Quoted from http://www.bspcn.com/2007/07/11/whats-hidden-in-the-iphones-fine-print/:
What’s Hidden in the iPhone’s ‘Fine Print’? | The Best Article Every day
11 Jul
Posted by admin as Uncategorized
Written by Doug Ross
Telecom Analyst Bruce Kushnick has inspected the iPhone’s terms of service and offers some surprising revelations (emphasis mine):
1) iPhone Requires a 2-Year Contract with AT&T.
2) Expensive: Requires $2,280, Over $1,730 in Wireless Costs.
3) Double Billing. You and the Caller Both Get Charged for the Same Call.
4) All Use of the Networks Are Always Rounded Up to the Nearest Kilobyte or Minute.
…This practice is now standard and is anti-competitive. In the 1990’s, phone companies, to be competitive, created “6 second billing”, where the call was rounded to the nearest 1/10th of a minute. This change adds 15+% to the average bill. Moreover, the companies now have all gone to full minute billing, full kilobyte billing, so that they can make an extra minute on almost every transaction…
5) Customers Are Billed for “Network Errors” and “Network Overhead”.
6) Billed Even Though the Call Doesn’t Go Through.
7) Bogus Fees Added to the Bill: Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge
The “Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge” is a made-up charge that should have been included in the cost of service instead of a separate line item. Most carriers are charging this fee, even though it is not government mandated or a legitimate tax. By making it a separate line item, the phone company gets more money and doesn’t have to include this line item in the advertised cost of service. According to AT&T:
“The Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge is a charge assessed by AT&T and is not a tax or government-mandated charge. This charge is subject to change from time to time as the cost of compliance changes…. The purpose of the charge is to defray AT&T’s costs associated with payment of fees and compliance with various initiatives imposed by the government. Please note that costs may be incurred and charged prior to initiation of any of the respective services.”
$175.00 Termination Fee.
9) International Messages Are Charged Additional Fees as Are Files Over 300Kbps.
…While it cost[s] nothing extra to send an email overseas using the Internet, AT&T has decided that all messages outside the US or larger than 300 K should cost extra:
“International messages not included. Charges for international messages sent from the U.S. are 20¢ for Text Messages and 50¢ for Picture/Video Messages. Additional charges for premium messages and content apply. Messages over 300 KBs billed an additional 50¢/message.”
10) Over Your Quota: Get Gouged: 40¢ Per Minute and 69¢ Roaming Offnet.
11) The Services Are Not Secure and Can’t Block Your Phone Number.
12) The Current Mobile Email Service Doesn’t Support Attachments.
13) Prohibited Uses and “Unlimited” Sales Hype.
Even though the service is called “unlimited” they are simply using that word as a marketing concept, not an actual service description. You can’t use the service for VOIP and worse “unlimited plans cannot be used for uploading, downloading or streaming of video content (e.g. movies, tv), music or games.” Here are just some of the restrictions [prohibited services]:
* With server devices or with host computer applications, including, without limitation, web camera posts or broadcasts, continuous jpeg file transfers, automatic data feeds, telemetry applications, peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing, automated functions or any other machine-to-machine applications…
* for voice over ip…
* in conjunction with wwan or other applications or devices which aggregate usage from multiple sources prior to transmission…
* Except for content formatted in accordance with at&t’s content standards, unlimited plans cannot be used for uploading, downloading or streaming of video content (e.g. movies, tv), music or games. Furthermore, unlimited plans (except for dataconnect and blackberry tethered) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device
14) Service Is Not Intended to Provide Full-Time Connections: Unlimited is Hype - Don’t use the service too much or the phone company can terminate your service.
15) Wi-Fi Service is Limited - “To ensure that the Wi-Fi Service is not being used fraudulently, AT&T limits your usage of the Wi-Fi Service to 150 uses per month” …Does that mean that if you lose signal a few times during one session, or you are traveling and go between ‘hot spots’ you can rack up lots of ‘uses’?
16) “Offnet” Restrictions - If you have a service and you happen to call other ‘offnet’ services, including wireline phones, or non-AT&T subscribers, you have to ‘limit’ your use, be charged or be terminated.
17) Plan Goobly-gook - …There are plan fees, taxes and surcharges, roaming fees, text fees, Night and Weekend Minutes, Mobile to Mobile Minutes, Anytime Minutes and Rollover Minutes, EDGE/GPRS and BroadbandConnect, offnet, AT&T Video clips, Data Connect Unlimited, WI-FI CONNECT, constraints on ‘unlimited plans including “20% of 6 Megabits offnet”, “150 uses of Wi-Fi”, and other restrictions…
18) Comparing US and Other Broadband Countries: America Is being Laughed At.
