A discount iPhone?

We are in the dark period between hardware releases for Apple, so rumors abound as to what’s to be released in the near future. The speculation has been fanned by Apple’s recent financial reports- although Apple is awash in cash and has generated an astounding $13.07 billion in revenue in just the first quarter of the fiscal year, the sales figures didn’t match what financial pundits had predicted based on Apple’s meteoric rise in sales and revenue over the past few years. Consequently Apple’s stock price took a tumble (that was soon reversed) thanks to the pessimism. What’s a consumer to think? Has Apple really run out of mojo? Is this just a return to reality for a company that’s feasted off of meteoric sales fueled by practically creating two new product categories?

There are multiple factors in play concerning, and most are not readily evident. While the iPhone still reigns supreme in the US, it isn’t the industry leader around the world- Android has the lion’s portion of market share thanks to its breadth of pricing, handsets, and the slow release of the iPhone around the world. Apple has had some significant success in China, the world’s largest market for handsets, but they currently rank 6th in market share.

The iPhone won’t likely retain its market dominance in the US forever as competitors flood the market; Android has evolved at a blistering pace, and Microsoft is pushing their new mobile version of Windows 8 just as new names like Ubuntu and Firefox have been linked to mobile devices. What some don’t realize is that Apple has never been focused on market share- they place far more value on margin. Organizations like Amazon and Google sell their devices with almost no profit (and sometimes at a loss) to steer customers to their real profit centers- advertising and data mining for Google, the various Amazon stores for that entity. While Apple does generate a tidy profit from their media and app stores, they have never embraced the strategy of employing a loss leader (something that generates no or negative profit that brings more customers to the things that do).

The breadth of Android devices has been recognized as one if the reasons the platform has such a commanding portion of the handset market; devices range from iPhone equivalents like the Samsung Galaxy line to bargain models from makers like Huawei. While Apple does keep older models of iPhone in production to offer a broader range of prices, they have never sold a handset that was designed to appeal to bargain hunters (or a device that deviated from the established form factor). Some (including former Apple CEO John Sculley) have called for Apple to deviate from their business model to compete in the inexpensive handset demographic, even going so far as to insist that a cheaper version of the iPhone must be pending (with no actual evidence to support the claim). Others report on a rumored handset dubbed the iPhone Math that sports a 4.8 inch screen similar to some of Samsung’s phone/tablet (“phablet”?) hybrids.

Not only is such action not likely to happen, it would border on foolishness for Apple to do so. They have managed to generate more profit than all of their competitors combined by not focusing on market share and ceding certain segments of the market. While the sales figures from this past fiscal year weren’t explosive, they were still greater than the GDP of many countries- and this was in a quarter that was one week shorter than usual. Apple has only developed products to that offer significant value in each category, not devices solely to compete for money in that category. The Mac Mini is more than a cheaper version of the iMac; it has a different form factor and possible uses. The iPad Mini is less expensive than the full sized iPad, but the primary focus hasn’t been the price, it has been the utility offered by the smaller size of the device. The same can be said for the Shuffle, Apple’s cheapest iPod; it has a significantly different form (diminutive and lacking a screen) but is tailored for specific uses, not just to generate sales in those that can’t afford an iPod Nano or Touch. Creating an underpowered or under spec-ed device just to compete in a market segment they have never pursued for little more than market share is nonsense unless there were some way they could keep the profit margins they count on, and to date none of their competitors have been able to do so with far more time and emphasis on that demographic.

As for the super sized iPhone Math, the waters are less clear but still doubtful. I have no doubt there is a larger sized iPhone in product research (just perusing the research models revealed during the Apple v Samsung trials recently shows how broad the scope can be) but Apple tends to control every aspect of their consumer product line. The screen resolution of a larger device would pose problems for apps; it would either have to sport a non-retina display (unlikely considering the flack generated over the lack of retina in the iPad Mini) or would have to have a custom resolution- very unlikely given Apple’s insistence on uniformity in App Store apps. Another facet is Apple’s own in-house research; they have reported more than once that the screen of the iPhone and iPod Touch was specifically designed to allow one handed operation. The iPhone 5 allegedly is the largest factor that can still adhere to this purpose according to their engineers, any larger and Apple would have to ignore their own stated strategy. Then there’s the question of product identity; a massive iPhone becomes a potential competitor to the iPad Mini (which has allegedly already cannibalized sales from its full sized sibling).

