“Be glad that Verizon Wireless isn’t getting the iPhone anytime soon – it’s the best thing that could happen for all of us,” Kevin Maney writes for Appolicious.
“Of course, it may not seem like the best thing for you, individually,” Maney writes. “You probably want the best smart phone (arguably Apple’s iPhone) on the best U.S. network (Verizon’s) – not the best smart phone on a so-so network or a so-so smart phone on the best network.”
Maney writes, “And yet, this is for the collective good. If Verizon had gotten the iPhone much earlier, the entire smart phone milieu would not be as vibrant as it is. If Verizon gets the iPhone now, the market won’t be all it could be… Eventually, the iPhone will no doubt wind up on Verizon. But, hopefully not for another year or so. Let the competitive market do a little more work to make the phones and networks better. We’ll all benefit.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Building on quicksand is a recipe for disaster, Kevin.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Henry A.” for the heads up.]
My translation – Look what happened with iPod and the iTunes Store, and is currently happening with iPad. Not very “vibrant” for the competition, because Apple took the initiative and risk, leveraged the early lead to the max, and became dominant.
Microsoft being dominant means stagnation and “milking the cash cow.” Apple in the late 80’s and early 90’s was just like Microsoft in this respect. Fortunately, for Apple 2.0 (since the return of Steve Jobs), being dominant means continued innovation to prevent any chance that the competition will catch up.
With iPhone, I have to believe that Apple actually wants some alternatives to iPhone to be available, including even Windows Phone 7. I think Apple wants RIM and Nokia to be gone, because they are the remaining big players that make the “whole” device; they compete in the same game as Apple’s iPhone.
Android and Windows Phone 7 are playing a completely different game; they are for the lazy hardware makers who entrust something as important as their products’ OS and built-in software to a third party. Android and Windows Phone 7 will only serve to marginalize and commoditize those competing products, because they will all start to look the same as cut-throat competition favors the “lowest common denominator” and reduces profit margin to near zero.
Meanwhile, Apple (perhaps with RIM, Nokia, and maybe HP) have the ability to create distinctive products. If they are distinctive AND desirable, profit per unit will be high. Apple has shown (with both iPhone and Mac) that it can dominate in profit with a relatively small market share. I believe that’s what Apple really wants… and no Verizon iPhone may fit into that desire (for now).
My translation – Look what happened with iPod and the iTunes Store, and is currently happening with iPad. Not very “vibrant” for the competition, because Apple took the initiative and risk, leveraged the early lead to the max, and became dominant.
Microsoft being dominant means stagnation and “milking the cash cow.” Apple in the late 80’s and early 90’s was just like Microsoft in this respect. Fortunately, for Apple 2.0 (since the return of Steve Jobs), being dominant means continued innovation to prevent any chance that the competition will catch up.
With iPhone, I have to believe that Apple actually wants some alternatives to iPhone to be available, including even Windows Phone 7. I think Apple wants RIM and Nokia to be gone, because they are the remaining big players that make the “whole” device; they compete in the same game as Apple’s iPhone.
Android and Windows Phone 7 are playing a completely different game; they are for the lazy hardware makers who entrust something as important as their products’ OS and built-in software to a third party. Android and Windows Phone 7 will only serve to marginalize and commoditize those competing products, because they will all start to look the same as cut-throat competition favors the “lowest common denominator” and reduces profit margin to near zero.
Meanwhile, Apple (perhaps with RIM, Nokia, and maybe HP) have the ability to create distinctive products. If they are distinctive AND desirable, profit per unit will be high. Apple has shown (with both iPhone and Mac) that it can dominate in profit with a relatively small market share. I believe that’s what Apple really wants… and no Verizon iPhone may fit into that desire (for now).
Hmm, I phone over Skype most of the time. Outside my house too. There is free Wi-Fi in my city… Isn’t that coming in the US too? Public Wi-Fi?
Hmm, I phone over Skype most of the time. Outside my house too. There is free Wi-Fi in my city… Isn’t that coming in the US too? Public Wi-Fi?
@R2
“Amazing. This is the same company that released an iPod nano with a camera and video viewing capabilities one year, running millions of dollars worth of ads that touted the features, only to abruptly remove them the very next. If Steve thinks an iPhone on Verizon and Sprint means healthier earnings for Apple, do you really think he’ll hesitate because of some dumb ass commercial they ran a year ago?”
