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12 Jun 2010
In case you haven't heard yet, Apple had a little do last week, and the star of the show was a new iPhone.
Apple products tend to be very polarising: either you think they're revolutionary devices that reshape the industry, or you think they're overpriced, underpowered status symbols for those who have more money than brains.
Earlier this week Apple furthered that debate with the introduction of the iPhone 4. While the new handset sports a number of impressive features, there's still plenty for the cynics to dwell on. So this week we decided to go over what we think are the five best and worst features of iPhone 4.
The two most vocal sets of V3.co.uk commentators by far are Apple fans and their detractors. As we will be giving both plenty to froth over this week, we're hoping to hear plenty of input and response. Feel free to share your thoughts on what we caught, missed and just got flat out wrong.
Finally, as a side note, we took some stick from readers after doing a Top 10 that put five points on either side. We're doing it again today, just as we have with other features, because some topics don't work well with a pure Top 10 format.
To those who say that obviates the format and five plus five doesn't equal 10, I'd suggest worrying about other issues. Devotees of Lynne Truss's excellent book Eats, shoots and leaves would recognise what that's about.
FOR:
Honourable mention: FaceTime
Shaun Nichols: FaceTime chat is one of those things that could
start out as a minor feature that Apple builds up into a pillar of the iOS
platform.
As it is, the software is pretty cool. Users with a Wi-Fi connection can hold video chats on the iPhone by way of the new front-mounted camera. Business travellers and those with family abroad should particularly like it.
Obviously FaceTime will get a big boost once Apple can convince the telcos to support it. But if Jobs and company are planning to expand the software to its other products, and you have to think they are, FaceTime could become something of a killer app.
The MacBook, iMac and Studio Display products all have built-in cameras, and teardowns of the iPad suggest that Apple is leaving a spot open on the front of the tablet for a camera in the future. Imagine being able to have videoconferencing with any Mac, iPhone or iPad user. FaceTime has a ton of potential.
Iain Thomson: FaceTime was introduced as 'one last thing' but I suspect it will be a killer app for the new iPhone.
Videoconferencing has been ambling down the side-roads of technology for many years now. Back in 1993 I wrote articles about the technology and every year we get press releases telling us that this is the year it will take off. We're still waiting. But if FaceTime lives up to its promise it could be a revolution in the field.
The one thing that bothers me about all this is Apple's commitment to open standards. Jobs said the standard should be open, but I suspect there's many a slip between cup and lip. IPhone 4 users will love it as well, but I suspect several thousand members of public transport will rue the day the application became available.
It's also going to be very interesting to see how the mobile providers price this service. At the moment it's Wi-Fi only, but the data load it requires will, I suspect, price it out of the reach of most of us.
5. Developer community
Iain Thomson: Honestly, I would have put this higher but Shaun
wanted to make his case. The size and strength of the Apple developer community
is what gives the iPhone long-term strength.
No other phone environment can offer so many applications across such a wide range of areas. True, the vast bulk are freebies and games, but these are used by everyone and provide useful information and fun.
But Apple's biggest opportunity lies in the business developer community. We're already seeing the very biggest corporate networks supporting the iPhone, primarily because it's the handset of choice for the bosses.
As the developer community starts to add more and more business tools, RIM is going to face increasing pressure from Apple.
Shaun Nichols: The reason I didn't want this higher on the list is because Apple has made the developer community and its range of applications smaller than it could be, but we'll address that later on.
The iPhone platform offers developers a wide range of cool interfaces and devices to work with, and they have responded in kind by churning out some very cool products. From addictive games and goofy apps to productivity tools and nifty utilities, the third-party applications make the iPhone what it is.
There's also the convenience that the App Store offers. You don't need to root all over the web or deal with download sites to find the software you want. If it's available for the iPhone, it's in the App Store.
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Do you agree?
forward facing camera??
What a joke., what do you whant to do with that? You can't even swap the battery, or memory card. Yeah that shows apples goodwill with you, poor simpleminded apple user
Posted by: hero 20 Jun 2010
i4
Mostly of features of i4 are not life.They are game.You can live without them.
