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iPhone 3G still LAME

burro said:
Well, I'd still like that keyboard access, but I agree with you about these needs.
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Here are a couple of nice wish-lists from
http://terrywhite.com/techblog/?s=iPhone+3g&submit=Go

Top 10 iPhone 2.0.1 Feature Requests

* Flash Player! - We can’t keep pretending that we don’t need this! With a faster iPhone, there’s no excuse
* Video Recording - No reason not to have this either
* MMS Messaging - Can we send some picts and video directly to our buddies without using email?
* Cut/Copy/Paste - Duh!
* Contact Search - I’m sure I’m not the only one with hundreds of contacts
* Note Syncing - No reason not to have this
* Audio Recording - Taking notes/Voice recorder would be a very popular feature
* Email Anything - The ability to email anything that’s on the device, ie: contacts, voicemail messages, maps, etc.
* Voice Dialing - Lesser phones have this basic feature
* Consolidated Email Box (option) - I have 5 email accounts on my iPhone - my screen is starting to wear out in the spot that I have to keep hitting the Back button on.
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and

10 iPhone Apps I Want

Published by Terry White under Apple, iPhone

Well tomorrow’s the big day. It’s the day that Apple is rumored to be delivering the iPhone SDK(possibly just a beta of it) so that developers can begin to write native 3rd party iPhone apps. The rumors have been all of the map as to whether Apple will control/have to approve the distribution of these apps or not. Also will they only be available through iTunes or directly from the developers? I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. Apple is supposed to release the SDK (software developer kit) at a special even on Thursday, March 6, 2008.

What I wanted to list here are the apps that I would like to see and even willing to pay for. Now keep in mind I’m talking 3rd party apps, not necessarily updates to the iPhone itself. I still have a long laundry list (50 ways to make the iPhone better) of "features" that I would like to see come to the iPhone via firmware updates (some of which have recently been addressed - ie. custom ringtones via GarageBand, iPhones on corporate plans, pseudo GPS, SMS to multiple people, etc.). However, there are certain things that Apple may never do. That’s where the 3rd party apps come in. Macworld published their list of 25 apps that they would like to see and we agree on a few, but there are some that I would like to see that they didn’t list. So here goes. These are apps that I would be willing to pay for:


10 - AIM based Instant Messenger

SMS messaging is great, but I would also like to do iChat (AIM based instant messaging). There are a couple of web based solutions, but having a native iPhone client would be great. It may not happen because it would take revenue away from AT&T. However, if a 3rd party developer could do it, It would be great.


9 - Skype/Vonage VoIP

This is another controversial one. If people could make calls while they were connected to Wi-Fi via VoIP, that would certainly save on those wireless minutes. However, this would definitely be one that AT&T wouldn’t be to happy about. However, if this one were available it would sell like hot cakes.


8 - Expense Tracker

While some are asking for a Pocket Quicken kind of app, my needs are simpler. I would like an expense tracker that I could input expenses in as they occur and then email myself an expense report at the end of the week that I could print. I could then do my real expense report quicker.


7 - Blogging App

How cool would be it be if I could take a picture(s) with the iPhone’s camera and then create a blog entry incorporating that shot? People would definitely do more blogging if they could do the whole process (EASILY) from their iPhones. So a native iPhone app that tied into the standard blogging engines (Blogger, WordPress, etc.) would be hot!


6 - Dictionary/Thesaurus

Having some more apps that I would use regularly would be nice. Not only would I like a dictionary/thesaurus, but also a unit converter and currency converter. These are no brainers and should be pretty easy for a 3rd party developer to make.


5 - FileMaker Pro Light

FileMaker Pro is one of the best database apps in existence. I’ve used it for years. It would be really cool if I could take my databases with me. The iPhone has enough storage and horsepower. It would be great to be able to sync a FMP database and update it while on the go. Come back and sync the changes I made while I was out to the main database on my desktop. Take it step further and let me update it or send the changes over the internet.


