Productivity Suite iUpdate?

There may be a refresh for the very long-in-the-tooth iWork suite, Apple’s productivity software (courtesy MacRumors). iWork has remained relatively unchanged since its 2009 introduction, although there have been incremental improvements over time- most recently the addition of iCloud storage and iOS versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. 

I’ve been a proponent of iWork from my first Mac. It offers a simpler, easer to navigate interface than the industry gold standard Microsoft Office equivalents. While not always as powerful, for a majority of the tasks I had in graduate school (and even more so in professional life) iWork has been a pleasant and productive experience. That being said, the software is long overdue for a refresh; time passes quickly in the tech world and with Apple focused on releasing iOS 7 on schedule, continuing the development of OSX, and the quick pace they release product hardware refreshes it seems only logical that such a small corner of the iWorld would go neglected. 

According to the MacRumors article, several new positions have been opened for engineers and developers on the iWork team. Until Microsoft recognizes the benefit of expanding Office to iOS, iWork is the best option for iOS productivity needs- and in my opinion the best cross-device solution as well 

Read Full Post »

Life with Wally

In my never ending quest to get more utility from my iOS devices I was perusing Kickstarter a few months ago, looking for something that would both spark my interest and offer some unique value other accessories don’t. While the entrepreneurs looking for financial backing for their idea are legion, the actual numbers of worthy campaigns have dwindled as of late. The world may not need yet another iPhone dock or sync cable, regardless of how clever the tweak may be. Thankfully, just before I gave up I stumbled across a gem from an organization I’d already supported in the past.

Distil Union has already coaxed my credit card from my CM4 case thanks to their (recently reviewed) Snooze bedside alarm clock accessory and accompanying app for the iPhone. They were seeking funding for yet another interesting take on a category of accessory that I find most useful: the iPhone wallet. The Wally was an intriguing product; instead of a case providing slots for your cards (as my CM4 and BookBook had) it acted as a piggyback wallet. Either use the case of your choice or be one of the brave ones to go without; the Wally would adhere to most surfaces via a ‘microsuction’ coating on the back of the vegitable-tanned leather. The description was enough to entice me to back the campaign (which not surprisingly had already reached their production goal). After a short wait for the campaign to end and production to begin, I was ready to see what Wally was like in a practical, every day setting.

As I’ve stated in older posts, I prefer an iPhone card case over a traditional wallet. My work scrubs have a profound pocket deficit, and with the other devices I’m asked to carry (VOIP phone, pager, pen, etc.) the more multi-use devices I can find the better. I’ve used several wallet/card cases to date with varying levels of satisfaction; ultimately the need for easy access to my iPhone’s screen and providing the slimmest profile possible have been the deciding factors (otherwise I’d opt for the newly redesigned BookBook; it’s absolutely gorgeous). The Wally seemed to offer just that- a slim, easily accessed card pouch that could be quickly removed and reattached should I wish to use/change cases.

Upon arrival I had a slight problem with the Wally. As with all leather goods, it had warped somewhat during the less than optimal conditions of shipping. The leather had curled a bit, making it form a shallow C shape and stretching the card pouch too much to snugly hold my three cards. After conferring with the organization (they suggested using a touch of water to shrink the leather) I ended up using heat in the form of a warm clothes iron to press/shrink the leather back to its original configuration. After the heat/pressure treatment the Wally’s pouch held my ID, debit, and credit cards as perfectly as I had envisioned. Apparently my experience was an outlier; few other backers/early adopters had such issues.

The second caveat was the ‘microsuction’ layer; while my iPhone was case-free and cleaned of even fingerprints, the adhesive just didn’t want to hold firmly. Thankfully the Kickstarter had been so successful that Distil Union had provided an extra adhesive product that really did the trick. After well over a month of use it’s still holding on like a champ.

The true value of the Wally has come from it’s unique construction. Unlike other cases Distil Union crafted a bright red ribbon inside the card slot that when pulled extrudes your cards from their repository. It may not seem like much, but after fighting to get a card past the silicone edge of my CM4 every time I needed it I was more than happy with this new product design. The Wally itself sports some high quality components; the leather is both durable and stylish. The bright red ribbon makes for an eye catching accent as well as being more functional than you’d think at first glance.

