iPhone Reviews | iPhone Accessories | iPhone Ware

The iPhone from Apple combines the latest technology for mobile devices in one slim, eye-catching device.  The iPhone from Apple is a mobile phone, an MP3 player, an internet web browser and a high-resolution digital camera all rolled into one.  When Apple first announced the iphone to the public, in January of 2007, users eagerly awaited updated iphone news, including the release date.  Subsequent to Apple announcing the release of the iphone, Apple upgraded the technology of the iphone, modifying the touchscreen to increase the ease of accessibility and adding length to the battery life, extending talk time to eight hours and standby time to over ten days.  The Apple website kept consumers updated with frequent iphone news announcements, including reviews of the IPhone from Apple and upgrades that were being made to the iphone prior to the release date.  To date, the IPhone from Apple is the most advanced mobile device available to consumers.  The iPhone from Apple incorporates an innovative silicon based chip that allows the device to sense the users’ movements, meaning that the touchscreen shuts down when the user is engaged in a phone call and the picture on the screen changes to a panoramic view when the device is turned sideways.  The latest iphone news claims that the IPhone from Apple is nothing short of “dazzling” and the integrated web browser is the most user friendly web browser seen to date on a mobile device.  The only drawback thus far of the iPhone from Apple is that Apple signed an exclusive contract with AT&T Mobile, formerly Cingular, to carry the phone and provide mobile service up through 2008.  Consumers who want the iphone must sign a two year contract with AT&T Mobile.  However, AT&T Mobile has attempted to guarantee the most reliable mobile network, including mobile internet accessibility, and a range of services plans to suit every potential user. In recent iphone news, since the release of the IPhone from Apple, the 4GB and 8GB iphones have been heralded as the mobile device of the future, especially considering that the IPhone from Apple integrates more features than any other mobile device available.  Just days after the release of the iphone, production has gone into overdrive in order to accommodate the increasing demand for the device.  Apple devotees lined up outside retail outlets in order to secure the device on the release date of June 29, 2007.

HONG KONG - Since Apple scored a success with its stripped-down Nano version of the iPod music player, many have been expecting a similar move with the iPhone.

Apple may meet their expectations with a phone based on the slim iPod Nano itself.

Combing through filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, JP Morgan analyst Kevin Chen found a new product suspiciously tantamount to an iPhone Nano in a patent that was filed by Apple on Nov. 1, but only published by the patent office July 5.

“Invention pertains to a user interface for controlling an electronic device, particularly a multifunctional electronic device that is capable of operating in multiple modes as for example a phone mode for communications and a media player mode for playing audio files, video files, and the like,” Chen wrote in a report released Monday, quoting from the filing verbatim.

That patent also suggests the use of a scroll wheel, similar to the iPod.

After sounding out suppliers, Chen concluded that Apple is planning an iPhone Nano, a cheaper version of the iPhone with limited functionality, and lacking the iPhone’s distinctive capacitive touch screen. The launch date: the fourth quarter of this year, Chen believes.

At the end of the day, Chen believes this strategy is most likely to evolve into a wholesale conversion of the iPod Nano into a cheap iPhone to avoid cannibalizing the two low-priced products and boost sales, likely to the range of around 30 million and 40 million units, assuming no bottleneck supply problem.

That sale volume estimate would be slightly lower than the 50 million units of iPods that Apple sells in a year and the number of the wildly popular Razr phones that Motorola (nyse: MOT - news - people ) sold in 2006.

Its Taiwanese metal casings supplier for the iPod Nano, Catcher, is positioned to become its major supplier for casings for the iPhone Nano, he said.

It could translate into a revenue stream of between 6 billion New Taiwan dollars ($183 million) and 8 billion New Taiwan dollars ($245 million) for Catcher, up from projected yearly revenue in fiscal 2007 of between 18 billion New Taiwan dollars ($550 million) and 19 billion New Taiwan dollars ($581 million).