Why did iPhone get deployed on a slow, closed network? That answer may not be known, but it is clear that iPhone is being deployed on an old-technology network, and is neither state-of-the-art nor fast. Here’s some info about the [wired] networks… “The median U.S. download speed now is 1.97 megabits per second - a fraction of the 61 megabits per second enjoyed by consumers in Japan … Other speedy countries include South Korea (median 45 megabits), France (17 megabits) and Canada (7 megabits).”
19) The Upcoming Wireless Spectrum Auctions - The upcoming 700 MHz wireless spectrum auctions are underway [and] the bottom-line is [that] America needs open wireless networks, and it should be clear to anyone who is considering buying an iPhone that the AT&T networks should not be the only network for this innovative product.
These types of anti-innovation restrictions make it clear why the incumbent telcos shouldn’t be permitted to bid on the newly liberated 700MHz spectrum.
Go to Save the Internet now and take action.
Update: Tim Wu has more.
Quoted from http://nanocr.eu/2007/07/03/iphone-without-att/:
So sue me » Blog Archive » iPhone Independence Day
I’ve found a way to activate a brand new unactivated iPhone without giving any of your money or personal information to AT&T NSA. The iPhone does not have phone capability, but the iPod and WiFi work. Stay tuned!
Update:
Magic iTunes 7.3.0.54 numbers:
Offset 2048912: 33C0C3
Offset 257074: 28
Offset 257013: 33C9B1
Add “127.0.0.1 albert.apple.com” to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Download Phone Activation Server v1.0 to activate your iPhone for iPod+WiFi use. Note that this application will not do anything unless you understand the magic numbers as well as add the hosts entry. Phone Activation Server (PAS) requires that you have the MS .NET Framework 2.0 installed.
Download PAS v1.0 Source Code.
Quoted from http://www.neomeme.net/2007/06/26/iphone-review-roundup/:
-
- Published by Ilya Lichtenstein on June 26, 2007 06:26 pm under John Dvorak, N95, iphone, reviews
- There has been so much hype around the iPhone that I, like Dvorak, just want to say Shut Up Already. Regardless of your opinion of the iPhone(I think it’s completely overhyped) there’s no denying that, for the smartphone-starved American market(no US carrier has picked up recent comparable smartphones like the N95 ),the iPhone is something quite different and revolutionary. Attempting to cut through the infinite hype and speculation, here are some reputable actual reviews of the iPhone. Not guesses
or assumptions based on a 10 minute trial- actual reviews from actual journalists who have had time to review the device in detail.
Looking at many actual reviews, perhaps we can see some consistencies that cut through the hype.
- Reviewer: Wall Street Journal
Bottom line: “Despite some flaws and feature omissions, the iPhone is, on balance, a beautiful and breakthrough handheld computer. Its software, especially, sets a new bar for the smart-phone industry, and its clever finger-touch interface, which dispenses with a stylus and most buttons, works well, though it sometimes adds steps to common functions.”
- Reviewer: New York Times
Bottom Line: “The iPhone is revolutionary; it’s flawed. It’s substance; it’s style. It does things no phone has ever done before; it lacks features found even on the most basic phones.”
- Reviewer: Newsweek.
Bottom Line: “Even those who never buy one will benefit from its advances, as competitors have already taken Apple’s achievements as a wake-up call to improve their own products. But for all its virtues, the iPhone is still a risky venture because it’s yet to be proven that, despite the wow factor, millions of people are ready to pay several hundred dollars more than the going rate for phones.”
- Reviewer: USA Today
Bottom Line: “Even a prodigy needs to grow up. I’d love iPhone to deliver my company mail, tap into a faster data network and provide expandable memory, instant messaging and GPS. The price could be lower, too. My wish list aside, iPhone’s splash of a debut is worthy of the attention it is receiving.”
- So, overall, what statements can be made about the iPhone?
Pros: Visual voicemail, fantastic email,dazzling web browser,Google Maps with free traffic reports,beautiful interface
Cons: No memory card, no Java or Flash,no video camera, no 3G, expensive
Quoted from http://thebrowser.blogs.fortune.com/2007/06/29/the-iphone-is-business-medias-paris-hilton/:
The Browser: Analyzing the tech biz The iPhone is business media’s Paris Hilton «
The iPhone is business media’s ParisHilton
The Browser nowunderstands how the folks attelevision news organizations like CNN(part of the CNN/Money family)feel when they privately complain aboutleading the news with stories about Paris Hilton. They know the story is overhyped and lacks the value of other news, but they struggle with the fact thatviewers seem to love it, even demand it.
The iPhone isourParis Hilton.