4 - Shopping List

This is so basic! Since the iPhone doesn’t have a To-Do function (go figure), it would be nice to generate shopping lists, errand lists, etc. that you could then check off as you complete or buy each item. Take it step further and allow someone to log into a website (say your spouse), generate a list and send it directly to your iPhone. This would be the answer to "honey, I’m stopping by ______, do you want anything?" Now you’re probably sorry you made that call because they start rattling off this list of things you’ll never remember. Now they could just logon on, create the list and send it directly to your iPhone.


3 - Movies App

There is a VERY GOOD web based Movies App for the iPhone now. However, since it’s web based it doesn’t really save my prefs. I would like to see this app really beefed up and made native. I would like to see not only theaters in the area and movie times, but also movies that were just released on DVD and in theaters. I would like to save my favorite theaters as preferences and be able to tap each one to see what’s playing and when.


2 - Slingbox Player

Sling Media has already expressed an interest in making a Slingbox Player for iPhone. However, the problem is going to be bandwidth over EDGE. You would either have to use it only while connected to Wi-Fi or wait for the 3G version of the iPhone. This would be a killer app though.


1 - Screen Capture

My number one need at the moment is to be able to make screen captures of what’s on the iPhone’s screen. As the co-author of The iPhone Book and a guy who writes about tech, it would be so much easier and nicer if I could pull screen captures directly from the iPhone without having to hack/jailbreak it. Hopefully the good folks at Ambrosia Software will make a version of SnapzPro for iPhone.
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... and BT keyboard access...
:)



(Note that FM lite would make several other items on that last list possible...)
 
MMS: For thirteen year olds

Stereo Bluetooth: Sucks battery life, but they should have the option to do it

Bluetooth Keyboard: They sell like 500 of these per year for PDA's, Apple isn't about to add on that functionality




And speak for yourself about how the iPhone 3G isn't a great PDA. I use it, and it is.


EDIT: And just don't buy it. We all know the drawbacks, you're the only one who seems to think we need to be reminded of them. I'm perfectly capable of knowing that there is no copy/paste and MMS...
 
I knew I shouldn't have wasted oxygen reading this crap but I did anyway, doh. :rolleyes:
 
Badandy said:
And speak for yourself about how the iPhone 3G isn't a great PDA. I use it, and it is.
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I was.

I can make my own database apps on my PDA.
I can e-mail almost anything.
I can tool with files directly.
I can draft text and spreadsheets with a keyboard, compatible with MS Office if desired.
I have medical and technical dictionaries.
I have expense trackers.
I have note-syncing.

And I agree that the existing PDAs on the market have been bloody weak for years.

I would really like the iPhone to at least catch up.
 
burro said:
I was.

I can make my own database apps on my PDA.
I can e-mail almost anything.
I can tool with files directly.
I can draft text and spreadsheets with a keyboard, compatible with MS Office if desired.
I have medical and technical dictionaries.
I have expense trackers.
I have note-syncing.

And I agree that the existing PDAs on the market have been bloody weak for years.

I would really like the iPhone to at least catch up.
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You are not the target market for the iPhone. Sure, some of those features would be nice, but for your uses, it is just not the device for you. Stop pretending you know what it should be for everyone and just accept it.
 
The OP does have his own opinion. All the replies of yeah ok and having a go at him doesnt help.

I have one and love it but im not him and neither are you guys.

No need to go so defensive and nasty all the time. Just appreciate peoples opinions can be different. I personally disagree with a few of his comments but also agree with a few.

Matt
 
1. The camera could be a bit better
2. Hmmm
3. Ummm?

So thats it then just the camera from my point of view :p
 
passingXstorm said:
Lets see your blackberry play a 3D game. :D
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iPhone is a failure as a gaming device for most purposes because it has no real buttons. Super Monkey Ball has proved that the accelerometer is too sensitive to be used in this fashion. I'll stick to my PSP and my Nintendo DS thanks.