Catcher shares soared on the news in morning trading Monday in Taipei, rising 22 New Taiwan dollars (67 cents), or 6.9%, to 339.5 New Taiwan dollars ($10.40). Catcher shares have risen steadily since last August from 275 New Taiwan dollars amid a concerted rally of Taiwanese iPod suppliers.

iPhone’s casings are mainly supplied by Foxconn Technology, the Hong Kong-listed unit of Taiwanese electronics conglomerate Hong Hai Precision Industry.

An iPhone Nano most likely would retail for around $300 and could go lower — between $99 and $149 — if cellular service providers were to subsidize it, Chen wrote. Mobile phone services providers often discount phones as a lure to lock subscribers into long-term contracts.

That would create a clear price segmentation with the current iPhone, whose high-storage 8-gigabyte model sells for $599. The 4-gig model goes for $499. (See: “ Will iPhone’s Momentum Last?”)

The high price of the iPhone could prevent it from reaching a mass market, but a cheaper Nano model would help bridge that gap.

Apple refused to accept subsidies on the iPhone from its cellular partner AT&T (nyse: T - news - people ) in order to maintain flexibility in retail pricing and avoid cannibalizing iPod sales. In return, AT&T has been rewarded with an unusually lengthy exclusive contract on the phone of five years.

In recent years, mobile device consumers have seen all sorts of new functions added to mobile devices, from digital cameras to internet web browsers.  Some of the newer mobile devices are quite easy to use while other devices leave users frustrated.  The apple i phone is the newest mobile device available and early users say the device could not be more user-friendly.  The apple i phone incorporates all of the latest features of mobile devices – an MP3 player, a high-resolution digital camera, an internet web browser- into one slim device with long lasting battery power.  The apple i phone seems to intuitively know when the user is making a call, taking a photograph, or watching a video clip and the high-resolution touchscreen adjusts to optimally perform each function.  The apple i phone has incorporated the advanced technology of Apple computers and turned that technology into a premium mobile device. Apple has decided to disseminate the apple i phone in two ways. Consumers can find the iphone for sale at the local Apple outlet, more of which are cropping up rapidly, or users can find the iphone for sale at AT&T Mobile outlets across the country.  Apple has signed an exclusive two year contract with AT&T Mobile, which means that consumers will have to sign a two year contract with AT&T Mobile in order to have access to the apple i phone. Users should be aware that the iphone for sale will not mean that the iphone will be on sale, however, as the usual sign-on rebates and price incentives will not likely be applied to the apple i phone.  Consumers can find the iphone for sale at a cost of $499 for the 4GB model and $599 for the 8GB model. The cost of either model of the apple i phone is a small price to pay for such a powerful piece of versatile technology.  Since Apple announced the release of the iphone, additional upgrades to the technology of the apple i phone have also been announced, which means that consumers will be getting the highest quality mobile device available to date.  In addition, the apple i phone can sync up with any Apple computer, making the apple i phone more than just a mobile device.  Other mobile device manufacturers will find difficulty competing with the range of features and the advanced technology offered by the apple i phone.

San Diego-Based iPhoneWare is Poised to Meet Demand

San Diego, CA – Michael Deery, Prakash Gupta and Luis Sanchez are unlikely business partners.  But their entrepreneurial spirit and love of new technology has brought them together to form iPhoneWare.com, one of the first companies developing software, tools, and accessories for the new Apple iPhone.  Launching this Friday, June 29^th, the iPhone is a cross between the iPod and a traditional cell phone. 

San Diego native Luis Sanchez knew from a young age that he wanted to combine business and technology.  Temporarily distracted by the mortgage industry, Sanchez has now returned to his first love, helping develop new products for the iPhone.

Prakash Gupta came to California in 2000 to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration, but quickly founded his own custom software development company.  As iPhoneWare.com’s Vice President of Technology, Gupta is combining both business savvy and technology training.

Born and raised in Ireland, Michael Deery came to the University of San Diego on a soccer scholarship in 1994.  Ten years later, he started mortgage company Citywide Financial.  With the real estate boom ending, Deery was ready for a new challenge.

