iLounge's SDK Rumor

Via iLounge:

"The most controversial aspect of Apple’s SDK plan is its intention to formally approve or deny all SDK-based software releases for its devices. Our sources confirm that Apple will act as a gatekeeper for applications, deciding which are and are not worthy of release, and publishing only approved applications to the iTunes Store; a process that will less resemble the iTunes Store’s massive directory of podcasts than its sale of a limited variety of iPod Games."

Apple's total control over the apps means they could keep software like Skype off the iPhone. At first glance, it would seem that this would give an edge to an open platform like Google's Android, which supposedly will have no oversight. But I don't think it will. After all, Google phones will operate on major carriers like AT&T, same as the iPhone. And the only reason Apple would keep Skype off the iPhone would be to please the carriers. Will those same carriers allow indiscriminate data access to an Android phone? Seems unlikely to me. Wait until someone puts bittorrent on one of those phones.

It will be interesting to see a new battle playout between those who believe the iPhone and other smartphones are computers, and thus should follow the same "open" software rules, and those who see them as peripherals, such as gaming consoles or iPods, with specific rules for software development.

I Was Wrong: Android Is an iPhone Competitor

Andy Rubin shows off a touchscreen Google Android phone. Quake looks good on an iPhone-sized screen.




Here's the link to the corresponding BBC article.

Much Ado About $1 Billion

There are several Apple blogs who have become extremely irritated over the fact that some people in the financial world are saying unlocked iPhones have cost Apple $1 billion in unrealized revenues. Is that a ridiculous notion to explore? For 99% of the world's population, yes. Apple makes a shitload of money on every sale of an iPhone, with or without revenue sharing from a wireless company. However, the people who are bringing up the $1 billion number are financial guys, and they are trying to crunch imaginary numbers about the future. This really is an issue about profit margins, and unlocked iPhones have smaller profit margins than iPhones sold and used on revenue sharing wireless networks. The analysts are not in the business of asking a question like: Will Apple Inc grow? The real question is, by how much?

There's been an unpleasant crossover between blogs of people who love Apple's technology and financial blogs. It was easy for the Apple enthusiasts to get drawn into the financial blogs that praised Apple's new technology. But now that the goal in this recession is to punish any sliver of perceived weakness, the same Apple enthusiasts are upset the financial guys still aren't focusing on the technology. My advice is to continue to enjoy and write about the specifics of the technology, but stay away from the money side of things.

iPhone Reselling Is Its Own Economy

NewsFactor.com has an amazing article that gives a glimpse into the seedy world of iPhone reselling. It makes an interesting study of the current global economy. The iPhone is a case where demand outstrips supply, and whole industries are built around delivering the iPhone to all areas of the globe and making the technology work with the region's wireless infrastructure...all at an inflated price (or not, thanks to the falling worth of the US dollar).

Great quote from the article:

"One reseller admits he got a friend to print business cards and pose as a small business owner so as to dupe an Apple Store manager into letting him buy 100 iPhones for his "employees."

China Mobile Doesn't Need iPhone Like AT&T Needs iPhone

The news around the blogosphere today is that China Mobile says it had 400,000 iPhones connected to its network at the end of 2007. This should answer any questions about why there will never be an agreement between Apple and China Mobile. China Mobile does not need iPhone to attract customers. In the US, the wireless companies need every advantage they can get, hence AT&T agreeing to revenue sharing to gain the exclusive privilege of selling the iPhone. In China, there is one dominant player, China Mobile, and no need to give ground on financial negotiations. 

Intel's Silverthorne & the iPhone: Part II

Interesting comment from Jon Stokes at Ars Technica on Silverthorne, the new chip from Intel many thought was destined for a future iPhone. Stokes' take on the Silverthorne is that in its current form, it can't be used in the iPhone, so don't expect it in the next iPhone refresh.:

"Indeed, at one point during a sit-down with Intel the rep told me that the warm, bulky prototype I was holding would give me the "full Internet in your pocket." I started chuckling, pulled out my iPhone, and said, "I already have that." He gamely responded that the iPhone's browser doesn't support Flash (in my opinion that's a feature, not a bug), but my point was made."

The Intel rep made a good point by bringing up Flash, something not available with the iPhone's current ARM chip but would be with Silverthorne, if it would fit. I concede that no flash on the current iPhone is not much of loss. But Silverthorne is about the future. As wireless broadband speeds increase, people will want their YouTube and other flash videos, like those on the New York Times website.