The news value of the product launch doesn’t merit all the coverage it is getting - but yeteverytimeThe Browser writes about the iPhonewegettons of reader feedback. (Some of it comes from Apple (AAPL)enthusiasts who seem to pore over every sentence looking for hidden or overt anti-Apple bias.) Sowe feed the beast with more iPhone stories and blog posts.
And like Paris Hilton, the iPhone won’t go away.To paraphrase New Yorkmagazine’s Undulating Curve of Shifting Expectations, there will be backlash to the iPhone and then backlash to the backlash. (We’rewell past the overhype stage, so expect the iPhone to be uncool in about 3 days, and so uncool-it’s-coolby mid July.)
Perhaps by the time we hitthe backlash to the backlash to the backlashwecan moveon to blogging about other news of the day. Like Paris Hilton’s latest exploit. Meanwhile, keep reading the Browser for more about, you guessed it, the iPhone.
Quoted from http://www.gearlog.com/2007/06/iphone_bluetooth_compatibility.php:
iPhone Bluetooth Compatibility List - Gearlog
As Dan Costa has been editing Tim’s and my iPhone review, I’ve been busy attaching every Bluetooth headset I can find to our iPhone. Want to know what works and what doesn’t?
So far my recommendations - strictly in terms of iPhone compatibility - are the BlueAnt V12 headset and the BlueAnt Supertooth Light in-car speakerphone. The V12 had unusually clear connections and transferred caller ID information to its built in screen accurately. The Supertooth, meanwhile, fixed the iPhone’s problem of having a too-quiet speakerphone by really pumping up the volume.
For full results with headsets and speakerphones, head to the jump.
Garmin Nuvi 660 speakerphone/GPS: Pairing OK. Dialing OK. Speakerphone OK. BUT microphone is AWFUL - call sounded horribly noisy and muffled on other end. Also, Nuvi stalled while trying to transfer 1585 contact phone book.
Motorola H800: OK.
Plantronics Voyager 510: OK.
Plantronics Pulsar 590 (in mono mode): OK.
SoundID SM100: OK, but some background hiss.
Blueant V12: OK, and unusually loud and clear! Number, not name caller ID on headset screen.
Blueant Supertooth Light: OK
Motorola H9: OK, but very staticy
Samsung WEP200: OK, and loud
Have you tested any Bluetooth headsets? Add them here.
Quoted from http://www.smashsworld.com/2007/06/10-things-that-absolutely-suck-about.php:
smash’s world: 10 Things that "Absolutely suck" about the iPhone. (Yes I have one) _ the offical homepage of Ben Guild (smash)
— Friday, June 29, 2007
10 Things that “Absolutely suck” about the iPhone. (Yes I have one)
This is a hands-on report, and I really hope that they fix as many of these issues as they can!!
Cross-posted at MacRumors for discussion: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=322382
Digg this, seriously. I hope these issues are noticed and updated.
Today I went to the Apple store around 2PM EDT and waited for the iPhone with some friends that I’d had no idea would be there. I bought my phone, and was excited. Got home, couldn’t get it to connect. After 15 minutes, realized that a new version of iTunes (7.3) had been released.
Neither ‘Software Update’ or iTunes itself had prompted me about it, so I ended up manually downloading from Apple.com — problem solved. Got my content synced over (chose a few specific playlists, mail accounts, photo albums, and the “Unplayed” podcast criteria), and began exploring the iPhone’s various features.
_____________________________
1. The overall lack of a [visible] filesystem, and web-browser limitations.
I want to be able to download things from the web on my phone (ringtones from indie bands, content-creations from Mobile17 or band-promotions at Mozes, images from websites that I want to save and open later on my desktop) — Why did I pay for 8GB of space that I can’t friggin use! Is this a joke?
Downloading music is not possible from the iTunes Store (not accessible on-the-go) or even just random websites. The same goes for ringtones, spreadsheets, and other files. One thing that it does do surprisingly well, though, is read PDFs!
There is also no flash support (yet) as many already are aware of, so no cartoons or games either.
_____________________________
2. Why can’t I do [obvious task]?
Numerous times I’ve run into problems with not being able to do very simple tasks… the iPhone’s simplicity actually makes it MORE complicated.
~~ Example:
I got an e-mail from a company I’d ordered car parts from concerning an issue I’d had, they asked me to take a photo. I jumped at the opportunity to test out the phone’s camera (yay!) and was pleased with the quality. I then went back to the Mail section (after taking the picture) and clicked ‘Reply’, wrote a short note, then went to attach the picture. Wait… you CAN’T ATTACH THE PICTURE! There’s no option, since there’s no visible file-system.
