Apple iPhone

[bouncer_the_dog]

I got the 8gb ipod touch and its fantastic. 8gb is just fine capacity wise. The zooming, watching youtube on the sofa is great and in the states where i got it downloading tunes while standing outside starbucks is great! Its a fantastic toy. I don't think Ill bother jailbreaking it, its just fine as it is.

The iPhone seems good. We got lost and a friend of mine broke out google maps on it, it was fantastic. For me its too expensive and a bit too big. I have a phone already. Maybe if it gets smaller with some better functions. So I got the iphone without the phone which is the itouch and its great! And considerably cheaper!

 

[Poi E]

Speaking to an Apple engineer a few weeks ago and he said a new iPhone with wifi, 3G etc will be released (US) within the next 2-3 months. Sounds like a cool company to work for.

 

[jæd]

Speaking to an Apple engineer a few weeks ago and he said a new iPhone with wifi, 3G etc will be released (US) within the next 2-3 months. Sounds like a cool company to work for.

iPhone already has wifi...?

 

[Poi E]

iPhone already has wifi...?

er yeah was just going to correct. Shows how much I know about these things!

 

[Gromit]

Why make the iPhone with no 3G, a crap camera, and no video?

I'll wait for the next one... plus 8GB, most music collections are considerabley larger.

Nice to look at though!

The 3g one is likely to be even more expensive mind.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Opera coming to the iPhone

Other than their desire to have it on every system I don't why they're bothering tbh...

Yeah, you heard that right. An Opera developer has stated that they are working on an iPhone version of their browser to be released alongside the iPhone SDK - whenever it comes out. Why? It is hard to speculate - the Safari browser really makes the iPhone/iPod amazing. Opera is persistant though. They want their browser to run on every single device that exists in the universe - from toasters to spaceships, Opera wants to work on everything.

Realistically, though, they aren't going to have much of a chance against Safari on the platform. Opera is a solid browser and brings some awesome features to the fold (built in torrent downloading for instance) but the mobile Safari, with its panning and zooming features will be hard to beat.

I guess we'll have to see. Competition is always good for consumers (us) and perhaps they'll come up with some new features that aren't available yet on Safari. We are looking forward to trying it out.

 

[jæd]

Other than their desire to have it on every system I don't why they're bothering tbh...

Because they can...? And because choice is good... Btw, Palm are pulling the Java JVM from their site so good luck installing Opera on that... http://blog.palm.com/palm/2008/01/last-chance-to.html

 

[rocketman]

They will need to get a 3G model together before the Japanese launch, I suspect. That launch is (I think) set for June, Q2 2008 definitely. So they may talk about this, and introduce it as a 16GB version, certainly a higher capacity is likely. Also note peeps from UK arms of Apple dealing with mktng and publicity have been in SF for around a week, so there's a heap of briefing/training sessions going on in advance of next week's news.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

3G and higher capacity are a big ones. Wonder if they'll drop the current 8gigger or just reduce price?

 

[rocketman]

3G and higher capacity are a big ones. Wonder if they'll drop the current 8gigger or just reduce price?

Not sure on price: I think the last price drop drew quite a bit of criticism, so they'll have to handle that delicately.

The other thing to expect is the first signs of the dev kit for iPhone apps, and (likely) a few demos of upcoming apps from key vendors that will be in development, reckon games and Exchange support. It'll be a bit businessy I think, that bit.

Pretty certain they'll do an update and add a couple of features. But that update could be in february, when the API's ship.

Such an inexact science is Apple-watching. What I have noticed is that Apple have this Expo really nailed down secrecy-wise. B4 the last one they prepped the market with months of iPhone hype, this time the big focus appears to be the sub-notebook Mac, but I constantly feel like I'm dealing with an incomplete jigsaw puzzle this time around. So all bets are on.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Not sure on price: I think the last price drop drew quite a bit of criticism, so they'll have to handle that delicately.

