SDK Changes Open Door to VOIP Over 3G Networks... iPad Phone Calls Possible?

[mlblacy]

A game changer. Just wait...

Exactly. I am getting more and more tired of Apple's walled garden (iPhone OS), which they want to push on all of their devices. Ridiculous restrictions on apps like Google Voice.. App Store jail.. inability to Multitask.. VoIP restrictions. Enough is enough.

I am just waiting for Android 3.0 to iron out a few things, and then I will seriously look at switching.

Wah, wah, wah. Bye. Have fun. See ya.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed, but only because I was hoping for Verizon, and maybe a camera. Beyond that though I think it will be a hit, despite the name. The hype, or frenzy we ALL created in our minds was impossible to match.

Killer feature it DID have? Two come to mind. No contract, and a SLASHING of data rates by half. Any guesses why Verizon isn't at the party? I'm not, lol, but they will come along eventually, and rates will fall on all carriers for data. I have a V phone, hate it. Overpriced family plans that are now even higher and they force folks into higher plans, and add'l data plans for most phones. Also, most folks are locked into their cell phones for years anyway, and those termination fees just went up too.
Big deal, it isn't a phone. If it was, folks would complain how darn big the thing is. I have a touch with WiFi, and it is handy to have all my emails with me... but mostly I can't check it, and that is bad. I will probably buy one, even though I already have a non-smart phone, a laptop, and an iPod. 3G access with wifi and no contract for a bit over $600? Probably a lot cheaper than what I would have to spend to ALSO get an iPhone on another carrier (and still keep the big V, as I am locked in on contract 'til the cows come home). I think it would a better way to show comps in person than a laptop, due to the changeable viewpoints. Plus the ability to pull my files from the cloud on demand? Sold. I expected $799. Price is a LOT lower than everyone expected, some folks predicted 2k prices. $499 was a big deal.

This is one of those devices that WILL change things. Wait for it. Don't whine, the next versions will be a lot better as well, and probably cost less too. Niche markets like students will cinch it's success.... if the price of E-books are cheaper than physical ones (and they SHOULD be). The ability to replace $1000 of textbooks with electronic ones that cost half that (hopefully), and replace a 3 foot stack with a 1-1/2 lb device? Wait and see.

There are always naysayers, but in reality those are the ones who achieve and accomplish little.

cheers.

PS: missing Flash was a mixed bag. Flash is overrated, a security risk, and and a battery killer. But having HULU would have been icing. Can be solved with a HULU app. The market is big enough, and folks would pay for it...

 

[Shasterball]

We're not sure if these iPad data plans will be somehow excluded from the VOIP apps, but it would otherwise offer an inexpensive contract-free way to make mobile phone calls.[/url]

LOL. I think you need to re-define mobile here. A 10" device is not a mobile phone device...

 

[spazzcat]

why oh why did this thing not come with a camera.....

It would have been pretty close to being "perfect" for a 1st gen device....

bring on the 2nd gen with camera, and the ability to run more than one app, and im sold.

Think about how you hold this in your lap sitting in a chair...do you really think people are going to want to look up your nose while you talk to them?

 

[pagansoul]

I think it looks nice and will work for me. I don't like having such limited HD space but I do have Dropbox and it wasn't made to hold everything inside itself like a laptop. My 3GS has 32GB so I wouldn't think of having anything less and screw 3G the WiFi is enough. I would have liked a couple of USB ports for mini HD support when WiFi isn't around. I guess I'll just get the stand and put it in my livingroom. I have 2 full months to think about it. It's good to be able to use my Apps being I have over 350 of them. Zinio Reader is what I use to look at my magazines on, with WiFi I can just go to their site. I liked the Drawing app. I guess my next printer will have to be Wifi.

 

[mlblacy]

maybe I was too harsh...

hitekalex, I looked at what equipment you have... the iPad really offers nothing for you. You already have a 3gs iphone, and an ssd air, and you are probably locked in as well for a bit. Not sure what compelling feature would make it worthwhile for folks like you.

The iPad does indeed offer something to the folks on Verizon and other carriers... a smart phone (without the phone part, as least for now), and at HALF the price for UNLIMITED access. I had considered adding a MiFi to my V account, and it costs a LOT more than this. For folks like me, even though it is another device, it looks like a good deal.
cheers.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Has anyone wondered whether Apple produced this subpar product on purpose to crush all expectations, so that when the next generation comes out, we have no expectations? Marketing ploy?

