Steve Jobs fields questions following Apple's UK iPhone launch
In a question an answer session following Apple's UK iPhone announcement Tuesday morning, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs fielded questions on future software updates for the handset, third-party application development, the ongoing unlocking saga, 3G iPhones, and revenue share agreements with wireless providers.
Jobs said Apple is still working on the version of the Wi-Fi iTunes Music Store that will work with the iPhone, which hasn't launched yet but will soon be made available via an iPhone software update. In the US, customers will be able to browse the store from an iPhone or iPod touch via a free Wi-Fi connection at certain Starbucks locations, but the same will not be true for UK customers. Why? Jobs had no concrete answer and instead suggested that reporters "ask Starbucks" about the matter, implying that Apple may have sought a similar Wi-Fi sharing deal with the coffee house overseas but has yet to reach an agreement.
The Apple boss was seemingly more willing to discuss the company's stance on iPhone unlocks and third-party application development. "This is constant cat-and-mouse game," he said of the ongoing attempts to untether the handset from its intended carriers. "[P]eople are going to try and break in and it's our job to try and stop them."
Meanwhile, Jobs acknowledged that third-party developers have started to produce several intriguing, yet unofficial iPhone applications. He said Apple is looking at some of them closely, especially those that don't require a connection to the Internet. It's likely that those applications would be the first of any to receive an official endorsement from Apple, according to Jobs' comments, as those that require Internet access could threaten the 'high standard' of experience customers have come to expect with the iPhone.
Jobs also left the door open for a 3G version of the iPhone somewhere down the line, but maintained that current 3G chipsets are "power hogs." He said most of today's 3G devices have battery lives that span only 2 to 3 hours, compared to the iPhone's average 8 hours. "We've got to see the battery lives for 3G get back up into the 5+ hour range," he said. "Hopefully we'll see that late next year."
While Apple's iPhone announcement on Tuesday covered only the UK, Jobs confirmed plans to announce carrier deals in "a few" other European countries during the fourth calendar quarter of the year. Building exclusive partnerships is a timely, consuming process, he explained, and Apple met with the broader array of European carriers before deciding which avenue was best from a customer experience perspective.
"Partnerships take a lot of work -- you want to go out on a few dates before you get married," said Jobs. "Yes, we dated a few people but didn't get married, and so there were a few unhappy girlfriends out there."
The Apple chief, however, would not get into detail about why O2 fit Apple's liking for the UK but not for other European countries. Similarly, he refused to comment on Apple's revenue share agreements with O2, but hinted that such agreements may actually go both ways. When asked whether Apple would share Wi-Fi iTunes Store revenues with carriers in the same way that carriers share service revenues with Apple, Jobs said, "We're not going to go into it, but if it's using the network you can conceptually imagine that it might make sense."
One of the final questions tossed Jobs' way asked what assurance UK customers have that Apple isn't going to turn around in two months and announce a dramatic iPhone price cut like it did in the US.
"I don't think that's going to happen," said Jobs, "but in technology there are no guarantees."
Jobs said Apple is still working on the version of the Wi-Fi iTunes Music Store that will work with the iPhone, which hasn't launched yet but will soon be made available via an iPhone software update. In the US, customers will be able to browse the store from an iPhone or iPod touch via a free Wi-Fi connection at certain Starbucks locations, but the same will not be true for UK customers. Why? Jobs had no concrete answer and instead suggested that reporters "ask Starbucks" about the matter, implying that Apple may have sought a similar Wi-Fi sharing deal with the coffee house overseas but has yet to reach an agreement.
The Apple boss was seemingly more willing to discuss the company's stance on iPhone unlocks and third-party application development. "This is constant cat-and-mouse game," he said of the ongoing attempts to untether the handset from its intended carriers. "[P]eople are going to try and break in and it's our job to try and stop them."