I then back-tracked to return to the ‘Camera’ section via the Main menu… clicked the icon I assumed was ‘Send this photo’ (there are no popup ‘text-tool-tips’ to help you [as far as I know], so you can only guess what certain buttons do if they’re vaguely represented by their icons) and was presented with options to either ‘Use as Wallpaper’, ‘Email Photo’ (ding ding ding!), or ‘Assign to Contact’ — which I’m sure will sync with your Address Book back to your Mac, very cool.
After choosing the E-mail option, I was presented with a blank message, not including his e-mail address or any of what I’d typed before. Of course he’s not in my Address Book, so I had to go back to the Mail section, write his e-mail address on my hand (since you can’t copy and paste??) with a PEN…. analog style (wtf!!), then type it in manually into that new message with a new subject. Is this a joke? How is that productive at all… shame on you Apple.
_____________________________
3. You can’t type fast without a lot of practice, and entering passwords isn’t so private.
Unlike typing (T9 or even just Multitap) on a regular handset with raised buttons, all of the keys feel the same on this one… and triggering the wrong one is ridiculously easy. It seems like they wrote in something to correct common mistakes, but overall your days of casual typing on a familiar 3×4 grid of keys are over. You really need to pay attention on this one or you’re screwed.
The other thing I noticed was that when you’re logging into various websites… even though Safari blocks out the text as you enter your password… the keyboard still magnifies whatever you’re typing to a distance visible from at least 5 feet. Not very safe. This is unfortunately a design flaw with the text entry in general, don’t plan on surfing the web in public yet.
So far, the best way I’ve found to type on the iPhone is by flipping it sideways like a T-Mobile Sidekick. With both thumbs doing the work, you can keep the device steady with your palms and your lettering consistent. However, you can’t activate the tilt feature in any area but the web-browser (so you’re screwed in the SMS/E-mail areas, where you really need to be able to type). Why would they do that?
_____________________________
4. Messaging? What messaging? Sorry, distracted by all of the Junk E-mail.
No AOL/MSN Instant Messengers, no picture messaging, no video-conferencing (although that’s a bit of a long-shot).. and even just sending pictures via e-mail is a pain in the arse unless it’s the start of a conversation. (see problem #2)
Also, clearly visible is the lack of any sort of Junk Mail filter. I get a lot of SPAM and this is absolutely critical. Having my e-mail on-the-go always seemed like a luxury to me…. Now that I have that opportunity, anyone looking over my shoulder will see me scrolling through ads for fake health products and notices from banks I’ve never even heard of saying my accounts have been compromised. How irritating, it could at least import the rules I’ve setup on my Mac’s mail client.
_____________________________
5. Menu navigation blunders.
“Back” buttons change into “Edit” buttons in a few areas… so just when you expect to be taken back further to the Main menu, you get sent into a completely new area. You then have to toggle back out of it with the same button. Argh… extra tapping.
Also, I have to click several times needlessly past the Mail folders just to toggle between Mail accounts… similarly structured to that of an iPod, but with another useless level. Think about how annoying “Artist -> Albums -> Useless -> Songs” would be… having to tap that extra time for no reason — it’s like that. I don’t need to go into the “Sent” folder of any given mail account unless I’m going out of the way to look for it. Even better would be a single screen that I can view the three newest [non-SPAM] messages I’ve received at each address, but now I’m just dreaming based on what I’ve seen so far… Sigh.
_____________________________
6. You need an adapter to use other headphones.
The iPhone’s earphone connector IS standard 1/8″ jack… but it’s recessed. You need an extender to plug in any other type of headphones. Apple’s earphones hurt my ears so I have no choice but to lug around an antenna-like product from Belkin that cost an extra $10 and is easily lost. Lame.
_____________________________
7. You cannot use the phone as a modem, or browse/transfer files via Bluetooth. Don’t forget your iPod cable!
This is a HUGE dealbreaker for me. I loved being able to occasionally tether through my old phone via Bluetooth and surf the web on my laptop… especially on trips. The iPhone does not support this. I am outraged… every phone I’ve owned in the last 5 years has and this doesn’t? And this costs how much?
The only option you have (so far) is to take the new AT&T SIM card included with the iPhone and insert it into any other phone to emulate this feature. It can be removed with a paperclip or sewing needle inserted into the small hole on the top of the phone (there’s a panel that releases and slides out from the phone). Tricky, but functional.
It seems that there are no services offered via Bluetooth other than voice headsets (for calling)… not even syncing when you don’t have an iPod cable handy! Lame!
_____________________________
8. Google Maps — Before I find where I’m going, let me find where I am. Hold on.
All phones are required to report a latitude and longitude coordinate reading on Emergency calls in the USA. Why they couldn’t use this information to point the map to where you’re currently standing? There’s clearly a reason for why they didn’t do this, but having to zoom-in on or type-in where you’re at already is just plain annoying.
