It’s time for another thrilling Apple World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote by his royal worshipfulness Steve Jobs! The new iPhone is expected to debut today, but there are lots of other interesting goodies rumored to appear too — free MobileMe, iTunes OTA service, MacMini update, MacBook Air Update, Safari 5, and more. Let’s see how it goes down! (Keep refreshing for updates.)
– Steve is doing the “I was right!!!” routine on the iPad. Well…he was right. He shows a funny email from a fanboy saying that the iPad got a girl at a cafe interested in him, hence it really was magic. Jobs playfully cites that as proof that the iPad is magical. Ha! [Photo above courtesy of Engadget.]
– Steve takes his first shot at Google. It’s a small jab. He shows an email from a Wolfram Alpha engineer saying that he made more money with The Elements for iPad in one day than he did with Google ads for five years.
– iBooks are being shown off…*snore* Jobs says he loves HTML5 and the App Store. Going with HTML5 lets developers create for Apple using an open platform. Going with the App Store offers the “curated” experience.
– “We reject apps the crash.” Is that a knock on Google’s Android Market? Sure it is!!! [Photo courtesy of Ars Technica.]
– Netflix for iPhone is coming this summer. First interesting announcement of the day!
– Farmville for iPhone! This is potentially huge!!! [Photo courtesy of Engadget.]
– Next it’s Guitar Hero for iPhone. Eh, it’s okay. Portable Rock Star/Guitar Hero games can be fun, but it’s really all about the peripherals. Unless Activision makes a Steinberger controller for iPhone, I don’t think it will ever be that interesting.
– Last week Apple hit five-billion downloads from the App Store. That’s hugely impressive.
– It’s history of iPhone time. *yawn* But then he unveils the iPhone 4!!! “You gotta see this in person. This is beyond the doubt, the most precise thing, and one of the most beautiful we’ve ever made. Glass on the front and back, and steel around the sides. It’s like a beautiful old Leica camera.” [Photo courtesy of Engadget.]
– The phone has a noise cancelling mic. I don’t recall hearing that one before. Otherwise it’s pretty much everything that has been leaked. Btw, Gizmodo was not allowed into the WWDC keynote. *snicker*
– The metal bound around the iPhone 4 also serves as an antenna. That’s very clever. I wonder if it will make AT&T suck less.
– iPhone 4 uses Retina Display, allowing for four times the pixel density. It’s going to be pretty…though I believe the screen is still physically small.
– They are experiencing technical difficulties. See, it doesn’t just happen to Google and Microsoft. Methinks Steve is going to kill someone seconds after he leaves the stage.
– As rumored, the iPhone 4 uses Apple’s A4 chip, or really system on a a chip. It also powers the iPad. It’s a very impressive piece of tech.
– Battery life is also improved by up to 40 percent for some tasks.
– Look kids, it’s the iPhone Move! Ha, just kidding. The iPhone 4 does have a gyroscope though. “We’re adding a three axis gyroscope and we tied the accelerometer, compass, and gyro together for six axis. It’s perfect for gaming.” Jobs is playing a Jenga-like came to show off his motion of the ocean.
– “And since this demo does not require the network, I should be okay!” Yeah, Steve’s going to kill the people in charge of Internet at the Moscone Center…and probably a few Apple flacks.
– The new camera has been bumped to five megapixels with better image quality, better low-light performance, and HD video. Tap-to-focus works in video mode now.
– iMovie for iPhone for on-the-go video editing!
– Improved mail, folders, multitasking, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, it’s called iOS 4 now, btw.
– Bing is now one of the search options, along with Google and Yahoo!
– The enterprise features have been improved, but I’m sure IT managers will want to stick with BlackBerry for security.
– iBooks are hitting the iPhone 4.
– I really want to make my morning coffee, but I’m afraid I’ll miss something cool. Hmph.
– Steve is going over iAds, which will help developers and Apple earn money. I’m sure you’re all thrilled by this.
– The “one more thing” is…video calls. Steve is calling Jon Ive. You should all mark out now at the sheer greatness involved in this video call. The software is called FaceTime and will be WiFi only in 2010. Steve said, “We need to work a little bit with the carriers,” which probably means that it will work on a Verizon iPhone in 2011 (half joking).
– $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB model. The colors are black and white. If your AT&T contract expires at any point in 2010, you’re eligible for upgrade pricing. iPhone 4 goes on sale on June 24. Pre-orders start on June 15.