I had chosen to go case-free, and both enjoy and regret the decision. The lower profile and lack of a somewhat sticky silicone bumper edge has made my iPhone easier to remove from pockets, but during testing of the PanaVise PortaGRIP mounting bracket I was careless and let my iPhone fall, scuffing an aluminum corner (but thankfully not cracking the glass) of my handset. I’ve learned to be more observant, but I’d encourage others to at least use a bumper case for their rather expensive phones.

Ultimately, would I recommend the Wally? The answer lies in what the questioner is looking for. Should you be like me and want to eliminate carrying an everyday wallet while keeping your iPhone’s profile as slim as possible, then absolutely. The Wally is stylish and more configurable than any other product I’ve tested, especially considering that it can be used in conjunction with many (but not all) cases. It reflects my fascination with all things clever, coupled with my desire to get the most from my iOS devices.

The Wally is available now via Distil Union’s website in either brown or black (in my opinion the only acceptable colors for leather items) for $49.99

Related articles

• Hello World! My Name is Wally – the Stick on Leather Wallet for iPhone (prweb.com)
• Fluent Ink Launches iBillfold2 Kickstarter Campaign for an iPhone Card Case & Attachable Wallet (prweb.com)
• Four Highly Anticipated iPhone 5 Cases [that I can't wait to get my hands on!] (epicagear.com)
• Review: Distil Union Wally for iPhone 5 (ilounge.com)

Read Full Post »

An ode to innovation

A complaint rippling through the pundit-sphere over the past year is that Apple has lost the ability to innovate. The echo chamber’s insistence of Apple’s inability to delve into unexplored territory has culminated in the rumor that Apple has initiated steps to replace CEO Tim Cook. Stock prices have plummeted, and critics gleefully prognosticate Apple’s slow slide back into the obscurity of the days before Steve Jobs‘ return.

Is there any validity to these claims? Has Apple truly lost their mojo? For an answer, let’s look closer at the core issue- innovation. By definition it is the act of introducing something new or unknown, and Apple has made their incredible fortune not both new products and the careful cultivation of the ecosystem behind them.

Apple earned the innovator title from the inception of the organization. The cobbled-together home brewed Apple I through the first Macintosh, the company was a trend setter in home computing. After floundering they righted the ship with the introduction of new product lines- the iPod, iMac, and OSX.

Skip forward to today: Apple has reaped the benefits of innovation well. New hardware such as the iPod line, iPhone and iPad, and software associated with it (iTunes and iOS) along with steady incremental improvement to their core Mac lineup have resulted in Apple being one of the wealthiest corporations in history. What has set pundits off has been the apparent lack of new products since the untimely demise of former CEO Jobs.

While Apple has continued to release new versions of their products on a regular basis (including the iPad Mini), those products are incremental refinements of existing devices or services. The iPhone improves with each version, becoming faster, more powerful, and with more screen real estate. The iPad has slimmed, gained cameras, increased in power and split into two product sizes. The core Mac lineup has evolved as well; the iMac has slimmed and been given a performance boost, the MacBook Pro lineup has split to include the Retina models, and the Air versions have been refined enough to be some of Apple’s best selling laptops. Where are the new, groundbreaking products to keep Apple ahead of competitors?

Time has dulled our sense of perspective. While Apple has been at the forefront often, groundbreaking products take years to develop and hone. Even though there have been numerous trendsetting releases they haven’t come at regular intervals, and have been separated by more time that is readily apparent. The product that appeared to spark Apple’s explosion was the iPod, first released in 2001. The iPhone didn’t make an appearance until 2007, followed by the iPad in 2010. By that timeline alone Apple is well within their typical product development window, even discounting the continual refinement of both hardware and software.

Then there’s the Mac lineup. One could consider the MacBook Air as an innovation; the physical form was unheard of when it was first released and competitors have flocked to create similar devices. The evolution of the MacBook Pro should be kept in mind when evaluating innovation as well; the construction and components of Apple’s premier laptops have set industry trends as well culminating in the Retina models, with their stunning display and solid state internals.

In comparison, the PC hasn’t changed much in the past ten years. Components have improved- processors, graphics, memory, and other internals have grown in power and speed, but the actual form and function of the PC hasn’t truly altered in a very long time. Until recently, input was via a keyboard and mouse (or similar device), with the computer consisting of a tower and monitor. There were a few all-in-ones similar to Apple’s iMac, but they were a small minority of the PC market. Yet no one championed the lack of progress or innovation in the PC market. The attempt by Microsoft to create a uniform interface across all devices (handheld and PC) via Windows 8 is a prime example of the peril of poorly implemented change; consumers have by and large shunned it to the point that Microsoft will be releasing a service pack to undo the most drastic changes to the operating system: the once-named “Metro” interface.

