In today’s military, handheld systems are characterized by a tight integration of specialized hardware with a narrowly focused software suite. Most of the handheld devices are heavily optimized for a particular task and are ill-suited for general-purpose use. A soldier’s radio, for example, has very limited data capability and essentially no multimedia capability. Current language translation devices support neither messaging nor collaboration of any form… A transformation in technical approaches and business processes is called for. – DARPA
Page reports, “But it won’t be a transformation powered by Windows Mobile. DARPA specifies that “initial interest will focus on apps developed on the iPhone or Android platforms… Famously there are already apps for the iPhone which can make ballistic calculations for a sniper. Other existing software which would obviously help a soldier could include various kinds of navigation kit, user interfaces for remote drones – again, several of which are already on offer – and so on.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Dirty Pierre le Punk” for the heads up.]
Never in Job’s life, I think. At least, not with a special armored iPhone.
Shit Happens… sometimes®
The entire government should switch to Apple products for ease and security IMO.
Yep, not too sure about that one.
Google’s “Do No Evil” is looking more and more like what Steve said.
Sounds great–our soldiers could use the help.
Just don’t sell those apps to the bad guys!
Sir! Yes sir! Let’s make some apps that help us identify the oil deposits so we can make sure no more ay-rabs are living on our oil supplies. We can git them while we’re shopping at Walmart!
Apple really isn’t to keen to having huge military contracts for anything. If they did I can guarantee you their “little” money war chest would be doubled easily. The military would need some other program other than iTunes to load programs and other info to the iPhone.
@Nope
This isn’t about Apple having military contracts.
The story specifically says: “DARPA … would like some *apps* written for the iPhone [or Android].”
It’ a phone, hazard-mapper, universal-translator, remote-controller, trajectory-calculator, and general data-bank. But one day it’ll act as a force-field, explosive-detector, weapon, teleporter, anti-gravity and x-ray and cloaking device, and shrapnel-remover (via x-Ray and teleporter).
With all that, we could reduce our military to a tiny elite force that could defeat all enemies.
Not a good idea to let Google have access to any critical secrets.
This is why Jobs got PA Semi, to do contracts with the army.
I would love to see an Admantanium built iPhone. Oh wait thats fantasy. I’ll settle with Titanium.
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I can see a company buying iPhones, hardening them, then selling them to the military and others. Make it waterproof, etc.
It could be quite lucrative.
I dont blame them, why should our men have to rely on inferior products that crash 3 times before any job can be done. Windows Mobile is faulty as hell and never works correctly. I used to have a Jensen GPS that would crash half way to my destination. What would become of our tanks if they faced the same problems when targeting…
Chicago Laptop Recycling
Actually, since at the latest the First Gulf War, the military has been moving to commercial hardware with custom software.
They really are into “faster, cheaper”, with the emphasis on “faster”.
PS: If you want to spout off about expensive toilet seats, the next time you are on a commercial airplane flight, look at the toilet seat. It’s a custom job and was equally expensive. Certainly not a $9.99 Home Depot special.
@Nope
“Apple really isn’t to keen to having huge military contracts for anything…”
Huge? No. But their awarded defence contracts have been growing in healthy leaps for the past few years. It looks like they are keen on growing this business segment…
http://www.governmentcontractswon.com/department/defense/apple_computer_inc_060704780.asp?yr=08
How else are you going to find a good restaurant in Bagdad without international Yelp?
1. Pull out SIM-card tray (with teeth, if on camera).
2. Wait three (3) seconds.
3. Throw at enemy.
Ridiculous how Apple has allowed Android to be uttered in the same breath with iPhone in such a short time.
It’s time for Apple to put the kabosh on Android.
There is already a military specced, hard, water proof case, for the iPhone that adds 30 days of battery life to the iPhone as well.
It even has all terrain wheels for easy maneuvering.
It isn’t cheap though.
Oooooohhhhhhhh I want a gPhone, with bullet proof glass and a 500mAh battery!
I hear Google is working on a concept of Street View called Battle View. But they’re having trouble finding techies who are willing to ride around battlefield terrain in those little cars.
They’ve tried hardening the cars, but with all that armor, the wheels pop.
My impression of https://www.agmglobalvision.com/night-vision Global Vision is quite positive. Their optics are head and shoulders above the competition, and I was looking for just that. Thermal imaging, night vision, and hybrid systems are just a few of the many options available. It’s convenient that AGM may be purchased in more than 100 countries, making it easier to obtain what you need. I would strongly suggest AGM to anybody thinking about serious optics. Embrace the experience… you won’t be sorry!