iPhone downgraded to "Don't buy" by Gizmodo

[Velodog2]

They said "I'm done" because the phone was "neutered" of useful third party apps that had compensated for the otherwise poor functionality.

They also report that the bricking appears to be intentional ("malicious") based on some early code investigations.

It's a pretty good rant and on a much more visible platform than we have here.

Reviewer said he was switching to a Nokia N95. Hmmm. That sounds like a recommendation to me...

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/iphone/iphone-re+reviewed-verdict-dont-buy-302075.php

[hexonxonx]

There are thousands of people who don't even know about that site. I didn't even know about it till about two weeks ago. Would their recommendation stop me from buying my iPhone today? NOPE!

[Velodog2]

There are thousands of people who don't even know about that site. I didn't even know about it till about two weeks ago. Would their recommendation stop me from buying my iPhone today? NOPE!

Steve reads it...

[ebrunn]

The only reason was that now after the update the hacks dont work. But the hackers will just make new hacks and Gizmodo will flip flop again.

[beej]

Steve reads it...

Steve Jobs is the CEO of Apple. I would assume he reads most of the trade rags, or pays someone to do it for him.

The average iphone consumer, however, doesn't give a rat's ass about third party apps, unlocking, or what Gizmodo has to say about buying the iphone. Steve is aware of that, too.:wink:

[mrgisriel]

Yea but the N95 is like 750$ + the data plan is like $40 a month with cingular.

[Dawgfan]

I knew I wasn't crazy. This walled garden that the iPhone has become is just blatant BS IMO. If Apple was supporting with the apps we want and need (and even if they were charging for them) it would be OK but Apple is doing NOTHING but adding functionality that creates more of a revenue stream.

No other company could get away with this and Apple will not be able to for long. I am in total agreement with the Gizmodo rating and I hope Steve-O enjoys the post.

[Dawgfan]

Yea but the N95 is like 750$ + the data plan is like $40 a month with cingular.

You can get the phone for cheaper. It is like all the new Blackberrys that if you know where to look you can get them for a fair price.

[Tinman]

Yep, it's starting to kick in:

"Apple’s growth, an unwinnable iPhone war and a reputation at risk."
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=6446&tag=nl.e622


"Having the Internet littered with stories of iBricks isn’t going to be good for Apple. Had all the iBricks been unlocked iPhones prior to being bricked Apple might have been able to put the PR spin machine into high gear and made the hackers (and those deviant owners who wanted to unlock Apple’s their iPhones) the bad guys in all this. But even that would have been complicated. If, when the iPhone hackers dissect the update, it’s discovered that Apple had either deliberately or recklessly bricked iPhones, that’s going to paint Apple as the bad guy. If the hackers release a fix to transform iBricks back into iPhones, again Apple looks bad for having left customers out in the cold. That all makes Apple look very bad. What’s making Apple look really bad are the stories of iPhones that haven’t been tampered with being bricked. That’s going to be the nightmare part for Apple’s PR department.

I would expect a statement from Apple soon … wonder how they’ll spin it?"
http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=836&tag=nl.e622


--
Mike

[Dawgfan]

There are going to be some kick-a$$ phones on the market in the next 6 months or so... the Prada phone, possibly some very cool Samsung phones, the Tilt (not for me as I hate Windows Mobile), new BBs, Google Phone, etc, etc. The minute a phone like the Google phone or a BB has internet like the iPhone, the advantage the iPhone holds almost disappears IMO. Add 3P support on these phones and it is a swift kick in the nads to the iPhone. The bigtime handset manufacturers are not going to sit back and let Apple eat away at their market share. They are going to come out swinging and be out for blood. Trust me.

Apple better sell the snot out the iPhone or figure out a 3P strategy soon.

[Hecubus]

While I have never opted to install any 3rd party apps on my iPhone, this truly sucks for those who now have bricked iphones because they did make that choice--I honestly sympathize with them. I do believe Apple has stepped a little over the line by bricking so many simply because they have 3rd party apps installed. How does this hurt Apple or AT&T since the phone and the contract have both been purchased?

Sure, brick the hell out of unlocked iPhones. Brick 'em all! That makes sense from an AT&T service standpoint. But to brick those who simply installed some harmless apps that pose no threat to the business bottom line for both corporations? Ridiculous, vindictive, likely greedy, and unnecessary.

[Dawgfan]

While I have never opted to install any 3rd party apps on my iPhone, this truly sucks for those who now have bricked iphones because they did make that choice--I honestly sympathize with them. I do believe Apple has stepped a little over the line by bricking so many simply because they have 3rd party apps installed. How does this hurt Apple or AT&T since the phone and the contract have both been purchased?

