Introducing the iPhone...
 

Introducing the iPhone...Ammazing! I'll be purchasing it in June when it ships in the USA at Apple and AT&T/Cingular stores.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/mwsf07/

http://www.cingular.com/cell-phone-s...9801j01R00n300

Look at the photographs of it here in Wikipedia. It's Beautiful.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone#_note-pogueFAQ

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/...ked-questions/

Just watch the introduction video: the second link; then the second selection labeled, "Watch iPhone Introduction".

I'll bring more links as I find them.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/videos/th...ate-265519.php

http://technorati.com/videos/tag/iPhone

http://technorati.com/photos/tag/iPhone

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Mehtacular over-priced, over-hyped product.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

You were joking that you were gonna be purchasing one right? I mean apple is over pricing them by like $300 and there are multiple phones out already that do more than the iPhone does for cheaper and you aren't locked out of using 3rd party software and you aren't stuck with one carrier.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Just watch the introduction video: the second link; then the second selection labeled, "Watch iPhone Introduction".

Most "smart" phones are about $300. The iPod Nano 4GB is $199. That equals $499 that many...many people are paying for two devices. The iPhone does...so...much...more. I'll be getting the 8GB iPhone for $599. The 4GB iPhone is $499.

Just... watch... the... introduction. It's OK...to be impressed.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

As a smart phone, the iPhone does absolutely nothing more than any other smart phone, and actually far less when you consider the lack of integration with MS exchange server et all in the corporate world. Integrating a portable music player of any sort into a phone is just plain stupid IMO.

iPhone is not impressive in the slightest.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Can we play SEIV and SEV on the iPhone?

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Considering that it doesn't run a Windows-based OS, I doubt it. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I have an old cell phone that I can tape an old mp3 player to. I'll just ask $100 US ...

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

But... it's big and bulky and... the tape covers the buttons. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smirk.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

But it's....a.....Kwokphone...."it's ok to be impressed" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Useless triviality, in my own personal opinion, just like most personal electronic devices.

It's the feds, man! They're all, like, brainwashing us with the electronic-ness! http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Maybe the iPhone can emulate Windows and run SE4... for that price, maybe it "should" http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Meanwhile, I continue to refuse to own any sort of cell phone. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

1) Random Access voicemail
2) Apple isn't trying to sell the iPhone to corporate customers because it is not the right product for business use; it will still connect to POP3 and IMAP servers, which a lot of people use (plus Gmail has POP3, which leads to...)
3) You may think playing music in a cell phone is stupid, but that's not what the sales numbers are telling cell carriers and phone manufacturers. People are buying it, and that's all that matters.
4) Apple *IS* trying to sell it to the 21-35 gadget-loving demographic, which can afford it and will provide the highest visibility with the least marketing effort. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple created a more mass-market cheaper version if the first does well enough; if it doesn't, no matter, because it will still draw more attention to Apple's other businesses.

I would actually consider buying one if I were in different circumstances. But I won't, mainly because I would never be able to use it. It combines three things that are prohibited where I work: a camera (must remain in locked car if brought on property), a mass storage device (need a permit and a legitimate need to carry inside, renewing every year), and a personal cell phone (must be left in lockers outside the building if no camera; otherwise, camera rules take precedence).

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

As great as the iphone is when it comes to simplicity in interface, I think that we might just see a similar reaction to the PS3 take place. Given that nokia, research in motion, tmobile and others are all developing cheaper, yet similar capability iphone-style devices, I think apple faces a tough up-hill battle.

And don't forget Google is working on an integrated phone too.

And meizu is gonna start a price war with the m8/minione
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/m...-your-engines/


The less with the Iphone will be design a great, simple interface -- but price in reality.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

It seems that the only thing Apple products ever have going for them is "simplicity in interface," upon which they certainly have no monopoly. Their computers are the same hardware as PCs, but vastly more expensive. Their portable music players are at best middle of the road in terms of features and quality. The iPhone is nothing spectacular compared to the competition, and does nothing the competition does not do (Samsung has a touch screen smart phone with a foldout qwerty keyboard to prevent having to use a ****ty on-screen one).

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

LMAO! omg you're kidding....

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

It is 2007, it should run SEV.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

About which part? If it's the cell phone part, he's not alone...I too refuse to bother with a cell phone http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Sometimes I think PvK would be happier living in the 18th century. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/stupid.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Well, think about it. The main 'advantage' of the cell phone -- that people can reach you just about anywhere/anytime (there are still a few gaps in coverage) -- is also the main disadvantage. Some people don't like to be reachable every minute of every day.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

The main advantage is so you can call people when you want. Just turn off the ringer when you don't want to take calls. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/laugh.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

That's what I used to do. When I was living in Ireland, I always had my phone with me. I'd forget my keys, or my wallet or my smokes or my lighter, but I'd never forget my phone. The damn things just become indespensible after a while. But I think I had my ringer on literally less that 1% of the time. The rest of the time it was on vibrate so I knew if someone was after me, but I had the choice of ignoring them if I was busy, or just not in the mood for talking. And if I really didn't want to be bothered, they do have off buttons.

