Appgasm 2008 - (Apple WWDC) - Update for Darniaq - IPhone 3G thread

[Prospero]

There's a HUGE difference between being able to do something, and have it be pleasurable. I've had crap phones for years that could do many of the things on that list, but I would have become homicidal in frustration if I actually tried to use those features. I've made an addendum to my list: all of the above without getting stabby.

[Venkman]

Well that's it, and also why the GPS CE companies are also worried. The days of single-function CE devices are over. As long predicted. It's always ever been a question of a) who gets there right (not first); and, b) how their service works (which means partnerships). iPod/iTunes/iPhone has always been only partly about the device. The larger success is the total user experience and the ecosystem of financial transactions that result. Whether the iPhone does to the disparate mobile industry what iPod did for the disparate MP3 one is not important. The more important aspect is how Apple has forced the competition to rethink what matters.

One of the interesting outcomes of 2007 was that the mobile industry realized people weren't really using the hugely expensive bandwidth infrastructure they build. They weren't watching the expected TV programming. They weren't downloading the expected music. And they weren't playing the expected games. Everyone scrambled to figure out why and still got it wrong:

It's about the end user experience, stupid. And their middle-management inspired Swiss Army UIs that were completely different even between the sub- model numbers of what a consumer sees as the "same phone" (99 out of 100 times, it ain't) just don't cut it with even the tech savvy anymore.

[Prospero]

Pretty much. And the non-tech savvy are happy to have something where they can find and use most of the features. I think the Samsung Instinct is proof that the iPhone has done a good job of shaking up the industry. It will be cool to see what Nokia comes up with to compete. Likewise, I suspect MS will kick Windows Mobile up a notch. I think the next few years it will be good to be a gadget geek.

[naum]

As one who balks at paying for phone apps, iPhone still sucks much less than Verizon, T-Mobile, $OtherPhoneAndCarrierDeal… …the other knockoffs I've tested are poor knockoffs.  Maybe Google has something coming down the pipe, but AFAIK, they have no carriers lined up. Curious though if AT&T 3G coverage is up to snuff yet.

Don't think the app thing is that great, though I reckon I'm not the target market. All I really want is e-book reader and offline doc viewing, something that I can do right now… …for my monitor lashed eyes, screen space is too small for gaming or watching anything longer than youtube (good when you're waiting away from home!).

Still, MIA:

* for the love of Gates, PLEASE ADD CUT AND PASTE.

* Flash — don't know if it's Apple sticking it the Adobe man or they want to redress Web video in H264 mp4 (which plays good). If not going flash, then at least sync Safari 3+ SVG/canvas WebKit capabilities…

* where's the video camera?

[Viin]

Last I heard, Adobe was working in a Flash player specifically for the iPhone but I haven't heard anything about it recently. So yah, Apple is trying to stick it to Adobe for some reason, we'll see if they actually deliver or just make Apple suffer.

[Prospero]

The Jobs wants a version of Flash better than Flash Lite for the iPhone. Perish the thought we at least get Flash Lite support first.

[Soukyan]

The Jobs wants a version of Flash better than Flash Lite for the iPhone. Perish the thought we at least get Flash Lite support first.

Yes, perish it because Flash is a pig in the first place. A Flash Lite would be a pig with less features. They are going for a good user experience. My experience with Flash has always been anything but good. Adobe needs to make it better, and it's good to see someone telling them that.

[Prospero]

I just want to be able to watch fricking .flv files. All of phildo's posts in useless videos just sit there and taunt me.

[MrHat]

So wait.

With 3G I could basically stream pandora to my cellphone all day?

[Trippy]

Sure, if it didn't require Flash/Shockwave.

[MrHat]

what? lol.  That doesn't even make any sense?

Also, can you use the 3G as a modem?

[Trippy]

Safari on the iPhone doesn't support Flash currently.

Also, can you use the 3G as a modem?

Not if AT&T and Apple can help it -- current model requires a tremendous number of hacks to make it work as a modem, it's likely the 3G model will be even harder to use as such.

[MrHat]

 

[Ookii]

Safari on the iPhone doesn't support Flash currently.

Ookii isn't this more Adobe's fault rather than Apples?  Like how there is no 64 bit flash still?

Adobe is working on Flash Player support for 64-bit platforms as part of our ongoing commitment to the cross-platform compatibility of Flash Player. We have not yet announced timing or release dates.

http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=6b3af6c9

[MrHat]

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/06/17/adobe-already-has-iphone-version-of-flash-running-on-emulator/

Adobe has it working.

