DISQUS

Abul · 2 years ago

Let's face it, any Symbian or smartphone techno geek isn't going to find the iPhone interesting, it's got a measly 2MP camera, touchscreen that isn't accepted by all, no 3G. But what it does have is a built in hardrive with bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, it's still an average gadget, but what it will do as Zach has clearly pointed out, it will push the barrier and standards for mobile phones and smartphones to the next level.

I personally won't be getting one, but I will thank Apple for making the current manufacturers to pull their thumbs out.

JonnyBruha · 2 years ago

Again, you're right on. I'm actually a perfect example of how Apple changed the market. My first MP3 player was a 3rd gen iPod, which I upgraded to a 5.5th gen Video iPod some years later. It was only when I got so tired of converting video with Videora to work with it that I started looking elsewhere and came across Creative and their line of products. I read up on everything, including the Zune, the Zen, products from iRiver, and made my choice based on what I read.

The point is that the iPod was still the gateway. I had never dreamed of using an MP3 player until my friends were all using 20gb iPods. Apple revolutionized the MP3 industry with a device that certainly wasn't the best available (even at the time), and they're about to do it again. It's probably not going to take over nearly as fast the iPod did due to the price point, but it's going to make that RAZR user start to look into what else is out there.

It's frustrating because I know I'm going to see tons of iPhones on every corner, and for that period of time, the masses will be completely ignorant to the idea of a superior product, to the point where it would be a waste of time to argue. Even now, before the device is even released, it's hard widen the tunnel vision of an Apple fanboy who's only impression of Nokia is the bar phone that everyone had 10 years ago.

zach · 2 years ago

Thanks again Jonny, and once again you're right on. The core difference between the iPod/iTunes and the iPhone is the type of market that they entered/are entering. The iPod and iTunes basically took sleeping markets and flipped them upside down to create booming markets. The iPhone on the other hand is being introduced to a market that is already flourishing. As such, the effects on the consumer will not be as drastic and will not happen quite as quickly - just like you said. The effects on competitors however will occur much quicker I think (and this is what will help further facilitate changes in the consumer). In fact, we're already seeing competitive response!

One last thing:

"It’s frustrating because I know I’m going to see tons of iPhones on every corner, and for that period of time, the masses will be completely ignorant to the idea of a superior product"

In this area I'll take your negative and make it a positive. I think that the scenario you describe is a good thing for several reasons. The biggest reason is that while Nokia continues to ignore the pleas of countless American consumers and bloggers (like me), they're still a business and the numbers won't lie. I can only hope that Nokia will look at the sales numbers that the iPhone is going to put up and realize the potential of the American market - and then DO SOMETHING about it!

Apple and Nokia are alike in a lot of ways. Nokia started out making boots and Apple - well they used to make computers from what I hear. ;) Maybe Nokia will watch the iPhone and realize that a good approach to the US market can be quite successful...

JonnyBruha · 2 years ago

I certainly hope so. It'll either work to everyone's advantage or work against the entire market. Nokia has already turned their back to the US, or at the very least, kept their main focus elsewhere. Hopefully, the iPhone will make them pay attention. If not, they'll do what they have been doing and the situation will only get worse. Americans will have their RAZR's and their iPhones and Nokia will just look the other way.

BUT! The s60 touch interface is supposed to be right around the corner, so perhaps they are listening. My fingers are crossed. I love having a device that no one has ever seen before, but I'll love seeing a bunch of people running around with hundreds of different s60's even more.