[foot-loose]

The new iPhone and software is out on the 17th June. To be honest, I don't see a huge difference between the older and new models except a couple of features that probably wont be much use to me. The new software is more exciting in my opinion...



iPhone Software 3.0

Cut, Copy & Paste
Quickly and easily cut, copy and paste text from application to application. Select entire blocks of web text with a tap. Copy and paste images from the web, too.

Landscape Keyboard
Want more room to type? Rotate iPhone to landscape to use a larger keyboard in Mail, Messages, Notes and Safari.

MMS
Send MMS messages and include video, photos, audio and contact info. Even tap to snap a picture or shoot a video right inside Messages.

Spotlight Search
Find what you’re looking for across your iPhone, all from one place. Spotlight searches all of your contacts, email, calendars and notes, as well as everything in your iPod.

Voice Memos
Capture a memo, a meeting or any audio recording on the go. Voice Memos works with the built-in iPhone microphone or with the mic on your headset.

Calendar
Create meetings via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and subscribe to calendars with new CalDAV support.

Buy Films, TV Programmes and Audiobooks
Download films, TV programmes, music videos and audiobooks from the iTunes Store on your iPhone.

Enhanced Stocks App
Get more at-a-glance information and view charts in landscape.

Safari Improvements
Faster performance, autofill user names and passwords, and more.

Internet Tethering
Share your Internet connection with your laptop with Internet tethering via Bluetooth or USB.

Stereo Bluetooth
Connect compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones, car kits or other accessories.

Automatic Wi-Fi Login
Log in to a Wi-Fi hotspot and iPhone automatically logs you in when you connect again.

Sync Notes
Never leave a note behind. Now you can sync all the notes you write on your iPhone back to your Mac or PC.

Parental Controls
Decide what music, videos and apps kids can access.

iTunes Store Account
Create and log in to one or more iTunes Store accounts directly from your iPhone.

YouTube Login
Log in to your YouTube account to save and sync bookmarks and rate favourites.

Shake to Shuffle
Give iPhone a shake and it shuffles to a different song in your music library.

New Languages
iPhone supports 30 languages and more than 40 keyboard layouts.

MobileMe Find My iPhone and Remote Wipe
Find your iPhone if you lose it and protect your privacy with Remote Wipe.

Run the Latest Apps
Run the next generation of iPhone apps, like peer-to-peer games and more.

http://www.apple.com/uk/iphone/softwareupdate/


'mon it.

[ladbroke]

So it nearly does everything a Blackberry Storm does, and everything the first generation model should've done!

I do like the idea of the remote wipe feature if your phone gets stolen. Although it would need the sim to still be in it, which is unlikely once crooks have your phone..........

[Ed Pummelon]

If you read the small print on the US site, the prices for the new handset a for new customers only - it's significantly more for existing ATT owners to upgrade. They may do this in the UK as well, no idea.

I don't get the argument that these are features the first generation model "should" have had. There are some things the 1st gen iPhone implemented far better than the competition, some things it had which the competition didn't, and some which it didn't that the competition did. There's no such thing as what "should" or "shouldn't" be in a 1st gen model - the killer spec is the one that outsells the others in the market you're competing in.

[ladbroke]

I don't get the argument that these are features the first generation model "should" have had. There are some things the 1st gen iPhone implemented far better than the competition, some things it had which the competition didn't, and some which it didn't that the competition did. There's no such thing as what "should" or "shouldn't" be in a 1st gen model - the killer spec is the one that outsells the others in the market you're competing in.

The first generation was touted as the best thing since sliced bread (which of course Apple would as they were trying to sell them), but it clearly wasn't. This model seems to address most of those short comings.

[Ed Pummelon]

I don't get the argument that these are features the first generation model "should" have had. There are some things the 1st gen iPhone implemented far better than the competition, some things it had which the competition didn't, and some which it didn't that the competition did. There's no such thing as what "should" or "shouldn't" be in a 1st gen model - the killer spec is the one that outsells the others in the market you're competing in.

The first generation was touted as the best thing since sliced bread (which of course Apple would as they were trying to sell them), but it clearly wasn't. This model seems to address most of those short comings.

All new launches try and persuade consumers that the product is the best thing since sliced bread. These products rarely are, and I include the iPhone in that - none of which is relevant as to why you and others insist that certain features should appear in first gen rather than second gen models.

I judge the success of a product on its sales. By that criteria, the first gen iPhone was a success, and therefore the feature set was obviously acceptable to the customer base. That being the case, that feature set was the correct one for the device.

That doesn't make the list exhaustive, as I'm sure the feature lists on the new iPhone, latest Blackberry, new Pre and so on also aren't. There is certainly more to come from all manufacturers, however, what meaningful criteria do we have to judge the appropriateness of the feature set to the model, other than the level of sales?

What I believe you and others are driving at - although you haven't specifically stated it - is that other models have certain features, therefore the iPhone should also have had them. Given the level of sales the 1st gen iPhone achieved - why?

[ladbroke]

My argument is style over content. Pure and simple. The iphone is a success because it looks fantastic. For a lot of people this is the number one criteria, hence great sales. Even I can see it looks good. At release the first generation was miles behind the offerings from other companies that were being offered at a similar price point. Technologically times haven't changed that much since the 1st gen launch, so why weren't all the bells and whistles included in the 1st model? It wouldn't have been beneficial for Apple, that's why. This way, periodically they can launch a 'new' version and Johnny public will part with lots of money for the next great looking phone from Apple. It's drip feeding of technology which isn't new.

