iPhone Buzz » ashoperon

Walt Mossberg: Samsung Instinct is no iPhone

ashoperon — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:09:37 +0000

Walt Mossberg has been playing around with the Samsung Instinct for Sprint for a while now, and has something to say about the device. That is, it is no iPhone. According to Walt, the device is nice, but it is lacking in some areas that he really would have liked the device to excel in. According to him, the interface is just not pretty enough.

“I’ve been testing the Instinct, and while it isn’t a bad phone and has some features the Apple product lacks, it’s no match for the iPhone. The manufacturers haven’t replicated the iPhone’s greatest strength: beautiful, powerful, breakthrough software.” – Walt Mossberg

Strong words against the device. The Instinct will begin shipping on June 20th, meaning it will beat the iPhone 3G out of the gates. The problem is, Sprint has been advertising the devices 3G and GPS, directly targeting the iPhone on that front. Maybe someone should tell them about the iPhone 3G. Mossberg seems to be the few, as many that have reviewed the Instinct found it to be a very nice device.

[Via Wall Street Journal]

iPhone 3G sports an additional proximity sensor

ashoperon — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:36:02 +0000

When we first found out that the iPhone 3G may have an additional sensor on it, many almost immediately began speculating that the device will have a front facing video camera. A lot of modern phones have this camera in the front to make video calls, especially on European and Asian devices.

It has been revealed now though, that it is in fact a proximity sensor. The iPhone already has one, but Apple has decided an additional one is in order. Another proximity sensor means the iPhone will be able to recognize with greater accuracy when the device is pressed against your face, or when it accidentally turns on while in your pocket.

[Via iLounge]

Flash support for iPhone revealed in iPhone 3G screen shot?

ashoperon — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:26:12 +0000

There are a number of things that could negate this story, but it is still one of those rumors that you just really hope is true. A screen shot of the iPhone loading the site lonelyplanet.com, shows the device rendering out Flash content on the site. The site has a mini map on the side, that looks a certain way when loaded up in Flash, and also a certain way when loaded up without it.

That is what the site looks like under iPhone firmware 1.1.4, a flat map with no Flash, and no variations. It is clearly very different from the screen shot of a normal desktop web browser, loading the site up, with full Flash support.

As you can see in this screen shot from a desktop, the map is a little fancier. It has color variations, and also hover effects and mouse over actions.

Lastly, this is how it looks on the iPhone 3G. Well, this is how it might look. Clearly the device shows a full version of the page in the browser, but this is almost certainly marketing material. Meaning screen rendering, and this could be an oversight by Apple. On the more exciting side, Apple could have thrown in Flash support and waited for someone to catch on to this little detail, you decide.

[Via iPhone Atlas]

WWDC Survey: up to 70% of iPhone apps will be free

ashoperon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 23:39:20 +0000

Interesting news has come out of a survey of developers that are attending the WWDC event in San Francisco. According to the survey, up to 70% of the developers surveyed said that their application would not cost you a penny. Whats more, the average price out of all the developers that did charge for their applications, was a mere $2.29.

Considering most applications cost quite a bit more than $3, in fact an average price you see is about $10. With prices this low, along with the large amount of iPhone owners, the platform will be a major developer target. The touch screen control, and beefy hardware specs, with the addition of 3G, makes the iPhone ripe for the picking.

[Via Apple Insider]

iPhone 3G’s abilities, true cost of device

ashoperon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:48:38 +0000

We all know that the 3G iPhone is going to be fast, and that it will be running on AT&T’s HSDPA network. There are varying levels of HSDPA speed though, and in all fairness as opposed to overseas deployments, AT&T has a very slow network. This will of course limit speed the iPhone can achieve here, but just how fast can you get going?

The amount of factors that limits this speed are numerous. CPU speed, network congestion, proximity to the cell site, and of course network backhaul, or how much speed the site has linked to the actual network. There is a problem though, the iPhone could be limited to the 1.8mbps HSDPA network speed, not the 3.6mbps that AT&T’s network can theoretically achieve.

The reason for this could be the faster you go through data, the more battery life you waste. This is a major concern that Apple has had with the device, and it makes sense for them to limit the speed for this reason. Hey, there is always WiFi though.

If you are a little let down by the potentially limited speed on the iPhone 3G, then at least you can be happy about this. The new iPhone over the course of a 24 month contract, costs less than almost any other device. As you can see in this comparison, the original iPhone may be the cheapest, but in close second is the iPhone 3G.

