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Application Quote by Steve Ballmer

“Let's face it, the Internet was designed for the PC. The Internet is not designed for the iPhone. That's why they've got 75,000 applications - they're all trying to make the Internet look decent on the iPhone.” quote by Steve Ballmer
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“Let's face it, the Internet was designed for the PC. The Internet is not designed for the iPhone. That's why they've got 75,000 applications - they're all trying to make the Internet look decent on the iPhone.”

Steve Ballmer

About This Quote

Source Speech: Microsoft Developer Conference, 2007

The Internet’s original architecture favors desktop computers, making mobile adaptation difficult and leading to many apps trying to improve its appearance on phones.

In simple terms: The web was built for PCs, not phones, causing many apps to fix it.

Key Takeaway

Design for mobile first.

Themes

technology design mobile user experience

Mood

frustrated optimistic

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • mobile web browsing
  • app development
  • UI redesign
  • cross‑platform testing

Key Concepts

responsive design platform adaptation app ecosystem

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we redesign the web for phones without excessive apps?
  • What trade‑offs exist between performance and design?
A Different Perspective

Mobile‑first design can be costly and may limit functionality.

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