Apple's iPhone 3G guided tour reveals extra details

[AppleInsider]

New video walkthroughs of iPhone 3G help illustrate how to use the phone and what's changed in software, but also spill details of changes to the hardware design, a free official AOL instant messenger client, and more.

The guided tours are available in both a 38-minute beginner's guide to the entire phone or a condensed, 12-minute edition that shows just the new features added with iPhone 3G and its iPhone 2.0 software.

One of the most conspicuous changes is to the speakers. Briefly alluded to during the iPhone 3G's introduction at WWDC, the "dramatically improved audio" of the updated iPhone is now attributed directly to its new microphone and speakers.

A look at the bottom of the device, which has been hidden from view in most early looks, also shows two screws at either end of the Dock Connector -- an unusual design concession for a company that normally prides itself on hiding screws from view on its handheld devices.



And while most software demonstrations in the videos are of expected features, the front view of the App Store shows an AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) application that confirms a March 6th demo has translated to a finished and likely free application that may be available with the App Store's opening on July 11th.

The software could potentially be used to mitigate the lack of include SMS messages with AT&T's standard iPhone plans.

Downloading and installing third-party applications is also shown to be different than with purchases through the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store. Instead of managing a separate queue, inbound apps surface directly on the home screen, with a progress bar indicating how close they are to completion. Apps immediately become active once downloaded.



Update: AppleInsider forum member Berzerker notes that the guided tour also demonstrates a feature of iPhone 2.0 that will allow users to enable Wi-Fi on Wi-Fi enabled flights without leaving Airplane mode.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

A look at the bottom of the device, which has been hidden from view in most early looks, also shows two screws at either end of the Dock Connector -- an unusual design concession for a company that normally prides itself on hiding screws from view on its handheld devices.

Yeah, like the seven screws on my MacBook, including two on one side that are purely cosmetic.

Thank you again for your thoughtful analysis, AI.

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

New video walkthroughs of iPhone 3G help illustrate how to use the phone and what's changed in software, but also spill details of changes to the hardware design, a free official AOL instant messenger client, and more.

The guided tours are available in both a 38-minute beginner's guide to the entire phone or a condensed, 12-minute edition that shows just the new features added with iPhone 3G and its iPhone 2.0 software.

One of the most conspicuous changes is to the speakers. Briefly alluded to during the iPhone 3G's introduction at WWDC, the "dramatically improved audio" of the updated iPhone is now attributed directly to its new microphone and speakers.

A look at the bottom of the device, which has been hidden from view in most early looks, also shows two screws at either end of the Dock Connector -- an unusual design concession for a company that normally prides itself on hiding screws from view on its handheld devices.



And while most software demonstrations in the videos are of expected features, the front view of the App Store shows an AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) application that confirms a March 6th demo has translated to a finished and likely free application that may be available with the App Store's opening on July 11th.

The software could potentially be used to mitigate the lack of include SMS messages with AT&T's standard iPhone plans.

Downloading and installing third-party applications is also shown to be different than with purchases through the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store. Instead of managing a separate queue, inbound apps surface directly on the home screen, with a progress bar indicating how close they are to completion. Apps immediately become active once downloaded.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

There's also another new feature of the 2.0 software. The tour guide mentions that if you're on a wi-fi enabled flight, you can turn on wi-fi without leaving Airplane mode, and demonstrates this feature. This is not possible in 1.1.4 and earlier. In these versions, Airplane mode MUST be off for Wi-Fi to be enabled.

[jmadlena]

Originally Posted by merdhead

Yeah, like the seven screws on my MacBook, including two on one side that are purely cosmetic.

Thank you again for your thoughtful analysis, AI.

Compared to other companies, they are very right. Most companies don't give 25 screws on the face of an object as a big deal. Apple will do things to avoid it. No need to be an ass.

[PeterO]

Maybe the two screws facilitate battery replacement....?

[Matthew Yohe]

Originally Posted by merdhead

Yeah, like the seven screws on my MacBook, including two on one side that are purely cosmetic.

Thank you again for your thoughtful analysis, AI.

You missed where AI said: "...hiding screws from view on its handheld devices."

