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Apple May Bring a Non-iPhone To Verizon Wireless
The Narrative Fallacy writes "According to BusinessWeek, Verizon Wireless is in talks with Apple to distribute two new iPhone-like devices that are not iPhones. (Apple has created prototypes.) AT&T's contract with Apple, which has not been made public, is believed to cover all models of the iPhone, but only the iPhone. So if Apple builds something that isn't an iPhone — and perhaps doesn't even make cellular calls — they won't be violating their exclusivity contract with AT&T, which runs through at least 2010. One device is a smaller, less expensive calling device described by a person who has seen it as an 'iPhone lite.' The other is a media pad, said to be smaller than a Kindle but with a bigger screen, that would let users listen to music, view photos, watch high-definition videos, and make calls over a Wi-Fi connection. (And read books?) Apple could use the prospect of an iPhone-esque device as leverage to prevent Verizon Wireless from introducing the Palm Pre, or at least to delay its introduction on Verizon's network. 'The media pad category might go to Verizon,' said one person who has seen the device. 'We are talking about a device where people will say, "Damn, why didn't we do this?" Apple is probably going to define the damn category.'" Reader stevegee58 writes with word that Verizon may be playing both ends against the middle. Marketwatch reports that Microsoft and Verizon are in talks to develop a touch-screen mobile phone that would run on Windows Mobile.
T&T's contract with Apple, which has not been made public, is believed to cover all models of the iPhone, but only the iPhone.
I don't mean to be nit-pickey, but somehow, the meaning got lost in the translation.
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
> Microsoft and Verizon are in talks to develop a
> touch-screen mobile phone that would run on
> Windows Mobile.
Seems to me there used to be a bunch of these options, and they all failed in the market.
Skot Nelson music is my saviour / i was maimed by rock and roll
I wonder if the Apple VOIP phone would have better reception on the Verizon network. ATT has been known to have a great data network but, with my Iphone I still seem to have worse reception than my coworkers with ATT blackberries.
It's amazing how much apple dominates. It's iPod controls 73% of the market share of mp3 players and is the second leading smart phone vendor in the U.S.S.A. There is no stopping them. Antitrust measures should be taken immediately.
One man with a gun can control 100 without one
The thinnest, lightest fuck you to ATT on the market!
"A Non-iPhone"
So this an article that isn't about iPhones, but feels the need to define it in terms of an iPhone.
(Car analogy time) That's like saying Ford is developing a new Non-Mustang vehicle.
Authority questions you. Return the favor.
That would make my Orange an Apple. Sweet.
The Navy Motto "IF it ain't broke Fix It" "A day is wasted if you don't learn something new"
I dont own an iPhone because it doesn't have a tactile keyboard. I believe that when Verizon realizes how much of a gimmick the Blackberry Storm was and finally picks up the Palm Pre, AT&T will lose millions of customers to Verizon/Palm.
"To err is human, to mod Funny divine."
This sounds an awful like what Jobs did when he decided to kill off the clone makers after he came back as CEO. They had a license for OS 8, so he just changed the name to OS 9.
even if it makes it to market first. Apple + 3G vs.
When will people learn? They'll get a few mouth-breathing Zune buyers in their Walmart sales channel, but no real success. Want success? Be cooler and cheaper than the iPhone - does it really cost $95 a month for all that stuff? I think not.
I want to delete my account but Slashdot doesn't allow it.
I hope the 'Media Pad / TouchBook' end up being true. Because it would be a product that would be useful to me.
I don't want a laptop. I have an old one, and even if my old iBook is rather small, over the years, I realized that it's not small enough for a lot of uses. Example: we don't use it at the dinner table to refer to Wikipedia and I don't bring it often when going to friends and family unless I know I'm going to use it because it's slightly too big and heavy.
