iPhone to get third party apps
By Ryan Block 
posted May 30th 2007 7:41PM
posted May 30th 2007 7:41PM
Just in case you missed Walt Mossberg's sitdown with Steve Jobs earlier today, but in the open Q&A his Jobsness was asked point blank about the openness of the iPhone, and whether users can expect their $600 cellphone to be able to add on third party apps. His reply?"This is an important tradeoff between security and openness. We want both. ... we'll find a way to let 3rd parties write apps and still preserve security on the iPhone. But until we find that way we can't compromise the security of the phone. ... I've used 3rd party apps... the more you add, the more your phone crashes. No one's perfect, and we'd sure like our phone not to crash once a day. If you can just be a little more patient with us I think everyone can get what they want."
You heard it folks, Apple's working on allowing third party devs into the hallowed ground of the iPhone. One big issue (kind of) down, now we've just got to work on getting that thing a real keyboard and some 3G.
You will learn to love the touchscreen keyboard, his Jobness has foretold.
You guys need to quit whining about the keyboard, you haven't even used the damn thing, and if you have it wasn't for more than a few minutes. Jobs said it himself, it works, but it'll take a week or so to get used to.
I've used plenty of touchscreen lcd keyboards, pda onscreen keyboards, and even a few of those 'spillproof' flat keyboards that don't have seperate keys, and I can tell you, unless it has some sort of haptic force-feedback technology, it's going to be a complete pain to use, in terms of both comfort and convenience. At least even with a phone keypad, I can touch-thumbtype while I'm talking face-to-face with someone else - a little slow, but workable with T9.
I've used touchscreen keyboards like the iPhone offers and they suck. Difference is that the iPhone doesn't allow a stylus so it will suck worse. Of course, Steve said it only takes a minute to learn to use it so it has to be so...
haha yea Ryan you're going to LOVE it, i know it lol
i don't get why a phone should crash because of additional applications, if those and the phone os is well written it shouldn't crash.. else is bad coding.. a crash is caused by a software/hardware error, not by the numbers of applicatinons installed
He is implying that the 3rd party devs suck.
@ monon
The more (freeware, buyware etc.) software I download and install on my computer, the higher the percentage it will crash or cause a conflict with my computer. Same with iPhones, unless it has pass through Apple first for testing.
Have you ever installed more than a couple of 3rd party apps on a Palm or PocketPC device? That experience is why reset buttons are easily accessible and touted as a feature.
Personally I'm going to wait to see what the miracle screen keyboard is like before I start bitching about needing a slide-out, flip out, whatever out keyboard
Is it just me, or is it odd how the same statement, given by Microshaft, would be taken as a bad thing and anti-competitive? How is it that this is a good thing where they MIGHT allow third-party apps? This 'holy grail' phone is starting to sound less and less spectacular than the existing Palm and Windows based smartphones out there.
Enjoy your garbage fanboys, AT&T will certainly love the boost.
You either think your inciteful hatred will change someone's mind or you're wasting your time and you know it. Which one?
My guess is that 3rd-party apps will have to go through some kind of certification process with Apple that will cost the developers money.
How much money, and whether or not that cost will be passed on to consumers remains to be seen.
"At least even with a phone keypad, I can touch-thumbtype while I'm talking face-to-face with someone else - a little slow, but workable with T9."
Well that's just rude. These devices aren't made to cater to antisocial jackasses.
I thought it was more interesting he touted 3G networks needing a device that was "worthy" of them for a phone that doesn't include 3G support.
So, it's not for Steve Jobs?
Well I don't know about you, occhan, but we teenagers and earlytwentysomethings are quite capable of talking and typing at the same time wihtout disrupting the conversation at hand. Maintaining eye contact becomes the key factor.
pretty much just bs and hype / damage control. of course they're working on that, saying otherwise would be just.. well. pretty lame.
how about they add _just_ j2me? no security risks there. selling a phone lacking j2me and mms is just lame.
also, it's _supposed_ to run a "full" os(that should isolate processes somewhat, so the whole phone shouldn't go down because of 3rd party apps any more than mac osx desktop does).
however, creating installation environment, package control, api's suitable for 3rd parties etc etc takes time and they're hurrying the iphone.