No, that would be a terrible marketing ploy. I think this is a classic mistake in how Apple develops products. By choosing maximum secrecy so that they can "wow" prospective buyers, they cut those same prospects out of the product development process. If Apple does one glaring thing wrong IMO, it is this.

They have this huge pool of enthusiasts that would be extremely easy to access. This pool is generally a smart group (collectively anyway) and by injecting them into the product development process, it would almost certainly insure that certain key features would at least be on Apple's list as they finalize each product's specs.

Apple could do this in ways to still preserve much of the "wow" for these events, and still keep the mass market somewhat in the dark about exactly what might be rolled out at any one of these events. BUT, by doing this, they would simply be tapping into a FREE channel of additional input... from a group of people very likely to actually BUY the thing.

Instead, Apple appears to be so into maximum secrecy that they DO NOT take advantage of this free source of product development (collective) brilliance, resulting in new product launches like this one... that seems to have obvious misses in terms of (even) simple "should've had" features.

Sometimes developing products in a near total vacuum works... sometimes their team manages to get it right enough to roll out a mostly right new product. But other times, they miss the target and then a lot of ready BUYERS choose to keep their money in their pocket ("I'll wait for version 2").

I think Apple has grown much too large to continue to cling to the max security, max secrecy product development model. That is a "small company" model that is always hit or miss. Given Apple's especially passionate fan base... and given the easy ways that Apple could solicit their input on products (there could even be "we want to hear from you" apps for that)... I see little excuse for NOT at least adding that channel to the new product development model.

FREE. Lots of brains vs. a few. The "Collective Brilliance" model at its best. Etc. Else, we occasionally get a mostly wow (in a good way) like the iPhone, but we also get Cubes, TV, and (maybe) this iPad... these latter products ALMOST right, but lacking in something(s) simple & obvious, that could have easily been identified with some BUYER input.

 

[Eye4Desyn]

This is a big disappointment, for this device to be really good, it should be running Snow Leopard. One of the problems I see with the iPhone is that it doesn't have a decent fine system. So passing data between applications is problematic..

Is there going to be an iWork app for this device, to make it useful? What about Office?

I was expecting a little bit more, although I am glad that iPad doesn't alienate my lovely MacBook Pro!

The Quickoffice app for iPhone/iPod Touch should suffice your MS office needs just fine.

 

[MajorGrubert]

The fact is that I think that Apple is not aiming especially at the fan base. Their grand scheme is to target average consumers, average dudes, and the iPad seems to be for them : perfect for reading, sharing photos, browsing the web...

 

[diabolic]

Front-facing cam: Don't we have enough cameras in our house already? When I want a picture, I get out the digital camera—or my iPhone. This thing is suppose to work with the iPhone—not replace it. The decision to leave the camera out is a product positioning one.

Rear-facing cam (video conference). Not practical. You would have to hold the iPad at the exact angle needed during the whole call. You wouldn't be able to type anything. Plus there would be lots of shaking.

I agree. It's too big to use to seriously take any pictures with it. On the video calling, I think Apple realizes that it caters to such a small niche of people it's not worth doing yet on the iPad or the iPhone. They certainly have iChat usage stats and see that relatively few people are using it on the more powerful systems. Most people don't like being on camera anyway, so video calling isn't going to be mainstream anytime soon, if ever.

Enabling VOIP is definitely a good thing.

 

[kernkraft]

Annoying, but I want one (still hate Apple)

The fact is that I think that Apple is not aiming especially at the fan base. Their grand scheme is to target average consumers, average dudes, and the iPad seems to be for them : perfect for reading, sharing photos, browsing the web...

Exactly my thoughts. Fans already bought computers and iPhones. They talk tech and cry without HDMI. Those who seek functions and couldn't care less about spending a lot more for music, books and other digital content than it would be realistic, will love this device.

Apple gadgets became the default option for the middle classes. They just want doing things conveniently. I think the iPad will be a huge seller. Personally, I think it's a boring underachiever that found a way into the sultan's harem. Trust me, there are better tablets with better screen, better connectors and better performance. But this annoying duche will get laid. By millions.

I am really curious about the purpose-built processor. I think these devices may need that approach.





But no UK prices yet? $499 works out at around £310. Add VAT to that and the usual Apple tax and it will be £400-£449. That's too expensive for an overgrown iPod Touch.

