Kurzweil makes some good points here. He doesn't address each and every criticism with his view of AI progress, but he does a good job calling out Paul Allen on not doing the homework.
Apple won't license software to third party interfaces and sacrifice design to expand market share. That's kind of their thing. Their brand. Their image. That's everything.
But as far as software updates go, why am I still not offered a built-in GPS app?! This is a HUGE core functionality gap. Google doesn't want to share and is keeping their GPS for Android, and Apple won't abandon Google maps (understandably). There needs to be a middle ground because AT&T's GPS app sucks compared to Android or a fantasy Apple GPS.
This is exactly what Apple needs to catch up with Android, but it's going to have to work well, and do more. Apple can't just play catch up, it has to leap frog.
Perhaps, but it's coming. Paypal set out to revolutionize payments and finance, and it was a bit before its time. Peter, Max, Luke, et al. wanted to be an online currency, but struggled to stay afloat when the government (understandably) back-lashed against them. They were, after all, trying to destroy the government in many ways.
So Paypal changed their vision, and sold out. Oh well. All's well that ends well. And things certainly ended well for them. But online currency is inevitable. It's just going to take a little longer.
Also, it doesn't allow me to access cloud copies of music, only my own library. Honestly, the concept of an "own library" is obsolete. I want a service that lets me stream anything I want (like grooveshark), with a powerful and intuitive interface (like old iTunes), and a "local library" feature (like Spotify) of anything I want for offline listening. Add in a worthwhile adaptive radio feature (like Pandora) with sharing capabilities (like last.fm) and you've got the whole package.
His response about the leveling off of Google+ users after the initial hype seems a bit like a dodge. I suspect there has been quite a decline in new users, although I also imagine this doesn't bother the Google+ team as much as you'd think.
20 million users is a large enough test base to start rolling out and field testing new features. Not just new to Google+, but new feature concepts. It gives you an accurate real world response, while remaining small enough that a misstep won't make front page headlines like when Facebook changes their privacy rules. And we know Google doesn't want the FTC in their business again.
They have enough data on you to do social networking better than Facebook, but there's risk in doing it TOO well TOO soon. One day though, you won't add friends or make circles. Google will infer your entire social and activity sphere from who you call and email, what you say, what you search, where you go, and how you shop. The data is getting denser, and Google is tapped into every stream.
His advice about checking email (or any distraction, ahem, Hacker News, Reddit, Facebook) in bursts is spot on. You'll see your productivity go up and your focus will improve.
As an entrepreneur, my ability to hire and motivate great staff is a big concern. Branson is right about it being essential to a successful business. I'd like to see specific, practical advice on selecting and retaining stellar employees.
I use Pandora, Spotify, Grooveshark, and iTunes, and no, I'm not satisfied. I'd like to see a cloud music service that finally gets it right. Completely right. I had high hopes for Google Music, but their interface is lacking and their features aren't rolling out quickly enough.
Pandora has the best auto-track selection, but that should be expected, it's their core service.
Spotify is nice in that I can upload and sync my local library, but I have to pay a premium to stream to my iphone. No deal, Spotify.
Grooveshark is great, although their auto-track selection in Radio Mode can't compare to Pandora. Downside, App store won't let me Groove on my iphone.
Finally, iTunes would swoop in FTW if it weren't for all the DRM BS. I can't even migrate my music to another laptop without a 3 hour iTunes fight. Plus, syncing takes forever. Apple needs to step up their cloud music game.