On the other end, there's the iPod Touch and the like. Doubtlessly useful, and despite not owning one (I really try to buy as little stuff as possible because 'the things you own end up owning you' ;-), I fear the screen is too small to enjoy it as an input device (very small virtual keyboard) and media device (small screen too). On the plus side, smartphones / iPod Touch *are* really portable, and to a level that won't be attained by any "media pad".
NetBooks. Almost, but I don't think they're for me yet. Waiting for the next wave. Why? It's not really a laptop but it's not really that portable either. (that's obviously subjective)
And last but not least, Apple products integration. I don't consider myself a fanboy, but I want to be productive. Despite using Debian at work everyday, Linux is still not up to my expectations yet (yet!). Is there some lock-in with Apple? Yes. Is this a problem with me? Not that much, as long at it doesn't get in my way too often. I'm ready to pay to have more pleasure using a computer. I don't want crap, even if it's free. (this is a general statement, not specifically related to software)
Now, I guess I did not need to write all this other than to have feedback from you: what do you think? Where am I wrong?
Animoog.org
This is almost exactly what I've been waiting for, although I'd prefer it if I could get this thing without Verizon's taint. The netbook market is growing, and it was only a matter of time until Apple got around to putting in their entry.
Also, here's a thought: if you've already got one of those bluetooth headsets permanently embedded in your ear, your "phone" can be a bit larger - after all, it just needs to fit into your briefcase, backpack, cargo pockets or (given that this is Apple) purse or messenger bag (but I repeat myself). Why not make it a full-fledged netbook?
damn i already want one
chafing as we speak.
A tablet that combines a low-end MacBook and the iPhone. That means that instead of widgets, I want a setup which calls up the iPhone interface for rapid application selection.
"Say yes to the new Apple ayePhone! Now available on Verizon Wireless!"
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
Wow, this is very close to something I blogged today, that Apple is talking to Verizon not about the iPhone, but about a tablet device I call the NetPad. This would use a data-only carrier connection that lets it, Kindle-like, transfer data across the Internet in spots where WiFi is not available. It is basically a bigger-screen iPhone without voice. There would be versions for GSM and CDMA. Users would sign on to a data-only carrier agreement, and this is what they are probably talking about.
Apple already restricts VOIP to WiFi. This would continue, But you can go surf your brains out! Halfway between an iPod Touch and an iPhone with (I predict) a 7.75" screen and finger + stylus + Bluetooth keyboard support, this thing will be another winner.
My blog articles on the NetPad and the Verizon talks are at http://www.myallo.com/blog
Mike from www.myallo.com/blog
Marketwatch reports that Microsoft and Verizon are in talks to develop a touch-screen mobile phone that would run on Windows Mobile.
I mean seriously. They got the market clout AND a touch/non-touch version of WinCE on tap. For as bad as eveyone thinks the Zune is, at the very least, it shows THEY CAN DO IT.
Is it THAT hard to slap an iPhone interface to WinCE? God damn, "One Foot in the Grave(tm)", Palm is doing it and its a completely diffrent os than the old Palm. In the same timeframe, we get CE 6.1... Yeeaa! Finaly we can see text messages in a chat log, like most cheaper cell phones been doing for YEARS.
PS - I have been using the WinCE for the last 4 years and I am goingto the Palm Pre when it comes out. The ironic part about it is that I gave up the palm those years ago because their os was going nowhere:P
PSS - Yes, I want the G1 but till its CDMA I am not giving up my 20% off Sprint from work:P
Macs?
The back story here is that verizon is switching away from CDMA. they are expected however to maintain CDMA for voice and phase in the new network for data. Apple has said they are not eager to develop for CDMA since it has no future.
So if apple came out with a data device, say a netbook, for verizon it could run on the new network and not bother with CDMA.
makes total sense.
Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
Wow, except lots of people read slashdot, and no one gives a crap about your shitty blog!
...if you want to market it to another company under a different name, there's even an app for that.
"I'd just like to emphasise that taking a million years isn't a metaphor here..." -Rich Bradshaw
Firstly, let's hang up the old rumor mill and improve the S/N ratio.
