iPhone update and news re the Blackberry Bold

I know you are all aware by now that the iPhone will be available here in a matter of weeks (I believe c. 11 July). And I have waxed lyrical about my lust for it in posts gone by.

However, now that it is almost here, wouldn't you know it, I've actually gone and lost interest in it.

Why? Well as it turns out, Blackberry are a client. More to the point, I personally worked on the strategic brief for their new device - the Blackberry Bold a couple of weeks ago. Which led to me researching the Smart-Phone market rather than relying on my consumer based opinion of it.

So, having done the research, the question remains.....is the iPhone actually deserving of all the (some generated by me) hype?

The answer is, it is and it isn't. The reason for me that is IS, is not the device itself, but what the impact is likely to be on the adoption of the mobile web in Australia. Which is predicted to be huge. The brands developed cool factor and reputation re ease of functionality will generate a mad scramble down to Apple. And once in hand, consumers will invest time and energy into getting the most out of all of the features.

Which leads me to why it isn't. Many of you are currently in possession of devices that ALREADY can compete to a degree with the iPhone but you simply haven't invested time and energy into getting the most out of all it's features.

Do you know how much memory your mobile has? How about whether you can buy additional memory and how much additional space it can take? How much music have you copied onto your phone? What about photos? Videos? How many megapixels is your camera? Is your phone 3G? If not, how smoothly can you run the web using GPS?

Look, I am biased now that I've developed emotional ties to the Bold. Also, I'm much more likely to be given a Blackberry upgrade at some point (whilst I'd actually have to buy the iPhone!). Plus I'm yet to be convinced of the iPhones 'for business' features.

Any way, what all this has led to for me personally (surprise) is a greater understanding of what I can already do on my existing 'kit'. All of a sudden, I have 150 tracks and 100 photos on my BBCurve. As a result, I no longer carry my iPod in my handbag, it's saved for at home use and longer travel. And I'm aware that once I've (fingers crossed) got the Bold it's only going to get better; better looking, faster web, more memory etc.

I guess that's a wrap. Apart from me admitting the truth. Even if I don't rush out and buy one, I have a feeling that despite all of the above, I'm still going to suffer from iPhone envy.....I'd just look so cool with one, don't you agree?

PS

I brought up this debate with some non Starcom, techy colleagues and they were all about some of the other smart-phones out there, which are excellent for both business and play. For example, check these out for a mean piece of kit:

HTC Touch Pro


Sony EXPERIA

WAP Site Execution Example

I've been trying to push one of my clients into thinking mobile - not necessarily from a banner, or texting, or even an adverting point of view, but really understanding the mobile can be a fantastic tool to further develop a relationship with their consumer.

Anywho, I came across this good ANZ demo:
http://anz.com.au/aus/Personal/Ways-To-Bank/Mobile-Phone-Banking.asp

Good interactive link to send to clients.

Digital radio is fast approaching, get ready for more change

Digital radio is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since FM was introduced, almost 30 years ago.

The platform will offer many similar advantages to digital TV. Such as:

• Improved sound quality
• More channels/programmes, deeper content
• Ability to pause and rewind live to air
• Ease of tuning (no need to remember frequency)

In addition, depending on the player, your radio will now come with concurrent text and data. So, for example, if you are listening to a tune and wondering who the artist is, simply look at the player and you'll be in the know, as this type of info will be scrolling (along with traffic updates, news and weather, what's coming up next etc). More upmarket players will offer images as well, and both text and image will offer new advantages to advertisers (call to action, location details etc).

You will need to buy a new digital radio for access. Once you've purchased, however, there are no subscription cost, the rest is gratis. Plug ins will also be available for your existing MP3 player if you are looking for a cheaper option.

Consumer tests have taken place and the results are strong. The key statistic being that post investing in a digital player, over 50% of people listen to more radio than they did prior.

So what to expect? From a consumer perspective there will be a heavy campaign pre Xmas aiming to push buyers into store to purchase new radio equipment. There will be heavy point of sale in store across the period as well. This will be followed by an industry 'launch' in early 2009 involving all stations in metro markets designed to create awareness and promote new services.

Back to work, and I'm guessing you'll feel it arrive before you hear it. Given an on air date of January 1, 2009, you can guarantee sales folk will be out sprucing towards the end of the year.

So start thinking about the applications for this technology now, it will be hear (here) before you know it!