4GB iPhone with Video iChat?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/01/4gb-iphone-with-video-ichat/)


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/06/01/193151-fido-leak-16a_425.jpg

Not actual 4GB iPhone pictured.
The possibility of an iPhone with video conferencing is one that people love talking about. Unfortunately, very few reliable rumors have actually suggested that this is a likely feature in the next generation iPhone. BoyGeniusReport continues (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/06/01/fidos-2009-roadmap-leaked/) this theme with their leak of mobile carrier Fido's 2009 roadmap which they are "very far away from being able to confirm". The documents seem to picture a 4GB iPhone with a feature list that includes iChat Video Calling: The most notable slide has to do with a 4GB iPhone 3G. While there is a huge disclaimer that the image isn’t the device itself, the slide depicts a 4GB iPhone model that will run for $99 and come with quad-band EDGE, tri-band HSDPA, a 2 megapixel shooter and, believe it or not, iChat video calling (oh hi, front-facing camera). The site is uncertain about the authenticity of the image and takes on some more significance given today's report (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/01/four-iphone-models-ranging-from-4-gb-to-32-gb-coming/) from Engadget that the iPhone will come in 4GB to 32GB sizes.

Article Link: 4GB iPhone with Video iChat? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/01/4gb-iphone-with-video-ichat/)

[HLdan]

Looks great. Can't wait for the new iPhone. :D

[itisme1760]

I saw this on Appleinsider. Video chat would be nice, but probably only on WiFi. Imagine the battery suckage on this one.

But 4GB?? Apple, WTF??

[bedifferent]

As much as I would love to see a front facing camera for video chat (and self-portraits), I highly doubt it will be in the next iPhone.

[pik.]

wow...!!!!!!

maybe is time to say goodbye to my iPhone EDGE....:rolleyes:

good news...

[1Zach1]

So they are going to either 1: Add a front facing camera, yet not up the MP on the other camera which seems really weird 2: Expect people to use the regular camera for video calling....I just don't get it

[Andronicus]

I don't know if I would use video chat, but I still want a front facing camera.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

I'll but one if the plan doesn't cost $70 a month! Really, why is it that much? Data usage?

[acearchie]

4Gb still seems a bit odd to me....

Oh well only about a week to go until we find out!

[Willis]

I call fake. I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens. Till then... fake

[themacintoshman]

This looks awesome, I can't wait for the new iPhone even though I might not be getting it unless it's something really great.

[alphatectz]

Looks great. Can't wait for the new iPhone. :D


You mean "sounds" good not looks good. (that isn't a picture of the new iPhone, of clearly states that in the orginal thread)

[dagamer34]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

[slapppy]

I call fake. I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens. Till then... fake

Yeah has to be fake. Unless Apple figured out how to extend battery life by way of sucking up your own life force to charge the battery. That would be cool, probably need to drink lots of Gatorade to keep from fainting. :p

[andrew0122]

Why in the world would they downgrade back to the 4GB iPhone. I mean haven't the prices for flash memory dropped enough for them to at the bare minimum to carry at least 8GB.

I have the 8GB EDGE iPhone and it fills up fast especially with all of the new apps to download. . . UNLESS they are going to go with the rumored difference in software and keep the larger sizes 16 and 32GB versions as the Pro iPhone line. . . I do like the idea of a front facing camera. I really don't think I'd use it personally, but you never know. . .

I know I'm going to get one of the 3rd generation iPhone, but primarily for the fact that they've already said the original iPhone won't be able to send and receive MMS. *(Which REALLY should have been included with the original.) But I also like the idea of an accurate GPS instead of that horrendous cell tower triangulation they use in my iPhone. And Geotagging!

[alphatectz]

I saw this on Appleinsider. Video chat would be nice, but probably only on WiFi. Imagine the battery suckage on this one.

But 4GB?? Apple, WTF??

If this is true about the iChat camera (front facing camera) the battery life on the new iPhone should be great just to keep up with a lot of new features in the 3.0fw plus the new iPhone.

[keenan wolf]

look, its a picture of a first generation iphone. you can tell because theres no black between the edge of the screen and the bezel on the left and right sides.

thats the end of that rumor

[The General]

You mean "sounds" good not looks good. (that isn't a picture of the new iPhone, of clearly states that in the orginal thread)

Actually, it's an image. It doesn't make any sound. So yes, it looks good.

[Compile 'em all]

look, its a picture of a first generation iphone. you can tell because theres no black between the edge of the screen and the bezel on the left and right sides.

thats the end of that rumor

The least thing you could do is read the original post when posting on a thread. It clearly states that the photo depicted is not a new iPhone.

[Shake 'n' Bake]

Yeah has to be fake. Unless Apple figured out how to extend battery life by way of sucking up your own life force to charge the battery. That would be cool, probably need to drink lots of Gatorade to keep from fainting. :p

Maybe it borrows some technology from the 17'' MBP with the rectangular cells and whatnot.

[keenan wolf]

The least thing you could do is read the original post when posting on a thread. It clearly states that the photo depicted is not a new iPhone.

its not even an iphone 3G. its an original iphone. why would they put a picture of an original iphone on there? its not real.

[keenan wolf]

Maybe it borrows some technology from the 17'' MBP with the rectangular cells and whatnot.

thats exactly what i was thinking.

[alphatectz]

Actually, it's an image. It doesn't make any sound. So yes, it looks good.

Keenan wolf has proven my point. It's not the new iphone or a 3g.

[=MuLti-CeLL=]

The least thing you could do is read the original post when posting on a thread. It clearly states that the photo depicted is not a new iPhone.

What he said ^^^, which just happens to be exactly what I was gonna say. :D

[Sweetfeld28]

So 4GB to 32GB... Does this mean: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and a 32GB?

If so, maybe what they've been saying on some of the rumor mills, may come true: Limited features deactivated/unlocked with hardware in certain model iPhones?

[sonnyjames]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A312g Safari/528.16)

I kid you not. Every deaf and hard of hearing person in America will buy this solely for the video conferencing feature to see each other signing. Do you all know that there are an estimated 32+ million people in America with hearing loss. This equals mega bucks for Apple and AT&T!

[NasserAE]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

Video calling on cell phones has been available in Europe and most of the world for few years now (I believe AT&T has it too). I don't why it should be problem over 3G data connection with more than enough bandwidth. The resolution and quality is no where near actual computers and 3G connection is required.

[gt1948]

I don't know if I would use video chat, but I still want a front facing camera.

use it daily on the computer it would be great on a 3.5G phone......:D:D

Let it Be:apple:apple::apple:

[keenan wolf]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A312g Safari/528.16)

I kid you not. Every deaf and hard of hearing person in America will buy this solely for the video conferencing feature to see each other signing. Do you all know that there are an estimated 32+ million people in America with hearing loss. This equals mega bucks for Apple and AT&T!

i had not even thought about that. its an endless pot of gold for both companies. thats reason enough for apple to put the camera on there

[The General]

Keenan wolf has proven my point. It's not the new iphone or a 3g.

*woosh*

[gibbz]

So they are going to either 1: Add a front facing camera, yet not up the MP on the other camera which seems really weird 2: Expect people to use the regular camera for video calling....I just don't get it

Well, since this would be an entry level phone, Apple would presumably keep a cheaper camera in to help keep costs low. I would expect the larger capacity versions to employ the rumored higher MP cameras.

[Impulse29]

Does it say with a 3 year contract? Haven't all iPhone contracts been 2 year only?

[eddieaus]

this is insane, are we going back to 2007 or something? $99 + 3 year contract for this?

[ozzyman500]

Why does Apple keep decreasing their memory space, but then they upgrade their bitrate? I don't get it.

[samac92]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

in europe we have had video calling on mobile phones for years. the US is behind in mobile networking technology.

[gibbz]

Does it say with a 3 year contract? Haven't all iPhone contracts been 2 year only?

this is insane, are we going back to 2007 or something? $99 + 3 year contract for this?

That image is from Fido. Their current iPhone plans require a 3-year contract. AT&T will stay 2 years.

[twoodcc]

i guess it's possible. just over a week until we find out!

[ozzyman500]

I really hope the regular prices aren't sky high like they are now. I really want to get a newer phone...

Maybe AT&T will be nice to us? :D

[TonyHoyle]

in europe we have had video calling on mobile phones for years. the US is behind in mobile networking technology.

Indeed.. 3G was designed for it (the *old* 3G, not HSPDA). Modern phone networks have plenty of bandwidth for video calling.

[entropys]

look, its a picture of a first generation iphone. you can tell because theres no black between the edge of the screen and the bezel on the left and right sides.

thats the end of that rumor

Perhaps that is why the pic of the draft brochure says "image not actual product"

[acuriouslad]

I would love to see a front facing camera I'm planning on getting an iPhone at the end of the year and it would be amazing to have it included. Here in Australia we have had video calling on cellular networks for years and this would be a nice incentive for people who use it a lot.

