Bored while waiting for the bus, or riding in the subway (assuming it has an EDGE connection)? How about a game of TicTacToe. While it might not be the best game ever, it does help you to pass some time, and have fun. You might even learn some strategies against some real life opponents.
Hamurabi was one of the earliest computer games. And now it is available for the iPhone. In this game, you manage your crops and people. Budget your resources to plant crops, buy or sell land and feed your people. Try to enlarge your kingdom as fast as you can. A fun retro game.
Are you a big Nascar fan? iNascar is a webapp which provides all the latest information from the world of Nascar.
You can see upcoming racetrack information, which includes the date, time, TV Network coverage, green flag time, track length, laps, and last year’s winner.
You can also check the upcoming race schedule for the rest of the year along with the date and name of the race.
After the race you can you can view the results, driver position, laps ran, points earned, and status of the driver for that race.
Basically everything a Nascar fan needs at the tips of his fingers.
Are you big on fashion news? GetAllThe Fashion is a webapp, which features a collection of various fashion news in form of RSS feed. So you can get all the latest fashion news from mags like InStyle, The New York Times, Style.com, Yahoo news, the Telegraph and more.
Do you enjoy going to the Disney Park in California with your kids? “Disney California Adventure Mini Guide” in an interactive map and pocket guide, which will help you navigate the famous Disney Theme Park. Of course, there might be free maps near the park entrance, but in case you lose it, or your kids take it from you, there is always iPhone for back up.
To visit this web-app click here.
The heavily anticipated 3G-capable iPhone will be available within the next 60 days, Wall Street Journal columnist Walt Mossberg revealed at a Beet.The comments fuel growing speculation over the launch of an iPhone that supports HSPA Internet access, which is considered by many to be essential for adding more Internet-dependent features to the handset as well as offering access to Japan and other countries where 3G is the only option for phone service. A special T-Mobile Germany promotion and analyst reports have all pointed to a likely iPhone upgrade to the faster wireless technology in June.
The Journal writer also noted that he appreciated the Apple TV but that current bandwidth limits on American broadband affect potential enjoyment of the experience. HD and very long videos often require long download times before they can reliably play on most users' devices.
[Thanks: http://www.electronista.com]
At the CTIA mobile conference that went down this week in Las Vegas, AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega looks to have stolen a bit of Steve Jobs' thunder by all but directly confirming the upcoming release of a 3G iPhone. Speaking to assembled press, de la Vega stated on stage that plans called for all of AT&T's smart phone products to shift to 3G in the coming months.
Later in the day at a luncheon, PC Mag inquired as to whether his earlier statement applied to the iPhone. De la Vega replied, "Let me repeat what I said. I think that you're going to see our integrated devices be 3G devices in the not too distant future. And I mean months. That should be clear enough."
Such a statement would seem to all but officially confirm what many have expected for quite some time. A 3G iPhone would benefit from a pretty significant internet-browsing speed boost over the current iPhone, which uses EDGE, or 2.5G as some term it, for data transfer via the cellular network. An arrival 'in months' suggests the new iPhone hardware will likely be announced at Apple's upcoming World Wide Developer's Conference in June.
[Thanks: http://gear.ign.com]
The iPhone price cut promotion by T-Mobile in Germany runs from April 7th to June 30th (yep, just a little past the first birthday of the iPhone). Normally the 8 GB model sells for 399 euros, so that's a 75% cut. You have to get an 89 euro a month contract, though. However, you could also buy the 8 GB model for 249 euros, still a 37.5% cut, with a new 29 euro "starter plan."
As far as the rumors over any impending 3G iPhone launch and the sold-out stores, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said earlier this week (in a research note) that many Apple stores have sold out of the device and suggested there is an 80% chance of a new 3G iPhone model arriving soon, with the same $399 price point, to keep sales up.
While keeping the price point the same would be great, consumers would still end up paying for, due to the 3G data plan, so control your enthusiasm.
Source: Tech-Ex
As more and more
iPod Observer has posted images of what look like a new backplate to the iPhone, possibly for use on the “iPhone 2″
This new backplate is a glossy black which looks as though it is made from plastic. This may help the iPhone with its wireless signal, as metal is not a good transmitter
We at iPhone World are unsure of the validity of this information, though the image looks rather convincing. We will keep you posted in any more information as it becomes available.
Thanks: iPod Observer
Reuters reports that T-Mobile in Germany is now offering Apple’s iPhone for 99€ (= USD ~$150) for those who do not mind subscribing to a “Complete XL” plan at 89 euros a month. This announced on Thursday offer is going to start on 7th of April and last until the 30th of June. Since its launch in Germany on November 9th, the iPhone was available at the price of 399€.
T-mobile in Germany has also prepared an interesting offer for the clients who can not afford to pay 89€ a month. Subscribing to the cheapest call plan at 29€ a month can get them an iPhone for 249€. Still, in both cases subscribers have to sign up for a two years contract.
Now if only iPhone users in other countries could somehow get this deal…
Windows Mobile 6.1’s home screen and text messaging underwent a lot of changes, and now look more and more like iPhone’s OS X features. Likewise, the internet browser now allows you to zoom onto the page — which was one of the more original features that the iPhone brought to the mobiles world.
There are some features, though, that do trump iPhone’s OS X’s features, in Windows Mobile 6.1. Among them is the ability to copy+paste information, multiselect functionality that allows the user to choose texts and messages and apply collective actions like delete, move, and mark to them. This feature will also be supported for multiple messages or contacts within a smart filter search.
One other notable addition is the Task Manager, which allows you to see and close all currently running programs — like you would on your desktop computer.
Here’s to hoping that iPhone firmware v2.0 will incorporate all these features once it’s out… You can read more about Windows Mobile v6.1 on Mobiles World.
Do you consider your iPhone to be beautiful? Would you think the same of it with a Griffin ClearBoost case on? That is what it does. Takes a work-of-art device, and converts it into this rubbery looking thing!
However, for the little loss in aesthetics, not only will it safeguard your iPhone like a mother protects her child, but supposedly, it boosts your antennae power. According to some reports, it can add 1 or 2 bars, to your already 2-3 bars reception. However, it does not produce as much improvement in lower reception areas.
The case is priced at 29.99 and can be purchased here. It is your call though…aesthetics or connectivity. And to think that previous Griffin cases weren’t that bad looking.
Thanks: Engadget
Pacific Rim has designed a new case for iPhone called iShield Mirror. You might think of it as a regular protective case. It is made of 2 pieces of plastic which envelop and protect your iPhone quite well, even if you drop it. However, the interesting thing about it, is that it has a thin silver film, which looks transparent when you are using your iPhone, but becomes a ‘mirror’ when the iPhone is not in use.