As for the keyboard, I for one could see a major use there. If I could pair my iPhone with my Apple Bluetooth Keyboard then I could take notes in University class without having to carry a laptop. This would be an AWESOME feature for students, but Apple seems to think that it's not worth doing.
 
burro said:
For those folks who claim their v1 phones have stood up to abuse, I can tell you I know a LOT of people with v1 phones who had the opposite experience. Scuffed and cracked screens, etc.
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I call bull on this right here.

I've had my v1 iPhone in my pocket since the release day. It's been in there with keys, coins, all sorts and there's not a single scratch on the screen. Hell, I even purposely *TRIED* to scratch it with a key to see if it'd have any effect... Nope! I've dropped it a couple of times on a night out, and the only complaint I can have (which is through my own idiocy) was that the antenna cover now has a hairline crack in it... What the hell, it's still under warranty so I should hopefully get that replaced. If not, it's a 99p replacement off ebay!

If screens are being cracked, then that's just absolutely stupid. What were they doing?! You can't expect to pay that sort of money on a phone then treat it like a piece of crap, it will get damaged if you don't take care of it.

The original iPhone was one of the best devices I've ever had the pleasure of using, and the 3G is an extension of that.

Those lists you posted as well? Irrelevant. Things like Flash and MMS, although they'd be nice, a lot of people are ok with it. Contact search? Included. Audio recording? Free app. Screen Capture? In 2.0. In fact, most of that list of 10 'wanted apps' are here right now...
 
To the OP, you know the Samsung Omnia, which is coming to AT&T soon as the Samsung i907, does everything you want.

Bluetooth keyboard yes
A2DP yes
Productivity apps yes
FM radio yes
Brushed metal back yes
Good battery life yes.

If Apple let you down by making a dumb phone, there are other companies that will sort you out.
 
To each his/her own. My iPhone 3G fits my needs perfectly so I'm keeping it and loving it. I hope you enjoy your Blackberry as much as I enjoy my iPhone.
 
Listen, the iPhone isn't for everyone

Family members of mine just find it TOO much in one and I understand. I mean listen, they are older people who like the TV channels to have 5 total channels. Those types of people

Business partners of mine need/use the Blackberry. I completely understand again.

Friends just choose not to use one because of the price. Again, I get that

I love the iPhone
 
neiltc13 said:
iPhone is a failure as a gaming device for most purposes because it has no real buttons. Super Monkey Ball has proved that the accelerometer is too sensitive to be used in this fashion. I'll stick to my PSP and my Nintendo DS thanks.
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While I agree that the iPhone is certainly no match for the mentioned systems I don't believe this should be judged on the merits of one title. As has been demonstrated with Nintendo's Wii it is not easy to find the right balance when programming for accelerometers. There are several examples on that platform of how poor it can be, while other titles certainly proves it is possible to use the technology effectively. Perhaps Monkey Ball, being a launch-title, and an obvious quick port, is not the definitive example...
 
burro said:
• The iPhone is advertised as having Wi-Fi -- but the Apple representatives I asked say that does NOT mean one can access the internet through wireless networks in your vicinity -- you must still go through AT&T's data services plan ($30+/month). So if you don't connect to the internet all the time, and don't mind only connecting when you are in the vicinity of wireless networks in order to save $400/year, you are just plain out of luck. Thankfully, they are wrong about that, at least. You *are* required to activate the $30 plan when you buy the 3G iPhone, but Apple and AT&T reps say you CAN cancel the data plan the minute you walk out of the store, and the iPhone CAN access wireless networks and the internet without connecting via AT&T data services. (I am waiting to see if there is not a hitch in that which causes one to be charged for data services by mistake in this case... just a little cynical about AT&T, I guess.)
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This is something I plan on trying eventually...

