Has #Apple #Technology Lost its Edge?

Despite all the buzz about the iPhone 5 and new iPad mini, Apple stock has lost almost $100 in value in the last month. So has the tech giant lost its touch and if so what does that mean for investors and marketers?

After fourth quarter results missed analysts' expectations in terms of both earnings per share and iPad sales, the stock dove from over $700 a pop to around the $600 mark last week. So what's the real problem and what can be learnt so others don't fall into this same pitfall?

Is the iPhone 5 and iPad mini really that bad?

It's not that there is anything wrong with either of them. However, some may certainly suggest Apple is cannibalizing its own product lines and devaluing the brand, while burning a lot of cash unnecessarily.

There is no question Apple products have been highly desired over the last couple of years and they make up a good share of the market but perhaps we are at saturation point. Apple lovers have their devices and those who prefer Android and haven't switched yet and aren't likely to by this point. Plus, with so many iPhones out there and how cheap they have become they obviously don't hold the prestige and cool factor they once did.

Let's face it; one of the biggest issues is that Apple really isn't doing anything new. In fact, if anything they are continuing to blow a lot of money just to keep up. So don't be surprised if there is a lot less buzz around future product releases. Even the Microsoft Surface is now receiving far more attention in the media than any of Apple's recent releases.

Finally, there is no question that recent features have clearly signaled the end to the Steve Jobs era of attention to detail and focus on quality. Now Apple isn't even making shareholders happy either. You can make a quick buck pawning any kind of junk no the public for fifteen minutes but any business which wants to stick around or stay on top cannot afford to let quality and dedication to serving up what customers really want slip or it's all over.

Apple devices are certainly still a great marketing platform, if for no other reason than how many of them are out there, but they have lost the sizzle. Besides, entrepreneurs need to be serving others too and there is a lot more room in the Android market than many realize.