iPhone battery life, virtual keyboard concern early testers

[AppleInsider]

Though confident in Apple's iPhone strategy, financial experts at American Technology Research issued a report Monday that highlights some of the more prominent concerns facing early testers of the the multi-functional handset ahead of its release.

"There are about two weeks remaining before Apple launches its highly anticipated iPhone in both AT&T and Apple retail stores nationwide on June 29," analyst Shaw Wu wrote in the report. "While we remain very upbeat on iPhone's prospects and find the product revolutionary and landscape changing with its multi-touch interface, full page web browsing, widescreen video Pod, and tight integration with iTunes, we wanted to offer some balanced perspective and analysis."

Virtual Keyboard

For starters, Wu said he's picking up on some concern from beta testers and supply chain sources that the device's "virtual keyboard" technology may present early challenges for some users.

"On the positive side, using this design allows Apple to maximize its 3.5-inch screen and to limit clutter," he wrote. "However, customers who are accustomed to a physical keyboard may find typing on a screen to be less certain and accurate than on physical buttons and face a learning curve."

Still, the analyst said he's not overly concerned as he believes users will likely spend the majority of their time on navigation-type tasks, such as scrolling through menus and surfing the web. "We believe one overlooked advantage Apple may have over other smart phones is that when making calls, its virtual dialer has no extra clutter, and it is likely easier to dial unprogrammed phone numbers than on fixed QWERTY keyboards," he explained.

Battery Life

Another concern for early iPhone testers, Wu said, is battery life. Apple says iPhone will deliver up to eight hours of talk time (6 hours of Internet use, 7 hours of video playback or 24 hours of audio playback.) The company also claims the iPhone will feature up to 250 hours-more than 10 days-of standby time.

"We hope those times are accurate, but some of our sources have indicated iPhone's active use battery life may be closer to around 4-5 hours for heavy use, similar to other smart phones," the analyst told clients. "However, because an iPhone also serves as an iPod, unless Apple's claims on performance specs are accurate, 4-5 hours of video playback may not be enough for usage such as on international flights, and for phone use afterwards."

Wu said he'd like to see Apple move to a replaceable battery design at some point, similar to its MacBook and MacBook Pro product lines. "We believe this gives customers more flexibility and could even create a lucrative, aftermarket battery marketplace for Apple with its licensing partners," he wrote.

More photos of the iPhone's software and hardware

Corporate e-mail works

On a more refreshing note, the American Technology Analyst cited sources who say that iPhone is indeed compatible with corporate e-mail systems based on Microsoft Exchange. However, it will not be as robust as push technology offered by Research In Motion's BlackBerry.

"We believe this may deter usage among some corporate users; however, for consumer users, it is not likely an issue as iPhone works well with popular consumer e-mail systems from Yahoo! and Google," he told clients.

On the other hand, the analyst said, the iPhone's Safari web browser may offer an advantage over other smart phones. "Accessing corporate e-mail through 'Outlook Web Access' from Microsoft could prove to be a usable solution and eliminate the task of synching (web outlook has native access to Exchange and Outlook)," he wrote.

Wu, who maintains a buy rating on shares of Apple, reiterated his $145 price target on the Cupertino-based company, citing potential for additional upside to that target in the coming months.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[solsun]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

""However, because an iPhone also serves as an iPod, unless Apple's claims on performance specs are accurate, 4-5 hours of video playback may not be enough for usage such as on international flights, and for phone use afterwards."

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

I'm fairly confident that Apple will release a Magsafe airline charger for iPhone.

[mrjoec123]

Originally Posted by solsun

I'm fairly confident that Apple will release a Magsafe airline charger for iPhone.

I'd be even more confident that since iPhone has a 30-pin iPod connector, the airline adapter won't be mag safe.

[studiomusic]

Yep, tons of ipod chargers out there that will work fine.

[solipsism]

The improved battery life and glass screen are helping the stock jump today.

