Sure, they use it generate interest. I certainly hope they do. But what if they did something else instead?

What if the rumor-mongered to generate ideas?

Apple seems to do it all the time now too. Maybe it's just looking for a conspiracy when there isn't one, but think about it. What a great business model:

1. Think about something that people are dissatisfied with and is lagging technologically.
2. Use your reputation and clout to monger a rumor about an "upcoming" product.
3. Cherry pick ideas generating by hundreds of people.
4. Develop and polish product.
5. Profit!

Seems pretty simple to me. You off-load all of your speculative R&D efforts onto the public. That is probably the most cost-intensive portion of any company that relies on innovation. Brilliant!

With all that's going on in the world, this is what we are paying our legislators to address? When are the next elections again? Come on people, we have to be able to do better than this.

lol