Posted by: Leopold 20 Jun 2010
iPhone still set the standards and lead the way
Android OS is better than iPhone OS. No doubt about that. Symbian can have more features that are readily available on their devices. (I hate to break it down to you but symbian is dying.) These devices come default with features that are not available on iPhone. Like open video calling, flash etc. That?s why we need to jailbreak our iPhone and give them all those features that that are not available. On top of those features, add the iPhone friendly user interface (Even a 2 year old girl can use it http://www.mashable.com/2010/04/06/2-year-old-gir... better battery life (That?s why android phones come with a spare battery. You can?t even change iPhone batteries. Apple is confident that they are good enough), then you add the sleek design on the outside. Android phones are ugly. After all that, you can the best Smartphone on the planet. Can?t wait to get my iPhone 4 and jailbreak it. There is no way I?m moving to Android or any other device. That?s second had design and I'm very content with my iPhones
Posted by: Patcheko 19 Jun 2010
Stockholm syndrome
I'm reading on one forum that some Apple users are worried about using other SIM cards in case it breaks the phone. And loads of these supposedly technically savvy users seem to lack the confidence to cut a SIM card for themselves. Some people might not believe that iPhone users are as happy and free as everyone else until the word jailbreak goes out of circulation
Posted by: andy 19 Jun 2010
umm...
I'm using iOS4 and the multi-tasking isn't that great. everything you open, remains open. Even if the phone is powered off and back on, they all re-open. Why would I need to multitask the camera??? However, the iPhone 4 will be in great demand and even some android users will make the move. Why? Because this is a great phone, that is rock solid and stable, is easy to use and makes using the web childs play. Sure, Apple are restrictive as to what runs on their devices, but that's a good thing. I don't want to hack my phone to control my TV or to get around operator restrictions. I want a reliable handset. My 3G and 3GS' served me well, which is why I will upgrade to the iPhone 4. Do I care what you think? Nope. It's a phone. Get over it, if I want to get one, that's my choice. Every time a new phone is released you will always have the stubborn user set that feel pi££ed that they've just upgraded / splashed on a new handset and can't afford another purchase, who then don their trolling outfit and spam the web with their hate. Someone call the whaaa-mbulance. No one cares. Go and yak about it on your handsets forums...
Posted by: Lynas 16 Jun 2010
Hey 'posted by Bill Gates'
If it's a question of size, you are going to find yourself lacking. I'd rather have something big enough to wave around than a speck that requires a microscope. Good idea -check that 'enlargement' spam email, it may make you feel bigger. Sounds like you need something to support your diminished view of the world.
Posted by: Bob Todd 15 Jun 2010
'Wow new features'
N95 3 years old... and running at 1/10th of the speed. enjoy your stuttering video and slow web page loads. Loser.
Posted by: Bert Fry 15 Jun 2010
Sceptics step aside
While Apple can be undoubtedly infuriating with odd policies, opinions and practices, they do create products that many find and feel fit their needs. Contrast the damp response to the ipad from so-called experts against the warm embrace of consumers. Who can honestly have guessed that the ipod would hold reign over the entire music market or that consumers would by their music from itunes in such numbers. The very things that Apple is attacked for are, for many, the reasons they stay or join the party. Sure we can knock or find deficiencies in their policies or their product, but the in the end what Apple get right is playing to their strengths. Stop moaning about that it doesn't do what Android can. It's different and works for many. So if you don't like it go buy something else. As for me, a confirmed Apple sceptic, I think this time I'm going with Apple. btw it is relatively easy to source a factory unlocked iphone for use with any network. Costs up front are higher but over two years, the same or in many cases cheaper (depending on network).
Posted by: Qjames 15 Jun 2010
Wow, loads of "New" features
Wow, a 5 megapixel camera, with flash? Front facing camera? Video calling? Multi tasking? Nokia N95, three years old now.
Posted by: Andrew B 15 Jun 2010
Be carefull with your iphone guys
Apple in their wisdom do let you take the phone anywhere (even if it may not work) so you can drop it in a river and it may break. Then again stupid people will break whatever they have either by manual means or by downloading malware - At lease i have the choice !
