Warming Up to the iPhone

I've been playing around with an iPhone 3G for the past week, and I have to admit...I'm warming up to the device.

While I'm still not too keen on touch-screen typing, it is getting easier and easier. However, I still haven't mastered the "two-thumb" typing method, and continue to use one thumb or finger to type one letter at a time. If you're used to sending quick e-mail replies and text messages from your mobile device, the touch-screen will probably be just fine. But for those who often compose long e-mails on-the-go, you might find the task a bit trying at times. For example, I'll often attempt to hit a key 2 or 3 times until I accurately hit the one I want, constantly punching in the one beside it by accident. It's a pity that the keyboard doesn't orient horizontally when e-mailing and text messaging so I'd have a larger space to work with, but it does expand in the web browser.

There are small, intuitive features that I appreciate as well, like logical button placement, easy navigation of menus, and that one, centre button that always brings you back to the main screen. Another feature I like is that the device can be set to automatically pick up WiFi signals whenever they're available so you can instantly connect and get off the cellular network to save minutes. Cute, but fun, features, include the option for a "swooshing" sound whenever an e-mail is sent; and the slide to unlock function. Of course the popular "pinch" action to zoom in/out (just pull your thumb and index finger together to zoom out or move them apart to zoom in) is amazingly useful. Within the web browser, each site you visit is automatically saved as a different page, which is really handy if you're often surfing several sites at a time.

Some drawbacks: you can't send MMS (multimedia messages) to other mobile phone users, which is odd since the built-in digital camera offers only 2 MP resolution (what else can you do with a 2 MP photo?) There's also no ability to capture short video clips; and no tactile feedback (slight vibration) which you depress keys. When web surfing on sites that require a lot of scrolling (e.g. long news stories), I found that it often took two or three finger swipes for the scroll-up act to actually register and the screen to respond and take action. Speaking of finger swipes, I feel like I have to wipe down both the screen and back of this glossy-finished phone every 5 minutes because it's so prone to smudges!

The biggest drawback with the phone, however, is the battery life. I don't think there has been one day that I haven't had to recharge it because the battery was either fully, or almost, depleted. This is even with just a few hours per day of downloading e-mails and Web surfing; plus a few phone calls. My advice to anyone buying the iPhone 3G is to charge it whenever you're not using it! And buy a 12-volt charger, because you'll almost definitely need one.

Last night, I decided to sift through the available third-party apps, and I finally understand their addictive qualities. There are so many of them! I saw everything from $1.99 fun games to $139.99 full-fledged health program applications. I downloaded a few free apps including Facebook access, weather reports, and a Magic 8 ball: ask a question, press the button, shake the phone (OK, so you don't really have to shake the phone), and your answer will mystically appear. My favourite app is called More Cowbell, which includes an audio clips of Christopher's Walken's catch-phrase from the popular Saturday Night Live comedy sketch, along with a huge image of a cowbell that appears on the screen. Touch your finger on the image, and you'll hear an authentic cowbell sound. Sure, there really is no functional purpose for this app, but it did make me laugh!

While the iPhone won't be for everyone, it's clear that a bit of play time with one can really convince naysayers that it is, in many ways, a very intuitive and functional device. And the limited time, $30/mo. add-on plan for 6 GB of data isn't too shabby. In one week of constant e-mail access and web browsing, I used up only about 100 MB of data. Times four, and add more time on the weekends, and I'm still not likely to use more than 1 or 2 GB at most.

If you're holding out for an unlimited plan, you can pretty much forget about it. Liz Hamilton, Director of Corporate Communications for Rogers Wireless confirmed with me that Rogers "does not believe in unlimited data plans," calling the term itself an "urban myth". And that's that.

iPhone is Here, Hundreds Line up, Now Can We Get on With Life?

It seems like all we've been hearing about for the past few weeks is iPhone, iPhone, iPhone. The device has finally made its way to Canadian stores today. In Toronto, hundreds lined up outside the Dundas St. store on the corner of Yonge & Dundas in the pouring rain just to have the chance to fork out at least $200 for the device, plus $30/mo. in data (in addition to the price of a voice plan) for the next three years. (see related story) Is it all worth it?

Whether the iPhone is a fantastic phone or not, why wait in line for hours upon hours (some were even waiting since last night!) to give someone your money for anything much less a phone? Of course, as with anything, it's mostly for the prestige and honour of being one of the first to own it. Keep in mind, people, that your 15-minutes dies out pretty quick.