I don’t think this all about the whims of Steve as you seem to think it is. Obviously, Apple are moving their products in a certain direction, and improving the baseline all the time…
To me, Apple now seems back on track with their models and features. The camera on last year’s Nano seemed more to me like a “me too, spec sheet addition”, an appeasement, since the iPod touch was rumored to get a camera but didn’t afterall.
Last year, iPod Touch didn’t have a camera. Last year, Nano had a camera, but no iOS.
This year, the Nano is moving up by gaining iOS; that gives it a better base for the future, with greater potential. The Nano will get better games and other apps than it has so far. Maybe the smaller form factor will get a camera again in a later version. Meanwhile, it is joining the iPod Touch in iOS land. Meanwhile, the iPod touch can do more with video, having a larger screen and more power, thus more app capability.
@R2
“Amazing. This is the same company that released an iPod nano with a camera and video viewing capabilities one year, running millions of dollars worth of ads that touted the features, only to abruptly remove them the very next. If Steve thinks an iPhone on Verizon and Sprint means healthier earnings for Apple, do you really think he’ll hesitate because of some dumb ass commercial they ran a year ago?”
I don’t think this all about the whims of Steve as you seem to think it is. Obviously, Apple are moving their products in a certain direction, and improving the baseline all the time…
To me, Apple now seems back on track with their models and features. The camera on last year’s Nano seemed more to me like a “me too, spec sheet addition”, an appeasement, since the iPod touch was rumored to get a camera but didn’t afterall.
Last year, iPod Touch didn’t have a camera. Last year, Nano had a camera, but no iOS.
This year, the Nano is moving up by gaining iOS; that gives it a better base for the future, with greater potential. The Nano will get better games and other apps than it has so far. Maybe the smaller form factor will get a camera again in a later version. Meanwhile, it is joining the iPod Touch in iOS land. Meanwhile, the iPod touch can do more with video, having a larger screen and more power, thus more app capability.
People who think that the iPhone is coming to Verizon do not understand Verizon’s management.
People who think that the iPhone is coming to Verizon do not understand Verizon’s management.
@ChrissyOne
You hit the proverbial nail. Why does everyone say Apple will get complacent and needs a foil???? Apple continues to develop Mac, expand iPod’s, AppleTV, they started the created such a new level of smartphone, everyone else just paused and began to try to copy it.
It’s the competition that is complacent and Apple is kicking them to new heights based on Apple’s products.
Not saying Apple is all good, (missing front facing camera on iPad???)
It’s so obvious, every copy cat slate has it.
But that’s a product feature only, not a technological oversight.
@ChrissyOne
You hit the proverbial nail. Why does everyone say Apple will get complacent and needs a foil???? Apple continues to develop Mac, expand iPod’s, AppleTV, they started the created such a new level of smartphone, everyone else just paused and began to try to copy it.
It’s the competition that is complacent and Apple is kicking them to new heights based on Apple’s products.
Not saying Apple is all good, (missing front facing camera on iPad???)
It’s so obvious, every copy cat slate has it.
But that’s a product feature only, not a technological oversight.
If not Verizon than who, Sprint?
If not Verizon than who, Sprint?
How is a wireless network that does not even allow voice and data use at the sametime the best?
How is a wireless network that does not even allow voice and data use at the sametime the best?
AT&T either sucks or is really good depending on where you live. I feel sorry for those in areas like NY and San Fran because AT&T has great coverage in So. Fl.
AT&T either sucks or is really good depending on where you live. I feel sorry for those in areas like NY and San Fran because AT&T has great coverage in So. Fl.
Had Verizon for a few years and they nickeled and dimed me to death. Buy a phone from any carrier but Verizon and you can download and install your own ringtones. Verizon blocks their phones and prevents you from doing this and requires you to buy ringtones from them. Do you like the visual voice mail AT&T provides for free? Not so with Verizon, it’s an option that you pay for. I could go on and on, but you get the point. Then just wait until you have a problem with them and contact customer service where you’ll be exposed to the most uncaring, rude and arrogant folks on the face of the planet. Verizon? Thanks, but no thanks – been there and learned my lesson.
Had Verizon for a few years and they nickeled and dimed me to death. Buy a phone from any carrier but Verizon and you can download and install your own ringtones. Verizon blocks their phones and prevents you from doing this and requires you to buy ringtones from them. Do you like the visual voice mail AT&T provides for free? Not so with Verizon, it’s an option that you pay for. I could go on and on, but you get the point. Then just wait until you have a problem with them and contact customer service where you’ll be exposed to the most uncaring, rude and arrogant folks on the face of the planet. Verizon? Thanks, but no thanks – been there and learned my lesson.
