AT&T chief lays out futuristic vision for the iPhone

[AppleInsider]

Before a future version of Apple's iPhone wakes you up in the morning, it will have downloaded the morning's news feeds and sent a message to your coffee maker to begin brewing a fresh pot, says AT&T Mobile chief Ralph de la Vega.

Those are just two examples from a laundry list of future capabilities rattled off by the executive at the Web 2.0 Summit Thursday during his interview with TechCrunch's Michael Arrington -- the same conversation that brought word of an application under development at AT&T that will soon give way to an official iPhone 3G tethering solution.

If you'd rather read the morning news on your TV while you sip your fresh brewed cup of Joe, you'll be able to simply wave the handset towards the TV to throw the day's feeds up on the big screen, de la Vega added.

"Some of this sounds pretty far-flung to me, and if this were some start-up company talking about these 'exciting new plans,' I'd probably take it with a grain of salt," wrote PC World's Mark Sullivan. "But in my experience, AT&T plays it pretty close to the vest on its future plans, and usually does what it says it will do, eventually."

De la Vega's vision for future iPhone features isn't confined to the home. He told Arrington that you'll be able to use the handset to lock your doors on the way out each morning, then start your car. There will also be little need to fiddle with your car radio while battling morning rush hour traffic, because the iPhone will start reading the remainder of the day's news to you using its text-to-speech capabilities.

While at work, he continued, the iPhone will orchestrate a conference call with two potential clients in the Far East. You speak English, they speak Japanese. That's not a problem, however, because the iPhone will handle the automatic translations in real time.

De la Vega also noted that AT&T is performing extensive testing within its labs regarding previously announced plans to integrate the handset with U-Verse, its suite of Internet television and VoIP services.

The goal is to allow customers to listen to their voice mails on their TV, and download shows from their digital video recorders onto their iPhones. A new application for the handset would reportedly serve as a television remote that will let users search the Web and TV listings via the iPhone's virtual keyboard.

In addition to its normal network upgrade process, the AT&T chief also revealed during the interview that his firm plans to begin using a new swath of 850 MHz spectrum to improve its 3G signal quality in densely populated areas such as New York City.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[freethinker]

As if we in the resource rich countries need a more sedentary life.

I can't help thinking of those obese human beings on the spacecraft in Wall-E.

Poor us.

[rune66]

Before a future version of Apple's iPhone wakes you up in the morning, it will have downloaded the morning's news feeds and sent a message to your coffee maker to begin brewing a fresh pot, says AT&T Mobile chief Ralph de la Vega.

Another marketing guy not understanding technology.

* Why talk about downloading news, as it was something that would be necesary to do in advance in the future (or even now). News are available right away and doesn't have to be downloaded.

* Many people actually prefer making their own coffe ...

The rest of the predictions - well translationen, remote controlling or whatever isn't just something that would be unique for an iPhone. And those "predictions" - I think we have heard them around 1 million times before

[edunaway]

In the Future, You Will! And the company that will bring it to you: AT&T

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZb0avfQme8

[Freekowtski]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

You speak English, they speak Japanese. That's not a problem, however, because the iPhone will handle the automatic translations in real time.

Yeah. Right.

[Prufrock]

I'm not impressed. I want a pony. And a plastic rocket. And a flying car.

But the news, in text-to-speech... sooooo teeeempting....

[mowenbrown]

Coffee? I have a good idea: how about delivering the F@&king picture messages my relatives send? Before we enter the 22nd century, can we enter the 21st? I know they are low tech, but so are a lot of the people I have to communicate with....

[bulk001]

Originally Posted by mowenbrown

Coffee? I have a good idea: how about delivering the F@&king picture messages my relatives send? Before we enter the 22nd century, can we enter the 21st? I know they are low tech, but so are a lot of the people I have to communicate with....