Either way, it would have been a shame not to see all the hoopla. I strolled down to Yonge & Dundas this morning not really knowing what to expect. I was pretty confident there'd be a long line, but a small part of me was dreading a ghost town, especially in light of the severe consumer backlash against the data pricing for the phone, and the 3-year term requirement. Part of me even thought I might see protesters outside! But alas, there were plenty of happy faces, not an ounce of negativity, and tons of red shopping bags leaving the store. Sadly for many, there were likely more people in line than the store had iPhones (one spokesperson told me the location probably had about 100 devices vs. 300 people!) So I wasn't surprised to see the long tail-end of the line having disappeared by the time I left at about 9 a.m.

I left the store with one question on my mind: what happened to all those angry people that spoke out with detailed comments online about how they'd never buy one, they'd cancel their contract, and how they were going to buy an iPhone, but not anymore. Judging from the line in Toronto (and reported lines elsewhere in Canada), it looks like the dedicated Apple fans outnumber the naysayers. One customer I spoke with even revealed that he bought the device simply because he is an Apple fan, and owns all their products.

If Apple can calm even the wrath of angry Canadian cell phone customers (and believe you me, they are angry!), there's no telling what else the company can do!

See video footage from the launch event on our sister Website.

Canadians Petition iPhone Pricing with RuinediPhone Website-UPDATED!

There's no denying that Canadians are passionately angry about mobile phone data plan pricing in Canada. This issue has heated up to a blazing degree since the announcement of the iPhone and, most recently, new data plans for the device. In fact, things have gotten so hot that consumers have created their own protest Website at http://www.ruinediphone.com/ (do you think the site address gets their point across?) that's petitioning for Rogers to create more suitable plans for the device. Currently, more than 25,000 Canadians have signed the electronic petition, and several news report claim that many plan to congregate outside of the Rogers office to present the signed document.

Unknowingly making the situation worse is AT&T's announcement that the carrier will allow U.S. customers to purchase the 3G iPhone on its own...eventually. Sure, AT&T won't do so at launch, but the carrier giving customers a head's up on this small fact just adds salt to the wounds of Canadian cell phone users. Add to this the fact that U.S. customers can buy the device by signing up for a two-year plan rather than three years like in Canada, and you have the recipe for a lot of pissed off people.

A spokesperson for Rogers Wireless pointed out to me that, while the new pricing plans, which range from $60 to $115 per month, will be available to iPhone 3G users, customers don't have to sign up for one of those. They can still use most other previously existing plans provided that they renew or sign on for 3-years. As for their eligibility to upgrade to the iPhone, this all depends on where they are in their current contract.

"Customers do not need to take the value packs, and can order most other features a la carte, such as $7 for Caller ID," explained the Rogers spokesperson. "Any customer with a monthly service fee that is over $30 can upgrade to an iPhone 3G at $199 (for the 8GB model)."

In alluding to the absence of an unlimited data plan (the highest amount of data supplied is 2 GB for $115/mo.), the spokesperson said that "Rogers believes that unlimited data plans may well charge customers for more than they are using." Indeed, that's true. But I'd argue that anyone purchasing an iPhone is probably a heavy data user: why else would you want a highly-intuitive mobile device with a massive touch-screen interface? Surely not to make calls using oversized number keys! What's more, an unlimited plan could certainly be offered in addition to existing limited data plans rather than just in place of them.

Canadians quite obviously view these new plans as being the best of the worst. In an open letter to Steve Jobs posted on the RuinediPhone Website, the creator, James Hallen, pleads with the Apple head to do something about the situation. "We are loyal customers," he says, "[and] we don't want to lose faith in Apple." In an effort to make the point even clearer, a cute slogan beneath the Web address at the top of the page claims: "Screwing iPhone customers since '08".

While I have to agree that the new data plans are really not that appealing, I think the issue goes way beyond just the iPhone, and even just Rogers. Data consumption in Canada has reached all-time highs. Study after study reports that Canadians are one of the top Internet using countries in the world. Something needs to be done north of the border to accomodate our increasingly healthy appetites for data across the board, not just in the wireless space. The underlying issues behind this Website are indeed very important to the future of data in Canada. It's interesting, though, that a mobile phone is what spawned such a harsh backlash. After all, it is just a phone, guys!

On that note, will the RuinediPhone Website succeed in changing data plans or, at the very least, in convincing customers not to buy an iPhone 3G when it becomes available here? What's more, how will Apple react at all to the negative press surrounding the issue? By July 11, we hope to have that answer.

Read More on the ongoing iPhone saga:

Canadian iPhone Plan Pricing Revealed

iPhone Plan Pricing Announced-UPDATED!