Secondly, roughlydrafted.com has a pretty insight into why this is probably not going to happen.
If you don't know what AltaVista is (was), get off my lawn.
The other is a media pad, said to be smaller than a Kindle but with a bigger screen, that would let users listen to music, view photos, watch high-definition videos... Just what we need! The current iPhone is way too small for watching pr0n while driving! Why not just build in a projector and project the picture on the windshield instead?
I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
What exactly is it about Verizon that makes a Wifi device the kind of iPhone killer that Verizon is looking for? Am I missing something? Wireless providers include all sorts of Wifi Hotspots, and conceivably, even a nokia phone on AT&T's network running joikuspot. When did Verizon become the "Wifi" provider?
Two things: Apple doesn't do cheap, so a iPhone Lite is out of the question. Same with the "media pad". Nor, does Verizon allow third parties to do whatever they want. Verizon isn't going to have a WiFi only device that's not going to get people to sign up for Verizon. Nor, do I think Apple wants to work with CDMA which is now officially an obsolete technology. Apple will stick with AT&T which allows Apple to do whatever they want on Apple's terms. Verizon doesn't need Apple. AT&T does. I do predict that Apple will come out with a "Netbook" like device based upon the iPhone OS. It will probably have a keyboard, but no mouse.
..as if millions of good ideas suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.
This whole things reeks of making-stuff-up!
The other is a media pad, said to be smaller than a Kindle but with a bigger screen, that would let users listen to music, view photos, watch high-definition videos, and make calls over a Wi-Fi connection. (And read books?)
How can this gadget be compared to Kindle? The most important feature Kindle sports is its e-paper display, while the Apple gizmo uses an ordinary LCD screen with touch function.
IOW, Kindle is a document reader, while this thing is another hyped i-something - we're talking about oranges and apple(s) here.
There is no way Apple is making another phone. That just isn't happening. I think talking with Verizon is smart but frankly would like them to make a phone that any carrier could use. The single biggest limiting factor to the iPhone's widespread adoption (as great as sales are now)is AT&T. I'm sure Apple knows this.
That's what I'm using. Lets me do all sorts of things Verizon won't let me do with their phones, like listen to Pandora or other audio streams, watch YouTube videos, buy songs and videos from iTMS.
Verizon just won't let me use my 3G Chocolate 3 phone for anything interesting. Tried Rhapsody, it's total Chrapsody. Popular artists aren't available by subscription, but only purchase (and lots of older artists: you can't get Eagles by subscription! The almost-40-year old band Eagles are too precious for subscription! Bah!) and you can't use the data plan on the phone to add subscriptions songs, but can only buy songs at $1.99 ea over the air, instead of $0.99 ea when you buy the same damn song on the PC. Basically, you can't use Chrapsody with your phone unless you have a PC, which needs its own data plan - Cable, DSL, 3G, whatever - to get the songs, unless you like to pay for a data plan that allows you to pay double for the songs. WTF-over!?
So screw 'em if they won't let me out of their walled garden. I kept my grandfathered unlimited monthly 3G data plan, and cancelled the data plan on the phone.
Edith Keeler Must Die
updated version number
I thought the point was that apple did not want to develop two different models of their products for different networks. Wouldn't making a separate "iPhone" for verizon pretty much amount to the same thing?
Sewage Treatment Facilities - "Our duty is clear."
Well, it takes awhile to develop and create a new production line to make a new product so if Apple want to start to make a iPhone for other networks like Verizon then Apple would start now. The exclusive rights for iPhone through ATT ends in 2010, by 2010 Apple can legally sell a iPhone to other carriers at that time if it wants to. Also this helps Apple since they can expand the market of the iPhone quickly and not stuck in some "strategic alliance" with ATT.
Failed troll has failed
or the Mac Phone.
It would be interesting if the phone was based on the old Apple Newton device. Apple could claim IP back to the Newton before a lot of these "Smart Phones" got invented.
