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Hey, Apple and Steve Jobs, Really, What's With The Deceptive Advertising?

Sep. 19, 2008 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

LOL. Talk about not being on the ball. You’re just now wondering what’s up with Apple’s deceptive advertising? Geesh.

AT&T 3G iPhone users are using much less bandwidth than AT&T expected because AT&T's 3G iPhone service is so crappy. Dan recently got a software update from Apple that improved the 3G service, which suggests that the problem was Apple's problem. But his phone is still slow.

So it's time Apple responded to the advertisment below (from August).  The ad appears to demonstrate a 3G iPhone that has never been seen in the wild and bears no resemblance to the 3G iPhones Apple is minting money with.

Is Apple's advertising as deceptive as it seems? What does Steve Jobs have to say about this? Are Apple's quality standards--from products to messaging--starting to slip? We know Apple's working hard to make the 3G phone faster, but it's time the company also responded to the ad.

They can’t respond. Because if they did, they’d have to admit that their ads are deceptive. Because they are.

Discuss this Article 101

kempcv
on Sep 19, 2008
With the ads that I have seen lately from Apple I personally would not by Apple if it was the only choice.
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
Well, to Apple's credit, that's not the only deceptive advertising they're doing. And it's not like this is the first time they've indulged in deceptive/hypocritical marketing. Anyway, prepare for another set of attacks from the Mac users, Paul.
Master3
on Sep 19, 2008
Apple fanatic response: Paul, You are a very evil man to attack Apple's advertising like that. I cant believe how low you have sunk! Now if You excuse me, I have to continue attacking Microsoft's ads, because me doing it is totally ok.
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
There is actually a law suit about the speed being slower than the ad. I think it's in Florida. They obviously speeded up the video or the ad. It's stupid not to put a disclaimer on the video that actual speeds may vary, like at the website. Did I miss it? Any way, if you look at other devices, such as the Verizon ads, there is a note at the bottom of the screen stating something like "screen images simulated" and it's shown for a while too. The claim can be proven true, but the ad speed is unrealistic, so that's what the lawsuit is about, at least to my knowledge.
richardfrisch
on Sep 19, 2008
I am surprised, surprised I tell you, to read that Apple would exaggerate. The sky is falling!
Ribatu
on Sep 19, 2008
Just joined. I really like Paul's in-depth reviews of XBox 360 games. But I think this post is pointless. Is there ever any truth in advertising? From any business? OK, so my wife's iPhone (I'm a Blackberry user myself) is slower than Apple's commercial but nowhere near as slow as that YouTuber's. Let's talk about something more meaningful instead of struggling to create an expose on wireless bandwidth promises.
clindhartsen
on Sep 19, 2008
Honestly, this doesn't seem that amazing to be honest with those who have listened to all the bickering about AT&T, but I think the bigger issue is the common user getting duped into getting one of these phones, believing that they'll get 3G, but don't. Some of them may never know the difference, but it kind of defeats the whole purpose of the "3G" on the "iPhone 3G"
tayme
on Sep 19, 2008
Hey, Paul...It looks like your negativity is starting to pay off. I have seen a lot of new names posting to your site over the last several days. It works just like in politics!!! Still running --tayme
johnpapola
on Sep 19, 2008
This ad was false without question. The first time I saw this thing, I was like... oh boy, they really set themselves up with this one. So, yes, this ad is deceptive. Don't forget, though, that the first round of iPhone advertising was put to this exact same scrutiny and was demonstrated to be true. Once again Paul, you fall into the lazy trap of the confirmation bias. You are already convinced that Apple's advertising is ALWAYS or MOSTLY deceptive and you strictly seek out confirmation of that theory. A bigger question would be "what percentage of Apple's messages are deceptive". I believe that percentage is actually pretty low. But determining that would be an empirical pursuit, and not just seeking out confirmation of my own bias.
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
tayme, the entire tech world is filled with negativity. Why should Paul be any different. Anyway, a good example is a silly video by David Pogue today: http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=ca047c12e105091272b2660a84fc218433... At first it looks harmless. But this is exactly the kind of stuff Paul gets attacked for. The same people who applaud Apple for the fact that iPod has a bigger ecosystem, more accessories, and a much bigger user base, take offense when Paul says the same about Windows.
WebGuy3000
on Sep 19, 2008
All advertising is deceptive. For example, Eva Langoria is demonstrably NOT a PC. And there's no way that guy in the MS print ad cut that hole in the wall with a Milwaukee Sawzall. Where's the outrage?
j4m3s0n79
on Sep 19, 2008
Yeah, and those scrubbing bubbles ads are a load of horse pucky. I sprayed them and the bubbles barely moved. Honestly though, the ad is pretty rediculous....they must have had it connected wifi at the att global network core. Did anything stop to think that maybe steve jobs is just better at using the iphone that you? he is! It's true!
tayme
on Sep 19, 2008
