Apple should be scared

[iPhil]

one of the few "iPhone and AT&T" stories...

^^
That story doesn't say that Verizon or anyone else besides ATT is getting iPhones for their carrier until 2012.....

The deal with AT&T is NOT for 5 years. If you work at an Apple Store, you get a memo saying that the deal is only for two years. I swear I am not making this up...but you obv wont believe me. The contract IS going to be up in June of 2009. Mark my words. I have no evidence other than a few people I know who work at some Apple stores. Go in and ask a genius in a store and MAYBE they will tell you.

Im not lying...I swear!

Strigl doesn't think the iPhone will be that hard to compete against. Why? Because, he says, for five long years it will be tied to AT&T's wireless network.


5 Year Agreement Snip Quote... 2007 + 5 = 2012...

 

[joejoejoe]

valid to complain, yes

valid to say apple was supposed to or HAVE to include these things? hell no, they can put whatever they want into their product.

and your complaining about a few mm when you have 5+ hours of talk time?

have you held the phone in you hands? no. Dont complain about the shape or size until u do. For all you know it feels better in the hand than the first generation.

notice my rant, never once did I say apple was obligated to upgrade the camera, i was just pissy because in mind mind it made absolutely no sense for apple not to upgrade the camera, and that's exactly what they did.

and again, I didn't say that it is fatter, I said it looked fatter. The phone got uglier looking because of the thinner edges, i'm not saying that it won't feel better to hold.

 

[NT1440]

notice my rant, never once did I say apple was obligated to upgrade the camera, i was just pissy because in mind mind it made absolutely no sense for apple not to upgrade the camera, and that's exactly what they did.

and again, I didn't say that it is fatter, I said it looked fatter. The phone got uglier looking because of the thinner edges, i'm not saying that it won't feel better to hold.

so u lash out against a corporation for something u dont like, fair enough, but remember if you dont like it dont buy it.

 

[joejoejoe]

so u lash out against a corporation for something u dont like, fair enough, but remember if you dont like it dont buy it.

I love how complaining about one or two features turns into 'lashing out' on these forums. It seems like anywhere I go on this board the second people complain about an Apple product they get responses like "if you don't like it, don't buy it" or "go ahead an boycott, that means shorter lines for me!!!" instead of actually advancing the discussion. this is a discussion forum after all.

 

[kdarling]

Strigl doesn't think the iPhone will be that hard to compete against. Why? Because, he says, for five long years it will be tied to AT&T's wireless network.

The trouble is, you can't believe what reporters write. Seriously, they make up even supposed quotes.

For example, a quote from a respectable news source went around earlier this year claiming that Adobe's CEO said he was already porting Flash to the iPhone. Much was made of a supposed retraction the next day.

Yet if you listened to the actual tape, he said no such thing.

So now I always try to track down the original tape or person involved. In this case, I'd bet anything that the reporter put the "five years" in Strigl's mouth. He probably just said "years", because how would he know what the contract was?

Regards, Kev

 

[friekunater]

wow this thread is getting pretty interesting - too bad I have to break that pattern lol

I have an iPod touch and I think the App Store will be THE BEST thing for the iPhone/touch platform. First app on my list = Super Monkey Ball
looks amazing lol

also, I have a question but I don't want to start a new thread...
could I get an iPhone (preferably a 3G) and just get EDGE/3G data service and no phone service? I can text and MMS with Internet and I have wi-fi almost everywhere I go... just can't afford voice/text service

 

[sushi]

GPS makers are nervous

Why?

Just because cell phones have limited GPS capability, does not mean that individuals who need real full on GPS will stop needing this type of solution.

Same for digital cameras.

 

[NT1440]

Why?

Just because cell phones have limited GPS capability, does not mean that individuals who need real full on GPS will stop needing this type of solution.

Same for digital cameras.

if they have reason to or not, one HIGH ranking official at a big GPS company (cant remember which, but its in an article) did say that he was afraid.

 

[kdarling]

Just because cell phones have limited GPS capability, does not mean that individuals who need real full on GPS will stop needing this type of solution. Same for digital cameras.

Exactly. Converged handhelds remind me of the all-in-one fax / printer / copiers. Some people love the all-in-one convenience. Others would rather have separate devices. Some people even have both setups.

if they have reason to or not, one HIGH ranking official at a big GPS company (cant remember which, but its in an article) did say that he was afraid.

That was Popular Mechanics, and they quoted "the president of a GPS navigation system manufacturer ", which could be as little as a home garage outfit. Certainly no major maker's president would admit being scared of anything.

