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'The Truth Hurts': Verizon Zings AT&T in Advertising Spat
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Bzzt. WRONG. I do this all the time. Put the phone on speaker (or while using a headset) and switch to Google Maps or the browser to check something.
Can't do this with Verizon unless you're within WiFi range.
That's honestly one of the very few times I care about multitasking - having to close Slacker Radio when I want to do anything else.
As for all my other apps, closing, launching, closing and relaunching is rarely a big deal for me as most of the apps I use remember their last state, so starting them up again is not much different than switching to an app running in the background, practically speaking.
Would I like multitasking as an option on the iPhone? Of course. Does the lack thereof impact me much on a daily basis? Not really. It's a selling point that most consumers won't really care about (or even really understand).
Very true. And those without a 3GS cannot take advantage of applications that require/interface with the onboard compass.
However, because it controls both the hardware and the OS, you do not need to buy a new iPhone to gain access to new versions of the OS nor many of the features that OS offers. Apple is also able to force application developers to update their applications to support the new OS. And because Apple only has to write for one core foundation (even if there are multiple models with different features and specifications), it improves both release time and stability.
This combination of availability and backwards-compatability are the two main reasons why iPhone OS adoption is so high. Yes, being free helps (witness the much higher adoption rate amongst iPhone owners versus iPod Touch owners), however if you either can't get an update or the update breaks functionality or applications, then a free price isn't the greatest incentive.
And that is where I have some fears with Android. When Apple releases a new major OS update for the iPhone, you can reasonably expect it's going to work on every iPhone out there.
With Android, as with Windows Mobile, that is likely not going to be the case. OEMs are likely not going to spend money porting the new OS version to unpopular models or hardware architectures in their line-up. And even if they do, the owners of that handset may not be able to acquire it if their service provider does not make it available to them.
Application developers are not going to be required to ensure that a new version of the OS will break their application. And with the handset manufacturers and service providers controlling the UI, it's possible an application might not work across Android hardware or provider platforms or due to differences in OS versions.
I'm probably coming across with some as an "Android Hater" or "iPhone Fanboi", but it's the Android user experience and platform execution that has me worried.
Apple has worked hard to ensure a stable platform execution, even if it means less flexibility through restrictions on code access and application types and an application approval process that seems to be based more on whim than technical merit.
Google doesn't make money licensing the hardware, the OS nor the applications. They also don't appear to be getting a cut of the service contract revenues. Where Google makes their money is selling advertising and user demographic data. Like Microsoft with Windows Mobile, Google's goal with Android is to push their applications because that is where they make the money. It's also why the offer many/most of them on the iPhone platform, even though it directly competes with Android hardware and service providers.
On my iPhone I, on a weekly basis, talk with coworkers (etc.) using a headset while at the same time sending/receiving email, viewing a live data stream from a remote system, poking around on facebook, etc.
I could not do this without having the ability use both voice and data at the same time.
How horrible of a move was it? How many units have they sold? What a disaster AT&T was for Apple.
Anyone get good 3G coverage in San Antonio / Austin area?? I live in Vegas (which gets great coverage BTW) and I hope to have the same experince when I move back home for XMAS!!! 
And you are being very rude to the person on the other end of the phone.
And something both of you just proved to me is you are not really listening the person you are talking you. If you are poking around on something mindless (like facebook) you clearly are not listening to the person on the other end and are being rude. It getting pushed to the back ground and filter threw it.
I agree with you, multitasking really is becoming a societal and decorum problem. Studies have been done to show that the people who think they are good at multitasking are actually the worst at it. I hope you aren't using this as an argument to say it's a good thing Verizon doesn't allow simultaneous data and voice though... There are times it is useful and I think it will become more useful in the future.
What are you talking about??? I pointed out in my original example exactly how I would do this. "Here, let me look up the address for you in Google Maps. OK, here's the address..."
Yeah, that's killer rude all right!
There are plenty of ways you would use simultaneous data and voice to interact with the caller on the other end, not ignore him/her.
Funny how you can slam Apple's deficiencies all day long yet so easily dismiss deficiencies in competitors' products. "Simultaneous data and voice isn't a feature, it's rude!" Uh huh.
Keep drinking the anti-Apple koolaid. Whatever. Your endless (and poorly written) anti-Apple diatribes grow tiresome.
Of course he is.
AT&T: IMPROVE YOUR DAMN NETWORK!!
VERIZON: I'll be back the very second that the iPhone is available on your network.
Apple: Make the iPhone available on ALL networks! Letting the CONSUMER decide which network they want to use the iPhone on is the ONLY way these companies will truly compete with each other for iPhone business.
BTW, I live in San Diego and I have pretty damn good AT&T 3G coverage. But I visit places where the AT&T 3G coverage SUCKS. And, yes, Verizon has much better coverage in those places because I've used my data card with my laptop in those places!
Mark
VERIZON: I'll be back the very second that the iPhone is available on your network.
Apple: Make the iPhone available on ALL networks! Letting the CONSUMER decide which network they want to use the iPhone on is the ONLY way these companies will truly compete with each other for iPhone business.
BTW, I live in San Diego and I have pretty damn good AT&T 3G coverage. But I visit places where the AT&T 3G coverage SUCKS. And, yes, Verizon has much better coverage in those places because I've used my data card with my laptop in those places!
Mark
No I am not but I have pointed out taht most of the time when people want to do it they are being rude and not really listening.
As for a reason for Verizon not to currently allow it. Well one reason is it provides a lot room for phones on there network. AT&T set 3G requires 4 channels per phone to be lock up compared to Verizon 2 channels.