It only makes sense as Microsoft used Windows CE in their smart phones, that Apple recycles the Newton into a Newton phone. You got that IP there, and it can be modified to run on ARM processors, and it pre-dates the iPhone.
Remember, Slashdot does not have a -1 disagree moderation, and no, troll, flamebait, and overrated are not substitutes.
WiFi is the long pole in the tent. WiFi is free will == freedom.
Apple abstracts function over infrastructure. Infrastructure fade to black.
Apple disintermediates networks ala iTunes disintermediates Music
Its eyeballs, who has'em and can deliver everything that follows
Correct me if I'm wrong but, didn't the Playstation Portable already come out like four years ago? And I'm pretty sure it played games on top of all the other stuff this faux pas iPhone is supposed to do.
No fair! You changed the outcome by measuring it!
does it run Linux?
In no particular order,
Hello little man. I will destroy you!
I have a touchscreen phone that uses Windows Mobile. It's the HTC mogul and it's a damned sweet phone when you load it up with SkyFire browser. (IE mobile takes suck to whole new levels)
I browse and post on slashdot/digg/reddit/etc, watch movies on hulu, play mp3s and all that jazz but unlike the iPhone, it has a real keyboard that doesn't suck to type on. (touch screen keyboards blow HARD)
It's a pretty awesome phone. But dangit, it's still windows with all its suck. The interface is inconsistent, laggy, it runs out of memory when you run too many progs at a time, and it just crashes about 1x/week without warning. Oh, and there's no spider solitaire.
It's a great phone except for the windows part.
It was great irony this morning... using Outlook mobile, Exchange (Zimbra) and Office mobile, it refused to open a word document in an email because it might 'harm my system'. Something ironic about MS' product telling me that another of their products is dangerous to use?
I opened it w/my Linux laptop, Kmail, and Open Office just fine, thank you!
PS: I typed this post on said phone. Verizon is developing a touch screen phone? What am I using, then?
I have no problem with your religion until you decide it's reason to deprive others of the truth.
This smacks of Verizon using vaporware to kill the hype around iPhone OS 3.0 (as suggested by Roughly Drafted), someone trying to give Verizon's stock a bump with an Apple rumpr (a tactic that previously hasn't been very well hidden) or perhaps Apple trying to gain some leverage in its negotiations with ATT.
In San Francisco, whenever there's a large gathering of tech people, the 3G network goes to shit. It's still running pretty close to capacity in that area.
I think LTE may be what Apple is after, as it seems that Verizon is being more aggressive with that technology than AT&T. It would be a data-only device, probably bundled with Verizon's VoIP service. I could hope that somewhere down the road, you would have a choice there, maybe Skype, Vonage or any other VoIP provider.
Actually, the iPhone has all of those except tactile keyboard, copy/paste, tethering, MMS, and Ogg support.
So the Iphone has all of those, except the ones it doesn't? Thank you Captain Obvious, I think that was the point he was making - it's not like those are trivial irrelevant features. (Did they finally add video recording? What about Flash, and the ability to "add in software from any source" without hacking the product?)
In fact, let's recheck the OP where he says:
The iPhone is a great phone, but it has the stupidest design issues such as the lack of basic features like MMS, copy/paste, multiple codecs for audio and video (OGG is a no brainer), lack of Flash along with usability issues such as the application "approval" process and the lack of a decent camera (with no zoom or video recording features).
So your point is?
I might as well claim that my Motorola V980 does all of those, except full keyboard and touchscreen, high resolution camera, bluetooth, GPS, Flash, OGG, and USB port.
If you count the upcoming release of the iPhone OS, you'll only be missing a tactile keyboard and Ogg support.
Newsflash: phones get better with time. I'm sure that future planned releases from Nokia etc will cover more of these features too.
Seriously, why do people get so hung up on Ogg support?