@sharky - I agree...the entire tech world is that way...but for the most part, over the years Paul has stayed away from that. All of a sudden in the last several weeks, it is all negativity. My conspiracy theory is that Paul is part of the $300 million campaign that MS is in the midst of. Don't get me wrong...I like seeing that MS is finally working to set the record straight on Vista...it is about time, in my mind. Still running --tayme
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
"My conspiracy theory is that Paul is part of the $300 million campaign that MS is in the midst of." So is Mike. :-)
johnpapola
on Sep 19, 2008
@Tayme, I'm with you. With all our problems in this country, right now in particular, it is a very bizarre decision for anyone to spend their time daily defending a highly profitable monopoly's brand t unless you are being paid to do so. Paul has been an uncritical cheerleader of every piece of this MS campaign. He's offered nothing that you could even call commentary. Mojave Experiment? "Awesome". Bizarro world Jerry and Bill? "Awesome, obviously". This new campaign "awesome". This isn't blogging. This is marketing.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Sep 19, 2008
shark47 If I am, somebody in Windows Marketing owes me a part of that $300M. (Serious disclaimer, although I have worked for Microsoft in the past as an employee and have consulted to Microsoft in the past as well, I am not currently a Microsoft employee and my only current financial connection to Microsoft is that I'm doing a writing gig for a company that contracts to another company that contracts to Microsoft)
tayme
on Sep 19, 2008
@mikegalos - Are the parties of said writing gig perhaps Penton Media, Windows IT Pro, and Paul Thurrott? Seems that way! ;-) --tayme
johnbaxter
on Sep 19, 2008
I treat all ads as deceptive. I am rarely disappointed.
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
But this is stupidity. There is a disclaimer on so many ads that they probably have more with than without. All Apple had to do was to post Speed may vary with location, like at their website. Hence the lawsuit. I think this one has some merit because of the ad. Stevo ought to reprimand the team for it.
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
Consider this. If someone thought that the disclaimer needed to be posted on the web, then why not on the TV ad? Duh!
lotsamystuff
on Sep 19, 2008
"I have worked for Microsoft in the past as an employee..." As a Microsoft Evangelist, actually. Or as we call it in the real world, a WinJihadist. (dictionary.com definition of a jihad: "2. any vigorous, emotional crusade for an idea or principle." That's what an "evangelist" does.)
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
At least Mike got paid for it. Most apple users, on the other hand are willing to do it for free. I actually agree with and support Paul's approach. He has been critical of MS too, but that's usually ignored by those who attack him. The way john goes after Paul for every negative story on Apple, it almost seems like he's being paid by Apple's PR department to bury negative news stories or their authors.
Lindy
on Sep 19, 2008
http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2008/09/14/as-suspe... Hey Paul what is it ATT or Apple? Maybe that iPhone was on the T-mobile network in Europe.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Sep 19, 2008
tayme No. I have no monetary connection to this site. This is just a hobby.
mikegalos@msn.com
on Sep 19, 2008
lotsa So nice to see somebody taking an interest in my work. Yes. I did spend a year as an evangelist (but acting as a liason to developer and product executives at very large multinational partners). Most of my time at Microsoft has been as a Program Manager, designing and coordinating work on products.
Lindy
on Sep 19, 2008
"This is just a hobby" obsession, lifestyle:)
deepfry
on Sep 19, 2008
Actually it seems to me that Paul is more responding to the allyinsider article who are just now saying that Apple's ads are deceptive...though I do agree the phrase "why bother" does come to mind here....
deepfry
on Sep 19, 2008
"Hey Paul what is it ATT or Apple?" This post was tallking about the fact that Apple's ads are deceptive, not about whose fault it is that the product doesn't perform to some people's standards....
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
At least Mike was actually on the team, while the rest of you complainers were not! Go Steelers!!!!
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
FYI Don't say I never gave iPhone users anything: "Air Sharing" for iPhone or iPod touch for free" As a reader discovered, Avatron Software's Air Sharing is available for free via Apple's App Store. That's $6.99 off and the lowest price we've seen for this software. Air Sharing allows you to use your iPhone or iPod touch as a wireless external hard drive; it works with Windows-, Mac-, and Linux-based computers. Click here for more information. Deal ends September 22.
Waethorn
on Sep 19, 2008
I have seen fast web browsers before, buy fast GPS is just non-existant. For any GPS satellite to lock on to you that fast is a LIE!
Dipsh t Admin
on Sep 19, 2008
lotsa, be careful what you say, as you are just about proving the iCabal. Let's compare: "(dictionary.com definition of a jihad: "2. any vigorous, emotional crusade for an idea or principle." That's what an "evangelist" does.)" Definition of cabal: "To unite in a small party to promote private views and interests by intrigue" That's what Apple does, and has been doing it from the 1984 ad, to the secrecy, etc. I'm offended that you would call my cohorts, and by extension, me, as a jihadist. It's insulting and bigoted and you've really jumped the shark if you feel this way... Actually, I really don't feel this way or care, but I do sound like some people who claim false outrage over the cabal term. ;) "All of a sudden in the last several weeks, it is all negativity." C'mon Tayme, you're better than that. The negativity about things has been around for quite some time well before the ad campaign. Look at posts from months ago.
