New details about the iPhone

Remember the winning Engadget commercial, "The Long Arm of Steve Jobs"? We posted it after the break, but finding someone who's spent some serious time with a pre-launch iPhone and getting them to talk is basically a lot like that. Still, we managed to smuggle out some freshly leaked details from a very trusted inside source who's been fooling around with a unit. Here's what they had to say:

• The keyboard was simply described as "disappointing". Keyboarding with two thumbs often registers multiple key presses (two or three at a time) resulting in a lot of mistakes. The best way to type is with a single finger (as shown in most of Apple's demos), but two thumbs is supposedly very difficult. After trying it for a number of days our source gave up using their thumbs.
  
• The text auto-correction only works well for simple words, but doesn't work for proper names. We can only assume this bit will get better with time as Apple fills out its predictive text dictionary.
  
• "It won't replace a BlackBerry. It's not good for text input. It's just not a business product."
• The touchscreen was said to, in general, require somewhat hard presses to register input, and needs some getting used to.
• In addition to its dock, the iPhone comes packaged with a polishing cloth (the thing's supposedly a fingerprint magnet, no surprise) and the usual smallish power adapter.
• The Bluetooth headset will debut in the $120 range, and will come with its own dock for charging both the phone and the headset. The headset will feature a miniature magnetic charging interface á la MagSafe.

Click on for more impressions on the headset, browser, YouTube, and more.

• The Bluetooth headset has a hidden LED and is supposedly a very small and elegant device. Sound quality is said to be "typical". There is no clip; like many headsets you're expected to just let it hang out of your ear, as previously shown.
• The browser "worked well" but page load speeds on EDGE were just as slow as expected. It sounds like 3G users will have a tough run with this.
  
• Users must scroll through the address book (or use the alphabet-drag on the side) -- one cannot bring up the keyboard and type in a name, as many of us are used to.
• Shocker: YouTube over EDGE didn't work well at all, and will basically necessitate use of WiFi.

Ok, that's all we've got for now. At this point we're just really looking forward to putting the spurs to this thing -- Apple is hyping this product like nothing we've ever seen before, and we're ready to bring every detail to light. In the mean time, here's that commercial again.

[monon @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:33PM]

i was expecting some more iphone news on engadget at this point

[AJ @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:38PM]

I'm shocked that you can't rotate the iPhone to landscape and get a full screen QWERTY...? I think that's a good idea, no?

[Mammoth @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:47PM]

I totally agree with you, having the QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode would make, the keyboard larger and easier to use, but I've haven't seen any mention of it anywhere, I think that maybe the reason, if for the keyboard to still be easy to use while in landscape mode, using the same proportions as the portrait one, it would have to take up the whole screen, leaving no room to actually see what your typing, just a thought...

[Foof @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:18PM]

A great idea. So great in fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see it implemented by patch as soon as a few weeks after launch!

[dmklass @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:36PM]

Great idea! I have had this exact same thought. Come on Apple!!

[tom @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:36PM]

if the keyboard maintained the same aspect ratio in landscape mode it would take up the whole screen...

[Shermie @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:20PM]

It would be ok to fill the screen. the keyboard is somewhat transparent so you can still see what you type.

[MED @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:25PM]

of course there is no real way for it to sense that you go into landscape. unless you press a button that switches it to landscape view

[Andrew @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:46PM]

Hmm.... I'm guessing you don't pay too much attention to the iPhone huh? It has gyros inside so it knows how you're holding it. That was pretty much one of their proudest features after the obvious touch screen.

[eric @ Jun 23rd 2007 7:26PM]

Here's a mock up for a landscape keyboard (not my creation):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonsantamaria/357161915/

[q2h @ Jun 23rd 2007 8:15PM]

I feel the same. I'm sure they'll implement that in time.