Now a question for those of you who do own cell phones: How much talking do you actually do on them versus text messaging? My old phone bills used to be 95% text messages because no one actually calls anyone unless it's really urgent. I'd think the fact that you have to pay for incoming calls (boo!) would make texts even more popular, or do you have to pay for recieved texts as well?

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I think you generally have to pay for incoming text messages too (or they count against the monthly limit). Most providers offer an unlimited text message option, though.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

There should be one flat fee that covers everything. No more of this on peek, off peek, weekends, before 7, after 7, text this, photo that, download that, other hidden fees that, and bulls**t fees! $50.00 for 2,500 minutes, unlimited texting, phone services, and long distance.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

They have to take your money somehow, you expect service at a reasonable fee! how preposterous!

I used to carry a cellphone with me all the time, but I stopped because I hated people calling me all the time over pointless crap and text messaging is a joke.

I can't figure out why anyone would want to spend ten minutes typing out a text message that you can spend two seconds and call them with the bloody phone -- after all, that's what a cellphone is for!

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

The fiends! That probably explains why cell phones aren't as prolific as they are in Europe. Well, maybe prolific is the wrong word, but they get used more over there. Like, if you see a group of 4 or more people walking down a typical Dublin street, 1 out of the 4 will have their phone out, it's almost a guarantee. Over here, not so much. Over there, it's common to own multiple phones. One of my flatmates had a weekday phone, a weekend phone, and emergency phone, and a phone only used to call her parents. Over here, people look at you funny for having a lot of phones. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe prolific is the word I'm looking for. That's not to say that cell phones aren't prolific in North America, just that in Europe, they're more prolific. Hell, even the homeless over there have them!
Not sure what my point was after all that though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif I guess it's that over there the pricing schemes seem to encourage the use of the phones, while over here, the schemes seem to discourage their use. Which is odd.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I'd consider it a matter of etiquette. Phoning someone is sort of like saying, "Drop whatever it is you're doing and pay attention to me NOW!" which is rather rude and not considerate of the fact that the person might be busy at work, in the middle of class, or otherwise not available to take the call. Whereas a text message is sort of like saying, "Hey, I need to relay this information to you, but don't mean to interrupt what you're doing. Read this and respond when you can." Which is a fair bit more polite, don't you think?

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Bingo. I especially appreciate text-messaging being married. My wife and I can exchange small, concise, useful pieces of information that don't interrupt my heavy workload. Texting is far more efficient when dealing with females; they love to talk.
I live in Los Angeles. I would say that cellphones are probably as "prolific" here as they are in Europe. Dealing with the unavoidable downtime of sitting in traffic, in a job where meetings and schedules and appointments dance on a razor's edge, the concept of life without a cellphone to me is unfathomable.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I must say I disagree about texting being more polite. After all, if you didn't want to be interrupted by the phone, you wouldn't have it on, would you? Therefore, by extension, it wouldn't be impolite to give them a call.

You could make the same arguement about a regular land-line that you made for cellphones. Perhaps we should all just stop talking and text everyone about everything? http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...ies/tongue.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

It takes me 2 seconds to turn off the ringer and let voice mail take the call.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

On my phone, I can just squeeze the sides and turn the ringer off (the side volume buttons function as mute during ringing). Not even 2 seconds if its in my pocket, heh.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Fortunately I can throw a sharpened pencil in only 0.6secs in a typical exam/lecture or meeting atmosphere.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Maybe it's just my crazy Irish mindset, but to me someone's intentions play a significant part in the whole politness thing. It's like if you're having a conversation with someone, and another person marches up and interrupts the two of you. You can chose to ignore him and carry on, that doesn't make his interruption any less rude. Same idea with texts messanges vs. calling someone.

But in the end, different parts of the world have different rules of etiquette, and the rules I'm used to say that calling someone is a bit rude, and rather presumptuous but it seems you zany colonials have different ideas on the matter. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I wouldn't say that calling someone is rude per say, because it's the phone holders resposibility to manage the volume of their ring tone. Texting is definitely preferable when you're in a venue where having a phone conversation would be difficult due to background noise, etc.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I'm not sure about this but it certainly has games and programs. Other games, programs, music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies you can add at places like iTunes.

The operating system for the iPhone is OS X and at Cingular.com there is a line that states, "Works with Windows PCs and Macs"

Can Space Empires IV and V be played on Macintosh computers? I'm not familiar with Macintosh. It would be cool if we could play many PC and console type games on the iPhone! Microsoft will probably compete with their own version of an iPhone soon. Microsofts version of the iPod is the Zune.

iPhone has the real internet and e-mail that we are used to on our PC's:(from Cingular.com)
"Breakthrough Internet Device:
iPhone features a rich HTML email client and Safari - the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device - which automatically syncs bookmarks from your PC or Mac. Safari also includes built-in Google and Yahoo! search. iPhone is fully multi-tasking, so you can read a web page while downloading your email in the background over Wi-Fi or EDGE."

An Apple store associate told me that it's like a Macintosh for your pocket.

