iPhone - Why No iChat?

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › iPhone - Why No iChat?

Geektastic

13857 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#24044 13-Jul-2008 23:18

This may well have been covered - so feel free to point me to somewhere.

I was just wondering why the iPhone has no built in video camera to use iChat. It seems an odd thing to leave out, given that it features in almost all the Apple computers now and 3G video calling is quite feasible.

Was it just left out so that iPhone 3 has something new and shiny?!

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
8477 posts

Uber Geek

Mod Emeritus

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#147641 14-Jul-2008 07:55

Dont forget that the iPhone is only in its second generation. Think back to Nokias or HTC Windows Mobile phones when they first came out, and the relative lack of innovation other than nice design many of the handsets displayed.

I think in terms of evolution, Apple has done very well to create what they have so far - remember, they are basically brand new into the phone business AND they are trying to turn the industry on its head and redefine what a PDA/Smartphone is.

Well done so far, I say - and of course still a long way to go.

If every wish list was put into the iPhone, it would be about 30% bigger, 30% heavier, twice as expensive and not nearly as simple (as it appears to be now).

gehenna

6108 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#147648 14-Jul-2008 08:49

I'd say a lot of the compromises in features are down to battery life. It's an iPod, a phone, an internet device, and all of that takes battery life. Then you want video chat etc and you're looking at things a laptop can do with only 5 hours max battery. If the iphone had 5 hours battery, or even 10-15 hours people would be up in arms.

Another possibility is that a lot of people only use computers for browsing, email, music, photos, video chat etc. Some people don't want word processors and spreadsheets and all that stuff. So they could potentially replace their laptop with a cheap (in comparison) iPhone. Don't think that its a far fetched idea either because a number of people have asked me about the possibility of using it as a replacement. I guess Apple don't want to give too many features for fear of them turning people off their notebook/desktop hardware.

testing123

176 posts

Master Geek

#147650 14-Jul-2008 08:55

whilst i see the validity in the previous two replies: you'd think the ability to video call would be a staple part of any smart phone. Given this is the new "3G" model it seems a strange omission to me. Almost all phones at that price level (and even a few hundred dollars cheaper) will do some form of video calling, does the iPhone at least recieve video?

it's basicly the only thing stopping me from buying a new iPhone, which with the new 2.0 firmware available for older handsets i dont see much need other than storage to "switch" to the new model.

gehenna

6108 posts

Uber Geek

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#147654 14-Jul-2008 09:09

testing123: you'd think the ability to video call would be a staple part of any smart phone. Given this is the new "3G" model it seems a strange omission to me.

I disagree. I got my first 3G video phone in 2004 when I lived in Oz. I loved the phone but almost never used the video calling feature. Granted - that was phone-to-phone calling but still, it was an overhyped feature.

Nowadays I have computers with iChat and Skype, etc, but I still never use video chat - even with the contacts that have cameras. Even if i was a regular video chatter on desktop/notebooks, I'd use it on a cell-phone very rarely, if ever. I mean what's the point of a 30 second video call, which is what most phone calls are anyway. If you're video calling someone you want to be on for a while, have a decent catch up...i don't want to be wasting my precious battery life (on any phone) just to do that when I have a notebook in my bag and a desktop upstairs.

I guess I'm not the target demographic for that kind of thing, but I'd wager I'm not the only one.

testing123

176 posts

Master Geek

#147661 14-Jul-2008 09:29

fair enough. i'm aware i'm in the minority that regularly use it: though with it being free on VF bestmate plans i'm not entirely sure why it hasnt taken off with the younglings.

ahmad

1937 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#147742 14-Jul-2008 13:40

testing123: fair enough. i'm aware i'm in the minority that regularly use it: though with it being free on VF bestmate plans i'm not entirely sure why it hasnt taken off with the younglings.

The youngun's are looking for LESS personal ways to communicate, not MORE. Why do you think TXTing is more popular than calling?

Video calling? That's just the next step in a societal decline leading to face to face communication!

MattD

656 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#148705 17-Jul-2008 01:10

ahmad: The youngun's are looking for LESS personal ways to communicate, not MORE. Why do you think TXTing is more popular than calling?

Also cost... when on unlimited text plans or 1c etc .. can make a lot of txt messages for a minute's call

Also can be perceived as less distractive than taking a call.. and in their own time if doing other things at same time,

or do not want to let on where they are - eg texting from the pub

MattD

656 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#148706 17-Jul-2008 01:15

you can download the free AIM application from app store

Connect to users on AOL, AIM, ICQ, .Mac, Mobile me

Automatically sync buddy List changes to iChat