Why Can't We Just Buy Phones Direct?

Rogers Says it Will Lower Price Plans

Fido Gets iPhone As Well

iPhone in Canada This Week - UPDATE!

BREAKING NEWS: 3G iPhone Comes to Canada on July 11 - UPDATED!

iPhone in Canada This Week - UPDATE!

Will the highly-anticipated iPhone be available in Canada this week? Many are confident that it will be. Although there hasn't been an official announcement from either side, Steve Jobs is gearing up for Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference today in California, and the rumour mill is buzzing that he'll be launching the next-generation iPhone there. So while consumers around the world are salivating over a new iPhone, us Canucks are tapping our fingers while we patiently wait for the new one, which will actually be our first (to be available legally, at least).

Last month, Rogers Wireless confirmed that it would be bringing the iPhone to Canada "later this year", but did not confirm an exact date. With the impending launch of the next-generation device, which will operate on the faster 3G network (the existing device operates on 2.5G), Canada might finally be ready for take-off.

But more important than the rumoured new features, which include things like tactile feedback and support for a variety of third-party applications, is price plans. Will a new, and more affordable, data plan be offered for iPhone customers? Or will we be plagued with the same hefty data fees that Canadians arguably endure now with other smartphones, like the BlackBerry or Windows Mobile devices? What's more, will there be an uproar from other smartphone makers if the iPhone is given more favourable pricing options?

Rogers was not available for comment, but stay tuned for more information on the iPhone in Canada as it becomes available.

Update: OK, So I was wrong: the iPhone is coming next month, not this week. But many of the anticipated new features have been confirmed, including 3G operation which will afford faster load times and surfing capability.

iPhone in Canada...But How Much?

The media is a-buzz about Rogers Wireless' official announcement yesterday that it will be offering the iPhone in Canada. I'm floored by how big a deal everyone is making about this. But I do think a big reason has nothing to do with the iPhone itself, but rather the changes it could bring about in the wireless data pricing arena in Canada.

I've said many times over in this blog (as well as in the Cell Block column in Marketnews Magazine) that inflated data pricing has held Canadians back from really delving into the smartphone market, and all it has to offer. With the popular iPhone, paired with Apple's reputation of getting things its way, the introduction of this highly-anticipated device could also represent the introduction of more attractive data plans in Canada.

My inkling, although no details related to pricing have been officially announced, is that Rogers will indeed offer a more attractive data plan. But it will probably be marketed as an "iPhone plan", meaning you buy the iPhone and sign up for a three-year contract, and you qualify for this fantastic, new data plan. If you buy another device, or don't lock yourself into a contract, you'll be stuck with the existing, costly plans; or perhaps a small variation of them. Maybe I'm wrong on this, and it's all based on my own speculation, but it is indeed possible. It would make sense as a quick fix that lets Rogers sign on the dotted line for the iPhone before anyone else gets it, while also not moving too far away from its current data plan landscape. Such an offering would likely, however, wreak havoc with other smartphone makers, like RIM and its BlackBerry, as well as Nokia, and Windows Mobile-based phone makers. Will they end up getting the short end of the stick?

Given that the Advanced Wireless Spectrum Auction is set to take place May 27, 2008, however, Rogers also has another reason to examine its plans. If a new GSM carrier enters the foray, they may bring some enticing offers to the table. We all know how human nature works: as soon as a new GSM carrier is here, customers will flock to it, thinking that they'll be getting a better deal; and maybe they will be. Rogers certainly needs to look at what it offers, and think a few steps ahead to ensure that the company provides compelling reasons for customers to stay.

As for the iPhone, those who are squirming to own one should hope that the Rogers deal isn't exclusive in Canada. If going grey market is the only alternative option, we'd better hope that Rogers comes up with a darned good deal that convinces customers to go its route!

[Photo: Ted Rogers with William Shatner at the launch of video calling in Canada in early 2007. Rogers issued a statement yesterday confirming that the iPhone would be coming to Canada through its service "later this year".]

Is the iPhone Coming to Canada or Not? - UPDATE!

I think I'm asked this question more than I'm asked how I'm doing today, or what I'd like to eat for lunch. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I do find myself in the middle of a discussion about the iPhone, and "hey, when the heck are we going to see it in Canada?" at least once every few days. For the most part, it's others asking me and not the other way around. I really could care less (yes, I'm serious). But clearly I'm the exception to the rule in this case. So when is the holy-grail-of-phones, the iPhone, coming to Canada?