You can enjoy iPhone’s touch screen features with that case too, so your device is always protected. There are holes for headphone jack, home button and all the other things that need outside input. You can purchase the case for $30 from Pacific Rim’s website.
Thanks: TechEBlog
Jajah VoIP service that previously made a web app for making cheap calls, have announced that they are building what they hope to be the first native global VoIP application. Expected release date is this summer, close to when iPhone v2.0 firmware should be unleashed.
JAJAH Mobile VoIP client will utilize their previous call-back service, in low bandwidth location as well as the use of Wi-Fi network.
“JAJAH was one of the first in line to support the launch of the iPhone. Now with the release of the iPhone SDK, we are excited to develop a native VoIP application that will improve productivity and enhance the communication capabilities of mobile professionals with added security,” said Frederik Hermann, Director, Global Marketing. “JAJAH adds global mobile VoIP functionality and with enterprise level support, soon companies will give employees a choice of an iPhone vs. the BlackBerry.”
And until JaJah’s native iPhone app will released you can use their web based app.
Pwnage tool, which we were so eagerly awaiting for, has been finally released. It did face some slowdowns, due to legal enquiries, which DevTeam had to make.
As expected the magic jailbreaking and unlocking tool only works on Mac OS so far. However there might be a Windows version of it really soon! In fact, it is in testing stages right now.
Compared to other jailbreaking tools (apart from ziphone), this one really ‘pwns’ your phone. It changes the bootloading files, which makes it fool proof solution of jail breaking the device.
The tool has actually two tools build into it. iPwner is what actually jailbreaks your phone, so you can run any software on it, and the ISPW Builder tool which allows users to edit the .ipsw files which you download through iTunes.
Direct downloads:
- Pwnage Tool (Mac) (22.6MB)
- WiFi Fix (6KB)
Deutsche Telekom cut the price of Apple Inc.'s iPhone in Germany to the equivalent of about $156 from $628 in a push to sell more of the devices.
The three-month campaign aimed at the company's T-mobile subscribers ends June 30 and must combine an eight gigabyte iPhone with a premium contract.
The newer 16 GB version of Cupertino-based Apple's (NASDAQ: APPL) phone still costs about $784.
Apple has said it plans to sell 10 million units by the end of the year worldwide. The phone was launched in June 2007.
[Thanks: http://www.bizjournals.com]
Investment bank Piper Jaffray said Friday it has confirmed a T-Mobile Germany price cut on the 8GB iPhone from €399 to €99, adding that it's a sign Apple is looking to drain existing inventories ahead of 3G iPhone launch no later than June.
The official promotion runs through June 30, and requires a two-year contract and the high end data plan.
"In the U.S., Apple's supply of iPhones continues to be limited, but European carriers appear to be overstocked," analyst Gene Munster wrote in a note to clients. "These data points lead us to believe Apple will launch a new iPhone in the U.S. in June at the latest, with a European launch shortly thereafter."
The analyst said he's spoken with representatives from 18 more US-based Apple retail stores since his report on checks with 20 locations early in the week. This time he found "small amounts of iPhones, usually 8GB" that were selling out quickly. One store even imposed a two per-person limit, which is more restrictive than the company's broadly adopted five phone limit.
"This type of channel control is typical of Apple ahead of new products," Munster wrote. "In Europe, the opposite story seems to point to the same conclusion. Apple's carrier partners are a completely separate channel from its own retail stores, and the carrier partners appear to be overstocked with iPhones."
Although Apple is dealing with its mobile channel partners in the same way that it has been interacting with iPod resellers, the analyst believes there are some early wrinkles that need smoothing.
He points to the ongoing iPhone availability saga as one example of how Apple is still learning from the launch of its first mobile handset: although the company maintains tight control of its direct sales channels, which include its retail and online stores, wireless partners like AT&T and T-Mobile have struggled with that same kind of discipline, particularly in the area of inventory management.
"This has been compounded by weaker than expected iPhone sales in Europe," Munster told clients. "Therefore, it seems as if this has led to Apple trickling iPhones into its U.S. retails stores, while T-Mobile and other carrier partners seek to drain their stock of iPhones ahead of a new model."
The Piper Jaffray analyst, who maintains a Buy rating and $250 price target on shares of Apple, is forecasting for the iPhone to have a breakout year in 2009, in which he believes 45 million units will be shipped and sold.
[Thanks: http://www.appleinsider.com]
If there's one thing I saw too much of at this year's CTIA Wireless show, it was iPhone knockoffs. LG and Samsung were the most glaring offenders, with the Vu and Instinct. Apparently the wireless industry can't "think different."
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Apple should be blushing with pride right about now. It seems every company out there wants to have a phone to compete with the iPhone, and rather than make new and interesting products, they have simply tried to imitate the iPhone.
LG and Samsung both launched new phones that appear very similar to the iPhone, right down to the size, color, and silver accents. They also use touch screen user interfaces. On one level, I applaud both efforts because they do improve the overall experience and usability of cell phones. On another level, I am disappointed that neither really brought anything new to the table.
The touch interfaces on both phones were somewhat klugdy, requiring multiple taps to get the phone to respond. Samsung and Sprint (NYSE: S) reiterated many times that the Instinct device is still running a beta version of the software, and that all the kinks will be worked out come the June launch of the device. After seeing no less than three different Instinct demo units crash while using them, I'd have to say that Samsung and Sprint really need the next two months of development time.
The Vu is a more finalized product, as it is based on the Prada phone, which was released about a year ago. The UI is a final build and worked well enough, but it simply doesn't compare with the iPhone's usability.
I expect future generations of iPhone knockoffs will be better, but for the moment, the iPhone still bests the competition in usability.
These touch-enabled devices are important, and I really think they will play a bigger and bigger role in the handset business. Rather than imitation, though, I'd like to see innovation that goes beyond what Apple brings to the table.
Samsung, LG, Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Motorola (NYSE: MOT), Sony Ericsson, RIM (NSDQ: RIMM), Palm, can you do that?
[Thanks: http://www.informationweek.com]
A new "GPhone" is headed this way, soon. But Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) won't build this one. Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) will.
That's the rumor, at least. In the digital industry, there have long been unsourced reports that there would be a 3G iPhone. With no reason to take them seriously till this week's CTIA show, sponsored by the international association for the wireless industry, in Las Vegas. There, Ralph de la Vega, president of AT&T's (NYSE: T) Mobility group, said that all of the smartphones supported by the carrier would soon be migrated to higher-speed data networks.
AT&T supports smartphones from Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM), Palm (Nasdaq: PALM), and Nokia (NYSE: NOK), as well as Apple's iPhone. When asked whether his comments meant the iPhone would be made to support 3G, or "third-generation" networks, de la Vega responded, "I'm talking about months for all the integrated devices to be 3G, and I mean months. I think that should be clear enough."
