When the iPhone was launched in June 2007, it revolutionised the mobile phone world. The new 3G services were eagerly anticipated by geeks everywhere. By all standards, WAP had been a total failure and the new 3G services promised so much.
Personally, I was still sceptical. In my opinion, there is an almost unsolvable usability against handset (screen) size. Connection reliability was another issue. Who in their right mind would conduct financial transactions such as buying train tickets on your handset if the connection could drop at any time.
However, the Apple iPhone really seems to have cracked it. The screen size is very good without making the actual handset restively large. It utilises the 3G services by means of small bits of software or ‘apps’ to the extent that ‘app’ has practically become part of our language.
Psychic readings are getting more and more popular online (e.g. thecircle.com). If I want to have daily horoscope or psychic readings, all I have to do is download an app which are either free or at most a couple of pounds and my iPhone gives me the information via the app. The range of available apps is endless. If you can think of something, there will be an app for it.
In my opinion, despite its high price, the iPhone has done a huge amount of good in promoting 3G mobile services and its left for other companies to follow suit. I recently saw a documentary where Google have some great ideas for the smart phones but at present, there is only one outstanding option at present and that is the Apple iPhone.