While I’m far too low on the technosphere’s food chain to have precise insight on Apple’s product development, I’d still wager a week’s pay that a majority of the hand wringing and speculation on what they will (or should) do is just so much noise. The next big thing won’t be a big iPhone, it will likely be an entirely new category of device.

 

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Is Apple DOOMED?

The guys at Cupertino have received a good deal of bad news lately. Some pundits have even declared that Apple’s Golden Age has ended, and the inevitable spiral back down to fringe player status has begun.

It began with the much-publicized Antennagate issue. The outer band of metal on the iPhone 4 served as more than decoration; the segmented border acted as an antenna for various radio functions. When grasped in a certain way the cell reception would dramatically decrease; I was able to reproduce the effect on my own 4 but never had an actual impact on my usage because of it. Famously Steve Jobs declared that users were merely “holding it wrong”, rather than own up to the engineering flaw.

Fast forward to the release of iPhone 5, iPad Mini, and iOS 6, and the controversy that came with them. The iPhone 5 has been a joy to have; thinner, lighter, yet with a larger screen. Yet some just weren’t impressed; pundits complained it wasn’t different enough, that the interface was dated, some even going so far as to complain that it was too light. The iPad Mini failed to wow some pundits due to its suboptimal specs, and reports of smaller lines than any other iOS product launch seemed to support the lukewarm reception.

The there are the real issues of iOS 6. Some complained of the removal of the YouTube app (even though YouTube is usable via Safari and several third party apps). There were sporadic complaints about wifi, Exchange settings, and the elephant in the room: Apple’s new Maps.

As Apple and Google spiraled from Frenemy to just plain adversaries, Apple has attempted to remove all traces of their competitor from their mobile platform. Chief among these has been Google’s Maps; once a crowning jewel of the handset. Rumors stated that Apple rushed to replace Google’s Maps with their own, even though they still had a year left in their contract with the search giant. Sadly, on release Apple’s Maps wasn’t ready for prime time, with numerous reports of incorrect rendering, bad directions, and warped satellite imagery. Landmarks were omitted or misplaced.

Now Apple is dealing with bad press closer to home. The recent shakeup of administrators and rumors of discord that led to the retirement (and then unretirement) of key executives showed cracks in what had been thought to be a solid, almost hive-mind group of visionaries that had assumed control of the organization after the death of Steve Jobs. Statements of infighting and contrasting visions would lead the reader to wonder why the fired executives were ever brought on in the first place.

All of these issues have led up to a precipitous drop in Apple’s stock price. At one point it was thought that the price per share might top $1000, as of 11/2 the price had plummeted to $576.80. What is a tech enthusiast to think? Are the few voices declaring the end of Apple’s reign accurate?

While I lack access to the inner circles of Apple, I can advise those that like me spend too much time perusing tech news to relax. None of the iOS devices have had a controversy-free release, and the eye of punditry has been focused ever tighter on Apple’s offerings with each successive product. Hyperanalysis comes with market leadership; almost no one noticed when the once highly anticipated Notion Ink Adam tablet failed to be released on time, and then fail to meet its prerelease hype, yet the iPhone 5 got a good deal of e-ink for not being ‘different enough’.

I’ll agree that Apple’s Maps was rushed to market, but in defense of the maligned app I haven’t had a single issue with it since the release of iOS 6 (and Google Maps led me far astray more than once). Some pundits have pointed out that Google has a several year head start on Apple when it comes to map data, and I would agree with the notion that Apple will have it on at least equal footing in a very short timespan. In the meantime, there are multiple options (including using  Google maps via Safari) for iOS 6 users that don’t feel like waiting.