Well then, there you have it. A 3G iPhone is in the works. AT&T just said so.
If that's exciting to you, it should be: A 3G model would allow for direct, on-network download speeds comparable to what you'd expect from a broadband Wi-Fi connection. But with 3G, you'd have broadband access anywhere, anytime.
And yet I think Foolish colleague Dave Mock has it right. Apple couldn't care less about selling a 3G iPhone, especially here in the U.S. Retail sales might improve some, but the iPhone is already a best-seller. So why do it? Partners.
Vodafone's CEO, Arun Sarin, is on record as saying he'd like to offer the iPhone to customers when it's ready for Europe's 3G networks.
But the iPhone already has a presence in Europe. I'm more interested in China. Last November, Apple and China Mobile (NYSE: CHL) discussed the possibility of introducing the iPhone to the People's Republic. By December, the talks had ended, according to published reports.
What hasn't ended is China Mobile's interest in 3G technology. Next month, the carrier will begin an experiment with 25,000 3G handsets in eight cities. So far, there's no indication that Apple would be involved. And yet I find it interesting that a 3G iPhone could emerge just as China Mobile is testing the technology for widespread use.
[Thanks: http://www.fool.com]
A new "GPhone" is headed this way, soon. But Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) won't build this one. Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) will.
That's the rumor, at least. In the digital industry, there have long been unsourced reports that there would be a 3G iPhone. With no reason to take them seriously till this week's CTIA show, sponsored by the international association for the wireless industry, in Las Vegas. There, Ralph de la Vega, president of AT&T's (NYSE: T) Mobility group, said that all of the smartphones supported by the carrier would soon be migrated to higher-speed data networks.
AT&T supports smartphones from Research In Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM), Palm (Nasdaq: PALM), and Nokia (NYSE: NOK), as well as Apple's iPhone. When asked whether his comments meant the iPhone would be made to support 3G, or "third-generation" networks, de la Vega responded, "I'm talking about months for all the integrated devices to be 3G, and I mean months. I think that should be clear enough."
Well then, there you have it. A 3G iPhone is in the works. AT&T just said so.
If that's exciting to you, it should be: A 3G model would allow for direct, on-network download speeds comparable to what you'd expect from a broadband Wi-Fi connection. But with 3G, you'd have broadband access anywhere, anytime.
And yet I think Foolish colleague Dave Mock has it right. Apple couldn't care less about selling a 3G iPhone, especially here in the U.S. Retail sales might improve some, but the iPhone is already a best-seller. So why do it? Partners.
Vodafone's CEO, Arun Sarin, is on record as saying he'd like to offer the iPhone to customers when it's ready for Europe's 3G networks.
But the iPhone already has a presence in Europe. I'm more interested in China. Last November, Apple and China Mobile (NYSE: CHL) discussed the possibility of introducing the iPhone to the People's Republic. By December, the talks had ended, according to published reports.
What hasn't ended is China Mobile's interest in 3G technology. Next month, the carrier will begin an experiment with 25,000 3G handsets in eight cities. So far, there's no indication that Apple would be involved. And yet I find it interesting that a 3G iPhone could emerge just as China Mobile is testing the technology for widespread use.
[Thanks: http://www.fool.com]
In a CTIA conference yesterday, Sprint CEO Dan Hesse, unveiled a new phone called Samsung Instinct. This is the device, which Sprint hopes to take on AT&T.
“This device is like no other touch-screen phone, “he said.
Like the iPhone, Instinct features touchscreen (3.1-inch) and 2MP camera. Other features are 3G and EV-DO Rev support, stereo Bluetooth, audible caller ID, voice dialling and commands, a full HTML browser, a digital music player , support for Sprint Radio Sprint TV, tethering, Microsoft Live Search, and integrated GPS with Sprint navigation.
While there is no IM capabilities yet, you will get multimedia messaging and access to personal and corporate e-mail.
One interesting upgrade from the iPhone is haptic keyboard.
Dan Hesse did not reveal the pricing of the phone, but estimates say it will cost around $200-$300.
The device is said to be launched in June. Just in time to compete with the 3G iPhone model?
Thanks: AdvertisingAge
Forum’s software was upgraded to the latest version of vBulletin, which allows for more user options and better spam protection.
http://forum.iphoneworld.ca replaces both iPhoneForum.INFO and previously existing iPhoneWorld.ca/iphone-forum/ with one centralized forums portal. Most user accounts were moved to the new software, but if your account in particular doesn’t work, just make a new one (things do happen during platforms migration).
Furthermore, an iPhone optimized version of the forum was launched, allowing forum members to easily browse and reply to threads via a light, EDGE optimized interface. iPhone optimized version works based on browser detection — much like our iPhone optimized main site version — it checks your browser’s agent, and if it finds an iPhone or an iPod Touch, you will be shown the optimized version that doesn’t have all the features, but loads fast (screenshot below). If you’re accessing the forums from your desktop or laptop computer, you will see the regular forums version, with all the advanced features (screenshot above).
Lastly, some new moderators are needed for the forums, please contact us via our contact form if you’re interested in helping out.
We invite you all to try out our new forums, whether you’d like to discuss the latest happenings in the iPhone world, share your experience, or ask us or other iPhone users for support (as you might know, we don’t reply to support requests via our contact form, as such posting your problem in our forum’s support section is your best bet to get an answer to your question).
AP reports that iPhone might be to thank for Research In Motion’s bigger than usual profits and sales. RIM has benefited from the introduction of the iPhone because it brought attention to smart phones, and more people are starting to use them, said Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek.
“People are starting to realize, ‘Why should I buy a Razr when I can buy a BlackBerry or an iPhone?’ I think the iPhone was the single biggest blessing RIM ever had,” he said.
Rim earned $412.5 million in fourth quarter compared to 187.4 million for the same period last year. Revenue jumped to $1.88 billion from $930 million.
They gained 2.2 million new subscribers during Q4, bringing its total to more than 14 million, and sold 4.4 million smart phones.
Apple has said it sold 2.3 million iPhones in the quarter that ended Dec. 29, for a total of about 4 million in the six months since the device’s launch in US.
BlackBerry’s smart phones are cheaper than iPhones, and many people consider them easier to use for e-mail and SMS because they have traditional keypads instead of touchscreens.
Remember April 1st joke yesterday? After all there was some truth in it. According to Gizmodo, there might be a 3G phone in months from now. AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega has revealed at the CTIA conference that all of their smart-devices will be 3G compliant. Here is what he said:
“Let me repeat what I said: I think that you’re going to see our integrated devices be 3G devices in the not-too-distant future, and I mean months. That should be clear enough”
Playboy has announced the iPhone optimised version of their website. Amongst other things it features a HotorNot clone, a nightlife adviser, and Playboy Radio. They also promise to add social network feature in the future as well as various contests.
