a16z Podcast a16z Podcast: The Promise (and Nightmare) of Cross-Platform Software
Jun 6, 2014
Steven Sinofsky, the former president of Microsoft's Windows division, joins to dissect the intricacies of cross-platform software development. He shares insights on the evolving programming landscape, spurred by Apple's Swift announcement. The conversation highlights the stark philosophical divide between Apple and Google while offering strategies for startups navigating app creation in a crowded market. Sinofsky also addresses the illusion of consistency across platforms and emphasizes the importance of targeting the right audience for app success.
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Platforms Diverge As They Differentiate
- Platforms diverge as they differentiate features, breaking early cross-platform abstractions.
- iOS focuses on hardware integration while Android focuses on cloud, creating incompatible APIs.
The Repeating Cycle Of Divergence
- Cross-platform success fades as vendors add unique APIs and UI metaphors over time.
- Historical cycles show early sameness then divergence that breaks simple abstractions.
Prioritize The Differentiating 10%
- Focus on the differentiating 10% that makes your app feel great on a platform.
- Prioritize platform-specific work where user experience or features define your product.