[Via Gizmodo]

Apple will use P.A. Semi to make chips for iPhone and iPod

ashoperon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:03:37 +0000

According to Steve Jobs, the recent acquisition of P.A. Semi will serve to benefit the iPhone and the iPod. Apparently they will use the P.A. Semi chips to phase out the use if Infineon chips in their devices. Having the chip making going on in house, could reduce the cost of their devices quite a bit. More likely though, prices will be the same and Apple will see increased profit margin.

This is good news for Apple, but not so good for Intel. It was expected in some circles Apple would use a ultra low power chip from Intel in their devices, a CPU such as Intel’s new Atom chip. It is not known when we will start seeing P.A. Semi chips in Apple devices, but they are probably hard at work by now, considering the deal went down in April.

Unsubsidized iPhone 3G price revealed, sort of

ashoperon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:52:19 +0000

It has been revealed the prices that Vodafone in Italy will sell the iPhone 3G for without a new agreement. According to the Vodafone Italy iPhone 3G web site, the device will sell for €499/€569 ($773/$881) for the 8GB/16GB models. This is quite a price for sure, but according to some sources this is not that bad of a price in the Italian smart phone market.

Now this does not mean that is the price it will sell for unsubsidized in other countries, but it is a clear indication the iPhone 3G will cost a lot more than the original. The bottom line appears to be, Apple wants you to sign that dotted line. The new tighter regulations on sales of the device is attributed to Apple trying to keep iPhone unlocking to a minimum.

[Via Engadget Mobile]

TomTom to make GPS application for iPhone 3G

ashoperon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:55:39 +0000

Apple has taken the time to generously add a GPS chip to the new iPhone 3G. The chip will be able to be accessed for certain applications by programs on the iPhone, built with the SDK. According to TomTom, they have already got the application to run on an iPhone.

TomTom did not announce when the application will be available. Since they have it ready and all, they could launch it on June 27th, when the App Store is rumored to launch. They also did not mention how much the application would cost, but it is safe to assume it will come at a premium. [Via Reuters]

Editor’s note: Chase forgot to mention that the iPhone SDK agreement specifically forbids real-time route guidance. Sharp BBG readers over at boingboing pointed out Section 3.3.7 (dev account needed) of the Apple iPhone SDK agreement, which states:

Applications may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes.

Anyone else see a problem with the restriction?

App Store to launch on June 27th? [Updated: AppStore still coming July 11]

ashoperon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:36:11 +0000

The upcoming App Store is looking very exciting, the only problem is, Apple did not be so kind as to tell us when the App Store would be launching. It seems, thanks to Apple’s website in Australia, that the App Store will launch on June 27th. This also means that by consequence, the iPhone 2.0 firmware will be launching on June 27th as well.

This is part of a screen shot taken from this page relating to the iPod Touch on Apples Australia website. While it could be just a slip as it is not showing up anywhere else, I am going to say this is pretty solid, as it is still up, and after all the attention it has got Apple would have surely taken it down were it fake. When June 27th rolls around, we will be able to know for sure.

UPDATE: Reader iPhoneOVERATED just pointed out that Apple squashed the early launch date of AppStore rumor.

An Apple representative confirmed that July is still the plan, and the Aussies have since updated their page to point to a link to the iPhone’s SDK page. It’s not clear where the June 27th date came from, but there seems to have been some confusion this month about the App Store: a source had told us last week that applications would be “launching” on Monday, and “launching” appears to have meant “showing off quick snippets of the application’s capability” in this context. -CNET News

Hope this clear things up.

iPhone 3G to go on sale July 11th at 6PM?

ashoperon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:39:41 +0000

Well we already knew that the new iPhone would be launching on July 11th. What we did not know is what time of the day it would be launching. Well, they guesses are coming in, and 6PM sounds like the winner. That is because last year at launch day, the original iPhone launched at 6PM in Apple and AT&T stores across the nation.

The reason that they launched the iPhone late in the day, is a story of preparation. Apple and AT&T stores will be keeping their doors closed all day on July 11th, so that they can be ready. There will be huge crowds again, and the stores are no doubt getting the stock ready. This is not confirmed yet, but as the day approaches, the details will surely come out.

iPhone 3G: AT&T’s answers to the tough questions

ashoperon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:30:21 +0000

Yesterday’s announcement of the 3G iPhone at WWDC answered a lot of questions, but as with any unreleased product announcement, it also raised a few. Some of the questions I have seen circulating around, and some I had in my mind. So hear is the answer to some of the questions, courtesy of Brad Mays, AT&T PR.

Will you allow the iPhone 3G to be used on your pre paid service? No, each new iPhone requires a new, two-year contract. There will be no pre-paid or month-to-moth options.