[Scott R @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:00PM]

A widescreen virtual thumbboard could work really, really well. I know because I wrote one for 480x320 Palm OS devices (that's the same resolution as the iPhone, BTW). Here's how it looks:
http://hipnetic.com/geek/thumbboard_0.6.2.gif

[Adam W @ Jun 24th 2007 3:26AM]

I agree for sure with having a larger keyboard when horizontal. whaat about not being able to search for names in contacts. like turning the phone landscape, and that enables a search, cuz having no serach in contacts (and ipod too) frankly, makes looking through 100's of contacts ridiculous.

why couldn't/wouldn't they do 3G. does it require more space than a reciever that deals with EDGE? For me, that's one of it's biggest lackings, and makes it dumb as an "internet device"

[brendan Sheehan jnr @ Jun 24th 2007 12:41AM]

"I think that maybe the reason, if for the keyboard to still be easy to use while in landscape mode, using the same proportions as the portrait one, it would have to take up the whole screen, leaving no room to actually see what your typing, just a thought."

Not entirely true: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonsantamaria/357161915/#comment72157600457604770

The great thing about the iPhone is that it's software based, they can write in the code to make this happen, as long as enough people ask for it, they'll do it.

[dude @ Jun 24th 2007 11:09AM]

Sorta like the Eten Glofiish's sliding keyboard, which btw is an excellent albeit plasticy feeling keyboard.

[Jesse S @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:42PM]

Looks like it's an xv6800 or i760 for me after all, not that I was expecting the iphone to be useful.

[Jonathan @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:43PM]

Not to be an iPhone fanboy or anything....but what mobile keyboard DOES type well? I mean....it's a mobile keyboard...

[Jesse S @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:59PM]

The i730 keyboard is great, I personally haven't used any others though.

[PeteC @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:04PM]

I'd be happier with predictive text on screen through a numeric keypad, I know that sounds a bit odd seeing as you could have whatever buttons you want but I'm fast with predictive text, used to it and it would allow the use of buttons big enough to cope with my sausage fingers!!!

[andi @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:04PM]

hmmm... well the best keyboard until now is the one found on nokia's ugly E70. The US flavor doesn't have 3g if i recall it right, but i've been using it (in europe) since autumn and it absolutely rocks!... check some specs to see for yourself..

and if you don't mind the size, there are several HTC's with good keyboards, and there are the nokia communicators.. i'm really eager to grab the e90

[Foof @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:18PM]

Admittedly it's a low bar, but the standard is pretty much set by the Blackberry devices. There are probably better keyboards out there (and no doubt the landscape-slideout HTC PocketPCs are probably easier to use than the smaller Blackberry), but business and government practically runs of Blackberry email nowadays, so one would expect a competitive offering to be at least comparable to that.

[Spyvie @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:18PM]

I'm pretty happy with the slider keyboard on my (HTC) T-Mobile Wing. I can't figure out how to post comments on Engadget Mobile with it though...

[Gordon @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:19PM]

I had a Sidekick that was STUPIDLY easy to SMS and hold multiple IM conversations on.

My Blackberry Pearl is actually very easy to type with one hand while occupied without really looking that much (the word prediction is excellent, even for obscure words and proper names).

I love devices that just "feel" right and I can type on and work with without feeling as if I'm fighting with the device....My work Moto Q is an example of a device where fighting is involved.

[Andrew @ Jun 23rd 2007 6:57PM]

My Treo 680 keyboard types extremely well, as did my Treo 650 before that.

I was considering an iPhone (and giving my 680 to my girlfriend) but whether or not I buy one will be based largely on how (un)easy it is to use the keyboard.

[sam @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:33PM]

nokia e90?

however i think that whoever provided the comment has used mobile phone before, so i'd understand the comment "iphone keyboard is disapointing even considering that it is amobile device"

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:36PM]

MessagEase is a fantastic input method for touch screens. I've been playing with it on my DS, and after getting used to, it is far superior to a miniature QWERTY!
Instead of a too many tiny buttons, there are 12 (maybe more, maybe less) big buttons and you input characters by touching them then moving your finger in a certain direction, as indicated on the individual keys.
It may sound a bit weird, but in action it makes sense and you will eventually get the feel for it, just like with a QWERTY layout. The way it is organized makes fine sense.