It's the other things I care about. It would seem odd that I upgrade from a 5 year old phone, spend out large amounts of money for a high end product (and get locked into a contract - usually phones are free when you are on contract), only to then miss out features that my old phone have. Can't I have a phone that does all I want? That was the OP's point, saying "But this phone does all that, except the things it doesn't" shows a serious misuse of the word "all".
RoughlyDrafted.com fails to sufficiently address a few important factors. Apple can only address about 30% of the U.S. cell phone market with AT&T . Sure, a couple million customers migrate to AT&T every now and then, but there exists a certain amount of inertia in the market, plus, Verizon simply provides coverage in vast areas of the U.S. that AT&T totally ignores. Apple wants to sell iPhone to anyone who wants it.
It's inevitable that iPhone will, eventually, be available through more than one phone company in the U.S. Perhaps AT&T can make it interesting to Apple to continue their exclusive arrangement for a while, maybe even the full rumored five years from iPhone launch, but it's virtually impossible to justify continuing an exclusive arrangement after that. AT&T, for example, is not going to reciprocate by refraining from offer of BlackBerry products on AT&T now, are they? Nope. Apple would be ceding 70% of the market, indefinitely, if they didn't consider offering through other companies. This exclusive arrangement is really only useful to Apple during the early lifecycle of iPhone, say, the first two to three years for sure, fuzzy to five years. After that it becomes a liability, for Apple, no matter how appealing it is for AT&T.
If you mod me down, I shall become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.
I agree with most of what you're saying. A couple of points, though:
I'm an iPhone user and relatively satisfied, but things could be considerably better.
Seriously, yes - I'd like my iPhone to double for a laptop in a pinch. It's not like it's out of the question - the device has sufficient specs to do light PC work, and it already has the e-mail, web browsing, etc, built in. If we could get Steve to grant us the ability to use a keyboard, get copy and paste, and allow an "office" package into the App Store, you'd have a system that could do enough to let me leave the laptop behind, at least for short trips.
The original post included a long list of features, and then stated that no phone even came close to that. The next post indicated that the iPhone does, in fact, come close to that. And then you go off on a rant about the definition of the word "all".
No, you might as well not claim that, because it would be silly. In real life, not every set of desired features can be found in any given device. However, some come closer than others, and it's useful to know that. Most people don't find that so difficult to understand.
The OP gave a list of features. The Iphone, like many other phones, does many of these features, but also misses out many significant features. That is why he said that no phone came close to achieving all of these features.
The very same post then listed which features the Iphone lacked, clearly indicating that the OP was well aware of which features the Iphone missed. And then you come in, quibbling over subjective interpretations of "come close". Given that the OP was talking about features about what he wanted in his phone, I think I'll trust his opinion of what he considers comes close for his needs, than some random other person.
The same could be said of any phone, but of course, trust Iphone fans to take it as a personal attack on their product...
No, you might as well not claim that, because it would be silly.
WTH? It's okay to claim it for the Iphone, but not other phones? My phone does all of these features, except some significant ones that it misses. I think some of the ones that the Iphone misses are at least as significant. More to the point, there are plenty of modern phones out there way better than my phone, that aren't the Iphone, and also stand as perfectly good examples that we could apply your "But but, it does all of them ... except for the things it doesn't" argument to. Clearly, some phones do some things, whilst other phones do other things - and no phones do all of these things, which was the whole point of the OP. Most people don't find that so difficult to understand.
along with what everybody else is saying, cool cool cool. but basically what i got from this article is that apple is going to create another really expensive piece of technology that nobody really needs, and the world will go insane just to get their hands on one. am i correct?
"would let users listen to music, view photos, watch high-definition videos, and make calls over a Wi-Fi connection. (And read books?)"
Yeah, that's called an iPod Touch and it's also compatible with iPhone apps.
I'll keep my BlackBerry storm and I know countless other people that will stay with BlackBerry on Verizon no matter what Apple brings to the table. Apple is just looking for more money that's all.