If we believe the next generation iPhone stories on the web, this is what we are going to get that is significantly different to the iPhone 3GS-
A 5 Megapixel camera with flash
Front facing camera for video calls
Noise cancellation
A 960 x 640 pixel display
That’s your lot- it is all improvements on what the iPhone 3GS can already do. Of course there will be other improvements that we are currently unaware of and Apple does tend to aim high when releasing something new, but the prototype model suggests that on the hardware front it is a case of improving on what is already working well.
Now, let’s take a look at the specs of the current HTC Desire in comparison to the above-
A 5 Megapixel camera with flash
No front facing video camera
No noise cancellation
An 800 x 480 pixel display
On the whole things are quite similar with neither jumping out in front of the other and each has significant advantages in specific area over the other. If you look at these two devices objectively, they are so similar as to be difficult to choose between. Apps are of course very important and Apple is the king in this area, but Android is catching up fast and could potentially even overtake Apple when Android 2.2 is released.
The main point of this article is to ask one simple question. What does the new iPhone have that will tempt those already using Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and the others to it if they have not already moved over to the 3GS?
The answer seems to be very little. I won’t be moving away from the iPhone platform anytime soon, but I believe that Apple needs to do more to tempt others to move to the iPhone. Who knows? Maybe Apple has some tricks up its sleeve we are unaware of.
It’s been more than 2 years since I last bought an iPhone so I will definately be getting one…much better screen, better camera, less bulky looking. The cameras on HTC devices, such as that on my Legend, are pitiful.
Well, I think it might be wise to wait and see exactly which new hardware features make it into the next gen iPhone before passing judgement.
That being said, there are still plenty of people who have never owned an iPhone and would like to. Some of those will be Android, BlackBerry, Sumbian an Web OS users who have been disappointed by their purchases. Indeed, customer satisfaction rates for the iPhone are leaps and bounds ahead of the numbers for other devices/platforms, and a recent survey of BlackBerry users, for example, showed that a large number would like to switch to the iPhone if they could.
On top of any hardware changes, iPhone OS 4.0 also brings plenty to the table for both consumers and developers. Apple focused on just a few of those at its sneak peak event a couple of months ago, such as 3rd party multi-tasking, email improvements, better enterprise features etc. But there’s a lot that wasn’t mentioned – some of which can already be seen on the iPad, such as the ability to open the full gamut of email attachments in any app which supports them.
I would turn the question around. What do the other platforms offer that would compel people to stay with them? I’ve seen very little that would tempt most iPhone users to make a switch and not much that would create brand/OS loyalty from other manufacturers.
Although a year old, the iPhone 3GS holds up very well against the latest crop of devices, still offering a more compelling user experience and complete package of services than the competition, in my view.
We still have to wait and see before we know fully what the next gen has to offer.
I do wonder about the video call camera. Lots of other networks/manufacturers have failed to make this mainstream, after all who wants to walk along the street holding a phone out in front of them. Apple seem to have a habit of re-inventing something so it’s actually usable though.
Androids (and HTCs) use of widgets with text streaming does give them an edge for the avid social networker though.
I’m with Philippa. never seen the point of front facing cameras for the majority of people. Rounded faces and bulbous noses…and that’s without the camera!
As a current Symbian user, I am sure to be tempted away when my contract finally runs out… I like what I have seen in the iPhone so far and it can only get better. It doesn’t bother me that many people have one, it just means it will be better catered for. I have pondered getting something like an iPad 3G and a basic mobile. I tend to always have my netbook with me as it is anyway, but going online on a iPad would be lovely. My phone can be just something small in my pocket for the odd call or text. I really don’t have my mind set on anything yet though. I still have a contract to ride out!
Yes. Hence why Apple has £24million on the production line.
The key is whether other carriers will be permitted to offer the iPhone (such as Verizon in the States). AT&T is a huge barrier for many (self included) to getting the iPhone, and if a more trusted carrier enters the scene, I suspect the market will expand dramatically for Apple.
I really like Android. There is nothing I have seen so far which might tempt me away but you never know. We don’t have the full picture yet.