Nokia and others launching "iPhone-like" gear by Q2 2008?

Taiwan's OEM reporting pulse -- DigiTimes -- claims that handset makers Asustek, BenQ, Compal and Arima Communications are all "aggressively developing iPhone-like products" for 2008. According to their sources, the devices will run on Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform and target business markets with features such as 3G and GPS. DigiTimes' sources also claim that Nokia will release its Symbian-based "iPhone-like handset" in the first half of 2008. True or not, that's a lot of Apple hate-bait to swallow this early in the morning.

[Ceasar @ Oct 12th 2007 2:31AM]

Lol, why is it when the big companies knock-off supposedly "apple" models, it is called "iPhone-like" but when a smaller Chinese company has their own model, it is called "iPhone-Clone"... let's have some consistancy here... If they are copying what we know as "Apple's design" then why not call it a Clone/Copy? Of course it is a patented product so could not call it fake though..

[T Smith @ Oct 12th 2007 2:49AM]

Interesting Point Ceas.... yet since this is about Taiwanese "iPhone-like" phones & some people don't want to wait till 2008, I'll propose the Tri-Band D99i by DigitalRise ... mines is in the mail.. check out YouTube vid on page:

http://www.chinagrabber.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1399

JT

[Brice @ Oct 12th 2007 3:52AM]

I just like this chinese product:

"Just like the iPhone but Cheaper + Better!!!" and unlocked!!!

And I'm sure this chinese mobile and the iPhone are made in the same chinese factory by the same chinese employees paid 1$/day!

[holycow @ Oct 12th 2007 11:26AM]

Why not say 'PRADA-LIKE' phones ?

[The Grand Master @ Oct 12th 2007 3:23PM]

No cause no one really gives a shit about Prada Fashion Phones?

[BobTurbo @ Oct 12th 2007 2:48AM]

I am looking at getting one of these. Can someone tell me if you are more likely to get RSI/arthritis/tendonitis from tapping a glass screen or from tapping keys?

[Billy Fiul @ Oct 12th 2007 2:48AM]

Craps to apple and their bullshit corporation

[Quix @ Oct 12th 2007 2:58AM]

"the devices will run on Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform"

Windows Mobile ≠ iPhone-like. Not even close. These things have lost the race before even getting out of the gate.

[Dylan @ Oct 12th 2007 3:02AM]

A Nokia phone like the iphone but running Symbian ?

That's my dream come true !

It might give Apple a kick towards opening up their phone to third party apps. GIve us what WE want Apple, not what YOU want !!!

Thankyou Nokia.

dylan

[Jeff Lewis @ Oct 12th 2007 3:03AM]

Actually - much like the iPhone is a shell on MacOS X Lite (ok - not that lite), it would be trivial to develop a shell and application suite that essentially duplicates everything the iPhone does - and throw in a multitouch panel and the appropriate driver, and you'd have that too.

YOu're confusing applications with OSes.

[Michael La Framboise @ Oct 12th 2007 3:16AM]

err.. Dylan are you delusional? - Any phone, no matter how advanced the hardware is, is worthless if the software sucks. ...and if Windows Mobile/Palm/other Linux alternatives can't even produce a basic animation, or even a smooth fade for that matter, then how can they even compete w/ the iPhone?

The true beauty of the iPhone/iPod Touch isn't the hardware - I mean hell, other manufactures have been putting out faster, way more powerful hardware for years before the iPhone - the true beauty is the software. I mean say w/e you want, but you have to pull your head outta your ass to see that the iPhone is literally the FIRST phone, or any mobile device really - that has a GOOD gui. Where it's actually made by professional designers, rather then the developer's kids as it seems to be the case with most devices these days.

Seriously, name at least ONE device which would have great fonts, great outlay of everything, one that would be as easy to use and would be as intuitive as the iPhone.


I dunno, maybe it's just cause I'm a designer that I'm so picky when it comes to these things, but it just sickens me to see all these ass-ugly interfaces on everything from phones, to car navigations, to tv's to most other electronics these days. I mean finally the hardware is getting pretty sexy for the most part... yet the software is still stuck in late 90's...