As of late, there has been another swarm of rumours that Rogers (the only GSM provider in Canada) and Apple are working out the terms of a deal. The Toronto Star even claims that it could be here between May and July. Of course, the paper doesn't cite its "industry sources", and is quick to note that there have been no official confirmation from either side. I can't seem to get one either. A Rogers spokesperson simply told me that there "is nothing new to report on the iPhone." As Chandler from Friends would say, "Can you BE any more vague?"

I recall similar rumours having been stirred up a few months ago, so it could just be someone, somewhere trying to rock the boat again and get the Canucks all excited. My instinct tells me that we won't see the iPhone here until after the Advanced Wireless Spectrum Auction at the end of May, which is when carriers bid for additional spectrum to enhance their services, and new entrants can bid to start their own service. Why do I say this?

1) With Rogers being the only main GSM carrier, there's no rush to bring the iPhone here since no one else can swoop in and carry the phone under Rogers' nose!

2) Data plan pricing in Canada is significantly higher than in the U.S. To my knowledge, Rogers does not offer any unlimited data plans. This means that data-intensive users will either have to pay through the nose to use the iPhone, or continually monitor and limit their on-the-go usage so as not to incur hefty additional fees.

3) Apple likes to play to the tune of its own song, and I get the feeling that Rogers is the same way. The Toronto Star report claims that Apple takes a portion of customer's bills as part of its agreement with carriers. If this is indeed true, Rogers is probably not too keen on that idea. And trying to agree on a deal will be tough with two strong-headed, powerful forces, neither of which wants to let up on its terms.

But then again, the AWS Auction could very well be a reason why we might see the iPhone in Canada before the end of the year. Here's why:

1) There will almost certainly be a new wireless carrier in Canada after this Auction, who will very likely be ready to set up shop by 2009. (Industry Canada has decided to set up a portion of the spectrum exclusively for a new carrier). Knowing this, Rogers might bite the bullet to smooth out a deal with Apple before competition heats up.

2) Canadian born and bred Research in Motion (RIM), makers of the popular BlackBerry device, reportedly has some cool devices on the horizon, and the longer we become used to the BlackBerry model, the more residents will hold it as the standard. People will only wait so long before they upgrade to a new phone! And once it's done, they won't too easily fork over another $400 for an iPhone.

3) People are quite obviously (and vocally) becoming frustrated that it's been almost a year since the iPhone debuted in the U.S., and yet we still haven't seen it north of the border.

4) "Grey" market iPhones that have been unlocked and cracked are widely being used across Canada on the Rogers network already. The longer it takes for the device to arrive her legitimately, the more it will become available illegitimately (although I'd argue that a huge percentage of those who have it illegitimately would have obtained it that way to begin with).

So what's the bottom line? Hurry up already so I can go back to using my regular, Sony Ericsson camera phone in peace.

UPDATE: One day later, and we have our answer. Rogers finally issued a statement confirming that it WILL be bringing the iPhone to Canada "later this year". Read all about it on our sister Website at http://www.marketnews.ca/.

Will Canadians Ever see the iPhone?

Believe it or not, I'm not one of those people sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the Apple iPhone to arrive in Canada. But I do find the fact that it still isn't here a bit insulting. What's the deal?

When it comes to downloadable movies or TV shows through iTunes, I understand the reasons for the delay. Separate licensing agreements need to be worked out with Canadian broadcasters, CRTC regulations met, and so forth. But here, we're just talking about a phone. A mobile device just like any other mobile device that lets you make and receive phone calls, surf the web, compose e-mails, listen to music, and the like. Partner with a wireless carrier, and let's get going, already!

The iPhone has been available south of the border for about seven months, and yet we haven't even received a confirmed date as to when we'd see it here in Canada. Sure, the rumour mill has been going crazy as of late, with many reputable sources claiming that a Canadian launch announcement would be made during Apple's MacWorld conference earlier this week. Well, the conference has come and gone, and still no announcement.

Since the iPhone operates on the GSM standard, it's pretty safe to assume that it will be available through Rogers Wireless once it does arrive here. However, with the wireless spectrum set to open for auction for additional competition in May, is it possible that Apple is waiting to weigh its options and perhaps join with another partner? Or maybe the company is waiting for a next-generation model to finally let Canadians join in on the fun.

Whatever the reason for the delay, let's hurry it up. Or pretty soon, all the anxious Canadian mobile phone upgraders will get tired of waiting. The longer the iPhone takes to recognize the Canadian market, the more popular devices like the BlackBerry and HTC Touch will become.