So what of Apple’s other competitors? Samsung has been heralded for their products, and they do have a very successful line of handsets. Yet Samsung’s innovation has been more of a hyper variant of what Apple has pursued in improving the iPhone. Samsung has offered a wide variety of products, some with massive screens (even one that needs a stylus), some with a hardware keyboard, and units that sport Android and Windows operating systems. Yet what groundbreaking innovation have they offered? The sole differentiating factor has been screen size (which Apple has notably followed with the slightly larger iPhone 5), but no true paradigm shift or new product categories. The ‘shotgun’ approach of releasing a wide variety of products has served both Samsung and Google well, but it doesn’t fit the concept of innovation that Apple has been faulted for lacking after the passing of their iconic CEO.

While I’d love to see a new product line released (what tech addict doesn’t like shiny new things?) the criticism Apple has faced is unwarranted. If we are to believe the recent claims of Tim Cook that new product lines will be introduced this year, Apple will have continued to follow the same timeline of innovation that has served them since the turn of the century.

Read Full Post »

iPhone cases of the rich and famous

Build it and they will come as paraphrased from Field of Dreams fits just as well for the accessory market. As iOS devices have boomed devices of all sorts have cropped up. While the majority of accessories have been both rational and affordable (albeit with a few absurdities tossed in for good measure), if the money is there someone will always find a way to cull it from those that have it.

Case in point: the iZZi Orbit Camera Case for the iPhone. At first glance the case seems like a practical option for a niche market- the camera case sports a rotating set of camera lenses (fisheye, wide angle, and telephoto), a comfortable camera-style grip at the bottom, and an area under that grip compatible with most camera mounts. While a touch bulky the case would do an adequate job protecting your device while offering some specific camera-centric benefits. Then you see the price.

The iZZi Orbit case weighs in at an eye-popping £199.99- that’s $306.82; more than the subsidized cost of the current model 16 gig iPhone. While that case may have value for some owners, I struggle to think how the manufacturers could justify such a price. It doesn’t appear to be constructed of exotic materials, nor extraordinarily engineered. For those that can both sue what it offers and has the cash to spare, it’s available via LoveCases.co.UK now.

Read Full Post »

Poppa’s got a brand new (laptop) bag

Now that I’ve had time to acclimate to my new MacBook Retina, it was time to do something to help carry and protect my new investment. While the Retina laptop is one of the lighter and sleeker I’ve owned, carrying it about made be a bit apprehensive. The unibody aluminum chassis is durable, but not immune to scratches and scuffs, and when you spend this kind of coin on a computer you want to keep it in mint condition.

While there is a plethora of bags and sleeves out there for the MacBook, I was looking for something specific- a bag that would be sleek, make the laptop easier to carry, protect it from minor bumps and scrapes, and most importantly offer some additional capacity to carry important additions like the power brick. Some of the most eye catching models (mainly sleeves) lacked the last but most important feature. I did find a few that looked promising like the Waterfield CitySlicker and Indy (or a few others, Waterfield has a very impressive lineup), or the Concrete Hook Case. While all of these selections fit what I was looking for and are visually impressive, they all had the same problem- price. After spending so much on the laptop itself, I was loathe to lay down another hundred or two on an accessory, regardless of how aesthetically pleasing it was. If you’re in the market act quickly before they are gone.

A trip to my local Apple Store came up empty. While they had a good selection of sleeves, I wasn’t in the market for one. The majority of their actual bags were backpacks- too bulky for what I needed. One of the associates saw me perusing their stock and suggested I try the Best Buy a block away, stating that they have enough shelf space to accommodate a wider range of products. While they didn’t have what I was looking for in their store, the associate manning the Apple section tipped me off to what led me to my eventual choice. He urged me to try Best Buy’s online selections, specifically the Brenthaven lineup. He assured me that Apple used Brenthaven’s bags exclusively in-house, and demonstrated the model he had been given years earlier (which still looked pristine after the seven years he had owned it). Encouraged, I went home to do a bit of shopping the way I preferred- online.