To see the website click playboy.com
Thanks: TechCrunch
Rubicon Consulting published an interesting survey data from 460 randomly selected iPhone users. Here are their findings:
- 80% of iPhone users surveyed are satisfied with the device
- Email is the #1 function (The most used data function on the iPhone is reading (but not writing) email, with about 70% of users doing that at least once a day. About 60% said they browse the web on the iPhone daily)
- iPhone increases mobile browsing with 75% of iPhone users saying it has led to more mobile browsing
- 50% of iPhone owners replaced conventional (non-smartphones) mobile phones.
- 1/3 of iPhone users carry a 2nd phone
- 28% of iPhone users say it’s changes a notebook computer
- 40% of iPhone users said “strongly” that they want to add new software apps
- 40% if iPhone users said the browser has trouble with some web pages they want to visit
- 26% of iPhone users had no previous Apple product, while nearly 50% had iPod
- 13% of iPhone owners surveyed have unlocked iPhones
- 1 out of 10 users reported “hand pain” after use
- 1 out of 5 iPhones were purchased as a gift
- About half of iPhone users are under age of 30 and about 15% are students
To see the complete report click here (pdf).
What we know about this upcoming mobile is that it is a “a sleek next-generation PND slated to go beyond point-to-point navigation, offering real-time search capabilities and a customizable navigation experience for leisure or business and daily commute-type travel. The PND also leverages gpsOne technology, currently used by over 300 million GPS units for positioning capabilities. ”
Considering that the last Soleus-based handset was the MSI 5608 (on photo) that featured Wi-Fi, GPRS, 2MP camera, 240×432 pixels touchscreen, 2.8 inch display, accelerometer, mobile TV (T-DMB, DVB-H and ISDVT), dual Wi-Max and Bluetooth, we’re thinking that the new offering will be somewhat similar in specs to the iPhone, therefore making it at least one phone to watch out for when it comes out. Whether it will be able to dethrone the iPhone, is a completely different question of course (we might be biased considering that we’ve never seen it, but we just don’t think so).
For more information read the Mobiles World article.
Essentially, the Motorola TV DH02 is a multimedia device with many different capabilities. Apart of being a 3G touchscreen-operated phone, like the name implies it serves as a live mobile DVB-H TV with PVR capabilities, in addition to having an in-built GPS device.
Like the iPhone, the phone boasts portrait and landscape auto-flip – use can use portrait view for navigation and POI calls, and landscape for mobile TV and personal media entertainment. Unlike the iPhone it has a 4.8″ (480 x 272) WQVGA display.
But these extra features do come at an extra cost — the device’s dimensions are 5.3 x 3.2 x 0.6 inches (134 x 81 x 16 mm) while it weighs about a half a pound (240 grams), so it’s more bulky than the iPhone.
For more information on Motorola TV DH02 read the Mobiles World article, or stop by Motorola’s booth (#1806) at the currently ongoing CTIA Wireless 2008, where it’s currently being showcased.
Color Rush “focuses you on capturing half a board of colors and keeping the computer from doing the same. You start at the bottom left (white), and click a color, which then converts squares of that color near your white pieces, into white. When you do this, the computer on the other side does the same, and it alternates. It’s part strategy, part puzzle, and is sure to keep you busy,” they write.
To play the game point your iPhone’s browser over to www.underclouds.com/iphone/colorrush/
Castle Feud is a medieval iteration of the classic 1v1 artillery game, where you take pot shots at each other, changing angle and power against the direction and speed of the wind.
And while Castle Feud was designed to be played on your iPhone and iPod Touch, it also supports most popular internet browsers out there.
To play the game point your browser over to www.underclouds.com/iphone/castlefeud/.
I don’t think Apple ever officially called the iPhone a BlackBerry killer, but even Steve Jobs probably didn’t see its device as a BlackBerry booster.
And yet, based on the financial results Research In Motion released this week, it’s hard to interpret things any other way. The Pearl obviously helped matters, but there’s no one was sleeping on the street overnight outside a store waiting for the Pearl to arrive, as they did for the iPhone. The Pearl did not get an average of hundreds of articles written about it prior to launch, as Apple’s handset did. Until very recently, RIM was an enterprise-focused company, in part because the BlackBerry was (and still kinda is) expensive. The Pearl changed that, but so did the fact that the iPhone got a lot more people thinking about what a communications device should do.
RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie told financial analysts that 50 per cent of the company’s net new subscriber account additions in the fourth quarter came from non-enterprise customers, and about 38 per cent of the firm’s BlackBerry subscriber base fell into the non-enterprise category at the end of the business year. That’s huge, but it doesn’t mean that business people aren’t buying the BlackBerry anymore. They’re just buying it with things other than business in mind.
Unlike the iPhone, which remains an object of fantasy for Canadians, the BlackBerry is readily available and comes from a line of devices with a highly regarded track record among demanding users. It’s less innovative in terms of design, but familiarity with an interface never hurt any other vendors. The Pearl, in some ways, came with far fewer expectations than the BlackBerry, and as a result its success seems that much greater. Unlike the iPhone, there’s much less chance of a backlash.
The question for RIM now is to capitalize on its entry into the consumer space by realizing how those new users will be affecting the IT environment of its traditional enterprise customers. A lot of companies are grappling with the fact that unknown devices are coming behind the firewall and being used for all kinds of purposes outside of an IT usage policy. The Pearl is likely to be one of those devices, and although it’s intended for personal use RIM might eventually need to help IT departments extend the management capabilities of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server to deal with it.
This is one of the issues facing Microsoft, which this week launched an update to its Windows Mobile operating system. Graham Chalk, manager of data strategy and support at Telus Mobility, put it to me this way: “Eight to 10 years ago, it was ‘IT rules’ in terms of what device you used,” he said. “Now it’s more of a collaborative effort.”
RIM originally made a name for itself by creating a device that made business computing much more personal again. Now, with the Pearl, it will need focus on making personal computing work better within businesses.
[Thanks: http://blogs.itworldcanada.com]
The recent shortage of Apple iPhones has sparked speculation the US company is preparing to launch a new generation of the wildly successful mobile phone.
Reports from the United States suggest widespread shortages of the iPhone, with estimated lost sales of up to 40,000 phones each week.
While over half a million phones remain unaccounted for - meaning they have either not been activated in the United States - or remain in inventory, the shortage has sparked speculation over a potential new release of the iPhone.