Posted by: Sym 15 Jun 2010
Sick and Tired
All this bickering about Apple products may make both "fanbois" and "droids" and other factions happy, but for people looking for simple and unbiased reviews it creates a tiresome and frustration situation for people like me who are still to buy there first smart phone. There are no straight answers, just fire and fury left right and centre. To be honest, the sheer amount of emotion involved in all these tech debates is doing nothing but encouraging me to stick with my low tech phone. I just wanted a smart phone, not to pledge my allegiance. What ever you decide your made to feel like a complete fool by either side.
Posted by: Larna 15 Jun 2010
Want cheese with your whine Apple Fanboi?
You call this "For and against" It reads mostly "against". Maybe it is a British thing - I don't know. It seems most articles with a .uk in the URL are that way. All ... ... less transparent. Posted by: Steve W, 13 Jun 2010 Lets face it. Apple sucks. Generally Apple users are dicks and you've just proven my point. I thank you my good man.
Posted by: Bill Gates 15 Jun 2010
Early adopter blues...
You say that the new iPhone will have lots of issues, but supply no proof. - Were there any issues with previous iPhones to support this ridiculous assumption? HTC are having lots of issues with their phones, poor or patchy screen response, terrible battery life, screens coming apart and light leakage, yet you mention none of this. Android already has a situation with multiple versions for different phones, - how can this be easy for the consumer, in terms of which App will work with which handset, and what happens when you change your phone? Yes Android is open. Open to malware, viruses etc. Android users must be so looking forward to the day they have to use AV software on their phones, like they do on Windows. - Very anti-Apple biased piece of journalism I'd say.
Posted by: Infiniteloop 15 Jun 2010
Mon Dieu Jobbs
Apple are wonderful, Apple are amazing, I love Apple, I love Apple. For pity's sake, give it a rest fanbois.
Posted by: Spunwicked 15 Jun 2010
Sceptics step aside
While Apple can be undoubtedly infuriating with odd policies, opinions and practices, they do create products that many find and feel fit their needs. Contrast the damp response to the ipad from so-called experts against the warm embrace of consumers. Who can honestly have guessed that the ipod would hold reign over the entire music market or that consumers would by their music from itunes in such numbers. The very things that Apple is attacked for are, for many, the reasons they stay or join the party. Sure we can knock or find deficiencies in their policies or their product, but the in the end what Apple get right is playing to their strengths. Stop moaning about that it doesn't do what Android can. It's different and works for many. So if you don't like it go buy something else. As for me, a confirmed Apple sceptic, I think this time I'm going with Apple. btw it is relatively easy to source a factory unlocked iphone for use with any network. Costs up front are higher but over two years, the same or in many cases cheaper (depending on network).
Posted by: Qjames 15 Jun 2010
Android all the way.
The latest HTC phones running Android 2.1 make everything iPhone looks totally inferior in every regard. iOS won't change this.
Posted by: Mark 15 Jun 2010
Good review but self-conflicting
On the one hand you laud the design prowess of Jonathan Ive's hardware, design being the unilateral decision-making which dictates how a products looks, feels, works. Yet when the same decision-making is applied to software or 'eco system' it's somehow oppressive. Apple have always been quite directive in their application of products, making hard decisions and standing ground. This is their key strength/point of difference and why they've moved from computer company to a consumer electronics company. I would suggest for the people who still respond to choice & 'openness' then Android is a better platform. I like the ability to choose to have no choice (after a while you come to realise choice is actually a mechanism for the other). Of course, as a consumer I have no choice either way, I can either have products designed by the Cupertino company that has a clue, or products free of restriction and consequently good design from the technology hoards. No choice really. McD
Posted by: McDave 14 Jun 2010
You call this "For and against"