– iOS4 uprade available June 21.
well with 3 web blogs open I don't think I'll miss anything today. except all my work for the next hour or 2
I like the magical bit… and there's no question the app store really does feature the best apps nicely. Our company uses google Ads each month but I rarely see any customers out of it
Whoa… Netflix on the iPhone.
well it might be time to sign up for netflix again… available on iPad and iPhone now.. not to mention all 3 of my gaming systems. I hope the streaming selection really picks up
@Shockwave562 The product vs. AdSense comparison is actually kind of dumb.
Farmville? Pass! I bet that is a popular download though.
I'm so tired of hearing about farmville…
Two end of June or midsummer releases mentioned. Wonder if that coincides with the new device?
@smartguy The rumored date is June 19.
all the pics or demos they are showing off look to be on the current 3G and 3GS casing. If they have a new model that looks different, they aren't tipping their hand.
@smartguy Of course not. Apple's too smart for that.
Iphone talk coming up…next….i can't wait!!!!
ya Apple has avoided talking about the new device each year until the middle to end
wow… going right for google today
"I don't know if you've ever seen this" Ha! Jobs cracks me up
it looks like the leaks we've all seen. pretty sweet.
wow. that is clever as hell with the stainless band.
hahaha at gizmodo not being allowed in to WWDC
don't really care about farmville, but Netflix will be an awesome addition!! I agree with Shockwave though, the streaming selection really needs to improve a lot more than it already has.
You guys sold on Retina Display? It seems SUPER nice, but I wish Apple just went with a bigger screen.
the network guy is definitely dead…perhaps some fam too lol.
I gotta have it… I will have it.
Netflix for the iPhone with AT&T's new data pricing = FAIL!!!
@rpad
I need to read up on retina display more. unless you have more knowledge to drop on me besides the one Jobs gave me. The pics aren't doing it for me. I can't tell the difference but i'm sure it looks awesome in person.
I'm buying this device ASAP. The engineering is astounding.
i have to wait until October!!!! unless i want to do no commitment pricing.
Honestly I'm glad not to have a bigger screen. The iPhone is the right size.
oh sweet new camera system
After camera specs… I repeat, I have to have it.
you and me both N8R
@Shockwave562 My Evo isn't that much bigger than an iPhone and has a much bigger screen. I don't think you know what you're missing and you're also mixing terms.
I am pretty unimpressed currently. So far the only stand out thing is the antenna.
The antenna is pretty effing clever. Other than that Im not impressed.
Yeah, who wants to record, edit, and output HD video on their phone while they play Guitar Hero on it?
It's interesting that some people are overly impressed by some features and others are totally unimpressed. Apple, particularly Steve, has a way with getting being excited about consumer electronics that's unmatched.
Netflix on the iPad is cool but on an iPhone??? Why would you want such a tiny screen?
I'm with n8r. These are some pretty impressive things i'm seeing jobs talk about.I just wish that imovie app was free but $4.99 isn't that bad either.
@ Big Blak
I assume for the same reason people would want Flash support on such a small screen.
I could name several reasons, one being that you can output the video on to other screens say at friends houses.
Netflix on iPhone will be so limited unless you have the old data plan. New customers are going to be handcuffed.
I have the old data plan.
@N8R
"Yeah, who wants to record, edit, and output HD video on their phone while they play Guitar Hero on it?"
I take it that was sarcasm, But seriously I doubt you can do that at the WHILE playing guitar hero. Also editing video on a phone seems like more of a pain in the ass.
@ Slicky
It actually looks pretty easy. And with the multitasking functions, it seems like you could totally do it while the video is rendering.
@ Netflix limitations
What if the phone is on wifi? Or are we only concerned about Netflix on 3G?
Video calling. way to catch up with every other phone I have owned. Lg VU had that.
Apple couldn't think of another name for the front facing camera feature. Face time sounds so lame.
@N8R
It doesn't matter if you have the old data plan. If you get the new iPhone (unless you buy unsubsidized) then you have to get the new Data plan.
For anyone without an iPhone currently and you intend on getting one you will have to get the new data plan no matter how you buy the phone. I currently have the Blackberry plan with AT&T but I would have to switch it to the iPhone plan.
BTW all of this comes from a phone call with AT&T from 2 minutes ago.
@ Slicky
So… the line about "AT&T is making an 'incredibly generous' upgrade offer" was total BS? Or did you just assume?
@slicky
I was already aware of that but thanks for that PSA. I'm not really into that netflix app. so i should be fine with my browsing and wi-fi connections at work and home.
@ The truth
I don't even have a Netflix account anyway.
@N8R
Sorry I don't know what you are referring to about a generous offer and assuming anything. I literally just called AT&T and asked them a lot of questions and I turned around and wrote the answers on here.
