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The Iconic Smartphone Whose Days May Be Numbered

Love it or hate it, Apple's iPhone is one of the five most recognizable pieces of consumer technology of the past five years, and has shaken up the telcom industry like no other product in recent memory. iPhone's rise isn't just about the hardware - not by a long shot. Touchscreen phones existed before iPhone, as did pay-per-download smartphone software and phones that play multimedia files. But no single device changed the way consumers, wireless carriers, and software developers approach hardware design, selling "apps," and consuming media like iPhone has.

And yet, the argument that iPhone is far from the most advanced smartphone on the market holds a lot of water even as Apple's mobile computer approaches the mid-cycle mark of its third generation (well, its third revision, anyway). The laundry list of anti-iPhone complaints is almost as long as it is familiar: No multitasking, problems with dropped calls, a closed-box operating system and App Store approval process, limited push email capabilities, an arcane events notification system, an overly simplistic user interface built on grids of buttons … and neither a user removable battery nor memory card.

Even with all of that being true, and even with iPhone users suffering at the hands of America's least satisfactory cellular network in AT&T (according to Consumer Reports), Apple could likely change nothing about iPhone and move enough of the suckers to keep outpacing global giant Nokia in total profits generated from mobile phone sales. 

But that shouldn't - and I'm all but certain, won't - happen. Expect a major update to iPhone OS, and perhaps some new iPhone hardware, in 2010. And I'm not just talking about a very possible move away from AT&T exclusivity in the U.S., either. iPhone could really use a new carrier, but it definitely needs a hardware/software makeover this year, too.

They'll Do Something ... But What?

Predicting Apple's moves with any degree of specificity more than a few days in advance is all but impossible - they run one of the tightest ships in the world when it comes to plugging information leaks. So I'll try to speak more to "what they should do," and less to "what they might, maybe will do," with the iPhone platform in the coming 12 months:

• Drop iPhone 3G from the lineup, move iPhone 3GS into the low-end slot, and launch a new "iPhone HD. This new flagship phone should have at least slightly redesigned hardware, a catchy new name (iPhone HD? iPhone Pro?) and, possibly, advanced multimedia specs including a larger, higher-resolution display. We might also see advanced integration with other Apple products for use at home, a la a more functional version of the current iPhone "Remote" app that controls Apple TV and iTunes servers.

• Release iPhone OS 4.0 as a major overhaul, not just an update. Features should include:

•  
  • Multitasking. Android and WebOS are getting consumers used to the idea of uploading a photo in the background while they check EMail or send an SMS. iPhone needs to support this sort of behavior without losing its dead-simple UI experience.
  • Scalable OS and Apps API to accommodate larger displays of an iPhone HD and/or Apple Tablet
  • Revamped system notifications a la WebOS & Android
  • Dead simple integration of cloud services & social networking that people actually use (not just MobileMe). An isolated Facebook app is no longer enough - smartphone users want to see Facebook photos and updates in their Contacts app like they can on certain Android, WinMo and Maemo devices.
  • Serious AT&T performance improvements and/or an end to AT&T exclusivity in the US.

• Launch magazine/newspaper subscriptions and/or book sales via iTunes store

• Launch some kind of "streaming iTunes," even if it's just a minor tweak of the current iTunes system that's more about marketing than really offering a new feature like Pandora-esque streaming radio. I know that sounds cynical of me, but certain consumers will eat it up.
• Launch the "Apple Tablet" running on iPhone OS 4.0 at an HD screen resolution (720 vertical lines or greater)

• Start a new class of apps that will only run on iPhone OS 4.0 or above.  These apps will be optimized for HD resolution but also scale down to iPhone 3GS size.  

• Jump to 32/64GB of internal memory

One More Thing ...

A week or so ago, the NY Times ran an article by Randall Stross about iPhone's problem with dropping calls, saying that the problem is in fact with the hardware, and not with AT&T's network. Despite the fact that John Gruber, amongst others, pointed out how full of holes the story was, the story ran in the Times and so many a consumer, businessperson, and non-techie friend of mine took it as truth (I got five, "Did you read that story?" calls from non-geeks the day it ran).

For the record, the story read as pretty irresponsible to me, given the sources the author used. I can't say with authority whose fault the dropped call problems are - Apple's or AT&T's - but as Gruber pointed out, Europeans use the same iPhones as Americans do and you don't hear lots of dropped call complaints form the other side of the pond. 

