Over the last couple of weeks quite I’ve shown my iPhone to quite a few people. The kids know right away what it is and are eager to give it a try. The adults, sometimes recognize it, sometimes not. Maybe 2/3 of the people I run into know what an iPhone is or have heard of it. Most have never seen one in person. All are eager to hold it and see what it can do.
What’s interesting are their reactions to the devices. Most people would like one, although many aren’t thinking of rushing out right now and getting one. They see the device as the phone to get right now. I’m not sure if most of the people understand why they want the iPhone.
I think a big part of it is the access to the Internet. They want that connectivity in a trivial way. The iPhone does well here, although it can do much better–especially in terms of connectivity and minimizing touches, pinches, and false taps.
For other mobile devices I think the story has been set: Either provide a good browsing/searching experience or step aside. I’m a firm believer in device-to-device connectivity though, and the iPhone doesn’t provide any direct support here–there’s no radio-to-radio communication. Everything goes through the Edge network or an access point.
Also, there’s still lots of room for innovation for larger devices. The iPhone screen is OK for many, but not large enough for everyone. Also, the keypad is a too tight for many in portrait mode. And there’s no copy-paste or smart camera features or live broadcasting or…. You get the idea. The iPhone is a good device, but it does not signal the end of mobile tech innovation. Not even close. Rather it’s better described as one more step along the innovation road.
I think peoples’ reactions to the iPhone acknowledge this. Although they see the iPhone as a top breed device now, they know right away that they want more–and they expect that more will come down the road.