His advice was exactly what I needed (thank you nameless Best Buy/Apple associate!). After just a few minutes of perusing I found the ProStyle Plus Sleeve II. The nylon bag is slender but can accommodate the MacBook Pro and Retina version (the model I chose was specific for the 13 inch version) and has two pouches for additional storage: one large side pouch and a smaller pouch dubbed the iPhone pocket. The construction is top notch and includes both suitcase-style handles and a removable padded shoulder strap. The inner lining is of a silky synthetic material that will keep your laptop scuff-free and safe from minor bumps. Best of all the price was right- just over $30 including standard shipping. The ProStyle Plus Sleeve isn’t as eye-catching as what Waterfield has to offer, but the price makes up for any stylistic differences.

Sadly, this must be a closeout item for Best Buy because a search of Best Buy’s site during this post came up empty for the exact model I purchased. They do have a comparable 13 inch model in plum, and additional ones for 15 inch laptops (and a very nice satchel). While not the deal I managed to snag, the remaining bags are still very affordable and an excellent selection for the MacBook owner looking for something both stylish and practical.

Read Full Post »

Waking up to iOS

In an attempt to both further the uses I have for my favorite multitaskers (my iPhone and iPad) and de-clutter my nightstand I chose to ditch my old iHome dock/alarm clock for an app-focused solution.

While the iHome IP9SR served me well as both a recharging station for my iPhone, an alarm clock, and a means of enjoying audio on my iPhone it had a larger footprint that I had expected when I ordered it from Amazon. My nightstand isn’t that large, and when you consider the space the lamp takes up there isn’t much room left for the iPad dock and any other random things (paperback books, graphic novels, the random late night aperitif) I might want to place there. The clock function built into iOS worked adequately for a travel alarm, but it was hardly elegant enough to make it  my first choice for a home solution considering the hardware I wanted to replace.

So after a good bit of evaluation I chose Thomas Huntington’s Nightstand Central as my physical alarm clock replacement. The app is impressive; when coupled with my iPad’s Apple dock (I chose the iPad over the iPhone as my clock replacement due to the larger screen size- my eyes are so bad they are almost square) it offers a robust and customizable set of tools that can’t be matched by any of the bedside clock radio docks. The biggest factor that drew me was the ability to program the alarm to my work schedule; I was able to set it to only go off on weekdays, allowing me to sleep in on my all-too-short weekends without having to remember to turn off the alarm. The interface is simply beautiful, providing a digital time display even my poor eyesight can decipher without fumbling for my glasses while including temperature, weather, and a time and weather influenced background image. The app comes with additional functions I never used, such as the ability to activate a flashlight mode by shaking your device or use existing photos in your device as wallpapers. Nightstand Central also has a sleep timer that will pause whatever audio you’d like to listen to after a preprogrammed time, allowing you to choose your background noise to help you drift off. You can program in multiple alarms with a variety of sounds that will work even if your device is locked or muted.

Nightstand Central was a very good solution to my crowded bedside table, but with the purchase of my current iPhone 5 the clean aesthetic was disrupted. My 30 pin iPhone dock was now useless, and for some reason I loathe just plugging the lightning cable into my handset and leaving it just lying there (yeah, I know- first world problem). Coupled with that I had some issues with Nightstand Central that took time to bother me. While the screen brightness is easily dimmed by swiping the screen, the iPad has a large enough screen that even dimmed it can be a bit bright when turned so you can see the time display. To counter this I developed the habit of tapping the sleep button on the top of my iPad when I was ready to sleep, but this led to me sleepily fumbling to unlock my iPad’s screen when the alarm rousted me from slumber so I could hit the snooze button on the screen (or turn it off like a responsible adult).

So one day while perusing one of my new fascinations Bite My Apple (focusing on Kickstarter campaigns for Apple products) I found a new solution- the Snooze by Distil Union. The simple accessory turns your iPhone into a fumble-free alarm clock and recharging station via a free app developed for the product. Your iPhone 4, 4s, or 5 slides into the Snooze’s maple wood and silicone housing in portrait mode, with a passthrough opening allowing you to connect the appropriate charging cable should you wish to. The Snooze has a no-slip bottom preventing it from ending up on the floor (barring a hearty backhand), and a catch to keep the charging cable secure in the accessory.