 

[kresh]

No, that would be a terrible marketing ploy. I think this is a classic mistake in how Apple develops products. By choosing maximum secrecy so that they can "wow" prospective buyers, they cut those same prospects out of the product development process. If Apple does one glaring thing wrong IMO, it is this.

They have this huge pool of enthusiasts that would be extremely easy to access. This pool is generally a smart group (collectively anyway) and by injecting them into the product development process, it would almost certainly insure that certain key features would at least be on Apple's list as they finalize each product's specs.

Apple could do this in ways to still preserve much of the "wow" for these events, and still keep the mass market somewhat in the dark about exactly what might be rolled out at any one of these events. BUT, by doing this, they would simply be tapping into a FREE channel of additional input... from a group of people very likely to actually BUY the thing.

Instead, Apple appears to be so into maximum secrecy that they DO NOT take advantage of this free source of product development (collective) brilliance, resulting in new product launches like this one... that seems to have obvious misses in terms of (even) simple "should've had" features.

Sometimes developing products in a near total vacuum works... sometimes their team manages to get it right enough to roll out a mostly right new product. But other times, they miss the target and then a lot of ready BUYERS choose to keep their money in their pocket ("I'll wait for version 2").

I think Apple has grown much too large to continue to cling to the max security, max secrecy product development model. That is a "small company" model that is always hit or miss. Given Apple's especially passionate fan base... and given the easy ways that Apple could solicit their input on products (there could even be "we want to hear from you" apps for that)... I see little excuse for NOT at least adding that channel to the new product development model.

FREE. Lots of brains vs. a few. The "Collective Brilliance" model at its best. Etc. Else, we occasionally get a mostly wow (in a good way) like the iPhone, but we also get Cubes, TV, and (maybe) this iPad... these latter products ALMOST right, but lacking in something(s) simple & obvious, that could have easily been identified with some BUYER input.

Ah you mean the "Herding Cats Model"! 700 different pet peeve features that people just scream for inclusion, all leading to a product just dripping in bloated useless features.

 

[tlinford]

what about Bluetooth tethering to a 3g phone?

I currently Bluetooth tether my MacBook to a Sony 3G phone when I'm out of range from any of my WiFi access points...for internet ... I have a good data contract with my mobile provider.... this solution works great for me....

Will it be possible to do the same with the iPad, the sync issues are always a bit cloudy! ie not MobileMe cloudy, just a bit obscure!?

 

[0098386]

Home landline already dead for me.

I don't think I could ever go that far. Where internet connections fluctuate here a landline is always on.
Good to hear they're opening this up in the SDK though. All the iPod Touch now needs is GPS (with downloaded low res maps), a camera and 128gb storage and I'm good to go! So next update hopefully.

But no UK prices yet? $499 works out at around £310. Add VAT to that and the usual Apple tax and it will be £400-£449. That's too expensive for an overgrown iPod Touch.

I don't know if it is official or not but the Daily Mail had the prices at (IIRC) £309 for the lowest end model. Can't remember the rest.

 

[BlasphemyCool]

1) At this time the price of memory would have ruined final price points
2) you need a wider bezel to hold the thing
3) A third OS version? Not practical. And no one should expect thi type of device to run SL
4) A different ratio would make the thing awkwardly ugly (not like a familiar pad of paper). Letterbox your movie or pan and scan.
5) The icons ARE larger than the iPhone icons.

The expectations were for an impractical product to do EVERYTHING. It will do 99% of what most people do on computers.

So, I assume, you're going to buy one.

I still like it, but it needs improvements. I'll wait for the 2nd or 3rd generation.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The reasons why anyone would give this thumbs down. (It wasn't me.)

Even if you sort out the network issues according to which even with a GSM codec you will have huge delays over EDGE and 3G due to high packet loss (bandwidth is fine latency isn't, maybe some providers in Europe are fine) VOIP without multitasking only gets half the job done. OK, you can make calls. But personally I also have an interest in receiving them And unless I can run a VOIP service in the background (multitask) I can't.

Push notification might be a way around this but I suspect it is not enough for two reasons. Push comes in to tell me I have an incoming call. I start the app, even if it starts super fast I might lose the call in the mean time. (Not to mention the VOIP app has to run a service in the background that keeps the call on, etc. This is solved for chats but I don't think it is for incoming VOIP calls.) Second is that I often miss my Push notifications. It is not like we can set them to scream at us until we acknowledge them (and even if it could I would not want this for my apps). Finally, I really want VOIP AND Google Voice work. Which means the dialer should work as well. And Apple have been a total bitch about allowing GV on the iPhone.