Well, maybe sometime eventually in the distant future, people will realize that "design" is much more then making something look pretty.

[feffrey @ Oct 12th 2007 4:02AM]

@ Michael La Framboise
So you would rather have a ridiculously overpriced phone that is extremely limited by lack of hardware, and its only redeeming factor is that the interface has fade effects?
Yep I'll pay hundreds for a device that does not have 3g, GPS, unlocked from factory, easy programmability, a real keyboard, requiring iGarbage (aka iToons) on my computer, or any other standard piece of hardware on a cheaper pocket pc for a device that has an interface that will fade.
Sure a nice gui is a good thing, but get the hardware right the first time. Software can be changed, once you have a device, the hardware can’t

[ThePengwin @ Oct 12th 2007 4:43AM]

You got your equation wrong

Windows Mobile > iPhone-like

Windows Mobile 6 is great. Look at the O2 range of smartphones. They are a joy to use. and are more feature packed than an iPhone. For starters they can MMS and install 3rd party apps, in fact they are made to do so!

I'm really tired of all this iPhone bullshit. Whenever an apple product comes along it seems like an ignorant bunch of people think they are the best. I know that Windows Mobile isn't perfect, and its not as pretty with all zooming and fading of home screen items like an iPhone. Windows Mobile was engineered as a data organization system, and its very good at its job.

I can honestly say I love windows mobile. Its worked fine for me, and I'm not going back to any other phone. Its been around longer than an iPhone too. and ive never had a reson to want to look for an alternative.

[PF @ Oct 12th 2007 4:56AM]

@Feffrey, you completely missed the point that MLF was trying to make and I suspect many other people don't get it either. You can cram every imaginable hardware feature into a phone but it is crap if the UI is crap. I agree with MLF - there isn't much out there with a decent UI. Everything is mostly cobbled together as an afterthought by engineers who dabble a little at UI design, but sorry to say, UI is often neglected but the field of study in UI design is much deeper than engineers realise. Engineers make the worst designers and vice versa. Successful products deliver on 2 principles: form and function. You're right that software can be changed, but before the iPhone came along, who was bothering doing a damn thing about the UI in phones?

[ZSX @ Oct 12th 2007 7:52AM]

I don't think it is actually fair to compare Windows Mobile/Symbian with the iPhone. The iPhone does a few tasks really well, and looks good in the process. The other two are true smartphone platforms where you can do a whole lot more, but forgo some UI swishiness.

Choose the phone for your needs, not based on some dogma. It is a piece of metal and plastic, not a religion!

[constantselective @ Feb 15th 2008 4:45PM]

For the record:
I'm just plain sick of the fanatical Mac fans that claim the iPhone = Jesus.
I rock a Mac laptop, and keep a PC desktop. My phone, currently windows mobile, but not due for an upgrade for a WHILE. Not until I can get an iPhone on a decent network. True, its the prettiest phone ever, but as far as functionality and getting stuff done, it falls short. I love Mac I really do, but I'm not going to bash every device and claim its the messiah when the call quality is crap, and it doesn't have real-time GPS, and it doesn't support bluetooth stereo. Seriously, who did the math on that? when I see someone attempting to show off with their corny white cords, I laugh, because I'm completely wireless. So, until the iPhone gets some BASICS down, I can only say it is a device that has merit, but it is not quite perfect. I think the integration to other Mac devices is admirable and shouldbe followed, I also think that the UI is great, and it has definitely put a flame under the asses on phone designers everywhere, but EDGE + WiFi = stupid. The network needs to be tops regardless of WiFi. As far as losing the race before leaving the gates... by the time AT&T gets their 3G, both Sprint and Verizon will be rolling out their 4G networks, providing speeds comparable to current WiFi. I want to say that the iPhone is the best device, but I can't for the fundamental fact that it lacks common sense features, and the network blows. The reason why the iPhone ended up on AT&T is because the company was willing to bend to Steve Jobs' demands, not because it was technologically suitable or superior. As a standalone device it's awesome, but when you bring it back to reality, back to society, a phone isn't only as good as it's software, but it's only as good as the network it's on.

