Apple's iPhone: Touch Screen Is In

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.apple.com/iphone/' target='_blank'>http://www.apple.com/iphone/</a><br /><br /></div><em>&quot;iPhone is a widescreen iPod with touch controls that lets you enjoy all your content &mdash; including music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies &mdash; on a beautiful 3.5-inch widescreen display. It also lets you sync your content from the iTunes library on your PC or Mac. And then you can access it all with just the touch of a finger.&quot;</em><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20070109-iPhone.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Summarizing the iPhone is no easy feat. There's a huge amount of information, pictures, and QuickTime demonstrations to digest, so I recommend you visit the <a href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/" target="_blank">iPhone page</a> when you have a spare moment. But phone and data capabilities aside, the iPhone is an iPod and it has a new UI and new capabilities that make it unlike any iPod that has ever been released. Let's break it down. It handles music, pictures, and video. It supports large album art on a 3.5&quot; Multi-Touch 320 x 480 display (which supports multi-finger gestures), Cover Flow browsing, automatic switching between portrait and landscape modes, and it has 4GB or 8GB built-in, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are definitely features here that no longer make the Zune UI as unique as it once was, but there are also some features it's missing, which gives the Zune a slight edge. Whichever way you look at it, it's healthy competition, and it'll be interesting to see what both Apple and Microsoft can conjure in the months and years ahead.

[eufreka]

Hello!
Can you say "lowest common denominator"? Did I miss something or is there NO stylus? No handwriting recognition?

The keyboard thing sounds like my Wii....

Oh yeah, they will sell 10 million in no time...to the same people who made the RAZR "the" phone.

The best thing you could say about it is that it is the idiot-proof smartphone (think about that one for a minute, I'll wait).

One other rant (having not watched the video, only reading the reporting...

IF this was a Microsoft debut, everyone would be ripping on security vulnerabilities, network integration, etc.

Obviously this is a consumer device that could not possibly fit into a corporate network.

I mean, does Apple Inc. use Yahoo for their mail backbone?

[David Tucker]

Yeah, they'll sell a couple these. For $500 - $600? They're dreaming...

[flatline response]

Will do well among the trendy types, I suppose. For anyone else who's on a budget, and those of us who CAN'T stand Cingular...I have to think that this is a big no sale, despite the cool design. I certainly don't see myself giving up MY BlackBerry for one of these, especially if it mean I have to go over to THAT service provider.

So...touch screen...synonymous for scratched screen? Fingerprint-littered screen?

[priesmeyer]

I know my mac zealot friend will be touting this and purchasing one asap. I expect that fully.

But let me ask this- just to bring this back around to the Zune:

Do you think there will be issues with cover art displaying poorly and pixelated on that glorious screen? I will be you a jillion dollars Steve Jobs will not allow the iPhone to have ugly, jagged album art. Every image will be hi-res so not one single glance at one of these devices will look less than perfect. (until the scratches and smears appear, of course ;) )

[Aaron Roma]

I don't know much about it yet, other than the few pictures and news clips I've seen, but it sure is a nice looking device. I can't wait to see one in person and play around with it.

[Darius Wey]

Do you think there will be issues with cover art displaying poorly and pixelated on that glorious screen? I will be you a jillion dollars Steve Jobs will not allow the iPhone to have ugly, jagged album art. Every image will be hi-res so not one single glance at one of these devices will look less than perfect. (until the scratches and smears appear, of course ;) )

Yes, Apple certainly wins in this area. iTunes offers high resolution (roughly 600 x 600) album art and it looks great on the iPod, and like you've suggested, I'm sure Jobs and his team made double sure that it'd look good on the iPhone as well. Microsoft just doesn't get it here. They really need to see that there's room for improvement in the way the Zune handles album art. :(

[grommet]

Do you think there will be issues with cover art displaying poorly and pixelated on that glorious screen? I will be you a jillion dollars Steve Jobs will not allow the iPhone to have ugly, jagged album art. Every image will be hi-res so not one single glance at one of these devices will look less than perfect. (until the scratches and smears appear, of course ;) )iTunes Store already supplies overkill 600x600 resolution album art embeded into each .M4A file. No problem scaling that to the screen resolution. The new iTunes 7 "Find Album Art" function for your own rips, if it finds the album correctly, also uses the same 600x600 source image. (But it does not waste space by embedding it into the content.)

On the other hand... The content provider Zune uses supplies 150x150 resolution art embedded into the .WMA file. YUCK for anything other than a thumbnail. :mad: (The first thing I do: Remove it.) Self-rip/"Find Album Info" images comes from a different place, thankfully, and supplies normally acceptable 200 x 200 images. I often manually embed small but higher resolution images (400x400) myself.

It would be nice if Microsoft got everyone on the same page and made everything 240x240 to match the Zune, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sigh...

[DesertLarry]

The interface seems pretty cool, but after a couple of weeks of use you will be lucky if you can even see the album art through all the scratches and fingerprint smudges.

