New AT&T specific features rumored for future iPhone update
Apple and its exclusive US wireless provider AT&T could soon deliver new carrier-specific features to iPhone users through a future software update in a bid to increase customer satisfaction.
At least one of the enhancements, according to those claiming knowledge of the matter, would be similar to the Visual Voicemail feature made popular on the iPhone two years ago, in that it may require AT&T to tailor changes to its network.
In particular, the two parties are said to be mulling the possibility of enabling the following capabilities through an update to the iPhone's software that could arrive before year's end:
Overage Alerts: A proposed new setting under the iPhone's "Phone" preferences would allow users to customize a push notification -- in the form of a badge, message, or sound -- to be issued when they're in danger of exceeding their monthly anytime minutes.
New Voicemail Options: A new "Voicemail" setting, also proposed as an addition to the touch-screen handset's "Phone" preferences, would provide a means for users to disable the custom Voicemail greeting -- as well as AT&T's standard Voicemail introduction -- heard by other users.
Similarly, the same feature would also make it possible for users to automatically bypass Voicemail greetings, AT&T's standard introduction, and other automated instructions when placing calls to other AT&T customers.
The proposals are said to be a collaborative effort between AT&T and Apple based off customer feedback. In addition to boosting customer satisfaction with both the iPhone and AT&T's wireless network, the additions could also serve as a steppingstone for additional carrier-specific features, those claiming knowledge of the situation say.
At least one of the enhancements, according to those claiming knowledge of the matter, would be similar to the Visual Voicemail feature made popular on the iPhone two years ago, in that it may require AT&T to tailor changes to its network.
In particular, the two parties are said to be mulling the possibility of enabling the following capabilities through an update to the iPhone's software that could arrive before year's end:
Overage Alerts: A proposed new setting under the iPhone's "Phone" preferences would allow users to customize a push notification -- in the form of a badge, message, or sound -- to be issued when they're in danger of exceeding their monthly anytime minutes.
New Voicemail Options: A new "Voicemail" setting, also proposed as an addition to the touch-screen handset's "Phone" preferences, would provide a means for users to disable the custom Voicemail greeting -- as well as AT&T's standard Voicemail introduction -- heard by other users.
Similarly, the same feature would also make it possible for users to automatically bypass Voicemail greetings, AT&T's standard introduction, and other automated instructions when placing calls to other AT&T customers.
The proposals are said to be a collaborative effort between AT&T and Apple based off customer feedback. In addition to boosting customer satisfaction with both the iPhone and AT&T's wireless network, the additions could also serve as a steppingstone for additional carrier-specific features, those claiming knowledge of the situation say.
Comments
Every carrier, having allowed MMS in June (after 3.0 had sprung), did.
A warning message that you were reaching your limit?
And turning off part of your voicemail message?
Isn't that a bit.... crap?
I was hoping for a personal cell tower that I could carry around with me. Maybe then I could get decent service. Guess I'll just have to wait.
We need our mobile telcos to offer VoIP roaming, at half the price (or double the minutes), via the regular Apple phone app interface.
ie: When I'm at home or office on Wifi, my calls can come and go via wifi. As I go out of VoIP range (or the call loses quality) it switches seamlessly to regular cell service.
That's pretty well my own personal cell tower.
And that could be quite a unique feature.
(It's a long shot, but perhaps the iPod Touch will offer Apple VoIP next week... with a similar boost to iPhone phone app)
If they want some actual good-will credit they could start wih free SMS / MMS during nights and weekends. Like they do with voice.
The damage to their name is severe and will take drastic steps to repair.
How about free MMS and Texting.
And as for Apple, when will we be able to browse recent callers while we're on the phone?
B.S. If AT&T "listened" to their customers, their network would be a lot better and texting would be much cheaper. Instead iPhone subs get this.
Am still happy with my experience, signal is great where I live. But every mobile company sucks, and implementing "features" like this certainly don't help the company/customer relationship at all.
How about giving me the same freedom I had with my landline? That would keep me as a customer.
Making the product 'feel' more integrated, I suppose.
Menu Bar Notifications
The geniuses at Apple must be able to figure that out ... and it's a feature that's going to make a huge difference.
future apologies from "Seth the blogger guy"
On the otherhand I can't really say AT&Ts service has been all that bad for me. The contract is a little stiff but that won't change until competition opens up. The only service I would really want from them is tethering but I don't see that happening at a reasonable price anytime soon. If there is anything that would lead to a congested network it is easy tethering for Mac Users.
So like others this would barely get me out of bed.
Dave
ie: When I'm at home or office on Wifi, my calls can come and go via wifi. As I go out of VoIP range (or the call loses quality) it switches seamlessly to regular cell service.
Actually, that wouldn't be unique in the USA. I can't remember which of the two, but it's either Sprint or T-Mobile that already offer this. Best of all, due to a lack of back end billing software to handle the switchoff, if you start your call on WiFi and then move off into the cellular network, the call remains absolutely free.