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What does 2008 hold for the iPhone?

The iPhone has only been with us for a little over six months, yet it already feels like a lifetime.

So what's in store for Apple's hot little mobile phone this year?

1. 3G

It's all but been announced: a 3G iPhone is coming. Steve Jobs wants to create one when the hardware conditions are right, and we're expecting / hoping that will be in the first half of 2008.

Apart from the timing, what we don't know is which markets will receive the hallowed device, and how much it will cost.

Will it go to new markets first, or be launched in all existing markets at the same time? Might Apple actually favour Europe over the US and allow us to get our hands on it first (after all, we love and need 3G), or will we be passed over because we've only just got the first generation iPhone?

And cost? Slash the price of the first version? Scrap it altogether for new customers? Or pump up the price of the 3G version even more? Who'd pay?

Oh the questions. Plenty to speculate on until such a time as Mr Jobs sees fit to announce it — which probably won't be at Macworld 2008 in two weeks' time.

2. Software Development Kit

We're led to believe that some highly favoured software developers are already testing a beta version of the kit that Apple has said will be available from February.

We don't know exactly how the SDK will be distributed, and to whom, but it does pave the way for genuine, approved third-party applications on the iPhone.

Posted by Andy Merrett on January 2, 2008 7:34 AM in iPhone banter
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Opera Software takes a humourous dig at the iPhone

In a mickey-take of the famous "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" ads that by now must be entrenched in the Western psyche, Opera Software has created its own version to highlight what it believes sets its Opera Mini 4 beta mobile browser from the iPhone.

Poor old Mr iPhone - he doesn't have any cash left to go down to the pub and drink beer, because he's spent it all on the phone.

The Opera Mini browser, on the other hand, is supposed to work on any mobile phone (at least, Palm and BlackBerry), anywhere.

Clever.

Watch the video

Posted by Andy Merrett on June 20, 2007 3:45 PM in iPhone banter| iPhone industry Views
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Why your iPhone needs protecting

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Currently found in the hands and pockets of millions of mobile users across the world, the first iPhone did not hit our shelves until 2007.

For a product which is relatively new, iPhones have quickly established themselves as a coveted item and unfortunately this means owners must take the necessary measures to protect their beloved phone from harm.

With their bright, touch-screen displays illuminating the surrounding area, iPhones are easily detectable by thieves and this makes owners wary of flashing them in public.

Unfortunately, physical threats are not the only problem to have afflicted these devices over the years. On top of the danger of theft or damage, iPhone users also face threats from the digital world and in some ways these can be more harmful.

In fact, in July 2007 SC Magazine had already launched a report on how the first exploit of the device had been found - just months after the first devices were sold to an eager public.

Since then, Apple has taken the protection of their beloved device very seriously. In August 2011, CNN reported on how this dedication had seen the company take drastic measures - employing one of the most famous iPhone hackers (Nicholas Allegra who operated under the pseudonym Comex) for an internship.

Despite these moves, problems with security continued, albeit through somewhat different sources - namely the internet.

With Smartphones such as these connecting to the internet in multiple ways, the threat of hacking and internet viruses is rife.

One of the benefits of phones such as these is they can receive emails in the same manner as text messages. Unfortunately this function also means your phone could be at risk from online threats even when idle - making protection vital.

Luckily, companies such as Secure Web Point have developed a solution for this, offering services which are designed to keep you and your personal details safe at all times.

Failure to protect these details can lead to identity theft and internet fraud, causing mass disruption and devastation to those affected.

Even online banking details can be stolen if you do not protect your internet connections and your IP (Internet Protocol) address can reveal data such as your home location, giving criminals all the information and opportunities they need.

Investing in mobile VPN for iPhone is the best way to secure your Smartphone from these threats, providing protection which enables you to browse the internet free from worry.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows networks to be extended in a secure manner using the internet. By creating them in a form suitable for mobile phones, developers are offering a way for users to protect their valuable details, allowing them to use all of their phone's fantastic features without worrying about the potential risk.

Flash could overheat the iPhone, but is needed for a complete Web experience

Contrary to my initial belief, it appears that the first incarnation of the iPhone won't support Flash in the Safari browser.

According to TUAW, developers at WWDC have been told that Flash won't be available, and that they shouldn't serve video using Flash.

Having had Flash functionality in my desktop browsers for years, I temporarily forgot that it is, still, a plug-in. There's no native support for Flash in Safari.

Posted by Andy Merrett on June 14, 2007 4:37 PM in iPhone banter
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What people hate about their mobile phone service, and what it means for the iPhone

A recent survey by InformationWeek has coome up with six things that drive mobile phone users nuts. iTnews has reported them, but what might they mean for the iPhone?

1. Disabled features

The iPhone is feature heavy, and you can bet that Steve Jobs talked tough to get his way with the iPhone.

There's little point having amazing functionality if the network provider decides to disable features for the sake of security, or (more usually), revenue protection.

The first-generation iPhone doesn't appear to have VoIP capabilities 'out of the box', but if a third-party app is allowed on to it that provides such a function, might it be disabled. Don't forget that Apple is potentially revenue-sharing during the entire contract period, so they may also have a vested interest in protecting revenue.

2. Phones locked to work on only one network

This one is going to hurt Apple. Sources talking about a European network partner have suggested that Apple will "realise its mistake" and open up the iPhone. I think it needs to.

People don't like being tied to a single network, and as our survey suggests, only one in four people would be willing to swap network to get the iPhone.

If you think individual phone handsets have reputations, mobile network operators have bigger reputations.

Posted by Andy Merrett on May 15, 2007 10:12 AM in iPhone banter
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Last chance: Tell us what you think about the iPhone and win some iPod goodies

The iPhone has to be one of the most hotly anticipated mobile devices of the year, and we want to hear what you think about it.

Take a few minutes to complete the Shiny Media iPhone Survey, and you could win one of three Logic3 i-Station IS10 iPod Alarm Clock Radios*.

Get your skates on - the competition closes tonight, Friday, 27th April 2007.

About the Prize

The i-Station IS10 is an all-in-one stereo alarm clock radio and docking station for your iPod, allowing you to wake up to radio, buzzer, or your iPod's music.

It combines two full range speakers and a subwoofer, and will happily accommodate any iPod with a dock connector.

It also features a backlit LCD screen with 3 dimmer levels, two alarm settings, a remote control, and usual docking features for synchronising and charging your iPod.

Not an iPod fan? No problem - it also works with any audio device having a 3.5mm stereo connector.

Take the survey now

* The survey is open to anyone, but the competition is for UK residents only, sorry.

Posted by Andy Merrett on April 27, 2007 4:14 PM in iPhone banter
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Five reasons why the iPhone is better than the rest

Paul Kedrosky has written five reasons why the iPhone is better than the rest.

Of course, as an iPhone fan, I can't help but agree with him.

"Having now wandered in the wilds of various cellphones over the last few months, I am re-reminded why Apple's iPhone is underestimated. I have a Palm Treo 700, a Research in Motion Blackberry 8800, and a Samsung TV phone, and they all suck."

Tell it like it is, Paul!

Posted by Andy Merrett on April 25, 2007 12:47 PM in iPhone banter
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The Apple iPhone's release date WON'T slip

I don't know. Apple make one announcement about OS X Leopard being delayed because they need to dedicate more resources to the iPhone, and suddenly they're not going to ship the iPhone on time.

According to Stephen Wellman from Information Week, Apple is really struggling, because it dared to announce that it has switched some resources from the OS X team to the iPhone team.

Posted by Andy Merrett on April 16, 2007 4:47 PM in Latest iPhone news| iPhone banter
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