The iPad Mini is a product of adaption of existing product lines. It sports some of the same internals as the iPad 2, as well as its screen resolution (albeit on a smaller screen, making the pixel per inch count significantly higher) for a reason- it made the device not only more affordable to produce, it allowed a seamless introduction into Apple’s existing product ecosystem. The Mini can use all existing apps with no conversion, and while its screen isn’t Retina Display quality it is better than its closest iPad relative. Apple had to walk a fine line to create a legitimate product between the iPad and iPod Touch- too powerful and you steal sales from your other products, too weak and no one will be interested. Much like Porche intentionally created their Boxster as slightly underpowered as not to infringe on the more expensive 911 and Cayman, Apple crafted the iPad Mini with exact specs- it offers value via a smaller and lighter form factor, more screen than an iPod Touch but less power and resolution than the full iPad. I would have loved for Apple to have followed Amazon and Google’s business plan of selling their devices at cost, but Apple has never done so. The $329 price marks it as a superior good; if you are shopping with price as your sole determining factor Apple seems comfortable with you choosing an Android-powered device rather than undercutting the $299 iPod Touch.

As for their executive team, who can say what inspired the creation of the group that was just dissolved. I had noted that the quickly reversed changes to Apple’s retail outlets went against what I and many others valued in Apple. The skeumorphic design of some of Apple’s software lineup has been curiously deviant from their overall design (just look at the stitched leather design of Calendar compared to the design of the device). I’d wager that the shift of control of iOS 6 to Jony Ive will result in some subtle changes to the interface of iOS 6. Apple has strongly stressed user experience as the primary benchmark of their product line for almost the life of the company, and I would expect the reshuffling of responsibilities to reflect this.

Lastly, stock prices are notoriously fluid. Wall Street and investors crave just two things: profit and stability. While Apple is still obscenely profitable (and holds more cash reserves than many nations) the shakeup of executives was unexpected and untimely. This was bound to have an impact on investor behavior. Couple this uncertainty with the introduction of a powerful competitor with Microsoft’s release of Windows 8 and their first internally-produced hardware the Surface, along with the rapid improvement of Android-powered tablets like the Nexus and Kindle Fire and you have a recipe for sure-fire turbulence.

Ultimately, nothing has really changed. Apple’s meteoric sales of iOS devices cannot last forever; one would assume that they are spending a good portion of their vast reserves on R&D to develop the next wave of cutting-edge devices. Apple is still incredibly profitable, and the outlook of their entire product line (save the iPod Classic and Mac Pro) is rosy- sales of just about every category of device has met predictions, and the Mac’s market share has risen along with the unexpected adoption of the iPad by businesses.

No pundit, least of all this modest blogger, can predict the long term outcome of a major international organization, but I can venture that the short term outlook of Apple is very good. While competition in the new market of portable devices is about to become much more intense, Apple still has a very advantageous position. Reports of their pending demise are more than a little premature.

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The next wave of devices

For those of you that haven’t been keeping up with the Apple rumor mill, there’s big news brewing. Several sources have confirmed a September 12th Apple media event to announce the release of the next wave of devices from Cupertino. The only question is what are the devices that will be launched?

The device most likely to be talked about is the next generation of iPhone. Whether it’s the New iPhone or iPhone 5, we’ve had too many bits of evidence for it not to be close to being in the hands of consumers. We know some likely aspects: a larger screen, LTE integration, and some changes that will make accessory manufacturers cringe like a new, smaller sync port and the headphone jack being moved to the bottom.

There is strong evidence for a refreshed line of iPods as well. The iPod Touch is likely to be updated to take advantage of the production lines of the new iPhone. The iPod Nano is believed to have been reconfigured too; the updated chassis will look like a shrunken iPod Touch instead of its current quirky square form.

The last strong possibility is the long-rumored iPad Mini. The form is said to be identical to the existing iPad, just shrunken from 9.7 to 7.8 inches. The smaller tablet form factor has been shown to be a viable niche (contrary to the opinion of the late Mr. Jobs) and Apple would be negligent to leave the Nexus, Kindle Fire, and Nook Color unchallenged. No word yet on exact prices or construction; Google sells the Nexus at or just below cost, something Apple has had no interest in doing to date so I’d wager the starting price to be slightly more than the Nexus’ $199.