Your MacBook is not a handheld device.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by jmadlena

Compared to other companies, they are very right. Most companies don't give 25 screws on the face of an object as a big deal. Apple will do things to avoid it. No need to be an ass.

There's no need for you to be an arse, calling me an ass. The statement isn't supported by the facts. Apple don't care about screws, they care about design. Screws are neither here nor there. What other companies do with respect to their screws is irrelevant.

AI has a long history of delivering the most appalling analysis. Only ongoing, harsh criticism will make them stop.

[Matthew Yohe]

Originally Posted by PeterO

Maybe the two screws facilitate battery replacement....?

The screws are simply there to get access to the insides of the iPhone. Since there is no longer a plastic butt on the new model they either had to add screws or attempt to come up with some self-clipping back (a la iPods, Mac Mini). I assume the tolerances inside are just too tight for that sort of design so they went with screws.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Matthew Yohe

You missed where AI said: "...hiding screws from view on its handheld devices."

Your MacBook is not a handheld device.

I hold it in my hand all day (the MacBook). Also the statement hasn't got any basis. There is no evidence that Apple "pride themselves" on having no screws. It's just AI making things up (like saying Apple will use Atom processors "real soon now", where as even Intel has said it's not the case, see http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ast/index.html) then stating it as fact.

Just stick to the news, AI, please.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by merdhead

AI has a long history of delivering the most appalling analysis. Only ongoing, harsh criticism will make them stop.

Actually, they depend on traffic, hits, and click-throughs-- not nice comments. Unless you mean that your harsh criticism will drive other viewers from the site...


Now, I wouldn't go so far as calling you names, but seriously, if you think that AI's analysis is "most appalling" why even bother? Maybe they are too far gone for your artful corrective measures.


PS The Mini died a year ago!

[Matthew Yohe]

Originally Posted by merdhead

I hold it in my hand all day (the MacBook). Also the statement hasn't got any basis. There is no evidence that Apple "pride themselves" on having no screws. It's just AI making things up (like saying Apple will use Atom processors "real soon now", where as even Intel has said it's not the case, see http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/0...ast/index.html) then stating it as fact.

From the article you're citing: "Mr. Gelsinger acknowledged that Intel had lost the heated bidding for the next generation of Apple’s iPods and iPhones.

“Apple chose not to take that roadmap at their next generation of that platform,” he said, adding: “I don’t think that means that we’re not ever going to have them on that roadmap.”

We knew this when they bought PA Semi.

Also, if I recall, AI only mentioned an eventuality of the move to Atom on iPhones, not a certainty. AI seemed more certain of a tablet/laptop appearance.

Lastly, let's not play word games here: it doesn't matter what you call your MacBook, it's not a "Handheld Device."

[Claude427]

I am totally surprised by the dearth of comments about the possible mitigation of the fees proposed by AT&T for SMS, give the overwhelm debate in an earlier post. That, to me, is the biggest news in this article.

[aplnub]

Originally Posted by Berzerker

There's also another new feature of the 2.0 software. The tour guide mentions that if you're on a wi-fi enabled flight, you can turn on wi-fi without leaving Airplane mode, and demonstrates this feature. This is not possible in 1.1.4 and earlier. In these versions, Airplane mode MUST be off for Wi-Fi to be enabled.

I would never be so lucky to be on one of those flights.

[cameronj]

Originally Posted by Claude427

I am totally surprised by the dearth of comments about the possible mitigation of the fees proposed by AT&T for SMS, give the overwhelm debate in an earlier post. That, to me, is the biggest news in this article.

Something tells me that all the buddies on my list that are actually mobiles won't actually work on the iPhone AIM client. That would totally replace SMS.

[rg_spb]

They mention speaker (singular) and microphone. Which means only one of those is a speaker (the one on the left per the demo) and the other is the microphone.

[meeksdigital]

Originally Posted by PeterO

Maybe the two screws facilitate battery replacement....?

My first thought was that they may be to facilitate the replacement of broken backs, which are now plastic as opposed to the aluminum on the original iPhone. Good move actually, given the fact that it IS a phone and it WILL be dropped.

Whatever the two screws are for, there's a good reason they're there and I doubt anyone will gripe about them.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by merdhead

I hold it in my hand all day (the MacBook). Also the statement hasn't got any basis.