The three met at Citywide Financial, and soon realized they shared an intense interest in the iPhone’s upcoming release.  “All three of us realized another door would be opening in the technology world with the iPhone,” says Deery.  

With all the buzz surrounding the iPhone launch, consumers are clearly eager to adopt the new technology.  But iPhoneWare.com is also developing tools to help businesses adopt the iPhone as well.

About iPhoneWare.com

iPhoneWare.com offers accessories for the new iPhone and iPod.  As one of the first companies offering gear for the iPhone, they are hard at work developing and finding tools for integrating the iPhone into everyday life.  For more information, please visit http://www.iphoneware.com/.  

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San Diego, CA - Over one million iPods have been sold, building expectations that Apple’s newest offering, the iPhone, will reach astronomical heights as well.  Launching this Friday, June 29^th, the iPhone is a cross between the iPod and a traditional cell phone. 

With all the buzz surrounding the iPhone launch, consumers are clearly eager to adopt the new technology.  But Prakash Gupta, Technical Director of San Diego-based iPhoneWare, cautions that third-party applications will be needed to turn the iPhone into an effective business tool.

“iPhone is the first step towards a smaller, lighter cross between a cell phone and a laptop, allowing mobile access to everything, everywhere,” say Gupta.  In fact, iPhone is a perfect opportunity for businesses to become fully mobile, improving access to both full web data and all standard applications.  Based on the Mac OS 10, iPhone will ultimately integrate seamlessly with both PCs and Macs.  Third-party software developers, including iPhoneWare, are racing to develop applications for consumers and businesses alike. 

iPhoneWare is one of the first companies poised to provide tips, tools, and gear for taking advantage of the iPhone’s full capabilities.  The iPhoneWare website, www.iPhoneWare.com, will also offer reviews and tips for using the iPhone and its accessories.

About iPhoneWare

iPhoneWare offers accessories for the new iPhone and iPod.  As one of the first companies offering gear for the iPhone, they are hard at work developing and finding tools for integrating the iPhone into your everyday life.  For more information, please visit http://www.iphoneware.com/.  

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The iphone release date is set for June 29, 2007 and consumers are eagerly awaiting the chance to purchase the iPhone.   When Apple initially announced the creation of the iPhone, in January of 2007, Apple devotees shuddered at the thought of waiting for the iphone release date set six months in the future. People already familiar with and using Apple products do not seem to balk at the iPhone price, which is substantially higher than average mobile phones.  The 4GB iPhone retails for $499 while the 8GB iPhone retails for $599.  However, the iPhone is so much more than just a mobile phone.  The iPhone has all the usual features of a mobile phone but also includes Apple’s trademark MP3 player, a high-speed internet browser, a 2.0 megapixel camera, and many new features that help buyers justify the iPhone price. For consumers to purchase each feature of the separately, the cost would be much higher than the iPhone price, making the iPhone quite reasonable by comparison.  Additionally, prior to the iphone release date, Apple announced a longer battery life for the iPhone and an upgraded touchscreen, ensuring a better optical quality for users. If all the current features still are not enough to ensure the rapid sale of the iPhone, Apple is constantly announcing further upgrades available for the iPhone, including applications that will be available for download on the iPhone, increasing the versatility and possible uses for the iPhone and thus further balancing out the iPhone price. The wide range of uses and features combined with the small size and high quality of the iPhone make the iPhone the most advanced mobile device available to date. Currently, the main concern for consumers waiting to purchase the iPhone is the availability of the iPhone after the iphone release date. Apple has an exclusive contract for distributing the iPhone with AT&T mobile until 2008.  Additionally, in order to purchase and use the iPhone, consumers must sign into a two year service contract with AT&T mobile.  As the initial exclusive carrier of the iPhone, AT&T mobile has attempted to guarantee a reliable mobile network and a range of service plans to accommodate every user. For many mobile phone users, neither the iPhone price nor the necessity of switching service carriers is a deterrent from having the chance to explore the myriad features offered by Apple’s iPhone.