[Jeff Lewis @ Oct 12th 2007 3:06AM]

Apple hate-baiting?

How does someone else making a phone similar to the iPhone constitute 'hate-baiting'? The only haters would be Apple corps or Apple zealots.

My recommendation would be to get a life.

It's just a phone.

Sheesh.

Besides, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery..."

[Michael La Framboise @ Oct 12th 2007 3:18AM]

If only imitation would help the industry as much as innovation does...

[Quix @ Oct 12th 2007 3:19AM]

"Besides, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...""

Steve Ballmer would disagree with you (re: Linux).

[Thomas Ricker @ Oct 12th 2007 4:08AM]

@Jeff,

I meant that any comparison of a phone to the iPhone on Engadget causes the Apple haters to come out in droves to vehemently shout it down. "The Prada was first, no Meizu announced first, no these were all based on the..."

Thomas

[taco @ Oct 12th 2007 3:08AM]

I would totally consider buying a Symbian S60 based iPhone style phone as it would be the most likely to interoperate with Ubuntu.

I would not however touch any Windows based phone with a 10 foot pole.

[Andrew @ Oct 12th 2007 3:19AM]

Agreed, Happily using my Nokia E62. thought about an N95 8GB, but I figured stay on the cheaps until Nokia releases the beast. I'll admit, I'd buy anything from Nokia, for pretty much the same reason crApple nuts go for Apple stuffs, because they are backing an (in their view) solid company with solid products. Though, as much as I hate the iMonopoly, the touch is quite intriguing. And the iPhone, though SERIOUSLY over reported, presents something to change the industry. If you knew how much I hated crApple, you would understand just how truly that hurt to say that....

But hey, my E62 does what an iPhone doesn't. Allow 3rd party apps. And for that, I'm Nokia all the way. Seriously, my $79 Nokia 6256i on VERIZON allowed me to install 3rd party apps (and for some odd reason, had a SIM card slot...) and (camera quality aside) is still beating most of the crap Verizon is pumping out these days at it's ripe old age.

And that is why I jumped off the Verizon stranglehold and now love my GSM network goodness.

[Benson @ Oct 12th 2007 11:20AM]

You could get an N800 -- it runs maemo, a debian-based linux, so it should interop as well with ubuntu, another debian-based linux, as anything.
Use the bluetooth handsfree profile, and leave your phone in your pocket all day. The linux iPho^H^H^H^Hinternet tablet can be your phone interface.

[PXLated @ Oct 12th 2007 3:15AM]

Geeez...we've had years of iPod-like. Do we now have to suffer through iPhone like to? And iPhone killer? And...

[Tony @ Oct 12th 2007 6:41AM]

The minute you install anything winshit on any device, IT becomes overpriced and useless. MS products belong in the garbage where they look best.

[The Raven @ Oct 12th 2007 8:07AM]

Hahaha! Apple steps into this industry as the new kid on the block with its first product and now everyone is scrambling to copy it. Guess Steve was right. The industry needed a swift kick in the pants! Awesome! Go Apple!

[Brodie @ Oct 12th 2007 8:45AM]

Scrambling to copy it? Last I checked everyone was scrambling to file class action lawsuits against it... Way to go iFans...

[Justin @ Oct 12th 2007 9:06AM]

Chances are, the phones were being developed concurrently. Apple got to market first, and now they're paying for it, as is typically the case in these situations.

[bewlaybrutha @ Oct 12th 2007 3:11PM]

@justin
yes, yes, of course, which is why they're 2 years behind. you must be a fuckin genius to be the first one to realize this

[Raphael @ Oct 12th 2007 8:21AM]

Either way, this is good news. Who cares if it's Apple or Nokia or anyone else. As long as there's some innovation and competition happening the consumers (i.e. us) will benefit.