[keenan wolf]

Perhaps that is why the pic of the draft brochure says "image not actual product"

they wouldnt put an original iphone on there road map. why would they?

[newyorksole]

lol I bet money that there will be no front facing camera or iChat, I think we will say that in 2011 though

I HOPE I eat my words though

[str1f3]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

Well AT&T says their upgrading their network and they banned so many video streaming apps that it's possible. I also don't think many people would use it (at least for video calling).

[The General]

they wouldnt put an original iphone on there road map. why would they?

As a place holder for the actual product, thus not to give away any information ahead of time. This really isn't that difficult of a concept, I'm utterly flabbergasted that anyone would have trouble understanding it.

[hefeglass]

Not exactly the brightest....

[keenan wolf]

As a place holder for the actual product, thus not to give away any information ahead of time. This really isn't that difficult of a concept, I'm utterly flabbergasted that anyone would have trouble understanding it.

its not real!!!! theres no way there is going to be an iphone with 4gb of memory and a front camera. maybe 4gb but definetly not with a camera.

[Rocketman]

Is the SKU in the image instructive?

Rocketman

[The General]

Not exactly the brightest....

Clearly. Is it just me or are people not obeying the 13 and older rule here anymore? Seems like more and more 9 year olds are getting hold of computers and using them.

[acfusion29]

I HOPE there is iChat and it's exactly like BBM. :D *crosses fingers*

[bedifferent]

its not real!!!! theres no way there is going to be an iphone with 4gb of memory and a front camera. maybe 4gb but definetly not with a camera.

What if all the new model iPhones have a front facing camera, and Fido is simply planning on advertising the cheapest one for marketing purposes? A 4 GB iPhone for $99 or less on AT&T with newer/cheaper data plans would make some sense for individuals who want/need the iPhone but don't need a ton of space.

[GeekLawyer]

they wouldnt put an original iphone on there road map. why would they?

Because while Apple may have told its partners what to expect in terms of features in upcoming models, they have not given marketing flunkies at phone companies pictures of unreleased products. For this very reason, in fact.

[JayLenochiniMac]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A312g Safari/528.16)

I kid you not. Every deaf and hard of hearing person in America will buy this solely for the video conferencing feature to see each other signing. Do you all know that there are an estimated 32+ million people in America with hearing loss. This equals mega bucks for Apple and AT&T!

Yeah right, like they can hold the phone AND sign with both hands, or not get their entire points across by signing with only one hand. The 32 mil figure represents those with some degrees of hearing loss, not necessarily the number of ASL users.

[robothero]

I think a 4G phone pretty much guarantees that they will be adjusting the pricing structure for iPhone plans. You'll have your entry level phones/plan with either EDGE only or capped data, lower memory, weaker features and you will have your higher level, flagship phones with all the best features and the more expensive plans.

[rugox]

Actually, it's an image. It doesn't make any sound. So yes, it looks good.

Not the actual 4gb iphone on the image. So by reading the specs, it is sounds great.

[Demosthenes X]

I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens.

Not one person who advocates for video calling on a cell phone has explained how it will work logistically. Just imagine trying to walk down a busy street and use the video calling function. You'd need to hold the phone at arm's length and keep it perfectly still to have a reasonable conversation.

Video calling makes zero sense on a mobile phone. It's fine for a home phone, where the phone can be stationary, but it's completely unfeasible in a mobile product. If (big, big IF) this ever happens, it will be a gimmick only.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A312g Safari/528.16)

I kid you not. Every deaf and hard of hearing person in America will buy this solely for the video conferencing feature to see each other signing. Do you all know that there are an estimated 32+ million people in America with hearing loss. This equals mega bucks for Apple and AT&T!

Between the poor video quality such a device would entail and trying to sign one handed, I doubt it. Again, video calling on a mobile makes little sense.

[The General]

Not the actual 4gb iphone on the image. So by reading the specs, it is sounds great.

OMG you people are not understanding this at all.

Guy 1: Looks good!
Guy 2: No, it doesn't look good, thats not a picture of the real 3rd gen iPhone. you mean it "sounds good"
Me: It doesn't "sound" anything - it's an image (or text, or whatever) thusly - it looks good. Because text doesn't make any sound.

OMG HILARITY! See? You nitpicked one grammatical "error" and then I nitpicked your nitpick with a funny joke!

Images and text do not make sounds, so they do not sound good - by your logic. SEE HOW FUNNY IT IS?

[Auzburner]

[Cue absolute rumor EXPLOSION]

[uberamd]

The demand for a front facing camera, even without the ability to video chat is staggering. Seriously? Do you people really take that many pictures of yourself that you need a dedicated camera to do so?

[TurboFan]

As much as I would love to see a front facing camera for video chat (and self-portraits), I highly doubt it will be in the next iPhone.

I have to politly dissagree.
I hope they DONT, it will ruin the sleek face of the iPhone.

A solution could be a little tiny mirror like telescope thingy (you know the submarine style telescope toy we all either had, played with, or wanted, that would look over fences ect) i guess its called a spy scope or somthing? Anyway, just a small one that had a tube and a set of mirrors inside to get the light from the front of the camera, and then its attached to a full body case where it would have a pod that could come out of the back, so that you could put it on a table and vid chat in landscape view.
Anyone follow me? not ment to be a portable case but like a solid plastic holster rather to hold the telescope and prop the iPhone up...

And id like to see an ipod with photo/video capabilities... but first mac needs to put video recording and pic/video msging into the standard firmware.
EDIT:
and i STRONGLY agree with uberamd.
Seriously, you have to be way to egotistic to actually want that.
Not like you can't just turn the phone around and take a pic that way 'Oh noes but i cant see myself!'. Well its digital ain't it? Just keep taking photos and deleting untill you get one you like, and if you claim you can't get a decent photo, then you need to understand its your paren'ts fault for making you ugly and not the phones. 'Nuff said.

[uberamd]

I have to politly dissagree.
I hope they DONT, it will ruin the sleek face of the iPhone.

A solution could be a little tiny mirror like telescope thingy (you know the submarine style telescope toy we all either had, played with, or wanted, that would look over fences ect) i guess its called a spy scope or somthing? Anyway, just a small one that had a tube and a set of mirrors inside to get the light from the front of the camera, and then its attached to a full body case where it would have a pod that could come out of the back, so that you could put it on a table and vid chat in landscape view.
Anyone follow me? not ment to be a portable case but like a solid plastic holster rather to hold the telescope and prop the iPhone up...

And id like to see an ipod with photo/video capabilities... but first mac needs to put video recording and pic/video msging into the standard firmware.

Thats very complicated, lol. I have an idea, how about people quit taking so many "MySpace" pictures of themselves and find a friend to do it?

[Rocketman]

I have never used even close to 4GB on my iPhone. I am wiling to assume I am an abberrent user. A heavy user with "only" 4GB of local space would need a cloud server to pick up the slack. May the rumors now commence in style.

Who are the third party iPhone compatible cloud server suppliers with existing deployed iPhone apps? I ask. :D

Rocketman

[uberamd]

I think a 4G phone pretty much guarantees that they will be adjusting the pricing structure for iPhone plans. You'll have your entry level phones/plan with either EDGE only or capped data, lower memory, weaker features and you will have your higher level, flagship phones with all the best features and the more expensive plans.

So lower memory and weaker features? Does that mean lower overall specs? I HIGHLY doubt Apple wants to make buying the iPhone like computer shopping, where you need to compare specs to find the one that can handle the apps you want to use, etc.

I have the 8GB iPhone and I am using a few hundred MB because of apps and pictures, but I have 0 songs on my phone. Thus, I wouldn't mind the 4GB model because I have an iPod Touch/5th Gen iPod for music. But crippled specs? No. Won't happen.

[Tallest Skil]

What in the FRICK is this nonsense?:confused:

They're going backwards. That's all there is to this. BACKWARDS.

[bedifferent]

I have never used even close to 4GB on my iPhone. I am wiling to assume I am an abberrent user. A heavy user with "only" 4GB of local space would need a cloud server to pick up the slack. May the rumors now commence in style.

Who are the third party iPhone compatible cloud server suppliers with existing deployed iPhone apps? I ask. :D

Rocketman

Isn't Apple closing on a huge server farm in North Carolina?

I have to politly dissagree.
I hope they DONT, it will ruin the sleek face of the iPhone.

A solution could be a little tiny mirror like telescope thingy (you know the submarine style telescope toy we all either had, played with, or wanted, that would look over fences ect) i guess its called a spy scope or somthing? Anyway, just a small one that had a tube and a set of mirrors inside to get the light from the front of the camera, and then its attached to a full body case where it would have a pod that could come out of the back, so that you could put it on a table and vid chat in landscape view.
Anyone follow me? not ment to be a portable case but like a solid plastic holster rather to hold the telescope and prop the iPhone up...


