3G iPhone Going Into Production In May 269
A few folks noted the rumor mill churning over 3G iPhones coming soon. Apparently they might be going into production as early as May, and announced somewhere in the 2nd quarter. Hopefully they manage to stick a GPS and another 16 gigs of memory in this one.
Re:Will it have a Paris Hilton news blocker? (Score:3, Interesting)
WishList (Score:3, Interesting)
What else do you guys think could be added?
Re:They also should add... (Score:3, Interesting)
1) 3G high-speed data download support through HSDPA (which AT&T is implementing in major metropolitan areas).
2) Maximum flash memory increased to 32 GB, the same as the top-line iPod Touch.
3) Improved onboard camera with 4-5 megapixel capability.
4) Bigger capacity battery (though this will increase the thickness of the iPhone about 2-3 mm).
5) Improved transceiving antenna, very necessary for HSDPA connections.
6) Optional software GPS support, using software sold through iTunes Music Store.
Re:Why does iPhone succeed? (Score:3, Interesting)
I'll definitely be getting a 2nd gen...
Re: GPS (Score:4, Interesting)
Besides i don't want GPS built in. As GPS uses a ton a battery power. I want a Bluetooth, or other dongle that occasionally sends GPS data. Why can't I get a car dock, with a built in GPS receiver? Just plug the iPhone in I can listen to tunes, hook up the bluetooth to my car's bluetooth headset, and have driving map to go by all from one device.
Unfortunately the SDK, and Apple's EULA's prevent exactly that from ever happening.
GPS is incredibly useful (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:why (Score:3, Interesting)
I fail to see anything in the parent post that suggests that he doesn't understand. In fact, it's likely that he understands all too well. Perhaps rather than take an argumentative tone in response, you simply add your point to further reinforce the his.
Now, if such large areas in the US can't justify 3G then how could they justify WiFi as an alternative? That is, after all, the Apple position on the matter.
Re:why (Score:3, Interesting)
My girlfriend just got a new phone to replace her two year old one that broke. The new one is almost imperceptibly smaller, the camera is slightly higher resolution, and the default ringtone is more annoying and more difficult to change.
Apple has done very well by resisting the urge to cram more "features" into their devices. Most famously, the iPod.
Re:Why does iPhone succeed? (Score:5, Interesting)
1: Ease of use.
2: High quality software - few software bugs
3: Ipod
4: Very good web browser
5: Some very nice third party software (if you jailbrake it)
I've also have a Nokia E90 - so I'm able to compare my iPhone to a more feature full phone. This is a phone that has almost all the features that you could imagine. 3.5G, GPS, SIP client, multi megapixel camera, keyboard and etc. This is similar to other expensive Nokia phones.
The problems with the Nokia phones are:
1. Several different confusing menus - the series 60 is awful to use
2. Lots and lots of bugs, several that freezes the phones
3. Terrible multimedia software
4: Good web browser with bad user interface. Nokia calls it Safari (webkit) based, but the interface is miles away from the iPhone
Yes my Nokia E90 has it bright spots. For example I bring it along on my travels because of it's GPS and its SIP client. Additionally the keyboard makes it nice using ssh to check problems with servers and etc. And it's really nice to have 3.5G Internet access. But since it's awful to use as a day to day phone it's mostly left at home.
BTW: I live in Oslo, the main capital of Norway. An area with very good 3G and 3.5G coverage. So I know what I'm missing with just the EDGE network.
Re: GPS (Score:3, Interesting)
Will it have a Fly Eye camera? (Score:3, Interesting)
A key benefit of the camera is if you're on a video conference, your image will be looking straight at the camera instead of off screen.
Maps versus GPS (Score:4, Interesting)
then MAYBE you'll have a decent argument about why maps are superior in every way. Maps are useful to be sure but GPS devices do a lot more than just show where streets are located. I use my GPS almost daily. Bet you I get a lot more value out of my GPS than you do from your map.
3G is what Canada needs... (Score:3, Interesting)
It's almost cruel how little Apple has said about a Canadian release (nothing). They haven't even hinted, nor have Telus, Bell, or Rogers. Only recently have we gotten a sign a 'something' in that there's a "French - Canadian" language seeting in the new 2.0 software.
Sigh, I'll keep waiting.
Re:Maps versus GPS (Score:2, Interesting)
So. What.
I don't need any street directions to anywhere, ever. I can plan a 1200 mile trip after glancing at a map and arrive at my destination within 60 seconds of my eta. Including stopping for lunch, coffee, gas, cheese and a visit to the porn shop. done it, numerous times. Navigating from point A to point B anywhere in the U.S. is about the most trivial excercise imaginable.
Optimum routes and detours my sculpted muscular ass. If it takes a computer to figure that out for you, if your optimum route isn't instantly apparent the second you see your options, you're a moron, or the optimal route isn't significantly better than a similar suboptimal route. That particular function should be hardwired into your brain. You're not confused by those maze things on the placemats at Denny's are you?
You get more value out of your GPS than i get e out of my map?? Not a chance. Mathematically impossible. I get my maps free during a pee-breaks at state border welcome stops, or they get delivered for free to my door. Or i ask the person i'm visiting, or i click on "get directions" on the website. Hell, if i'm road tripping, the maps of the state are nailed to the wall at the rest stops. When they start passing out free garmin units with free maps, you let me know.
those other utilities you cite are bullshit. What are you gonna do if the freeway is clogged? Get jammed up in feeder traffic? yes, because your precious GPS doesn't know about traffic there. Or end up on some dum bass route because the routepicking software is stupid.