@R2,
“This is the same company that released an iPod nano with a camera and video viewing capabilities one year, running millions of dollars worth of ads that touted the features, only to abruptly remove them the very next.”
Actually, I think that given current sales numbers, Steve Jobs is re tasking the iPod Nano to be more of a fashion statement mp3 player. Note how its designed to be right in your face, showing its color, flash and panash (sp)??
I think the older model will be around in the Apple refurb store for some time for those of us that prefer the older model.
Just a thought,
en
@R2,
“This is the same company that released an iPod nano with a camera and video viewing capabilities one year, running millions of dollars worth of ads that touted the features, only to abruptly remove them the very next.”
Actually, I think that given current sales numbers, Steve Jobs is re tasking the iPod Nano to be more of a fashion statement mp3 player. Note how its designed to be right in your face, showing its color, flash and panash (sp)??
I think the older model will be around in the Apple refurb store for some time for those of us that prefer the older model.
Just a thought,
en
I have a solution – and I’m on Verizon.
I have no AT&T signal here – and Verizon has a tower a few blocks from my house.
So, I have a Verizon LG clamshell cell phone – and a Verizon MiFi that lets me use my version 4 iPod touch to surf the web or read my emails. I can surf the web or see my iCal calendar while I talk on my cell phone.
It works great for me – and I can wait for an iPhone. My next purchase will be a v.2. iPad.
I have a solution – and I’m on Verizon.
I have no AT&T signal here – and Verizon has a tower a few blocks from my house.
So, I have a Verizon LG clamshell cell phone – and a Verizon MiFi that lets me use my version 4 iPod touch to surf the web or read my emails. I can surf the web or see my iCal calendar while I talk on my cell phone.
It works great for me – and I can wait for an iPhone. My next purchase will be a v.2. iPad.
I live in a large metro area & work as a weekender at a small rural hospital. AT&T sucks in both places and Verizon is good in both. The little town is on Edge, where Verizon has very good 3G.
BTW- earlier this week on Bloomberg I read Verizon has over 60 cities ready for LTE 4G, which will be launching early 2011, and will have more ready by launch date. My guess is that the Verizon iPhone will be a 4G model.
I live in a large metro area & work as a weekender at a small rural hospital. AT&T sucks in both places and Verizon is good in both. The little town is on Edge, where Verizon has very good 3G.
BTW- earlier this week on Bloomberg I read Verizon has over 60 cities ready for LTE 4G, which will be launching early 2011, and will have more ready by launch date. My guess is that the Verizon iPhone will be a 4G model.
@R2
wow. this is unexpected from you; a voice of reason. Or at least, I agree with just about everything you’ve said so far. Keep it up. It’s much more interesting than your usual vitriol.
•
Steve Jobs doesn’t look back. Period.
Anyone who thinks Steve Jobs controls every aspect of every product, including marketing television commercials, making a list, checking it twice, to find out who’s naughty and nice, couldn’t be more wrong.
He doesn’t cling to yesterday’s news, nor does keep score, like some of you would have us believe. He’s not that petty and he certainly isn’t vindictive. He would tell you himself, to carry around as much hostility as you prescribe, would poison a person from within.
Steve Jobs is all about the future and what Apple is doing to close the distance between then and now. He’s immersed in the next great thing and doesn’t have time to mull over iterations of previous products, and I believe, if he had his way, we’d all receive free upgrades, provided we turned over our previous models, so that he could have them destroyed!
If you had him over for tea, to show him your prized collection of Apple products, he’d take one look at your Mac Cube, and take a ball bat to it.
Looking at yesterday’s products only serves to remind him of the inherent weaknesses in that particular product. Like an artist who can see the flaws of their work, they have to draw a line somewhere, otherwise they’d never move forward.
Living with your flaws is hard enough without being reminded of them at every turn.
Steve Jobs doesn’t look back and he certainly doesn’t want to marinate is past accomplishments. If you bring up the past he’ll offer his mea culpas and then quickly move the conversation to the developments made possible by past accomplishments. If you can’t engage him about the possibilities of what’s to come, he’ll simply move on.
You won’t score points by telling him how wonderful your latest Mac product is, because he knows better.
Once a product launch is wrapped up and his obligatory preamble is legally and morally finished, he can focus all of his attention on the drawing board. Tim Cook says so.
Unless there is some dramatically new offshoot of an existing product, he leaves the iterations for his lieutenants to cultivate any additional profits. Failing that, he will pull the plug, because he doesn’t suffer products with little or no prospects of progress, or future development.
Steve Jobs doesn’t look back.