Basically now there is no doubt, that the iPhone will not be able to be used on pre paid plans. This is unfortunate, as all the pre pay plans can do is give Apple more sales. It does not fit with Apple’s new plan to stop iPhone unlocking, and alas will not be allowed.

Can customers not eligible to receive a discount price, or those who are not willing to sign a contract, still get the iPhone 3G? No – see number one.

Well that is pretty straight forward. It does not answer the question though, if a customer currently on AT&T can get the iPhone 3G at the discount price. I am sure all that will come up in the future as the July 11th release draws nearer.

For people who are not in 3G areas but want the 3G iPhone for its looks, new features etc, will you still charge the extra $10 for data, or can they use the standard iPhone plans? We will provide more plan-specific information closer to the time of availability. But, as of right now, we have said that each new contract requires a voice and data plan. And, the new iPhone data plans are $30 for consumers, $45
for business users.

Well, it seems that AT&T prefers to deliver the typical corporate dance around. In my area, AT&T offers no 3G coverage, at all. There are plenty of areas with the same story, and it is hardly fair for them to pay an extra $10 a month for the same service they were getting with their old iPhone.

How will AT&T be activating the iPhone 3G, and can activation be done at home via iTunes still? All activations will take place in the store. We think this will give customers an opportunity to cover any questions they have before leaving the store.

We all know that this is not the case. Apple and AT&T are severely cracking down on iPhone unlocking, and are requiring all iPhones to go out the door activated. While there could be some truth to what was said here, it is more likely they are just trying to tighten control.

I of course do not speak for everyone. There are tons of questions I did not ask. What are the questions you all have? Please leave a comment, and we will contact AT&T again, and make another post with the answers you all crave.

Even more iPhone applications surface

ashoperon — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:21:39 +0000

Yesterday’s WWDC keynote revealed all sorts of sweet new applications for the iPhone. These applications will all be among the first that will be launching with the App Store, which according to Steve we will be seeing in September. The applications include an eBay client, a native blogging application, tons of games, and even an application by the Associated Press, which is of course for news. Check out the coverage of these applications here.

First we have Zenbe Lists. This application is an enhanced version of a to do list. It can keep track of chores, and calender lists. The application allows for you to make lists where things can be checked off, and you can even sync the events with your contacts.

Next up are two games from Pangea software. The games are Enigmo, and CroMag Rally. CroMag rally is a racing game in which basically you race flintstones style cars. Enigmo is a puzzle game, in which you move around water droplets using your finger.

There are two new medical oriented applications that were shown off. These applications are Modality, which is a medical anatomy application for students. It is linked to Wikipedia and Google to provide more sources. The second is MIMvista, which allows doctors to view and manipulate PET and CT scan images from their iPhone.

Kooaba is one of the most interesting. It uses the relatively new concept of an image driven search. The application will allow you to point the iPhone’s camera at a movie poster, and then it will return information and show times on the movie. Although the posters are usually found in the theater, where that information can be found anyway. It is an awesome proof of concept though.

Ebay 3rd party app for iPhone 3G!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5gDeABgIFk[/youtube]

Modality and MIMvista apps for iPhone 3G

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbByWSyA3xs[/youtube]

Apple posts video of WWDC 2008 keynote on Apple.com

ashoperon — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:10:26 +0000

Apple has posted a video of Steve’s historic keynote at WWDC up on their website. The video depicts the announcement of all the games that were showed off yesterday, and also shows them making a quick application. This is to demonstrate how easy it is to develop for the iPhone using the SDK.

The video also of course shows Steve announcing the new 3G iPhone. The device was expected to be unveiled at WWDC yesterday, and true to form Steve announced it at the last minutes of the WWDC keynote. The device will be made available on July 11th, and will be subject to different levels of subsidies. Visit Apple’s website to view the keynote in its entirety.

iPhone 3G will launch in 70 countries by years end

ashoperon — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:51:40 +0000

The 3G iPhone was just announced yesterday, and will not even be available until July 11th. This has not stopped the insane amount of information about the device from pouring on to the internet. According to Stebe Jobs in yesterday’s keynote address, the 3G iPhone will be available in 22 countries on launch day alone.

The device will explode into other countries from there. By the end of 2008, it is expected that the 3G iPhone will be available in 70 countries or more. The countries include Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Australia. These are all big targets for Apple, and in countries like Japan the iPhone will finally be able to be used there thanks to the W-CDMA radio.

