New iPhone will revolutionize communication…or not
Submitted by jstudent on Wed, 2007-06-13 00:55.By Chris Holzworth
Philly EDGE Correspondent
iPhone, meet the world. World, iPhone.
On June 29, Apple, through AT&T/Cingular stores, will introduce the iPhone into the smartphone market. Smartphones are full-featured mobile phones with desktop computer-like functionality – able to browse the Web, e-mail capable, instant messaging-ready, a built-in camera, etc. In this respect, the iPhone doesn’t differ much from the Blackjack, Blackberry, Helio’s Ocean or your other average smartphone.
What makes the iPhone unique is how it delivers its multiple functions: Say goodbye to a mess of buttons; all of the iPhone’s offerings are handled on a 3.5 inch touch-screen display, which can be personalized with Widgets, a playful name for optional on-screen accessories added to deliver information like the weather, stock reports, and more - all received on a mobile device in real-time.
What makes the iPhone unique is how it delivers its multiple functions: Say goodbye to a mess of buttons; all of the iPhone’s offerings are handled on a 3.5 inch touch-screen display, which can be personalized with Widgets, a playful name for optional on-screen accessories added to deliver information like the weather, stock reports, and more - all received on a mobile device in real-time.
The iPhone and its functionality come at a price: $499 for a 4GB model;$599 for 8GB.
Compared to its competition, like Samsung’s BlackJack, which runs $50-$80 with a two-year Cingular contract, you pay six times less than the iPhone for a device with almost all the same features. And while it may not sport iPhone’s screen interface, it does have a familiar one – one that’s been a standard for years now. The BlackJack, and other similar smartphones, can be bought with a $250 30GB iPod Video in tandem and still cost consumers hundreds of dollars less than the iPhone.
So, is iPhone just another smartphone all jazzed up with Apple aesthetics? And, do consumers even want an all-in-one device?
J.J. Sereday is a 21-year-old resident of Franklin Township, N.J. who has been using Apple’s computers and products for five years now. The young artist already prefers smartphones, and as an Apple user he’s “stoked” for the iPhone and all it has to offer.
“I personally am all about convenience,” Sereday said. “I would like to have one device to do everything.”
He said he wouldn’t have as strong of an interest in iPhone if it were just part cell phone, part MP3 player, like Motorola’s Chocolate. The scope of the iPhone’s connectivity and its intuitive user interface was what convinced Sereday the iPhone is worth every penny.
Sheena Lewoc, 20, who studies graphic design at Drexel University, is also a fan of Apple as well as smartphones; Cingular’s 8125 is her weapon of choice. Unlike Sereday, however, she won’t be so quick to adopt the iPhone.
“Price is an issue,” Lewoc said, adding that until iPhone comes down a bit, you won’t find her signing any two-year contracts with AT&T/Cingular. She noted how it took several generations of iPod before that device really took off with consumers, for all the “bugs” to be worked out. She said she expects similar development with the iPhone.
“I like Apple products, but I’d like to, you know, let everybody else test it out first and then go from there,” she said with a laugh.
Okay, so Apple-enthusiasts are pretty turned on by iPhone. Go figure.
What about PC users?
Anthony Nardone is a 23-year-old information technology/computer science graduate of LaSalle University, and certainly knows a thing or two about computers, technology, and smartphones; he’s an owner of Sprint’s PPC6700.
“It is true that many of the features of the iPhone have been around for years on the PocketPC/Windows Mobile platforms, but aside from stability improvements and minor innovations, the Microsoft platforms are becoming somewhat stagnant,” Nardone said.
Having dropped $500 for his smartphone, Nardone declined to criticize iPhone’s pricing. He said he feels the price is competitive when considering how much more storage capacity the iPhone offers and how much stronger a multi-media device it is.
Only a few people had anything negative to say about the iPhone when interviewed. Most barely knew about the phone, or admitted to a general prejudice against Apple products. Unfortunately for them, general interest in the iPhone is all-encompassing, not just limited to Mac-Heads; studies suggest they’ll soon find themselves in the minority.
In an online survey conducted by Digital Life America, a market research firm, it was discovered that out of 1,230 people definitely interested in immediate purchase of the iPhone, 31 percent were ages 15-24, 32 percent were 25-34 and 31 percent 35-49. The remaining 6percent were 50 and older.
These results may seem surprising to some, but as J.J. Sereday pointed out – his mom, and his grandmother, own iPods. Apple seems to have achieved their goal to create a medium that crosses generational gaps.
Still, the iPhone ain't your grandma’s rotary phone. It is truly “higher IQ” than your average smartphone. Not only is it a phone, internet communicator and a fully equipped iPod, but sensors detect when the phone is raised to your ear and automatically shut down the touch-screen to avoid any accidental button pressing. These sensors also adapt on-the-fly when the iPhone is being held horizontally or vertically, changing the display accordingly.
The popularity of smartphones grows each year, with sales increasing 75.5 percent to 37.4 million units in 2006. As a result, these devices, like the iPhone, may be relegating flip phones to a Converse Chuck Taylor sort of “classic cool.” And with something as sleek and stylish as Apple’s iPhone, it’s sure to cut a strong corner for itself in the market. Unfortunately, with the exception of the die-hard Apple fan and the well-paid technophile, the average consumer may be slow to warm up to iPhone’s cost.
Come June 29, we’ll see just how strong Apple’s influence has become since permeating every household with i-Branding.