I doubt 3rd party apps have anything to do with Apple, directly. It's probably more to do with AT&T wanting control over what you can put on their phone on their network. They'd probably prefer to use that pretty little OSX interface to sell you ported BREW apps at a premium price. That's the scary part of a one-carrier commitment. How much control is Apple giving up to bring this thing to market?
As I understand it, the hardware/software aspect of the iPhone is entirely under Apple's control. I'm sure AT&T is receiving a healthy percentage of profit to justify such a deal, but considering the iPhone's expected success, I doubt AT&T will try to bully Apple around with threats of dropping out as a carrier.
On a side note, I find it rather interesting that most comments that side with Apple are highly ranked on engadget, and those that either bash or just criticize apple or poorly ranked. It's as if people are unaware of Apple's reliance on consumer manipulation to drive their... oh.. nevermind.
3rd Party apps can cause the phone to crash because it may mismanage, relocate, or simply screw files, as well as sometimes delete them. A simple bug would cause the whole system to fall down, particularly if the app is running "outside" of the IPhone OS. Unless Apple creates its own script or regulations for 3rd party apps on iphones, there is NO WAY to preent crashes except by reviewing EVERY piece of code.
In regards to the keyboard, i find most "touch" controls to be annoying, particularly when you have to look at them while you type. Opting for a slide-out keyboard (IF IT ISNT FLIMSY), would add bulk, but definately make the device easier to use.
"there is NO WAY to preent crashes except by reviewing EVERY piece of code." -- not true. Google "chroot". It's a standard Unix feature (therefore available on OS X) that can be used to create a sandbox for a process or set of processes.
Call me crazy but I would be righteously pissed if my $500 phone crashed from any app. Heck I'd be mad if my $50 phone had any problems. Personally I like buttons, REAL buttons that resist a bit to pressure and maybe even make a nice click. The only way I could see liking a touch screen for that sort of thing is if it's like this
http://www.time4.com/time4/microsites/popsci/howitworks/cellphone_motor.html
Yeah I'm sure you've had a ton of phones that were designed from the ground up to be operated by touch screen easily instead of keys *rolls eyes* you guys are ridiculous, you've never even played with the damn thing you're just bullshitting reasons to not like it.
Here's an idea, lets use the fucking iPhone's keypad first, if it's shit, then by all means, BITCH AWAY.. but until you use it, you can't bitch about how shit it is. And one more thing.. why are American's constantly asking for a 3G iPhone when only 10% of them can use it, and they know WiFi is more ubiquitous and faster, and not to mention free in most places too.
For Europe on the other hand, if the iPhone is going to only come here with 2.5G, then it can go right back home.
Touchscreen keyboards aren't new, they're already known to suck. Just because it's Apple doesn't mean it should get a pass. I notice you aren't arguing against the complaints. That's because you can't.
Using WiFi as a substitute for real data also sucks and the percentage of users in the US where that's practical is even lower than for 3G data. Have you ever switched between WiFi and GPRS? Didn't think so.
yeah, what's with the incendiary "real keyboard" comment? you've never used the one there is, you know full well that apple is not gonna slap a keyboard on the thing, and that in fact the whole "iphone amaze" factor is that it doesn't need it....do you just toss out random empathy snippets?
I'm telling you, no 3G because it would suck that battery dry. And since you can't switch in a spare battery, you'll be left high and dry with a dead phone.
Call me crazy but I would be righteously pissed if my $500 phone crashed from any app.
--
Is that your twisted way of thanking Apple for their stance on 3rd parties...?
Okay.....
Why on Earth would I want a "real keyboard" on the iPhone? Then it would be just another crappy, bulky-yet-flimsy plastic slider phone. It won't happen, it shouldn't happen, so let's drop it, shall we? :)
However, I for one AM waiting for 3G. I simply don't buy the "but it has WiFi and EDGE is good enough anyway" excuse. It's bad enough going from a Sprint SERO plan unlimited Power VIsion, tons of minutes, texts, and full insurance for 40 bucks to AT&T's likely $100+ BS. I won't tolerate an accompanying SLOWER data service for more than twice the money.