Meanwhile, Jobs acknowledged that third-party developers have started to produce several intriguing, yet unofficial iPhone applications. He said Apple is looking at some of them closely, especially those that don't require a connection to the Internet. It's likely that those applications would be the first of any to receive an official endorsement from Apple, according to Jobs' comments, as those that require Internet access could threaten the 'high standard' of experience customers have come to expect with the iPhone.
Jobs also left the door open for a 3G version of the iPhone somewhere down the line, but maintained that current 3G chipsets are "power hogs." He said most of today's 3G devices have battery lives that span only 2 to 3 hours, compared to the iPhone's average 8 hours. "We've got to see the battery lives for 3G get back up into the 5+ hour range," he said. "Hopefully we'll see that late next year."
While Apple's iPhone announcement on Tuesday covered only the UK, Jobs confirmed plans to announce carrier deals in "a few" other European countries during the fourth calendar quarter of the year. Building exclusive partnerships is a timely, consuming process, he explained, and Apple met with the broader array of European carriers before deciding which avenue was best from a customer experience perspective.
"Partnerships take a lot of work -- you want to go out on a few dates before you get married," said Jobs. "Yes, we dated a few people but didn't get married, and so there were a few unhappy girlfriends out there."
The Apple chief, however, would not get into detail about why O2 fit Apple's liking for the UK but not for other European countries. Similarly, he refused to comment on Apple's revenue share agreements with O2, but hinted that such agreements may actually go both ways. When asked whether Apple would share Wi-Fi iTunes Store revenues with carriers in the same way that carriers share service revenues with Apple, Jobs said, "We're not going to go into it, but if it's using the network you can conceptually imagine that it might make sense."
One of the final questions tossed Jobs' way asked what assurance UK customers have that Apple isn't going to turn around in two months and announce a dramatic iPhone price cut like it did in the US.
"I don't think that's going to happen," said Jobs, "but in technology there are no guarantees."
Comments
Jobs had no concrete answer and instead suggested that reporters "ask Starbucks" about the matter, implying that Apple may have sought a similar Wi-Fi sharing deal with the coffee house overseas but has yet to reach an agreement.
From what I heard, Steve said "Ask Starbucks, they love the UK". To me that said that it's something Starbucks are working on rather than it's something Apple couldn't reach an agreement about. Perhaps Steve felt like it was out of his hands and now it's down to Starbucks. It seemed clear at the last special event that Starbucks were very keen to be involved with Apple.
He said most of today's 3G devices have battery lives that span only 2 to 3 hours, compared to the iPhone's average 8 hours.
After making the iPhone without an easily user replaceable battery, Steve still wants to bitch about 3G battery consumption?
After making the iPhone without an easily user replaceable battery, Steve still wants to bitch about 3G battery consumption?
So your solution to the 3G power consumption problem is to have the user swap out their cellphone battery every 2 hours? Let's just say I'm glad it's Apple doing the product design.
So your solution to the 3G power consumption problem is to have the user swap out their cellphone battery every 2 hours? Let's just say I'm glad it's Apple doing the product design.
So your solution to the 3G power consumption problem is to have the user swap out their cellphone battery every 2 hours? Let's just say I'm glad it's Apple doing the product design.
So your solution to the 3G power consumption problem is to use slower outdated technology and seal the battery inside to prevent users from replacing it themselves?
So your solution to the 3G power consumption problem is to have the user swap out their cellphone battery every 2 hours? Let's just say I'm glad it's Apple doing the product design.
Well it would certianly help the situation. Also let's not forget there are plenty of 3G phones that last a whole day using phone/music/net/email on one charge. My moto q being one. While I wish it would last longer than a day it's certianly a whole lot better than 2 hours. The iPhone is a power hog, it's power needs are greater than battery technology, edge is the compromise. 3g chips need to be designed better, batteries need to be designed better, and apple needs to design the phone better.