Then this past weekend iPhone showed up as the butt of a Saturday Night Live joke. A "Weekend Update" story mentioned Verizon's Moto Droid as an iPhone challenger:

"It was reported this week that Google would soon launch its own cellphone as a challenge to the iPhone. Also a challenge to the iPhone? Making phone calls."

Ouch.

Now, for the record, SNL has been absolutely, disgracefully awful this season. This past weekend's show was perhaps the strongest all year thanks in large part to host James Franco, but totally fell apart after Weekend Update just the same. Seriously, SNL, hire some writers. You've got four or five funny cast members, but they're routinely given horrendously poor material to work with. Sorry, got off-topic there. 

SNL has been particularly bad of late, but it's still a relevant cultural barometer, particularly when it comes to politics and news of the world. So like a lesser NY Times, when a story hits SNL people take it as truth (or, you know, satirized truth). Whether or not Apple's hardware is really at fault for all of those dropped calls, iPhone's got a big-time image problem on its hands.

The problem, ironically enough, is worse in areas like New York City and San Francisco, where media and techie types gather to work on, evangelize and complain about the bleeding edge of consumer tech. Both the New York Times and Saturday Night Live are produced in NYC, which is one of the hotspots of the iPhone/AT&T trouble. So while I can hear the cries of happy iPhone users in the midwest who've never, ever dropped a call, they're not the ones speaking to the national audience of decision makers. 

Apple no doubt is deep in negotiations regarding the future of iPhone on AT&T and AT&T alone in the U.S. - if those negotiations aren't already completed, but hidden from public view for now. Whatever the plans for iPhone in 2010 and beyond, you know they'll be accompanied Apple's trademark clever & catchy marketing blitz. 

Thing is, if AT&T/iPhone's dropped call issues persist, Apple marketing may not be enough. When your company's sole smartphone is tied to a single US carrier, perception is everything. Even if it is AT&T and not iPhone dropping the ball - er, calls - after awhile it won't matter. Dropped calls are dropped calls, and in due time all the apps in the world won't be able to cover for them any longer.

Sure, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 got approval by the fine folks at the FCC last week, but this one is a new variant.  Lending credence to the possibility of the X10 landing on AT&T at some point in the (we hope) near future, WCDMA 850/1900 MHz is present, along with quadband EDGE.  Rogers, Bell, and Telus customers, the introduction of this X10 variant means you could get some Android love in Canada as well.

A high-end AT&T Android handset to compete with the rumored Motorola Backflip is a great proposition.  Anyone else agree?

Via: Engadget Mobile, FCC

In the Bluetooth round-up of headsets, one of my favorite items was the MoGo Talk for iPhone. That got me thinking about other really cool accessories for the Apple handset (and there sure are a lot). We’ll be reviewing our hearts out with apps and accessories when our latest network site, TodaysiPhone.com, launches. But in the mean time, here are a few iPhone-related picks that would make great last-minute holiday gifts.

Gorillamobile for 3G/3GS
Joby, makers of the Gorillapod for digital cameras, is at it again! The Gorillamobile is a multiply jointed tripod that’s made to work with the iPhone 3G/3GS. It has a low-profile, take-anywhere iPhone case that snap into the stand, so users can set it up on a desk, wrap it around bike handlebars or put it anywhere else they need a steady shot. It also comes with additional fixtures for other devices, including a universal camera adapter (with standard-size threaded screw) and adhesive clips for securing other gadgets. Joby also came out with a free iPhone app called Gorillacam (link opens iTunes), which offers users a timer, a time-lapse feature, and bubble level for snapshots. $39.95. Joby.com

Mophie Juice Pack Air
We all wish our phones had better battery life, so having some portable juice is incredibly handy, especially for power iPhone users. Set in an iPhone case, this accessory keeps extra power in hand at all times. Personally, I loved the original Juice Pack for my old 2G, but it was large and kept charging the phone (signaled by a vibration) whenever the built-in power levels dipped even just a little — which meant it kept shaking in my hand all the time. With the Juice Pack Air, though, Mophie seems to have solved a lot of those issues. The case is slimmer, and there’s an on-off switch for powering up. It also has a pass-through USB, which means users can charge and sync the phone while still in the slide-on case. Although it’s still a little larger than a standard iPhone hardshell, the Juice Pack Air virtually doubles the battery life of a handset between charges, so for a lot of people, the extra bulk will be totally worth it. $79.95. Mophie.com

