So – now, the era of iPhone 2.0 is upon us. Beginning July 11th, we’ll all be able to get the new 3G hardware. Today’s WWDC keynote gave a very good overview of the new hardware features – but it was as much what wasn’t said that echoed louder than what was. The hardware, itself, hardly seems worthy of the anticipation. A better chip, a better battery, audio quality, and tapered edges. No front-facing camera for video chats. No fingerprint reader for security. No mention of video capture, or the basics of cut-and-paste and MMS.
What will it take for continued breakaway success? Not solely the hardware. What with the SE Xperia, the Instinct, the Bravia and others, it may not be the slickest hardware out there, by the end of the year. It’s not the software alone, as the recent Android demonstration clearly illustrates that great software is possible – and it’s not solely a subsidization model, which has been around since the start of the US wireless industry.
It was the software that stole today’s show. More specifically, it was the strength of the SDK and the flexibility of the previously-unforgiving, draconian business model. The hardware innovation that was iPhone 1.0 is now improved, but not transformed. What remains, then, is whether Apple will be able to capitalize on the headstart its gotten, in an effort to capture more than the sub 1% of market share it’s received thus far. The slingshot factor will be the software and the business model. Cheers to Apple, for their realization and their action. I look forward to July 11th, for my chance to experience the new applications in a new way. I hope that’s worth the anticipation.
