As the Washington Post reports and many predicted the 3G iPhone has some major “phone” issues. As a small form factor computing device it is without peers. Unfortunately, Apple overlooked that the two most important features for any mobile phone are call quality and battery life.
Apple chose to save some money by choosing Infineon’s subpar baseband solution. They also didn’t learn from the many previously released 3G smart phones that have struggled due to disappointing battery life. For example, the Motorola Q had to basically double the size of its battery. The 3G iPhone should satisfy Apple’s core customers, but it is difficult to see widespread adoption before the battery and baseband are meaningfully improved. That should give AT&T time to upgrade its 3G network to be competitive with Verizon and Sprint. Although doubtful, it might also give competitors time to offer more competitive devices.
Between the imminent WiFi upgrade to 802.11n, mobile WiMax (IEEE 802.16e), and the eventual launch of LTE; wireless broadband will eventually be ubiquitous and most of us will be using an iPhone type device. For Apple it is encouraging how many companies are targeting their mobile platform; with some incredible adoption rates. However, most companies will probably build their “iPhone applications” as web applications that can be just as easily used on a Blackberry or Windows Mobile device; once both companies figure out how to incorporate a web browser into their phone.
Disclaimer: I have no position in any company listed, but do intend on purchasing an iPhone once the battery easily lasts a full day and the 3G baseband is competitive with Texas Instruments’ solution.