Sure, that will be great for those users who have no need for text messaging. For those that do, any device with a real keyboard will be preferable to the iPhone. Apple cannot simply define usability, regardless how much they and theire fans think they can. Phones have evolved real keyboards for a reason.
My thoughts--This is a relatively new OS and that means that 3rd party apps will have to start building from scratch and we all know that the first versions normally have bugs that can crash the app. I don't think there will be a certification process--more like licensing. It's great for the consumer because we can install apps that would have been rigorously tested and more prone to work than fail.
I really just want Office compatibility out the box. Everything else I can wait for.
I agree with CharlieX, I believe the most compelling reason to omit 3G in this first generation iphone is because of battery life. Although Jobs didn't say anything of substance when asked about the battery life, it did sound as though it would be respectable if not impressive. By NOT having a removable battery I'd expect apple to come with the funk, 5hrs talk/video for sure, not to mention 16 hrs of ipod to boot.
I am soooooo drooling over this....
"Why on Earth would I want a "real keyboard" on the iPhone? Then it would be just another crappy, bulky-yet-flimsy plastic slider phone. It won't happen, it shouldn't happen, so let's drop it, shall we? :)"
Go try one of those "laser projected" keyboards will ya? keying is extremely difficult without tactile feedback. And by the way, I said that a slider would be ideal as long as the thing is NOT FLIMSY!!!!!!
Plus, even within the OS, the software can fail, and cause quite a bit of problems, no matter how much you do to protect it if you let anyone write code and put it on there!!!
BCALL_delete 0
A slide out keyboard on a phone that isn't flimsy. That's like asking for water that isn't wet... Unless you want an ugly brick for a phone??
The whole centre of the iPhone is the multi touch technology. If you want a tacky plastic keyboard fcuk off and buy one.
Every aspect of the iPhone is the finest engineering and design quality available in a mass produced product. A 1990's retarded little plastic keyboard is not in the same universe as the iPhone.
Engadget is a slightly biased site, needless to say, and so are the people who "stop-in".
Apple is not a bad company, and niether is Microsoft (watch this post be the lowest ranked post in the history of the web. There is no one company that makes everything just amazing and perfect the first time around! (Ok, google dosen't count (niether does mozzila)) Hey I agree with Dave, but people, don't go overboard with the battle of PC vs. Mac ..., there are children here! :)
What exciting news! They are thinking about maybe possibly adding support that should've existed since day one if they can figure out that p[esky little security thing. Luckily they have plenty of time to work on that before launch next month...
Hm let's think, I'm 17 years old and if someone would type something in his phone while talking to me, I would ask him to stop wasting my time and walk away. Im capable of multitasking too, but it just shows how uniterested you are in talking to someone else. Im not fond of the "human relation stuff", but to get all the points in a conversation you realy need to listen cleary. (I could come noe with the neurobiological stuff, but that would get odd soon.)
Have a nice day ijan
i really believe all the "getting that thing a real keyboard" comments will seem quaint in a few years... somewhat akin to people who bitched that the iMac didn't have a floppy drive. :)
we'll see.
That's what was said when the first Windows Mobile phones came out. All of those had soft keyboards (and crappy battery life). Meanwhile, the Treos and Blackberrys came out with thumb keyboards and were a huge success. Now, virtually all smartphones have real, full keyboards. There's a reason for that.
Of course, Apple's never made a phone and it's top execs admit to never having used them in the past. Their classic "form before function" philosophy is on full display as is their hubris. Of course, we should all now believe they will rewrite history and thumb keyboards will soon be considered quaint. What's more likely is that Apple lovers will live in denial and cease to use the device in any manner in which it doesn't excel. That will mean avoiding the crappy keyboard whenever possible. Doesn't matter, all they want is the iPod and status symbol anyway.
just because you're capable of doing two things at once doesn't somehow make them okay to do at the same time.
You earlytwentysomething might be quite capable of chatting on the phone while sitting on the toilet, but your amazing multitasking ability doesn't make it polite.