By L. Winslow 

Officially Apple will launch its sales of iPhone on June 29, 2007 and they have already started their publicity. Of course Google is also announcing ahead of that release their new mobile computing device, with its own operating system and Google map features all in one cell-phone hand held system. Not to be outdone Blackberry is announcing new features and Samsung is opening new plants while Motorola is laying off 4,000 people. The entire industry is in flux.

Palm just got a huge cash infusion from Singer Bono’s Private Equity Firm to keep up with its new Palm Foleo which few people have even heard of. What does all this mean for the mobile computer user? It means lots of choices and you must study all that is going on so you do not get stuck with an old cell-phone contraption piece of garbage on a two-year pre-signed up plan. So, be careful in what you buy and watch out for the hype, because when all the big boys come out to play there will be some pretty outrageous hoopla and marketing going on.

Expect movie stars and sports stars running around with various portable devices showing them off and lots of advertising dollars flowing as well. You will see endless stories in the media on these devices as the Mass Media or TV, newspapers, magazines, Internet and Radio court these companies with big advertising budgets. It is going to be a Personal Tech Gone Wild Free for All, wait and see!

By Madison Lockwood

Apple Computers (Now Apple Inc.) has recovered from years of corporate doldrums through the introduction of an innovative line of computers but more importantly, through the phenomenal success of the iPod. Apple more or less created the market for personal digital MP3 players and has sold millions of units, along with millions of songs through their online music store.

Now the video world is coming into the handheld market - virtually every cell phone has a screen of some sort and the recent iPods have video screens as well. Apple’s most recent product introduction is the much-hyped iPhone, which combines the functions of a cell phone, a “wide screen” iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communications device.

Apple has chosen to make an exclusive deal with Cingular, the AT&T cell phone network. Your only source for an iPhone will be through Cingular, along with a Cingular cellular service contract. They plan to make the product available in June. Back in the digital dark ages, Apple made the choice to keep their computer operating system in house, while Microsoft moved beyond IBM and licensed to any computer manufacturer who wanted it. It was the most important misstep that Apple has ever made, and is the reason that they will probably never extend beyond ten to twelve percent of the computer market. It will be interesting to see what happens when iPhone clones begin to appear in Verizon and other cell operator outlets.

The 4GB iPhone model will cost $499 with a two-year contract and $599 for the 8GB version (also with a two-year contract). Those are expensive phones, but Apple is in a unique position in that it has a dedicated core of iPod fans that may become Cingular converts. The iPhone’s design is cutting edge: it has done away with keypads and with the exception of a “home” button the controls are operated on a 3.5 inch square touch screen.

According to early reviews the videos and photos look great. One giant touch screen controls the phone, the picture component and the videos - no stylus needed. For text messaging, there will be an onscreen keyboard - again controlled by touch.

Apple’s iTunes store has gone into the video business, most recently negotiating a distribution contract with Paramount. Videos are downloaded onto the iPhone the same way that music is: through a wired connection to your computer. Apple’s decision to push the viability of the iPhone as a video viewing device raises a couple of questions. The first is how satisfactory watching a movie on a three and a half inch screen will be, and the second is whether or not 8GB is enough to manage a library of music and video content. The current largest video iPod model has 60GB of space, in comparison.

For Internet and video functionality, the iPhone runs on the most recent Mac operating system. It has a 2 megapixel camera and promises support for Google maps, conference calling, and text and multimedia messaging. In short, all the features are included that young people use their phones for today, along with increasing numbers of traveling execs. The iPhone has Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and includes both email software and a browser.

If you judge by the hype, Apple is betting big on the iPhone. It’s worth noting, however, that Steve Jobs is pretty good at hyping every new Apple product. But the integration of telecommunications, video, and full blown Internet interconnectivity into the revered iPod is a major step - and the cell service completes an impressive multimedia package. It should be interesting.