There are some not-so-likely devices that have been bandied about the rumor mill  as well. The Apple-produced television has been talked about for some time, but there has been no concrete evidence that such a device is even close to manufacture (if it will be made at all). Google is still attempting to gain traction with their Google TV line of set top boxes and integrated television sets made by partner firms, but to date it hasn’t been embraced by consumers. The Apple TV has sold respectably well for a device dubbed as a “hobby”, but it’s a big leap from making the diminutive input device to a full fledged TV set.

Lastly there’s the not-so-widely rumored changes to the Apple TV itself. Some have stated that Apple could make the Apple TV a competitor to lower-end gaming platforms like Nintendo’s Wii if they added Bluetooth and the ability to run iOS apps on the device. Access to the App Store would also open up a world of new content to the device, from TV shows via Hulu or streaming video from HBO Go or other provider-specific apps. While AirPlay provides a way to enjoy these services over an Apple TV now, a second device to push content is required; having native apps on the Apple TV would be a boon. The devices already runs a limited version of iOS and contains the same system-on-a-chip internals as other iOS devices, so the leap isn’t unreasonable even it if is unexpected.

I for one am rabidly anticipating getting a new iPhone (my current iPhone 4 has been a great handset, but I’m ready to upgrade). Thanks partially to AT&T’s two year contracts I held off upgrading to the iPhone 4S (the second ‘S’ version I’ve skipped). While I see the benefit of an iPad Mini, I doubt I’ll be buying one unless I have a couple hundred dollars lounging about with nothing else to spend it on. The smaller size would make it easier to hold in one hand and might be a bit better for personal media consumption, but I can’t see replacing my current iPad with one. The smaller form wouldn’t mesh as well with Bluetooth keyboards (like my current ZaggFolio case) and the extra screen space is handy when working with something like iWork Apps.

No matter what iOS device you prefer, you’re likely going to have some decisions to make come September. Start saving those spare coins now, the latest and shiniest doesn’t come cheap!

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Some helpful tips for iOS

While I have found iOS to be a very intuitive operating system, both powerful and streamlined, not all of the useful functions are readily obvious to everyone. Here are some handy tips courtesy of OSX Daily:

Make typing on your iPad or iPhone more powerful with these eight techniques. The article includes some obvious information like double tapping the space bar to automatically insert a period, to some that I wasn’t aware of such as the ability to make personalized shortcuts for frequently used phrases (creating a short string of characters that when typed your device will display as the linked phrase,  for example ttyl would be displayed as talk to you later).

Maclife brings you a list of current iOS 5 tips. Some are repeated from the article above, but there is some very useful information here like how to create custom vibration alerts on your device or how to update your device without physically connecting it to iTunes. The list is updated regularly and has a huge number of tips.

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Is the Apple TV becoming more versatile?

The diminutive and sometimes under appreciated Apple TV may be on the verge of becoming a great deal more interesting. MacRumors reported recently that Apple will be releasing a software development kit (SDK) for third parties to create apps for the TV accessory.

The second and third generation Apple TV run a version of Apple’s mobile operating system iOS; the same that powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (the first generation ran a pared-down version of OSX, Apple’s desktop and laptop operating system). Both run on processors shared with other Apple devices; the second gen sporting the A4 chip shared by the iPhone 4 and the third gen the A5 shared by the iPhone 4s and iPad 2. The similarities in operating systems and components would make porting apps over to the Apple TV fairly straightforward; the only question unanswered is what would be used for interaction. The iOS-using Apple TVs only have infrared input, currently only used by Apple’s diminutive remote. While fine for control of the Apple TV’s multimedia playback, the Apple Remote wouldn’t suffice as an input for controlling many apps. One possible solution would be to rely on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch via a wifi connection- both devices can be used as remote controls for the Apple TV via a free app.