I am sympathetic to Apple's concerns about battery life. I share them. So lets limit background apps. For me one beyond what I am doing would be enough. But we don't even get that. At least not yet.

The bottom line is that all of these are fully integrated in Android. So this really begs the question why I am not switching to Android. I just might. (Well I have another problem there. That is that very few Android phones work on AT&T with 3G. But as soon as the first one comes out unless Apple delivers on the above I am switching.)

In support, why not build power management into an APP, that warns of other apps eating more than a normal amount of power. In other words, why not turn on multitasking and leave it to us USERs to decide if we want to burn batteries up faster (by using it) or slower (by not). My 6-year old multitasking Powerbook has several settings that let me control how fast I drain the battery. Couldn't the same kind of thing be built into these devices?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Ah you mean the "Herding Cats Model"! 700 different pet peeve features that people just scream for inclusion, all leading to a product just dripping in bloated useless features.

No, they don't build in EVERY feature: did you not see the word "collective"? They still build it however they want to build it. But by including input from future buyers, and then collectively comparing all that input, they end up with a top 3, top 5, top 10 list of features desirable to the masses. That way a cheap, but very desirable option like an isight camera (which does make tremendously good sense for a mobile device) doesn't get left out of the product... or 5.1 Dolby Digital doesn't get left out of the TV (as it was at first)... and so on.

Do this and a big segment of herding cats get to be wowed by something they will them immediately buy. Stick with the extreme secrecy, "we know what buyers want" model and you get more misses, near misses, near hits, and hits. There's money on the table that could have already been flowed to Apple. They won't get some money they would have otherwise got... until... maybe version 2 when all this post-launch feedback helps them take another shot at getting it (more) right.

Meanwhile, competitors get to have between now and version 2 to replicate as much of what IS right about this Tablet "as is", and blend in the stuff that Apple missed that seems most desirable to the "crowd" (of willing BUYERS). Instead of enjoying maximum lead vs. those competitors, now some of those "herding cats" might find an alternative available with some of those missing features before Apple delivers version 2.

 

[eawmp1]

So, I assume, you're going to buy one.

I still like it, but it needs improvements. I'll wait for the 2nd or 3rd generation.

Never said I would buy one. Just playing devil's advocate. People often post before really analyzing the situation.

 

[Gasu E.]

Apparently, for 12 year old girls and Californians ellipsis are as good as periods, commas, and semi-colons. Is it really that hard?

Umm, welcome to Earth? Hope you enjoy our Internet!!??

 

[fleggy]

No, that would be a terrible marketing ploy. I think this is a classic mistake in how Apple develops products. By choosing maximum secrecy so that they can "wow" prospective buyers, they cut those same prospects out of the product development process. If Apple does one glaring thing wrong IMO, it is this.

They have this huge pool of enthusiasts that would be extremely easy to access. This pool is generally a smart group (collectively anyway) and by injecting them into the product development process, it would almost certainly insure that certain key features would at least be on Apple's list as they finalize each product's specs.

Apple could do this in ways to still preserve much of the "wow" for these events, and still keep the mass market somewhat in the dark about exactly what might be rolled out at any one of these events. BUT, by doing this, they would simply be tapping into a FREE channel of additional input... from a group of people very likely to actually BUY the thing.

Instead, Apple appears to be so into maximum secrecy that they DO NOT take advantage of this free source of product development (collective) brilliance, resulting in new product launches like this one... that seems to have obvious misses in terms of (even) simple "should've had" features.

Sometimes developing products in a near total vacuum works... sometimes their team manages to get it right enough to roll out a mostly right new product. But other times, they miss the target and then a lot of ready BUYERS choose to keep their money in their pocket ("I'll wait for version 2").

I think Apple has grown much too large to continue to cling to the max security, max secrecy product development model. That is a "small company" model that is always hit or miss. Given Apple's especially passionate fan base... and given the easy ways that Apple could solicit their input on products (there could even be "we want to hear from you" apps for that)... I see little excuse for NOT at least adding that channel to the new product development model.

FREE. Lots of brains vs. a few. The "Collective Brilliance" model at its best. Etc. Else, we occasionally get a mostly wow (in a good way) like the iPhone, but we also get Cubes, TV, and (maybe) this iPad... these latter products ALMOST right, but lacking in something(s) simple & obvious, that could have easily been identified with some BUYER input.