Here is a list of some features at Cingular.com:
-Fully functional touch screen iPod which syncs with iTunes
-Wireless service from AT&T and all the benefits of network reliability, Rollover� minutes, and more
-Visual Voicemail: a first on any mobile phone available in the United States
-2MP camera
-Unique internet browsing capabilities
-Choose from 4GB ($499) or 8GB ($599) memory models
-EDGE, GPRS, GSM Quad-band, and WiFi capable
-Works with Windows PCs and Macs

And at Apple.com:
-Technical Specifications
-Screen size 3.5 inches
-Screen resolution 320 by 480 at 160 ppi
-Input method Multi-touch
-Operating system OS X
-Storage 4GB or 8GB
-GSM Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)
-Wireless data Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
-Camera 2.0 megapixels
-Battery Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing Up to 16 hours Audio playback
-Dimensions 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches / 115 x 61 x 11.6mm
-Weight 4.8 ounces / 135 grams

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

The iPhone might be crippled by Apple's lockout of 3rd party software. Contrast this with any smart phone made by any other company... Nearly everyone else supports (or at least tolerates) 3rd party devs, but it appears that Apple will lock them out.

"The operating system for the iPhone is OS X..."

Not quite. It is a stripped down, heavily modified version designed to be runnable on and suitable for embedded systems (aka the iPhone). It is similar to OS X, but it is not OS X. Its just like the relationship between Windows Mobile and XP (2k?).

"An Apple store associate told me that it's like a Macintosh for your pocket."

That Apple store associate is an idiot. It is most certainly not like having a Mac in your pocket, any more than having a Windows Mobile smart phone is like having a PC in your pocket. Smart phones are handy devices, to be sure, but they are not portable general purpose computers (ie: a Mac/PC laptop/desktop).

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Well, yes I'm aware of all the factors that you state. I'm just wondering to what degree of the operating system the iPhone will be utilizing. Certainly the Apple store associate is aware of these factors also. I believe that he was generalizing. I did not ask him to elaborate with details.

He basically said that currently the known information about the iPhone is that found on the internet. He said that even thoough it is still scheduled to be released in June 2007 Apple has given little to no new information or set date in June to the Apple and AT&T/Cingular stores.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I'd be surprised if the OSX OS on the iPhone has a Virtual Machine or Emulator on it capable of running SEIV or SEV.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

PC games, or some sort of version of them, are heading towards phones. The iPhone would be nice with a huge screen and touch control.

"Sid Meier's Civilization IV Mobile, Sid Meier's Railroad Tycoon Mobile and Sid Meier's Pirates! Mobile are scheduled for release in 2008."

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/05/22/2642466.htm

Civilization IV, Beyond the Sword second expansion will be released in July 2007.

http://www.civilization.com/

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Thats neat, so they are making mobile versions. Civ on a phone, sweet.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

So instead of fixing the glaring memory allocation bug, they waste time on a crappy mobile version of civ4? Oi.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

by making a mobile version that works wouldnt they be fixing the horrible memory problems? i doubt the iphone has anywhere near the capacity of a pc. then again like it was pointed out its a different os so i guess not.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

There is very little relation between the code base of a PC app and a mobile app.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

I'd think the brains of a civ4 app could be recompiled to a format executable on a phone very easily, while the graphics engine would need some work.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

DirectX would be a big issue. Also, I'm sure there are a load of support libraries that would have to be altered to compile on a bsd system, as the dll's do not exist there. I don;t think it would be trivial at all, going from Windows to a BSD mobile that is.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Here's some from Microsoft that might be preferable. The "Pocket PC". See the 360 Degree tours and demo. Pretty decent.
Compare them to the iPhone.

$400:
http://business.cingular.com/businesscenter/8525/index.jsp]Link

http://www.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?q_sku=sku310005&source=IB640311600144C1]Link

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/smartphone/details.mspx?id=3bf04ecb-8390-4b5a-bd72-8f1cb2218298&backUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.microsof t.com%2fwindowsmobile%2fsmartphone%2fdefault.mspx]Link

$100:
http://www.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?q_list=true&q_phoneName=Cingular+8125+Pocket+ PC&q_sku=sku1000007-1]Link

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/smartphone/details.mspx?id=d0d1218b3-90bd-449e-b73a-e54845d8e5f9&backUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.microsof t.com%2fwindowsmobile%2fsmartphone%2fdefault.mspx]Link

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

The "brains" include a lot of python code, which is probably going to have to be redone in a faster language runtime to run well on a phone. There is lots of CPU intensive processing that needs to be optimized for the really slow processors of phones. The entire display engine has to be started over from scratch. The C++ core can probably be ported without too much hassle, but I doubt that a phone version of the game exe will resemble the PC version very much at all.

Wade:
Please edit those links to have short display parts; the super long urls break the forum page formatting.

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Okay. I was wondering about that. How, exactly, do I do that without altering the link command path?

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

<font class="small">Code:</font><hr /><pre>display text</pre><hr />

Re: Introducing the iPhone...
 

Imperator, (hehe)I'm experimenting with that since you didn't explain.

display text
----------
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/smartphone/details.mspx?id=d0d1218b3-90bd-449e-b73a-e54845d8e5f9&amp;backUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.microsof t.com%2fwindowsmobile%2fsmartphone%2fdefault.mspx]test