By Juliette Van Rooyen

Many people wondered how Apple managed to gain the rights to use the name iPhone from Cisco Systems who have trademarked the name. Apparently Apple doesn’t actually own the rights to the name iPhone, but they went ahead with their huge launch regardless. The real owners of the name, Cisco Systems, are suing Apple for making free use of a name they have already trademarked. This could spell a large amount of trouble for Steve Jobs and the Apple clan if this suite is won by Cisco. Jobs has stated that he believes that Cisco won’t be able to uphold their claim “because other products have already been released with that name.” It’s almost a case of; well, everyone else is doing this so why can’t we?

There may very well be other products out there labelled iPhone, but Apple has made the biggest splash with theirs. They shouldn’t be surprised that they are targeted by Cisco. What surprised me is that Apple went ahead with the unveiling while the name was still unsecured. Why put an entire marketing campaign at risk because you can’t set up the groundwork properly? That’s bad enough, but for it to be justified by a childish response like they used is inexcusable for such a huge corporation. The revelation may also show Apple and the iPhone in a bad light to many consumers, but whether that makes a difference to sales is yet to be seen.

Did the guys at Apple really expect to get away with it after the huge amount of publicity they drummed up by such a public unveiling of the product? Particularly since the Linksys division of Cisco Systems recently released their own iPhone product. The products may be widely divergent, but only one of them will get the universal brand recognition that comes with the name. Regardless of the fact that one is a VOIP product and the other is the new every function phone. The people who gain the benefit from the recognition should be the people who legitimately have the right to use that name.

By Ian E. Wright 

If you are interested in getting free stuff online or anywhere else for that matter you have probably seen offers for free iPods. Immediately following the announcement of Apple Inc. that were going to be producing the iPhone, websites began offering similar promotions for free iPhones to people once they were on sale. The problem with both of these offers is that they are essentially scams.

Websites claiming to offer you a free iPhone usually require you just enter your e-mail address or zip code to see if you qualify. The thing is everyone qualifies, assuming they meet certain minimal requirements. Then you have to complete some combination of offers or refer a certain number of friends to get enough points to redeem your iPhone or other gift of your choice.

The most obvious problem is that the website you register with may be a scam. This is especially a problem for products such as the iPhone that have yet to be released. The website may get lots of people to register and complete the sponsor’s offers, only to close right after the official release of the iPhone. While, this is the most common worry of people who are thinking about registering for these offers it is not actually the biggest one.

In fact most websites claiming to be giving away free iPods actually do give them away. They just make it extremely profitable to do so. Thus there is no need to scam people. Since many of the website offering free iPhones today are part of these same companies, they are probably as legitimate as can be in this industry. The main thing to know about these companies is that they make good money from you before they ever send you and iPod, iPhone or any other gift.

You might think that this sounds strange but I will explain. These companies get you to register for certain offers from certain advertisers, which they make money on. Then they force you to refer your friends, who also have to complete these offers for you to get your iPhone. The company makes sure that their cut from the completed offers, more than makes up for the cost of the phone itself. This still might not seem like such a bad deal, after all, you knew that you wouldn’t be able to get the iPhone for nothing.

The even bigger problem though is that as more people join it becomes increasingly difficult to refer friends who are interested and not already registered for the offer. Essentially, these schemes are just a variation of a pyramid scheme. While there may be no initial upfront cost, it is still mathematically impossible for the people at the bottom to refer enough people to ever get an iPhone.

Thus, most people end up completing a few offers and referring a few friends (but not enough to qualify), yet get nothing. In the meantime the company that originally offered the free iPhone has gotten rich from these people. Sure the company had to give away a few iPhones but it has more than made up the cost through these other sort of shady tactics.

If you really want an iPhone my recommendation is to wait until they are released and buy it then. Better yet, if you don’t mind waiting a few months you will be able to buy slightly used ones at a discount. As I have demonstrated, offers of a free iPhone are at worst a scam and at best extremely difficult if not impossible to complete. Save yourself the stress and worry and just pay for it once it is released. I know it’s not free but products like iPhones never really are.