You may be capable of texting, eating nachos, and driving an SUV down the highway, but if you do this all at the same time, no matter how "capable" you are, you're still a dick.
Different group of people, different situation, different acceptable norms. You probably don't act the same way in front of your boss as your friends, and vice versa.
And since when was texting limited to driving-only? Just because you - presumptuous twit that you are - can't imagine a scenario such as (my roommate is at the library and wants to ask me if I want to grab dinner when he's done, and I'm in the middle of talking to someone else and I want to give a brief reply) or (I'm at a party and there's no way I'm going to be heard over the noise; meanwhile, I'm texting directions to a friend, while talking about him to someone else I met) doesn't mean that other people can't find appropriate situations to text instead of call.
Just because you can't see your own kids (real or hypothetical) handling technology responsibly doesn't give you the right to assume that others don't know how. Dick.
Palms don't have easily accessable reset buttons and WM5 devices don't have them at all. Nice try.
"I've used touchscreen keyboards like the iPhone offers and they suck. Difference is that the iPhone doesn't allow a stylus so it will suck worse."
Wow! You have used multitouch screen keyboards? Really?
The iPhone touchscreen keyboard is not multitouch. Watch the demo.
Ok a couple of things:
1. After today's action at D5, I think its really just poor taste at this point for the platform bickering. Those two guys can not only be civil, but have a sincere respect and admiration for each other and their work. They've grown up.
How about us kids down here on the ground join them?
2. Guys, guys, guys. Are we now so "expert" and so jaded in all things tech now that we believe everything that can be done has been, and nothing can be improved?
Are we selling Apple a bit short here based on the failures of others? They have a way of making things work where others have only half-assed it; I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt at this point.
If the man says that the onscreen keys aren't gonna be a nightmare, I'm willing to let him prove it; Apple generally tends to spend their money on the hard stuff. If the man says it will jump to and fro from WiFi to GPRS without being a nightmare, then I mean, its a software thing. Apple knows about software things. He's probably right on, or very close to the mark.
Hell, after seeing what I saw from MS' labs with Surface, I think a lot of us need to shake loose some preconceived biases about what these companies are truly capable of doing.
1. It isn't in poor taste to blindly cheerlead a product that doesn't exist simply because of who is developing it? Who says these two have grown up? It's just business.
2. Sure it can. Apple's soft keyboard is not different from other that have come before it though. You have seen the demos, right?
No, we aren't selling Apple short, and I'd suggest it is "in poor taste" for you to claim Apple should be given the benefit of the doubt. No one else would deserve it. Cell phones aren't a new technology or market. There are huge profits at stake and many approaches have been tried. Apple knows nothing of this and is pursuing a dead design. Only it's true believers fail to recognize that.
"The man"? Jobs is being a frontman, not "the man" so try not to be so blind. Would Jobs say the keyoard sucks but hopefully you'll like it anyway? Of course not, but that's the reality of it.
Just because something 'has not' or 'was not' in the past doesn't mean it won't be in the future. How short sighted....
Yes, ajgalli, I'm shortsighted because I've used devices with virtually identical keyboard implementations in the past. Who knows, the horse-drawn carriage may make a roaring comeback. Wouldn't want to be shortsighted.
All you guys have is the word of Steve Jobs that the keyboard will be good. He wouldn't have reason to lie, would he? Why don't you guys go out and try devices with this style keyboard. They do exist, you know. Wouldn't want knowledge and facts to get in the way of your idol worship, though, would you?
Re: Craig - "Of course, we should all now believe they will rewrite history and thumb keyboards will soon be considered quaint."
it wouldn't be rewriting history. if (theoretically) thumb keyboards are soon considered quaint, that will be the progression of events that change current notions. how in the world would that be REwriting history?
get off your tiny little soapbox.
"Apple lovers will live in denial"? - my guess is that it'll be the nay-sayers that continue to live in denial, but we'll have to wait see. at this point it's all speculation, and it seems to me that your version of the future is so much more spiteful. :P
Re: Craig - "Of course, we should all now believe they will rewrite history and thumb keyboards will soon be considered quaint."
it wouldn't be rewriting history. if (theoretically) thumb keyboards are soon considered quaint, that will be the progression of events that change current notions. how in the world would that be REwriting history?
get off your tiny little soapbox.
