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Apple Launches iPad: The full press release

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Straight from the horse’s mouth, here’s the Apple press release on today’s iPad:

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Apple® today introduced iPad, a revolutionary device for browsing the web, reading and sending email, enjoying photos, watching videos, listening to music, playing games, reading e-books and much more. iPad’s responsive high-resolution Multi-Touch(TM) display lets users physically interact with applications and content. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds– thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook. iPad includes 12 new innovative apps designed especially for the iPad, and will run almost all of the over 140,000 apps in the App Store. iPad will be available in late March starting at the breakthrough price of just $499.

“iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

iPad features 12 next-generation Multi-Touch applications. Every app works in both portrait and landscape, automatically animating between views as the user rotates iPad in any direction. The precise Multi-Touch interface makes surfing the web on iPad an entirely new experience, dramatically more interactive and intimate than on a computer. Reading and sending email is fun and easy on iPad’s large screen and almost full-size “soft” keyboard. Import photos from a Mac®, PC or digital camera, see them organized as albums, and enjoy and share them using iPad’s elegant slideshows. Watch movies, TV shows and YouTube, all in HD or flip through pages of an e-book you downloaded from Apple’s new iBookstore while listening to your music collection.

iPad runs almost all of the over 140,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®. The iTunes® Store gives you access to the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store with a catalog of over 11 million songs, over 50,000 TV episodes and over 8,000 films including over 2,000 in stunning high definition video. Apple also announced the new iBooks app for iPad, which includes Apple’s new iBookstore, the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile device. The iBookstore will feature books from major and independent publishers.

Apple also introduced a new version of iWork® for iPad, the first desktop-class productivity suite designed specifically for Multi-Touch. With Pages®, Keynote® and Numbers® you can create beautifully formatted documents, stunning presentations with animations and transitions, and spreadsheets with charts, functions and formulas. The three apps will be available separately through the App Store for $9.99 each.

iPad syncs with iTunes just like the iPhone and iPod touch, using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable, so you can sync all of your contacts, photos, music, movies, TV shows, applications and more from your Mac or PC. All the apps and content you download on iPad from the App Store, iTunes Store and iBookstore will be automatically synced to your iTunes library the next time you connect with your computer.

iPad’s brilliant 9.7-inch, LED-backlit display features IPS technology to deliver crisp, clear images and consistent color with an ultra-wide 178 degree viewing angle. The highly precise, capacitive Multi-Touch display is amazingly accurate and responsive whether scrolling web pages or playing games. The intelligent soft keyboard pioneered on iPhone takes advantage of iPad’s larger display to offer an almost full-size soft keyboard. iPad also connects to the new iPad Keyboard Dock with a full-size traditional keyboard.
iPad is powered by A4, Apple’s next-generation system-on-a-chip. Designed by Apple, the new A4 chip provides exceptional processor and graphics performance along with long battery life of up to 10 hours.* Apple’s advanced chemistry and Adaptive Charging technology deliver up to 1,000 charge cycles without a significant decrease in battery capacity over a typical five year lifespan.**
iPad comes in two versions–one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G. iPad includes the latest 802.11n Wi-Fi, and the 3G versions support speeds up to 7.2 Mbps on HSDPA networks. Apple and AT&T announced breakthrough 3G pre-paid data plans for iPad with easy, on-device activation and management.

Continuing Apple’s dedication to designing and creating environmentally responsible products, each iPad enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and comes standard with energy-efficient LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iPad contains no brominated flame retardants and is completely PVC-free.

Apple today released a new Software Development Kit (SDK) for iPad, so developers can create amazing new applications designed to take advantage of iPad’s capabilities. The SDK includes a simulator that lets developers test and debug their iPad apps on a Mac, and also lets developers create Universal Applications that run on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Pricing & Availability
iPad will be available in late March worldwide for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. The Wi-Fi + 3G models of iPad will be available in April in the US and selected countries for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad will be sold in the US through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. International pricing and worldwide availability will be announced at a later date. iBookstore will be available in the US at launch.

*Apple tested wireless battery life by browsing web pages and receiving email over an AirPort® network, never letting the system go to sleep during the test, and keeping the display at half brightness. This is a typical scenario of use on the go, resulting in a battery performance number that is very relevant to mobile users.

**A properly maintained iPad battery is designed to retain 80 percent or more of its original capacity during a lifespan of up to 1,000 recharge cycles. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.

Posted in Apple, Devices | Comments

Hands-on with the Amplicom M5010 – the phone your granny wants

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Whilst we wait giggling with utter delight at the prospect of watching the Master, Steve Jobs, dance across the stage today, I wanted to bring you something from the total opposite end of the spectrum.

I’ve been banging on about the Amplicom handset since the newsletter on Christmas Eve (to be published online shortly) and I’m delighted to say that I’ve been sent a device. So obviously, I’ve done an unboxing.

The unboxing video was one of the most unusual I’ve ever done. There are literally four pieces in the box: The phone, the battery, the plug, the charging-stand. Job done. Oh, there’s a manual too. If you watch the first unboxing video, you’ll see my total surprise when the phone turns on. It took about 2-3 seconds.

