11 thoughts on “iPhone 3G/v2.0 update: STILL not a basic smartphone”

1. Luke August 20, 2008 at 1:55 pm

   My comments in {me}
   * Adequate Bluetooth profile support
   o Dialup Networking (DUN) via 3G/EDGE – allowing a laptop to use the phone as a modem (which may by explicitly disabled by wireless carriers) {Not worth the effort as this has been dumped in all apple products}
   o Object Exchange (OBEX) – allowing push/pull of objects (e.g. contacts, media files){this will encourage piracy of files and hijacking/virus injection via bluetooth}
   o Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) – allowing the local broadcasting of stereo audio to compliant wireless stereo headphones or to a car stereo
   {MUST HAVE}
   o Hands-free Profile (HFK) with voice dial via Bluetooth{this feature is the least used, hence a low priority for apple}
   o Human Interface Device (HID) – allowing external I/O devices to control the iPhone (e.g. keyboard, mouse)
   {doesn’t make sense as it is not a with laptop/desktop ergonomics}
   o Serial Port Profile (SPP) – … and any other higher level support which would allow for interoperation with BluePhone Elite
   {this is not an industry standard}
   o Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) – allowing control of media devices via software such as Salling Clicker {the IR sensor on iPhone is not for data, rather a sensor for proximity, another not so popular feature. instead use apples itunes remote control}
   * Global copy/paste functionality{MUST HAVE}
   * Global search functionality across all applications’ databases (e.g. Spotlight for iPhone){Not a bad idea}
   * Native portrait/landscape mode for all applications{application specific, cant blame apple}
   * Virtual Hard Disk Drive (HDD) mode – the ability to transfer files to/from the iPhone via usb or as an attached network storage device{sync issues}
   * Video recording{MUST HAVE}
   * Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) {CAN HAVE, alternatives exist}

   Hope that helps…
2. admin Post authorAugust 25, 2008 at 4:13 pm

   Thanks for your comments, Luke. I have a few elaborations below:

   I’m not sure what you mean by DUN being dumped in all Apple products; it’s very easy to connect via BT DUN on any laptop with a capable phone/smartphone, especially with the network preferences overhaul within Leopard. Google “mac dun” to see how many users enjoy this with other phones.

   OBEX does not encourage piracy/hacking/viruses, nor does it provide for any other security threat more than any other file transfer method (e.g. USB cable sync). OBEX is simply a convenient way to exchange files/objects; malicious code concerns are to be addressed by user behavior and/or the OS itself. If OBEX were a security threat, then standard OS X would disallow its use on laptops/desktops, as well. On many occasions I have enjoyed sending a photo from my Blackberry directly to my Macs via Bluetooth using the OBEX profile. Palm devices actually allow the transfer of contacts/.vcf files (e-business cards) in this fashion. It would be nice for the iPhone to catch up.

   Voice dial should be a high priority, as many business users make use of this feature with smartphones. I anticipate its demand to grow even more with states now adopting hands-free laws while driving (already the case in California).

   HID does make sense for the same reason Palm and Blackberry devices have supported wireless (including Bluetooth) external keyboards for years… anytime you’re writing a long email or note, it’s great to use a full-size keyboard and have the phone propped up nearby. I would claim this actually makes the MOST sense for the iPhone of any device to support, as it is purportedly the most “application-rich.”

   AVRCP is bluetooth, not IR, so the sensor issue is irrelevant. iTunes remote is only limited to iTunes control over a LAN, whereas programs such as Salling clicker allow for global Mac control. There is a VNC client available for the iPhone, but this still requires a LAN setup. Direct control through Bluetooth/AVRCP is still the cleanest and lowest power consuming implementation for this feature, particularly handy when steering a Keynote/Powerpoint presentation, DVD player or QuickTime file, etc.
3. Luke August 27, 2008 at 10:05 am

   Good to see a reply, I almost forgot about this post.

   DUN being dumped on mac means that none of the mac’s have a built in DUN modem, they have external devices (modems in cellphones connecting via BT and or USB).