As for email, I think Safari is a great way for corporate users to access their Exchange accounts. An easily created app that can be built to look like the iPhone's UI while providing all the necessary Exchange info and interacting with the core iPhone components.

Originally Posted by solsun

I'm fairly confident that Apple will release a Magsafe airline charger for iPhone.

How exactly is that going to work with the 30-pin connector?

[mib]

he's picking up on some concern from beta testers

sure, the beta test program for the iPhone, who hasn't heard of it?

what a blowhard, I'm sure he is at least 6 degrees removed from anyone who has ever even seen an iPhone, let alone any 'concerned beta testers'. don't make me laugh.

[BdeRWest]

Originally Posted by mrjoec123

I'd be even more confident that since iPhone has a 30-pin iPod connector, the airline adapter won't be mag safe.

Beat me..

Although, I don't think Apple (or any third party) makes a dock connector/airline charger...

But the yellowing Griffin iPod charger I have plugged eternally into my cigarette-lighter outlet will charge this puppy just fine. I've actually thought of taking an old dock and gluing it to my dashboard so I can see my iPod when I drive.

Seriously though, 5 hours of batt life, "analysts" go ape. 8 hours of batt life, "analysts" go ape. What do you people want?

"On the positive side, this design allows Apple to blarghty blah blah blah"

[CoolHandPete]

Originally Posted by solsun

I'm fairly confident that Apple will release a Magsafe airline charger for iPhone.

How many seats in airplanes have outlets for the Magsafe adapters?

[Chucker]

Originally Posted by CoolHandPete

How many seats in airplanes have outlets for the Magsafe adapters?

The iPhone doesn't have MagSafe; it has the Dock connector. Same as the iPod. The answer to the question "how many seats in airplanes have a suitable power connector" is therefore: more than you might think.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by CoolHandPete

How many seats in airplanes have outlets for the Magsafe adapters?

0
.........

[ak1808]

Virtual Keyboard:
95% of mobile phones today use a number pad to input text. iPhones keyboard will be a vast improvement for the vast majority of phone users.

[nagromme]

Not everyone will prefer the typing method to what they've used before, but the thing is, iPhone typing doesn't have to be perfect, because tiny-button typing on other phones is pretty bad anyway! iPhone doesn't even have to be better than that. All it has to be is not SO much worse that the big touchscreen isn't worth it. I predict few people will find touchscreen typing to be so poor that they would give up that big screen.

The iPhone is different. It's advantages will be different from other phones. But they will be big.

[Haggar]

Can the keyboard be used in landscape orientation?

Can the icons on the home screen be arranged alphabetically?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Haggar

Can the keyboard be used in landscape orientation?

Can the icons on the home screen be arranged alphabetically?

Good questions, yet still unknown.

[Haggar]

"Accessing corporate e-mail through 'Outlook Web Access' from Microsoft could prove to be a usable solution and eliminate the task of synching (web outlook has native access to Exchange and Outlook)," he wrote.

The problem with using Outlook Web Access on mobile devices is the small screen, which will require the user to do a lot of scrolling around. Microsoft Exchange server also has a feature called Outlook Mobile Access which is optimized for handhelds with smaller screens. But of course, it only works with Windows Mobile devices.

[ddelmonte]

Many long haul flights have power connectors in first class and some in business class. Riff-raff class barely have seats anymore.

Sorebum

[O_rly]

Apple could have eased concerns about the virtual keyboard with some sort of tactile response technology. Hope we see this in future iPhones.

[Louzer]

Originally Posted by Haggar

The problem with using Outlook Web Access on mobile devices is the small screen, which will require the user to do a lot of scrolling around. Microsoft Exchange server also has a feature called Outlook Mobile Access which is optimized for handhelds with smaller screens. But of course, it only works with Windows Mobile devices.

Another problem is that Outlook Web Access in Safari really blows. I have no idea why someone would want to use that if mail works, as you'd have much better control over your content.

