Netflix Comes to the iPhone
I’ve got Netflix. I’ve got iPhone. You probably do too. Well today is a day of happiness as the free app now allows you to watch streaming videos in the palm of your hand. On a really tiny screen that drains your battery.
A cool concept, but how does it play out? Download it for yourself, or check out Gizmodo’s stellar review of the new app. So exit question – even if it’s great…is watching movies all the time really yet another good thing to add to our deteriorating attention spans and lack of being wherever we physically are at any given moment?
- Here’s how Netflix streaming works on my 3GS: silky smooth over Wi-Fi, gimped over 3G. And I’m way more relieved about the former than I am concerned about the latter. Streaming video over 3G has always been untenable; I’m just glad they even offer up the option. But the interface is easy, the video is clear and crisp enough to make dream of retina displays, and it played back the first five twenty minutes of Futurama: Bender’s Game.
Can I fawn some more? I’d like to if you’ve got a minute. But not just about Netflix on the iPhone. That’s just one slice of the pie. It’s been on the iPad for months. It looks like it’ll be gorgeous on Windows Phone 7. Android can’t be far behind (right?). Then throw in WiMax and LTE speeds. Maybe a future in which studios embrace broad distribution instead of fight it—or Netflix pays up for earlier distribution rights, given how much money they save streaming rather than shipping. That’s when we can watch whatever we want, whenever we want, wherever we want. That’s the dream. And we’re so close.
iPad vs. Stone
The guy who did the smarmy iPhone vs. Stone is back, and finds — again — that in the battle between a stone and Apple’s latest technology feature to feature, it’s a draw.
The iPad Bust?
After months (technically almost a decade) of rumors and hype, Steve Jobs revealed Apple’s latest creation…the somewhat poorly named iPad.
If you’re interested in the full tech specs and details, click over to Gizmodo’s full rundown.
While some were just interested, I was keenly watching as I approach the purchase of a new laptop. With Netbooks, smartphones, and the quickly disappearing desktop, I thought this may be just the ticket for something portable to do media, non-work stuff wherever. Even if it wasn’t a full laptop, a few key features would have had me being a “first adopter ” of a product for the first time in my life. Even though with Apple that’s a notoriously bad idea.
After the curtains went down on Steve Jobs presentation, the somewhat tepid applause of the crowd echoed my own thoughts. “Man, what a dumb name.” Just kidding, but the iPhone-like enthusiasm was gone. Not a evolution or a revolution, but more of a “rebel-lution” with Steve Jobs once again trying to buck the trends and kill the Kindle, desktops, newspapers, portable stereos, and even laptops in one swing. Just because he can.
The Good, the Bad, and the Huh?
If you use a regular phone, don’t have a Kindle, and don’t do much on your laptop, this might be the perfect coffee house partner or in-flight movie machine. It’s everything that’s great about the iPhone with a new, speedy Apple 1GHz “A4″ chip that gives 10 hours a battery life (with apparently super speed), greatly enhanced standard apps, and a new world of iPad apps (while still playing your iPhone/iPod apps).
But that’s the problem, really. It’s just a big, fast iPhone with cooler apps. Unfortunately, being a mammoth size but using the same concept, it loses some of what’s best about the iPhone. Pocket-sized, and a touch keyboard isn’t so bad when you can hold both sides of it and still reach the keys.
At a surprisingly entry-level price on par with netbooks, Apple may have barked up the wrong tree. I’d gladly pay the rumored $1,000 price if it had a front-facing camera, HDMI output for watching movies from the internet, and Flash support for all those webpages it says are so amazing.
Which brings me back to the iPhone. The iPhone is lacking in a few key areas, and the iPad has the same weaknesses. In addition, though, the iPad isn’t supposed to be a pocket gadget. The iPhone would never try to replace your regular computer, but the iPad is just as far away.
No multi-tasking? I hate it on the iPhone and it would kill my enjoyment of an iPad. Want to do Facebook chat and work in the new iWork applications announced today? No can do. Maybe stream some Pandora too? Might want to have an iPhone and an iPad handy.
In addition, such a robust device for multimedia doesn’t come with any standard outputs? You have to buy a line of accessories and there’s only one output aside from headphones.
And speaking of accessories, I’m generally not an accessory guy, but to use the apparently bulky and cumbersome touch screen, I’d have to have the docking station/keyboard accessory. I’d also have the whole set of previously mentioned adapters, so I hope they’re adding an iSatchel soon. That $500 price tag is quickly going to be $650.
Aside from being the size of a frisbee, the unibody construction is beautiful. But if I want that, multi-tasking, full media capabilties, a keyboard, and a better operating system than the iPhone 3.2 software, I already found it on sale at Best Buy.
And I’m not quite understanding the 3G version. If I’m sitting around somewhere, I probably have Wi-Fi. If you’re driving or walking around, you’ll probably stand out with your ginormous iPad. Google Maps looks great. I’m sure your friends will think you’re pretty awesome when you whip that out in the car as everyone awkwardly gets directions on their iPhones. Bonus – it’s still AT&T 3G. Joy.
I’m enjoying my iPhone, and I’ll be starting my MacBook Pro shopping right away.
Verdict: It looks like a giant iPhone with more speed and better features, and all the weaknesses. The price tag is enticing if you don’t get the 3G version..but if you get the needed accessories and size upgrades, it quickly nears the price of a decent laptop, even a MacBook entry level.
I see what Steve Jobs was going for here…the ultimate chill media gadget that brings back size lost in an iPhone and bridges the gap to the cumbersome laptop. This isn’t it..but his dream will likely be realized with some tweaking.
Much like the first generation iPhone, in two years I think we’ll look back and see what a good idea this is. For now it’s probably as dumb as the name sounds.
* Available in 30 days for the WiFi version, 60 days for the 3G version. iPad no-contract plans $14.99 or $29.99 a month for unlimited data.
The most disappointing thing about today besides the lack of the iPad being a giant iPhone, was that the rumored iTunes unlimited TV streaming plans, new iLife software, or Verizon iPhone announcements were completely absent.
The Buzz
Official Apple iPad site page with new versions of calendar, photos, books, etc.
8 things that suck about the iPad at Gizmodo.
Hoping it would be a great portable blogging device. Probably not says HotAir.
First non-Apple iPad Accessories Announced at Gizmodo
Full iPad event video with Steve Jobs at engadget.com
Hands-on iPad video footage at engadget.
Customizable home screen wallpaper. Lucky me. Apple’s dirty little secret on why they leave out basic features on your device they could’ve easily put in. Not going to work this time…..well it would be nice to have a non-black background….