[Engels]

So, what app is being used by the iPhone when one browses Youtube on it? Is it some odd iPhone only hybrid flash player developed by adobe, or is it some other odd partnership?

[Prospero]

Youtube streams H2.64 videos out to the iPhone.

[Trippy]

Youtube streams H2.64 videos out to the iPhone.

Flash supports H.264 now (though it didn't at the time of the iPhone launch) but the iPhone YouTube app is not using Flash since the iPhone supports H.264 natively (e.g. the iPhone iPod video player can play H.264 videos).

[MrHat]

My google skills are mad weak, but how much does AT&T charge to break the 2 year contract?

Couldn't you just buy the phone, then pay the cancellation fee?

[Prospero]

I think it's $175.

[Viin]

Here's what mine says, but I bet it changes for iPhones:

SERVICE COMMITMENT; EARLY TERMINATION FEE
Your Service Commitment begins on the day we activate your service. You have received certain benefits from us in exchange for any Service Commitment greater than one month. If we terminate your service for nonpayment or other default before the end of the Service Commitment, or if you terminate your service for any reason other than (a) in accordance with the cancellation policy; or (b) pursuant to a change of terms, conditions, or rates as set forth below, you agree to pay us with respect to each Equipment identifier or telephone number assigned to you, in addition to all other amounts owed, an Early Termination Fee of $175. For Service Commitments beginning on or after May 25, 2008 the Early Termination Fee will be reduced by $5.00 for each full month toward your minimum term that you complete. ("Early Termination Fee") The Early Termination Fee is not a penalty, but rather a charge to compensate us for your failure to satisfy the Service Commitment on which your rate plan is based. AFTER YOUR SERVICE COMMITMENT, THIS AGREEMENT SHALL AUTOMATICALLY RENEW ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS UNTIL EITHER PARTY GIVES NOTICE PURSUANT TO THE TERMINATION PROVISION BELOW.

30-DAY CANCELLATION PERIOD/TERMINATION
You may terminate this Agreement within thirty (30) days after activating service without paying an Early Termination Fee. You will pay for service fees and charges incurred through the termination date, but AT&T will refund your activation fee, if any, if you terminate within three (3) days of activating the service. Also, you may have to return any handsets and accessories purchased with this Agreement. If you terminate after the 30th day but before expiration of the Agreement's Service Commitment, you will pay AT&T an Early Termination Fee for each wireless telephone number associated with the service. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time after your Service Commitment ends with thirty (30) days notice to the other party. We may terminate this Agreement at any time without notice if we cease to provide service in your area. We may interrupt or terminate your service without notice for any conduct that we believe violates this Agreement or any terms and conditions of your rate plan, or if you behave in an abusive, derogatory, or similarly unreasonable manner with any of our representatives, or if we discover that you are underage, or if you fail to make all required payments when due, or if we have reasonable cause to believe that your Equipment is being used for an unlawful purpose or in a way that may adversely affect our service, or if you provided inaccurate credit information or we believe your credit has deteriorated and you refuse to pay any requested advance payment or deposit.

[MrHat]

lol.

Its gotta be different for the iphone.

Otherwise, that's what? 200+175= <400 bucks to take it off network?

Hrm, think it's $200 for TMobile also prorated.  So, that'd be like...$120 to break my contract there.

Eff it, I'm getting one.  They'll solve the flash thing somehow.

[Oban]

My Mom just told me she is getting one. 

Words really failed me.  I spent five minutes trying to convince her that it was not the best idea.  She went through all of the features and explained why it would be a good fit for her.

She is sixty-seven years old...

Time to buy more Apple stock.

[Surlyboi]

 

[Prospero]

I've always figured the iPhone would be good for older folks with the usual vision problems and such; it has fucking huge buttons on the keypad.

[Trippy]

It is very good for the vision thing. Unfortunately the lack of tactile feedback and no way to "feel" the buttons on screen makes it way too easy to punch in the wrong numbers. I'd rail on the phone UI as well but my firmware is old and they've been making small improvements so I don't want to complain about stuff that may no longer be true.

[KallDrexx]

Just FYI, cause I didn't see it in this thread, that not only is the IPhone 3G plans $30 for data, it also will no longer include text messages like before.

