iPhone 3G- is it a Revolutionary Phone?

iPhone ever since it was launched was termed by Apple as a "revolutionary" Phone. Let us examine whether the word "revolutionary" is justified after more than a year after its launch.

First things first, what is it?
- It's a Cell Phone
- It's a GPS, powered by Google Maps
- It's a PDA
- It's a Camera (2Megapixel)
- It's a Powerful Music Player (iPod)
- It's a Video Player
- It's a full-fledged Web Surfing device (Safari - with limitations)
- It's a Toy
- It's a Multi-touch interface device
- It's Sleek n Sexy

For a detailed Technical Specs from Apple click here

What are it's limitations?
iPhone tries to be the All-in-One device and performs most functions desirably. However, it has a big list of limitations. For some people these limitations do not matter, for some it does matter.

Cell Phone:
No sms forward
No voice dialing
No ability to convert songs to ringtones free - paid service

Camera :
No video recording
No camera auto focus
No flash

Music & Video:
- No support to directly play mp3, divx, mpg, wma, wmv unless converted to iTunes

File Transfer:
- No software to transfer files from/to Computer & iPhone, iTunes needs to be installed on the computer and iPhone needs to be connected to synchronise. Yet no function to explore folders/directories on iPhone.

Bluetooth:
No Bluetooth Transfer
No Bluetooth Stereo

Storage:
Limited Storage - 8GB ($199) 16GB ($299)
No SD Card support or any other storage support

Interface:
No Physical Key Board, Soft Key board is difficult to use in Potrait mode
No Stylus
Multi-touch interface is cool but sometimes acts sluggish

Battery:
No user detachable battery (Phone must be sent to Apple Service center to get battery replaced)
Battery drains too quickly if GPS is used

Web Browser
- No Support to play Windows Media content (QuickTime Streaming works great)
- No Tethering (Cannot connect laptop to browse internet using iPhone's internet) (Jailbroken iPhone can use 3rd Party software to tether)

GPS
- No Turn-by-Turn Navigation
- No Streetview, might come in later firmware

OS & Applications
- The OS and Applications built for iPhone is not fully Open Sourced, it maintains all it's media content/software on iTunes. Every iPhone user needs to install iTunes software and associate an account if he needs to manage his phone (to Sync applications, Music, Video, Backup or Restore).
- Apple did release an SDK for developers to build applications but has a strict policy to approve and host 3rd Party softwares. Which is good and bad. Good for ensuring quality applications on the store, bad for restricting the potential of the device by not allowing exciting and great applications by enthusiastic developers.

Cellular Service Plan
- Locked to AT&T Network for 2 years, minimum rate plan Data $30.00 + Voice Plan $39.99 (450 mins airtime, 5000 night/weekend) - TCO will be at least $900 per annum.

The above are only a few of the limitations which most of it's users would like to see.. however, this list is even bigger with increase in demanding users turning wants into needs.

Conclusion
- With all the above limitations and irritating shortcomings for a Phone... Here is my conclusion on what I feel about calling it a Revolutionary Phone.

iPhone can be termed as a Revolutionary phone for the following key reasons.

1. First to change the cellphone interface "Introducing Multi-Touch"... big change in end-user experience
2. It's Music player (iPod) quality is the best on any cell phone
3. It's the best Smartphone available in the US Market with the list of features it offers.
4. No company had this kind of product when this was Launched. The first rival (Google's G1) is expected to come out sometime in October 2008 after full 1.5 years after it's launch.
5. WoW factor!.. not a single phone like this existed when this was launched

Can you Imagine, in Year 2020, how changed our world will be?

If you can imagine how our world will change in the next 10 years or think how would you like to see the world change in the next 10 years, then submit your comments today.

Revolutionary Interface to communicate with Computers

Have you ever imagined controlling a computer with your thoughts?

Communication between human and machine has always been limited to conscious interaction, with non-conscious communication -- expression, intuition, perception -- reserved solely for the human realm. At Emotiv, they believe that future communication between human and machine will not be limited to the conscious communication that exists today. Users will demand that non-conscious communication play a much more significant role.

The Emotiv EPOC™ Headset from Emotiv Systems is based on the neuro-technology where the brains electrical signals are captured by series of sensors framed in the form of a headset. The signals are sent wirelessly to a processor. Analysis of the signals enables the system to recognise such things as:
Facial expressions, Emotions (fear, excitement, boredom) , Desired force (lift an object or push it way)

The market for this device could be for serious gamers who use their avatars to express emotions with thoughts, making the game more exciting.

The product could revolutionise the gaming market where every gaming device may add additional features where your thoughts can be enliven in the game and make the overall gaming experience more real.

The other mundane computing tasks the headset offers such as moving a mouse pointer on a screen, drag and drop (focus on an object, close one eye to indicate drag, move the head and then open the eye to drop) etc.

The device is also being considered as a revolutionary product for people with different disabilities. Especially, for the people with muscular-skeletal complaints ranging from mild RSI to quadriplegia. However other disorders could find this device useful, including people with learning difficulties, people recovering from a stroke and many others.

Let's talk price,
At this time, Each Emotiv EPOC neuroheadset is priced at $299, and includes standard shipping. Emotiv is currently accepting registrations as this product will be limited at the time of launch which is expected in late 2008. Emotiv will contact the registered customer 30 days prior to shipment to request payment information. Due to limited supplies, a maximum of four (4) neuroheadsets can be reserved.

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to respond to this Post.