Steven Hartley, senior analyst at Ovum issued the following comments regarding Apple’s iPhone, which is set to launch this afternoon.
“For the consumer the iPhone is expensive and technically not unique. It is a simple proposition of integrating iTunes and iPod functionality into a wider communications enabled device. However, it is being sold as iconic rather than simply functional, so the high price will have little impact in the short term.”
“Despite giving a massive publicity boost for AT&T Wireless after absorbing the more widely known Cingular brand, the benefits to AT&T are limited.”
“Apple benefits from an extremely high profile market entry. It will also most likely evolve the device in the future to add the features missing at launch, such as WCDMA. Apple has set itself a target of 10 million units by the end of 2008, but we think this will be a challenge. The device is selling at a high price point and will not be a mass market device.”
How can this NOT be a mass market device?
How can you bet against Steve Jobs again, so soon after he made the iPod a must have?
The hype is really something to behold.
For a cellphone.
Held captive on one carrier’s network.
Personally, I’m torn.
My mp3 player is a first-generation Dell Digital Jukebox. But it works, so I don’t NEED a new one. But I admit I keep eyeing the iPod.
I hate the fact that when I tried to purchase an iTunes gift card for a friend, I was forced to install iTunes.
I was able to resist the temptation to download the program, and I hopped over to 7-11 instead and bought a card.
I’m among the least likely to go ga-ga over a gadget, but to be honest, I think I want an iPhone.
However I will fight the urge for now.
Besides, who wants to stand in line for a phone? With an mp3 player… And Web access… and e-Mail… and Video… and Maps… and Widgets…