I'd be thrilled if in the future it checked my email every 15 minutes as programmed, got copy and paste, turn by turn directions and better 3G. Get that stuff figured out first and then worry about the coffee. Besides, I am sure the ATT guy already has an admin assistant who makes the coffee for him.

[teckstud]

WTF is de la Vega of AT&T discussing iPhone's future capabilities when he can't even get their own 3G network to work right?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by mowenbrown

Coffee? I have a good idea: how about delivering the F@&king picture messages my relatives send? Before we enter the 22nd century, can we enter the 21st? I know they are low tech, but so are a lot of the people I have to communicate with....

I'll never understand why anybody would buy something that doesn't give them what they want in the first place. Lack of pix messages is one reason why many of us haven't yet and won't.
And BTW that's not low tech either (sending/receiving pix via your cell number) but the opposite.

[mrsteveman1]

I don't want to hear about the iPhone from AT&T, it is not their product, they simply provide the dumb pipes and the phone network to service it. That's all i want them to do.

Second, since when it is ok for AT&T to dictate what i can use my service for? Can we say "network neutrality" anyone? Doesn't matter that its a mobile network, i don't care. It's internet service, and they are restricting what i can do with it until they feel like allowing me to tether my laptop to the thing.

[ByronVanArsdale]

Lots of research shows the pitfalls of multi-tasking on productivity and safety. Better watch out in the future as you listen to your messages and take your mind off of driving the car!

Having lead a teleclass for a group of coaches in Japan where I went through a translator - it was the most nerve wracking experience I've had in leading ANY conference call or face-to-face presentation (small group to Emcee with 600 people). Being able to translate on the fly like that would revolutionize how small business and solopreneurs conduct global business.

I can live without the coffee yet the translation on the fly would be amazing.

Hey, cut and paste is overrate and only gets you into trouble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTOXlo1npmY

[GT500Shlby]

What about:
MMS?
Video Recording?
COPY and PASTE!

This new technology of the future stuff is great, but how about some CURRENT technology NOW!

[quinney]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I'll never understand why anybody would buy something that doesn't give them what they want in the first place.

That's pretty ripe coming from someone who has cried an ocean about their AppleTV.

[Kickaha]

Originally Posted by Freekowtski

Yeah. Right.

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pr...ease/21323.wss

It's already here, and running on handheld units.

[pixelcruncher]

you'll be able to use the handset to lock your doors on the way out each morning, then start your car.

That's what we all need, a device powerful enough to translate two Japanese speakers on the fly that has complete access to every part of our lives and is available to anyone who wants one At least cell phones are never lost or stolen.

[zenwaves]

Originally Posted by freethinker

As if we in the resource rich countries need a more sedentary life.

I can't help thinking of those obese human beings on the spacecraft in Wall-E.

Poor us.

our creed: Give Me Convenience, or Give Me Death!

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by quinney

That's pretty ripe coming from someone who has cried an ocean about their AppleTV.

Big difference. AppleTV was sold (and I bought it ) with promises of integrating and simplifying music and video files to the living room and it has done neither. It's been turned into an iTunes digi$al jukebox. It is harder to find music on it than one's own computer. It's a joke.
If you know what's not featured on the iPhone yet is on all other phones -yet you buy? And then complain?

[Hattig]

Before a future version of Apple's iPhone wakes you up in the morning, it will have downloaded the morning's news feeds and sent a message to your coffee maker to begin brewing a fresh pot. Sadly, you went on holiday 4 days ago, but forgot to disable this function on the iPhone, which has been texting the 'brew' instructions whilst you are sunning yourself on the beach. When you come home, the kitchen is 3 inches deep in coffee that has spilled over the top of the jug.

[bdkennedy1]

Surely they must be speaking about the iPhone as just any phone in general because there's no way Apple is going to design a next-gen iPhone that revolves around AT&T's ideas.

It's likely Apple and AT&T won't even be doing business with each other by then.

