14 DAY TRIAL // The Australian telecommunications company Telstra has given a word of warning about Apple's new device, the iPhone. They think Apple will see some operational challenges by the iPhone's actual launch. The iPhone will make its debut in Australia in 2008.
Greg Winn, second-in-charge at Telstra, says Apple probably shouldn't have ventured in the mobile phone venturing business, as this is not what Apple is all about. "There's an old saying - stick to your knitting - and Apple is not a mobile phone manufacturer, that's not their knitting," says Winn. He basically states that Apple is not nor will it soon become a leading mobile phone manufacturer. Top brands like Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Ericsson or Sony will soon develop devices with similar functionalities, if not better, and with lower prices, at best.
Truth be told, we have already witnessed the announcement of several such devices, about which producers said they have already greater features and are more price-competitive (we could mention: LG Prada, Neonode N2, Samsung Ultra Smart F700 and other names still).
Regarding the iPhone, Winn also said its touch-screen is not exactly revolutionary to begin with. The touch-screen technology is a different domain and time had come for it to join the mobile phone industry. He also said Apple could have picked a better name, to avoid being sued by Cisco (or perhaps they thought all publicity is good publicity).
Winn pointed out that the choice of Cingular for its exclusive mobile carrier wasn't exactly inspired, since they talked about a global rollout and Cingular is not such a company.
Greg Winn said "I am absolutely sure that device will be successful initially", but has reservations about how much Apple is willing to invest in the iPhones life cycle management and upgrades.
Well, we file yet another case of "Criticize the iPhone", signed by Greg Winn, product decision maker at Telstra, Australia. And you know we have much more to hear, don't you. Till next time!