So there's all the hype about the iPhone. I've seen the first generation ones... not very hot. And so were most of the comments online.
The iPhone.
Also discussed a case on it in class. The topic was whether the iPhone will hold out in the long run, especially with other strong mobile phone competitors already present, whose core competence is in manufacturing and designing mobile phones.
But we can all understand why Apple is moving forward into the mobile industry. Because it clearly understands that iPod will sooner or later be replaced by mobile phones with great mp3 capabilities that will soon rival the iPod. So why not cannibalize yourself first rather than letting others kill your product in the long term?
Anyway, the bottom line that my Global Strategic Management lecturer analysed, was not in favour of the iPhone.
Reasons:
But still. I'm very sure that more than half of handphone users all have their eyes on the iPhone. Friends I have in sg are yearning for it to be launched locally. Afterall, the iPhone is still fresh in this industry. They have their Apple branding which screams of sleek design, the "fun" crowd and everything the cool crowd should have.
I for one will think twice before I get an iPhone.
Firstly - Will my contacts in my current Nokia handphone be able to switch flawlessly into the iPhone? Or would I have to go through the hassle and pain of transferring them manually?
Secondly - How durable is the iPhone? If I drop it and it spoils immediately, and if I'll have to bring it to the Apple store every now and then, then I say it's not worth it.
Thirdly - How long can the battery in the iPhone last? My current Nokia phone, which is a 6233 basic phone, has a battery life that can last me for 3 days with normal usage. I travel short trips without having to worry whether I brought my charger along.
Hmm.. maybe I should do my own research on this haha. At the same time help me decide if it's worth getting one when it launches locally :)
The iPhone.
Also discussed a case on it in class. The topic was whether the iPhone will hold out in the long run, especially with other strong mobile phone competitors already present, whose core competence is in manufacturing and designing mobile phones.
But we can all understand why Apple is moving forward into the mobile industry. Because it clearly understands that iPod will sooner or later be replaced by mobile phones with great mp3 capabilities that will soon rival the iPod. So why not cannibalize yourself first rather than letting others kill your product in the long term?
Anyway, the bottom line that my Global Strategic Management lecturer analysed, was not in favour of the iPhone.
Reasons:
- iPhone is outrageously priced... for a mobile phone nowadays. People in this generation are used to cheap and high quality phones, some even get theirs for free. Maybe Apple has already realized this trend that they cannot keep riding on their strong brand name, which is why you see that the price of the iPhone has reduced drastically.
- Also, the iPhone being a unique(?) product is very debatable. What does it have that you see other mobile phones not having? iTunes? That's easily substitutable with other players in Sony Ericsson. The design? Probably. But still, debatable.
- There are a large number of competitors already present in the mobile industry.
- Also mobile phone users treat the phone as a fashion accessory nowadays. Their switching costs are low and every now and then, there will be a new phone. Can Apple be able to maintain their high turnover of new products as compared to the "more experienced" market players such as Nokia or Sony Ericsson?
- Signing a contract with AT&T will greatly create a high barrier of entry. Who wants a phone when they have a limited choices?
But still. I'm very sure that more than half of handphone users all have their eyes on the iPhone. Friends I have in sg are yearning for it to be launched locally. Afterall, the iPhone is still fresh in this industry. They have their Apple branding which screams of sleek design, the "fun" crowd and everything the cool crowd should have.
I for one will think twice before I get an iPhone.
Firstly - Will my contacts in my current Nokia handphone be able to switch flawlessly into the iPhone? Or would I have to go through the hassle and pain of transferring them manually?
Secondly - How durable is the iPhone? If I drop it and it spoils immediately, and if I'll have to bring it to the Apple store every now and then, then I say it's not worth it.
Thirdly - How long can the battery in the iPhone last? My current Nokia phone, which is a 6233 basic phone, has a battery life that can last me for 3 days with normal usage. I travel short trips without having to worry whether I brought my charger along.
Hmm.. maybe I should do my own research on this haha. At the same time help me decide if it's worth getting one when it launches locally :)
***
On to the gPhone. Gosh with a big G. A prominent search engine cum online advertising giant wanting a slice of the mobile phone industry too? I guess from the actions of these big players, we all know which industry will be the "hottest" in time to come ;)
It may seem that the gPhone will be officially announced in soon with so much speculation around the Internet.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the specifications Google has laid out for devices suggest that manufacturers include cameras for photo and video, and built-in Wi-Fi technology to access the Web at hot spots such as airports, coffee shops and hotels. It also is recommending that gPhones be designed to work on carriers’ fastest networks, known as 3G, to ensure that Web pages can be downloaded quickly. Google suggests the phones could include Global Positioning System technology that identifies where people are.
So they have these specifications, and we all know how "simplistic" the search giant is. Everything, - from it's webpage, to its ads, to google docs - everything has a very simple touch and feel. So simple and basic for users. But do users nowadays want a simple to use phone?
Plus, what is it that they state that Nokia doesn't have in their phones?
Then again, we understand why they are gearing towards mobile advertising. Cos more and more people are using their handphones to surf the web too! And that's where Yahoo was right, which is why, they are currently the leader in mobile apps and advertising (for now). heh.
The mobile industry is going to be very very interesting in time to come ;)
On to the gPhone. Gosh with a big G. A prominent search engine cum online advertising giant wanting a slice of the mobile phone industry too? I guess from the actions of these big players, we all know which industry will be the "hottest" in time to come ;)
It may seem that the gPhone will be officially announced in soon with so much speculation around the Internet.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the specifications Google has laid out for devices suggest that manufacturers include cameras for photo and video, and built-in Wi-Fi technology to access the Web at hot spots such as airports, coffee shops and hotels. It also is recommending that gPhones be designed to work on carriers’ fastest networks, known as 3G, to ensure that Web pages can be downloaded quickly. Google suggests the phones could include Global Positioning System technology that identifies where people are.
So they have these specifications, and we all know how "simplistic" the search giant is. Everything, - from it's webpage, to its ads, to google docs - everything has a very simple touch and feel. So simple and basic for users. But do users nowadays want a simple to use phone?
Plus, what is it that they state that Nokia doesn't have in their phones?
Then again, we understand why they are gearing towards mobile advertising. Cos more and more people are using their handphones to surf the web too! And that's where Yahoo was right, which is why, they are currently the leader in mobile apps and advertising (for now). heh.
The mobile industry is going to be very very interesting in time to come ;)
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