Regarding “The case for Apple VoIP”
Aaron Adams makes his case for Apple releasing a VoIP phone (if anything) instead of a true mobile phone. I like what he’s written, but i have to disagree with one point he makes.
In all my reading of Apple cell phone proponents, I haven’t seen many (any?) specifics. The phone will be “better”. It will be “easier to use”. It will be integrated with the iPod. That’s all fine and dandy, but what does it mean?
His analysis holds up pretty well, though i think there are a few compelling concepts that would make a so-called “iPhone” a possibility.
As it stands, the mobile handset market is a mess. There are many phones that do many things, some even do a few things well, but as a whole, the hardware and software available are “good enough” at best. Hardware design has gotten better, but is still messy. Software design has gotten more flashy, but basic usability is still far from good.
In this theoretical world where Apple releases a cellphone, i imagine it’s benefits to include:
– Superior interface and usability design (like the iPod compared to the other mp3 players available, from release even to today) You can hand me any mobile phone available on the market today and within a week, i’ll give you at least 10 examples of how the interface is poorly designed, does not just workâ˘, does something other that what is intended, etc etc. I’ve used a lot of phones, and have yet to find one even satisfying – much less enjoyable. Personally, i believe that – if anyone – Apple may be able to put together a solid device. (see examples in “Designed for Consumers” below. …for anything more specific, he’d really need to ask a more specific question.)
– Superior integration with computers (isync, etc. but this creates a problem with windows compatibility… but i should point out that i have a brand new top of the line bluetooth phones that STILL doesn’t support industry standard synching (iSync) and has very poor integration with any operating system.) Integration, even on expensive phones, is a pathetic mixed bag of partially functional software with thin compatibility expectations. Apple has a very good track track record when it comes to adopting open standards and pushing new open technologies. Good integration of vCard contacts, useful Bluetooth connectivity, calendars, Music syncing, etc would be a very welcome change from the handsets currently available.
– Designed for consumers, instead of the current state of affairs which leaves consumers as an afterthought and focuses on squeezing every penny from the users as possible (For example: poor Bluetooth support and lack of syncing cables – both specifically for the purpose of forcing consumers to sign up for extra fees and services such as Picture Mail. Another example – on the SamsungA900 there is a “play” button on the exterior that, instead of any kind of logical function (Playing music), launches the Sprint Music Store, which is completely unusable while the phone is closed.) Apple, without having any interest in making the Service Provider any extra money, could theoretically design the hardware and software to be USEFUL to comsumers.
These are just a few. i do not mean to say that these justify the gamble, only that there may be compelling reasons to consider purchasing an Apple cellphone over what is available today. When it’s all said and done, i’m still very skeptical, but would be pleasantly surprised should Apple actually announce a product like this.