News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:Apple Introduces What It Calls an Easier to Use Portable ... by puranjay on Tuesday October 25, 2016 @08:33AM (#12787325)
I invent a wheel

Steve Jobs uses the wheel to create a cart, a wheelbarrow, a chariot and eventually, a bicycle

Does my wheel invention matter more or Steve Jobs' cart invention?

Because by itself, a wheel is useless

Re:Apple Introduces What It Calls an Easier to Use Portable ... by jstandard on Tuesday October 25, 2016 @12:34PM (#12789334)
Both are important. You can argue in circles about the relative importance.

The wheel is a platform innovation, the value of which lies mostly in its conceptual existence which enables useful applications of it. No wheel, no useful applications of the wheel.

The steam engine is another platform innovation. By itself, all a stream engine does is is sit there, eat resources, and belch white smoke. Combine it with some wheels and a large cart. Now you have a game-changing transportation method.