So instead of moving the speaker earpiece up further (as rumors have suggested) to make room for a front facing camera that would not be noticeable (re: the iMac and 24" LED LCD Display's have built in video camera's under the glass that do not infringe on aesthetics), you are suggesting an exterior telescope-esque device to attach to the iPhone in order to allow self-portraits and video conferencing from the already existent rear facing camera? If aesthetics are an issue, it makes no sense to disagree with a hidden front facing camera while promoting additional equipment that would undoubtedly mire the sleek aesthetics.

[The General]

Isn't Apple closing on a huge server farm in North Carolina?

Yes.

http://www.tuaw.com/2009/05/25/apple-building-server-farm-secret-lair-in-north-carolina/

[MacFly123]

I call fake. I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens. Till then... fake

Oh it most definitely will happen, but not this time around and NOT on a 4GB iPhone lol. No way, total BS!

[TurboFan]

Thats very complicated, lol. I have an idea, how about people quit taking so many "MySpace" pictures of themselves and find a friend to do it?

yeah really.
LoL
I have been agains myspace since day one, even though somone made a myspace with my picture name and info in it... creepy.
same with face book, twitter, hotmail, aim and every other stupid "communication" fad.
What ever happened to talking to people?

I only beleive in Google, Torrents, YouTube, Wikipedia, and Zombies, because we all know "The Zombie Survival Guide" was not a joke at all, and is to be taken very very seriously... http://ww2.zombieinitiative.org/ lol
:rolleyes:
Back on topic.... ;) Video chat wont be cheap, but then again if you can afford an iPhone, cheap isnt a priorty.

[deetsnai]

:rolleyes:

Listen, a front facing camera is inevitable. It would be a feature that no other popular smartphone has, give Apple a big advantage in the market, and is very easy to implement.

Here is how:

1. Front facing on all new iPhones
2. Wifi support for all models - FREE - for home use and AT&T hot spots
3. Video calling package for an extra $10-$30 a month

[Master Chief]

4GB? Hm, interesting. Could this be the new iPhone Nano then?

[bks691]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

That's incorrect, before I jumped on the iPhone wagon I had a windows mobile device and I used video chat on a daily basis. That was about a year ago, with AT&T

[LePigeonBleu]

didn't the iphone edge 4g fail?

[newyorksole]

why are people so stuck on an iPhone nano. wtf are we gonna get out of an iPhone nano?!

the size of the iPhone is fine, idk what's with all these "nano" rumors.

[HailToTheVictor]

The cost difference between a 4gb and 8gb module can only be a few dollars...why go back to 4gb?

iChat video would be the killer feature with 3.0, but I still say it will not happen due to bandwidth issues, unless it's an additional feature you have to add to your plan.

[MacFly123]

I have to politly dissagree.
I hope they DONT, it will ruin the sleek face of the iPhone.

A solution could be a little tiny mirror like telescope thingy (you know the submarine style telescope toy we all either had, played with, or wanted, that would look over fences ect) i guess its called a spy scope or somthing? Anyway, just a small one that had a tube and a set of mirrors inside to get the light from the front of the camera, and then its attached to a full body case where it would have a pod that could come out of the back, so that you could put it on a table and vid chat in landscape view.
Anyone follow me? not ment to be a portable case but like a solid plastic holster rather to hold the telescope and prop the iPhone up...

And id like to see an ipod with photo/video capabilities... but first mac needs to put video recording and pic/video msging into the standard firmware.
EDIT:
and i STRONGLY agree with uberamd.
Seriously, you have to be way to egotistic to actually want that.
Not like you can't just turn the phone around and take a pic that way 'Oh noes but i cant see myself!'. Well its digital ain't it? Just keep taking photos and deleting untill you get one you like, and if you claim you can't get a decent photo, then you need to understand its your paren'ts fault for making you ugly and not the phones. 'Nuff said.

Are you on crack lol? I hope you are being sarcastic.

How does this ruin the iPhones sleekness? It looks better than the actual iPhone!

[uberamd]

That's incorrect, before I jumped on the iPhone wagon I had a windows mobile device and I used video chat on a daily basis. That was about a year ago, with AT&T

Who did you call? I know nobody with a video-chat enabled phone. When I call people, I call their cell phones, and most people I know have basic phones, and none of them have video chat.

[bedifferent]

The cost difference between a 4gb and 8gb module can only be a few dollars...why go back to 4gb?

iChat video would be the killer feature with 3.0, but I still say it will not happen due to bandwidth issues, unless it's an additional feature you have to add to your plan.

Could flash drive size be an issue? What if the 4 GB flash is smaller, making room for a front facing camera? Might explain the possibility of why the 4 GB model will have video iChat, although I would be surprised if there is a big difference in physical size between a 4 GB and 8 GB+ flash drive.

[TurboFan]

That's incorrect, before I jumped on the iPhone wagon I had a windows mobile device and I used video chat on a daily basis. That was about a year ago, with AT&T

Agreed. The technology can support it, just mac doesn't release things untill they are locked down and fool proof. A network that can support 3g can definatly support simple 1-2megapixle video chat.
But why would anyone really need video chat on their phones?:confused:
Its a bit to risque to go pour money into a very un-necessary portion of an already high end product... think about it, the iPhone (although great) is already and "elitest" item... with an increase in price (especially in production costs) the iPhone wont sell nearly as well, and I doubt apple can afford to sell more for the same price.....
Again they need to figure out the taking videos, then pic/vid msgs BEFORE they can venture into LIVE videos.....
:cool:

[The General]

Are you on crack lol? I hope you are being sarcastic.

How does this ruin the iPhones sleekness? It looks better than the actual iPhone!

That is hideous.

[bedifferent]

That is hideous.

I believe that is a pretty slick mock-up.


But why would anyone really need video chat on their phones?:confused:

Work related video conferencing for traveling would be a good reason. Instead of bringing a larger laptop, the iPhone could act as a device for video conferencing while on the road. Tele-conferencing is becoming a very viable and essential aspect in the business world, certainly as more individuals/employees are working from home and/or traveling for work.

[Master Chief]

The cost difference between a 4gb and 8gb module can only be a few dollars...why go back to 4gb?
There are apparently people who just don't like to carry a huge phone (their words, not mine) and don't like the current form factor, and while I am a happy iPhone user myself (but I would like to get more GB's) it was a lot bigger than my previous non-iPhone model.

[bks691]

Who did you call? I know nobody with a video-chat enabled phone. When I call people, I call their cell phones, and most people I know have basic phones, and none of them have video chat.

My daughters, they were in a different state. :)

[txr0ckabilly]

4gb & 8gb - same hardware/software/design we have now.

We've heard they are EOLing the 16gb so....

16gb & 32gb with upgraded hardware/software/design

That's my theory anyway....

[TurboFan]

Who did you call? I know nobody with a video-chat enabled phone. When I call people, I call their cell phones, and most people I know have basic phones, and none of them have video chat.

im unsure i believe trios could do some crazy stuff for their time, besides email and internet.
http://qik.com/
check it out^
tbh Im not sure any phone acutally had phone to phone video chats, but i know live streaming has been around for a while.

[txr0ckabilly]

Agreed. The technology can support it, just mac doesn't release things untill they are locked down and fool proof. A network that can support 3g can definatly support simple 1-2megapixle video chat.
But why would anyone really need video chat on their phones?:confused:
Its a bit to risque to go pour money into a very un-necessary portion of an already high end product... think about it, the iPhone (although great) is already and "elitest" item... with an increase in price (especially in production costs) the iPhone wont sell nearly as well, and I doubt apple can afford to sell more for the same price.....
Again they need to figure out the taking videos, then pic/vid msgs BEFORE they can venture into LIVE videos.....
:cool:

LOL @ "fool proof"

[TurboFan]

LOL @ "fool proof"

that had 2 meanings:
1) the nicest way I could describe some people and how they use stuff
2) and the true fools that i love hacker proof!

:p
I liked it too... heh:p

[Rocketman]

why are people so stuck on an iPhone nano. wtf are we gonna get out of an iPhone nano?!


Chinese people (and 12 year old hotties) have smaller hands. I for one need a BIGGER iPhone. I am a (N) American male. I overeat and over drink and still live longer than a Chinese guy.

But I agree with one thing, every Chinese citizen needs an Apple, badly.

Shipped from inside their country. :D

Rocketman

[uberamd]

im unsure i believe trios could do some crazy stuff for their time, besides email and internet.
http://qik.com/
check it out^
tbh Im not sure any phone acutally had phone to phone video chats, but i know live streaming has been around for a while.

I used Qik on my jailbroken iPhone but wasn't impressed. Not to mention Apple rejected their app thats why its on Cydia.

