Apple iPhone
Is it a computer, phone, iPod, or video device? The answer may be all of the above. Steve Jobs recently unveiled his much anticipated Apple iPhone. The model, an ultra thin handset, with a touch screen that takes up virtually the entire face of the model, is The Apple iPhone is scheduled to go on the market in June of 2007. How this device may change the industry is up for theoretic debate at the moment. Some believe, at nearly $500.00 for the basic model, it is overpriced and while there may be a flux of interest at first, sales will dwindle shortly thereafter. Others believe the combination of audio, web accessibility, and communications capabilities will lead customers, who previously used their wireless phone only for simple texting and phone usage, to explore more computer and video applications through cellular devices. The iPhone will be offered exclusively through Cingular, which may limit the customer base by excluding loyal patrons of other carriers. Another consideration in sales potential is in the purchasing preferences of current wireless phone users. Most marketing statistics suggest that consumers choose their wireless phone by carrier and plan pricing, with the actual model of phone being a secondary consideration, if it’s a consideration at all. Many consumers look at their wireless phone as, just that, a phone. As long as it holds their address book, is easy and convenient to use, and allows them to take the occasional picture or check their email, that’s all they really need. Many customers don’t even use all of the features available on their current wireless, simply choosing the phone that came with the best phone plan. All of which leads experts to wonder whether the impressive design of Apple’s new iPhone will be enough to catch consumer interest and maintain it for a prolonged period.
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equipped with all of the iPod audio technology and wi-fi capabilities. So what does this mean for the world of cellular phones?
Steve Jobs contends that the iPhone will revolutionize the wireless phone industry. The iPhone has iPod capabilities, as well as web browsing through a partnership with Yahoo. It is also linked in to global positioning satellites, giving users an accurate location and directions to where they are going at the touch of their fingertips. The touch screen itself utilizes what Apple has named, ‘multi touch’ technology; meaning that the phone ignores multiple touches or mistakes, making it easier to accurately use the features. Another plus to the design, the large touch screen makes it more convenient for customers to use their features, rather than the sometimes difficult to use current variety of wireless phones.
Only time will tell whether the price is too high or the technology great enough to overcome it. It’s fully conceivable that this type of communication device can replace the business person’s need for a laptop while they travel or are away from the office. The phone also serves as an iPod, camera, and video player, so there may be a great deal of consumers who take into consideration the fact that in combining all of these features, the price becomes worth it. With an easy to use menu, email and web browsing capabilities, musical and video selection, and of course phone capabilities, the device can certainly replace a number of existing appliances that most consumers would purchase separately.