_____________________________
9. I’m locked in with AT&T for 2 years on this phone!
Argh! I hope this all goes well since they sure have most of us in a bind. 
_____________________________
10. I had to make this list…
…which is the first time I’ve ever been really disappointed with such a major product. |
Well folks, the evidence is starting to roll in that those of us(myself included) who jumped ship to prepare for an iPhone did so under false pretenses. I’m disenchanted by the fact that it’s so crippled and the process and integreation isn’t what was to be expected… There are two dealbreakers for me here. No FAN discount, and no support for Exchange PUSH. I was considering it since I was under the impression that the corporate “hookup” I have would apply to the iPhone. So such dice.. Apple, like with everything else they have ever sold offers absolutely ZERO discount and price adjustments(such as Macbooks being sold in places such as Guitar Center.)
Here is some of the latest news and I will continue to report on this as information becomes availible. Click the link to see the entire thread including any updates to the information.
Quoted from http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/579009962631/m/221004385831/p/1:
PSA: Things to keep in mind if you’re planning on buying an iPhone - Topic by The Faceless Rebel
All of these have been confirmed and verified as factual at this time. One hopes that as word of some of these things gets out, AT&T and Apple will loosen some of the more onerous restrictions. This is not supposed to be an Apple-bashing/Apple-worshiping flamewar thread. The Battlefront is that way if those are the droids you’re looking for. If you’re here to worship at the Altar of Jobs, the Mac Achaia is also that way. This thread is merely to provide useful information to prospective iPhone buyers and nothing more.
1) All iPhones must have a voice plan AND a data plan. AT&T is offering “bundle” plans with iPhone which consists of nothing more than a voice plan and data plan stuck together. They cost exactly the same as a regular phone with data and voice plans, there is no discount with the bundle.
2) iPhone is not only SIM-locked to AT&T, it is locked to the specific SIM it comes with. No other SIMs will work. If you put a different SIM in, you can use the iPod functions of the iPhone such as playing music, but the cellular network is locked out.
3) There is no way to transfer your existing contacts from your current SIM within the iPhone. You need to first transfer your existing contacts from your old SIM into iTunes, and then to the iPhone. If you already own a USB cable for your current phone, then you’re good to go. Most recent phones come with a USB data cable of some sort unless you got one of the cheapest free phones, in which case you aren’t in the iPhone’s target market anyways. Note that Bluetooth currently does not work for data transfer of any kind.
4) iPhone cannot be activated in the AT&T store. You must go home and activate through iTunes with a valid credit card. Current customers of AT&T are reporting very long activation wait times, as long as 2-4 hours.
5) If you buy an iPhone to try it, remember there is a 10% restocking fee if you open the box even if you are within the return period. This falls in line with Apple’s standard return policy, but not with AT&T’s. It’s an Apple product being sold at the AT&T store.
6) The return period is 14 days instead of the usual 30. Again in line with the Apple return policy, not the AT&T one.
7) Currently the iPhone does not support Adobe Flash, and it is unknown if it ever will as Apple is currently embargoing all 3rd party application development. Teh Great and Mighty Jobs has hinted there may be Flash at some point in the future.
Just to reiterate point (7), currently no 3rd party application development is allowed for iPhone. There is no SDK, and it cannot run ordinary Mac OS X applications. Furthermore even if you made an app there is no way to install your app on the iPhone as iTunes won’t allow it anyways. iTunes only lets you transfer music and videos.
9) Just to reiterate point (8), there is also no Java support so you can’t make applications that way. Apple has said there will never be Java support. Teh Great and Mighty Steve doesn’t like Java.
10) The battery is internal, just as with iPods. After 300-400 charges, you need to send your iPhone to Apple and they will replace the battery for a fee. Heavy cell phone users will probably need to send their iPhone in for a new battery in a year or less. I suspect that most Generation 1 iPhone buyers will upgrade to Generation 2 iPhone the moment it comes out anyways, so this point may be largely moot.
11) iPhone only supports AT&T’s 2.5G/EDGE network at this time, though Teh Great and Mighty Steve has already commented that there will be a 3G/UMTS/HSPA version of the iPhone when AT&T rolls out 3G in enough areas to justify support. I’ve been a Cingular/AT&T customer for a long time now, and knowing the glacial pace that AT&T rolls out network upgrades, that means the wait for a 3G iPhone could be long indeed.
12) There is no iChat at this time, and since 3rd party apps are not allowed, no other IM clients can ever be released for iPhone.