iPWR SuperPack
The highly pocketable iPWR external 1800 mAh Lithium polymer battery is super small and thin — at just a half-inch in thickness and 1.5 oz in weight — and hardly takes up any space. And since it has an on/off switch, it holds a charge really well (which means that it can just stay in a briefcase, suitcase or backpack as emergency power), for as long as weeks or even months. I’ve seen other batteries that look the same — as if they were all made in someone’s low-rent, third-world shack — so I was skeptical of it at first. But after a few months, this is still going strong. Although charging it fully isn’t blazing fast (it takes 2.5 hours), even a few minutes offers enough juice for a quick phone call or text. (Or just use the phone with the battery attached; the device will draw from the battery first.) It’s also compatible with a wide range of devices: 3G/3GS, 1st gen, iPod Touch (1G/2G), iPod nano (3rd, 4th, and 5th gen), iPod with video and the classic iPod. $59.95. iPwr.com

Pogo Stylus
Well okay, this accessory may seem a little goofy to some people, since the whole point of a capacitive display is that a stylus isn't required for it. But even so, others actually like the Pogo a lot. Why? Because users with long nails or big fingers are sometimes challenged using a touchscreen. (And this winter, I am actually finding it especially handy, since I can use this to operate my phone without taking off my gloves!) The electrostatic tip of the Pogo Stylus works really well on iPhone displays, as well as the trackpad on my Macbook Pro (for when I occasionally need a little pen/tablet functionality). Best of all, this really helps when playing games that require more pinpoint accuracy than my nubby little fingers can provide. $14.95. Ten One Design





MyFrogz hard shell case
iPhone cases are one of the biggest sellers during the holidays. But how do you know what color your gift recipient will really love? It’s a challenge that the MyFrogz case (from iFrogz.com) meets head-on, with personalized two-tone (or single color) cases that snap together. If your chosen color combo isn’t a big hit, the loved one can exchange it hassle-free. Better yet, when you purchase the retail box at an AT&T location (which has a purchase code inside), the user can use that code to go online and customize his or her own combination. So you actually have something physical to wrap and hand over, and the loved one is guaranteed to wind up with something he or she likes. (See mine above? Yep, I happen to like PhoneDog green.) And unlike other custom products, these ship the same day as the order, so there’s no excruciating month-long wait to receive the goods. $34.99. iFrogz.com



So that's the short list of my favorite iPhone accessories of the moment. If you like these kinds of items, or are intrigued by stuff like an iPhone attachment for gaming and even a hard case with telescopic photo lens, be sure to stay on the look out for TodaysiPhone.com, which will feature all this and more when it goes live in the coming weeks. (And we just may have a few giveaways up our sleeves too!) In the mean time, if you have a favorite accessory or are eyeing one that you’re curious about, send us a tip! We’ll get you the scoop on what it is, how it works and if it really is hot or not.

You can post suggestions down here in the comments. Or, for a chance to win the green and white MyFrogz item shown above, follow me at @PhonedogAdriana and Tweet your suggestion. (The first Tweet wins — that is, if you don't mind my name on the packaging :-) But the case itself is pristine and ready to hold your 3G/3GS.)

Happy holidays, everyone!

OKAY, MAYBE JUST ONE MORE: Once you start looking at accessories, it's tough to quit! So here's an additional honorable mention: I just recently got a WallDock, and I have to say — it's a pretty handy wall charger in a cute, itty bitty little package. If you have anyone on your list who travels often or just wants an extra charging station in the house, this little $24.99 item will make them happy and won't break your piggy bank. Check it out here.

 How badly do you want the latest new mobile phone? Do you want it badly enough to sell your newborn child to be able to afford to purchase it? That may sound like something absurd that no one would ever do. However, it was recently done by a young couple living in China. The unmarried couple were apparently in a desperate situation after their own parents decided not to assist them in raising the child so they felt that their best option was to get rid of the baby. Where they went really wrong was that they sold the child and used the money to buy a new mobile phone.

The couple, Zhang Yao aged 19 and Xin aged 21, had met not all that long ago on the Internet. Both of them fail to work regularly and spend most of their time online. They got together in person, fell in love and Zhang Yao ended up pregnant. Their parents were none too happy with the situation and refused to offer the couple any sort of financial assistance to help raise the child. After discussing their options, the couple decided to have the baby and then to get rid of it. Their method of getting rid of it was to sell the newborn.