The Apple boss was seemingly more willing to discuss the company's stance on iPhone unlocks and third-party application development. "This is constant cat-and-mouse game," he said of the ongoing attempts to untether the handset from its intended carriers. "[P]eople are going to try and break in and it's our job to try and stop them."
Jobs also left the door open for a 3G version of the iPhone somewhere down the line, but maintained that current 3G chipsets are "power hogs." He said most of today's 3G devices have battery lives that span only 2 to 3 hours, compared to the iPhone's average 8 hours. "We've got to see the battery lives for 3G get back up into the 5+ hour range," he said. "Hopefully we'll see that late next year."
So, I guess Apple will attempt via iPhone firmware software updates to make any iPhone unlock antiquated and useless. Unless you keep purchasing the latest and greatest unlock software or whatever. That can become expensive and who wants to deal with that "cat and mouse" garbage!
My current cell phone is not 3G. I don't think there is 3G service anywhere in my hometown from any provider. It seems there is some agreement that 3G is a huge power consumer on the battery. Anyone out there with a variety of cell phones from different phone makers who can tell me what their experience with battery life with a 3G phone is? I mean, if 3G is the latest and greatest that everyone seems to demand, why is battery life so short. Who wants it? It's like the first electric car that only goes 80 miles on a full battery charge. Forget that!!! Or when the VCR wars were in full bloom, Beta vs VHS, where Beta provided better recording but less time to record on the blank tape versus the VHS blank tape. Will 3G come out with better power consumption sooner rather than later?
Who thinks reports of a 3G iPhone will be out in the first quarter or so of 2008 versus Steve Job's comments of "We've got to see the battery lives for 3G get back up into the 5+ hour range," he said. "Hopefully we'll see that late next year." How late??? late summer August/September or late fall October/November/December?
Anyone have an idea on that?
I would like a 16GB iPhone... anyone think Apple would introduced a iPhone Generation 2 with just an increase in capacity storage without 3G, MMS or a higher megapixel camera etc.? It looks like the current model is the latest and greatest for Europe as well and not in stock until November?! What is Germany and France November as well or early 2008?? I guess no new model iPhones any time soon!!! Anyone agree or disagree?
So your solution to the 3G power consumption problem is to use slow outdated technology as an excuse for not having a user replaceable battery?
How about strapping two batteries back to back like a magazine on a machine gun? jeezzz
How about strapping two batteries back to back like a magazine on a machine gun? jeezzz
why not? apple could make an extended battery, other companies do it. I would much rather have a 3g iPhone with a slight buldge on the back than an edge phone who's battery life isn't even that great.
So, I guess Apple will attempt via iPhone firmware software updates to make any iPhone unlock antiquated and useless. Unless you keep purchasing the latest and greatest unlock software or whatever. That can become expensive and who wants to deal with that "cat and mouse" garbage!
My current cell phone is not 3G. I don't think there is 3G service anywhere in my hometown from any provider. It seems there is some agreement that 3G is a huge power consumer on the battery. Anyone out there with a variety of cell phones from different phone makers who can tell me what their experience with battery life with a 3G phone is? I mean, if 3G is the latest and greatest that everyone seems to demand, why is battery life so short. Who wants it? It's like the first electric car that only goes 80 miles on a full battery charge. Forget that!!! Or when the VCR wars were in full bloom, Beta vs VHS, where Beta provided better recording but less time to record on the blank tape versus the VHS blank tape. Will 3G come out with better power consumption sooner rather than later?
Who thinks reports of a 3G iPhone will be out in the first quarter or so of 2008 versus Steve Job's comments of "We've got to see the battery lives for 3G get back up into the 5+ hour range," he said. "Hopefully we'll see that late next year." How late??? late summer August/September or late fall October/November/December?
Anyone have an idea on that?
I would like a 16GB iPhone... anyone think Apple would introduced a iPhone Generation 2 with just an increase in capacity storage without 3G, MMS or a higher megapixel camera etc.? It looks like the current model is the latest and greatest for Europe as well and not in stock until November?! What is Germany and France November as well or early 2008?? I guess no new model iPhones any time soon!!! Anyone agree or disagree?