[orange42]

4GB makes sense for people who don't use their iPhone as an iPod at all.

[iPaf]

This is zero reliable since Fido isn't sure about carrying the new iPhone at all...

http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/fido-to-not-receive-new-iphone-in-2009/

[MattInOz]

I have to politly dissagree.
I hope they DONT, it will ruin the sleek face of the iPhone.


I'm sure Samsung announced an OLED screen that was also had camera pixels built in, that was to go into production about now. Plus Apple has a couple of Patent App's on the same ideas as well, so i'm sure they would be well aware of anything ready for use.

You won't see the camera the camera will be the screen, that's why they have been working hard on video processors as well to drive the system. The new phone will use visual touch, and the screen will be the proximity sense as well. But you'll be able to look people in the eye when you talk to them.

Also Steve won't be at the keynote he'll be at his desk catching up on paper work taking time out for the live keynote demo video call.

[XciteMe]

OMG you people are not understanding this at all.

Guy 1: Looks good!
Guy 2: No, it doesn't look good, thats not a picture of the real 3rd gen iPhone. you mean it "sounds good"
Me: It doesn't "sound" anything - it's an image (or text, or whatever) thusly - it looks good. Because text doesn't make any sound.

OMG HILARITY! See? You nitpicked one grammatical "error" and then I nitpicked your nitpick with a funny joke!

Images and text do not make sounds, so they do not sound good - by your logic. SEE HOW FUNNY IT IS?

I hope you realize how stupid and trivial your argument is. Can you just let it be and quit trying to have the upper hand?

[rjstanford]

Video calling makes zero sense on a mobile phone. It's fine for a home phone, where the phone can be stationary, but it's completely unfeasible in a mobile product. If (big, big IF) this ever happens, it will be a gimmick only.

I'd be inclined to agree with you except for two things - first, image stabalization has made its way into all but the cheapest digital cameras these days. Second, Apple recently (iLife) introduced new facial recognition software. Combine those two technologies, and you have something that could relatively easily send a smaller image of you with (relatively) little difficulty.

Now that's cool. Of course, you'd need a much larger sensor than you were planning on transmitting, which would explain the relatively low quoted size and the relatively reasonable bandwidth usage (no need to send more pixels than the iPhone display, at least at first)...

[DELLsFan]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

Yep, this is the ticket no one's yet willing to punch.

:apple:

[The General]

I hope you realize how stupid and trivial your argument is. Can you just let it be and quit trying to have the upper hand?

Oh. My. God.

It's not an argument. Even after EXPLAINING my joke in detail, you people are still responding to it as if I had been serious.

I give up.

[keenan wolf]

A 4 GB iPhone for $99 or less on AT&T with newer/cheaper data plans would make some sense for individuals who want/need the iPhone but don't need a ton of space.

nobody needs an iphone. the only reason i could see someone needing an iphone is if there company required it. i don't know of any companies requiring there employees to own an iphone. but if it is required then it will be supplied to the employee. there for they get what ever they get from there employer.

[kinto]

Not one person who advocates for video calling on a cell phone has explained how it will work logistically. Just imagine trying to walk down a busy street and use the video calling function. You'd need to hold the phone at arm's length and keep it perfectly still to have a reasonable conversation.

but video chatting while walking down the street would be like video chat while you're driving. i mean, the thing works as a regular phone too. save the video chat for when you're sitting down. makes perfect sense to me.

[.:R2theT]

The cost difference between a 4gb and 8gb module can only be a few dollars...why go back to 4gb?

Maybe because Apple loves to make huge amounts of gross-profit wherever possible. It would potentially provide price steps in the "range".

[wackymacky]

A 4 GB new phone??!!

I may was well flush my 16GB 3G down the toliet when I decide to trade up, for all my old phone will be worth if they will be selling a sub $100 iPhone.

[tetravus]

I guess the best use of the front facing camera would be for paranoid GF/wife to check on their man. "Why are you not home yet? you sure you are working on overtime? Activate video chat and show me where you are now!!!"

[Surely]

Hmmmm.... if there will be a 4GB EDGE iPhone, as is being described in this "ad", does that mean that there will be a reduced-priced data plan for that iPhone? Maybe something along the lines of the current EDGE data plan ($20/month)?

[gibbz]

I guess the best use of the front facing camera would be for paranoid GF/wife to check on their man. "Why are you not home yet? you sure you are working on overtime? Activate video chat and show me where you are now!!!"

<shudders>

[Roessnakhan]

I guess the best use of the front facing camera would be for paranoid GF/wife to check on their man. "Why are you not home yet? you sure you are working on overtime? Activate video chat and show me where you are now!!!"

Scenarios like this make me happy ATT has a high dropped call rate. :D

[kinto]

I have to politly dissagree.
I hope they DONT, it will ruin the sleek face of the iPhone.

but think about how tiny an isight is. if that was set behind the glass you'd never even notice it unless the green light was on. really no different than the light sensor thing that's on them now to adjust screen brightness based upon the ambient light where you are.

[mmarlowb]

The bandwidth for something like video chat simply doesn't exist right now, especially upload speed which is at a premium.

Other phones can video call..why couldnt the iPhone...

[kinto]

I guess the best use of the front facing camera would be for paranoid GF/wife to check on their man. "Why are you not home yet? you sure you are working on overtime? Activate video chat and show me where you are now!!!"

ummm... i can think of some other uses too... winky winky :D

[Revelation78]

Yep, this is the ticket no one's yet willing to punch.

:apple:

Really? So get 3.0 or jailbreak, tether your iPhone to your laptop and use your built in camera to video chat with someone. How'd it go? It worked, didn't it?

Your theory about the bandwidth is bogus!

[MDMac]

I think the video chat idea is great. If it's done well I'm sure many people who were opposed or indifferent to the idea might actually enjoy using the feature.

I'd expect them to charge a fee for this feature, of course. If this really catches on and the masses do start using it then I'm sure AT&T is going to need to spend tons on accommodating the extra bandwidth demand. With the slingplayer app, AT&T can't really charge you for that, thus, they limited the app to Wi-Fi. If they can get some cash from you maybe they'll be able to accommodate you then.

[mmarlowb]

Does it say with a 3 year contract? Haven't all iPhone contracts been 2 year only?

Its Fido...Its canadian...way up here in the cold we go on 3 year contracts

[Brien]

A 4GB iPhone? Hmm, I thought they'd drop the price on the 8GB to $99 and make the 4GB free, but I guess not.

[funnyent]

sounds great, but unlikely. Unless this is the iPhone nano

[MDMac]

A 4GB iPhone? Hmm, I thought they'd drop the price on the 8GB to $99 and make the 4GB free, but I guess not.

Since the phone is so popular, I'm sure they can squeeze you for the exact same price they charged a year ago. Apple products have a tendency to retain a good amount of their initial value (not to mention the hardware upgrades, if any).

[nfl46]

A 4GB iPhone? Hmm, I thought they'd drop the price on the 8GB to $99 and make the 4GB free, but I guess not.

Apple and free? LOL! Yeaaahhhhh right!

The iPhone is too popular to give away for free.

Just imagine, Apple giving away 4GB for free...I can only imagine the amount of 4GB unlocked and jailbroken on eBay, lol. People will make a fortune.

[Surely]

Apple and free? LOL! Yeaaahhhhh right!

The iPhone is too popular to give away for free.

Just imagine, Apple giving away 4GB for free...I can only imagine the amount of 4GB unlocked and jailbroken on eBay, lol. People will make a fortune.

It wouldn't be free. It would be subsidized over the 2 or 3 years of the contract. There just wouldn't be any down-payment.

[months]

I don't know why you guys are all freaking out about iChat. There has been video calling on phones with Rogers and carriers all around the world for years now.

[InkMaster]

I'll but one if the plan doesn't cost $70 a month! Really, why is it that much? Data usage?

Why is that? Because why would AT&T charge any less when all the rabid fanboys are paying though the ass as-is? Hell, they could raise it to 150, and they would still get a ton of people paying.

The only solution to that? Competition, but we all know that aint happening any time soon...

I don't know why you guys are all freaking out about iChat. There has been video calling on phones with Rogers and carriers all around the world for years now.

Guess they're freaking out because there is nothing in US, from any of the carriers which would have it. :p

[Revelation78]

Why is that? Because why would AT&T charge any less when all the rabid fanboys are paying though the ass as-is? Hell, they could raise it to 150, and they would still get a ton of people paying.

The only solution to that? Competition, but we all know that aint happening any time soon...

Competition won't reduce the price in monthly charges. The only change in pricing you'll see will be on the handset. It's the same way it works for other phones that are shared on multiple networks right now.

[InkMaster]

Competition won't reduce the price in monthly charges. The only change in pricing you'll see will be on the handset. It's the same way it works for other phones that are shared on multiple networks right now.