The other thing to expect is the first signs of the dev kit for iPhone apps, and (likely) a few demos of upcoming apps from key vendors that will be in development, reckon games and Exchange support. It'll be a bit businessy I think, that bit.

Pretty certain they'll do an update and add a couple of features. But that update could be in february, when the API's ship.

Such an inexact science is Apple-watching. What I have noticed is that Apple have this Expo really nailed down secrecy-wise. B4 the last one they prepped the market with months of iPhone hype, this time the big focus appears to be the sub-notebook Mac, but I constantly feel like I'm dealing with an incomplete jigsaw puzzle this time around. So all bets are on.

Yeah I noticed that by the little amount of clear anything on some blogs I've been reading...wouldn't surprise if they pulled some rabbit out of the hat like an ultra portable laptop with multi touch screen for under $500...

 

[hendo]

Came across this interesting item about the i-phone's development this week, but I'm not sure I agree with the premise that the device blows open the mobile industry in the way described.

 

[rocketman]

Yeah I noticed that by the little amount of clear anything on some blogs I've been reading...wouldn't surprise if they pulled some rabbit out of the hat like an ultra portable laptop with multi touch screen for under $500...

The other thing, if you take a look at the big Mac news websites in the US, the publishers are scared of Apple legal, and their journalists aren't paid enough or given sufficient opportunity to justify digging out the hard news stories (and to be honest. a lot of them just ain't capable of doing that in the first place). So there's this knowledge gap.

 

[editor]

Came across this interesting item about the i-phone's development this week, but I'm not sure I agree with the premise that the device blows open the mobile industry in the way described.

It's an important phone in some respects, but it's only building on the real innovations that have gone before it by and adding a veneer of Apple's super desirable slickness on top.

It may look very pretty, but it still can't perform many basic smartphone functions and I can't say their exclusive 18 month deals with threatened/built-in bricking for unlocking heralds a great new shiny mobile future for punters.

 

[Sunray]

Its that 18 month contract that nails any possible desire I might have had to the wall with a nail gun.

I have stopped this rabid upgrading given that they seem to be converging on 18 month contracts. Now on 30 days notice 15 quid a month, 1500 o/p min 500txt. Given that my K800i phone hasn't really been anything other than great as a phone camera combo and I don't call at work. The iPhone has to be a better device overall to get me interested.

 

[tarannau]

It's an important phone in some respects, but it's only building on the real innovations that have gone before it by and adding a veneer of Apple's super desirable slickness on top.

It may look very pretty, but it still can't perform many basic smartphone functions and I can't say their exclusive 18 month deals with threatened/built-in bricking for unlocking heralds a great new shiny mobile future for punters.

I don't think that's the jist of that article. It's more that Apple maneuvered itself into a position to start demanding changes in the relationship between network carriers and the phone manufacturers. Features such as the 'visual' voicemail are so logical - why can't you select a specific voicemail from a list - that it begs the question why didn't Nokia, Motorola and the rest demand that network operators do the same many years before.

Equally the iphone, Apple hype or not, show that a well marketed phone can really drive people to specific networks. In mature mobile phone markets acquiring 'switcher' customers becomes ever more vital - phones like this one prove that one specific model can become key in attracting high spending customers and upping internet take up.

 

[jæd]

It may look very pretty, but it still can't perform many basic smartphone functions and I can't say their exclusive 18 month deals with threatened/built-in bricking for unlocking heralds a great new shiny mobile future for punters.

Hasn't this point be answered and debated about 20 times already in the thread...?

 

[rocketman]

It will be very interesting when the device does as much as it is capable of doing because of the future rich forest of Unix-based apps available to it. Smarter than the average phony.

 

[Sunray]

That samsung with the slider keyboard and touch screen looks quite nice.

 

[editor]

It's more that Apple maneuvered itself into a position to start demanding changes in the relationship between network carriers and the phone manufacturers.

A position that I think is good for Apple and bad for the punter who has less choice.

 

[editor]

Hasn't this point be answered and debated about 20 times already in the thread...?