It reads mostly "against". Maybe it is a British thing - I don't know. It seems most articles with a .uk in the URL are that way. All your "for" points have some built-in dissension, something I would not expect in a "top" reason. I can hold that against ".uk"; as, for many years, it seemed to be standard editorial policy in my country that every pro Apple statement must include a "but". On the other hand, your "against" reasons do not contain any "buts"; they are solidly in the "against" column - even when it takes half truths and sensationalism to put them there. Some examples: You mention suicides at Foxconn. The "but" is that none of the recent suicides have been attributed to employees building Apple products, "but" you don't mention that. The suicide rate in China is lower than in Korea, where HTC builds your beloved Android products, "but" you don't mention that either. You talk about AT&T. Why not talk about the telcos in YOUR country? Tell us about your actual experience, rather than repeating what others say. I can't believe any or your readers would seriously consider the telco problems in a foreign country a "top" reason not to buy a phone in their own country. You are worried that Apple is more ambitious that its partners. That is a "top" reason if anything is. [/sarcasm] The truth is just the opposite. The reason AT&T isn't spending enough on 3G is that they are ramping up 4G. With "Early Adopter Syndrome" you manage to be both cynical and hypocritical at the same time. One of your "top" reasons "against" is that the iPhone 4 and iOS 4 are new. Another of your "top" reasons "against" is that there are even newer Android phones and OS versions coming soon. At best, one should be a "but" to the other; you list them both in the same column. You use the sensationalist phrase "iPad breach" even though the iPad itself wasn't "breached". What does that have to do with the iPhone anyhow? Again, you manage to use the problems of a telco in another country as a reason not to buy a phone in your country. "Apple has had a free reign in terms of malware for a long time, because no criminal targets one out of ten users when the other nine are ripe from the plucking." That statement has been categorically proven false in the case of the iPhone. There is no malware on the vanilla iPhone; however, there is malware on "jail-broken" iPhones; even though only "one out of ten users" jail-breaks their iPhone. This is a case where it's the "one out of ten users" that is "ripe from the plucking" [sic]. I seriously doubt that the reason the other nine are safe is because no criminals are targeting them. I think it has more to do with "plucking" the low hanging fruit. "Everyone else seems to be fine with Flash it seems...." Oh RLY? Tell us about Flash performance on your beloved Android! You do have Flash on your Android phone, don't you. "If you want to get software for your iPhone, you have to use Apple's App Store and iTunes." "If you want to develop software for the iPhone, you have to register with Apple and submit your product for the company's approval." Apple supports TWO development platforms, X-code and the completely free and open HTML/CSS/Javascript; "but" you fail to mention that. You do mention that "Apple says that the reason for such tight controls are to keep the platform, and its users, safe from malware infection, but..." There is that "but" again. In your previous point you claim the iPhone is unsafe, "but" in this point you object to Apple's efforts to make it more safe. You poo-poo-ed the so-called "iPad breach", while objecting to Apple's ban on analytical spy-ware ads. You say Apple is banning ads, when this is not the case. If iAds were to collect the kind of information that Google collects, you would probably claim iAds := malware. All the so-called "iPad breach" did was collect email address. You think Google doesn't know your email address? I could go on and on.... If you want to title an article "for and against", try to be a little less transparent.
Posted by: Steve W 13 Jun 2010
The "TOP" irony
I said I could go on and on, but this one is too juicy to leave out. One of your "top" reasons against the iPhone 4 is the so-called "iPad breach" in which a security firm harvested email addresses from AT&T. The "have your say" portion of this website also harvests email addresses, "but" you don't see that as a problem.
Posted by: Steve W 13 Jun 2010
multistaking!!
Apple didn't introduce multitasking because it drained the battery life, but apple found out how to make this feature more battery friendly. thats why apple dissed the competition and left it out until now. its about doing it right!!
Posted by: robert Smith 13 Jun 2010
With respect to content...
.... I think Apple should go with parental controls and ratings in the settings that block questionable content as well as Flash. But why donate a new meta platform for Adobe to build on when they funded none of the costs?
Posted by: Shock Me 13 Jun 2010
Be careful with Android phones guys...
There are already Android apps in circulation that steal bank account details. See here... http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10466230-245.html http://www.phonenews.com/fake-mobile-banking-app-discovered-in-android-marketplace-9949/ I don't think there will be malware on the iPhone because of Apples app approval process.
Posted by: Paul 12 Jun 2010
Why blame Apple for the AT&T breach?
In what way was the 'iPad' breach, anything to do with Apple? I was under the impression that it was a hack targeted against AT&T and its webservers? Perhaps I had better re-read the article, i obviously missed the bit that said it was against Apple's servers??? No?
Posted by: dale 12 Jun 2010