[Shunnabunich]

If AT&T is cool with paying for the WiFi-capable coffee maker, TV and home security and automation systems I'd need to take advantage of ol' Ralphie's daydream, and installation and support for all of the above, then hell, sure.

[teckstud]

Steve Jobs must have been frk'n livid when he heard this goon speakin on behalf of the iPhone.
I pity the fool who thought he could speak on behalf of Steve and Jonathan's baby.

[nagromme]

My iPhone already wakes me up, downloads news feeds, and controls my TV.

I guess the future is coffee, then!

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by bdkennedy1

It's likely Apple and AT&T won't even be doing business with each other by then.

Until then, AT&T's got Apple by the balls- OUCH!

[greyst1crash]

Originally Posted by GT500Shlby

What about:
MMS?
Video Recording?
COPY and PASTE!

This new technology of the future stuff is great, but how about some CURRENT technology NOW!

Seriously!! All those future ideas are well and good, but how about fixing the remaining annoyances of the device like you mentioned. Going to a website (which doesn't work from my iPhone) for picture messages?? Seriously Apple? You haven't figured out a better solution?

[GQB]

I want my flying car!!!

[quinney]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Big difference. AppleTV was sold (and I bought it ) with promises of integrating and simplifying music and video files to the living room and it has done neither. It's been turned into an iTunes digi$al jukebox. It is harder to find music on it than one's own computer. It's a joke.
If you know what's not featured on the iPhone yet is on all other phones -yet you buy? And then complain?

OK, I get the distinction now. If a person buys something based upon advertising,
without reading any reviews of it or doing any research into its capabilities,
and it does not live up to their hopes, they are entitled to complain ad nauseam.
On the other hand, if a person does read reviews and understand capabilities and
the item does not fulfill their wishes, they must remain silent.
Thank you for clearing that up.

[anantksundaram]

For what these guys charge, I want my iPhone plan to include my being able to summon a butler serving cappuccino at my bedside.

OK...... maybe just twice a week.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by quinney

OK, I get the distinction now. If a person buys something based upon advertising,
without reading any reviews of it or doing any research into its capabilities,
and it does not live up to their hopes, they are entitled to complain ad nauseam.
On the other hand, if a person does read reviews and understand capabilities and
the item does not fulfill their wishes, they must remain silent.
Thank you for clearing that up.

You still don't get it:
How many phones already existed when the iPhone arrived?
How many digital home entertainment options were there when AppleTV arrived?
You do the math- if you can.

[freethinker]

I just want flash! Can't someone give me flash? Flash!!!!!!! Pleaseeeeeeee!!!!!

[Bobo Decosta]

a future version of Apple's iPhone wakes you up in the morning, it will have downloaded the morning's news feeds and sent a message to your coffee maker to begin brewing a fresh pot, says AT&T Mobile chief Ralph de la Vega.

Very impressed *NOT* Does this Mobile Chief actually know something about tech? It sounds like a tech prediction from the 80's. If the iPhone can't do that right now it's a piece of shit. Oh wait the iPhone wakes me up in the morning and it downloads te latest newsfeed, just waiting for a senseo coffeemaker app to come out!

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Bobo Decosta

Very impressed *NOT* Does this Mobile Chief actually know something about tech? It sounds like a tech prediction from the 80's. If the iPhone can't do that right now it's a piece of shit. Oh wait the iPhone wakes me up in the morning and it downloads te latest newsfeed, just waiting for a senseo coffeemaker app to come out!

It's the new "Wake Up N Smell the Coffee" App- coming soon from your favorite Java/Cocoa development team.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by freethinker

I just want flash! Can't someone give me flash? Flash!!!!!!! Pleaseeeeeeee!!!!!

Nope- Steve says so.
Bogs you down, makes you fat.
Bloated.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by mowenbrown

Coffee? I have a good idea: how about delivering the F@&king picture messages my relatives send? Before we enter the 22nd century, can we enter the 21st? I know they are low tech, but so are a lot of the people I have to communicate with....