 

[NT1440]

Exactly. Converged handhelds remind me of the all-in-one fax / printer / copiers. Some people love the all-in-one convenience. Others would rather have separate devices. Some people even have both setups.



That was Popular Mechanics, and they quoted "the president of a GPS navigation system manufacturer ", which could be as little as a home garage outfit. Certainly no major maker's president would admit being scared of anything.

i remember reading on engadget or gizmodo an actual named CEO i beleive he was. it was deffinatly a big company. Ill have to look for that tomorrow seeing as im off to bed now

 

[Stang68]

I wonder why RIM got a touchscreen model rushed out into production...
Screen size anyone? Even at the thumbnail size on the MR forum I can ID the calendar, phone, ipod and text buttons. RIM's look dark as hell. The benefits of screen space. 1 drawback, many advantages.

The Blackberry you had pictured was NOT the touchscreen one RIM is releasing on VZW. The one you have pictured is the Bold...not touchscreen at all. The Thunder is the touchscreen one due out in September. Get the facts right.

 

[Stang68]

I currently have a BlackBerry and I happen to frequent CrackBerry.com. I called the guy out on pretty much every one of his "points" in the thread you happened to come across. He came back and instead of presenting a valid debate, decided to personally insult me...

Over the past 3 weeks, I have lost a lot of respect for the community at CrackBerry. They used to be pretty cool, but since the 3G iPhone I-Day got closer, they have all started to get more aggressive in their iPhone hate. Now that is actually out, many people are talking about switching, and they are being bombarded with ding dongs like the one you quoted passing misleading information onto them.

It really has become a pretty comical place.

Its nice to see a fellow Crackberry user here! By the way, Crazetoon, I read the whole argument before you posted here and I must say, I was entertained by his rants. Anyways, Crackberry.com posters are getting a little edgy because their space is being invaded by the iPhone. Yea, Im a Blackberry user but a Mac user at heart haha. I see both sides equally...for the most part. It is getting ridiculous over there, though. Check out this post they put up on the home page:
http://crackberry.com/top-10-reasons-why-iphone-still-no-blackberry

They're taking it too far. The new iPhone is a great device, but I think RIM might be able to match it with the Thunder...maybe...kinda...possibly...WHEN IS THE iPHONE COMING TO VERIZON?!?!?!? GAHHH! (I heard next June. And yes, quote me on that.)

 

[iPhil]

Strigl doesn't think the iPhone will be that hard to compete against. Why? Because, he says, for five long years it will be tied to AT&T's wireless network.


5 Year Agreement Snip Quote... 2007 + 5 = 2012...

The trouble is, you can't believe what reporters write. Seriously, they make up even supposed quotes.

For example, a quote from a respectable news source went around earlier this year claiming that Adobe's CEO said he was already porting Flash to the iPhone. Much was made of a supposed retraction the next day.

Yet if you listened to the actual tape, he said no such thing.

So now I always try to track down the original tape or person involved. In this case, I'd bet anything that the reporter put the "five years" in Strigl's mouth. He probably just said "years", because how would he know what the contract was?

Regards, Kev

Some info on the (5 years w/ Apple) on the iPhone agreement from ATT itself ..



Here's a guy who is head of the largest telephone company in America and its largest mobile phone company. He has a five-year iPhone exclusive giving AT&T the number one selling U.S. smart phone and a huge generator of primo subscribers mainly poached from other carriers. Christmas is a month away and 1-2 million Americans have been planning to give -- or hoping to get -- an iPhone. So what does the guy do? He lets it slip that next year Apple will release a faster iPhone that will make the existing model obsolete. The only impact this can have on current iPhone sales is to stop them in their tracks, unless Apple offers a free 3G upgrade, which believe me they never intended to offer and may not.


That's from ATT CEO's mouth....(Full Article)....


And I bet your gonna say, no he's wrong someone put that "5 years" term in his mouth ...


He's the CEO of the largest Cell carrier in US.... I'm gonna say that came from the horse mouth.... per say...

 

[HLdan]

Is it just me or does anyone else think that Apple could be in trouble? I mean, they just didn't do enough to the iPhone 3G to make it leap ahead of the competition for ANOTHER year. Blackberry has the Bold and Thunder (touchscreen) coming out in a few months time and they can do everything that the new iPhone can! This has me worried. And yes, I am a current BB owner but that's only until the iPhone comes to VZW.

Anyone else agree with me?

Do you realize that you actually contradicted yourself. First you say that Apple has not done enough to the iPhone 3G to leap ahead of the competition especially in regards to the BB but then at the end you state that you are a current BB owner but that's only until Apple releases the iPhone to Verizon. You just proved that Apple doesn't need to step up the feature wagon because you are still buying one anyway.