It was reported yesterday that Apple may now be preparing to release a new 3G version of it's phone - an upgrade to the current 2.5G or EDGE technology used in the devices.
3G technology will allow faster speeds and bandwidth for those using the iPhone on telecommunications networks.
The company was widely chastised for it's decision to not include 3G capability within the phone - a key technology to deliver extra bandwidth and speeds for media files, photos and video.
A former founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak last month let rip on the iPhone - saying that it was a mistake to not include 3G within the iPhone's launch.
"To tell you the truth I was really disappointed when the iPhone was introduced... half the phones in the AT&T store at the time were 3G phones," Mr Wozniak said while in Sydney.
Apple said that the technologies omission was due to concerns over battery life.
There is now however speculation that the company will release a 3G version of the iPhone by May.
While the phone is yet to ship to Australia, Apple has kept coy over who and when the iPhone will launch in the country.
Telstra is believed to be a frontrunner for the phone's sale - with Apple choosing to select an exclusive reseller network in order to recoup further charges from the phone's use.
With the introduction of 3G, it is now believed that the iPhone could be marketed on any number of mobile phone networks in Australia, including Hutchison Three and Vodafone.
While production on the new 3G phone is not believed to have started yet, Chinese and Taiwanese media reported that several manufacturers were bidding for the production contract on the new phone.
[Thanks: http://www.scopical.com.au]
Last year, the wireless industry obsessed over the iPhone. This year, the industry is buzzing about how to beat it.
Touch screens, the mobile Internet and devices packed with multimedia capabilities dominated the discussion here this week at CTIA Wireless 2008, the industry’s largest trade show.
Mobile phone makers seem interested in throwing just about everything into their new models as they try to compete with Apple by making phones that look very much like its iPhone. But there were few blockbuster products or major announcements. Nevertheless, the Nokia booth was packed on Tuesday as Beyoncé and Madonna songs blared from overhead speakers.
Show visitors huddled around a long white table where Nokia, the Finnish company, was demonstrating its N series mobile phones, including the N78, a multimedia phone introduced recently in Europe (for about $500) that is expected to go on sale in the United States in June.
Like many phones on display at the show, the N78 is bursting with features. Not only does it have a 3.2-megapixel camera, but it runs on a high-speed network, includes a navigation function and eight gigabytes of memory, and has Internet radio and easy access to multimedia Web sites like YouTube and Flickr.
“The handset makers are responding differently than they have before,” said Greg Ballard, chief executive of the mobile game maker Glu Mobile.
Meanwhile, at the booth for Samsung, the South Korean company, the Instinct was being introduced. The prototype displayed was not quite ready for the show floor, although the phone, Samsung’s answer to the iPhone, is expected to be shipped in a few months.
The Instinct has many features similar to the iPhone’s, like a voicemail management system, and the devices look remarkably similar. The Instinct, operating on a proprietary network developed by Samsung and Sprint, can be used to watch live TV and as a modem to connect a PC to the Internet.
Industry analysts think it will sell for about $300.
LG, also a South Korean company, introduced the Vu, which has a touch screen and multimedia features similar to the iPhone’s. The Vu will cost $300 through AT&T stores, which have an exclusive relationship with Apple to sell the iPhone. The Vu includes an optional new live television service, for $15 a month, LG said.
Geesung Choi, chief executive of Samsung’s telecommunications network business, predicted that the trend toward multifunction mobile phones would shift over time. The market will fragment as consumers seek out mobile phones with functions that reflect their strongest needs, like browsing the Web or watching television and movies.
“There is a perception that the iPhone is a phone, but it is not,” he said. “It is a multimedia player. Maybe they should rename it.”
Others saw a similar evolution of the market. “It’s not a technology market anymore,” said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division. “It’s a consumer market. Everyone’s needs are evolving. Consumers, in the end, will get what they want.”
Just a few years ago, he said, transferring a mobile phone number to AT&T from Verizon Wireless was revolutionary. In contrast, carriers today discuss how far they should open their closed networks to rivals’ products. And the mobile phones they support not only look like minicomputers, they act like them too.
Ralph de la Vega, chief executive of AT&T Mobility, said more phones in the coming months were likely to combine touch screens with a keypad or slide-out keyboard to appease customers who want the convenience of both. “The technology is available,” he said. “But it’s a trade-off.”
It is unclear, though, just how far the big carriers like AT&T and Verizon Wireless will go.
When asked about Google’s new mobile phone platform, Android, both Mr. de la Vega and Lowell C. McAdam, chief executive of Verizon Wireless, expressed interest, even optimism that it might run on their mobile phones one day. That is in stark contrast to the wireless carriers’ reaction when Android was first announced.
“We didn’t know enough about it,” Mr. McAdam said. He said he has visited Google and met with its chief executive, Eric E. Schmidt, and others involved with Android.
[Thanks: http://www.nytimes.com]
Samsung offers up a serious iPhone challenger through its Instinct handset. Credit: Samsung Mobile. The iPhone might be the trend-led smartphone of choice for a great many mobile technology lovers, but South Korean electronics company Samsung is hoping to divert attention from Apple’s hugely popular device with its new Instinct handset. Samsung Mobile and Sprint have this week announced the upcoming availability of the Samsung Instinct, a new wireless device that will be carried exclusively by Sprint when it arrives in June of this year. At first glance, the Samsung Instinct does bear more than a passing resemblance to Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch, and that aesthetic comparison even bleeds over to its features list, which sees the device’s delivering an interactive interface and “a sensory experience” via its dominating touch-screen. However, Bill Ogle, Samsung Mobile’s chief mobile officer, tries to separate the Instinct from the iPhone by claiming that it was designed “after spending years developing innovative touch-screen technology.” While Samsung’s years of development may have left it beaten to the market by Apple, Ogle is still keen to define the Instinct’s appeal and originality. “What really sets the Instinct apart is the ability to access users’ favorite features with just one touch of the device,” he offers. “The three navigation keys that Samsung positioned at the bottom of Instinct are instrumental in making the user experience quick and easy.” The Instinct also comes equipped with a ‘Voice to Action’ feature that enables users to employ vocal activation to perform various on-board functions such as calling, text messaging and picture messaging, and also access traffic, movie, sports, search and news information. Thanks to its arrival as Sprint’s very first EV-DO Rev A device, the Instinct offers Web browsing capabilities, business and personal e-mail access, picture sharing, and commercial-free radio access at broadband speeds -- which is one significant advantage the device presently holds over the sub-standard connection rate of the (current) iPhone. Other service and multimedia aspects delivered by the Instinct include GPS-enabled Telenav Sprint Navigation, Microsoft’s Live Search, live and on-demand Sprint TV, sports and entertainment through Sprint Excusive Entertainment, Sprint Music Store, and Pocket Express. Technical aspects include an on-board 2.0 megapixel camera with video capture, a 2GB microSD card (with the potential to expand through to a capacity of 8GB), Bluetooth 2.0, USB cable, 3.5mm headphones with built-in microphone, SMS voice and text messaging, picture caller ID and Sprint Mobile Sync. “Instinct brings customers what they want with the immediacy they want. Every decision during the development process focused on simplifying the user experience,” said John Garcia, senior vice president of Product Development and chief marketing officer for Sprint. “The end result is a great-looking phone that makes the value of Sprint’s fast NOW Network come to life, but most importantly, it is fun and easy to use.” Pricing and regional release for the Samsung Instinct has not yet been determined. [Thanks: http://www.thetechherald.com]
For once, competition could be very healthy indeed; Research in Motion, which manufactures, the Blackberry device, announced that its fourth quarter profit and revenues had shot up as its subscriber base expanded substantially.