Play MP3's. Well, now i am truly defeated. Gosh. i wish i could play music in my car without a gps cellphone. dag.
Look, if you want a gadget, fine. Gadgets are fun. I have several. But they are toys. They are not, except for a tiny tiny minority of us, "tools" or productivity enhancers. They are electronic bullshit to amuse us. If you truly truly need GPS to manage your life, you're either completely fucked or you live out of your car and never visit the same place twice. In any case, i have yet to meet anyone who has GPS who says they need it.
Re:Why does iPhone succeed? (Score:3, Interesting)
My old Motorolla V551 took a hard hit and was knocked out cold. I needed a phone - fast... I walked into the Cingular/AT&T store, asked to see a phone that would do more than just be a phone... So I looked at Palm... Been there, done that, have the t-shirt from Handspring... *yawn* --- I looked at Blackberry... too fruity for me... --- I then took a serious look at the (then) top of the line Windows Mobile device... sleek, sexy styling with turbo handling, all the business needs rolled into a nice, convenient package, NATIVE support for Exchange, Word, Excel, full apps, not just viewers, the quintessential Solitaire and more... and then... the price tag... $500 --- I told the sales punk, "I might as well buy an iPhone." So he showed me the iPhone. He turned it on... Ooooh! Aaaah! Here's my credit card. Wrap it up nice and pretty for me, OK?
Several months later, here I am... frigging iPhone doesn't sport ActiveSync, email is a throw back to the dark ages (I think Pine had more features), friggen OS X without copy/cut/paste - WTF?!?! Edge Wireless? That's all? You're kidding right? No voice dialing? No Bluetooth tethering? The list of gripes goes on... But Oooh... it's so pretty...
I love my iPhone - (under my breath: frigging under-developed piece of...)
An alternative to iPhone... (Score:2, Interesting)
http://www.wireless.att.com/businesscenter/atttilt/ [att.com]
You can even change the system look and feel to have it look and behave like an iphone... for 1/3 the cost.
Re:WishList (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Why does iPhone succeed? (Score:2, Interesting)
IMHO, Despite the iPhone's initial shortcomings, Apple got several things right out the gate - Google Maps has proved invaluable to me many a time, even more so with the Locate Me feature that's been recently added -- it's a poor man's GPS of sorts. The Address Book is by far the best I've seen on any phone (compared to Treo, Blackberry, etc.) especially with its tie-ins to the camera/photo library. The iPod ain't shabby either, albeit, 8 GB is a bit slim for my audiophile tastes - so I keep my regular 60 GB iPod handy. The SMS client, while lacking in the MMS dept. is much easier to navigate overall. And since I don't use SMS for MMS purposes, it's no bother to me. But I can see how a person could be bothered by it - especially when receiving MMS on the iPhone - that's no trite task, especially with the lack of copy/paste. The calendar is a God-send, especially with the ability to set multiple alarm structures for a single event and tie in to the telephone features. And the phone itself couldn't be more intuitive when merging/dropping calls, etc. Only thing that does bug me is the inability to poke around in the address book while on a call. Jailbreaking solves this problem, however, not everyone jailbreaks.
Overall, the iPhone is rock solid. However, as a competitor in the corporate arena, the iPhone still has some growing up to do. Blackberry and MS Phones have the edge there. Time will only tell as Apple has recently licensed ActiveSync for Exchange and who knows what else will come to fruition. I for one look forward to the iPhone future, especially since I have a vested interested; being an iPhone owner and all.
Re:Why does iPhone succeed? (Score:3, Interesting)
Take hands-free dialing for example. The State of California issued several press releases about the impending law stating that cell phone use while driving would require hands free, yet, within less than a year of said law taking effect, the iPhone was released without the ability to voice dial, ergo, not being truly hands-free. You think Apple would be up to the task of do-diligence by making sure their user base is able to adhere to local and state legislation. There are alternatives... don't use your phone while driving or only answer calls using a headset. Alternatively, Motorola offers (for about $200) a device that connects to the iPhone and facilitates hands-free voice dialing. The problem is, it's an expensive add-on that should never have been needed in the first place.
Instead of focusing on stock tickers (can be had through the web browser), weather information (can be had through the web browser), and YouTube services (can be had through the web browser), I think the Apple dev team would have spent their time more wisely by addressing real-world issues such as tethering the phone to a BlueTooth laptop for use as a modem, fine tuning the email app so it's not so cludgy (have you ever tried deleted more than 20 emails in a sitting) - I think I have carpal tunnel in my tapping finger... but I digress...
Yes, I understand there will be plenty of items left on a to-do list at the end of a 1.0 release cycle. Many things end up on the cutting room floor. But why cut out common, everyday, key features that just about every modern (cell) phone already supports and leave your customer (and potential fanboy base) high and dry with the "So Sorry" schpeal?
And before you say, "Well, you bought into it anyway" - Yes I did. I know I did. I don't regret that I did. But now that I am here, I am noticing things that could have been done better - just like everyone else who owns an iPhone.
However, I must give Apple props - on a whole, out of the gate, they did quite well. I think Apple was wide to eliminate the 4GB model as well as cut the price of the 8GB model. And the end user experience has been beyond anything I ever found with any other phone...