Sure, brick the hell out of unlocked iPhones. Brick 'em all! That makes sense from an AT&T service standpoint. But to brick those who simply installed some harmless apps that pose no threat to the business bottom line for both corporations? Ridiculous, vindictive, likely greedy, and unnecessary.

Trust me, for the most part (as long as something isn't driving sick amounts of data) AT&T could care less about 3P apps. As long as that phone is on the AT&T network and making calls they are happy. Now an iPhone on the TM network is a whole different ballgame.

[Hecubus]

Trust me, for the most part (as long as something isn't driving sick amounts of data) AT&T could care less about 3P apps. As long as that phone is on the AT&T network and making calls they are happy. Now an iPhone on the TM network is a whole different ballgame.

Oh, I agree. AT&T is mostly, I assume, concerned with unlocked phones. It is Apple who seems particularly aggrieved with the mods, which is what I can't quite understand.

After the phone has been purchased, what does Apple care what someone does with their iphone? A person can even shove it up his or her butt if he or she wanted to for all Apple should care--they already received payment for the product.

The only reason I can fathom as to why Apple might be intentionally bricking modded phones is the argument of aesthetics. Apple is overly concerned not just how their product functions, but how it looks as well, whether it's the form factor or the OS. Apple does not want those who have yet to purchase an iPhone (or ipod or imac, etc.) to see a modded iphone in the wild, deem it ugly (as I do), and make a snap judgment not to purchase a product based upon their initial reaction to a crapped up/modded iphone OS due to someone going wild with 3rd party apps. I don't agree with this, but it's the only reasoning I can think of coming from the Apple camp.

[Lincoln]

There are thousands of people who don't even know about that site. I didn't even know about it till about two weeks ago. Would their recommendation stop me from buying my iPhone today? NOPE!

I second that. I never knew about Gizmodo until the release. To me, it's one person's thoughts, it means nothing to me. I'm sticking with the iPhone.

[SmartAlx]

When I finally update my unmodded locked iPhone, I'm going to video the whole thing, just in case it gets bricked. I hope it IS bricked. Then I'll have evidence that I can provide for the class action lawsuit that Apple is asking for.

[chris]

I checked out the Nokia N95 at Digital Life while attending Palm's announcement. There is absolutely no way I'd trade my iPhone for an N95. No way. They'd have to pry my iPhone from my dead cold hands.

-Chris

[geordisjd]

I checked out the Nokia N95 at Digital Life while attending Palm's announcement. There is absolutely no way I'd trade my iPhone for an N95. No way. They'd have to pry my iPhone from my dead cold hands.

-Chris

Who or what is Gizmodo anyway?

[chris]

Who or what is Gizmodo anyway?
One of the largest technology blogs next to Engadget.

[reality]

There are thousands of people who don't even know about that site. I didn't even know about it till about two weeks ago. Would their recommendation stop me from buying my iPhone today? NOPE!

So "thousands" don't know about the site, and you didn't know about it until last week....wonder how many millions don't know about consumerreports.com......sucker!

[reality]

There are going to be some kick-a$$ phones on the market in the next 6 months or so... the Prada phone, possibly some very cool Samsung phones, the Tilt (not for me as I hate Windows Mobile), new BBs, Google Phone, etc, etc. The minute a phone like the Google phone or a BB has internet like the iPhone, the advantage the iPhone holds almost disappears IMO. Add 3P support on these phones and it is a swift kick in the nads to the iPhone. The bigtime handset manufacturers are not going to sit back and let Apple eat away at their market share. They are going to come out swinging and be out for blood. Trust me.

Apple better sell the snot out the iPhone or figure out a 3P strategy soon.

THANK YOU........
Google....phone??? Are you kidding me? 3p and 3G, unlike Apple 2.5G. Please tell me you aren't kidding. This is why I have waited....Going to google the google phone right now...OMG it's true....apple suckers.....enjoy your lease because before it is over I will own my phone AND its' apps from the day I buy it, ie. OWN it.

[hexonxonx]

So "thousands" don't know about the site, and you didn't know about it until last week....wonder how many millions don't know about consumerreports.com......sucker!
....or how many people just don't care.

[whale_hunter]

Im sitting in the Orleans (Vegas)casino posting this from my Iphone. Just want to say how much fun it has been having my Iphone.
I think its silly that people get so worked up about stuff and forget why they wanted the Iphone on the first place... Because its a kick ass phone.

P.S.- I played poker at the Mgm and there were 4 of us with Iphones! It was fun talking about different sites and apps.