Seconds.

I had to look twice. I was shocked, wondering how it started up so fast! I’m so used to devices taking minute-upon-minute to go through their boot sequence.

There’s precious little to say about the actual device because it just ‘is’. It’s a phone…. and that’s it. It won’t tell the time in Tokyo, it won’t fart at you nor will it tell you how many inches of snow Val d’Isere has. But it’s LOUD, it’s BIG, it’s LIGHT and it’s got a flipping big display with BIG numbers on it. Precisely what the target audience wants and needs.

This is, of course, a phone for granny. Or grandpa. Or anyone in your family who’s a bit elderly or who simply can’t be bothered arsing around with the current crop of super-snazzy mobile devices. One of my relatives is a fairly young 60 years old — still filled with energy — but has real trouble with arthritis in her fingers, making operating a standard small mobile keypad a real annoyance. They will love the Amplicom.

I was surprised by how light the phone is — and by how *bright* the keypad numbers are when lit up. Everything about the device is specifically designed for people who are infirm, have poor eyesight but who still have the need of a mobile device.

Here’s a reminder on the specs:

Hearing Aid Compatibility with integrated Induction Coil (Rating: M3/T3)
SOS button with up to 5 numbers for auto dialling
Extra loud ringer up to 100dB
Extra loud speaker volume up to 23 dB
Red LED to indicate out of range and other functions
Vibration Alarm
Backlit display with large numbers and letters
3 Short dial numbers – M1, M2, M3
250 name and number phone book
Automatic keypad lock
SMS Text send and receive
Handsfree function
4.3 cm Display white back light
Dual Band GSM (900 / 1800 MHz)
Mains charger with Mini-USB connector
Talk Time up to 120 Minutes
Standby Time up to 170 Hours
Battery Li-Ion 750 mAh
SAR value < 0,526 W/Kg
Weight including battery < 100g

The device retails on the Amplicom website for £68.70 +VAT.

Here’s the unboxing video:

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And here’s the video where I make a call and send a text with the device:

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Posted in Amplicom, Devices | Comments

UK Normobs: We’re not buying Samsung again

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Researchers YouGov asked almost 4,000 UK adults to comment on their mobile phone purchase intentions. Interestingly the majority of users expect to change handset brands next time the get a chance. It makes interesting reading so I’m going to cut and paste YouGov’s feedback:

Step changes in technology always provide opportunities for significant shifts in market share driven by reduced loyalty and YouGov’s new Smartphone Mobile Internet Experience study highlights the opportunities for non-traditional handset brands in the smartphone gold rush. How smartphone handset brands are regarded by their users is the foundation of YouGov’s new report.

The newer but more focused handset brands are shown to be the best regarded by UK smartphone users with Apple and BlackBerry leading the remainder of major handset brands.

The majority of users do not expect to get their next handset from their current brand / manufacturer. The winners in this are Apple, BlackBerry, Nokia, and HTC. At the other end of the scale only just over a third of Sony Ericsson’s and LG’s users expect to get the same brand handset next time around, just over a quarter of Motorola’s current users can be considered loyal but the brand most users expect to switch from is Samsung (only 21% expect to replace their Samsung with a Samsung). In contrast nearly four fifths (79%) of Apple users believe they will get a handset from Apple the next time they upgrade or purchase a new handset.

“Whichever metrics you look at, Apple and BlackBerry lead the smartphone pack in terms of satisfaction, recommendation and loyalty”, commented Marek Vaygelt, Head of Technology & Telecoms Consulting at YouGov. He continued, “The traditional handset brands are suffering in this transition to smartphones and even Nokia, normally a brand with high loyalty, has lost ground.”

Furthermore, the survey shows that mobile Internet users value ease of use, menu navigation and function speed as the three most important attributes of a mobile Internet handset, all areas where Apple in particular demonstrates market leadership.

Here’s the associated graphic:

Samsung is not doing well at all, is it? I wonder if that’s because the majority of Samsung users in the UK are perhaps using rather limited feature phones? (A rather broad assumption, I know).

I think Motorola’s 28% is representative of the amount of people using older-generation Motorolas. I wonder how Droid or Milestone users would react to the survey.

So, how about you? Are you sticking with your current brand or swapping?

Me: I’m pretty concerned about hopping from a BlackBerry Bold 9000 to a Bold 9700 simply because they’ve made it smaller. And I really, really like the wide QWERTY keyboard on the original Bold… What’s a guy to do?

Posted in Apple, Blackberry, Devices, motorola | Comments

A 12.1 megapixel next generation N900: That’d be interesting

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Rumours are abounding about Nokia coming out with an officially super-shit-hot Maemo device. Nokia has been very, very good at keeping schtum about announcements — indeed there’s an Apple-esque sheen around the company at the moment, especially after their Ovi Maps ‘it’s live, right now’ feature at their London press conference last week.

There’s a lot of chatter about Nokia’s next move in the high-end market. There’s quite a lot of mention of the all new C-Series.

Add into the mix the news from Nokia that they will only launch one Maemo device this year…

What have we got?