I don't know, but I seem to remember another site quoting Jobs like this: "...Hopefully we'll see that late(r) next year." Late(r) as in not Lat(e). See there's a big difference ...isn't it?!
Later next year would imply that it was "later, come next year" instead of "late next year" as in the end of 2008... I think it was Slashgear that quoted him like that, or Engadget...
why not? apple could make an extended battery, other companies do it. I would much rather have a 3g iPhone with a slight buldge on the back than an edge phone who's battery life isn't even that great.
You might, but Apple won't. Do you ever see them say "we'll take the ugly but functional way"?
Not to mention, user replaceable batteries mean less charge per battery because they need packaging & protection.
How about strapping two batteries back to back like a magazine on a machine gun? jeezzz
And knowing Apple, they would just take the existing iPhone battery, cut it in half, and then say that the iPhone now has double the batteries. jeezzz
10:24 - Q: What's the contract length, and does unlimited usage truly mean unlimited?
Matthew: "18 months contract. There is a limit: 1,400 internet pages per day would break the deal as part of fair usage agreement."
http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/18/l...ent-in-london/
And I agree with Hardmac's view:
What the heck does "1400 internet pages a day" mean? Like 1400 hits? My opinion is they came up with a daily MB limit and "converted" it in a number of web pages based on some arbitrary page weight... so that people would go "1400 pages a day is quite a lot" instead of "WTF? only XXXMB per day???".
Thanks O2. Way to make up for the Wi-Fi tie-in which (looking at their map) is less than useful in many cities.
The Apple boss was seemingly more willing to discuss the company's stance on iPhone unlocks and third-party application development. "This is constant cat-and-mouse game," he said of the ongoing attempts to untether the handset from its intended carriers. "[P]eople are going to try and break in and it's our job to try and stop them."
Meanwhile, Jobs acknowledged that third-party developers have started to produce several intriguing, yet unofficial iPhone applications. He said Apple is looking at some of them closely"
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
Apple takes a neutral stance - they're not going to stop anyone from writing apps, and they're not going to maliciously design software updates to break the native apps, but they're not going to care if their software updates accidentally break the native apps either. - Greg Joswiak.
I'm finding these comments by Jobs as well as Greg Joswiak interesting. I think what we have here is Apple thinking of these 3rd party developers in 2 camps: One is the developers making Apps for the iPhone and the other are the developers creating hacks for unlocking the iPhone to other carriers.
I don't think they are necessarily putting both of these types of developers in the same camp.
It looks like Apple isn't too concerned about iPhone App developers and is actually interested in seeing what these guys are coming up with but are doing everything they can to stop the "unlocking" developers as this gets them flak from AT&T as well as any European carrier that does business with them.
So, I guess Apple will attempt via iPhone firmware software updates to make any iPhone unlock antiquated and useless. Unless you keep purchasing the latest and greatest unlock software or whatever. That can become expensive and who wants to deal with that "cat and mouse" garbage!
http://www.blogiphone.fr/2007/08/19/...oquer-liphone/
Sorry it's in French. In short, you first clone those parameters of any AT&T SIM that Apple uses to check whether you are using an AT&T SIM onto that SIM shell and than put any SIM inside that shell. You are not changing anything on the phone itself you are just fooling it into believing it has an actual AT&T SIM inside. You still have to activate the phone, though.
You might, but Apple won't. Do you ever see them say "we'll take the ugly but functional way"?
Not to mention, user replaceable batteries mean less charge per battery because they need packaging & protection.
doesn't have to be ugly, really a fraction of an inch more would not hurt.
I thought Apple's Wi-Fi iTunes Store would ONLY be accessible over wi-fi ... So, it sounds to me like the iPhone is NOT using the carriers' network, and therefore there would be no sharing of revenue.
Other thoughts?