forms of non-professional communication such as Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail that are external to an organization are blocked. There are real reasons for this besides the emphasis on employee productivity. These include IT concerns (malware, viruses, etc), the potential for workers to release confidential company information and limiting distractions (so you are not spending all day congratulating people that got married or had a baby this week).

However, there are also a number of reasons as to why companies should want employees to engage online. Not all social media content is useless and distracting. These days news usually breaks first on Twitter, client relationships may be enhanced via Facebook and tools such as Linkedin were created with the purpose of establishing and cultivating relationships. Employees often work hard throughout the day and need a break. By going online and engaging they can keep in touch with their families and feel better about themselves. This kind of positive reinforcement comes full circle in a workplace when employees are are able to use skills in their social life to further develop practices in their work environment. Finally, most employees likely have a smartphone and can access these sites via mobile device regardless.