It won't do MMS, but it can handle pictures sent by email. Why can't your relatives' phones send pictures using email? Sending email isn't something that's hard to program a device to do, it's more flexible.

[quinney]

Originally Posted by teckstud

You still don't get it:
How many phones already existed when the iPhone arrived?
How many digital home entertainment options were there when AppleTV arrived?
You do the math- if you can.

You're right.
I don't get it. I don't see how the number of products available has
anything to do with making informed purchases or with whimpering about
one's mistakes afterwards. Remember that I first responded to your statement
that you could not understand how anyone could buy something that didn't
meet their needs "in the first place". That is precisely what you did when you
bought your AppleTV. You just won't own up to the mistake you made, preferring
to blame someone else and subjecting this forum to your tiresome, repetitive
caterwauling.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by ByronVanArsdale

Lots of research shows the pitfalls of multi-tasking on productivity and safety. Better watch out in the future as you listen to your messages and take your mind off of driving the car!

Having lead a teleclass for a group of coaches in Japan where I went through a translator - it was the most nerve wracking experience I've had in leading ANY conference call or face-to-face presentation (small group to Emcee with 600 people). Being able to translate on the fly like that would revolutionize how small business and solopreneurs conduct global business.

I can live without the coffee yet the translation on the fly would be amazing.

Hey, cut and paste is overrate and only gets you into trouble

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTOXlo1npmY

I had a similar experience in a two way teleconference with a Japanese client. The client became so frustrated with the translation issues that he started to slam his hands on his desk. Talk about unnerving... we never did business with them again.

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by Hattig

Before a future version of Apple's iPhone wakes you up in the morning, it will have downloaded the morning's news feeds and sent a message to your coffee maker to begin brewing a fresh pot. Sadly, you went on holiday 4 days ago, but forgot to disable this function on the iPhone, which has been texting the 'brew' instructions whilst you are sunning yourself on the beach. When you come home, the kitchen is 3 inches deep in coffee that has spilled over the top of the jug.

Or the house has burned down.

[melgross]

Originally Posted by rune66

Another marketing guy not understanding technology.

* Why talk about downloading news, as it was something that would be necesary to do in advance in the future (or even now). News are available right away and doesn't have to be downloaded.

* Many people actually prefer making their own coffe ...

The rest of the predictions - well translationen, remote controlling or whatever isn't just something that would be unique for an iPhone. And those "predictions" - I think we have heard them around 1 million times before

For someone who is not conversent in the terms of technology, you're complaining too much.

I'll explain.

Downloading doesn't always mean having a copy on your machine. When you click on a link, you download that link. That'w what you did when you want to AI. You downloaded the page.

That's all that's required.

But, in order to have the device read the news back afterwards, it must then save that page to internal memory.

So, you lose both ways.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by quinney

You're right.
I don't get it. I don't see how the number of products available has
anything to do with making informed purchases or with whimpering about
one's mistakes afterwards. Remember that I first responded to your statement
that you could not understand how anyone could buy something that didn't
meet their needs "in the first place". That is precisely what you did when you
bought your AppleTV. You just won't own up to the mistake you made, preferring
to blame someone else and subjecting this forum to your tiresome, repetitive
caterwauling.

Man what made you so bitter?
Bad formulation in your Kool-Aid obviously.
And I have owned up to the mistake I made in purchasing ATV. I have previously stated that I should have bought a MacMini instead.
However when I bought into AppleTV there was a potential to be something big factor there which Steve mentioned. I never would have bought it if I knew that that potential was for it to be an iTune di$ital jukebox. If I'd know I was buying into a future rental /purchasing machine it would have been a dead deal.
OK_ GOT IT?

[mactoid]

I still lose 3G about half the time sitting on Interstate 5 going into Portland OR for work. There's not going to be any real-time translations or any nifty stuff till ATT get's their friggin network fixed!!!