[OJsakila]

They said "I'm done" because the phone was "neutered" of useful third party apps that had compensated for the otherwise poor functionality.

They also report that the bricking appears to be intentional ("malicious") based on some early code investigations.

It's a pretty good rant and on a much more visible platform than we have here.

Reviewer said he was switching to a Nokia N95. Hmmm. That sounds like a recommendation to me...

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/iphone/iphone-re+reviewed-verdict-dont-buy-302075.php
that's fine with me. Get a nokia. Goodbye.

[Dawgfan]

How do you type on a N95? I am being serious.

The N95 is not for me personally.

[tharmsen]

There are going to be some kick-a$$ phones on the market in the next 6 months or so... the Prada phone, possibly some very cool Samsung phones, the Tilt (not for me as I hate Windows Mobile), new BBs, Google Phone, etc, etc. The minute a phone like the Google phone or a BB has internet like the iPhone, the advantage the iPhone holds almost disappears IMO. Add 3P support on these phones and it is a swift kick in the nads to the iPhone. The bigtime handset manufacturers are not going to sit back and let Apple eat away at their market share. They are going to come out swinging and be out for blood. Trust me.

Apple better sell the snot out the iPhone or figure out a 3P strategy soon.
That's true. A few days after the iPhone's launch and all sorts of companies were leaking info on competitive phones. Even the Windows mobile OS is getting tweaked into a touch screen iPhone killer... There's no way the iPhone can remain unique for very long. Now that the competition has seen the future (touch screen, flip screen, etc.) there's going to be lots of companies offering phones with a similar interface with more options.

I may very well jump ship back to Verizon once a better phone becomes available and use a iPod Touch for my entertainment on my daily commute to work. I'm not opposed to adopting the next greatest thing, it's what I do. :)

[chris]

That's true. A few days after the iPhone's launch and all sorts of companies were leaking info on competitive phones. Even the Windows mobile OS is getting tweaked into a touch screen iPhone killer... There's no way the iPhone can remain unique for very long. Now that the competition has seen the future (touch screen, flip screen, etc.) there's going to be lots of companies offering phones with a similar interface with more options.

I may very well jump ship back to Verizon once a better phone becomes available and use a iPod Touch for my entertainment on my daily commute to work. I'm not opposed to adopting the next greatest thing, it's what I do. :)
Speaking about that other Touch product, I had a chance to preview a beta version in the back hallways at the Digital Life Conference. The device itself is very attractive and super small. The interface needs work. While it operates similarly to the iPhone, it seemed clunky and nowhere near as easy as multi-touch. In the end, it's "masking" Windows Mobile which is underneath the hood. I think it shows promise, but the software needs work. I do think they've got a nice piece of hardware. The iPhone has certainly raised the stakes and all the various manufacturers are gunning for Apple. I expect that when they get close, we'll see an announcement from Apple regarding true 3rd party development. It's going to happen eventually, just a matter of when. It seems like the iPhone has been around forever, but it's only been 3 months. I'd venture to guess they want to pinpoint any software issues that affect the stability and security of the device BEFORE opening the phone to development.


-Chris

[robby69]

Nobody hyped the "jesus phone" more than Gizmodo.

I bought the iphone knowing exactly what it did and didn't do. Who buys something just to say, I wish it did this or I wish it did thay. If there are new enhancements fine, and I hope I benefit from them. For know I bought my iphone knowing exactly what it would do, and it does it very well.

I read Gizmodo religiously, but for them to say don't buy now is ridiculous.

Apple is just came out with an update that fixed a few problems, and of course mainly benefited apple with the itunes store integration, but thats just good business.

I had the Nokia 770, and Nokia never supported it.
Maybe they should go back and read the 100's of threads on their site relating to the iphone, starting back when it was just a twinkle in Steve Job's eye.

[Mark Booth]

The VAST majority of my friends don't spend a single moment of time reading Gizmodo or any other iPhone related site or forum. But they have all seen and played with my iPhone. Almost all of them want an iPhone when their current contract expires. They couldn't give a damn if the iPhone is "hackable" or not. 99.9% of the population simply uses their phone as it is supplied by the manufacturer. When their contracts expire, they will be buying an iPhone.

Now, will something better come along before their contracts expire? Maybe. But Apple certainly isn't sitting on their laurels... A new version of iPhone is around the corner too.

The bottom line.... The people that want to hack the iPhone are a VERY small minority! So what if 80,000 people downloaded a certain application. With probably around 1.5 million iPhone sold already, that's 1,420,000 people who DIDN'T download that app.