I think I am the only person though who does not want an all purpose device, at least not on my phone.  I'd rather get a real GPS device because the screens are bigger (and I can keep it in my car) and I'd rather have a DS for gaming because the battery lasts longer and has more screen real estate (if you consider both screens).  I like the phone I have now because on one charge it can last me 3-4 days which means  I can forget to charge it once or twice and still be able to use it when I need it.  Then again, for most of the day I have access to the net already, and the few times in the day that  I don't (hanging out with friends, exercising, etc...) I don't really care to have access to the net.

I might consider getting the ipod touch when my current nano stops working but that depends if I feel like spending $400+ on an mp3 player, especially since my workplace doesn't have wireless (and I'm by my computer all the time anyway).

[Prospero]

I was in the same boat as you, but have found it to be extraordinarily useful. While a dedicated device is much nicer generally, I don't always want to carry my man purse, so it's nice to have an all-in-one solution for somethings. Web browsing can be good for killing some time, but where it really shines is when you need to get directions/information from an email when you are out of the house. I've also found the real-time traffic info and Google Maps searching invaluable. For example, I was furniture shopping with my mom for her living room. After a few failed store searches, she decided she really wanted to go to an Ethan Allen. Bust out the maps app, type in ethan allen, and a few seconds later all of the Ethan Allens within about 15 miles of our location popped up. I tapped the nearest one and we were ready to rock with directions.

I can certainly see not living la vida smartphone, but there is a lot to be said for it as well.

[MrHat]

I completely agree KD, and the fees are going to be outrageous.  It's going to end up costing me like....$80/mo just for like 450 mins, unlimited text, and data access. 

But it's so shiney.  And I've found myself several times wanting a new mp3 player, a new phone, and a GPS unit.

The battery life is going to kill me though.  Going to have to buy a charger for the office, a charger for the house and a charger for the car.  And hope that I'm never away from one of those for more than......what? 4 hours?

[Murgos]

I'm not sure what ya'll are talking about with the battery life.

From what I read the battery was exceptional.  No one spends 5 hours straight talking, not even the most energetic 15 year old girl spends 5 straight hours on the phone. 7 hours of video?  24 hours of audio playback?  I doubt if you will have to charge the thing more than once every three or four days.

Are the published numbers all BS?

[MrHat]

Battery life numbers are always bullshit.  Estimate about 70% of what they tell you.

Also, it's an all in one device.  For someone who is hugely media dependent, I could forsee using this constantly.  MP3 @ work, videos on the shitter/lunch browsing.  Phone calls, emails all the time.

[Engels]

if its comparable to the current IPhone, its battery life is fine, assuming you do not dick with wireless networks and heavy browser content. That's what kills my iphone's battery fast. Avoiding those two, I can go up to 48 hours without having to think about it, and that's with checking email 3 times a day, listening to over 4 hours a day of stuff, and making the odd call. Light useage, I know.

[MrHat]

if its comparable to the current IPhone, its battery life is fine, assuming you do not dick with wireless networks and heavy browser content. That's what kills my iphone's battery fast. Avoiding those two, I can go up to 48 hours without having to think about it, and that's with checking email 3 times a day, listening to over 4 hours a day of stuff, and making the odd call. Light useage, I know.

Cool.  That's good to know.  I've just got really low expectations for battery life.

Also, if I'm charging it constantly, battery life diminishes doesn't it?

[KallDrexx]

Cool.  That's good to know.  I've just got really low expectations for battery life.

Also, if I'm charging it constantly, battery life diminishes doesn't it?

Pretty much, although I'm always charging my 1st gen ipod nano (1st gen had the worst batteries of all the nanos supposedly) and it still seems to hold a charge for a long time.  However, their powerbook batteries seem to die quickly from what I hear so who knows how fast or slow the IPhone's battery will hold.

*edit* Oh yeah and my coworkers that have iphones have to charge once a day, and it still has gone out for them by the end of the day.  They use it a lot for web browsing, texting, and talking but still.  I personally don't trust it to last long periods of time.

[Engels]

Also, if I'm charging it constantly, battery life diminishes doesn't it?

I don't remember, to be honest. Some tech explained it to me at some point, saying that some types of lithium batteries actually want constant recharging to preserve battery life, whereas other batteries last longer if you only charge them when its needed. I think the iPhone is the latter, but I could be wrong.

To echo what KallDrexx said, if you browse the web a lot, use image heavy apps or videos, your iPhone won't last half a day. If you're using it as a phone, checking email and an mp3 player, it'll last 2-3 days easy. I use it for the latter, and hence I'm happy.