Your unwillingness to accept the jargon of the industry doesn't void the jargon. Just because you might hold it in your hand while using it doesn't make it a "handheld" class of device in terms of how the industry classifies devices.

[bostocked]

One detail is missing is how the AT&T rep will activate iphone? If he's going be holding it, his hands better be clean.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by meeksdigital

My first thought was that they may be to facilitate the replacement of broken backs, which are now plastic as opposed to the aluminum on the original iPhone. Good move actually, given the fact that it IS a phone and it WILL be dropped.

Assuming it's not going to be polycarbonate, which is what Apple usually chooses for plastic device cases. Polycarbonate can't really be shattered. Well, maybe it can be, but PC will still return to its shape after a much higher impact than it takes to put a very ugly dent in aluminum. Just because something is a plastic doesn't mean you can assume anything other than a certain type of molecular make-up.

Whatever the two screws are for, there's a good reason they're there and I doubt anyone will gripe about them.

Personally, I don't think it's that big of a deal.

[icfireball]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

Your unwillingness to accept the jargon of the industry doesn't void the jargon. Just because you might hold it in your hand while using it doesn't make it a "handheld" class of device.

Yes, and merdhead: what AppleInsider wrote was completely relevant and acceptable. Apple DOES pride itself in it's sleek and "seamless" (notice the quotes) designs. If you went to see Wall-e, you would notice the jokes and references to this. And keep in mind that Pixar's CEO is non other than the elusive Steve Jobs.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by merdhead

Just stick to the news, AI, please.

That is your view. My view, for instance is: I want AI to be AI. If I want just 'news,' I'll stick to the New York Times (or BBC, whatever).

If you have a problem with that, you should go somewhere else. It's not like AI is the only Apple-related news and rumors site out there.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by merdhead

Thank you again for your thoughtful analysis, AI.

Stop being so snarky, man.

Get a life, or go somewhere else to get your news.

[paxman]

Originally Posted by aplnub

I would never be so lucky to be on one of those flights.

You might, but only to discover the price of access to be $25.- per 2 minutes. Calling from a plane is available these days to most passengers but have you ever checked out the price? I have never seen anyone use the onboard phones, ever, yet there is one for virtually every seat on international flights. What a stupid waste.

[Wiggin]

Originally Posted by merdhead

AI has a long history of delivering the most appalling analysis. Only ongoing, harsh criticism will make them stop.

No, ongoing, harsh criticism will only serve to make people ignore your comments as irrelevant. Or perhaps you've never heard the story of the boy who cried wolf? Unless of course it was your intention to purposefully get people to respond to your silly post...in which case, congratulations. People who think they can influence the world with nothing but non-constructive criticism amuse me.

[frdmfghtr]

Originally Posted by paxman

You might, but only to discover the price of access to be $25.- per 2 minutes. Calling from a plane is available these days to most passengers but have you ever checked out the price? I have never seen anyone use the onboard phones, ever, yet there is one for virtually every seat on international flights. What a stupid waste.

And what does this have to do with Wi-Fi on an airplane?

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

Your unwillingness to accept the jargon of the industry doesn't void the jargon. Just because you might hold it in your hand while using it doesn't make it a "handheld" class of device in terms of how the industry classifies devices.

Yeah that was a bit of a joke, but it obviously went over your head.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

Actually, they depend on traffic, hits, and click-throughs-- not nice comments. Unless you mean that your harsh criticism will drive other viewers from the site...


Now, I wouldn't go so far as calling you names, but seriously, if you think that AI's analysis is "most appalling" why even bother? Maybe they are too far gone for your artful corrective measures.


PS The Mini died a year ago!

Thank you for not calling me names.

I think AI are good for general news and rumours, they seem to post just about everything, which suits me, but when they stray into analysis, they just look silly. Now most people on these boards don't read with a critical eye, so they just lap it up. For their sakes and the sake of setting the record straight I feel I have to speak up. And it's fun!

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Matthew Yohe

From the article you're citing: "Mr. Gelsinger acknowledged that Intel had lost the heated bidding for the next generation of Apple’s iPods and iPhones.

“Apple chose not to take that roadmap at their next generation of that platform,” he said, adding: “I don’t think that means that we’re not ever going to have them on that roadmap.”

