Future Look: Apple iPhone
Slaving in the rumor factory
So, we arrive at the inevitable. Let’s face it: if cell phone companies are going to include music in any of their gadgets, the process is going to awaken the great Apple, digital media’s sleeping giant. The Cupertino-based company hasn’t released anything monumental lately (unless you consider a shrunken Shuffle big news), leaving iFanatics waiting in the wings.
According to many sources, the long-awaited iPhone entered production in late November. That means Apple CEO Steve Jobs should have a final version of the device for some kind of grand unveiling during January’s annual MacWorld Show. Rough calculations would have the iPhone ready for release during the summer of 2007, or at the very latest, next Christmas.
Speaking of rumors, it’s been reported that Taiwan manufacturer Hon Hai have been awarded the rights to “Apple handsets”, which many are speculating represents the highly anticipated iPhone. The alleged number headed to production? A staggering 12 million.
Speaking of rumors, it’s been reported that Taiwan manufacturer Hon Hai have been awarded the rights to “Apple handsets”, which many are speculating represents the highly anticipated iPhone. The alleged number headed to production? A staggering 12 million.
So, what’s likely to be included? Rumors abound, but here are some of the realistic possibilities:
- Tech Highlights
- Video conferencing
- Improved remote access to iTunes
- Wi-Fi
As if all of the speculation surrounding the first iPhone wasn’t enough, some insiders are reporting that a second version is already in the works. This follow-up will apparently perform the expected music player / phone combination, but will also add instant messaging features. That’s a direct challenge to RIM’s BlackBerry, and may upstage that company’s attempt to hit the youth market.
In browsing our reviews of some of the iPhone’s competitors, including the Samsung Sync and Motorola ROKR E1, there certainly are some holes that Apple’s device can fill. Here’s just a small list of the most necessary upgrades we need to see from the iPhone:
| Accessible Memory | Sure, you can get to the memory card on many of the music phones currently available. But, we simply didn’t see enough effort at making the process easy. That’s because the battery is often in the way, and accessing an SD card usually requires removing it. Big pain. |
| Wi-Fi | With Apple’s new competition in the portable music player market - the Microsoft Zune - making Wi-Fi available, it’s appropriate that the iPhone respond. We expect Apple to provide us with wireless music transfers (no more USB), and maybe even an imitation of the DRM fun that Microsoft implemented into the Zune. |
| Efficient Interface | Many of the music phones we studied could use a lesson in communication. That’s because none were particularly brilliant for accessing songs, with external music controls being the exception rather than the norm. It could be a major triumph for Apple if it creates a music phone that makes MP3 playback as simple as answering an incoming call. |
| Keyboard | We like the direction RIM is taking with the BlackBerry. It seems to get better with every iteration, as the company grows from a strictly business audience to one that wouldn’t be ashamed if it were caught watching Family Guy. And yet, they’ve kept the quirky and useful keyboard associated with the original BlackBerry, which is a concept Apple should consider. |
| Design+Function | This is probably the most important point for the folks at Apple to consider. Since we’re pretty sure the iPhone will be a looker, it’s important that it provide enough features and a general ease-of-use to make us forget about the superficial RAZR. |