13) Currently the iPhone cannot use ordinary music tracks from iTunes as ringtones. It’s not known at this time if you can create your own ringtones in iTunes and then send them to your iPhone tagged as ringtones, or if this won’t be allowed because AT&T wants to violate you for additional fees to buy their premade ringtones. Remember, wireless companies never use lube.
14) The iPhone is exclusive to AT&T for at least 5 years. 5 years is like an eternity in the world of wireless communications. So, learn to like the restrictions that Apple and AT&T have placed on the iPhone, or don’t buy it, because you’re not going to see a Verizon or T-Mobile iPhone anytime soon. Remember, Apple never uses lube.
15) Bluetooth support is crippled. There is no OBEX so you cannot transfer music or other files to other devices. There are UNCONFIRMED reports that right now Bluetooth only works with the iPhone’s headset and nothing else. *STAND BY FOR UPDATED INFORMATION*
16) Just to reiterate points (7), (8), and (9), running AJAX scripts (AJAX stands for Asynchronous Javascript and XML, in case you’re wondering what AJAX is) does not in any way count as having a real SDK or being able to create and run 3rd party applications. There is no Reality Distortion Field powerful enough to make anyone think AJAX is the same as real applications.
17) Currently there is no voice dialing support in the iPhone. That is likely to change in the future, as just about everyone will clamor for such a feature to be implemented.
18) There are NO discounts on iPhone. No upgrade discount, no new customer discount, and no FAN (corporate/university) discount. You pay full price like everyone else, or you don’t get to buy iPhone. Simple.
19) Currently the bundled voice/data iPhone plans do not work with FAN discounts. iPhone buyers who have FAN accounts are now finding they cannot activate at all. This is presumably better than the previous problem where people who had FAN discounts were losing them from their accounts. I’m guessing that AT&T is working on this as we speak. Normally FAN discounts only work on voice plans and not data plans, so AT&T needs to figure out a way to calculate the value of their bundled plans separately and apply the FAN discount to the voice part of the plan only.
I hope this PSA has been helpful to prospective iPhone buyers. I would suggest that anyone interested in iPhone wait for the 2nd generation product rather than put down $500-600 for a device which seeks to restrict everything you can do with it while simultaneously finding creative new ways to siphon money from your wallet.
Coming Full-Circle
Why the Apple iPhone has changed Man-Kind – By Joe Hancuff
Introduction
Here we are again, another CES and MacWorld in full swing. The usual suspects are about at both shows. Microsoft making the typical large showing at CES as well as all of the various device vendors and manufacturers. The latest and greatest of what’s coming up this year on shiny and bright display. Each company hoping to make bigger waves in their respective markets. This is what millions of the employees of the many technology companies hope for, to come out ahead of the pack at CES, to gain the ultimate notoriety as best in show.
Sometimes however there is an announcement, a new product, a new technology that appears to be something really new and advanced and everyone looks at it with baited breath and ooo’s and aaa’s and ogles as mere onlookers to the advancement of technology.
CES has been happening for 40 years now believe it or not. Some of you younger folks probably didn’t even think there was technology worth talking about 40 years ago. Believe it or not we, as a people have been talking about what’s new, what’s next, and what’s cool for just that long. However, this CES/MacWorld season is special. This is the first time something so amazing, so advanced, just so mind-blowingly impressive has come out and changed the world.
Microsoft at CES
Microsoft made their typically well put-together showing at CES. I watched the Key-note live on the web. While I’m a big fan of Microsoft software there wasn’t really all that much that really took my breath away. Either that or I already knew a lot about it. What I didn’t know also really wasn’t all that great, simply rehashing, repackaging, rebranding of already existing technologies. I believe that the most notable item Microsoft had to show was the Microsoft TV for the Xbox 360. This is an IPTV based system. It looked fantastic on the stage there and the interface was amazing as dictated by years of lessons with Media Center.
So far though, nothing has really stood out. There are some neat gadgets and such. Sony and HP worked with Microsoft to help bring forth the rebirth of the hand-held PC or Origami as some have called them. Super slim, super cool, full featured computers. Again, a repackaging of what’s already there. Nothing actually new or revolutionary. Most professionals outside of marketing or development have grown accustomed to what to expect at CES and MacWorld: Smaller cell phones and cameras, Faster video cards, better audio cards, new and wacky mice and keyboards, and generally the last ditch attempt at a company getting a product out because if you’re product is in CES it sells better than if it’s not.
The Big Step
Ever since the year 2000 rolled around, we, as a people have been asking those in the know, “Where the hell are our flying cars and hover boards?” And every year after that we’ve looked on into the media reading the latest of the late news on the newest gadgets waiting… holding our breath in anticipation of the one big thing that will either destroy us or take us forward in a giant leap.
