Jul

23

email_image_20070612.jpgThe iPhone has just launched, but we can assume that Apple already is working on the next version of it. That’s appropriate. The iPhone is a wonderful phone-music player hybrid but it’s a product Apple should churn, not leave in the market unchanged. I’m no designer. But here are a few suggestions for what the next version of the hot Apple cell phone should include:
1. Games. The global mobile games market is on track to grow 50 percent in 2007 to $4.3 billion, and will hit $9.6 billion by 2011, according to market researcher Gartner. There is no excuse for Apple failing to jump start this part of the iPhone market. It wasn’t a priority at launch, but this phone is far more capable than most as a vehicle for mobile games.
2. More carriers. AT&T is certainly a huge carrier and perhaps it paid dearly to become the exclusive wireless phone carrier for the iPhone. But the iPhone ought to be liberated, as a group dubbed Free Press says. There is no need to shackle this gadget to a closed network. Consumers truly want the freedom to use a device on any network. We’ll see if the federal government weighs in on this one.
3. Force feedback technology. As I said before, iPhone users would have a much better time dialing and texting if they could only get some force feedback from the keypad. I know that Immersion, the force-feedback technology licensor based in San Jose, is a long jaunt from Cupertino. But I’ll spring for the cab ride for Steve Jobs.

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Jul

23

“The NYTimes is running a story about an iPhone flaw that has been found and documented by researchers from Independent Security Evaluators. Attackers were able to gain full control of the iPhone either through WiFi or by visiting a website with malicious code. The exploit will be demonstrated at BlackHat on Aug. 2nd at 4:45pm. Until then, ‘details on the vulnerability, but not a step-by-step guide to hacking the phone, can be found at www.exploitingiphone.com, which the researchers said would be unveiled today.’

via Slashdot

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Jul

12

att-logo-new.pngIn the glowing reviews that have greeted Apple’s iPhone, two questions keep coming up. Why did Apple sign a long-term exclusive arrangement with AT&T, which gets low marks in customer service from both Consumers Union and J.D. Power & Associates, BusinessWeek’s sister company? And why did Apple choose AT&T’s relatively slow EDGE network rather than the much faster Mobile Broadband, a third-generation (3G) service fast enough for snappy Web page downloads and smooth video streaming?

Apple isn’t talking, but the decisions aren’t as mysterious as they might appear. And they say a lot about the confused and confusing state of the U.S. wireless industry.

In designing the iPhone, Apple had to make a fundamental choice between the two different technology camps into which U.S. wireless service is divided. AT&T and T-Mobile use a European-developed standard called GSM. Verizon Wireless and Sprint rely on Qualcomm’s CDMA technology. (Sprint’s Nextel unit uses an oddball technology all its own.)

Because of its pervasive coverage in the Northeast and California, Verizon would have been a logical partner, but Verizon officials have told me they would never give any handset maker the kind of authority over hardware and software design Apple demanded from AT&T. Besides, from a global perspective, Apple’s choice of GSM was a no-brainer. GSM is the standard throughout Europe and nearly everywhere in Asia. The GSM iPhone could eventually be sold in nearly all major countries.

Apple says it decided to ignore AT&T’s Mobile Broadband because 3G networks draw more power, making it harder to hit iPhone’s ambitious battery-life goals. This explanation is not entirely convincing, since Wi-Fi, the iPhone’s high-speed option, also is a notorious power hog. I suspect Apple was worried about the dismal state of 3G service on GSM networks in the U.S.

via BusinessWeek

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Jul

11

iphonehype2.jpg

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Jul

11

AT&T’s exclusive right to sell the Apple iPhone drew complaints on Wednesday from Democratic politicians, though it was unclear whether they were planning to do anything about it.

“The problem with the iPhone is that the iPhone with AT&T is kind of like a ‘Hotel California’ service,” Massachusetts Rep. Ed Markey said–in a nod to the Eagles hit, of course–during a hearing. “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”

Even though the hearing before the House of Representatives subcommittee on the Internet was supposed to be about “wireless innovation and consumer protection,” the iPhone popped up among Democrats as a subject of criticism–and, among Republicans, as an example of the free market and consumer choice in action.

Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, the top Republican on the subcommittee, said of the iPhone: “Its early success is an indication that the wireless market is in fact working. That iPhone is the newest mousetrap and now other carriers will be working to top it.”

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Jul

11

jiwire.jpgJiWire the WiFi finder site has made a easy to use section for iPhone users to search out the local Hotspots where every you are. Simply point your iPhone to http://iphone.jiwire.com it’s free and easy. Access the world’s most trusted registry of 150,000 free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots and municipal networks in 135 countries in a free and easy-to-use experience optimized for Apple’s iPhone.

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Jul

7

appleandjuice.jpgiPhone Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is the iPhone Battery Replacement Program?
If your iPhone requires service only because the battery’s ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, Apple will repair your iPhone for a service fee of $79, plus $6.95 shipping. Be sure to follow these instructions for optimizing battery life and troubleshooting battery charging issues before submitting your iPhone for battery replacement.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?
The program costs $79, plus $6.95 shipping. The program cost is $85.95 per unit.
All fees are in US dollars and are subject to local tax. Service may not be available if your iPhone has been damaged due to accident or abuse. Please review Apple’s Repair Terms and Conditions for further details.

Will the data on my iPhone be preserved?
No, the repair process will clear all data from your iPhone. It is important to sync your iPhone with iTunes to back up your contacts, photos, email account settings, text messages, and more. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information while servicing your iPhone and does not offer any data transfer service. Please do not send any accessories with your iPhone.

How long will service take?
The repair process normally takes three business days. See the iPhone Service FAQ for information about getting an AppleCare Service Phone for you to use with all of your data while your iPhone is being repaired.

Jul

5

money_for_spot.jpgA Dallas woman paid $800 for a first place spot in line. She came armed with $16K planning on buying the local AT&T’s stock of iPhone to resell on eBay. I guess she forgot to read one of the hundred’s of blogs that reported the “one per customer limit” AT&T imposed.

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Jul

5

acip.jpgRumors were floating around earlier this week about AppleCare for iPhone. Now, reader Kender points out the official information from Apple:

* AppleCare for iPhone will be available “…in July”
* Your hardware coverage will be extended for up to 2 years
* Customers will be provided with a loaner iPhone if theirs is out for repairs (after a $29US “rental fee”)

They also list the specifics of the rental unit (you can transfer your data to it and an 8GB phone will get you an 8GB loaner) and exactly what type of things will void your warranty. The only thing missing is the cost of the program, though $60US has been suggested.

Jul

2

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