I don't have Netflix anymore either I found it was WAY easier to go to the store and rent the new releases each Tuesday and then just…..um…..well……okay so let's just say now I have A LOT of movies on DVD…..and that's all I have to say about that.
@Netflix
I have a netflix account and usually have wifi connection wherever I am (except on the road somewhere) so as long as I could run it with wifi and on an ipod touch then I will be happy.
@rpad
i thought i saw a price for 8gb 3gs for $99. I thought they werent making 3gs in 8gb. Did i see that wrong or maybe they are going to start buliding them?
@tokz_21 Hmmm, I don't recall that slide. You're correct that the 3GS was 16/32 to start.
@rpad
i saw it on cnet's live blog but im on lunch and i cant see the live blog.
@ Slicky
Ok, I just got off the phone with AT&T as well and they knew nothing about the iPhone 4 yet. I straight up dazzled the dude.
So far, it seems like I'd be able to upgrade early for like $400 and keep my current data plan until my contract expires (which is in Nov.). But come Nov., I'm going to have to sign a new contract and I'll be able to get the 16GB at $199… looks like my smartest option is to wait until Nov. and get the new iPhone then.
Note: AT&T might change their early upgrade costs for this and we have yet to find that out because the customer service reps are still in the dark. AT&T will probably post something official within the week, maybe even later today.
However, the new data plan went in to effect today.
I thought the news last week said you can keep your old plan even when you upgraded? I buy no commitment anyway and will pass on this robust device if I'm gonna get gouged for the same service.
So… can anybody tell me if I can keep my unlimited data plan (that I have with my current iPhone) if I decide to upgrade to the iPhone 4 before my contract expires (next year, I think)?
-M
@iceman
I think if you do no commitment pricing you can keep your data plan.
@iceman
from my understanding of it tokz is correct. Pay full price for a phone or switch pricing plans.
All I know if the chick on the phone said ANY upgrades are subject to the new data pricing. Also even if I buy the damn phone out right I am subjected to the new pricing because I don't already have an iPhone plan. Its going to be very difficult for anyone to hold on to their unlimited data plan for very long.
***All I know IS not if
@ N8R
Yea its cool to carry vidz and music to share and connect them on bigger screens but I just don't get it why anyone would want to watch them. I've only watched one video on my cell and the screen doesn't cut it for me. Imagine watching Avatar on a screen like that, not possible for me lol.
@iceman
you may subsidize the new handset and keep the old plan. Slicky is having a problem because he has a BB. It seems ATT is only doing this for iPhone users. I'm sure the next iteration after 4 will be on the low cap.
I just called them back and got someone different. If you just keep all of your current features then you can continue to use your upgrades no problem and never have to change your data plan to the new ones. Again though you must already have the iPhone package.
Thanks for the response, guys. I think I'm going to upgrade my iPhone when the contract is up and keep my old unlimited plan. After that, I am going to stick it to AT&T by using the 3G network ALL THE TIME. I will have my phone running 24 hours a day just streaming videos and stuff.
Hell, if they are going to eventually force me into a tiered pricing structure, I'm going to get my money's worth until the time comes. Suck it, AT&T.
-M
Too bad you can't officially tether without the new plan.
@Ray
Oh yeah I forgot about that.
@ additional to #55
I had to go out with the Mrs. real quick while I left my phone at home to charge, but when I got back, the same dude I talked to at AT&T had left me a voicemail.
They have the official information now and he said we could pre-order it as soon as the 14th of this month (a week from today).
I don't see the point of using Netflix on wifi. Can't you just go to their site and watch is that way?
@Iceman
You generally don’t have to wait until it is completely up. after 18 months you get the same pricing as a new 2-yr contract. Any sooner and you just pay $50 extra as long as your bill is a set amount per month (they said mine wasn’t big enough the other day), but AT&T that’s for all other phones.
@Sticking it to AT&T
I have been streaming Pandora since 3pm Friday. It only stops when I make or get a call. I am trying to see how large of a data bill I can get. Downside is this is killing my battery by being hooked to power all of the time. I have 2 portable power packs for my phone for when I am out walking around. When in public volume is turned mostly down, but its nice to have my own theme music (like on Family Guy).
@ Sandrock
Ok… bare with me here, because there are people who always wished they could do this… and now they can.
You can pause the movie on any device (PC, 360, iPhone, whatever) and then restart it at the same point on any other device.
SO…. you can pause it on your big screen, restart it on your iPhone and continue to watch the movie when you have to go to the bathroom.
That's pretty luxurious.
@N8R
Very succinct.