Apple Inc.'s iconic leader was cautious but still insightful during an interview at the Wall Street Journal event, explaining how the company is tackling Internet access, video, and the sensitive question of third-party software for the iPhone.
The company head defended a handful of the controversial decisions made that could limit the cellphone's initial appeal, particularly software. For Jobs, the question of third-party software was now a question of "when" rather than "if:" the main issues now were to protect the phone against crashes and security holes, which he said have frequently ruined the experience for smartphones in the past. Pressure on the firm to change its current, closed-off approach was evident in Jobs' reactionary tone.
"We would like to solve this problem," he said. "And if you could just be a little more patient with us, weâll do it."
One feature that was dismissed immediately, however, was direct video downloading through the cellular network. In the present climate, buying videos through provider networks 'doesn't make sense' and is too expensive to be viable, according to the CEO. Video is nevertheless important to the company's strategy and prompted Jobs to make a relatively rare confession to the audience that his early skepticism about video on handhelds was unfounded.
"People have watched a lot of video on iPods,â he notes. âVideo is here to stay on portable devices."
Jobs was also quick to back the choice to ship the first iPhone as a strictly 2.5G wireless device rather than move directly to 3G. The use of cellular Internet is more a convenience than a necessity, he argued, noting that Wi-Fi was "way faster" than 3G and that the iPhone would alert its user when they stepped within range of a hotspot. Growth of Wi-Fi also meant that coverage would be enough for most users.
Still, he acknowledged that one of the motivations for AT&T to choose the iPhone was to help bolster the carrier's 3G network. Most don't have mainstream devices that offer any more than a "baby Internet," Jobs noted, and the iPhone would help drive business.
In spite of the newly added clarity to the company's stance on the iPhone, attendees expecting a surprise announcement a month ahead of the release were frustrated early during the interview. Jobs teased the crowd when asked by Mossberg whether the assembly would learn of any secret features at the event.
"No," Jobs said, smiling.
58 Comments
That sounds reasonable.
I started a 2 yr contract when the iPhone was announced as a prophylactic against buying something that I did'nt need and/or couldnt afford in a fit of Spring excitement. I suspect I will be champing at the bit for the iPhone in its second or third G...
Jobs simply confirmed what everybody already knew: the iPhone will eventually be an open platform.
Also, what's with all the Lane Bryant ads for women's clothing. I highly doubt there's a lot of women on this site. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Jobs simply confirmed what everybody already knew: the iPhone will eventually be an open platform.
Everybody did not know that. Half the bloggers talking about the iPhone constantly say it will fail because its a closed platform. Now they know there is one less thing to bitch about.
the main issues now were to protect the phone against crashes and security holes, which he said have frequently ruined the experience for smartphones in the past.
Not that I've had any problems with this in the paat, but I imagine the iPhones huge popularity makes it a big target.
Growth of Wi-Fi also meant that coverage would be enough for most users.
Maybe where he lives...
Still, he acknowledged that one of the motivations for AT&T to choose the iPhone was to help bolster the carrier's 3G network.
By not including a 3G radio? Or does this translate to 'please help us sign up a crapload of customers so we can get some cash influx to help build a 3G network that rivals CDMA carriers in the US... At least we're not TMobile...'
Most don't have mainstream devices that offer any more than a "baby Internet," Jobs noted,
errrr.... What? I can do almost anything on a WM phone that I can do on a desktop as far as the interweb is concerned. I understand somethings aren't particulary easy, but normal people won't use half the features and power a smart device gives them.
Also, what's with all the Lane Bryant ads for women's clothing. I highly doubt there's a lot of women on this site. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
I've wondered about that too! (And the MSFT-related ads as well).