[MK Chris]

Can you make calls with it?

[ladbroke]

That's so last century

[Ed Pummelon]

Last time I checked, the aim of a company was to turn a profit. You seem to be judging them on some kind of a moral basis (they're not offering what others are, but they should) rather than a business one. This is the argument I don't understand. We're talking about a multi-million dollar global tech corporation, not Save The Children.

If a company creates a product, and it sells well, then it's a successful product - end of story. You can argue all day long about "well, it should include this, they should have done that, other people are doing something else", but that's worth nothing. Bottom line - is it profitable, yes / no? In this case the answer is very clearly yes.

[Yudster]

Not really. The vast majority of us have no need for email and internet access at all times (and no desire for them either) and all the other bells, whistles and gizmos that the iPhone (and others) has are irrelevant and useless to all but a small handful of people. I really believe that most people are like me - all we want is something that will make and receive calls and text messages, and possibly have a camera (although that really isn't a big deal).

All the other stuff is just so that Apple (and others) can make loads of money fleecing people who imagine that they need all this stuff that they'll never use. Which is fine, if you are happy to do that, why not?

[Ed Pummelon]

All the other stuff is just so that Apple (and others) can make loads of money fleecing people who imagine that they need all this stuff that they'll never use. Which is fine, if you are happy to do that, why not?

If I make a product and people buy it even they though they don't really need it, that's their fault. Don't come crying to me.

[ladbroke]

Neither of us will convince the other! I don't agree with the Apple propoganda, so I bought a Blackberry. Apple know exactly what they are doing, and they are doing it very well.

[Ed Pummelon]

Neither of us will convince the other! I don't agree with the Apple propoganda, so I bought a Blackberry. Apple know exactly what they are doing, and they are doing it very well.

Based on that post, I don't actually think we're that far apart - I totally agree that Apple know exactly what they are doing, and they are doing it very well. Where I think we differ is that for me that's all that counts - it's just about the pounds and pence - whereas I get the sense that you believe that customers are being mistreated by the feature set that's offered.

However you've almost defeated your own argument by your Blackberry purchase - in that you've looked at Apple, made a judgement, and gone elsewhere. That option was and is open to every single iPhone purchaser - if they don't take that option, the blame can't be laid at Apple's door.

[Yudster]

All the other stuff is just so that Apple (and others) can make loads of money fleecing people who imagine that they need all this stuff that they'll never use. Which is fine, if you are happy to do that, why not?

If I make a product and people buy it even they though they don't really need it, that's their fault. Don't come crying to me.

I didn't. Calm down Ed, you're becoming a real grouch you know?

[Console]

Not really. The vast majority of us have no need for email and internet access at all times (and no desire for them either) and all the other bells, whistles and gizmos that the iPhone (and others) has are irrelevant and useless to all but a small handful of people. I really believe that most people are like me - all we want is something that will make and receive calls and text messages, and possibly have a camera (although that really isn't a big deal).

And that is why I have a Motorola F3.

Ed Pummelon is right though, Apple are in no way forcing people to buy their products, there's plenty of easily purchasable (and generally cheaper) alternatives - I don't think it can be said Apple are fleecing their customers, that would imply that their in some way being deceptive - they're not. If people are stupid enough to waste their money on something they don't need and won't get the full use out of then that's their fault. However, many people do use the internet and email on their 'phones' as well as the calender, alarm, games, camera, music player, calculator and deity-knows what other features that come with them - some people want to be able to do that stuff on the move and with a single device.

[Ed Pummelon]

I didn't. Calm down Ed, you're becoming a real grouch you know?

Classic forum misinterpretation - that wasn't aimed at you, it was a general comment on the subject we were discussing. I realised after I posted it that it could come across as a swipe at you as I quoted you, but I couldn't edit it, and then got caught up in replying to Ladbroke's post.

Apologies for any offence, it wasn't intended.

[Yudster]

None taken, and it was more of a general comment really - you've been a right moody arse recently. What's up?

[Ed Pummelon]

Really? Apart from having no patience with idiots I hadn't realised I'd been moody. Sorry about that - maybe I should have another self-imposed "only post nice comments" day. Or use more smilies or something. Hmm...

[Bruvva]

It's still shit and aimed at the "style over substance" brigade.

[Ed Pummelon]

Thanks for your comments, welcome to the debate

(Yuds, heeeelp )

[Console]

It's still shit and aimed at the "style over substance" brigade.

Why is it 'shit'? My friend that's got one has no problems with his.

[jocky85]

My friend is still obsessed with his!

[Yudster]

I know a lot of people who have them and really like - well actually, I was going to say really like them, but I suspect that the truth is that they really like HAVING them. And who am I to say there's anything wrong with that?

[Bruvva]

It's still shit and aimed at the "style over substance" brigade.

Why is it 'shit'? My friend that's got one has no problems with his.

It just doesn't warrant the hype. It's pretty. And apple fanbois irritate me so I kinda of take an "it's shit" approach as a default.

But 3 MP camera with no flash - shit.

VGA video. Shit.

Compass. Pointless Shit.

Tethering - Shit that's been possible on other phones for god knows how long.

Also, WHY is a company releasing a new phone deemed worthy of plastering all over the headlines?

[Ed Pummelon]

Also, WHY is a company releasing a new phone deemed worthy of plastering all over the headlines?

Probably because they are better at whipping up market expectation than the competition. And if that's the case, everything else in your post becomes irrelevant.