And the questions on the keyboard really do stand out. Seeing it in action in the commercials, you see the buttons start expanding and all. Will this reduce the ability to type with any speed at all, if your keyboard keeps moving?

[Gambit]

Originally Posted by O_rly

Apple could have eased concerns about the virtual keyboard with some sort of tactile response technology. Hope we see this in future iPhones.

Or a future software upgrade, if it isn't there already under Settings. You have to remember, the beauty of this product is that the software is upgradable. As long as the hardware is there (and the vibrating capability is), then the software can be modified to access it.

[noirdesir]

Originally Posted by O_rly

... with some sort of tactile response technology.

A small electrical shock or a click similar to the clicking you hear when you 'turn' the scroll wheel of an iPod.

[lkrupp]

Apple lovers need to prepare themselves for the backlash once the iPhone is released. It can't possibly live up to the uninformed hype that surrounds it. Apple critics, bashers, and haters already have their knives sharpened ready to slash Apple and the iPhone to shreds when it hits the streets. This is partly do to Apple's own hype machine but the majority is just because its Apple and certain segments of the self-styled geek technocrats hate the company with a fierce passion.

So hold onto your butts when it's finally out. I see the vitriol rising on numerous web sites. And of course we'll have to deal with the usual whining crybabies who buy the thing and then commence to trash it because, well, that's what they do. You already see it on these forums.

[MacGregor]

Originally Posted by Haggar

Can the keyboard be used in landscape orientation?

Can the icons on the home screen be arranged alphabetically?

Send these suggestions to Apple and AT&T. The beauty of this thing is that it only takes a s/w upgrade to happen!

[Louzer]

Originally Posted by Gambit

Or a future software upgrade, if it isn't there already under Settings. You have to remember, the beauty of this product is that the software is upgradable. As long as the hardware is there (and the vibrating capability is), then the software can be modified to access it.

The software possibly can be updated, but there's been nothing from Apple about what updates they will support for iPhone 1.0.

Originally Posted by lkrupp

Apple lovers need to prepare themselves for the backlash once the iPhone is released. It can't possibly live up to the uninformed hype that surrounds it. Apple critics, bashers, and haters already have their knives sharpened ready to slash Apple and the iPhone to shreds when it hits the streets. This is partly do to Apple's own hype machine but the majority is just because its Apple and certain segments of the self-styled geek technocrats hate the company with a fierce passion.

So hold onto your butts when it's finally out. I see the vitriol rising on numerous web sites. And of course we'll have to deal with the usual whining crybabies who buy the thing and then commence to trash it because, well, that's what they do. You already see it on these forums.

I would say there's more people out there who can't stand the mac-zealot than apple itself. And the zealots don't help it any by completely disregarding any fair criticism as 'apple-bashing', coming up with pointless 'work-arounds' for obvious missing features, or simply dismissing comments by saying "it's not meant to do that" or the like (I try that as a programmer, and, really, it doesn't take you that far as an argument).

And if all the bashing is just personal against Apple, then that would imply that the iPhone is the perfect device. Then why would you need a new version or software updates?

And I can't imagine anyone hating apple so much as to spend $600 on an iPhone just so they can then rip it.

[MacGregor]

Originally Posted by Louzer

The software possibly can be updated, but there's been nothing from Apple about what updates they will support for iPhone 1.0.

Except for the January keynote where Jobs said that the whole point of the iPhone interface was that unlike plastic buttons it can be changed...

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Louzer

The software possibly can be updated, but there's been nothing from Apple about what updates they will support for iPhone 1.0.

Apple stated that there will be free software upgrades, just like with the iPod.

[Porchland]

Exchange compatibility seems like a big, huge deal that one of those fancy Web 2.0 apps/sites could make happen, but it would be better for both Apple and Microsoft if they would come out with one together.

Microsoft has a HUGE interest in maintaining its Exchange dominance and won't want the iPhone to start eroding that among the power users that are often the IT decision-makers at their companies.