RIM now has more than 14 million users worldwide with a sixth added in the last quarter alone.
This exceptional performance is partly explained by the fact that the introduction of Apple's iPhone had encouraged people to toy with smartphones and the Blackberry was one winner as iPhone does not have a business version ready. Yet.
One US analyst, said that the iPhone was the single biggest blessing RIM ever had as RIM is rumoured to prepare the release of touchscreen equipped Blackberry's, a vital feature of the iPhone success.
However, this could soon change for the worst if the iPhone adopted 3G, got a price cut and improved its integration with Microsoft Exchange.
[Thanks: http://www.portal.itproportal.com]
iPhone users are happy with their gadget, use email as the top feature, but are upset at how some of the websites the phone fails to display, a new study has found. Find out why iPhone users are young technophiles with money to burn.
Digital Journal — Ten months after the release of Apple’s iPhone, a consulting company has released data on consumers who bought the much-hyped phone. A new study by Rubicon Consulting reveals several interesting tidbits about today’s iPhone users: they’re young, rich, and taking advantage of mobile email. Also, AT&T should be smiling wide these days – the study estimates the iPhone has increased the company’s gross service revenue by about $2 billion per year.
If you wanted to paint a complete portrait of the iPhone user, just pore through the 35 pages Rubicon compiled after interviewing 460 iPhone owners in the U.S. How would we describe typical iPhoners?
They’re young, with half of them under 30 and close to 15 per cent calling themselves students. They are also technologically sophisticated — only 1 per cent of respondents described themselves as a “Technology novice.”
There’s a price to pay for early adoption. The iPhone has increased a user’s monthly cellphone bills by an average of 24 per cent, or $228 extra per year. So is it more money, more problems? Or the opposite?
Close to 80 per cent of iPhone customers said they are very satisfied with their product. What gave them the grins? The music and touch-interface features pleased users the most, while battery life and wireless speed were not ranked high in the satisfaction score.
Reading email is common practice for 72 per cent of respondents. But the authors of the study note:
It's not at all surprising that the iPhone is used less often for composing email than
reading it, since the device lacks a physical keyboard.
The lesson for other companies is that satisfying customers is about a lot more than just selling them upgrades of what they have today. Managed properly, a loyal user base is also a springboard for creating new businesses.
Speculation about Apple (AAPL) products is always a popular pastime. Lately, two questions are dominating the discussion: how close are we to seeing the second generation iPhone? And, When it gets here, what goodies does it have in store? The answers depend on whom you ask but they may be here sooner than largely expected.
Microsoft Surface technology will debut in select AT&T retail locations later this month. AT&T plans to use Microsoft Surface to allow customers to review features of a particular AT&T mobile device by simply placing it on the Microsoft Surface 30-inch, table-like display. The companies plan to expand Microsoft Surface capabilities in AT&T stores.
Microsoft and AT&T have announced a collaborative alliance that aims to transform the way consumers shop for mobile devices. AT&T will become the first company to bring Microsoft Surface to life in a retail environment, giving customers the ability to explore their mobile-phone options using touch and device-recognition technology. Microsoft Surface is the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft.
Beginning April 17, customers can experience Microsoft Surface in select AT&T retail locations, including stores in New York City, Atlanta, San Antonio and San Francisco. Based on the venture's success, and learning from these initial pilot deployments, plans for further expansion across AT&T's 2,200 U.S. retail stores will be determined, according to the companies.
"Microsoft Surface transforms the retail environment from a transaction destination to a customer-engagement destination," said Robbie Bach, president of the Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division. "With innovative and intuitive ways of accessing information and digital content on Microsoft Surface, consumers now have an entirely new, unique and personalized shopping experience."
Tabletop, Touch-Screen Computing
Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch table-like display that lets individuals or multiple people interact with devices and content in a way that feels familiar -- by touch, gestures and placement of devices on the display. Microsoft describes the experience as making a surface "come to life for exploring, learning, sharing, creating, buying and much more."
AT&T plans to use Surface to offer retail-store visitors opportunities to learn about the growing universe of mobile applications and devices. The interactive touch displays, which will work without a traditional mouse or keyboard, will allow customers to review features of a particular mobile device by simply placing it on the display. Surface will recognize the device and provide a graphical overview of its capabilities. Customers will be able to place two devices side by side on the unit and compare their features.
Customers can also view interactive coverage maps at the national, state, local or street level, using simple touch and hand movement to scale and move the maps, determining their coverage area. In the future, customers will be able to drag and drop ringtones, graphics, video and more by "grabbing" content with their hands from a menu on the display and "dropping" it into the phone.
The companies said they will continue to collaborate on new and innovative ways to expand Surface capabilities in AT&T stores.
Will Tabletop Computing Go Mainstream?
According to JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg, Surface's landing in AT&T retail stores validates the fact that tabletop computing is more than just a laboratory concept
"Microsoft has proven some real-world applications and has a partner willing to put these devices out in their stores," he said. "This is a very significant milestone for that group as it looks to take this technology into the mainstream."
Surface computing is indeed heading for the mainstream, according to analysts. Gartenberg said this movement is merely the evolution of a traditional personal computer, another way of interacting with information and allowing devices to interact with each other.
"No doubt, within a short period of time, surface computers are going to be fairly ubiquitous in the retail channel," Gartenberg said. "Within a few years, when the prices come down, we'll probably see these in the home as well."
The recent shortage of Apple iPhones has sparked speculation the US company is preparing to launch a new generation of the wildly successful mobile phone.
Reports from the United States suggest widespread shortages of the iPhone, with estimated lost sales of up to 40,000 phones each week.
While over half a million phones remain unaccounted for - meaning they have either not been activated in the United States - or remain in inventory, the shortage has sparked speculation over a potential new release of the iPhone.
