Tim Howell’s Weblog

Recognizing that they are more than a computer company, Apple’s changed its name to Apple Inc.

Way more interesting, though, and inevitably something that will be covered in blogs and in the press for weeks, were its iPhone and Apple TV announcements, proving once again that Apple is thinking different - and thinking big - when it comes to consumer electronics.

More revolutionary to be is the iPhone which, at less than half an inch thick, the doesn’t use a keyboard or a phone keypad for interaction, instead using a touchscreen to access a broad set of features including making phone calls, watching videos, listening to music, surfing the Web and checking e-mail.

I really like the way in which the device appears to “switch” between roles when you’re listening to a phone call, emailing someone and listening to music, although time will tell whether a multipurpose device such as this will succeed against more specialist devices. It sure gives the Zune a run for its money, though.

Also, the way in which you can flip between contacts and things like album art, using the tip of your finger, sounds like a really interesting approach to interaction - can’t wait to try it.

While FCC approval is now being sought, the release timeframes indicate a midyear 2007 release for the US, through to an early 2008 release in Asia. Cingular is the telco they’ve partnered with, and the partnership appears exclusive for the short-term at least. Presumably this means the devices are locked down, preventing their use elsewhere. I guess that means a release is 12-18 months away here in New Zealand.

Nevertheless, Apple had to impress at this year’s Macworld to distract from their recent options issues, and with the iPhone and Apple TV, they surely have.