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TIC's Picks: How Can Others Respond To The iPhone

from the iphone-analysis dept

Fri, Jun 29th 2007 11:45am — Mike Masnick

Since it's "iPhone Day," and there have been a ton of stories about the iPhone that focus on the wrong thing ("oh look, shiny new toy!"), we thought it would be good to consider the more important impact that the iPhone will have on the mobile phone ecosystem -- and who better to dive in and provide the analysis than our very own Techdirt Insight Community. As is standard with the diverse group of experts in the Techdirt Insight Community, we received fantastic, detailed, well thought-out analysis that goes a lot deeper than most of what's coming out today. Here is the best analysis from the experts within the community:

Vinaya.HS explains why it's a mistake for other device makers to simply copy the iPhone, rather than leapfrogging it with new innovations (even though he knows that's where they're heading). He also plays up the benefit of separating the device from the operator (and ending operator subsidies).
Joe Hunkins explains the two likely strategies that other device makers will follow: trying to catch up and surpass the iPhone's high points, but at a cheaper price point, or giving up on competing and focusing on totally different markets (such as low-end users).
Derek Kerton has an exceptionally detailed analysis on how the iPhone will end up benefiting everyone -- even competitors and customers who choose not to buy an iPhone.
Tim Marman focuses on how this could set off a change in distribution methods for mobile phones, as Apple proves that it's possible to do things in a very different way.
Rafe Blandford highlights the limitations of the iPhone and suggests there's more to learn in how Apple went about marketing the device.
Steve Litchfield points to the key ease of use features of the iPhone, where simplicity trumps feature creep -- noting how difficult it will be for others to not fall victim to the allure of piling on additional confusing features.

There's plenty to chew on here, from a variety of different perspectives -- so for those of you hoping to dig in and understand what changes the iPhone will unleash on the market, we hope this is a good starting point. If you would like to get further analysis from these experts, along with other experts within the Techdirt Insight Community, please let us know.

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11 Comments

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skinnedmink, 29 Jun 2007 @ 12:39pm

Does it all go back to itunes?
In reading the marketing article I now see a different face to the reasons behind the iphone. If Apple gets to control the phone and software on the device it could possibly limit ringtone sales by the service provider. So the question becomes does this all go back to Apple trying to maintain a firm grasp over the sale of digital music?
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- Anonymous Coward, 29 Jun 2007 @ 12:45pm
  
  Re: Does it all go back to itunes?
  Could Apple be the next **AA that is doomed to failure as distribution channels become more open and no one corporation/group can control majority access?
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  - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2007 @ 4:50am
    
    Re: Re: Does it all go back to itunes?
    iTunes is pushing to open up. They're being forced to have DRM on their stuff. EMI let them sell DRM-Free stuff and iTunes did so. If the record labels let them sell DRM-Free material, Apple can't have a controlled grasp on the market. You would no longer need to buy an iPod to use iTunes.
    
    As it stands, iTunes is one of the best music stores available. Its easy to use and has an extremely large library. However, Universal may pull out, so that could cause some headaches.
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BigEd, 29 Jun 2007 @ 2:30pm

Fools....
I pity the fools that get suckered into any rotten Apple items... You'll end up getting what you deserve.
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- Nobody, 29 Jun 2007 @ 3:34pm
  
  Re: Fools....
  Um ok? So I decided my next computer will be a Mac...I guess I deserve not having a headache over the constant crap I receive from Windows.
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  - Another BigEd, 30 Jun 2007 @ 3:42pm
    
    Re: Re: Fools....
    You'll no longer have to go through the MS headaches. You'll now have another whole bunch of headaches to deal with. And to top that all off with "What Apple Says is what Apple people have to deal with". You're locked in and don't have the freedom of choice us regular PC users have.
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    - Andrew, 2 Jul 2007 @ 7:06am
      
      Re: Re: Re: Fools....
      I'd rather be locked in to a throne room than free on the top of a cliff with a drop on all sides. But that's my opinion and I don't think less of you for liking your PC.
      
      :)
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      - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2007 @ 9:37am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Fools....
        Why does everyone go to the extreme on both sides? Apple isn't as bad as the pc team says nor is a pc as bad as the mac team says.
        
        seriously, to each their own.
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alternatives, 29 Jun 2007 @ 2:43pm

Motorola A910
Now here was a fine phone for 2005. Yet, no where to be seen today.

Motorola, once again, is gonna get slapped about by Steve Jobs.
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Brian, 2 Jul 2007 @ 11:05am

iPhone.
I have to admit...I am a diehard Apple fan and have not been disappointed by any of their products. That being said, I had exactly zero interest in getting an iPhone having been out of contract for years on Cingular. I went this weekend to check out the phone and I have to say it was awesome. I went home and ordered one up.

But on topic, these was a great series of articles. I'm too stupid to have thought that stuff on my own and it's refreshing to see some insightful news that doesn't originate from either side's camp. Bravo.
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Joe Hunkins, 9 Aug 2007 @ 1:57pm

iPhoneology
Despite the criticism the iPhone is *very, very good* technology - I'd say it's the breakthrough in terms of bringing "decent computing" to a handheld device.

Google's entry should create some powerful competition for similar devices. The big loser here will be Treo. As a user I'm uninspired by the Treo with a too-small screen and poor rural connectivity. They'll have to change their game to adapt to iPhone, and it does not appear that's happening.
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