It was reported yesterday that Apple may now be preparing to release a new 3G version of it's phone - an upgrade to the current 2.5G or EDGE technology used in the devices.
3G technology will allow faster speeds and bandwidth for those using the iPhone on telecommunications networks.
The company was widely chastised for it's decision to not include 3G capability within the phone - a key technology to deliver extra bandwidth and speeds for media files, photos and video.
A former founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak last month let rip on the iPhone - saying that it was a mistake to not include 3G within the iPhone's launch.
"To tell you the truth I was really disappointed when the iPhone was introduced... half the phones in the AT&T store at the time were 3G phones," Mr Wozniak said while in Sydney.
Apple said that the technologies omission was due to concerns over battery life.
There is now however speculation that the company will release a 3G version of the iPhone by May.
While the phone is yet to ship to Australia, Apple has kept coy over who and when the iPhone will launch in the country.
Telstra is believed to be a frontrunner for the phone's sale - with Apple choosing to select an exclusive reseller network in order to recoup further charges from the phone's use.
With the introduction of 3G, it is now believed that the iPhone could be marketed on any number of mobile phone networks in Australia, including Hutchison Three and Vodafone.
While production on the new 3G phone is not believed to have started yet, Chinese and Taiwanese media reported that several manufacturers were bidding for the production contract on the new phone.
[Thanks: http://www.scopical.com.au]
TORONTO (AP) — Not only did Research In Motion Ltd., the maker of the BlackBerry smart phone, see its profit more than double last quarter, it may have gotten a boost from a top competitor's strong sales.
RIM has benefited from Apple Inc.'s introduction of the iPhone in June because it brought attention to smart phones, and more people are starting to use them, said Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek.
"People are starting to realize, 'Why should I buy a Razr when I can buy a BlackBerry or an iPhone?' I think the iPhone was the single biggest blessing RIM ever had," Misek said.
The Waterloo, Ontario-based company earned $412.5 million, or 72 cents per share in its fourth quarter, which ended March 1, up from a profit of $187.4 million, or 33 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.
Revenue jumped to $1.88 billion from $930 million.
Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, expected a profit of 70 cents per share on sales of $1.86 billion.
U.S.-traded RIM shares rose $5.46, almost 5 percent, to $121.25 in after-hours trading Wednesday after closing at $115.79.
After enjoying years of success in the corporate market, RIM has targeted the consumer market with push e-mail software that allows customers to access their e-mail on their wireless devices in real time.
"It's much more of a mainstream thing," co-CEO Jim Balsillie said on a conference call with analysts.
Balsillie said RIM hasn't seen any signs of a slowdown in its business because of a slowing U.S economy.
It added 2.2 million new subscribers during the quarter, bringing its total to more than 14 million, and it shipped about 4.4 million smart phones.
Apple has said it sold 2.3 million iPhones in the quarter that ended Dec. 29, for a total of about 4 million in the six months since the device's launch.
BlackBerry's smart phones are cheaper than iPhones, and many people consider them easier to use for e-mail and text-messaging because they have traditional keypads instead of touchscreens.
RIM said it expects earnings per share in the first quarter of its fiscal 2009 between 82 cents and 86 cents per share. Analysts were expecting 76 cents.
Duncan Stewart, president of Duncan Stewart Asset Management, said he is astonished that a company the size of RIM has doubled its revenue. He called RIM recession-proof.
"People may be spending less money on cars, they be spending less money on their houses, but it turns out the BlackBerry is the one essential," Stewart said.
[Thanks: http://ap.google.com]
Rubicon Consulting's just published a report called "The Apple iPhone: Successes and Challenges for the Mobile Industry," based on a survey of 460 iPhone users. According to the research firm, the majority of iPhone owners are young, are loyal to Apple, having previously used Apple product, and are happy with their purchase.
Interestingly, while e-mail is the number one data function for the iPhone, it is mostly for reading not writing messages. So a third of iPhone users carry a second phone, usually a BlackBerry, either for basic voice calling or for other functions like…composing e-mail.
AT&T's benefited greatly by iPhone. The iPhone has increased its users’ monthly mobile phone bills by an average of 24 percent, or $228 extra per year. Half of all users switched to AT&T from another carrier just to use the iPhone. And, Overall, Rubicon estimates the iPhone has probably increased AT&T’s gross service revenue by about $2 billion per year.
[Thanks: http://www.smartphonetoday.com]
In the run-up to the CTIA show this week, there was no small amount of buzz about would-be iPhone killer smartphones. Yes, there was cool stuff but nothing living up to that hype. Now a new report underscores some of the assumptions behind the iPhone's success. CNET News.com's Tom Krazit explains.
Intel has been trying for years to make a bigger splash in the wireless market and the company hopes that the Centrino Atom will be just the ticket.
Not to bum you out, but getting rid of carbon dioxide emissions may be a lot harder than first thought. The good news is there's something you can do to remedy an energy-hungry house.
[Thanks: http://www.news.com]
I thought I was only dreaming out loud last week.
"A company that looks after 17.3 million on-the-go subscribers with the disposable income to pay for satellite radio provides a juicy target audience for any handset maker," I wrote on Friday, highlighting the opportunities for a post-merger XM (Nasdaq: XMSR) and Sirius (Nasdaq: SIRI). "Now that Sirius-XM will have two brands, it can conceivably strike two deals. Would you like a Sirius iPhone, or is an XM BlackBerry more to your liking?"
I guess the XM BlackBerry is now more than wishful thinking. XM is teaming up with QuickPlay Media to offer a sliver of its programming through Research In Motion's (Nasdaq: RIMM) iconic BlackBerry devices.
The service isn't perfect. BlackBerry jockeys pay $7.99 a month for Web-streamed access to just 20 of XM's 170 channels. That's in the ballpark of the yawn-inducing mobile deals XM previously struck with Alltel (NYSE: AT) and AT&T (NYSE: T). I guess XM is growing this business alphabetically, rather than exponentially.
Don't get me wrong. Twenty crisp comedy and commercial-free music channels are better than none at all. The BlackBerry deal also brings XM's popular The Virus channel -- home of Opie & Anthony and my satellite-radio faves Ron & Fez -- into the mix. The Alltel and AT&T deals are strictly music-driven.
However, there's a reason you don't see XM shouting its Alltel and AT&T subscriber numbers from its satellite-beaming rooftops. Those services really aren't that great of a deal.
Existing XM subscribers can get a complete second subscription for just $6.99 a month, with receivers practically given away. Why pay more for less? And maybe I'm misreading my BlackBerry-pecking friends, but this isn't exactly the dream target audience for a premium audio-streaming service.