But what you are cynical can be fixed by having a WIX block added to your account so you CANNOT access pay-per use data through At&t data services. This is what I did with WiFi blackberry. I had the "WIX BLOCK" added to my account to ensure I did not access data other than through my WiFi connections and was not charged for anything.
 
cloudnine said:
Actually, with the latest (2.0) software, it will eventually destroy the Blackberry. The enterprise features, the software (that's already at, what, 800+ applications and growing daily?) is easy to use (and pretty darn sexy looking, as well)... and it already destroys Palm. Seriously... Palm is on its way out the door (if it's not dead already... and Treo's are lame so hush).
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I think the Blackberry will survive for quite a while. There are certain customer groups where the Blackberry is _exactly_ what they need, and the iPhone would be a reasonable replacement, but not an improvement. However, there are lots and lots of people that use a Blackberry today that are _not_ exactly in the Blackberry's target market, and many of them will be better served with an iPhone.

But what also is important in the enterprise is that it is possible for normal human beings to write decent software for the iPhone easily, so an enterprise can easily hire someone to write software specifically for _their_ users, and deploy it easily on any number of company iPhones. Much easier than with the Blackberry.
 
I gave my iPhone to my sister (Jail Broken on Orange)

I use my N95 a lot more, better music playback, video out to TV so i can watch my episodes of Dr Who on my TV, MMS YES!! and Bluetooth file exchange support :) oh and FM Radio, there are a LOT of people who listen to radio and the phone has become one of the popular places to listen!

iPhone is a nice device... for a whole week then it gets annoying through its definate lack of usable features.... stock tracker (who the hell uses that?) weather that's always wrong, not even the converter app for useful things like currency converter!!

The iPod part of the iPhone blows anything away, but a Touch does this :)
 
Best use as a corporate phone?

It occurs to me that at this particular moment iPhone v2/3G -- with its WiFi and VPN possibilities (and maybe also its big screen for GPS) -- may have its strongest use as corporate/enterprise phone + data access.

A lot of the fun features would be less relevant and maybe undesirable to a corporation, but, in terms of productivity, I am beginning to think this type of application could be tis iPhone's strong suit.
 
JeromeOD said:
so you missed the "video out" bit of the iPhone then?
Click to expand...


Well no but but buying a video cable at £30 is rediculous, when Nokia kindly give you EVERYTHING in the box :)

And no, O2 offering me a upgrade on my original iPhone, i'll respectfully decline though.
 
tamakin said:
Jailbreak it and you'll have everything you need and you'll stop complaining. I have FREE live TV through Orb. I have Sirius and XM radio for FREE. So before you stop complaining, do you some research buddy boy.
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Don't forget about Pandora.... seems a lot like radio if you ask me, but without tons of commercials all the time.
 
winstano said:
I call bull on this right here.

I've had my v1 iPhone in my pocket since the release day. It's been in there with keys, coins, all sorts and there's not a single scratch on the screen. Hell, I even purposely *TRIED* to scratch it with a key to see if it'd have any effect... Nope! I've dropped it a couple of times on a night out, and the only complaint I can have (which is through my own idiocy) was that the antenna cover now has a hairline crack in it... What the hell, it's still under warranty so I should hopefully get that replaced. If not, it's a 99p replacement off ebay!

If screens are being cracked, then that's just absolutely stupid. What were they doing?! You can't expect to pay that sort of money on a phone then treat it like a piece of crap, it will get damaged if you don't take care of it.
Click to expand...

I am guessing you do not have young children.

OK -- I am kidding (even though kids are the true design test on durability).

I know two people who demolished their iPhones to near extinction by dropping them (repeatedly, I believe), and have heard numerous complaints about the iPhone either feeling or being prone to dropsy.

Overall, I think Apple has done a great job of making a hardy phone, BUT, I'd still rather drop a well-built clamshell phone than the iPhone.
 
Badandy said:
You are not the target market for the iPhone. Sure, some of those features would be nice, but for your uses, it is just not the device for you. Stop pretending you know what it should be for everyone and just accept it.
Click to expand...

Productivity features would not just be "nice" -- they are the necessity.

C'mon -- the most advanced operating phone system anywhere ever and Apple can't give us more than a bunch of jerk-off apps for people who are easily amused?

Shameful!
 
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