The addition of even a portion of the iTunes iOS App Store would make the Apple TV an interesting addition to anyone’s entertainment center. If done well I would strongly consider switching to one when my current Mac Mini media center needs replacing.

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iOS and the Stylus

I’ve been onboard the iOS bandwagon from the beginning- I owned both a first generation iPhone and iPad (and had an iPod Touch for a short while before realizing that an iPod Classic suited my needs much better). I tend to agree with Steve Jobs‘ assessment of the best form of interface- the finger. Using a touchscreen for most daily tasks on my iOS devices has been intuitive and made the devices more transparent, allowing me to do what I want to rather than focusing on using the device to accomplish tasks. Apple’s assessment of the human hand as the best interface tool has been the correct one, supported by Mr. Jobs’ famous quote that “…if you see a stylus [the creators of competing devices] blew it.”

Although I’d wager the vast majority of iOS device users use their devices as Apple intended, there is a burgeoning market of capacitive screen compatible styluses. What gives- was Steve wrong after all?

In short, not really. While daily use of iOS devices is still easiest using the stylus attached to your hand, there are some tasks that lend better to a stylus. There are numerous great reviews on the variety of touch input accessories out there: Cult of Mac, TUAW, Engadget, Laughing Squid, and MacWorld all have some great reviews and insight (particularly the MacWorld post). There are far too many out there for me to even consider adding to the reviews; I’d rather discuss the why instead of the what.

The MacWorld article referenced above discusses one of the best stylus uses for iOS devices- artwork. There are numerous art-centric apps in the iTunes App Store, and while a finger will do I agree that whether you’re drawing or ‘painting’, a stylus makes the experience better. Even with games like Draw Something I do far better with a stylus than a fingertip. While not a name-brand version I do have a capacitive brush stylus, and the experience has been a very positive one. The brush provides a different sort of tactile feedback that prevents me from pressing too hard and encountering some screen friction like I have experienced with a traditional stylus. Serious iOS artists might even consider the Hand Glider; a partial glove that prevents your palm and side of your hand from interacting with your device’s screen while you draw or paint.

Another task I’ve preferred using a stylus for is handwriting. There are some very good note taking apps, and even if you have a Bluetooth keyboard sometimes you just want to jot down something. Again, my brain seems to be hardwired to prefer the traditional feel of using a writing utensil rather than sketching out letters with a finger.

For those of you that like to use your iPad in the kitchen a stylus can be an unexpected must-have. I tend to get my hands involved more often than not when cooking, and when you need to interact with your iPad it’s a great deal easier to grab a stylus than wash and dry your hands (and live with screen smudges that happen anyway). I love having my iPad in the kitchen when cooking; whether it’s for instruction via one of the numerous recipe apps I’ve collected, entertainment from some of the previously reviewed streaming video options, or communication via FaceTime, IM, or iMessage; when you need to interact it’s more than handy to have an extra always-clean digit to touch your device’s screen with. If you’re taking this route make sure to get a stylus that can handle regular washing.

These are just a few ideas on stylus use. The form of the stylus often dictates what function it would be best at. While not a required part of iOS life, I’m glad I’ve integrated a stylus or two into my repertoire of accessories.

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Keeping your iPhone handy- without hands

The facet that I enjoy the most about the iPhone is it’s ability to be the ultimate multitasker. It’s electronic Swiss Army knife nature was even stressed when Steve Jobs first introduced it, describing it as a wide screen iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone, and an internet communications device. Things have really taken off since that first iPhone (it seems like a lifetime ago when I switched from my then Motorla Razr to the first iPhone) and it’s capable of more than ever.

That power and breadth of function goes to waste if you don’t have access to your iPhone. Usually access isn’t an issue; while some pundits have panned the iPhone recently for not embracing the 4+ inch screens that some Android devices sport Apple has countered that the size of the phone was engineered as so to be useable with a single hand. So what do you do when both your hands are occupied?