I disagree.

Whether folks like it or not, Apple is here to make money. They already have access to "ALL" the input they need...they just need to read these blogs to get a sense of what folks really want in the device.

They are well aware that they could sell *more*, with the inclusion of select features. Do you think nobody at Apple said "should we put a camera (web) in this?". "Should we allow flash?" etc etc...Of course they did. Steve Jobs probably said..."That will come in Version x"

Why delay these features?

If it did everything on day one, then what would you include in subsequent releases? Apple don't just want revenues today, they want a steady stream over time (shareholders like this).

Another reason is supply/demand. If it did "everything", there is no way they could keep up from a production perspective. They want to balance this, again over time. Apple is in this for the long haul...not just a killer revenue quarter (which they could not fulfill).

To innovate consistently and regularly is incredibly hard to do...even for Apple. Sometimes, you need to hold back.

This is Product Management 101.

Of course, I am still disappointed it has no web cam!! That would have made me buy it. Now, I am in the bucket of folks waiting (which will ease their supply side).

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

What the hell is a micro SIM card? I've used many many many carriers worldwide and I've NEVER seen a carrier use anything else than a normal SIM card (I thought all SIM cards were the same size). Hell, SIM cards are small enough, why make them smaller? I don't think space is such an issue on this device!

It's an alternative, hardly used format to completely eliminate the possibility of popping your existing SIM card out of your existing phone and using it with this. It basically guarantees that the crowd has to strike a new deal for 3G service if they want 3G service on this device.

 

[Gasu E.]

So, I assume, you're going to buy one.

I still like it, but it needs improvements. I'll wait for the 2nd or 3rd generation.

You will be probably get a larger memory option, and the icon size MIGHT change, but the 16:9 ratio is unlikely, as 4:3 suits the devices primary goals better; the large bezel is a design choice, not a technological limit, and will only be changed if user feedback says it must; and the dual OS will never happen-- way to much complexity and eneergy consumption, compromising the device in meeting its goal. Unless Apple decides to introduce a tablet aimed at a different target market and usage profile than the iPad, and 16:9; and minimized bezel will only happen if Apple's initial usability analysis turns out to have been flawed.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The problem is you really need an emergency line you can depend on. In the UK I remember a case where a woman died because their only emergency line was a mobile phone out of coverage (I can't remember all the details but that was the gist).

Exactly. In Florida, one good strong hurricane and all cell phone towers are damaged, cable broadband goes out (because cables are strung wires above ground), but that phone cable (buried underground) is the ONE way to be able to call for- and/or to give- help... something heavily needed in a disaster scenario.

 

[Gasu E.]

Of course, I am still disappointed it has no web cam!! That would have made me buy it. Now, I am in the bucket of folks waiting (which will ease their supply side).

A webcam would be really nice. I do not think a fully integrated webcam would work well from a usability/positioning standpoint, however. I would not be surprised is looking at introducing a nicely designed, external accessory; couple with software enhancements to provide a seamless experience.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Well a camera is probably good for one thing and that's video conferencing, is the iPad the best thing for this, how you you keep it in the correct position? If i'm on the couch, I don't want to hold this thing in a fixed position, as my arms will ache.

Let's think beyond trying to justify Apple's bad decision (to leave it out). If you are on the couch and you want to initiate a video conference, you get up and go to a Table/counter/desk so that you can stabilize the device for the conference. It's pretty easy to get up, walk and dock for that purpose.

Much heavier devices called Apple Laptops have the built-in isight cameras. But they can be stabilized on your lap, or on a table/counter/desk for those situations where you want to make a iChat/Skype/etc call too.

If you buy this thing to be your mobile device- such that you might leave your laptop at home- it means you are traveling and it would be tremendously nice to be able to use a simple, cheap bit of mobile hardware kit to visually connect with the family/associates/etc elsewhere.

If it's too hard to get off the couch to take a Skype/iChat call, then it can't work for you even in a desktop... unless that desktop is propped up right next to your spot on the couch.

 

[ULFoaf]

Call connectivity comparison will be interesting.

I'll be very interested to see how well iCall works, and if I can make a call when a "regular" call fails with an iPhone on AT&T. Data connections seem to be fine, it's just calls that have a problem.

I'd expect the voice quality to drop, but we will see.