Well, guess all the companies are more or less equally **** right now, in US at least.

[imcquill]

This is zero reliable since Fido isn't sure about carrying the new iPhone at all...

http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/iphone-news/fido-to-not-receive-new-iphone-in-2009/

If you take a look at the original pictures on BoyGeniusReport, you can see their entire brochure of phones through 2010. And it ONLY has the 4GB iPhone on it. So, what I suspect, is that Fido will only carry the lowest end iPhone, the 4GB, and all of the other ones, will only be available on Rogers. Fido can keep its cheaper branding but still carry an iPhone. I suspect that phone will have cheaper service plans as well. Already they don't have that system access fee.

[XciteMe]

Probably a dumb question but I have to ask anyways: AT&T is preparing to roll out its 3.5G network revamp, correct???? Which means more bandwith, correct? Wouldn't the new upcoming iPhone be able to better handle video conferencing bandwith with the 3.5G network????

[gothamm]

not sure if anyone noticed, but it says 3 year contract in the picture.

[hefeglass]

you would not be "not sure if anyone noticed" if you had actually read some of this thread
^

[MacFly123]

That is hideous.

I believe that is a pretty slick mock-up.

Just so you know that is not MY mock-up. And if you honestly think that is hideous, you would be the first person I know of that feels that way and I would be pretty tempted to accuse you of not knowing much or appreciating anything about good beautiful design in general.

[dead76]

I just read countless posts from people trying to explain WHY a front-mounted camera is a usless idea. But if it hasn't been said yet....I'll say it. I doesn't really matter if YOU see a reason for it now.....you forget what Apple does best better then anyone.....

...They CREATE the NEED for it in a way that will make every other phone lame for not having one.

Afterall, I never would have thought that I would want to put my whole music collection into a large store front that collects marketing data and sells me copies of music I aready have on CD right? :p

Frankly, I'm excited to see how they push the envelope even further and their ingenuity with a simple front mounted camera. :)

[trekkie604]

Hmmmm.... if there will be a 4GB EDGE iPhone, as is being described in this "ad", does that mean that there will be a reduced-priced data plan for that iPhone? Maybe something along the lines of the current EDGE data plan ($20/month)?

that pic states the HSDPA bands... That's 3G.

[stagi]

I would love to see iChat in the next iPhone but just don't think it going to happen. Would the processor be good enough to run iChat smoothly?

[Surely]

that pic states the HSDPA bands... That's 3G.

Ahhh, missed that somehow :confused:. I must have read the EDGE part from someone's comment.
Thanks.

[jmann]

I would love to see iChat in the next iPhone but just don't think it going to happen. Would the processor be good enough to run iChat smoothly?

I doubt it. I feel bad for AT&T's data network, if this is true. :(

[ipoppy]

Not one person who advocates for video calling on a cell phone has explained how it will work logistically. Just imagine trying to walk down a busy street and use the video calling function. You'd need to hold the phone at arm's length and keep it perfectly still to have a reasonable conversation.

Video calling makes zero sense on a mobile phone. It's fine for a home phone, where the phone can be stationary, but it's completely unfeasible in a mobile product. If (big, big IF) this ever happens, it will be a gimmick only.



Between the poor video quality such a device would entail and trying to sign one handed, I doubt it. Again, video calling on a mobile makes little sense.


Why you are speaking about it in terms of "imagine"? I guess you never had experienced with video calling feature and you have absolutely no idea how and when to use it.
I can assure you that it is great thing to have on your mobile. You see...you don't have to walk and talk; you can stop for a minute and do it then. Plus "imagine" if you are in the park or on the trip with your family or friends and you can call someone on iChat and show them where you are and what you do. Isn't it great? I think it is.
I don't know where you are from but here in europe we got video calling from sometime now; UK got Three network (http://www.three.co.uk/Internet_Services/Call_chat). I have been using this along with many others. And I hope it will come to iPhone now because that will make perfect sense from Apple strategy point of view.

[ipoppy]

I doubt it. I feel bad for AT&T's data network, if this is true. :(

World is not about your AT&T and AT&T only. Because your network is far behind european and asian in terms of speed it doesn't mean that Apple won't enable this feature.
Maybe thats why they are planning release few models then? In this case 4GB no iChat will perfectly match your market:D

[ipoppy]

I would love to see iChat in the next iPhone but just don't think it going to happen. Would the processor be good enough to run iChat smoothly?
Processor is more than fine for iChat on iPhone.

[ipoppy]

I guess the best use of the front facing camera would be for paranoid GF/wife to check on their man. "Why are you not home yet? you sure you are working on overtime? Activate video chat and show me where you are now!!!"

You could always use fake background as it is in current iChat. I would pray then that fps is enough for my wife to trick her:D

[ziggyonice]

I doubt it. I feel bad for AT&T's data network, if this is true. :(

If I had to guess, they won't allow video chat over 3G. It'd be wi-fi only.

[dan5.5]

the rumors keep on getting juicier and juicier

[jmann]

If I had to guess, they won't allow video chat over 3G. It'd be wi-fi only.

If that was so, then it MIGHT be possible. I would love to have that feature, but I'm not holding my breath.

[.:R2theT]

the rumors keep on getting juicier and juicier

And it will keep going until WWDC. Perfectly leaked to steal the Pre's thunder!

[stezza333]

I call fake. I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens. Till then... fake

Yep. I call BS.

[ipoppy]

Yep. I call BS.

I would call it BS too simply because there are not enough leaked proofs about this feature over last year in compare to other things which will be implemented in June/July iPhone.
But it is possible and make sense to me.

[tetravus]

ummm... i can think of some other uses too... winky winky :D

uhm, i don't think the resolution is high enough for that, unless the front camera is of megapixel quality and good sensor. Still, Apple stands to revolutionize mobile phone sex with this new feature :p

[schenk]

As a place holder for the actual product, thus not to give away any information ahead of time. This really isn't that difficult of a concept, I'm utterly flabbergasted that anyone would have trouble understanding it.


I like this guy, also the fact that it show its an 4gb iphone proves his/her point even further that its a place holder. I think that apple has something great in plan as they always do, it should be safe to say that 80% of iphone rumors are true due to the fact that there are people that will go to insane lengths to find out any new feature the new iphone will present. Also I think that the new iphone should have an ARM cortex 7 processor running at speeds of 600mhz ( for multimedia purposes ), 256mb of ram, 3.2mp and 2.0mp cameras with auto focusing, 16 and 32gb of memory, faster 3G (HSPA 7.2mb/s) and faster wifi (802.11n), digital compass, and hopefully a $100 price tag. :D

[dornoforpyros]

I just hope this confirms that fido will be offering the iPhone here, yes Fido is Rogers is Fido, I know. But the per second billing and early weekends makes it worth while to pick Fido over Rogers to me. The rumour has been that Fido won't be offering the next generation iPhone since they've been rebranded.

[Donz0r]

This pic is so completely fake.

IF they do come out with a lower end iPhone with 4gb, it will NOT have the front facing camera. IF they do come out with a front facing camera on the main iPhone (which I doubt, and idk why people are so convinced that it will happen, we'll see) of all the features, that would be the one that seems like it would be exclusive to the 'higher end' iPhone.

They might come out with a lower end iPhone nano.
They might come out with a front facing camera.
They will NOT come out with a lower end iPhone nano with a front facing camera.

And just for the record, I don't think there will be a lower end iPhone nano OR a front facing camera.

[Chase R]

I'd buy that phone in a heartbeat. Exactly what I want... It's cheap, just enough storage for some apps, and no WiFi. Hopefully the rates for the "cheap" model will be considerably lower than current.

[Donz0r]

the rumors keep on getting juicier and juicier

Yeah, maybe tomorrow I'll print out a picture of the original iPhone and type some random specs next to it and take a picture of it and post it on here so everyone will freak out at the insanely improbable rumor that I created. 4GB w/ front facing camera? And why the hell would they put the picture of the old iPhone as a 'place holder'? Do they have the specs but not a pic of the phone or something? it makes no sense

[garylapointe]

With a 3 year plan as a requirement...

I'd think AT&T would give you the current $199 phone for $99 if you signed a 3 year contract. (I'm not saying they would, I'm just saying they should)

Gary

[bretm]

If I had to guess, they won't allow video chat over 3G. It'd be wi-fi only.

Little point of going to the trouble of putting in a phone other than the occasional novelty at the coffee house. No, if it's on there it will be supported over 3g. They'll have to advertise it as video conferencing with those that are away. That is, away from their computers. In the mountains, at the lake, etc. Otherwise their target audience might as well use their webcam on their laptop or desktop if they're around a wifi.

[schenk]

I'd buy that phone in a heartbeat. Exactly what I want... It's cheap, just enough storage for some apps, and no WiFi. Hopefully the rates for the "cheap" model will be considerably lower than current.

why would you not want wifi?? also you sound like my bro chuck. if it is this is steven.