Combine the conventional Messag-Ease thing with the fancy scrolling effects that exist in the iPhone's keyboard (press a key, it expands so you can see more clearly where to move your finger), and it can be a really intuitive interface!

A really adventurous designer could go so far as adding a predictive text key with letters that change on the fly.
(Whereas with qwerty, the layout is completely rigid).

[Phil M @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:42PM]

I can type 70 wpm on my Sidekick II.

Besides that, I can't think of any other qwerty keypad on a phone that I can type that fast on.

[brett @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:46PM]

I've resisted the temptation to comment positively or negatively on the iphone's supposed pros and cons, mostly based on the fact that there aren't any real reviews out there right now. But maybe that doesn't matter. I find it really interesting that people seem so quick to jump on the "the touchscreen keyboard must suck" bandwagon without having tried or gotten used to it. Doesn't this basically fall into the "it's just a matter of opinion" category?

[L. M. Lloyd @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:55PM]

To Brett:

No, it isn't just a matter of opinion. People have been using handheld devices with on-screen soft keyboards for over a decade now, and with the exception of Apple's new product, every other company has found that when communication is the primary function, a hardware keyboard functions better. That is why even companies like Palm/Handspring, which were really big supporters of touchscreen devices, eventually went with a hardware keyboard. In fact, except for Apple, you will have a hard time finding any dedicated communication device that doesn't have a hardware keyboard. That isn't because no one else thought of using an on-screen keyboard, it is because they just don't work well for heavy input. That isn't in my opinion, that is objectively provable through many years of experimentation by multiple device manufacturers.

[Mehster @ Jun 23rd 2007 7:26PM]

The utilization of multisyllabic locutions enables the assuredly sagacious commenter to floccinaucinihilipilificate the ludicrous notion that his opinion is, well, just an opinion.

[Square @ Jun 23rd 2007 8:05PM]

Aah... if iPhone sucks, all other mobile must suck too, eh? And you are not a fanboy?

Well, blackberry pearl, even with a very small keyboard, does a good job letting you type, and has a great corrective attitude. And the bigger blackberries (the office type) are even better at it.

iPhone will never be as good ever - as long it does not come with a *real* keyboard. Its going to suck big time for anything related to text.

[Tom King @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:43PM]

Wow, looks like this thing is going to suck. It is going to be interesting after all these people buy this phone and start complaining and moaning. Good times.

[Jon @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:33PM]

I am looking forward to seeing Apple fanboys fumbling about with this in the future. Good times indeed.

[dan @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:43PM]

im not too worried. if the keyboard is as bad as they say it is - people will be in an uproar and a landscape KB will probably be released via firmware update.

[Square @ Jun 23rd 2007 8:18PM]

And that will magically fix the problem!!??

[ps @ Jun 24th 2007 9:27AM]

unfortunately, i don't expect a firmware update to fix the stock price if it dives due to massive reports of the current keyboard not being good.

[mbem @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:44PM]

I feel bad for anyone who buys the iPhone. I am eagerly awaiting the downfall.

[Blah @ Jun 23rd 2007 6:07PM]

mbem, thy name is schadenfreude.

[apeguero @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:45PM]

Meant to say "thought" not "though". Sorry.

I'll reply to my own to clarify before the flamers strike. Boston in the winter isn't exactly friendly to rear wheel drive sports cars with wide tires. Also, there tends to be quite an inordinate amount of potholes at times, hence the more bang from the buck out of an SUV than a pretty sports car.

[GAK @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:45PM]

Is Apple REALLY hyping this product so much? I think most of the hype is being generated by the press, fanboys and nay-sayers.

