The iPhone has been popping up in technology websites and magazines ever since it was only a concept with no real basis in reality. Years of speculation about the product have proved it to be the most intently followed unconfirmed product in the history of Apple. Finally, on January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, announced the iPhone, an Internet- and multimedia enabled mobile phone, in his keynote address at the Macworld Conference and Expo.
The iPhone’s functions combine those of three devices: a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod, and an Internet communications device. The iPhone also sports a slim and sleek form factor worthy of the Apple brand name. But by far the most striking thing about the iPhone is its huge touchscreen which almost completely takes up the front of the device.
The iPhone will not have a traditional keypad or even the iPod clickwheel, but will instead rely completely on a revolutionary new touch screen (dubbed a multi-touch display) for its user interface. The touch screen measures 3.5 inches or 8.9 cm, and is a 320×480 liquid crystal display. Unlike most current mobile phone touchscreens, the iPhone’s screen will not require a stylus, being designed for bare fingers.
This promises a new and novel way of manipulating the interface. Sliding motions can be used, as well as “pinching” or “unpinching”, which refers to placing two fingers (usually thumb and forefinger) on the screen and sliding them closer or farther apart. The interface will be designed to have a natural feel, and it is to be hoped that the whole touchscreen idea is implemented well.
The Internet browser of the iPhone is shaping up to be something special, as well. The bundled browser is the Safari browser that comes with Mac OS X, and this will display full web pages instead of the simplified versions usually seen on other Internet phones. The iPhone will have support for WiFi, EDGE, and Bluetooth.
An exciting feature is Apple’s agreement with Google – a specially optimized version of Google Maps will be available on the iPhone!
Generally, though, the iPhone will not be bringing any new mobile phone features into play, but will have support for most common phone features found on high-end units such as the various connectivity protocols (Bluetooth, EDGE, etc.) as well as the inclusion of a 2.0 megapixel camera with support for video capture.
The iPhone is indeed shaping up to be a formidable entrant into the mobile smartphone arena, with its typical Apple stylishness and (expected) well thought-out interface. However, as long as actual products are not yet out on the market, all this hype should be taken with a grain of salt. (Judge the iPhone for real when you have one in your hand, and not a moment before!)
http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/iphone-vs-ipod/#more-24
