GPS Passion » 3G

The iPhone 3G hysteria

DutchClick — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:23:40 +0000

Only a few days after the serious iPhone 3G hysteria started there are some patterns to see in how Apple and the local gsm providers deal with things concerning the new Apple fanboy toy. Next to that there are some technical issues. In total:

distribution -> soup kitchen style, people in line to get a glimpse or even to get the real thing in their hands. People waiting days (?) or weeks to get an iPhone 3G and making reservations in more than one shop to be sure to have one (if they are lucky).

2 year telecom contract and a locked phone (in most countries) with an expensive contract -> to me the same as hanging on the gallows for no less than 2 years.

3G -> in USA 3G is only available in (big) city areas, in Europe more widely spread, but still not everywhere.

GPS -> works. But depends on Google Maps and asks for (international) (3G) data roaming which is extremely expensive outside your own country! Big need for offline software like TomTom. Apple now says this has a big priority.

App Store -> regional difference, wich looks nice, but big players like eBay only publish their software in the USA (for now).

Loudspeakersystems Gen 1 iPhone -> doesn’t work anymore, like the docking of the Palm Treo 650 and Treo 680.

MobileMe -> the MobileMe ‘push’ from iPhone to Internet has a delay of 15 minutes and is therefore not really push! But it has been sold as the everyman’s Exchange. NO WAY!

VOIP -> T-Mobile Germany doesn’t allow VOIP on the iPhone 3G.

There might be some more issues, but these are the most important, I think. You know more issues? Tell us!

Do I want one? Oh yeah!

But I can wait! (a few days longer ;-) )

TomTom for iPhone

DutchClick — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:21:44 +0000

After in fact stopping support for PDA’s and smartphones it is very likely that TomTom will bring a iPhone version of its navigation software to sell to customers, Reuters tells us. The Dutch navigation device maker is not yet telling when it comes to the market, but it is expected that it will be on the same date that the iPhone 3G will be for sale.

via: iPhoneclub.nl (Dutch only)

WWDC: Next Gen iPhone to come

DutchClick — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:22:18 +0000

Dutch local time (19.00h) DIN will be online and watching different sources to stay up-to-date about the new Apple iPhone. We hear stories about people still buying the ‘old’ one (if available), not knowing there is a new version coming very very soon.

This is the first time we are really on to it. You know why? Because the rumours say that the iPhone 2.0 will have build in GPS and 3G. That combination got our attention. NOW WE’RE TALKING!

New iPhone with GPS and 3G

DutchClick — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:22:53 +0000

After quite a winter sleep (and some other things) this is big enough news to at least do my utmost best to make a new start: Engadget comes with the news that the expected new iPhone will have 3G and – YES – GPS!

Some specs:

slightly thicker than the first gen iPhone

the back will not be metal, but black plastic (hhhmmm)

new haptic feedback on virtual keys

3G, third generation gsm technology

finally a real GPS (and no virtual GPS)

With the old specs it never really got my attention, but now Steve, now I am watching!

via Engadget