[NPrtmn4evr]

While I think the iPhone looks amazing, it's just not practical for the average consumer, and definitely won't do much to hurt the Zune (yet). For the price, most people are NOT going to purchase the iPhone as a primary mp3 player. And the fact they went exclusively with Cingular it will also prevent a lot of people from purchasing it as a phone too.

Once Apple incorporates the technology into a dedicated iPod, then they'll have an amazing mass-market product. But until then, this gives the Zune more of a chance to catch up in the mp3 player marketspace:D

[Phillip Dyson]

I think the iPhone will definitely get some momentum with Mac PowerUsers. $400 is a lot of money, but my TyTN cost about $650.

Apple isn't going after cellphone users, or iPod users. They're going after smartphone users who want their music with them. The price actually makes perfect sense. It wont canabalize their iPod sales because of the high price and smaller capacity.

Steve has shown why he wasn't worried about the Zune release. Now its time for MS to step up and bring out the next generation Zune. Perhaps even the Zune phone.

With the exception of 3G, Apple is probably going to settle into a cycle of OS upgrades to add features. As for hardware, their next steps will probably to go smaller (read: thinner), and add hardware buttons.

[grommet]

I think the iPhone will definitely get some momentum with Mac PowerUsers. $400 is a lot of money, but my TyTN cost about $650$100 more! It's $499 (for 4GB) and $599 (for 8GB)... and that's with a 2 year commitment to a high-end Cingular/AT&T plan.

I'm not so sure this is exactly the real "Smart Phone" market, since it's going to be a totally closed platform, has zero corporate access features and is limited to touch input. It's really aimed at the tech-fashion folks with plenty of disposable income... Apple's major demographic.

No matter what... it's probably sell like hotcakes, even tied to Cingular. It's "cool" and that's all that matters. Until I touch/use it, I won't make any real comments about true usability.

[Aaron Roma]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)

[Darin]

While I think the iPhone looks amazing, it's just not practical for the average consumer, and definitely won't do much to hurt the Zune (yet). For the price, most people are NOT going to purchase the iPhone as a primary mp3 player. And the fact they went exclusively with Cingular it will also prevent a lot of people from purchasing it as a phone too.

Once Apple incorporates the technology into a dedicated iPod, then they'll have an amazing mass-market product. But until then, this gives the Zune more of a chance to catch up in the mp3 player marketspace:D
I agree that it isn't competition for the iPod or Zune and I agree as a standalone player it would be really hot. However, do not underestimate the value as both competition to the MS Smartphone platform and the Zune.

Most smartphone users really don't do too much more then what is provided in the iPhone. Further Apple has indicated that there will be small add on apps that third parties can write.

As far as competition to Zune, I agree that the iPhone doesn't compete directly with the Zune totally different market. However, the speculation already is that this platform will be the basis for future iPods. That speculation alone could delay someones purchase of a Zune giving Apple time to develop/perfect the "next big thing".

[David Tucker]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)


All of them?

[David Tucker]

I agree that it isn't competition for the iPod or Zune and I agree as a standalone player it would be really hot. However, do not underestimate the value as both competition to the MS Smartphone platform and the Zune.

Most smartphone users really don't do too much more then what is provided in the iPhone. Further Apple has indicated that there will be small add on apps that third parties can write.

As far as competition to Zune, I agree that the iPhone doesn't compete directly with the Zune totally different market. However, the speculation already is that this platform will be the basis for future iPods. That speculation alone could delay someones purchase of a Zune giving Apple time to develop/perfect the "next big thing".

They do, however, do everything the iPhone does for 1/3 to 1/6 the price.

[Sage]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)

The iPhone is also a lot thinner than the Zune. In fact, the Zune's overall volume is 25% more than the iPhone and the iPhone packs a much larger display.

I still wouldn't buy an iPhone though. However, take out the phone part and add a 100GB HDD and I'd be very interested.

[Dyvim]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)

And why would they? It's .1 in taller, but .14 in thinner so ends up at 80% of the volume and 85% of the weight of the Zune. But unlike the Zune, it also packs in a bigger screen with twice the pixels, Bluetooth, and quad-band GSM. And to top it off, it's still rated for longer battery life for both audio and video. So no, I wouldn't expect too many folks to complain about the size on that basis (compared to the Zune). But compared to say a RAZR or many other dumbphones, it is a brick of a phone, and I do expect folk will complain about that. But it is thin, and thin is in, these days.

[Darin]

They do, however, do everything the iPhone does for 1/3 to 1/6 the price.

Not sure I agree. First off this thing competes with the WM phones (with touchscreens) more then the smartphones. The WM5 phones are 300+. None of them have this type of display and none come standard with 4 GB or for that matter a 2 MP camera. Add these features in and a WM5 phone is pushing $500 easy. A Dell Axim X51V retails for $499 and while the display is better it doesn't come equipped with 4GB or a camera or for that matter a phone.

Just to be clear though, I won't be buying an iPhone unless they drop exclusivity to Cingular (they will not be my carrier again) and they pump up the capacity. I would consider replacing my phone and MP3, but it would have to be worth my while. The iPhone has a beautiful screen, perfect for videos, then they cripple it with 8GB. Slap a 30+ GB drive in, hook me up to a different carrier and I'm there.