[ElBerserko]

I call fake. I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens. Till then... fake

Why would an phone advertisement tailored to the average buyer that uses general terms like 'Email and Messaging' use the specific term 'iChat' in parentheses? I say it is fake. If it is real, oh well, one feature I will never use.

[ziggyonice]

Little point of going to the trouble of putting in a phone other than the occasional novelty at the coffee house. No, if it's on there it will be supported over 3g. They'll have to advertise it as video conferencing with those that are away. That is, away from their computers. In the mountains, at the lake, etc. Otherwise their target audience might as well use their webcam on their laptop or desktop if they're around a wifi.

Touché. I'd like to see this being true, but based on AT&T's claims of constraints on bandwidth, I just don't see them doing it. Here's to hoping.

[MDMac]

Yeah, maybe tomorrow I'll print out a picture of the original iPhone and type some random specs next to it and take a picture of it and post it on here so everyone will freak out at the insanely improbable rumor that I created. 4GB w/ front facing camera? And why the hell would they put the picture of the old iPhone as a 'place holder'? Do they have the specs but not a pic of the phone or something? it makes no sense

You've already posted your thoughts on the matter, why do you insist on beating people over the head with your opinions? Get lost.

[Revelation78]

Touché. I'd like to see this being true, but based on AT&T's claims of constraints on bandwidth, I just don't see them doing it. Here's to hoping.

AT&T only claims there's constraints on the bandwidth because they don't want you to use Slingplayer and not get any profit from it.

[rv1]

fido???
just that name means fake....

[Chase R]

why would you not want wifi?? also you sound like my bro chuck. if it is this is steven.

For the most part, if I'm going to be in an area where there is WiFi (home or school) I'll just use my MacBook. I wouldn't mind having WiFi on my phone, but I wouldn't pay extra for it. I mainly want an iPhone because of it's OS (same reason my I use Macs).

And this isn't Chuck btw lol. Nice try though Steven! ;) :D

[Chase R]

fido???
just that name means fake....

Oh well then it must be fake... :rolleyes:

[aristotle]

fido???
just that name means fake....
Are you high?
http://www.fido.ca/web/page/portal/Fido/iphone
:rolleyes:

[byke]

This iChat rumors been going round since the last edition ..... While I would love to see it, I cant imagine it would happen at present based on cost & development. Maybe in 2 year .........

[Theaser]

I call fake. I highly doubt Apple will use an iChat feature. I will eat my words if it happens. Till then... fake

Just so you know, pictures of these Fido phone catalogs in the past year has been proven very accurate.

I know you guys would hate to hear this, but I think they will drop a lower-end model of the iPhone.

And for Americans who don't know anything, Fido is a Canadian wireless carrier that currently serves the iPhone 3G along with Rogers

[Galex]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)


Yeah right, like they can hold the phone AND sign with both hands, or not get their entire points across by signing with only one hand. The 32 mil figure represents those with some degrees of hearing loss, not necessarily the number of ASL users.

As a matter of fact, when 3G took off in Sweden a couple of years ago, many of the early adopters were young people with hearing disabilities that finally got an easy way to communicate with their friends by sign language on the new video-capable cell phones. Using a simplified sign language with only one hand works fine and I have seen it used on cell phones several times, for example in commuter trains.

/Galex

[FerdiV]

Maybe recording and then sending the video?

[rstansby]

n/a

[MikeELL]

Just read through 7 pages of this thread - I'm surprised no one has mentioned this Apple patent yet (posted in 2006):
http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/13/apple-integrated-sensing-display/

And while I'm on apple patents:

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/26/solar-lcd-powered-ipods-iphones-and-laptops/

So who wants an iphone with a high res display and integrated front facing camera and solar panel? ;)

[Michael CM1]

Just read through 7 pages of this thread - I'm surprised no one has mentioned this Apple patent yet (posted in 2006):
http://www.macrumors.com/2006/01/13/apple-integrated-sensing-display/

And while I'm on apple patents:

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/26/solar-lcd-powered-ipods-iphones-and-laptops/

So who wants an iphone with a high res display and integrated front facing camera and solar panel? ;)

That's what you got? I got, "How are some of these people so darn stupid?" One person (if not more) was going on about a three-year contract when it's obviously not an AT&T poster (yes fellow Yanks, other countries have iPhones).

Another person was all up in arms about a 4GB iPhone but I swear then said he was going to buy a 32GB one. I have no interest in ever buying an iPod nano, but I totally get the different storage capacities. A 4GB iPhone is just another way to cut costs to get a model down as cheap as possible without using crap parts. There were people who spent $500 on a 4GB iPhone not two years ago, so guessing that people would perhaps spend $99 on one today is hardly crazy. Apple is fighting BlackBerries being thrown at anyone with a pulse, so they gotta do something.

Otherwise, I saw a lot of the same insanity I often see on rumors. Some people will pull an "I'm moving to Canada if so-and-so is elected" bit on a rumor of a freakin' phone. Yikes.

[samac92]

Not one person who advocates for video calling on a cell phone has explained how it will work logistically. Just imagine trying to walk down a busy street and use the video calling function. You'd need to hold the phone at arm's length and keep it perfectly still to have a reasonable conversation.

Video calling makes zero sense on a mobile phone. It's fine for a home phone, where the phone can be stationary, but it's completely unfeasible in a mobile product. If (big, big IF) this ever happens, it will be a gimmick only.



Between the poor video quality such a device would entail and trying to sign one handed, I doubt it. Again, video calling on a mobile makes little sense.


erm hello? video chat is not a new invention, in the rest of the world mobile phones with video chat features have been around for years! also people on here are reporting that even in the US they have had video chat on their mobiles.

[GregorBehr]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)



Yeah right, like they can hold the phone AND sign with both hands, or not get their entire points across by signing with only one hand. The 32 mil figure represents those with some degrees of hearing loss, not necessarily the number of ASL users.

Ya beat me to it on the reply and thank you for making the obvious point!
As one of those 32 million, I text like there is no tomorrow... and never actually use the phone part of the iPhone. There is a little known "calling plan" from AT&T called TAP (Text Accessibility Plan), $40 a month, unlimited data, no voice minutes. Voice minutes are instead charged .40 cents a minute.
http://www.wireless.att.com/about/disability-resources/text-accessibility-plan-for-iphone.jsp


Now that that is cleared up, what other rumors or comments do we have to point to and go "people, THINK before you post". Geez!

[cualexander]

I think Apple is smart for re-releasing the 4gb iphone. Think about it people. If you had $100 and only $100 to spend. You could either get a lame phone from AT&T or an iPhone. Which would you chose? I'd pick the iPhone anyday.


The average non tech user, has a handful of apps, and mainly just texts and uses the mobile browser and has some songs. Most people don't have 9 pages of apps and an entire movie catalog on their iPhone that would necessitate 32gigs of storage.

As for the video chat, it would be cool, but we'll have to wait and see won't we

[sd2009]

Just so you know, pictures of these Fido phone catalogs in the past year has been proven very accurate.

I know you guys would hate to hear this, but I think they will drop a lower-end model of the iPhone.

LOL they'll hate to hear it until Apple announces it, at which point they'll say its a fantastic decision by Apple!

[GregorBehr]

As a matter of fact, when 3G took off in Sweden a couple of years ago, many of the early adopters were young people with hearing disabilities that finally got an easy way to communicate with their friends by sign language on the new video-capable cell phones. Using a simplified sign language with only one hand works fine and I have seen it used on cell phones several times, for example in commuter trains.

/Galex

They didn't say an ASL signer couldn't, just that it would be a limited conversation with just one hand. And keep in mind that American Sign Language is different than what is "spoken" in Sweden, so the Swedish version may be easier with one hand or much more difficult... I suppose unless you know both, its hard to compare.

[nateco]

You guys are forgetting that Canada does not have unlimited data.

I have the 6gb plan, but that was a promo...iPhone plans are 30 bucks for 1 gig.

If they put in video chat...people are gonna go over their limit every month and be pissed they're paying a ridiculous amount in overage charges.

Also..fido is not getting the iPhones, it's rogers discount brand..they stopped selling new iPhones on fido a couple months ago.

[iPhoneNYC]

This seems more rumor to me. But its not far off.

[Quocy]

who knows, apple might pull this one out of the bag!

[ragonian]

just a thought - maybe the 4gb phone will take a smaller form factor, with the screen etc staying the same, but shrinking a little at the top (so the microphone is at the top of the phone, as in some recent rumors?

[Master Chief]

I guess the best use of the front facing camera would be for paranoid GF/wife to check on their man. "Why are you not home yet? you sure you are working on overtime? Activate video chat and show me where you are now!!!"
LOL Is that all you can come up with? I sure hope that your relationship (you do have one?) is a lot better and merely based on trust.