The 4 channels for ATT are
1. Data Send
2. Data Receive
3. Voice Send
4. Voice receive.
Compared to Verizon
1. Send
2. Receive
So as it stand Verizon set up allows more phones to be on a given tower at any one time.
I was more pointing out and calling those 2 on rude behavior on a phone. Mindless surfing the web while on the phone is not an excuse and is rude.
The biggest people saying that it is sucks that it not there want it to be rude but do not come up with a reason on the few times that it more than a minor inconveniences and could not be worked out over the phone.
Assuming none of them are being facetious due to the big signs, I'd shoot them. Trust me, we and they will be better off.
I'd love to know where I mentioned mindless surfing the web while on a call.
Link please?
As much as I hate AT&T, if you think they are the "WORST", you are mistaken.
I switched to AT&T 4 years ago before the iPhone because I had Verizon, and I couldn't make or receive calls in my home. AT&T had coverage in my area (Aledo, TX). I live in the boondocks, and I have spotty 3g, but constant Edge.
Once again, I hate AT&T, but they are certainly not the worst. All of the mobile carriers are sick, money-hungry corporations. Not just AT&T.
What are you talking about??? I pointed out in my original example exactly how I would do this. "Here, let me look up the address for you in Google Maps. OK, here's the address..."
Yeah, that's killer rude all right!
There are plenty of ways you would use simultaneous data and voice to interact with the caller on the other end, not ignore him/her.
Funny how you can slam Apple's deficiencies all day long yet so easily dismiss deficiencies in competitors' products. "Simultaneous data and voice isn't a feature, it's rude!" Uh huh.
Keep drinking the anti-Apple koolaid. Whatever. Your endless (and poorly written) anti-Apple diatribes grow tiresome.
Of course he is.
What I find amusing is all the things that the original iPhone couldn't/can't do get swept under the rug... I remember being told that doing voice and data at the same time wasn't important when I had first gotten my iPhone. Nor was MMS, or tethering, or native applications.
The only thing I kinda wish they did with UTMS voice and data would be to run them on separate bands that way people talking on the phone around me doesn't send my internet speeds into the toilet (or vice verse).
i'm loving this
spent over 3 years on verizon here in the sf bay area
... maybe 1 or 2 dropped calls (literally) during that period.
then, 1 year after my contract expired
i succumbed to the seduction of the iphone 3g.
I love my iphone.. it is fun and useful in ways i'd never even imagined.
but as a phone on the att network .it sucks big time.
spotty service
dropped calls every day
reception at home waivers from strong to non existent minute by minute.
and even when there appears to be a strong signal it drops calls.
still a year left on my contract. no change ? > will have to seriously consider giving up my beloved iphone .
its really gratifying to see att called out on its abrogation of responsibility to its customers in a large and public way.
spent over 3 years on verizon here in the sf bay area
... maybe 1 or 2 dropped calls (literally) during that period.
then, 1 year after my contract expired
i succumbed to the seduction of the iphone 3g.
I love my iphone.. it is fun and useful in ways i'd never even imagined.
but as a phone on the att network .it sucks big time.
spotty service
dropped calls every day
reception at home waivers from strong to non existent minute by minute.
and even when there appears to be a strong signal it drops calls.
still a year left on my contract. no change ? > will have to seriously consider giving up my beloved iphone .
its really gratifying to see att called out on its abrogation of responsibility to its customers in a large and public way.
Rather than type up my own comments and feelings I'll just say "same here".
I have found that when my text messages fail to send it is sometimes helpful to shut down my iPhone, turn it back on, shut it down again, turn it back on and THEN try again. Sometimes I can get a few texts to go through before they start failing to send again! Gotta love a good iPhone hack!
Overhere it is the same with tmobile that has a mediocre network but the exclusive contract for the iPhone. So I did go the expensive way and bought a factory unlocked iPhone and went with the right network.
Works like a charm. 98 out of a 100 times I have pretty fast internet.
I really am looking with a lot of fun on to the situation on the other side of the pond AT&T really didn't like this ad from verizon! Hehe.
but even if verizon gets to sell the iPhone it's not unlikely that they have big problems with the amount of traffic that several millions of iPhones can generate. Just look at the face of a larger companies ICO when someone suggests giving a lot of people an iPhone.
Works like a charm. 98 out of a 100 times I have pretty fast internet.
I really am looking with a lot of fun on to the situation on the other side of the pond
AT&T really didn't like this ad from verizon! Hehe.but even if verizon gets to sell the iPhone it's not unlikely that they have big problems with the amount of traffic that several millions of iPhones can generate. Just look at the face of a larger companies ICO when someone suggests giving a lot of people an iPhone.
Hmmm, sounds different down there. Don't see how that applies to Verizon vs. AT&T.
I still wouldn't be a fanboy to a phone company for raping me less than the next corporation.
Nah, what's sad is a person wasting their time trolling on a discussion board to just try to insult people. How old are ya, 10?
By whom? People here have been griping about MMS, tethering, native apps, etc. since day one.
Speaking of tethering, I haven't heard the Verizon/DROID fans wave that feature around much after Verizon announced it would cost $30 a month on top of your regular data plan.
The above post is, of course, correct. The problem with the corporate apologists on this board (i.e., the majority) is that they think they actually are supporting "fundamental, free-market principles" by resorting to the tired and silly refrain of "Don't like it, don't buy it." Through a combination of no regulatory oversight whatsover in the recent past, carefully crafted messages, and general ignorance, it appears that many consumers now consider corporations good; consumer advocacy bad. Unreal.