Is the iPhone a threat to WM devices? - Page 3

Spuddey · #21 (**permalink**) 22-07-2008, 07:25 AM

I voted maybe.
I have gone over to a 3G iphone at work from a TYTN2. Initialy I did not want to and I miss various things on the wm machine ..... but the iphone works so well! Far better at what it does compared to wm6! The touch interface works, the phone has not locked up yet. Exchange sync is far from perfect - but it will get there!

Microsoft cannot afford to sit back, at the moment the wm system is better for 'techies' but is this the main market place? I think not.

Alex from Webis said in his blog that wm was becoming the new palm - not a compliment - and I agree. Come on Microsoft, sort this out or the iphone will take a huge part of your market!

Once the app store starts getting real programs (like Pocket Informant and ewallet) the problems for wm will become greater.

I am not an ipone lover - but I am growing to respect it!

Spuddey

SHC · #22 (**permalink**) 22-07-2008, 06:45 PM

I voted "NO". I have at the last count over 50 applications / programs on my device. I don't expect many of them to become available on the iPhone. Skyscape currently has a limited number of programs for the iPhone but they are all web-based - not much use when I can't use a phone at work! I suppose in reality I "hope" the iPhone doesn't see the demise of Windows Mobile. I imagine any programs that are ported over will require a new purchase too - ouch!
I'm waiting for the Samsung Omnia to arrive, now that looks good, maybe the first true rival to the iPhone. And I don't care what it costs, I'm going to buy one.

windows · #23 (**permalink**) 23-07-2008, 06:52 AM

You'll have to keep us posted on how you go with the Omnia....

The Mailman · #24 (**permalink**) 23-07-2008, 04:26 PM

Maybe - it all depends upon how much friendlier and useable the OS becomes - but without Apples lockdown approach it will always have an appeal and a market.

I have one question though - everyone gets at MS for market dominance but why has no-one got on their high horse about Apple who not only produce the OS but also the hardware (phones and PCs). Can you imagine the kerfuffle if MS starting making their own phones and PCs.

And before anyone mentions yes MS did make the phones. I actually played with one a loonnngg time ago but I don't think they ever got to the market.

tonybro · #25 (**permalink**) 23-07-2008, 04:27 PM

The French don't like Apple, their Government has been issuing threats for ages for malpractice and lack of competition.

Me I have a choice of two monopolies so I am happy!

Bassey · #26 (**permalink**) 23-07-2008, 04:41 PM

Well, we "may" find out soon enough if Apples business model IS anti-competitive as they are taking to court that company that offers non-apple PC's with OSX installed. Their defence (if it gets to court) is that apple's license restriction is anti-competitive and, therefore, illegal.

I think plenty of people do have a go at Apple for various things. The iTunes/iPod tie in. Non-replaceable batteries. Both have received a pretty bad press. However, they still benefit from being the anti-microsoft. Like Google, they seem to have managed to create this image of themselves as the anti-corporate corporation. Some people treat them almost as if they are just in it for the good of the consumer, rather than being in it for the money - like they really are!

tonybro · #27 (**permalink**) 24-07-2008, 12:42 PM

It's amazing how 'blinkered' some people are!

'Tesco- every little helps!' - yes - them not us!

SinisterJunkie · #28 (**permalink**) 25-07-2008, 12:29 PM

The main threat I see from the iPhone isn't really from the device itself, which doesn't impress me. The device still lack key features that are required for my use. I see the ease of development and the App Store as the biggest asset that the iPhone has. Most of the mobile platforms have made it difficult for developers and that slows and/or eliminates that development of software that the users can purchase.

Bassey · #29 (**permalink**) 25-07-2008, 01:00 PM

I see the app store as a major advantage (although with the usual caveat of being a typical Apple lock-in system) but I don't see development being easier. Visual Studio is widely available and it's really incredibly simple for the home hobbiest to write quick apps for Windows Mobile using the Compact .NET Framework.

My first (and only) Windows Mobile app was up and running on my phone in less than an hour from start to finish and published via ftp to my local website a few minutes after that.

As I understand it, iPhone development is a lot less straightforward.

#30 (**permalink**) 25-07-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SinisterJunkie

The main threat I see from the iPhone isn't really from the device itself, which doesn't impress me. The device still lack key features that are required for my use. I see the ease of development and the App Store as the biggest asset that the iPhone has. Most of the mobile platforms have made it difficult for developers and that slows and/or eliminates that development of software that the users can purchase.

Ease of development if you happen to have a recent MAC (the dev environment will only run on a Mac with the latest OS) and are prepared to pay the annual SDK license costs. There is only one root to market, it is relatively expensive and completely under the control of the manufacturer (you are unlikely to see any rivals to Apple apps or indeed apps that Apple do not want to see on their phone). Admittedly the various specialist online stores usually take a massive cut of your sales but at least they are low risk ways of getting to market and there are lots of development tools for WM too.