The charm of the Snooze comes from its construction. The top panel is made of silicone, allowing the entire panel to act as a snooze button. When pressed it triggers the volume buttons on the side of your phone, suspending the alarm for whatever period of time you’ve preset. Just as with Nightstand Central, the Snooze app can be easily dimmed by sliding a finger across the display. Unlike my iPad use of Nightstand Central, the amount of light generated by the minimalistic Snooze (and the smaller screen of the iPhone) isn’t enough to be bothersome when dimmed. Up to ten alarms can be programmed, as well as five distinct tones for the alarm. Distil Union’s page mentions a possible future paid version that would offer features to rival more powerful competitors like sleep timers, choosing existing audio on your device as alarm sounds, and a gradual wake function that would slowly increase the volume of your alarm as so to wake you gently; but there’s no release date given for the more powerful version.

So far the Snooze has been a very good choice for me. While the numerical display isn’t as large as that of Nightstand Central’s on my iPad, it is still legible to my weak eyes. While I’d happily buy a version of the Snooze clock app that provided more functions,the minimalistic version gets the job done. The Snooze stand is very easy to employ; my iPhone 5 fits comfortably even while in the CM4 card case I’m currently using (although Distil Union does warn that some cases are not compatible). It’s taken me longer (and with considerably more sleepy fumbling) to detach the lightning cable from my iPhone than it did to remove it from the Snooze to answer an unexpected late night call. Should it happen again I may opt for the speakerphone function and bypass the fumbling entirely.

The Snooze is available now from Distil Union’s webpage or via Bite My Apple for $39.99.

Read Full Post »

Google officially closing Reader

Alas, Google; you wound me. I’m a big fan of keeping up with important news and favorite sources via RSS, and Google Reader has been the focal point of my RSS diet for a long time now. It offered the perfect cloud solution for my habit- the web page is a bit spartan but works well, and the service integrates perfectly with so many RSS clients (including my current iOS choice Mr Reader). The search function was the clincher: no matter what topic you might want to add to your feeds, the ever present Google search bar on the Reader page could quickly find the perfect feed.

While Google hasn’t been shy about discontinuing products that never caught on (such as the much maligned Buzz), the pending elimination of Reader was surprising and unwelcome news. I’m not the only one that feels this way; Reader has always been a fairly popular RSS solution for those in the know. The majority of RSS clients listed in the iTunes App Store boast of their ability to work seamlessly with Reader. Some sources have stated that Reader isn’t being completely discarded, it’s just being absorbed by the less popular (to me at least) Google +, but even if it doesn’t lose much of its current functionality I loathe the idea of forcibly merging what is usually quality me time (enjoying RSS feeds) with a social networking platform.

So now what? I’m at a slight loss, to be honest. There are plenty of RSS readers for both OSX and iOS, but I’m looking for a cloud-based solution that offers the same sort of device agnostic support that I’ve grown accustomed to. My needs aren’t that great; I don’t want to merge my social network reading (especially Facebook, but I’d like to keep Twitter and G+ separate as well), I just want my feeds to sync across all the devices I use to access them and the ability to easily share the articles that I find interesting/entertaining with those I think will enjoy them too.

I’ve already checked out some suggested alternatives. NewsBlur looks like it would fit the bill, but their free service is intentionally limited and currently I feel too spoiled by my free Reader experience to quickly opt for their $1/month subscription service. Netvibes is a powerful service and offers just about everything I’d want, but the interface isn’t appealing at the moment and it may be a bit TOO powerful. Their homepage tout its usefulness for professional data mining and limitless configuration/personalization. While impressive, my needs are too simplistic to go that route right now.

My choice as of now is Feedly. It has simple cross platform support (including a Safari plugin for web use), a clean and easy to navigate interface, and some of the same sharing functionality that Reader supported. With luck I’ll be able to make a fairly painless transition.

While I can’t rule out Google as my source for RSS, integration into Google + does seem to be a deal breaker at this time. For those of you like me, we do have some time- Reader’s end as a standalone product won’t be until July.

Read Full Post »

You say iWatch, I say Pip Boy Junior

There’s be a lot of discussion over the rumored iOS-based Apple watch (not to be confused with the recently released third party Pebble). Some argue about the need for such a device, some what function it would provide, and some the wisdom and merit of making it at all. The last generation of iPod Nano created a mini craze when some, recognizing the size and form similarity, popped it on a wristband; the purported iWatch has been rumored to be a supercharged version of this idea.