Not much to look at yet…

But tons to speculate upon.

It’s all very well watching the market go nuts for iPhone — it most definitely has it’s place, and it does grab an unnatural amount of attention. But if you absolutely had to guarantee reliable, consistent and high quality service, I’d still opt for the Nokia. The N86 is, I think, one of the best handsets on the market — still, even though it’s been around the block now.

For raw computing power on the go, the N900 is making many-a-geek jump with joy, especially server admins who rely on SSH connectivity to manage their hardware. It’s a piece of genius for anyone demanding mobile computing power.

I’d really like Nokia to come out with a massive, massive high-end device. Something to keep the faithful and the geeks interested — something to point to in the inevitable ‘but my iPhone is shiny’ argument.

If you could deliver me a 12 megapixel super-fast mobile warrior N900-style Maemo 5 device… goodness me that would be compelling. You get Nokia’s famed hardware reliability, a Linux-based OS that can be easily OTA-upgraded and well… I’m sure that would draw significant developer attention so we could get some phenomenal apps on it.

I wouldn’t mind carrying a ‘grown-up’ device like that.

In fact I’d probably use it as one of my primary handsets.

The chaps at NokNok reckon we might even have some news this week.

We shall see…

Posted in Devices, Maemo | Comments

N900 is still exclusive to Vodafone for another week

Monday, January 25th, 2010

If you want to get your hands on the gorgeous N900 with all its Maemo goodness, you can still do so exclusively courtesy of Vodafone. I know there are a lot of MIR readers who were hunting for the device subsidised from an operator so do consider Vodafone.

Pick it up for free at £45/month on an 18-month contract. Or free on a £40/month 24-month contract.

Posted in Devices, Maemo | Comments

Where do you buy your smartphones?

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Another email from a reader today — this time it’s not a poem though. Graham emailed to ask what online shops the Mobile Industry Review audience uses to buy unlocked mobile devices. He’s after a new HTC handset (he’s not sure which).

My response, Graham, is a little predictable: I’ve never been let down by Amazon (but do make sure you’re buying *from* Amazon if you want the guaranteed delivery times Amazon’s famous for — as apposed to the Amazon shop sellers).

Where do you buy your phones from?

Posted in Devices | Comments

Tesco’s best selling handset is the £18.99 VX1i Party Phone

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

If you’re a handset fascist like me, you might want to look away now…

… right. You can look back now.

For the brave amongst you, that handset you see above is the VX1i Party Phone that retail behemoth, Tesco, are selling by the bucketload. In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, Tesco sold over 20,000 of these.

Twenty-thousand.

Here’s Lance Batchelor, CEO of Tesco Telecoms/Mobile:

“Our handset was developed as an affordable replacement, temporary phone or alternative to a more expensive phone, but its popularity really has taken us by surprise.

“The start of a new year is the perfect time to cut costs and we are amazed to see how many shoppers want a plucky little alternative to the smart-phone pack – or they want both!”

It’s not all about selling loaves of bread at Tesco. Oh no. They know exactly what they’re doing. Just take a look at the research they’ve been doing on their target audience. For instance, they found recently that 8 out of 10 women find it annoying to carry a handbag on a night out. (I find it annoying for those women — it’s hugely inefficient arsing around with a handbag, right?)

Further, As skinny jeans are becoming more and more fashionable, 69% of Brits — apparently — find it uncomfortable to squeeze a stupidly large mobile phone in their pocket.

So if you’re a retailer of mobile devices and telecoms products to the masses, whaddyado? Tesco launched the ultra slim VX1i Party Phone. The mobile that slips into the skinniest pair of jeans.

I would like to point out that the iPhone is pretty skinny. But if you assume an average total 18-month cost of an iPhone as £800, you could buy about 44 Party Phones for the same price. The Party phone is unlocked so it’ll work on any network (apart from 3).

Tesco are doing rather well with accessory sales too: In the last 7 days before Christmas, they sold 5,000 mobile broadband dongles and 10,000 memory cards.

They’re doing something right. The retailer already has 100 dedicated Tesco Phone Shops across the UK with another 100 due to open this year alone. I wonder if the other mobile phone retailers are noting the pressure?

Posted in Devices | Comments

Palm Pre has apparently sold just 220 units in Ireland

Friday, January 8th, 2010

You know things aren’t going too well for Palm when a heavyweight industry source gives you a call to say ‘you’ll never believe this’.

I always have to steady myself just in case it’s something shocking. You know, like ‘Larry Page has just bought Vodafone — he reckons it’ll be quicker’.

Today, though, the call was about the Palm Pre’s performance in Ireland. It seems the Irish haven’t taken to the old Pre. My source reckons that a whopping 220 units have been sold since launch. Now, the launch date was October 16. So it’s been out for roughly 85 days or about 12 weeks. So on that basis, o2 Ireland have sold about 16 Palm Pre devices per week since launch. Or 2.3 Palm Pre units per day.

My source tells me that the Pre is equally as successful at o2 UK. Surely not? Can this be accurate? Does anyone know differently?

Posted in Devices, palm | Comments