If you're looking for a board where every single post is raising super-fresh points that have never been heard before, you're in the wrong place.

The debate goes on because people are still interested in discussing it.

 

[jæd]

It will be very interesting when the device does as much as it is capable of doing because of the future rich forest of Unix-based apps available to it. Smarter than the average phony.

Well this is why a lot rides on the next few months... The moment I can install a SSH client without having "jailbreak" it, I'm getting one...

(It was the primary criteria for my Treo...)

 

[tarannau]

A position that I think is good for Apple and bad for the punter who has less choice.

Not necessarily so. The fact is that all phone manufacturers have more of a chance of persuading and taking power out of the network operators now. It's shaken up some of the inertia and complacency of the industry, hopefully something which will lead to dividends for us all. Everyone could raise their game a little.

The iphone was never designed as a mass market phone for all sectors. I;m not sure how the entry of a new phone and a new player on a fairly static
marketplace really means less choice to the consumer.

 

[rocketman]

That samsung with the slider keyboard and touch screen looks quite nice.

You mean the Samsung F490?

3.2 inch 16:9 wide touchscreen
Google search
Better UI
5 Megapixel Camera
HSDPA 3.6 mbps/ UMTS/ EDGE (900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100)
Video Recording (MPEG4, QVGA@15fps)
Video Playback (WMV, MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VGA@30fps)
MP3, AAC+, AAC+(e), WMA
OMA DRM v2.0, WMDRM, Multitasking
130MB internal memory + micro SD

UI is still quite ugly, though

 

[editor]

Not necessarily so. The fact is that all phone manufacturers have more of a chance of persuading and taking power out of the network operators now.

Enforced premium rate 18 month contracts and the threat of bricking 'defectors' is not good for punters in anyone's language.

 

[rocketman]

I don't know about that.

It looks quite pretty in Russian:

Принужденная премиальная норма контракты 18 месяцев и угроза кладки кирпича 'невозвращенцы' не хороша для профессиональных игроков на чьем - то языке

 

[tarannau]

Enforced premium rate 18 month contracts and the threat of bricking 'defectors' is not good for punters in anyone's language.

But loads of consumers choose to go for 18 month contracts now - check the back pages of any tabloid and you'll see plenty of offers tempting people to upgrade to more pricey 18 month contracts for a free LCD Tv/games console/ride on a pony etc. Apple ain't alone or pioneering a path here.

The brickign thing strikes me as daft, but I haven't seen much sign of other manufacturers following Apple's lead to be fair. If anything, even Apple seems to be preparing to open things up a little more.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

That samsung with the slider keyboard and touch screen looks quite nice.

My sister in law (Fizz_Gig on here) has one, I had a brief play with it and it's a lovely bit of kit physically, although the UI didn't strike me as particularly user friendly.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Enforced premium rate 18 month contracts and the threat of bricking 'defectors' is not good for punters in anyone's language.

Indeed, although its good to see the networks now advertising "sim only" rates with a 1 month rolling contract. A few years ago it seemed to make sense to take the best phone you could negiote on the contract and sell it as you never got a huge discount for not taking a new phone.

Having now played with i phone and and i pod touch, I think they are great bits or kit, but have to many features missing to justify the high price tag (for me).

If they can sort it out for the mark 2 so that it operates on 3g/hsdpa and make a few changes to the browser then I may be very intrested.

 

[editor]

But loads of consumers choose to go for 18 month contracts now - check the back pages of any tabloid and you'll see plenty of offers tempting people to upgrade to more pricey 18 month contracts for a free LCD Tv/games console/ride on a pony etc. Apple ain't alone or pioneering a path here.

Yes, but you often get a free phone with 18 month contracts and - of course - that's not the only length of contract available. Unlike the iPhone, punters can choose how long they want to their contract to be, how much they want to pay for the phone itself and at what monthly rate.

There's no way that you can spin Apple's 18-months-only-or-fuck-off deal as being some kind of great thing for consumers, especially when it's mixed in with bricking threats.