 

[CrazEtooN]

Its nice to see a fellow Crackberry user here! By the way, Crazetoon, I read the whole argument before you posted here and I must say, I was entertained by his rants. Anyways, Crackberry.com posters are getting a little edgy because their space is being invaded by the iPhone. Yea, Im a Blackberry user but a Mac user at heart haha. I see both sides equally...for the most part. It is getting ridiculous over there, though. Check out this post they put up on the home page:
http://crackberry.com/top-10-reasons-why-iphone-still-no-blackberry

They're taking it too far. The new iPhone is a great device, but I think RIM might be able to match it with the Thunder...maybe...kinda...possibly...WHEN IS THE iPHONE COMING TO VERIZON?!?!?!? GAHHH! (I heard next June. And yes, quote me on that.)

The blog entry you linked is more Kevin ribbing at The iPhone Blog guys than anything, but the comments are out of control.

I am all for using whatever device you want. If you love BlackBerry, great, they are awesome devices. If you love the iPhone, great, it is an awesome device. Even Windows Mobile has some redeeming qualities buried in menus somewhere...

I am just tired of the out of control people jumping on the BlackBerry bandwagon, hating on the iPhone with unfounded comments, and acting like RIM is impervious to any and all challengers. There is no such thing as a perfect device. BlackBerry isn't perfect, the iPhone isn't perfect, etc... I just wish some of them over there could see it.

Don't get me wrong, I am not hating on CrackBerry.com. I still go there daily, and I still find some of the community very nice to converse with. It is just the past few weeks that it has been going downhill, and the amount of 3 post newbies running around acting like they know EVERYTHING is seriously getting out of control. There is nothing wrong with being a newbie, hell, I am one on this site, but if you are a newbie, you could at least post useful info and actual speak with half a degree of intelligence...

 

[Stang68]

Do you realize that you actually contradicted yourself. First you say that Apple has not done enough to the iPhone 3G to leap ahead of the competition especially in regards to the BB but then at the end you state that you are a current BB owner but that's only until Apple releases the iPhone to Verizon. You just proved that Apple doesn't need to step up the feature wagon because you are still buying one anyway.

I did not contradict myself at all in my statement. I said the iPhone might be in trouble, thats it. Then I said I would still buy one. Nowhere did I say I wouldnt buy one. You've never purchased a product that you thought could be improved? Come on now...

Don't get me wrong, I am not hating on CrackBerry.com. I still go there daily, and I still find some of the community very nice to converse with. It is just the past few weeks that it has been going downhill, and the amount of 3 post newbies running around acting like they know EVERYTHING is seriously getting out of control. There is nothing wrong with being a newbie, hell, I am one on this site, but if you are a newbie, you could at least post useful info and actual speak with half a degree of intelligence...

Amen...

 

[Sweetbike40]

Exactly, once this app store drops all these threads will become ghosts. Apple doesn't have a thing to worry about. All these stupid threads about camera and other things. This thing is the platform for an amazing experience once this app store drops.

yeh, i agree. I think the camera isn't what to be concerned about. It is the applications. I always have my Canon Powershot with me...camera on a phone, to me, is useless. Video too is a waste. I don't care for crappy photos and video. But really cool applications and games on it are what it's all about.

 

[gloss]

Why?

Just because cell phones have limited GPS capability, does not mean that individuals who need real full on GPS will stop needing this type of solution.

Same for digital cameras.

Considering Tom-Tom is releasing a turn-by-turn voice nav app for the iPhone to properly leverage its GPS capability, I'd say that it's getting pretty close to qualifying as 'full-on GPS'.

I mean, hell, A-GPS is already going to be faster to get a lock than any stand-alone GPS unit.

 

[t0mat0]

Honestly, I don't see RIM doing anything else besides adopting a touch screen. I know this because they are using the same 4 button principle in the Thunder product. You are of course correct in that I don't "know" this, but I'd be willing to make a cash bet I'm correct.

I do count out RIM. I am actually posting the watered down version of how I feel. I'll sum up my true view on this. RIM is dead if the market is closed and finite in size for the smart phone. If it is expanding then they have hope.

Best,

Alex Alexzander

Alex - i'm busy right now, but I just wanted to say excellent posts wrt Blackberry. It's appreciated
Is this http://leaders.creativecow.net/leaders/alexzander_alex/ you?

In terms of RIM and Blackberry, I feel the press is going to be tooing and froing a lot as Apple and carriers drip IV Apple Kool Aid into the market.