I, along with a majority of smartphone users, have completely abandoned wristwatches. Wearing one was never comfortable (I don’t care for any adornment, be it watch or jewelry) and the functionality of a smartphone made it completely redundant; the date, time, and a whole lot more was already available via a device I was carrying, why duplicate it with a device I don’t really want to wear?

Enter the rumor du jour (thankfully replacing the tired Apple television talk). There are a lot of possible technologies that could add enough value to such a device as to overcome even my dislike for wearing watches. Curved glass offering a more aesthetically pleasing device that fits the shape of the wrist, seamless integration with its parent iPhone (or other Apple device), full touch screen functionality thanks to a complete iOS installation, reliance on the more powerful Airplay technology rather than Bluetooth (requiring pairing), and Siri control of its parent device are all some of the enticing possibilities that an iWatch could bring. Such a device could be an easy, readily available gateway to your iDevice; no more pulling your iPhone from your pocket or purse to read text messages or updates. It could easily allow interfacing with your device as a Siri proxy, again allowing you to create reminders, send texts or emails, or get audio information quickly and easily when pulling out your iPhone isn’t optimal.

The device could quickly eclipse the category of wristwatch and become a new sort of device altogether, like a minimal version of Fallout’s Pip Boy wrist computer. While I still use my Arkon iPhone Sleeve on a regular basis (instead of a less functional upper arm case), being able to store my iPhone in a more protected location while still having access to important visual information and full control would be extremely useful. Using wired earbuds has always been problematic when carrying the iPhone in an arm sleeve, and a device such as the purported iWatch would provide all the benefit without some of the disadvantages.

If the rumored iWatch could interface with other devices than just an iPhone, it becomes exponentially more valuable. You could have a remote (possibly even Siri-based) for your Apple TV or iTunes library on you at all times, or a way to interact with your MacBook without having to open it.

All of this is wild conjecture; there’s little firm evidence that an iWatch is definitely coming much less chock full of the features I’ve put on my want list, but the idea isn’t far fetched. Apple has a history of creating devices that redefine their category; an iWatch could easily replicate the success that the iPod, iPhone, and iPad have had.

Read Full Post »

The benefits of perseverance

Not too long ago I had attempted (with a surprising lack of success) to test one of the latest shining stars of the iTunes App Store, Winston. The concept behind the app is a fantastic one: choose the news and social media sources you’re interested in, and Winston reads your updates to you in a refined-sounding synthetic British voice. The enticement of eyes-free information was a strong one; while my morning and evening drive isn’t as long as it once was I still have some downtime that I’d like to fill with something a bit more topical than my favorite podcasts.

Thankfully my perseverance with Winston has been rewarded. I was able to circumvent the issue I was having with the app’s installation routine by limiting the number of default categories chosen. Rather than five I limited my selection to two (headlines and technology), apparently allowing the app to complete its preliminary setup.

Now (like the Death Star) fully operational, Winston has demonstrated that it is well deserving of the praise it has garnered. The app gathers new information quickly over LTE or wifi, and offers a tiled photo image of categories for you to choose from (as well as the logos of Facebook and Twitter). By default Winston only dictates a summary of news stories with an accompanying background musical score. The voice simulation falls short of what I’ve heard via Siri and other apps; the speech can be somewhat clipped at times and mispronounces names (even considering the British accent). That admitted, it does a fluid job of reading your selections for you, and can easily be configured to cover entire articles instead of summaries. Should you prefer complete stories (as I do) but not wish to hear the entire article Winston is on, just swipe the screen to change to the next article. Additional sources of information can be added after the initial setup, so limiting your sources doesn’t impact the long term usefulness of Winston.

The app had a surprisingly broad range of sources to choose from, and adding new feeds was very easy. After my initial issues the app has been rock stable and very easy to use. Coupled with my car’s Bluetooth streaming it’s been enjoyable to have my own Winston-dictated customized news and updates radio station every morning. If you’re a news addict or a social media junkie, if you’d like to stay informed without having to commit your entire attention to  your device Winston offers the perfect way to sate your appetites. Best of all, Winston is completely free via the iTunes App Store.

Read Full Post »

That rumored cheap iPhone isn’t likely for you

There’s been a lot of talk lately about drastic changes Apple may be making to the iPhone, mostly in the name of staying competitive with their primary rival Android. While the central argument has some logical flaws (chiefly that Apple isn’t competing directly with any one operating system, they compete with other handset manufacturers), there is likely some truth to the rumored new iPhone handsets.