Apple announced the iPhone and then basically shut up about it for 5 months while everybody else turned the product into the second coming. Sure, Apple calls the iPhone "Revolutionary," but every company calls their products revolutionary. Now it is to a point where Apple makes a quiet change to the iPhone portion of the website and Engadget and Gizmodo fire off 5 posts each about it that day.

You wanna see the iPhone hype machine? Look in the mirror...

[Ryan Block @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:05PM]

Not really. Apple is making no secret that this is the biggest product launch in recent memory for them -- the tail may be wagging the dog some places, but I'd like to think not here.

[Jonathan @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:09PM]

Have you seen the 20 minute apple iphone instructional video on their website?

The best internet EVER on a mobile device!
The best touch screen EVER on a mobile device!
The best keyboard EVER available on a mobile device!(they actually say this)
The best Youtube on any mobile device!
The best iPod we've EVER made!

Yeah, Apple IS hyping this thing.

[Denver_80203 @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:52PM]

"Have you seen the 20 minute apple iphone instructional video on their website?"

Itwould have been 30 but the battery went dead

[L. M. Lloyd @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:36PM]

You're joking, right? I haven't seen a single interview with Steve Jobs in almost a year where he didn't find a way to turn any subject around to how "insanely great" the iPhone was. Apple has compared the iPhone to the Mac and the iPod in importance to the history of the company, and has claimed that it represents a new dawn of GUI interaction. Steve Jobs has taken to talking about how the future of computing is "post-PC devices like the iPhone." They are running an add for the thing every five minutes on every station in America. What's more, they are calling the thing a revolution in modern communication, and claiming it does everything it does, better than any device ever released from any company.

How can you, with a straight face, claim that Apple isn't hyping the iPhone?

[V @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:49PM]

great post!

[Kai Cherry @ Jun 23rd 2007 9:47PM]

Ryan...

I'm gonna have to call shenanegans on you here.

The FACT of the matter is that since January, Apple Proper has released a total of 4 press releases, 4 commercials and 2 quasi-interviews on the iPhone.

The web and Blogsphere, OTOH talks about the thing daily, some sites 6-12 times *per day*.

I mean...let's be objective here: Apple makes hyperbole claims (hyperbole *by definition* is not meant to be taken literally...but literacy is sort of a rare commodity on the web in comment sections, lol) but this is what as know as "marketing."

The "Hype" is *definately* coming from outside of Apple. That's the nice thing about you know, recorded evidence..you can look it up.

So, Apple: 4 press releases since January about the product, 1 20 minute infomercial, two keynotes, 2 "mini-interviews" about the iPhoe...since January.

How much has Engadget/EngadgetMobile written about it...in the last 20 hours? :)

I'm just...sayin'...

[Khaytsus @ Jun 25th 2007 11:24AM]

If Apple isn't the one playing the damned commercials every 5 minutes on every station I watch, then I'd like to know who is so I can strangle them. Certainly hyped. I hope Apple makes it in bright pink so all the sorority girls will pick it up. At least then they'll have more than just the fanbois purchasing it.

[TheGuy @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:45PM]

If the iPhone had a malleable/mechanical screen, in-which the keypads would raise-up slightly in the screen and give feel/pressing action when typing in the screen it would be much better. However, that technology is probably still far away from practical implementation. Oh well, maybe the 3rd or 4th generation iPhone will have-it.

[Jamar @ Jun 24th 2007 5:35AM]

"kyocera still hasn't recovered"
The root cause of this is that they give the US crap phones. For some reason, they don't want to give us what they give Japan, otherwise they'd have recovered, and then some (I played with some of their Japanese phones, I know what I'm talking about). So their loss.

I don't think that the iPhone will flop, though- it's the first US phone that's on par with what Japan gets with an easy-to-use UI to boot.

[monon @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:46PM]

but what mobile keyboard DOES type well?
ever tried HTC's sliding keyboards?