We knew this when they bought PA Semi.

Also, if I recall, AI only mentioned an eventuality of the move to Atom on iPhones, not a certainty. AI seemed more certain of a tablet/laptop appearance.

Lastly, let's not play word games here: it doesn't matter what you call your MacBook, it's not a "Handheld Device."

No, AI refer to the Atom as "Apple bound" or something like that, every time they post about it. Also there is no evidence or logic that would suggest that Apple will ever use the Atom for its handhelds, and plenty of evidence opposing.

You can't just keep putting weasel words and provisos until it "possible". It just doesn't stack up.

[iVlad]

I like the new Speaker design. It looks very minimalistic. But the screws are kinda weird. I've never seen iPod with a screw, but maybe this design is better. I wonder if AT&T took out SMS out of plans for a reason that there's AOL AIM now.
we'll see....

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by icfireball

Yes, and merdhead: what AppleInsider wrote was completely relevant and acceptable. Apple DOES pride itself in it's sleek and "seamless" (notice the quotes) designs. If you went to see Wall-e, you would notice the jokes and references to this. And keep in mind that Pixar's CEO is non other than the elusive Steve Jobs.

Thank you for your pandering support of AI. Now do you have anything that supports the notion that they really don't like screws? I've already said that they aim for good design, which is my point. Movie references are not very convincing arguments since they are based on a work of fiction and fantasy. The only fact you assert in your post is incorrect. Pixar is a division of Disney and has no CEO. Jobs has no executive position in Disney or Pixar but has a seat on the Disney board (he is the largest individual shareholder).

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Stop being so snarky, man.

Get a life, or go somewhere else to get your news.

If you don't like my comments, you should stop reading them, because I'm not going to stop writing them. I have as much right as you to be there. Even more so since my posts don't contain such misinformation as yours: There are many Apple rumour/news sites. The place is crawling with them. You should get out more.

[merdhead]

Originally Posted by Wiggin

No, ongoing, harsh criticism will only serve to make people ignore your comments as irrelevant. Or perhaps you've never heard the story of the boy who cried wolf? Unless of course it was your intention to purposefully get people to respond to your silly post...in which case, congratulations. People who think they can influence the world with nothing but non-constructive criticism amuse me.

Your reading the fairy tales seems to be a bit off. The boy who cried wolf was lying. I'm being consistent in my position, point to evidence as it presents itself. And the criticism is constructive: it's consistent and targeted.

Anyway, why don't you argue the point instead of attacking me? That would be constructive.

[jakeawhite]

do you think if i bought the iPhone in the past, and already sold it to buy the new one, i would still be able to get the new iPhone for $199? I am not currently eligible for a upgrade. I really don't want to pay $399. I'm am being hopeful

[technosmurf]

[Edit]

[Animal Farm]

Originally Posted by cameronj

Something tells me that all the buddies on my list that are actually mobiles won't actually work on the iPhone AIM client. That would totally replace SMS.

This is a good question... for those who don't know (I just found this out -- how naive I am):

Add a number preceding by a plus sign, 1, and the area code to your buddy list to send instant messages to a phone. The format should appear as:

"+16145558233" without the quotations. It'll appear to the recipient's phone as a text message with a note specifying it's from your AIM screenname. Presumably they could send messages back using this AIM client (if they're iPhone-users) or just regular texting.

Any word if AT&T's text charges are for outbound only, or both inbound and outbound messages? Regardless, it'll cut at least half the cost if you care to deal with the hassle... and if this works.

[technosmurf]

[Edit]

[wanchaiman]

Originally Posted by PeterO

Maybe the two screws facilitate battery replacement....?

Yes.... that' what I thought

[wanchaiman]

Oh dear... after seeing these pics I will not be able to stop myself from taking next Friday off.....

[bigmike]

Originally Posted by bostocked

One detail is missing is how the AT&T rep will activate iphone? If he's going be holding it, his hands better be clean.

haha yeah we can't see when they've been wiping their nose or picking boogers! ...gross...

[8CoreWhore]

MERDHEAD-- "AI has a long history of delivering the most appalling analysis. Only ongoing, harsh criticism will make them stop."
And yet you keep coming back...