"Apple lovers will live in denial"? - my guess is that it'll be the nay-sayers that continue to live in denial, but we'll have to wait see. at this point it's all speculation, and it seems to me that your version of the future is so much more spiteful. :P
Current history has the thumb keyboard rendering the soft keyboard "quaint". For the opposite to happen simply because Apple says so would be a rewrite.
If I'm on a "soapbox" it certainly is a big one considering all those who are on it with me. The ones in denial are those who blindly believe how great this new keyboard will be from Apple because Jobs says so. Those of us who've used them before know that they suck.
THANK YOU!
I wish more people would realize this! My girlfriend works at a convenience store that has a sign that says not to use cell phones while in line. You would not believe how many times she gets treated like she's evil because of it. Yes, she actually enforces it, too.
I'm an early twentysomething myself... 21 to be exact. I think it's rude to multitask in pretty much any manner when holding a conversation. Typing on a phone while talking face to face with someone is extremely rude.
I will admit, I do (rarely) use my cell phone while driving, but it is only when I absolutely have to, the call will be very short (less than 30 seconds), and there is not a lot of traffic. Eating while driving is a definite no-go, though.
Water that won't wet? Here you go:
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:6K0SiDfo37cJ:www.nature.com/physics/highlights/6840-1.html+non-wetting+water&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=opera
"Every aspect of the iPhone is the finest engineering and design quality available in a mass produced product. A 1990's retarded little plastic keyboard is not in the same universe as the iPhone."
Wow joe, does Steve's pubes tickle your nose? Seriously bud, if you actually believe in what you've posted here, you need to drop that cock long enough to take an occasional breath, you appear a little light-headed.
iFoleo anyone?
The only people who are not blind are the one's who are saying "Let's wait and see". You are blind by saying it definitely will suck, others are blind for saying it definitely will not suck. Skepticism is key. Having no skepticism will either get you stuck with a product that sucks because you thought it would rock, cuz Jobs said.. or will have you missing out on an amazing product because you were too close-minded to give it a fair shot..
The real winners are the ones that wait until it comes out, try it out, then make an unbiased decision on it's quality. Those are the people that will truly be happy with the products they buy.
"The only people who are not blind are the one's who are saying "Let's wait and see"."
Hardly. They say that because they have no argument otherwise. Touchscreen has been done before and all that's left is to lie about it.
There is no need to be a fool in order to prove you have an open mind. We learn from our observations, except apparently when it comes from Apple. Those of us who criticise the keyboard have used one before. What is the basis of those who say otherwise? Their belief that Apple can't produce a crappy product? Who's blind here?
Besides, waiting is something we will all do regardless of out opinions today.
BTW, I'm full of skepticism and I own and use Apple products. There are many reasons for "missing out" on the iPhone, only one of which is the keyboard. The iPhone may well be a good product despite its keyboard but fanboys must insist that everything about the iPhone will be revolutionary, just as they insist that everything Apple does is better than anything done by anyone else...just as they insist that we give them the benefit of the doubt because they are Apple.
"The real winners are the ones that wait until it comes out, try it out, then make an unbiased decision on it's quality. Those are the people that will truly be happy with the products they buy."
Right, because we all know that our first impressions of cellphones are unfailingly accurate. Dream on. I see through your disguise.
There is nothing wrong with recognizing the iPhone for what it is--a nice form factor, attactive with a very good screen, complete iPod integration but with a comprimised keyboard, no GPS and slow data rates. All phones are comprimises and the iPhone is no different. What is different is that it comes from Apple and therefore people feel obligated to argue that everything about it is revolutionary and desirable. It's not. You will immediately recognize that its multitouch is a gimmick, its keyboard not suitable for heavy texting, and its great screen needing better data alternatives. That doesn't mean it won't be a good device for some people, just that it won't be a good device for all people.
You sure are something else... So, because (every) implementation of a touch screen keyboard in the past has failed, there is no chance of someone actually getting it right? Maybe Apple will actually get it right. Maybe not.