[David Tucker]

Not sure I agree. First off this thing competes with the WM phones (with touchscreens) more then the smartphones. The WM5 phones are 300+. None of them have this type of display and none come standard with 4 GB or for that matter a 2 MP camera. Add these features in and a WM5 phone is pushing $500 easy. A Dell Axim X51V retails for $499 and while the display is better it doesn't come equipped with 4GB or a camera or for that matter a phone.

Just to be clear though, I won't be buying an iPhone unless they drop exclusivity to Cingular (they will not be my carrier again) and they pump up the capacity. I would consider replacing my phone and MP3, but it would have to be worth my while. The iPhone has a beautiful screen, perfect for videos, then they cripple it with 8GB. Slap a 30+ GB drive in, hook me up to a different carrier and I'm there.


To be honest I lump the two into the same category. I have the T-Mobile MDA and I don't know what to call the thing. Smartphone is easiest though compared to a real smartphone its more like a genius phone ;) I'll still take an MDA over this anyday. They run $250 with the plan. That's half the price of the lowerend iPhone.

Capacity isn't really a concern for me...I wouldn't use it for music. My primary purpose of having my MDA is for it to be a mobile communications device - email, IM, IRC, SMS and phone. The iPhone just seems to be particurally unsuited to those being the primary use of the device. I like my real keyboard, thanks ;)

[Adam Krebs]

It would be nice if Microsoft got everyone on the same page and made everything 240x240 to match the Zune, but I'm not holding my breath.

Sigh...



Yes, yes it would. I think I recall ZuneGuy or Zunester saying something about hiring a firm to update all the album art in the marketplace or something.... We can only hope.

[LPD]

If they want to sell millions of these at such a high price they will need to create an artificial shortage and tell people they can have one or will have to wait outside the stores for a couple of days in line. :rolleyes: (Remember the pink Zune that sold for over $900 on eBay)

Looks like a great product except that its tied to Cingular, a company I'd never sign a contract with again. I think I'll stick with Verizon and my Moto K1m KRZR.

[Macguy59]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)

Same size as the Q. What is there to slam? Of the negative reviews I've seen about the Zune's size was the thickness.

[Macguy59]

. There are definitely features here that no longer make the Zune UI as unique as it once was, but there are also some features it's missing, which gives the Zune a slight edge. .

What missing features gives the Zune that slight edge? Capacity and . . . . what else? I think if Apple offers this sans cellular wireless at a reduced priced the Zune will be in trouble unless it has major makeover coming real soon.

[Darius Wey]

What missing features gives the Zune that slight edge? Capacity and . . . . what else? I think if Apple offers this sans cellular wireless at a reduced priced the Zune will be in trouble unless it has major makeover coming real soon.

Capacity, FM radio. Admittedly, they aren't huge factors.

One could argue that the Zune "plugs" into a more diverse ecosystem (Xbox 360, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Media Center, etc.). The Mac OS X, iPod, and Apple TV package still seems to be missing a few things.

[john a.]

While I think the iPhone looks amazing, it's just not practical for the average consumer, and definitely won't do much to hurt the Zune (yet).


What chance does Zune have? I expect Apple will release an updated iPod which uses some iPhone technology this year.

iPhone is not a Zune competitor - Apple have handily leap-frogged the Zune in all areas except song sharing.

Zune has - perhaps - six months to get their foot in the door.

Microsoft's mistake was creating a HD based player. They need to make something sleek and sexy (using flash memory).

Another clunky brown box won't cut it.:eek:

[john a.]

I think the iPhone will definitely get some momentum with Mac PowerUsers. $400 is a lot of money, but my TyTN cost about $650.

Before Microsoft releases a Zune phone, they first have to make the Zune "experience" as good as the iPod's. It certainly isn't there yet.

[john a.]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)

The difference is - the only extra thing Zune packed in was a wifi chip.

iPhone has packed in Bluetooth, Wifi, and a cellular radio - in addition to a 3.5" screen.

Zune = clunky

iPhone = sleek

[john a.]

Capacity, FM radio. Admittedly, they aren't huge factors.

One could argue that the Zune "plugs" into a more diverse ecosystem (Xbox 360, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Media Center, etc.). The Mac OS X, iPod, and Apple TV package still seems to be missing a few things.

Problem is that agrument isn't terribly compelling.

[Jason Dunn]

You know, I wonder how many of the bloggers and reviewers out there that slamed the "gigantic" Zune won't say a word about the size of this device. (Same width as Zune but taller.)

Yeah, but it's more a matter of thickness I think.

A physical mock up:
http://www.kottke.org/07/01/the-apple-iphone

A breakdown using Size Easy (http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/apple-iphone-sized-up-and-compared-to-treo-750-moto-q-and-bb-p/).

The iPhone is 11.6 mm thick and the Zune is 15.24 mm thick. That's 24% thicker.

[Jason Dunn]

Problem is that agrument isn't terribly compelling.

We're still VERY early in this game, and the fact that Microsoft has more pieces of the puzzle put together than Apple will become more apparent this year I believe.