On September 2007, I wrote this article talking about what was missing on the iPhone. There were three things: 3G vs. EDGE; capacity; GPS; and applications. Clearly I wasn't the only one complaining about it because those exactly are the elements that Apple has change in the second version of the phone. Let's see what is new:
- 3G connection provides 2 - 4x faster page downloads
- aGPS combines phone-tower information with GPS data to give your exact position
- 16 GB of capacity increases the usability of the phone as unique computing platform
- App Store gives the iPhone more than ~500 applications to download including categories that go from games to productivity
Other than that, the device is basically the same. Minor tweaks were implemented: improved battery, a must requirement for a 3G device; warmer screen (~ 7000 vs ~ 8000 kelvin on the 1st generation); flush headphones jack.
Overall, the iPhone has redefined the concept of mobile computing - maybe it has created the concept and brought it to the mass market. For once, you can have on your pocket a complete computer that does what is supposed to do. Last weekend, we found the closest theater to watch a movie in the middle of the street. It was quick, reliable, on the go.
This is just the beginning, but I'm expecting more things to come. With more than 6 million users around the world now and 4 million more expected before the end of the year, developers will be jumping on the iPhone wagon to get a piece of the cake. Soon we will get a full GPS application (e.g., Tom Tom), maybe a presentation tool, VoIP calls (e.g., Fring, Skype), ....
Post edit:
I've just read that the App Store has received more than 10 million application downloads in the first 3 days with the number of applications rising from 500 to 800 during the same period.
2 comments:
One problem is GPS works with Google Maps.
I mean, as far as I know it means that you need a mobile link to use GPS. There are no local maps on your phone. That´s a problem, right?
PD: What about Google Earth? Does it work with the new iphone?
What's the difference between Google Maps & Google Earth (other than the interface)? Both use the same online database to show you satellite images.
The Maps application on the iPhone now is based on Google Maps, but TomTom & others are developing their own interfaces. Given that it is a cell phone, I'm betting that they will always rely on a connection to get the information.
Maybe it's not useful to you on the mountains of Asturia!
Post a Comment