 

[Stang68]

@ T0mat0: I personally do not agree with what you are saying about RIM. They are a great company from what I have seen in my two months of owning a Blackberry. Yes, I would still prefer an iPhone to my Curve but right now that's not in the cards because I have Vzw. I am happy with my BB and will be until I get an iPhone. I think it premature to call RIM dead. They have two great looking phones coming out this year (Bold and Thunder) and I think they will be healthy competition for the iPhone. Don't count them out...yet.

 

[kdarling]

He has a five-year iPhone exclusive giving AT&T the number one selling U.S. smart phone and a huge generator of primo subscribers mainly poached from other carriers[/u]. ... snip ...
That's from ATT CEO's mouth....(Full Article)....

Sorry, but I don't see any quote in there from the CEO saying five years. Again, that's the reporter throwing the number around on his own.

When the iPhone came out, there were two seminal articles guessing on the contract. One said two years. One said five years.

iPhone fans seized on the five years as some kind of proof that Apple was extra clever.... not thinking it through to realize that an exclusivity clause was totally to ATT's benefit, and it meant that Apple bent over badly. Worse, Apple lost access to most of the USAs phone market. (ATT is only 1/3.)

ATT, on the other hand, lost nothing. They simply agreed to give Apple the monthly subsidy that usually went to their customers, for one year.

 

[Sasha-1]

Alex - i'm busy right now, but I just wanted to say excellent posts wrt Blackberry. It's appreciated
Is this http://leaders.creativecow.net/leaders/alexzander_alex/ you?

In terms of RIM and Blackberry, I feel the press is going to be tooing and froing a lot as Apple and carriers drip IV Apple Kool Aid into the market.

That is indeed me. However, I have not written for Creative Cow in a few years. All of those articles are so out-dated I wish they'd just erase them. I don't even go to that site anymore, nor do I write about authoring or editing anymore.

Best,

Alex Alexzander

 

[t0mat0]

@ T0mat0: I personally do not agree with what you are saying about RIM. They are a great company from what I have seen in my two months of owning a Blackberry. Yes, I would still prefer an iPhone to my Curve but right now that's not in the cards because I have Vzw. I am happy with my BB and will be until I get an iPhone. I think it premature to call RIM dead. They have two great looking phones coming out this year (Bold and Thunder) and I think they will be healthy competition for the iPhone. Don't count them out...yet.

Sorry, what did I say about RIM? Lots of posts these last few days.

They are good, they;ve got enterprise using them as the de facto standard - Apple is aiming not to match it, but match it and beat it. I wasn't calling RIM dead - the article linked was.

As the smartphone market is about to mushroom (as long as a serious depression doesn't kick in), RIM and AAPL can both get more sales. Apple will take some marketshare though, that's for sure. 35% of Fortune 500 looking for alternatives? That's big news.

If 3G iPhones in Enterprise and business do give a decent provable competitive edge, you can bet that the more adaptable ones, SMEs will pick it up. A small business running these of mobileme gives a fledgling company a great service it can then upgrade to. They can easily be trialled at work places I imagine, and the fear of missing out on iPhone business solutions will push the more monolithic companies into some sort of action. It isn't exactly like it's going to be too hard for IT departments to get iPhones running, if they've already got Microsoft Exchange, from the keynote quotes. I'd imagine there will be an O2 and a Apple drive towards business. Just look at where Snow Leopard is - developer friendly, maximising GPU, multi-core, giving a stable platform, right when Microsoft is going urrrrrrrr, look at um, this demo of Paint on a Surface... Vista's great. etc Business as a whole hasn't moved to Vista. Which is interesting as Apple might be fast enough to give it a rival in Leopard & iPhone, then Snow Leopard for serious number crunching, visuals, and enterprise.

 

[Stang68]

Yes, I think its great that Apple is pointing their sights towards businesses. While Microsoft is talking about Surface, Apple will be making Leopard even better! It only makes sense that they are going after RIM...because Apple wants to take over the world! Hahaha

 

[kdarling]

I mean, hell, A-GPS is already going to be faster to get a lock than any stand-alone GPS unit.

That's partly the reason why every Verizon phone has had A-GPS for years... for quick E911 location finding.

But a standalone GPS doesn't necessarily need a quick Time To First Fix (TTFF). They're usually powered up before hiking or driving or flying. After that, their larger antenna and multiple channels allow them to keep up even in most reception conditions.

A phone is different. It's often in a pocket or purse. It has limited battery. The GPS section is often powered down. When a person wants to use a location based service, they want the answer promptly, or they'll lose interest. They're often indoors as well. Thus the need for quick TTFF assistance.