Nobody really ever thought Apple would be the company to accomplish this. I’m sure the vast majority of techie followers out there still haven’t been hit with this. The reason being is that Apple has been more than just hush-hush about it, they’ve been completely silent. The YouTube videos (here, and here) has been out for almost a year now. Little did everyone know that the very technology being tested was an Apple technology for which they hold the only patents on currently? Get ready, we’re almost there.
Good Call
Here we have the iPhone. Apple’s amazing little gadget weight just 4.8 ounces and measuring in a staggeringly thin 11.6mm. Keep in mind, that’s thinner than a Motorola Q and the Samsung Blackjack. Well, here… see for yourself.
Watch the MacWorld iPhone Introduction
Apple iPhone features
As you can see. It’s very special. I’d like to think this truly is the greatest thing since sliced bread. History buffs will get that reference as sliced bread was something of a major advancement in culinary technology. The idea was to make bread ergonomic and the perfect size to create other foods with it. The interface of sliced bread opened up an entire realm of culinary understanding and growth that never was before thought possible. This is exactly the same thing (except you don’t eat the iPhone); this removes the device from the equation and simply lets you touch your software. Touch what you want. Do what you want. Don’t worry about the hardware. Amazing.
The Apple iPhone is a breakthrough in many technical and philosophical regards. There hasn’t really ever been anything nearly like it. I’ve heard some call it “the PSP of cell phones” but quite honestly, the PSP isn’t even in the same ballpark as this device. It is truly amazing that in your hand you carry desktop power in a device so intuitive and so clean and easy to use. Not to mention features, the phone portion has roughly the same feature set as a desktop office IP phone. Take a Cisco 7960G for instance. Call waiting with ID on screen, yep. Conferencing? Yup? Dial codes for conferencing? Nope. Graphical, obvious, and clear operation in all aspects. As a media player it’s as slick and refined as one would expect from a 6th generation iPod but even more so given the phones amazing interface. The browser is also full featured desktop version of Safari which many a Mac user will love and any PC lover will immediate fall in love with because you get full featured plug-in compatible internet browsing, this means Java applets, Flash 9, Active X controls. Truly amazing. This device as Steve Jobs said, is at least 5 years ahead of anything else out on the market. When I first heard him say that I had reservations of such a bold comment, and then I saw the thing in motion and it really opened my eyes.
Full Circle
There was a time when all man did was draw pictures into the sand with his finger. This was the most basic form of communicating indirectly. Where a message could be stored in the dirt, on the cave wall, or on our bodies. And as technology moved out so did our interfaces to devices. Next came coal and stone, and pigmentation. A brush, paints, inks, leads. Pens, pencils, erasers. In the dawning of the digital age the only interface to a computer was a keyboard. And while the keyboard was laid out in a static manner it still took a great deal of “brain programming” to interface your brain with the content you saw on the screen. This brain programming is what you do so that your experience with a device whether it be a piece of paper or a laptop becomes transparent. You have to automate the controls of your muscles in order to type. Just as I’m typing this right now I’m no longer needing to consciously think about what muscle moves where, which finger moves when and in what sequence. I probably may make it look easy, but as most of you can attest its taken years to learn this muscle memory or “interface programming” as I like to call it.
Back in 1984 Apple introduced the Apple Macintosh, the first real personal computer. This too changed the world. Because not only did you have the standard keyboard, you had this silly looking puck of plastic. All of a sudden you had multiple functions with a single interface unlike the buttons on the keyboard which could never change. The revolution of the personal computer was accomplished not by graphics, cost effectiveness, or speed. The mouse is what kicked it all off.
In 2001 Apple took everybody a step forward in terms of personal devices. The Apple iPod was then a fairly featureless device with a monochrome screen and horrendous battery life. It did however have one of these most innovative interfaces ever seen on a mobile device and to this day is mocked and imitated by a great number of companies. The touch ring. No buttons means no having to remember the position of a function. The functions become intuitive. The iPod used a rolodex style scrolling and what do you do with a rolodex? You spin. Thusly, you spin your finger around the ring to control scrolling, volume, seeking, etc. Work that thumb. While this wasn’t as extreme in architecture as the iPhone it was the test bed for such a technology which has been in major development for over 2 years now.
Now, in 2007, Apple shows us the iPhone using the mythical multi-touch interface. How many buttons does it have? In total, two. The main interface only has a single button and the body has a sleep/wake button. That’s it. No slide out keyboard of keys that can never change function or shape. No proprietary buttons on the side for opening an application. The 3.5″ multitouch screen is your only interface. As you saw, there is no stylus. You use your finger.
