Mariah Ferrigan
CS: 110 Introduction to Computers
Professor Pomposelli
iPhone
The iPhone hit the markets for sale in June of 2007, and when it did consumers
went fanatical for it. This phone revolutionized the way individuals thought about phones
and launched a new form of communication and even entertainment. Presently, the
iPhone is the leading phone of many Americans for it’s versatile ability to stay connected
with individual’s friends and family. The iPhone is a complex piece of technology that
was not a fad, and continues to build in multifaceted ways.
Number of iPhones Sold
iPhone Sales by Quarter
8,000,000
7,000,000
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
Quarters (2007-2009)
Figure 1 iPhone Phone Sales Per Quarter of Released Numbers
(CNNMoney.com/Fortune Tech/How many iPhone’s did Apple sell?)
The iPhone is a handheld digital device that incorporates many computer
characteristics. The iPhone uses an operating system called iPhone OS X. This operating
system is a version of the Mac OS X operating system that was written for the iPhone’s
processor. This system allows the consumer to gesture inputs and also use programs
called widgets. These amazing features keep the iPhone years ahead of its competition.
One interesting detail about the iPhone is the screen. It is a 3.5-inch multi-touch
display screen. A multi-touch display screen is the biggest innovation in user input since
the mouse. The iPhone uses gesture inputs that allow the user to change the size of the
screen larger or smaller with their fingers, flip through websites and various other
applications. A technique called Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR), which was
invented by Jeff Han, made this possible. On top is a transparent screen that is touch
sensitive, and behind it is a camera that can detect user touch versus light touch.
The iPhone has a capacity of 16GB or 32GB that allows the consumer to store
and use a number of programs. Programs called widgets allow a user to access a variety
of programs that are essential to modern day living and standard communication. Such
programs include GPS software, Internet, email, stock quotes and even a camera. Figure
2 below is a picture of the iPhone and a few common widgets.
Figure 2 (iPhone and Common Widgets)
One amazing feature of the iPhone is that the iPhone OS is an open platform.
This means that programs called iPhone applications are made by outside sources
and then they can be purchased and then easily accessed on their iPhone. The
iPhone has the largest collection of applications of any mobile phone. One
interesting application on the iPhone is called “Face Time.” This application allows
users to have an advance type of communication that is easy to use. The program
lets users talk on the phone and video chat at the same time. This is the future of
communication and the iPhone makes video chatting simple so that non tech-savvy
people can use it.
Many people look for cameras in their phones too. The iPhone have video
recording that is HD and 720p. It also contains a 5 megapixel still camera. Compared
to cameras on other phones these specs are considerably better. Everybody that I
have asked that have an iPhone rave about his or her camera. The quality is very
clear and it has a quick speed of 30 frames per second with the front camera. With a
tap of the screen the camera focuses, then another quick tap snaps a picture. This
process is quick and simple and offers amazing results.
The man concern of typical buyers is, “How long does the battery last?” With
a phone that is multifunctional like this the battery dies relatively fast. As any phone
or computer uses more applications at one time the battery will decrease faster. The
iPhone uses a built in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery can be charged
either through a computer system using a USB chord or via a power adaptor. On
average the 4G and the 3G have a talk time of about 7 hours while the 2G has a talk
time of 14 hours. This is because the 2G iPhone uses fewer applications so the
battery will not die as fast. The iPod segment of the iPhone has an audio play back of
up to 40 hours which is higher than any other phone. And finally the 3G and the 4G
iPhone have an Internet use of up to 6 hours and up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi.
The petite 4.5-inch tall by 2.31-inch width iPhone is small for an amazing
piece of technology. This phone can be used by any age group and for virtually any
profession. The phone allows the average person to multitask and get connected
with their family and friends. A touch of the screen could start a new Internet site
another touch and you could be checking today’s latest news via the widgets.
However you choose to use your iPhone, the features are right at your fingertips.