Nickelgreen
on Sep 19, 2008
I think that any advertising campaign has something deceptive in itself. So it's not surprising that these ads are hyping a product in its best situation. The fact is that these kind of things (issues, deceptive ads, inconsistencies, uincompatibilities) are normal to common people, but are "unbelievable" for this minority who uses these devices (the same people believing, blindfolded, that iPhones will conquer the market - no comment).
Anna_T
on Sep 19, 2008
Sooo... If someone "attacks" (seems like these days telling the truth is a form of attack) Apple, then that means he is a Microsoft employ? Holy cow! and all this time I have been saying what I think for free. ;( Wait a minute, then how much Apple spent on all those little MacFanBoys (the "bad guys" not the normal Mac users) for trolling/flaming at every Windows "fan" site?
Lindy
on Sep 19, 2008
@deepfry Paul uses a YouTube video to show that the web speed is slow in the add and therefore deceptive. Paul's other article I linked, shows that 3G speeds from ATT are subpar but in Europe they are double what ATT offers. I agree that all ads are full of cr@p and the inventor of Tivo/DVR should get a nobel prize.
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
Even the ads of a nearby competing group has BS on it. They claim they are the best at ****, when we trained at the same place and same time at a local training place, that is actually the best. Then they wrote they were the first in the area to have ****, when my group was. They continually keep the ads going. They even discouraged some of young docs from joining my group, but that was not an ad. I'm sorry for venting, but obviously I can't lose my cool at a meeting. I scare people when I'm angry. You normal humans are just too small. Go Flyers!
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
Go Wildcats. Go Sun Devils. Go Trojans. Go Bruins. Go Cardinals. Go Golden Bears. Go Ducks. Go Beavers. Go Huskies. Go Cougars.
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
Even Microsoft fans are copy cats:)
mikegalos@msn.com
on Sep 19, 2008
btw: Paul's Windows Weekly podcast is up on Twit.TV today (they recorded early)
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
"Even Microsoft fans are copy cats:)" :-)
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
Also Sharkster, notice that I did NOT type "fanboy", out of respect! [Godfather style of course, but that would actually be Mike 'Corleone' Galos] Doc
Ocean
on Sep 19, 2008
All US 3G is slow. More ad executives are calling the disjointed ad campaign subpar. Surf to the usual sources to see their opinions.
Ocean
on Sep 19, 2008
>>I was asked to be in this new Microsoft commercial. I guess I was supposed to be the guy that says "I'm a PC and I blog for Obama". Of course, I'm an avid Mac user, so that wasn't going to work out. In fact, it was great seeing Macs outnumber PCs at Netroots Nation and the Big Tent this year. And really, Microsoft's attempt to make PCs hip and cool is pretty lame. That ship sailed a long time ago.<< http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/18/12611/2132/682/602409
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
Ocean, thanks for starting the anti-MS news and blog aggregation service again. We were missing that. One blogger's opinion does not make it a universal truth. But, these links might get you into the good books of the "cool kids". Keep trying and you'll probably move out the "wannabe" status.
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
Everybody else, I've heard the expression, "don't shoot the messenger," but in this case, the messenger is more annoying than the message itself. tayme, I had mentioned this to you earlier too. Many of Ocean's questions are flame-bait and he deserves the responses he gets from Mike.
Ocean
on Sep 19, 2008
>>the anti-MS news << Are you saying that the only people welcome here are those that 'drink the MS koolaid'? Veeeeeeeeeeery interesting.
Ocean
on Sep 19, 2008
>>Many of Ocean's questions are flame-bait << I'd suggest you stick to talking technology and not about the posters.
shark47
on Sep 19, 2008
"Are you saying that the only people welcome here are those that 'drink the MS koolaid'?" No. Just that I find you extremely annoying. If Paul hadn't locked the other threads, you'd be posting the same comment on multiple threads. More often than not, the comment has nothing to do with Paul's article itself, which makes it even more annoying. You also ask questions to which the answers are obvious, simply to put one product or company down. Microsoft can be criticized for a lot of things. But posting comments from people who obviously dislike Microsoft is annoying to say the least. So, there you go. I've given you some of the reasons why I find you annoying. Have a good weekend!
DRWAM
on Sep 19, 2008
Ocean, if you're quoting the Arte Johnson character on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh In", then I know you're age.
marc57
on Sep 19, 2008
MS koolaid?, Give me a break. People who buy a Mac wiht the same parts inside that mine has but at more than TWICE the price aren't "hip" or "cool", just Lame.

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