Google cooking up more apps for the iPhone and other details
By Ryan Block 
posted May 28th 2007 6:05PM
posted May 28th 2007 6:05PM
So The Seattle Times got a sit down with the rather guarded Glenn Lurie, AT&T's man on the ground for the iPhone. While he didn't give much up in the way of the phone's finer details, he did have one takeaway that left us interested. When asked about the mass skepticism over the iPhone's price, he replied "... There are other things -- you have the widgets, some of the Google applications that are coming -- there are just so many things here that the price will not be an issue." Now, we don't want to get all weird here and read tea leaves, but he did say Google applications (as in plural), so we think it's safe to say Google has more planned than just Gmaps for the iPhone. We wouldn't be surprised to see a Google news reader, Gmail, or even Gcal apps on there, but given the fact that Apple already has its own agenda for mail, calendaring and the like, it might stand to reason the iPhone won't be locking its users out of 3rd party add-on apps after all. Another interesting detail: "people are going to be asked to have an unlimited [data] package" with the iPhone. Hm, no surprise there. Ok, discuss / argue amongst yourselves.
as far as the unlimited data plan, i was going to do that anyway.
i'm sold already. i've already got the money for the 8 gig model set aside and earmarked for the iPhone.
If this means Apple will force Rogers to introduce an unlimited data plan in Canada (for the first time), I'm all for it.
So tell me this...
Do you remember the good ol' Nintendo Entertainment System? The NES? Did it have any third party support? Not according to some of the posters here.
With the NES, Nintendo used the *exact* same vetting process Apple is talking about here. Nintendo had full control over third party software. Nintendo approved or denied the games and, even when you did have a game they liked, you had to pay a fee and Nintendo handled the actual manufacturing of the cartridges.
Sound familiar?
A lot of people, me included, think that is why that first batch of NES games was incredible.
I think that the iPhone is as cool as the next guy, but any smart person w/ any technology experience knows that v1.0 when it comes to software apps or hardware devices are going to have some significant bugs and creases to iron out before the product can truly spread its wings and fly...when you add to this point that the iPhone will be coming out exclusively on AT+T's network, I'm perfectly content waiting for a well-polished v2.0 to hit Sprint, and a couple hundo less for this marvel of t-comm technology. W/ regard to google apps...I agree with the sentiment that Jobs would be stupid to not let it happen....
By the time the iPhone gets to Sprint it will probably be at least a very well-polished v3.0 at least.
I just opened a business account with Cingular (uh, AT&T) so I could get a 1 year iPhone contract instead of a 2-year consumer contract. If it goes prepaid, I'll do that instead.
The iPhone isn't for everyone, but for those of us who are network-bound (ie: I have a bunch of machines that I need to maintain 24/7) it's totally justifiable.
The downside? It's enough of a pain to keep my laptop and desktop synchronized. Adding the iPhone will complicate my mail handling immensely. Oh well.
What about google video or youtube on the iphone?
Eric Schmidt is Google's CEO. He serves as a member on Apple's board of trustees, so you can be pretty confident the iphone will have Google Apps. Just like Steve Jobs serving as a member of Disney's board and so we see Disney putting their movies on itunes. Board members often pat each others backs.
It depends with what do you want to compare?
If you compare iPhone with PDA, then you should think about 3G or 3rd party app and such.
If you think iPhone is just a phone, then yeah .. live with it dude.
But again, "phone" with that price? nah ... too expensive.
"PDA" with that features? nah ... lame and outdated.
Anyone who thinks that lack of 3G is not a downside for iPhone is missing the point that the phone is sold with a 2 year plan only. And 2 years is a long time for any technology. I wouldn't want to be stuck with an EDGE connection when virtually any other phone available would be enjoying HSDPA connection. And believe me, that kind of connection would shift the paradigm entirely. I wouldn't want that phone at all. I would want the next iPhone with 3G and keep my cool 3G Nokia until the iPhone has the features to fulfill its price tag. Because I'm stuck with the device for the next 2 years!
You're right, just about any other phone would be HSDPA-capable. The problem that you don't see is that an HSDPA-capable phone is probably not going to get a connection in the vast majority of the US. Cingular 3G covers 15 cities in Texas comprising only 4 metropolitan areas. That coverage does not extend beyond the city limits and people inside the cities are complaining they sometimes don't get a 3G signal. I currently live in a city of 100,000 and 2 hours away from 3G coverage. It absolutely doesn't matter that the iPhone doesn't do 3G.
I so, so much agree with you, I mean this thing has a full HTML Safari browser, loading full pages on EDGE would probably take @ least 90 seconds, if not more.
But I am curious, how much longer it'll be before a 3G HSDPA iPhone is available, really, the 1st generation is coming out next month, I wouldn't think a 2nd generation 3G model would be coming out all that soon, . . . unfortunaltey.
If Apple would FINALLY allow / introduce changeable batteries, I would consider buying this Jesus-Phone (after winning the lottery that would be)
Someone was complaining that iPhone doesn't have 3G. Well, when iPhone comes to Europe, that is the main reason why people are letting the iPhones stay in the shells. 3G -coverage in Europe is pretty big, and I don't understand why iPhone isn't taking advance on iTunes. I mean, if there would be 3G in iPhone, people could download music direct via iTunes, over the air. But no.. And where is WLAN? This is madness.. where is Apples business sense? I don't mind att all, less money to Apple, more money to Sony Ericsson or Nokia. In some tests iPhones battery lived 4 hours when playbacking music. If it's true...jiihaa! Way to go Apple! And what comes to 3rd party app.. common people doesn't need them, only geeks know what to do with them, and geeks knows that this phone isn't worth of the money.