Gizmodo's article won't put any sort of appreciable dent in iPhone sales. The iPhone is a runaway hit! The fastest selling mobile phone product in history. That isn't goint to change anytime soon even if there were 1,000 articles like the one Gizmodo posted.

Mark

[robby69]

Now, will something better come along before their contracts expire? Mark

Thats why I went the Pick your plan (prepaid) route. I know alot of people need more than 200-mins/month, but I saved $10/month and am free to upgrade in the future if I feel its worth it. I hate 24-month contracts.

[Tinman]

The VAST majority of my friends don't spend a single moment of time reading Gizmodo or any other iPhone related site or forum. But they have all seen and played with my iPhone. Almost all of them want an iPhone when their current contract expires. They couldn't give a damn if the iPhone is "hackable" or not. 99.9% of the population simply uses their phone as it is supplied by the manufacturer.
99.9% of Internet stats are made up on-the-spot.

At least 80,000 copies of Navizon were downloaded before the 1.1.1 update was released. This is for an app that didn't work for most people. You do the math, but I'd say at least 10% or more have modded their iPhones. Moreover I know a lot of people that do not mod, but they also don't like knowing they can't if they decided they would like to in the future. It's not 1996 anymore, people are getting savvier.

About that 80,000 figure:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/28/navigating-to-nowhere-on-the-iphone/



--
Mike

[robby69]

You do the math, but I'd say at least 10% or more have modded their iPhones. About that 80,000 figure:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/28/navigating-to-nowhere-on-the-iphone/Mike

Wow, I really would have thought it mighe even be higher than that, since it initially was a very expensive piece of electronics, that would attract the enthusiast.

It is still not right to bash something because it won't do something that Apple never intended it to do...

A review should be based on what it does, and how well it does it, not that it can't be hacked easily, or it doesn't have this or that. I can make up my own mind after all the "facts" are layed out.

The iPhone had to be one of the most hyped products in this decade, so it is understandable that it will fall short in expectations.

[Tinman]

Wow, I really would have thought it mighe even be higher than that, since it initially was a very expensive piece of electronics, that would attract the enthusiast.

It is still not right to bash something because it won't do something that Apple never intended it to do...

A review should be based on what it does, and how well it does it, not that it can't be hacked easily, or it doesn't have this or that. I can make up my own mind after all the "facts" are layed out.

The iPhone had to be one of the most hyped products in this decade, so it is understandable that it will fall short in expectations.
OK but the Giz review originally gave the iPhone a final verdict of "wait." It was only after experiencing third-party applications that they were on the verge of changing that to "Buy."

Before that happened Apple pulled the plug. It is their opinion, and since it is their site they have every right to their opinion, that the 1.1.1 update took away from what the iPhone was already capable of, so they changed their "Wait" verdict to "Don't hold your breath."

This makes sense as several months after the review the items they were waiting for did not appear.

And they are far from the only site criticizing Apple. The New York Times is even on a roll over it:
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/steve-jobs-girds-for-the-long-iphone-war/

"There is something futile about the way Apple appears to be fighting some of its most ardent fans, those who want to use the full capabilities of the iPhone.

Since the iPhone is a very sleek, capable handheld computer, people are going to want to run programs on it. They are going to want to hack and see what they can build. It’s a law of nature. And Apple might as well be fighting gravity."

As for me, I just want my 3rd party apps back.



--
Mike

[Sleeper]

The people here pretending that Gizmodo's opinion doesn't mean anything are doing the Internet equivalent of sticking their fingers in their ears and going "La la la! I can't hear you!"

The availability of third party software apps for the N95 is one of the reasons I will be sticking with it when the iPhone is launched in the UK. The others are pricing (it's cheaper), freedom of contract and feature set.

[rumpelgeist]

I knew I wasn't crazy. This walled garden that the iPhone has become is just blatant BS IMO. If Apple was supporting with the apps we want and need (and even if they were charging for them) it would be OK but Apple is doing NOTHING but adding functionality that creates more of a revenue stream.

No other company could get away with this and Apple will not be able to for long. I am in total agreement with the Gizmodo rating and I hope Steve-O enjoys the post.

Well said.

I would happily pay for widgets, apps, whatever, via the iTunes store, just like I do shareware for my Mac.

Apple is shooting themselves in the foot, as they could easily open up a new revenue stream for themselves.

Programmers program the apps, Apple approves them (to ensure there are no security risks), puts them up on the iTunes store, we purchase whatever we want, Apple gets a cut, the programmer gets a cut.

Everyone is happy.

Apple is making a huge mistake here.

Rumpelgeist