Oh, and for your info: you don't even need a (new) iPhone with GPS for this to check ;)

[Dagless]

I saw this on Appleinsider. Video chat would be nice, but probably only on WiFi. Imagine the battery suckage on this one.

But 4GB?? Apple, WTF??

Say hello to the concept of budget models.

[tabasco70]

thats an amazing range..
i dont really see the point of a 4GB though.. it seems too small.
i guess it makes it cheaper, and more affordable

[applecultvictim]

I think Apple is smart for re-releasing the 4gb iphone. Think about it people. If you had $100 and only $100 to spend. You could either get a lame phone from AT&T or an iPhone. Which would you chose? I'd pick the iPhone anyday.


The average non tech user, has a handful of apps, and mainly just texts and uses the mobile browser and has some songs. Most people don't have 9 pages of apps and an entire movie catalog on their iPhone that would necessitate 32gigs of storage.

As for the video chat, it would be cool, but we'll have to wait and see won't we

Good point, I realized by having the 16gb 3g that even with 9 pages up, podcasts, songs, I could have done with the 8 Gg too, if had to financially.

[rtdunham]

...And for Americans who don't know anything...

whoaa, now you're talking to ALL of us south of the border? :)

Originally Posted by byke: This iChat rumor's been going round since the last edition ..... While I would love to see it, I cant imagine it would happen at present based on cost & development. Maybe in 2 year .........

Originally Posted by samac92: video chat is not a new invention, in the rest of the world mobile phones with video chat features have been around for years! also people on here are reporting that even in the US they have had video chat on their mobiles.

Would someone please post here a list of phones available or announced for release in the next couple of months a) in the U.S. and b) elsewhere that offer video conferencing? That might improve the perspective in this thread. Thanks.

[LAS.mac]

erm hello? video chat is not a new invention, in the rest of the world mobile phones with video chat features have been around for years! also people on here are reporting that even in the US they have had video chat on their mobiles.

I've been using video chat since 2005 on a crappy Samsung phone in Italy, using the carrier 3. Vodafone, as well as TIM, also have that functionality available since 4 years ago. Nothing new. It works quite well, actually, at least in big areas with good network covering. I recall that the service was at that time time quite expensive, something as 40-50 cents per minute. However, I don't recall it was particularly battery sucking...

[Stately]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_0 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7A312g Safari/528.16)

I kid you not. Every deaf and hard of hearing person in America will buy this solely for the video conferencing feature to see each other signing. Do you all know that there are an estimated 32+ million people in America with hearing loss. This equals mega bucks for Apple and AT&T!

Yes . . Exactly.

[Donz0r]

You've already posted your thoughts on the matter, why do you insist on beating people over the head with your opinions? Get lost.


I was in no way trying to insult the person, I just think this rumor doesn't add up, chill out man.

[Stately]

I doubt it. I feel bad for AT&T's data network, if this is true. :(

You feel bad. . for AT&T? Lol somehow, feeling bad and AT&T just don't quite seem to sound right together in the reverse. How about starting off . . you feel bad "because" AT&T and then follow up with something liiike. . gypped me lol. :D

[barton11]

If you go to www.tatskinz.com, they show their iphone 3G and ipod touch skinz with the appropriate holes for video conferencing.

[Unspoken Demise]

If you go to www.tatskinz.com, they show their iphone 3G and ipod touch skinz with the appropriate holes for video conferencing.

Thats for sensors.

[applecultvictim]

Thats for sensors.

No, that's for sensors. ;););):D:D:D

http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/5017/ass20cleanerqi8.jpg

And for those who want a super lol more adult oriented laugh (nothing too bad dont worry) that's surely for the censors you can go there:
http://cs-willy.com/overlooked/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/TheMainDifferenceBetweenEuropeAndUSA.jpg

[casik]

fido???
just that name means fake....

You obviously don't know much about cell phone companies if you are Canadian... or if you are American I won't even go there.

Fido is a company in Canada.

Don't forget that you to compare prices and term lengths is redundant because of the exchange rate.

Currently Canada (Rogers and Fido) have the 8GB and 16GB available for $199 and $299 respectively on THREE year plans. AT&T has the same phones for the same prices on two year plans. Obviously if this photo add is correct the phone will be $99 in Canada on a 3 year and $99 in the states on a two year.

I wouldn't be half surprised if Fido had gotten the instructions that in all their add mockups that they had to say it was 4gb and use the old phone images as place holders so that just in case it was leaked that there wouldn't be a problem. Can you imagine if a 8gb $99 iphone add mockup was released? Not a lot of people would continue to buy the current 8gb model. I wouldn't be surprised if apple still did the 8gb for $99, the 16GB for $199 and the 32gb for $299.

Those are my thoughts.

[NinjaHERO]

Video chat is a neat idea in theory, and on the computer it works fine. But I really don't see myself holding my phone in front of my face to talk. Until they put the camera on the end of a bluetooth headset boom or something, not for me.

But I hope it happens for all of you that want it on your phone.

[noshjewman]

Sensible question from someone about how many phones out there CAN do video calling (as I recall, here in the UK the answer is 'lots').

I took a quick look at the Orange UK website, which is a bit crap, but saw that video calling is such an unimpressive feature, that they don't even mention it on their phones. But the top end Nokias (N95, N96, 5800) all do it, as do many Sony Ericssons (W705, W850 - which is over 2 years old) and a bunch of Samsungs.

My mum's free phone 2 generations back had video calling.

The thing is - very few people use it, and it costs more than a regular call.

BUT, from thinking that it was a rubbish application a couple of years ago when it was rumoured on the first iPhone, I'd now like it a lot.

The problem with video calling at the moment is that it is pretty much only phone to phone, but if you could call using skype (though a few phones may have this option on 3), or more importantly your iChat contacts who could be at their computers, that would be terrific.
Catching up with people via ichat - preferably for free over wifi - when you are away from home and the computer can't do it for you? saying goodnight to your kids when you're still at work?

I think Apple could definitely make this a feature that works just as they made web browsing a feature that works. Not novel - but well implemented.

[JayLenochiniMac]

As a matter of fact, when 3G took off in Sweden a couple of years ago, many of the early adopters were young people with hearing disabilities that finally got an easy way to communicate with their friends by sign language on the new video-capable cell phones. Using a simplified sign language with only one hand works fine and I have seen it used on cell phones several times, for example in commuter trains.

/Galex

Were they using cells with non-QWERTY keyboard? If so, I'm sure whatever modified sign language they invented was way faster than typing on non-QWERTY keyboard. But for deaf individuals who have data plan only iPhone and accustomed to texting on QWERTY keyboard, will they even bother versus hearing individuals who use video chat and don't have to change the way they talk?

[NightFox]

Sensible question from someone about how many phones out there CAN do video calling (as I recall, here in the UK the answer is 'lots').

I took a quick look at the Orange UK website, which is a bit crap, but saw that video calling is such an unimpressive feature, that they don't even mention it on their phones. But the top end Nokias (N95, N96, 5800) all do it, as do many Sony Ericssons (W705, W850 - which is over 2 years old) and a bunch of Samsungs.

My mum's free phone 2 generations back had video calling.

The thing is - very few people use it, and it costs more than a regular call.

BUT, from thinking that it was a rubbish application a couple of years ago when it was rumoured on the first iPhone, I'd now like it a lot.

The problem with video calling at the moment is that it is pretty much only phone to phone, but if you could call using skype (though a few phones may have this option on 3), or more importantly your iChat contacts who could be at their computers, that would be terrific.
Catching up with people via ichat - preferably for free over wifi - when you are away from home and the computer can't do it for you? saying goodnight to your kids when you're still at work?

I think Apple could definitely make this a feature that works just as they made web browsing a feature that works. Not novel - but well implemented.

I think an extension to this question should be - to those people who already have phones capable of video calls - once the original novelty wore off, how often do you actually use that function?

Mobile phone features can be split into two categories - stuff that works well and gets used, and useless tat that's just there to sell the phones and differentiate them from the others (WAP anyone?). Personally, I'm not convinced that video calls don't fall into the latter category.

[PinkyMacGodess]

FWIW: My wife was at the Apple Store and was looking at headphones/earbuds and was told by an Apple Store salesperson to not bother buying anything until after the 8th. She, not being up on the rumours asked why and the response was that 'Something wonderful is going to happen on Monday', she pressed further and the salesperson said that 'Apple was going to release the headphones that will exterminate all others'.

I can't wait. I love my Apple Bluetooth Borg implant but am worried how to replace is if it gets lost or broken. Monday will be an interesting day.

[The Phazer]

I think an extension to this question should be - to those people who already have phones capable of video calls - once the original novelty wore off, how often do you actually use that function?