My Sony Ericsson w880i alrady has an RSS reader, MP3 player, Google Maps, GMail Java Reader. It's 3G does video calling. And the phone was free with Orange (UK MNO).
Is this sort of stuff not available in the States?
look, I think apple forgives you already. Enough of the iphone now please before we all fall asleep.
Nate: next thing you know they're thinking, "I like iTunes..."
followed immediately by "I enjoy dental surgery" and "Jersey Girl is my favorite movie"
I don't get it. Google Apps are available to any devices that has an Internet browser. when people talk about 3rd party software, they're not refering to this. They're referring to applications made for the Operating System itself.
Like it or hate it- the iPhone representative of the 'convergence' ideal. It's not the sole representative, but let's be honest- the ROKR was a failure, and most phones make putting your own music on a serious pain (and if you're on Verizon, then crazy expensive also). The best GPS system- TeleNav- is horrible and slow at best, and even though we have some 3G networks, most phones don't use them- the ones that do use them poorly.
They say you want the unlimited data plan with an iPhone. I live under the umbrella of a very speedy 3G network, however the iPhone's primary incarnation is old school GSM.
Give me a handheld device with GPS and a google-maps application that uses said GPS receiver. Throw in a few gigs of memory to hold enough music to last a cross-country trip, a system to sync it that's as easy as iTunes, and make the device with an easy and intuitive interface for getting to the album, song, or playlist I want. Until this unit does #1, I'm not bothering.
WOW,
An unlimited data plan via at&t. 45 a month + whatever voice plan you have. This thing is going to end up costing the same price as a daewoo. And I wonder if you can tether.
I still don't buy having no real keys. Everything shiny smudges, esp. shiny apple products. And to whomever thinks that the solution is "soap and water," you need to do something about your gland problem, alligator hands.
Damien: "People who love technology often also love Apple, since they push it further than most companies."
Yeah, that's why there hasn't been any signifigant improvements to the iPod line in almost 2 years. they just keep selling Apple zombies like you the same MP3 player over and over again.
Seriously. Put the Kool-Aid down. You might spill it on your jumpsuit before the spaceship comes to take you to planet MacBook.
Earth/gEarth/Google Earth would be nice.
its funny to see that even though so many people love to hate on the iphone in here, its the ones praising it that get the highest ranked. the first gen ipod was a mediocre at best product and look what happened with that. even if this iphone isnt the absolute best that it possibly could be, it is still a very impressive phone and I have no doubt that apple will play a significant role in the cell phone industry in years to come.
Erm...you may be waiting for quite some time. AT&T has a 5 year exclusive deal with Apple to distribute the iPhone.
The one big concern I have is the inability to use a clearcase to prevent scratches. Every phone I've ever had that I didn't use a clearcase on ended up being significantly scratched within six months. I presume that any sort of clear covering for the iPhone wouldn't allow the touch screen to work. So, short of getting a holster of some sort to put it in, what to do?
>And please, stop complaining about 3G. It's pointless for >the iPhone to be 3G since the network isn't spread >all .across America yet. It's too expensive for >the .general .population, whom probably don't even know the >difference between current GSM networks, much less have >a .need for it. Not to mention that the battery would >probably die in 24 hours, standby time. Steve Jobs >already .said that 3G is coming.
Keep in mind that the ONLY carrier, Cingular/ATT about forces you to a two year commitment in your contract. One would have to be retarded to buy a new iPhone and be stuck with it for two years or grab your ankles to upgrade to several newer features when Apple decides to have a 21st century product to sell.
It's an MP3 player/phone, get over it!
I hope the iphone is what we all expect. A friend sat on a plane next to an Apple exec on a short flight, he got to use it for 20 minutes, he was very impressed. Cingular One or AT&T's service is horrible in the Bay Area especially in hilly areas where many Apple employees live. Hopefully Apple will pressure AT&T to improve service. Will there be Skype or other VOIP at first release? Will it be fast when switching from one ap to another? Can I get one soon? Will it have good integration when used with a Blue tooth wireless head set when swithcing between Cingular's voice dial, phone use and itunes? Wont be long and we will all know !
its like democrats vs. republicans except i cant say which is which. the iphone will do well, actually get a good competition going on with the rest of the world, personally i wont get it, 3g is kind of a must nowadays, but and ipod is better, who gives a rats ass about 3rd party apps it has enough shit already, and if you have att ure gonna end up paying more than 1200 a month which is a fact since i have the current data plans with an ok amount of minutes the lowest plan u can get is 40 a month plus another 45 is 85 plus tax 911 etc. they got u for a bill a month, but im glad apple is coming out with this its actually really good for the market it makes windows step it up a notch, i wont be getting it because i cant part with my treo but for the rest of you let me borrow it !
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I'll stick with my LG 9900 which cost me $99.00 and obliterates the IPHONY. Why do people keep buying this garbage apple makes? I really wish I could create inferior crap and have people buy it... overpriced even... Oh thats right, theyre sheeple. Just a little marketing and bam! here come the sheeple!! Seriously this thing takes a minute to load 1 webpage. Has a CB network, and 5 year old technology. Oh but look it has a pretty screen! Neat so did the PSP