WWDC 2008 – Apple announces 3G iPhone, availability

ashoperon — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:53:13 +0000

As expected, Steve Jobs has announced the much anticipated 3G iPhone during his keynote address at WWDC today. The new device comes as an update to the current iteration of the iPhone, which did not have 3G. 3G will enable much faster browsing speeds than the current iPhone. Continue reading for an extensive gallery, and a full overview of the device.

According to Steve Jobs “it’s very nice”. We all knew that, but what makes it very nice? Well how does solid metal buttons, a flush headphone jack, gloss black, 3G, a better “feel”, better call quality, and a thinner iPhone sound? Well that is what you will be getting with this new device. Those are not all Apple is updating though, not by a long shot.

They also added GPS to the iPhone, a feature many had desperately hoped for. Over the next few months this new iteration of the iPhone will be available in 70 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and Sweden.

The price will be $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. The device will also come in white, and will be the same price the world around. The new iPhone will be available July 11th. Though I would not expect to be able to get one without a fight.

4.5 x 2.4 x 0.48 inches (115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3 mm)
4.7 ounces (133 grams)
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), UMTS / HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM / EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
300hrs standby, 8-10hrs 2G talk, 5hrs 3G talk, 7hrs video playback, 24hrs audio playback
AT&T data plans: personal $30 (on top of voice), business $45 (on top of voice) with two year agreement
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US will get the iPhone 3G on July 11th

More details at Apple’s official page here.

Press Release:

Apple Introduces the New iPhone 3G

Twice as Fast at Half the Price

SAN FRANCISCO, June 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Apple(R) today introduced the new iPhone(TM) 3G, combining all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK. In the US the new iPhone 3G is priced at a stunning $199 for the 8GB model, and just $299 for the 16GB model.** iPhone 3G will be available in more than 70 countries later this year, beginning with customer availability in 22 countries — Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US — on July 11.

“Just one year after launching the iPhone, we’re launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, runs the incredible third party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this year.”

iPhone 3G gives users ever faster access to the Internet and email over their cellular network with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world. iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE
networks and automatically switches between them to ensure the fastest possible download speeds. The new iPhone 3G also makes it easier to multi-task with simultaneous voice and data communications, so with iPhone 3G you can browse the web, get map directions, or check your email while you are on a call.

iPhone 3G includes the new iPhone 2.0 software with both the iPhone SDK and key enterprise features such as support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide over-the-air push email, contact and calendar syncing as well as remote wipe and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to corporate networks. The iPhone SDK allows developers to create amazing applications that leverage the iPhone’s groundbreaking Multi-Touch(TM) user interface, animation technology, accelerometer and GPS technology on the world’s most advanced mobile platform.

iPhone 3G includes the new App Store, providing iPhone users with native applications in a variety of categories including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The App Store on iPhone works over cellular networks and Wi-Fi, which means it is accessible from just about anywhere, so you can purchase and download applications wirelessly and start using them instantly. Some applications are even free and the App Store notifies you when application updates are available. The App Store will be available in 62 countries at launch.

Additional features available with the iPhone 2.0 software include the ability to do real-time mapping and track your progress with GPS technology, mass move and delete multiple email messages, search for contacts, access a new scientific calculator, turn on parental control restrictions for specified content, save images directly from a web page or email them to your iPhone and easily transfer them back to your photo library on your Mac(R) or PC. iPhone 3G delivers an amazing 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours using 3G, with up to 5 to 6 hours of web browsing, up to 7 hours for video playback and up to 24 hours for audio playback.

iPhone 3G takes advantage of MobileMe(TM), a new Internet service that pushes email, contacts, and calendars from an online “cloud” to native applications on iPhone, iPod(R) touch, Macs and PCs. With MobileMe email, messages are pushed instantly to iPhone, removing the need to manually check email and wait for downloads, and push keeps contacts and calendars continuously up-to-date so changes made on one device are automatically updated on other devices. With iPhone, you can even snap a photo and post it directly to a MobileMe Gallery to share with friends and family.

iPhone 3G will be available in the US on July 11 for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 8GB model and $299 (US) for the 16GB model in both Apple and AT&T’s retail stores and requires a new two year contract with AT&T for qualifying customers. iPhone 2.0 software will be available on July 11 as a free software update via iTunes(R) 7.7 or later for all iPhone customers. For further information about iPhone 3G pricing and availability in the US and internationally, visit http://www.apple.com/iphone.

* Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.

** Based on iPhone 3G (8GB) and first generation iPhone (8GB) purchases. Requires new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh.
Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its
award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple’s PR website (http://www.apple.com/pr/), or call Apple’s Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.

(C) 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPhone, Multi-Touch, MobileMe, iPod and iTunes are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.