   OBEX or file transfer between phones/computers leading to virus. Well I am not aware about your experience but, about a year ago I was using a Nokia phone and was constantly nagged by alerts to accept a file from another phone(nokia). I later on discovered that it was one of my colleagues phone that was constantly broadcasting this message to all BT enabled phones, he was not aware of this, it totally hijacked his phone even to the extent of being unable to disable bluetooth. It was a virus that was trying to spread. I also came across a software that can connect to your phone via bluetooth and the hacker can actually browse yr complete phone, i’v seen this working on a friends phone. Disabling file transfer at this moment is probably saving apple form one vector out of many possible security exploits. Less headache for a low bandwidth tech.

   All mac’s are compatible with apples little and simple remote, it helps you play all media and use it for presentations. As far as complete system wide control! Well the VNC software you mentioned was something I used, its fantastic and you can even view your computer desktop on your iphone, something like remote desktop with mouse and keyboard input emulation. The bluetooth bandwidth is limited compared to WiFi. One file takes forever to transfer on BT v1, probably a little more faster on BT v2(havent tested this). My tests of file transfer between 2 iPhones over a wifi network has been about 4 seconds for a 4-5 MB File, BT v1 took 8+ mins.

   I always wanted to buy an ipod but I was never happy with carrying two devices, now if I was to carry an HID device and a phone for the one off instances where I might type a lot! Doesn’t make a good buy (for me), unless my business depends on it, most people using B’berry use email to type not so much but the messages go back and forth tens of times as far as I have seen like IM’s. I am happy with the apples OSD keyboard.

   I am a designer myself, apple loves to dump stuff that do not go beyond a level of popularity. They love to add the latest and greatest, make space for new stuff, its understandable for some from design point of view.

   I do not believe that the iPhone is pefect, both in hardware and software, but having used smart phones from Nokia, Sony, Motorola, Imate and HTC. iPhone is at least 4-5 years ahead even after launching last year.

   The other players are dumping more features into phones, perhaps not looking at the main problem. Their OS. Perhaps Googles mobile os might be the answer…

   I have an iphone 1G and I’m loving it “Totally”.
4. mobile.ie October 26, 2008 at 9:24 am

   Luck/Admin

   Thanks fot he great posts/comments and information on the iPhone I like a couple of the apps you talk about Luck VNC been something I really have to start using.

   Regards
   Mark
5. Jaime Tech December 30, 2009 at 10:17 pm

   iPhone 3G is simply the best phone that i have owned. It is very stylish and its nice features. I also own an N97 but i like the iphone.
6. Eugenio January 10, 2010 at 1:25 am

   the first batch of iPhone 3G was a bit pricey but now the price is more affordable than before. I bought two units of iPhone 3g and i am amazed of this phone.
7. Dianna Danfield April 27, 2010 at 9:55 pm

   just bought an iPhone 3G for my mom as a birthday present. she is very happy about her new iPhone.. *
8. Clark Post authorApril 27, 2010 at 10:47 pm

   I’ve been an iPhone fan since the 3GS model with 3.0 software came out last summer. It wasn’t until this combination of hardware and software improvements that finally I was able to leave my BlackBerry at home and enjoy the iPhone as a competent business phone and a fantastic pocket computer. Glad your mom is enjoying it!
9. Venice Wheeles May 6, 2010 at 1:14 am

   i can say that the iPhone 3G has the best design and erconomics when it comes to 3G phones. “
10. fonez.ie August 30, 2010 at 3:02 pm

    I think I agree with Venice Wheeles in saying that the design and erconomics are absolutely amazing on this phone. Recently, my girlfriend started to use it mainly for Alarm. She uses this to ensure she takes her medication during the daytime and because she can set a number of different alarms she has not forgotten. There are so many applications and uses that a simple little thing like this can make a big difference.
11. Lacey Cook October 4, 2010 at 6:53 am

    the iphone 3G looks cooler and stylish than blackberry,’*