[james @ Oct 12th 2007 9:01AM]

Sweet. But unfortunately that I'll be only a little more than half through my ATT/iPhone contract. Although, for 150 bucks I can dump this for something better. (no, I don't hate it, but I hate the camera, hate the "webapps" concept, and the other slowness due to the throttle effect b/c due to their unwillingness to open it up).

[yroc @ Oct 12th 2007 9:28AM]

It's the software! Apple has always been a software company that happens to put their slick software in handsomely designed boxes. I would have bought my iPhone if it were shaped like a turd! Good luck with your "iPhone-like" products. Did you see the new ads for the Samsung Juke? looks like a killer! Oh yea and it's "exclusively at Verizon" let the law suits begin...Come on everyone let's demand that Samsung open up the Juke...yea...nevermind...There’s no after market for the Juke so no one will scream you need to open it up!

[AdvidG @ Oct 12th 2007 10:09AM]

Microsoft mobile OS was the leader of the pack...in 1990.

They never really improved it, so it got pasted up.

And Pocket Pc's?
They to this day STILL only have memory in the mb's!
WTF!!!
Apple beat them by improving and updating the out of date Pocket Pc...for now.

What they need to make is a ULTRA Media Pocket Device/phone.

Everything people want on the go...expandable, upgradeable open and free to third party.

I want a laptop in my pocket..not a shitty locked down Zune!

[L @ Oct 12th 2007 10:42AM]

I think it's funny how lots of people here condemn products that are so far away from availability or even just their announcement that exactly NOTHING is known...at least wait until they're presented before you judge *sigh*

I for one would gladly exchange a bit of fade-this-coverflow-that for real 3rd party apps, solid basic functions and a good cam, not to mention 3G...so, bring it on.

[Constable Odo @ Oct 12th 2007 11:17AM]

I'd like to say these companies are so pathetic to make copies of a handset from a company that never put out a handset before. It's not that they weren't capable of coming up with their own designs, but they were either playing it safe or just didn't think it was the right time. Why now are all the companies coming out with widescreen touch phones? Why don't they continue make the same old stuff they've been making?

I'm not claiming Apple was the first to design a widescreen touch handset, but the first company to make them sure didn't hit mainstream. Now they keep saying they're gunning for Apple. It's almost like they're admitting that they have to come up with something to compete against the iPhone, while saying the iPhone is no big threat. WTF. If they make better handsets than the iPhone, more power to them.

They're still not going to be able to compete with the Mobile Leopard OS, so if that's a main factor, they might as well go after some other handset company. iPhone 2.0 will have GPS, 3G, WiFi and more applications. I don't know about what type of camera they'll use. Leopard Server will handle push e-mail. Good luck to the other handset companies. They're going to have a difficult time keeping up with with Apple for total handset integration to the desktop since only Apple has computer, handset and media distribution services.

[Frankie Teo @ Oct 12th 2007 12:04PM]

Bring it on!. I would be very surprised if Symbian can perform as fluidly as the OSX of iPhone, Apple can do with some competition. They have only one model to offer now. I want to see 12 to 20 models a year to have mainstream following. They need to ship 20 to 100 million units per year, to get a slice of the competition. HTC and SamSung are the innovators.

[Pdexter @ Oct 12th 2007 2:52PM]

You are right Nokia isnt realy a huge innovator. Thought it taken as one as of course so many has Nokia(in here EU and Asia) and many times they are the company to polish it and make it main stream as Apple did with touch screen phone.
I have to say that i dont think Apple could make 20+ diff models(would you?). Because one of the reason Apple can make phone like this is because it dosent have huge portfolio.
Iphone sales arent anything to make any diff with shares % that mobile phone companys has now, but actually if Apple wouldnt had made iphone today might be realy dull with the competition going on. With Nokia controlling the market. As its old rival Motorola is going down(for some time at least) and Nokia getting 40% of the phone market share this year.

[sauron @ Oct 12th 2007 1:34PM]

omfg this is ridiculous. all the apple fan boys screaming around "oh my they gonna copy our design". jesus christ stfu. apple has sold a few million shitty locked phones and you guys think apple somehow has a grip of the market. bullshit! apple is as crappy as every other company.