This is huge folks. Apple has taken us back to our very basic interface. Your grandmother can pick this device up and with no interface programming be able to use it as proficiently as those of us used to Windows Mobile or Blackberry’s. Perhaps even more so due to the fact that she’ll not have to unlearn her previous interface programming in addition to those of us with PDAs with touch screens, we really have a stigma with regards to touching our screens with our fingers.
What makes this interface key is the hardware becomes transparent to the user. You touch what you want and it does exactly what you’d think it would. You touch and drag it does exactly that. The screen is rich and vibrant and the software is quite revolutionary in implementation. We’ve now come full-circle.
This Changes Everything
What does this mean for the markets that the iPhone is included in? It means those markets were just “Pwn3d” in the worst sense of the word. Three days ago I loved my Microsoft Zune despite my reservations about the firmware. After seeing the iPhone, I just sort of look at my Zune and go, “oh….”
There is absolutely nothing on this planet that can even begin to hold a candle to the iPhone in terms of the jump in technology it represents–or the jump in philosophy. I can’t even possibly imagine a way to improve on its design or implementation. I couldn’t even begin to try to envision something in the same class that could even compare in terms of ease of use coupled with extreme power. This device just changed the entire game for everyone. Not just cell phones, music players and GPS devices. I feel primitive using my 170 dollar mouse and my 200 dollar keyboard. I feel like my brand new Dell XPS was just made obsolete by a mere cell phone.
The technology and miniaturization displayed in the iPhone is now the template by which all makers of electronics should design by. Simple and elegant, yet powerful and omnipotent in features. Calling this device a phone is almost an insult to such a jump forward in time.
I’m sure many of you where watching the video asking if this was some kind of joke (assuming you hadn’t seen it before coming here.) I was asking myself the same thing it truly seems simply too good to be true. This is Star Trek here and now. Remember Star Trek: The Next Generation? The touch pads they used in their hands? Here we are folks. This is another example of science fiction becoming science fact.
The Future of Consumer Electronics as We Know It.
What does all this mean? Well, to put it quite simply, the industry will either have to flourish in this era or they will die. Once someone gets their hands on an iPhone and plays with it for 2 minutes they’ll never ever want to use a Mouse and keyboard again. Nor will they ever want to play with their Zune or iRiver. They’ll never want to use a cell phone again. It is THAT good.
Basically Apple came out during the CES/MacWorld season and closed the doors on competition on any of those handheld markets. As if to say on a mere January 7, “Sorry, fellas. We’re all done here.” It’s game over for 2007.
What I’m about to say will probably sting many of you. This is what happens when a company actually finishes a project. This is also what happens when the same company is responsible for both hardware and software. A company which is known for great quality control and ultra-refined user experience. Nothing compares and I feel nothing will compare for many years to come.
In the coming days, many other competing companies such as Microsoft will come out in response to the announcement of the iPhone and make excuses as to why the Zune isn’t remotely as functional, stylish or even cool. I honestly don’t think makers of other devices are even going to comment on it. I’m sure they’re just as blown away as I am about the whole thing. If I were Microsoft I would clearly embrace this technology and help to make it better. Because let’s face it, when I think great hardware, I think Microsoft. They don’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell of devising something of this caliber. Sorry Microsoft fans and Employees. As much as I am a fan of Microsoft, you all know I am 100% right on this.
What’s next?
Out of my own head comes innovation that I never thought possible until now. This refers back to the sliced bread bit. Now that I have my sliced bread, what kind of sandwiches can I make with it? The possibilities are limitless! Wrap your brain around this. Think of an Apple Tablet PC. 17″ screen with multi-touch. That same wonderful single piece metal structure and the beautifully polished glass or Lexan surface for you to put your fingers on… Try to imagine this device a full-fledged computer running OSX and Microsoft Windows Vista sitting on your lap standing off of your lap at only ½” thick. Just imagine what the future holds. We’ve come back to our roots. We’re back to drawing in the dirt with our fingers. Except the dirt is no longer dirt, it’s a device powered by this Multi-touch technology. I predict we now see a marked acceleration in development around this very concept.
The Cover-Up
You just have to give mad props to Apple for the way they covered this up. Go Google the iPhone. Go ahead and do it, I’ll wait. … See? All the bloggers and all the insider websites that claimed to have leaked photos and leaked specs on the iPhone were way off, completely off. Not a single pic of anything that looked remotely like the true iPhone. That is amazing. The government should subcontract to Apple for their cover-ups. Even some of the most trusted insiders were given misinformation and the effect was jaw-dropping at MacWorld. Nobody saw this coming. Nobody.
Conclusion
Get ready for a wild ride, folks. It can only get better.
Digg This