Honestly, I don't own any apple products. Not one. Does that mean they all suck? No. Definitely not. They are just not for me. Apple computer? Windows-based laptops work fine for me and are generally cheaper. iPod? I found an mp3 player with more features that I like for a lot cheaper.
Everyone has different requirements of a device. If this device works wonderful and has a subpar keyboard, so what? Some people don't send 500 texts a day.
"Right, because we all know that our first impressions of cellphones are unfailingly accurate. Dream on. I see through your disguise."
I did not say that first impressions are always accurate, but trying products will generally leave you more satisfied than if you pick a random one off the shelf and buy it. Based on what I've heard, I almost purchased a Moto RAZR. I decided I'd try it first. I didn't like it. I bought a cheaper phone that has more features that work for me, and, overall, a better phone for ME. If I would have bought the RAZR, I would have been unhappy with it and would have missed out on the phone I did buy.
You are sitting there arguing about exactly what I'm saying. It's not going to be for everyone. The people that bash it (or any of it's features) before trying them are the one's who lose, ultimately.
"There is no need to be a fool in order to prove you have an open mind."
Right, because trying a product out to see if you like it makes you a fool. Who knows, the fool may be you one day when, after buying a $500 phone with a flimsy keyboard, you actually give the iPhone a shot and realize the keyboard does work (Not saying it will, but the possibility is there)... all because you were too stuck on your opinion to try it out.
"You are sitting there arguing about exactly what I'm saying. It's not going to be for everyone."
Actually, I'm arguing that the iPhone will have a crappy keyboard and won't be good as a texting device. I've also argued that it is closed to 3rd party development which it certainly is. I've never argued that the iPhone won't be a good device for some people. I'd even consider buying it myself except that I don't want Cingular. The problem here is that the sheep insist that everything about the iPhone is sent directly from God simply because it's an Apple product. The iPhone is only superficially unlike other phones, it is really the same device as many that have come before it although in a prettier package. This is what I said:
"There is nothing wrong with recognizing the iPhone for what it is--a nice form factor, attactive with a very good screen, complete iPod integration but with a compromised keyboard, no GPS and slow data rates. All phones are compromises and the iPhone is no different."
I don't know why you are trying to paint me as closed-minded about this. I have owned phones similar to the iPhone before.
"Right, because trying a product out to see if you like it makes you a fool. Who knows, the fool may be you one day when, after buying a $500 phone with a flimsy keyboard, you actually give the iPhone a shot and realize the keyboard does work (Not saying it will, but the possibility is there)... all because you were too stuck on your opinion to try it out."
I have tried out the iPhone, I even lived with the first version of that device for nearly a year when it came out many years ago. The market has had a continual supply of large-screen, keyboard-less smartphones for many years now and they even come with a huge 3rd party library of software. I have also tried slider phones and Treo-style phones and not one of those phones has had a "flimsy keyboard". You are living in fantasyland.
By the way, a T-mobile Dash costs $199 last time I checked. It does everything the iPhone promises to do, does things the iPhone doesn't, has a large 3rd party software base and development tools, already runs the iPhone's "killer app" (Google maps), offers the same data options, has a real keyboard, and uses less-costly T-mobile service plans. If you are hoping that I'll be made a fool of with my over-priced, flimsy-keyboard iPhone-envying whatever, I'd say the odds are seriously against you. It would help for you to take a real look at what's actually available on the market.
This is a good and bad thing. The bad being that (more than likely) we'll have to pay for any 3rd party apps, because Apple is gonna charge special licensing fees and such to ensure the platform remains "secure." I'd be more content with 3G and the lack of 3rd party apps personally.
The only bad thing i have to say about the keyboard is you will have to look at it while typing, which will consume time, and the battery i talk on my phone more than 5 hours everyday so this phone wont be good for me period. unless this is going to have an attachable battery to give it some more talk time i dont think people are going to like it.
Also another i'd give a million dollars to bet if this was released by Noki, motorola, sony or even microsoft everybody would be bashing the shit out of the phone. The only reason its getting as much attention as it has is because its made by apple.
read the tech spec.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/technology/specs.html
Yeah, it says "Input method multi-touch". What a detailed "tech spec" and such helpful input on your part.