Personally, I would love to see Apple (1) make Mail, Address Book and iCal completely inter-operable with Outlook/Exchange, and (2) port all three apps to PC. I'm not dropping Firefox for the PC version of Safari, but I would almost certainly drop Outlook for the Mac apps if they worked seamlessly with Exchange.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by mib

he's picking up on some concern from beta testers

sure, the beta test program for the iPhone, who hasn't heard of it?

what a blowhard, I'm sure he is at least 6 degrees removed from anyone who has ever even seen an iPhone, let alone any 'concerned beta testers'. don't make me laugh.

Before you blow even harder, until today's announcement, there was no information about Apple's longer kife battery.

If you've been reading other threads here, you would also see that many, if not most, posting on that subject, think that this battery is not new, that Apple has been using it for months.

If that's so, then the concerns are real.

Even if it isn't, the other concerns expressed, are real as well.

Those concerns are about how much battery life will be available in any one function, after using it for any length of time in another.

[mrtotes]

I'd also wonder if the text generation wouldn't prefer a larger numeric keypad and predicative text as they are used to on current phones... at least as an option.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by melgross

Before you blow even harder, until today's announcement, there was no information about Apple's longer kife battery.

If you've been reading other threads here, you would also see that many, if not most, posting on that subject, think that this battery is not new, that Apple has been using it for months.

If that's so, then the concerns are real.

Even if it isn't, the other concerns expressed, are real as well.

Those concerns are about how much battery life will be available in any one function, after using it for any length of time in another.

I think the point is that it seems pretty unlikely that among whatever handful of sworn-to-Jobs-by-blood-oath "beta testers" are actually using the iPhone in the wild, it seems pretty unlikely that any of them are reporting back to "analysts" about their "concerns".

At best you would have a somebody told somebody told somebody rumor, hence the six degrees of separation comment. That's quite a bit different from noting that observers, in general, "have concerns" about battery life, which is a given.

[mib]

If that's so, then the concerns are real.

Even if it isn't, the other concerns expressed, are real as well.


Of course these concerns are real, my point was about the beta testers this guys supposedly is in touch with. Instead he is just rehashing what he reads on these forums and kicking in open doors.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by addabox

I think the point is that it seems pretty unlikely that among whatever handful of sworn-to-Jobs-by-blood-oath "beta testers" are actually using the iPhone in the wild, it seems pretty unlikely that any of them are reporting back to "analysts" about their "concerns".

At best you would have a somebody told somebody told somebody rumor, hence the six degrees of separation comment. That's quite a bit different from noting that observers, in general, "have concerns" about battery life, which is a given.

I think that any number of these people, and, remember that we don't know who most of them are, would be telling analysts what they think. Some of them may even BE analysts.

Don't forget that analysts have access to sources that we don't.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by mib

If that's so, then the concerns are real.

Even if it isn't, the other concerns expressed, are real as well.


Of course these concerns are real, my point was about the beta testers this guys supposedly is in touch with. Instead he is just rehashing what he reads on these forums and kicking in open doors.

No, YOU read what's on these forums. They have their own information sources. They don't need us.

[solsun]

Originally Posted by mrjoec123

I'd be even more confident that since iPhone has a 30-pin iPod connector, the airline adapter won't be mag safe.

Originally Posted by solipsism

The improved battery life and glass screen are helping the stock jump today.

As for email, I think Safari is a great way for corporate users to access their Exchange accounts. An easily created app that can be built to look like the iPhone's UI while providing all the necessary Exchange info and interacting with the core iPhone components.




How exactly is that going to work with the 30-pin connector?

Well I stand corrected if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that Mag Safe referred to the break away connection not the type of pin connector.. I understand that iPhone uses a 30 pin connector, but couldn't Apple still make a 30 pin connector Mag Safe with a break away cord before the 30 pin connection?

[addabox]

Originally Posted by solsun

Well I stand corrected if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that Mag Safe referred to the break away connection not the type of pin connector.. I understand that iPhone uses a 30 pin connector, but couldn't Apple still make a 30 pin connector Mag Safe?