Consider the Arkon Mobile Grip Surface Mount. I’ve reviewed Arkon products before, and I’ve been consistently impressed with their utility and design. This latest offering continues their trend of offering a mount for any device, wherever you need to use it. The Mobile Grip Surface Mount is primarily designed for use on your car’s dash; I’ve enjoyed being able to use my iPhone’s Pandora account while driving thanks to the audio input jack in my car’s stereo (most newer models come with one standard; if yours lacks it the next best solution would be one of the many FM transmitter modules). On trips to unfamiliar locales the mobile mount was handy when piloting my route with the Maps app (although many prefer one of the various GPS apps available).

The mount can be used in other ways as well. I’ve used it as a desktop mount beside my iMac when synching and recharging, or at work when I connected my phone to some external speakers for more Pandora goodness. As mentioned before, the mount is utilitarian- sturdy but not flashy. A lever engages the base of the mount to adhere to any smooth clean surface, and the universal grip at the other end of the articulating arm firmly holds your device. While I tested it with an iPhone 4, the mount can accommodate any of the iOS handheld devices: all of the iPhone models and the iPod Touch, as well as most Android handsets. The mount’s grip leaves all of your iPhone’s controls and ports accessible, and is capable of accepting most cases that you may have your device in as well.

If you rely on your iPhone as much as I do, it’s more than welcome to have an extra “hand” in some settings. The Mobile Flat Surface Mount is another solution in an ever-expanding library of solid accessories from Arkon that I’ve grown to rely on; regardless of what device you have or what setting you use it in, you’ll find an accessory for your needs.

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Show your love for Angry Birds Space

Even if you live under a rock you’ve likely heard of the record setting Angry Birds line of games available in the App Store. The first Angry Birds practically heralded the wave of casual games that put iPhone and iPod Touch gaming on the map, only to be duplicated with the release of the HD version for the iPad and the newer Angry Birds Seasons. Now Rovio is back with the latest and greatest rendition of everyone’s frantic fowl, Angry Birds Space. This newest version has been astoundingly

popular, rolling up 10 million download in the first three days!

For those of you that just can’t get enough of the adorable angry ones, you’re in luck! Our friends at MobileFun.co.UK have announced that they are the sole retailers as of this posting to carry the new Angry Birds Space-themed iPad and iPhone cases. Both cases snap on your i-Device easily, and have cutouts to accommodate all ports and controls. While not intended for maximum protection like the Otterbox lineup, these cases do offer good protection against bumps, scrapes, and scuffs accumulated from daily use. Several designs are available for the iPhone 4, 4S, iPad 2, and new (third generation) iPad. 

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Get more from your iPhone’s camera

While it doesn’t have the highest megapixel count of the smartphone world, the iPhone’s camera produces some impressively sharp and detailed images. When you add the wealth of photography (and videography)

 apps available through the App Store you have the makings of a powerful and convenient way of creating content.

A problem arises when you’d like to be part of the image. The front-facing camera is only designed for video chat; the resolution is intentionally low to conserve bandwidth at the cost of image quality. Holding the phone at arm’s length is a poor solution. Fortunately our friends at Arkon have a solution: the Mobile Grip Smartphone Tripod.

When I unboxed it the tripod seemed more like geek-focused origami than an actual accessory, but without even perusing the instructions I was able to deploy the tripod and affix the universal phone mount (although I don’t endorse doing so- instructions are good, mmkay?) The tripod is constructed of plastic, but felt sturdy for the task at hand. The universal mounting clamp held my iPhone 4 snugly (with or without a case) and the rubberized feet on the tripod had good purchase, although without the phone the tripod is light.

As with any other configurable tripod each joint in the mount’s arm can be affixed at a variety of angles, allowing for a surprising range of angles for your phone. Once your photography is completed the tripod folds compactly and stows away in an included nylon bag. While Arkon designed the tripod for photography, I found it useful for desktop use as well: it made a great stand beside my iMac, and worked particularly well as a stand for FaceTime calls. I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing several Arkon products in the past and have always been comfortable endorsing their rapidly expanding product line. The Mobile Grip Smartphone Tripod is no exception, it’s been the most widely useful mount I’ve reviewed. The accessory is available now from Arkon’s website for a very reasonable $17.95.

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