Steve Jobs introduced five new software for iPod touch in Macworld Expo 2008; Mail, Note, Weather, Maps, and Stock. These softwares are included in newly shipped iPod touch, and for old iPod touch users, apple provides a software upgrade for $19.99.
That's good thing for iPod touch users, because these five softwares are much needed, I-am-going-to-hack-for-that things. So most of iPod touch users might be very satisfied and gladly pay additional $19.99.
But not in South Korea. Of course these softwares are good. But not that good. Why? First of all, iPod touch does not have a Korean keyboard. Apple says that iPod touch supports Korean language, and it sure does display Korean quite well, but it does not have a Korean keyboard. It caused problems especially when using Safari. So a Korean user made a Korean keyboard software which runs on iPod touch with jailbreak. That helped a lot. But with this upgrade, it is useless. However, surfing internet is not that hard without a keyboard. It is inconvenient, of course, but, you know, you can. But just think about Mail and Note. What would you do with Mail and Note if you cannot type in?
...but no Korean
Second problem is about Maps. As you know it uses Google maps. Google maps is fantastic service as Steve jobs himself demonstrated at Macworld 2008 keynote. But Google maps does not provides its service in South Korea. When you look at South Korea in Google maps, you will see blank space. Without maps, Maps is not...er... maps.
And third and the most important problem is, something like this. Think of a Korean user saying 'OK. I get it. But I don't need a Korean keyboard. I WANT those softwares!' And he or she tries to get the upgrade...... but can't. Because Apple provides this upgrade via iTunes Music Store. And there is no Korean iTunes Music Store.
Apple always emphasized that they make both hardware and software. And that is true. They make amazing devices because they make softwares too. But in South Korea, they only sells hardwares and South Korean customers and even Apple fans are realizing it.