[Fnet @ Oct 12th 2007 2:32PM]

apple fanboys, you are frogs in a well, what a pity

[skhawaja @ Oct 13th 2007 12:22AM]

I can see the patent lawyers piling up from here - go nokia! just make it a world phone as usual - thanks!

[moe @ Oct 13th 2007 2:05AM]

this is not the first time one company copied another. motorola put out the razr and all the low end cellular manufacturers jumped at the opportunity to release the thinnest phone. The 2 companies that stayed true to there form was sony and nokia. the razr then became too affordable and motorola lost millions after its initial success. they went from top/tied with nokia to a bottom feeder company. they tried once to put out the next new thing but just as the rockr was coming out the w800 came in and killed any hope of motorola/apple releasing a music phone for a long time. these trends happen all the time. before you start saying motorola has sold more blah blah blah check your facts nokia has the most purchased phone in history. before you start talking about the iphone success, most of the iphones purchased were during its release and they have only recently eclipsed a million units. the n95 will double that figure easily in the same amount of time when the new version is released. even the sony k850 might sell a lot as it is the most bandwidth loaded phone to date with quadband gsm and triband 3g. if you buy a music phone you want something like a walkman interface. if you want a camera phone you want something with a digital camera interface etc... the iphone gui is only good for one thing...getting laid. its a hummer great offroader with only 7 miles/gallon. it is a hardware downgrade to almost every phone available.

[engadget @ Oct 14th 2007 12:38AM]

One of the posters questioned whether there was ever a handheld with an easy, intuitive UI before the iPhone. In 2004, Sony released the TH55 Clie handheld. The Th55 had a beautiful 320 X 480 screen, large icons on the home screen, clear text display, choice of home page layouts, and ran any of the thousands of Palm OS third party apps. The included browser supported the standards used in 2004, and would display a squished full width version of web pages similar to the feature that Apple shows as something new in their 2007 commercials. It also had a chipset that facilitated 30 fps video, an expansion slot, and both Bluetooth/WiFI (UK model). It was not a phone, but could easily be tethered to one via Bluetooth. A Memory Stick VCR was an option to allow recording TV shows directly to a MS, and viewing them on the Clie without transcoding.

The TH55 did not have all the eye candy the iPhone does, but it had many more capabilities, was easy to use, had a great 320 x 480 screen, fine text display, had true 3rd party app support, and did an excellent job displaying 2004 era web pages. Because it had several web page display modes, you could display some pages without all the horizontal scrolling, pinching etc. required to view a page with readable text on the iPhone / iPod Touch. When the Apple CEO showed the iPhone at MacWorld in January 2004, my first thought is that looks like a TH55 that lost a little weight.

I am not saying the iPhone is bad. It is certainly a cool device; however, it is not the first with a nice screen, full web support, and an nice UI. I also had several VGA resolution Windows Mobile devices that had fantastic looking screens for text, graphics, and video.

[engadget @ Oct 14th 2007 12:58AM]

It is getting late. I, of course, meant MacWorld 2007, not MacWorld 2004. The TH55 came with a stylus, but frequently I use my finger for navigation rather than the stylus. When I am surfing a webpage with tightly grouped web links, I wish the iPhone / iPod Touch accepted Stylus input, not just finger input. I am not saying the 2004 TH55's interface was as slick as the 2007 Apple products. I am saying, the TH55 was intuitive, easy to use, had a great screen, displayed full webpages, and preceded the iPhone by 3 years.

[Frank Daley @ Oct 18th 2007 7:35PM]

Why is it that "handset makers Asustek, BenQ, Compal and Arima Communications" cannot learn the very simple lesson ... Microsoft cannot be trusted. In 2009 they will be discarded in the same way that Microsoft discarded its "PlaysForSure" partners and came out with the Zune.

Oh and the Zune - that was the device that was going to beat the pants off the iPod wasn't it? At last count I believe the sales were running 100:1 in favor of the iPod.