They would have to make a dongle with pins on one side and mag safe on the other.

Mag Safe doesn't have pins, per se-- it uses (duh!) magnetic attraction to hold the connector in place, instead of the friction of pins stuck into sockets.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by melgross

Those concerns are about how much battery life will be available in any one function, after using it for any length of time in another.

If you are so concerned, perhaps the information posted on the iPhone Technical Spec site would be of value.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/technology/specs.html

As you can see, the test results are obviously recent since they were conducted in May and June, and on preproduction iPhones and software.

I would suggest that these results as qualified will fall under the normal standards of measurement, and as such, will be significantly better than actually found on other similarly functional devices.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

If you are so concerned, perhaps the information posted on the iPhone Technical Spec site would be of value.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/technology/specs.html

As you can see, the test results are obviously recent since they were conducted in May and June, and on preproduction iPhones and software.

I would suggest that these results as qualified will fall under the normal standards of measurement, and as such, will be significantly better than actually found on other similarly functional devices.

No, those specs do not answer the questions raised.

You didn't refer to my questions at all.

we all know the new specs. They must have been confirmed under some testing protocall, that's obvious.

My question related to real-world use, which Apple's testing does not.

It goes like this;

Talk on the phone for 30 minutes.

Listen to music for an hour.

Talk for another 20 minutes.

Watch a 22 minute Tv show.

Go to the internet for 20 minutes.

Listen to another 30 minutes of music.

Talk on the phone for another 15 minutes.

Etc.

Under those conditions, how much time can be expected under any of those settings?

Under my scenario, I talked for 65 minutes. How much music listening time does that give me? How much video time? How much internet time on the phone network using EDGE? How much using WiFi?

Get the point?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by solsun

Well I stand corrected if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that Mag Safe referred to the break away connection not the type of pin connector.. I understand that iPhone uses a 30 pin connector, but couldn't Apple still make a 30 pin connector Mag Safe with a break away cord before the 30 pin connection?

Building on what Addabox stated, they could create one but it would be in two parts. The first part would be small and plug into your 30-pin connector. the other part would be the USB cable. The two parts would then attach via the Magsafe adapter. this won't happen as I don't see people really tripping over a 2.5' USB cable as much of a problem as most of these are attached to the comupter anyhow.

[BRussell]

Originally Posted by melgross

No, those specs do not answer the questions raised.

Why wouldn't it just be proportional? If it's 24 hours of music and 6 hours of talk, if you listened to music for 12 hours, it would drain half the battery, leaving 3 hours of talk time. In general, I've found Apple's estimates of battery life to be pretty accurate, and I'd imagine that this is the same. I'd be concerned, though, that these times would be decreased dramatically because of multi-tasking.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by melgross

My question related to real-world use, which Apple's testing does not.

I'd like to see how much actual time you get from a consistent watching of YouTube videos via WiFi while either talking on the phone or listening to music at the same.

I guess we'll have to wait for consumer hands-on testing.

Originally Posted by BRussell

Why wouldn't it just be proportional? If it's 24 hours of music and 6 hours of talk, if you listened to music for 12 hours, it would drain half the battery, leaving 3 hours of talk time. In general, I've found Apple's estimates of battery life to be pretty accurate, and I'd imagine that this is the same. I'd be concerned, though, that these times would be decreased dramatically because of multi-tasking.

It's all proportional, but as your last sentence points out multi-tasking will fudge these numbers. Melgross simply points out that the numbers displayed will not coincide to the average iPhone user's usage.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I'd like to see how much actual time you get from a consistent watching of YouTube videos via WiFi while either talking on the phone or listening to music at the same.

I guess we'll have to wait for consumer hands-on testing.

I think we should prepare ourselves for the first wave of "iPhone teh sux!" postings, as early adopters drain the battery watching movies and surfing, then get pissed when they can't take the next call.