What software means to iPhone
Seems as though there is some peaked interest around here regarding dev platforms on the iPhone. Not actually owning one of these beasts, this entry is just a comment on general smart devices.
It just so happens that the iPhone is filling the gap more each day. Considering I’m in the market for something with tight PIM integration, it is no wonder I would consider the iPhone. However, with all the favorable opinions and market share pointing to the Blackberry, it has been difficult to choose otherwise. Strictly speaking, what consists of a “Blackberry Killer?”
Ballmer said it- Developers. It should be painfully obvious that recent announcements by Apple are downright huge. Huge in the sense of computing platforms. (without a keyboard) First off, iPhone 2 software, now the SDK. Until now, the common way to use custom software was to use simple, yet warranty-breaking “hacks.” Much of that mentality will disappear with the ability to use Java SDK and Apple’s own SDK. This software will actually be legitimate, and take direct advantage of on-board controllers like the accelerometers. We can all think of some cool use cases here.
On the corporate side. Push email. Exchange server. What more do you need to know? Apple has made an initiative to tap the connection to thousands of businesses who already have a solid installation of Exchange. “I want an iPhone, but we have to use a Blackberry because of Exchange” - No longer will you hear this. Yes, we are aware that the current ATT edge network isn’t the most speedy for mail use. Apple counters with a 3G net?work capable version announcement. Watch the smartphone market share tables turn this fall…