iPhone - Day 2

A couple of updates:

• I did find a manual, I thought a slip case was include however it was a simple manual and a soft cloth to clean the screen. They include a dock and a power cube but no slip case. I don't get it, my 60GB iPod came with a slip case but no dock or power cube. I can understand the need for a power cube since this is a phone, but given the potential for scratching, I would have thought they would have included a simple slip case.
• The YouTube widget application does not work. After searching the net, I found that this is a known problem when the cell phone is not activated. Apparently the widget check for cell service first, then switches to WiFi,. If the cell service has not been activated the widget fails.

It is clear that the innovation in the iPhone is the hardware design and the touch interface (I am still learning all the gestures). The applications are however quite basic (other than the iPod), although well integrated with each other. As Microsoft has done with Windows Mobile, Apple needs to foster the developer community to drive application innovation. This is however a double edge sword, since it can also create stability issues and user confusion over differing UI styles. I think their approach of only allowing browser based applications to start with is limiting but probably a safe strategy.The bottom line (for day 2) is that the iPhone is a good choice for consumers who are looking for a cell phone with mail and Internet access in addition to an iPod, however it has a ways to go to match to flexibility and number of applications you can find on Windows Mobile. And did I mention! No Exchange ActiveSync.

From a business perspective, Microsoft or Research In Motion do not need to worry about the iPhone yet, but given time Apple could become a strong competitor so Windows Mobile 7 better have a great touch interface...

I am continuing to research the phone unlock hack. There seems to be three methods:

1. Trick the baseband radio flash memory into thinking it has been erased and update the baseband software. This method requires opening the case (very dangerous).
2. Software only hack. There are several out there. One cost $99 from iPhonesimfree.com , but they are having major distribution and support issues. The other I found is freeiPhoneUnlock.com. Neither seems perfect but I may try freeiPhoneUnlock.
3. Use a special SIM card holder like TurboSIM which accommodates part of the AT&T SIM card and part of your provider's SIM card. The problem; you can't seem to order it.

This is a real cottage industry. It will be interesting to see how Apple and AT&T handle the situation if it gets out of hand.

Comments

[Chris Carlin]

One of the things I find interesting about your blog is your perspective, and this is an example of why.

The expectations you have for your electronic devices are shaped by your experience with the Windows environment, so the "Apple way" seems a little uncomfortable to you.

This isn't a "drink the Kool-aid" type of thing, but just a difference in subjective philosophy. Users of the two environments simply place their value differently.

For Apple to invite the sort of developer community that has grown around WinCE would not fit with the goals of their environment, and would disappoint their target customers just as you're disappointed here.

Of course the "battle ground" (though it's really not a battle) is among the average Joe who's not necessarily used to either environment. I believe Apple's approach serves these people very well.

Oh, and I don't think you appreciate the threat to Exchange and RIM. By focusing on standards Apple is setting itself up to undermine those systems, though that direction is still in early stages of development.