Apple has long stated that they have engineered the iPhone to be the perfect size for single hand operation, even with the larger (but no wider) iPhone 5 screen. Many pundits have stated that Apple is losing market share because they have so far refused to enter the ‘phablet’ market (phone/tablet hybrids sporting a screen between 5 and 8 inches). Before the smartphone era handset makers had struggled to make flagship phones smaller; being unencumbered offered value that a smaller form didn’t impinge. Enter the smartphone era sparked by the iPhone, reversing the trend because of the value offered by screen space. Larger screens offered easier interaction with touch screens, easier viewing of media and websites, and more visibility for those that want to make a social/technological statement (oh my god, Becky- look at  her phone! It’s so….BIG.) While the phablet market is a budding one, I’d wager that Apple will stick to their game plan of maximal utility from a uniform factor and not deviate from the screen size of the iPhone 5. A successful phone can only be so large before it becomes cumbersome, and a device that can’t be carried in a pocket is simply too large to be practical for all but a niche market.

Then there’s the rumor of Apple developing an entry-level, less expensive iPhone. It’s been rumored to cut corners that Apple generally doesn’t to contain costs, like regressing from the iPhone 5′s aluminum chassis to a composite plastic one. Originally I didn’t think this concept held any validity, as Apple has never adopted the strategy of offering a loss leader as Amazon does with the Kindle (or to a lesser extent Google does with the Android OS)- offering a product at low to no cost, expecting to generate profit from core businesses that are fed by customers channeled to it from the free/low cost product. While Apple could count on the profit generated by sales via the iTunes App Store, media sales through iTunes, accessories, and kickbacks from cellular providers that subsidize the price of the handsets to lure customers into a long term contract, they to date have not only collected revenue from those sources but also maintained a profit from the sale of the iPhone itself. This is only possible if your product is perceived as a quality good; Android handsets run the gamut from quality to entry level with prices to match. Even Google makes more profit from the iPhone than they do the far larger numbers of Android handsets in use.

So given these factors, what incentive does Apple have to delve into the entry level smartphone market? When you consider my home country’s smartphone market, very little; hence my (and many other’s) dismissal of the rumored cheaper iPhone. Sadly, like many Americans I tend to overlook the rest of the world, and this profoundly impacts the market strategy of a company like Apple looking to maintain their record growth and profits. The largest developing markets for smartphones aren’t in the Americas or Europe, they lie to the East. China is a booming market that Apple has been courting for a few years now, and they’ve had some success with their primary market strategy of premium product brand identity that has served them so well in their home country. While news of the Chinese technological market is news to most of us, it’s old news to technological strategists. India and the rest of Southeast Asia is the new gold rush, but old strategies may not work in these new business environments. Many of these countries lack cell providers willing or even able to offer subsidized handsets in exchange for long term contracts, and customers may be unwilling to accept them. In such markets you simply purchase your handset and pay as you go, and in markets such as this a $650 unsubsidized iPhone (the actual out of pocket cost of the cheapest iPhone 5) simply isn’t an option. For a company looking to enter a market, sometimes it’s best to conform to market standards rather than stoically stay the course. In such a situation a lower-cost iPhone makes perfect sense; while it may not generate the same profit as the handset does in my homeland’s market, it could very well do so in another or at least offer Apple a chance to gain a foothold in a rapidly developing market. One look at the history of consumer electronics shows the fate of those that move too slowly: the Zune was a fine digital audio device, but by the time it hit the market it was already passé. Apple cannot hope to maintain their meteoric growth in Western markets; we have already come close to smartphone saturation, with only the lower income demographics and niche markets left unplumbed (but already well targeted by inexpensive entry-level Android handsets). I’d go so far as to argue that catering to these markets is one of the reasons Android users as a whole have been found to use their devices less for non-telephone tasks like browsing and spend far less on apps and accessories; they simply have less use for smart devices and less money to spend. The market numbers are impressive when overall numbers of handsets are considered, but market share is meaningless if you aren’t generating adequate revenue from it.

So considering this, it is more than possible Apple may release a less expensive ‘new’ iPhone (rather than their entry-level strategy in existing markets of offering older models at a discounted price). Sadly for bargain hunters, these low cost iPhones may never be aimed at US or European consumers.

Read Full Post »