Mobile phone features can be split into two categories - stuff that works well and gets used, and useless tat that's just there to sell the phones and differentiate them from the others (WAP anyone?). Personally, I'm not convinced that video calls don't fall into the latter category.

If iChat integration works though it could be a very different matter - lots of people like using webcams to talk online, and that sort of integration would be a bit of a game changer for video calls IMO.

Phazer

[leonstafford]

the salesperson said that 'Apple was going to release the headphones that will exterminate all others'...

OMG, has anyone else here seen/read iRobot??

it's happening!!

[NightFox]

FWIW: My wife was at the Apple Store and was looking at headphones/earbuds and was told by an Apple Store salesperson to not bother buying anything until after the 8th. She, not being up on the rumours asked why and the response was that 'Something wonderful is going to happen on Monday', she pressed further and the salesperson said that 'Apple was going to release the headphones that will exterminate all others'.

I can't wait. I love my Apple Bluetooth Borg implant but am worried how to replace is if it gets lost or broken. Monday will be an interesting day.

I thought that Apple went to great lengths to make sure that their shop floor staff knew nothing more than us to lessen the chance of inevitable leaks.

[Mattie Num Nums]

I see all these great features etc. but Apple still needs to address one major issue... the iPhones battery is not that good.

[Mattie Num Nums]

I thought that Apple went to great lengths to make sure that their shop floor staff knew nothing more than us to lessen the chance of inevitable leaks.

Apple store employee's know nothing. When the iPhone was launched I remember as a former employee all of us ran to the back and clamored at the chance to touch one. This was 4 hours before they launched.

[leonstafford]

OMG, has anyone else here seen/read iRobot??

it's happening!!

Wow, it must be true! Or, I have some PS skills to rival a 3 year old (no offence)

http://www.leonstafford.com/irobot0.jpg

[cleric]

I'll but one if the plan doesn't cost $70 a month! Really, why is it that much? Data usage?
Pretty much the same as everyone else keep rockin the razr bro.

[nefster]

I just don't get their thinking (AT&T, Apple). What I want as a cost-conscious customer is a lower cost plan, not a lower cost phone. Even at $99 I'm only saving about one or two months of the entire cost of the plan. If the phone could be used beyond a plan's life, say on another carrier, perhaps I could understand the value, but as it is there really is little difference between spending $99 up front to spending $199 or even $299 up front because of the overall expense of the contract.

Listen AT&T: Tiered data plans are what we need, not tiered, crippled iPhones!

[robothero]

For those of you who question the use of video chat for the hearing imparied, don't forget that just being able to see someone elses lips move is also extremely helpful.

[brodie]

I live in the UK and we have had 3G video conferencing for some years. I have only ever seen one person using it - a teenager, on a bus, it annoyed the hell out of everyone.

It has never caught on here for the simple reasons: people don't want to share their conversation (speakerphone) and it also renders you stationary, which is contrary to it's purpose.

I understand there is argument against, but the fact is, at least here, people don't hugely want to see each other when they are on the phone, and those that do have second thoughts about the implications (above reasons).

Maybe Apple will re-invent the concept, but I think it's a road pretty well trodden.

[applecultvictim]

@Iphone 4G

You meant to say Iphone 4Gb?:D

[Shake 'n' Bake]

@Iphone 4G

You meant to say Iphone 4Gb?:D

No, 4G means fourth generation. That's the way it works with iPods, too.

[zacman]

Video phoning is too expensive. I'd have to pay at least 1.20€/min using T-mobile in Germany, that's just way to much.

[NightFox]

For those of you who question the use of video chat for the hearing imparied, don't forget that just being able to see someone elses lips move is also extremely helpful.

Not sure the quality/frame rate is really going to make that relevant

[NasserAE]

Would someone please post here a list of phones available or announced for release in the next couple of months a) in the U.S. and b) elsewhere that offer video conferencing? That might improve the perspective in this thread. Thanks.

Those phones from Australia and most should work (and available) in the US

http://www.myshopping.com.au/PT--31_Mobile_Phones_Video_Call__fs_12670_e__

[applecultvictim]

No, 4G means fourth generation. That's the way it works with iPods, too.

Hint. Joke.:rolleyes::apple:

[Goldfinger]

to those people who already have phones capable of video calls - once the original novelty wore off, how often do you actually use that function?
Never. I've used it once. Videocalling would be the last feature that would get me to upgrade. It's useless.

[RogueVasion]

fido???
just that name means fake....

Wow...Does that mean the Canadian cellular company is real? :eek:

Anyway, my take is: I would be pleasantly surprised if this is true. I mean, I wouldn't even mind having it as Wi-Fi only (just as an addition is pretty sweet).

Of course, I just bought my 16GB iPhone 2 months ago, I hope they make this so I can pay full price for another one, haha! :D

[PinkyMacGodess]

Apple store employee's know nothing. When the iPhone was launched I remember as a former employee all of us ran to the back and clamored at the chance to touch one. This was 4 hours before they launched.

I worked at a store that sold the original Mac 128, the first 'real' Macintosh. Yes, we got the sales stuff the day before the launch. We still had a few Lisa's around. They weren't selling.

The wife says that she asked him (batting eyelashes) and he said that he wouldn't sell her any headphones because she was 'going to be sorry and will be back to return them'.

Who knows? Maybe the little things are leaked or they have seen new displays or something... It is after all just a new headphone/headset/earbuds...

I wonder if they sign NDA's or something... I've had store people say they don't know anything with an ear to ear grin before too.

Back on topic: Wouldn't a 4G video chat enabled iphone have to be 3g only and have a lot of cache space? I don't use chat software but I imagine that bandwidth would be key, and local caching, right?

[Theaser]

No, 4G means fourth generation. That's the way it works with iPods, too.

The 3rd Generation hasn't even been announced yet.

[moonbagel]

Apples new IPOD shuffle was a goof flopsickle from the start. They probably have a billion extra 4gb flash memory chips sitting around not being used. So it def makes sense that they will have a 4gb IPHONE...

plus why not? Recession anyone? Not everyone needs 18 thousand TB of space. I know PLENTY of people that only have 200 songs MAX. Cheap IPHONE sounds good...

You can video chat on a computer with about 25kbps... 3g is way faster than that even in a bad area. plus the resolution is by far less on the iphone. Cost of a 2mp camera is as much as a single CHEERIO nowadays.

WHO IS NOT SEEING... ICHAT on a COMPUTER INTERGRATED WITH ICHAT ON A PHONE? How many mac users? How many video chats is that? almost every mac. Very practical. I see more people becoming MOBILE me users out of this. Forget monthly plan on ATT... I see Mobile me being used more...

just because its digital doesnt mean we cant make it easier. Why should I have to retake a picture 346 times to get it right if I can have a little help from a camera on the front... NOT ATTACHED TO A FRIGGAN SUBMARINE TELESCOPE... what a goof troop idea that was. while your at it... add a 17 inch antenna for better reception. give me a break.

new Ipods are getting cameras? makes even more sense for the ICHAT! more people... They already showed rumors of VIDEO MAIL? did they not?

This can go on and on... can I get an AMEN?

[SpitzerCR]

im not sold on picture...

[months]

You guys are forgetting that Canada does not have unlimited data.

I have the 6gb plan, but that was a promo...iPhone plans are 30 bucks for 1 gig.

If they put in video chat...people are gonna go over their limit every month and be pissed they're paying a ridiculous amount in overage charges.

Also..fido is not getting the iPhones, it's rogers discount brand..they stopped selling new iPhones on fido a couple months ago.

Actually the 6GB for $30 plan is back since yesterday with the release of the HTC Magic and Dream (android phones) that happened yesterday aswell. And the "promotion" ends July 1st if you want to get that plan again, and it is not attached to your IMEI.

SO, I think that since the promotion ends at July 1st for the 6GB - $30 plan, that sometime soon after that date, the new iphone 2009 will come to Rogers.

[vvebsta]

i think a 4gb iphone is verrry unlikely....remember during christmas they dropped the 8gb models cause nobody wanted them? why on earth would they suddenly offer a 4gb unless is was a throw away :D

[Shake 'n' Bake]

The 3rd Generation hasn't even been announced yet.

But that's what it would mean if we had a fourth gen.

[Rocketman]

http://www.google.com/

New! Voice and video chat with friends right from within Gmail


http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=CFcFqqycpSpSjGZyWtQOE96iUCo2tmoQB66HViQzB2ZzZExABIMFUULWz4cD9_____wFgyQaqBAlP0FimvyzZj_w&num=1&sig=AGiWqty3zzMFe8iYbty1o3zPPDHi2rdQtA&q=http://mail.google.com/videochat#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-hpp&utm_medium=hpp

http://tinyurl.com/om927s

Rocketman

[macspaces]

Wauw, looks nice, can't wait !









__________________
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