At only six days of age the child was sold for the measly price of 2500 yuan (£228). The father of the child used that money to purchase a new mobile phone. The information about which mobile phone the man thought was worth the price of his newborn child has not been released. The man that the child was sold to had planned to resell the baby for 10,000 yuan but was caught when his suspicious behaviour led the police to his door.

As of right now nobody has been arrested or charged in connection with this crime. The baby is with a child welfare program. Attempts are being made to get the couple’s parents on board with helping to raise the child so that the newborn baby can be returned to its real family. That’s right; the young couple may not only get to keep their new cell phone but may also get back the baby they sold to buy it!

Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

A clear picture of the Motorola Backflip has surfaced, and as you can see from the the logo on the keyboard, it appears to be headed to AT&T.  The MOTOBLUR-equipped Backflip sports quite the unique design, with the keyboard and attached camera (see bottom left hand side) acting as the back of the phone.  Think enV3, but imagine the keyboard to be where the camera is.  One thing is for sure: It'll certainly be a love or hate design.

No timeframe has been given as to when the device will launch, but based on information circulating around the internet, I would expect a Q1 2010 release.  AT&T subscribers, are you interested?

Via: PhoneMag

A Maine representative wants to make the state the first to require a brain cancer warning on wireless phones, despite the fact that there's no conclusive evidence to show that cell phones cause any sort of long-term damage.

Maine Rep. Andrea Boland (D-Sanford) claims that numerous studies point to cancer as a long-term effect of utilizing a cell phone, and is asking her colleagues to allow discussion of the proposal in the January 2010 legislative session.  Under her bill, manufacturers would be required to place labels on devices and packaging warning of the potential for brain cancer, claiming that the 950,000 cell phone users in her state "do not know what the risks are."

Boland does own a wireless device, but she holds it away from her ear when she talks, and keeps it turned off unless she's expecting a call.  Though Maine would be the first state to pass such legislation, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has been working to pass similar legislation in his city.

Via: Yahoo! Tech

More mooks are mobile-phoning behind the wheel than ever before, according to a recent report by the Transport Research Laboratory.  Two point eight percent of all drivers - that’s almost one in thirty people on the road - believe piloting a couple tons of metal through an obstacle course where a moment of inattention can kill is something to be done one-handed.  Preferably while whining about how much make-up that tart Sharon was wearing at the office party.

Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

Today, Vodafone have clearly laid out their plans for selling the iPhone in the UK for all to examine.  Vodafone are the latest UK network to leap aboard the iPhone sales train, joining Orange, Tesco Mobile and O2, whose exclusivity to sell the phone ended earlier this year.

The Vodafone iPhone will be released on the 14th January and there are a variety of new tariffs to go with it.  The cheapest option will cost £30 per month, with 300 minutes and unlimited SMS, plus 1GB of data.  If you want a 3GS with this plan - and you do - a 16GB version will be £149, but you could also choose an iPhone 3G and spend £59 extra instead.  To get a free 3GS, you’ll have to commit to £45 per month.

But as Tesco Mobile proved, it’s how long you must commit to the contract that separates you from the rest.  As expected, Vodafone’s contract lengths fall into 18 and 24-month categories, keeping in line with Orange and O2.

The UK CEO of Vodafone, Guy Lawrence, said the company has been preparing for the iPhone’s arrival for over a year, citing network speed and reliability as two areas they have been concentrating on to provide an excellent service for their iPhone customers.

Now the iPhone range is available for sale through four different networks, what will happen if - but more likely when - Apple launch a new version later in 2010?  Could recent FCC investigations in the USA, or examples such as last year’s successful overturning of France Telecom’s exclusivity deal, lead Apple to work with more than one network this time?  There is no doubt it would be better for the customer if they do.

Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.

1.  iMpact

A combination of training, inclination and several thousand years of extremely unfunny history have left Israeli security guards with zero sense of humour.  They’re also almost infinity percent more likely to use guns to solve traditionally non-firearm-resolved issues, so when student Lilly Sussman was less than co-operative in answering questions, they were less than happy.  And “The Israelis Are Less Than Happy” is how most Tom Clancy novels start.

Security guards demonstrated their displeasure by installing six bullets into the MacBook.  This work was not conducted by Apple-approved technicians and violated the entire hell out of the warranty, but did reveal that even murdered Macbooks are pretty sweet looking - even if they do take literally forever to boot.  It’s just a shame that the three armed gunmen cut loose on a computer, and it wasn’t because of a Windows blue screen. (more…)

Post from Dial-a-Phone, UK's no. 1 for Mobile Phones.