I guess I won't be satisfied until someone wedges an actual satellite radio receiver into an Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone. That's what I'm waiting for -- not just the ability to hear all of XM's 170 channels, but also the ability to take advantage of premium features like XM's NavTraffic road routing and Sirius' video streaming.
I realize that this may be too bulky an appliance by today's standards, but that will change over time. Heck, I'll even settle for a phone company -- any handset maker -- to go the other way, and wedge a cell phone into one of the existing XM and Sirius portable systems.
Until we get to that point, these wireless deals may make for flashy headlines, but they're just not ready to move the needle.
[Thanks: http://www.fool.com]
I'm a bit late to the party on this one because I just found this Xchange magazine article about Qwest talking with AT&T today. As Qwest considers dumping Sprint Nextel, its wireless partner over the last few years, its talks with AT&T might allow Qwest customers like me access to the iPhone.
So why don't I just drop my Qwest service and head full-time onboard the AT&T/iPhone bandwagon right now? Two reasons. First, I'm grandfathered into a sub-$20 500-anytime-minutes per month plan with Qwest and second, I have One-Number service. Never heard of it? It's the best thing since sliced bread. When my Qwest cell phone is powered on, it is my home number. Calls come directly to my cell phone. When I power it down, calls go to my home.
One-Number plus iPhone would probably be enough to convince me to drop all the prepaid iPhone minimalism and really jump fully on the AT&T bandwagon. The Sprint/Nextel agreement isn't due to expire for nearly a year but it looks like the AT&T-Apple exclusive agreement will still be in place when it comes time for Qwest to choose its next wireless partner. Here's hoping that it's AT&T.
[Thanks: http://www.tuaw.com]
Sprint hopes to trump Apple and AT&T this summer with a touch-screen smartphone that uses its $99 unlimited voice, data services, and text messaging plan.
With their sights clearly on the Apple iPhone, Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) and Samsung on Tuesday introduced a touch-screen phone with a 3-inch display, multimedia capabilities, and QWERTY keypad. Dan Hesse, president and chief executive of Sprint, unveiled the Instinct at the CTIA Wireless conference in Las Vegas. Available this summer, the smartphone represents Sprint's direction of offering devices that give consumers everything they want from a wireless carrier: voice, data, and multimedia services. "People want the whole package," Hesse said during his keynote speech. The Instinct has the same look as the popular iPhone, which has a larger screen at 3.5 inches. Both devices, however, are similar in size and weight. The Instinct measures 4.57 inches by 2.17 inches and weighs 4.4 ounces, while the iPhone is 4.5 inches by 2.4 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. The Instinct, which is exclusive to Sprint, runs on the carrier's high-speed CDMA EV-DO Rev A network for text messaging, e-mail, and connecting to the Web. The smartphone has a 2-megapixel camera for still pictures and video recording and comes with a 2-GB MicroSD memory card that's upgradeable to 8 GB. The device supports the Bluetooth wireless standard for connecting to peripheral devices but does not support Wi-Fi for connecting to the Web. The iPhone, on the other hand, supports Wi-Fi. The Instinct has GPS-enabled audio and visual turn-by-turn driving directions. The system, which is powered by TeleNav, also includes one-click traffic rerouting and more than 10 million local listings. For Web search, the smartphone usesMicrosoft (NSDQ: MSFT)'s Live Search. For entertainment, the Instinct can access Sprint's video-programming network, which includes sports, news, and TV shows, and the Sprint Music Store, which sells tunes for 99 cents each. Pricing for the Instinct will be disclosed later. The device, however, requires the user to subscribe to the Sprint Everything pricing plan, which provides unlimited data starting at $70 a month. Hesse said Sprint's strategy is to simplify pricing by offering one price for unlimited use of all its services. The company recently introduced the "Simply Everything" plan, which includes unlimited voice, data services, and text messaging for $99 a month. "We think Simply Everything kicks off a new era in wireless," Hesse said. Hesse predicted that consumers would favor all-you-can-eat plans over pricing based on "buckets" of minutes or limited data access, which are too confusing. "Nostradamus couldn't predict what your phone bill will be," he said. For future Internet connectivity, Sprint remained committed to WiMax, which Hesse said would eventually give the company a "two-year market advantage" in providing higher Internet speeds to customers. "WiMax is not slide-ware," he said. "It works now." Sprint's XOHM WiMax business unit is testing the high-speed service in Chicago and the Baltimore-Washington area. [Thanks: http://www.informationweek.com]
LAS VEGAS--All of a sudden, it has gotten a lot harder to find an iPhone.
A few weeks ago, New York iPhone shoppers noticed that Apple's Manhattan retail stores were running low on iPhones. Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray, during an intermission in his three-part series on why Apple is the coolest ever, called up 20 different Apple stores across the U.S. and confirmed that the shortage extends nationwide. Apple's online store reports a five- to seven-day wait on iPhone shipments.
A shortage of iPhones could mean a faster model is coming soon.
(Credit: CNET Networks)There's usually a couple of reasons for a product shortage. One, demand is outstripping the ability of a company to supply the product. That's probably not the case here, since Apple's had no problems supplying iPhone demand since the inital weekend it went on sale, and there's no indication that demand has spiked in the last couple of weeks. Apple did announce the iPhone 2.0 software in early March, which might have pushed a few people over the edge, but the software itself won't be available until June.
Two, a glitch somewhere in manufacturing or the supply chain is screwing up distribution. Munster assigns a 20 percent likelihood to this possibility; there might be a problem with the touch screen or other sensitive piece of equipment that hasn't come to light yet.
The third reason is that the company is intentionally clearing inventory ahead of a new product launch. This happens all the time in technology; in Apple's case, we saw it just before the launch of new MacBook Pros in late February. Munster gave this possibility an 80 percent chance of being the cause behind the shortages.
The 3G version of the iPhone is what everyone is waiting for, and the inventory problems might be an indication that it's just around the corner. There have been scattered reports of a 3G model arriving anywhere from May to September (Personally, I'm betting on a September iPod/3G iPhone event, if anybody wants that action), but if the inventory problems are really related to the pending launch, that means it could be here a lot sooner.
One potential roadblock with this theory? The Federal Communications Commission has to approve all mobile phones sold in the U.S., and they tend to leak the results of their testing on their Web site. Apple CEO Steve Jobs said that was one of the reasons Apple announced the original iPhone in January of 2007, before launching it in June.
So, if Apple really were gearing up for a 3G iPhone launch soon, perhaps by June's Worldwide Developers Conference or the release of the iPhone 2.0 software, it's either going to have to announce that model, or let a gadget-hungry public discover it first. However, the problem with announcing it first and shipping it later is that iPhone sales could screech to a halt in the weeks, or maybe months, until the 3G model is ready.
What's a marketing executive to do?
[Thanks: http://www.news.com]
