FreeRange

Motorola's Droid Comes in Peace - For Now

Reviewers keep focusing on the wrong issues and features. Without a doubt, Apple will have a new brighter screen in an upcoming iteration of the iPhone, and a faster processor, and more memory, and new features... and this will all happen sooner rather than later. These are all hardware features that are a non-issue for the iPhone today as no one is complaining about the 3Gs' processor speed or screen resolution - they are fantastic! And the laws of the universe dictate that hardware devices will improve over time as there are incremental advancements. The fact that one device is VERY SLIGHTLY better in these areas does not make the alternative device any less effective! The real issue is that no one has been able to duplicate the broad and powerful ecosystem of the iPhone, iTunes, iPod, Mac, Apple TV (yes it too will continue to improve and will be able to make huge leaps from its current iteration). This is what makes the iPhone superior and more successful - it gives you the most effective way to store, access and manage your digital life with incredible ease, functionality and usability. Apple has a clear and distinct competitive advantage, regardless of the hardware and software in these new phones.

Can Motorola Follow the Palm Path?

And that would be an extremely stupid move. Handset makers seem to enjoy racing to the bottom with their pricing, supported by the carriers. It is these pricing schemes that have destroyed the perceived value of handsets, and ruined the brands in the process. In fact, it is the carries that are the commodity, yet they have flipped this around so it is the handsets that have no perceived value. This is what happens when you give something away for free! Then when you innovate, and add many new features and functions, consumers still expect it to be free. How about if Motorola et al sell their handsets for what they are actually worth, and if the carrier really wants your business, let them give you 6 months of free service with a two year contact! And now the carriers are setting plans to destroy the netbook/laptop market the same way.


On Sep 13 01:59 PM Yagottabe Kidding wrote:

> [This is a clarification post]
>
> When I type "low-end" above I am NOT talking about functionality
> but instead "place in the lineup". Motorola, if they are indeed pricing
> the Cliq "free" with contract, is setting a new standard for smartphones
> that ALL the other manufacturers will have to beat. The Cliq is wonderfully
> functional and includes Motorola's Motoblur which aparently is a
> better-implemented act-alike to Palm's Synergy - a REAL slap upside
> their corporate head.

Five Trends to Watch in Mobile Devices

Gee, you just described the iPhone. A long article to say that everyone is going to try to copy the iPhone based on 5 of its unique features/benefits.

Apple's $199 iPhone Is a Game-Changer

Discounting the iPhone is a terrible idea. It really isn't a phone but a full on computer that also has phone capabilities, and its a device that is easily integrated through great software to your computer, itunes, ipod. And it's far far far easier to use than any other device out there, and oh by the way, there ARE more expensive phones out there, but guess what, the carriers heavily subsidize them so you have no idea what their true worth/value is other than you signed a 2 year contract to get one for free or for say $99 - why not pay for a device what it is actually worth, and let the carriers discount THEIR services when you buy one. After all, they are the commodity, not the iPhone. The carriers in the US have totally screwed consumers by subsidizing phones and then dictating to the manufacturers what features and functions the phone can have thus suppressing innovation in this country. Apple builds great products that people want, by the 10's of millions - I'm long on apple and am perfectly happy with their current growth rates - selling the phone at a cheaper price cheapens the brand and the perceived value of the iPhone and will hurt apple in the long run. Quit being short term thinkers! There is plenty of pent up demand at current prices - 10's of millions around the world are on the fence waiting for the 3G iPhone.