Despite your "evidence" to the contrary, the iPhone keyboard is not multitouch. The demo videos are available for all to see.
Human resistant for change… who would have imagined that we will be able to use small mobile phones in the 60s to type in our messages. It will work for those who want it to work and it won't for those who will keep resisting to change
Well... We have seen the Touch Screen Keyboard in the Keynote! not at all a problem.
Well... Just in case some one hates my answer ...
REPLY
OK, there's a problem with Steve's comment that adding 3rd party apps to the iPhone could cause it to crash and I'm surprised no one's pointed it out (or maybe they have and I didn't catch it when I skimmed the comments). This is it:
3rd party apps do not cause OS X to crash. So why would they cause the iPhone to crash?
If the iPhone is in fact running Mac OS X (which Apple repeatedly claims that it is) then 3rd party apps should not be able to bring down the iPhone's OS. Yes, 3rd party apps can crash on OS X, but that doesn't bring down the whole OS. So why would this be any different on the iPhone?
Hello All.
I humbly agree with Craig. Here is the truth in Apple's track record- They have been pulling the MS strategy by creating locked proprietary devices, releasing gen after gen of ipod. Why so many generations? Because they know you trusting fanboys will buy the new one, instead of growing testicles and saying, I'm not going to buy it until you add all of the features that consumers are demanding. Apple has earned NO benefit of the doubt here-they are focused on the bottom line and cattle- herding as Microsoft is notorious for throughout history.
Touch Screen Keyboard- Maybe a little bit better with multi-touch, but, the probability is that it will still be infererior to a keyboard or a thumboard. That has been the standard, you must function on evidence and fact in debate, blind trust for Steve Jobs with your soul does not address the argument in anyway shape or form. Jesus wants you to buy an iphone, he swears the keyboard is awesome.
Apple is not and has not been known for the past 5 years for "consumer-focused" innovation. They are more focused on locking you into the box with AT&T. You'll see that they will use the iphone and apple TV together, with the iphone as a remote viewer and apple TV as "slingbox". Together with AT&T IPTV, it is already in the works. Enjoy the subscription fees macfans of the world- bend over and take it again as the saga continues. Thank God for Ubuntu and other flavors of Linux, and I say that as a responsible ipod lover and MS Windows XP & Vista user. Linux is the blue pill-time to take it-especially as soon as googles linux based phone, and web OS are release-shhhh!!! Don't tell!
NO 3g-Why?-The answer. Battery life and, battery life and, smokin the reefer-not lol super troopers. AT&T needs to make money too, Some of my clients lobby for AT&T and I have been told that Apple wanted to retain most of the control over the device-surprise surpise-and as a trade-off, due to the battery issue, and the presumption that wifi access is on the rise, AT&T and Apple agreed to the no 3G. You know why? Guess who charges for wifi hot spot access-AT&T. So excuse me if I don't support a device or a company that is seeking to enslave consumers with subscription fees all wrapped up in cute packages. I am not fooled so easily. So when you are bending over, remember when you are thanking Steve Jobs to hold your tongue and say "apple" at the same time, and you'll be giving him the respect he deserves.
In the words of Ace Ventura- "Yess!!!Yess!!Can you feel that baby! Can you feel that! This house.. is clean!"
L337 member of the corporate underground-who moonlights as a man dressed as a bat, preserving consumer freedoms, promoting free file sharing technologies, community shared wifi and open source solutions across the planet
-Nick aka B@TM@N
The keyboard is the only thing I'm worried about. Not that the touch one looks cheap or awful, but if I'm wanting to take notes in class or a meeting, I don't want to have to break out my laptop or, heaven forbid, paper and pen. I would like to see an external keyboard and some sort of note-taking program. Even without it, I still want one really, really bad.
"We'll find a way to make it work..."
Translated: We're feverishly trying to find a way to make a buck off of everything that you put on your phone and until then, NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!!
While true that a physical keyboard is easier to use, the iphone's virtual only takes a few minutes to use. You people who've never used an iphone need to quit your bitching and shut up. No smart phone comes even close. Period.