Mike Foley, president of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, was probably right when he said Apple Inc. is working on a proprietary Bluetooth-like technology for its iPhone. And while I agree with Foley that the first generation iPhone could have been better had it used Bluetooth A2DP audio technology, Apple's long-standing practice to develop its own technology has ultimately benefited the consumer with unique, superior computing technology. The company's iPhone series will be no exception.
I type this column using the Notes application on the very device Foley referred to, and can tell you with confidence that the iPhone will become the unmatched leader in the personal digital assistant market in the same way the iPod leads the portable music device space.
With all its limitations, and there is a small list of them, the iPhone in its current form is still the most advanced, intuitive and stylish personal digital assistant I've ever seen.
This assertion, at least in my mind, has stirred up the question: Do people actually need a device that delivers telephony, e-mail, Internet, planning software, a music player, videos and photography? I came to this question thinking about how a desire for an iPhone may relate to my adoption of Bluetooth headset technology for use with my regular mobile phone.
Before I used a wireless Bluetooth headset with my mobile phone, a wired headset worked just fine. When I tried Bluetooth for the first time it became apparent that the wires on my regular headset were an incumberance, and maybe they even caused a safety problem when they caught on my neck as I turned my head to check for traffic.
When I bought my first mobile phone I was 22 years old. Before that I used a landline - with a rotary dial. I've heard that some people in my grandparents' generation didn't even have a telephone. Many parents of World War II soldiers heard about their son's death via telegraph.
Today, Iraq War parents communicate daily with their children overseas via mobile telephones or the Internet. My wife and I use mobile phones for all of our telephony needs; we don't even have a landline. Now, we're watching people buy iPhones - and think we may need a pair for ourselves.
Wait! Need? It's a tough question to answer.
At this juncture in civilization, I can say that I probably do need each of the features the iPhone provides: I listen to music, I share photos digitally, I watch videos, I use e-mail, I surf the Web and read news online, I watch the stock market, the weather and the time, I keep my schedule and contacts in digital format, I use Google Maps to get to my destination, I send text messages, use a calculator and bring my phone with me wherever I go.
Can I do without any of these features? Well, yeah, of course I can. But then I'd have one less advantage in a world that is increasingly more competitive and substantially more mobile. To have one mobile device with all of the elements of the digital world with me at all times would certainly save me money and time, even if it costs $400 plus service fees to start. Isn't increased efficiency the goal of any money making operation? How is my personal-professional life any different?
I decided before the iPhone came out that I would wait for a second or third generation version. I owned a first generation iPod until I gave it to my Dad when I bought an iPod Photo. Now, even the iPod I use is way behind the current versions out there today. Of course, when I finally do buy an iPhone, it will be topped again in four-to-eight month's time. I'm not waiting so I can wow people with the next six- month king.
I am waiting for a device that I will need to run the digital part of my life in the best way possible. The thing that really shocks me is that this device in my hands is almost the one.
I've tried a BlackBerry, the next best PDA, and I've tried a Palm, which shouldn't even be considered part of the same category. A laptop - actually - is better than both, but still too big and lacking in mobile telephony.
What makes the iPhone better than what's out there is largely a function of its maker and that company's operating strategy. Apple knows how to create integrated software that plays off of its combined strength, then it puts that software and an intuitive operating system in some of the most hardy, advanced and attractive hardware. No other manufacturer does this as well.
For instance, if the auto correct feature isn't proof enough of Apple's genious (you have to try it), the magnifying glass feature that helps you put the cursor in the right spot will surely do the trick.
Kudos must also be given to AT&T for understanding the way Apple works and for letting the company innovate- uninfringed. Without the new generation telecom's hands-off approach, we wouldn't have the iPhone on retail shelves today. Even as a mobile phone, the iPhone operates years beyond the closest competitor. My contacts or speed dial numbers are two clicks away and the dial pad is even larger than the one on my parents' new mobile landline phone. The Safari browser adds to the mobile phone functionality: I can dial a number by touching it or send an e-mail with my thumb.
Yet, I hesitate to buy a first generation version for several reasons:
- This Notes application is fantastic, and I can export it to my document editor no problem, but I can't - and should be able to - import documents onto this device as well.
- The touch screen keyboard and the artificial intelligence it employs makes the typing experience fast, but it could be faster if the digital keyboard were just slightly bigger or if I could use a Bluetooth keyboard when I really need typing speed.
- The full Safari Internet browser is fast and effective, but it doesn't work with all Web pages, applications or file types. Perhaps the ability to use Google documents or similar Web-apps would bring the device to the next level?
- I don't have USB 2.0 port on my computer, the only format that allows music, video and photo transfers. I would appreciate combatibility with Firewire. My iPod was designed to work with Firewire.
- The 8 gigabyte storage is, well, simply lame, especially when the company is building 160 gigabyte iPods. A 30 gigabyte minimum would be nice.
- The device has a Wi-Fi capability, but can't transfer files or run my stereo system wirelessly, even though I have Apple's own Airport Express router, which is designed to bring music to my stereo from a device over the airwaves.
- And yes, it doesn't come with or allow for the use of Bluetooth stereo headphones that also double as a headset for phone calls. It's microphone does not cancel background noise other than my voice when I'm on the phone.
Still, I can't say my personal preferences will extend to everybody, and I am convinced that the first generation iPhone will be enough, if not more than enough, for most people. It works great on my home Wi-Fi network and good on AT&T's EDGE network. There were few areas where I was without full use of the device's capabilities, and I live in the woods of New Hampshire.
As I wind down this column and get ready to send it from this beautiful device to my computer via e-mail, I dread having to send the iPhone back to AT&T tomorrow. It is an amazing device, and I can't wait to see what else Apple and AT&T have in store.
Posted September 19, 2007 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
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