NEW YORK (AP) — The new iPhone went on sale Friday morning, greeted by much smaller lines and less hoopla than previous models.
A few hundred people were in line just before the 7 a.m. opening of Apple Inc.'s flagship store on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, a fraction of the people who lined up around the block for last year's launch.
That launch turned into a debacle as Apple's servers failed to cope with the load of new customers trying to activate their phones. People who already had iPhones were trying to install a software update on the same day, adding to the pressure.
This year, Apple and AT&T Inc., the phone's U.S. carrier, defused the drama by taking pre-orders for the new phone online. That means fewer prospective buyers had a reason to stand in line, in theory speeding up the activation process.
Apple also released its software update for previous customers two days early. There were only scattered reports of problems with that upgrade.
While activation seems to have proceeded more smoothly this year, posts on blogs, Twitter and Apple's own support forums indicated it may take as long as two days for some iPhones to be operational.
The devices must be plugged into a computer and activated before users can call, send text messages or surf the Web using their cellular data plan. Apple and AT&T servers are both involved in the activation process.
Some people reported receiving a message warning activation will take up to 48 hours due to high volume.
Apple spokesman Steve Dowling declined to provide details on the situation. AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel declined to comment.
The new model is called the 3G S. AT&T said it had taken pre-orders for "hundreds of thousands" of the phones. Apple sold one million units of the older model, the 3G, in the first three days last year.
For new customers signing a two-year contract with AT&T, the 3G S costs $199 or $299 depending on the memory capacity. Compared to the 3G, it has a faster processor and an upgraded camera.
Owners of the previous model, the iPhone 3G, will have to pay more than that. Most of them are not eligible for the new-customer pricing because AT&T subsidizes the cost of the phone and requires customers to "pay off" the subsidy through their monthly service fees before it will subsidize a new phone.
In line at the Fifth Avenue store, Brandon Dennie, 27, was not put off by the prospect of having to pay the unsubsidized price of $599 for the new phone. He's had a 3G for only six months, so he didn't qualify for the lowest price.
He's creating his own subsidy by selling his old phone for $200 to a colleague, and he has an Apple gift card.
"I want the video option and the speed," Dennie said.
In its two-year life, the iPhone range has revolutionized phone design and given AT&T a leg up on its rivals in recruiting customers willing to pay high monthly fees.
Competitors have started to catch up to some of the iPhone's signature features, like a user interface that's designed from the ground up to be navigated with finger touches. In particular, Palm Inc.'s Pre, which came out two weeks ago, has generated a lot of buzz and favorable reviews.
But the iPhone is still the king of smart phones. Pacific Crest analyst James Faucette estimated that exclusive carrier Sprint Nextel Corp. sold 90,000 to 100,000 Pres in the first week of sale, far lower than expected sales of the 3G S.
To grab even more market share, Apple is now selling the older 3G for a lower price: $99 with a two-year contract.
At an AT&T store in the New York borough of Queens, there were three people in line at 5:45 a.m. Sarah Gates and Ed Phyfe, the couple who were first in line, didn't know about the pre-order option until it was too late, and wanted to be sure to get phones from the small stock set aside for walk-ins.
"We got Sprint smart phones since just before the first iPhone came out, and we immediately regretted it," said Gates, 33. She has nothing against Sprint Nextel Corp., but the Motorola Q phones were awful, she said.
"I feel kind of bad to leave Sprint ... but I don't like any of the phones they have half as much the iPhone," she said.
Apart from the U.S., the phone went on sale Friday in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the U.K. Other countries will get it throughout the summer.
by the associated press
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Showing posts with label ATand T. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ATand T. Show all posts
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ipones new prices update
There's been much grumbling over the cost of the iPhone 3G S among existing owners who are not yet near the end of their contract with AT&T (NYSE: T), but who still want to upgrade to the latest and greatest version of the phone. As we reported earlier, those AT&T customers who haven't yet reached the end of their contract, must pay at least $200 more to get the latest model. Unhappy wannabe upgraders have argued their loyalty to the device and to AT&T should be rewarded, never mind their contracts.
But Saul Hansell, writing in the nytimes.com's Bits blog, has a novel proposition?that people shouldn't think they are buying technology products, rather that they should consider that they are subscribing to them. This is especially true, he says, of the iPhone when you consider Apple's pricing of it, which is in line with how they price their other products, but out of sync with how carriers normally charge for their handsets.
Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) sets a price for its products, whether its phones or computers, and heavily discourages its dealers from discounting them. Carriers, on the other hand, turn to their databases of customers to figure out how much money they can earn from them when their contracts are nearing an end. They offer up various deals, with different customers getting different offers. One phone might be given away for free to one customer, while another might have to pay $100 for it. Apple, however, has banned this according to a Bits source, hence all those who want to upgrade but aren't near the end of their contract must pay either $399 for the 16 GB version of the new iPhone, or $499 for the 32 GB one. (So blame Apple, not AT&T for the pricey upgrade cost).
But back to the subscription bit. This is how Bits breaks it down:
The standard model plan: You pay $199 every two years for the standard model, or $299 for the higher memory one. You suffer a "year of jealousy" over not having the latest model.
The latest model plan: You spend $399 every single year, (though you get the introductory rate of $199 the first year), which ensures you get the latest model as soon as it comes out. You pay $499 ($299 introductory rate) for the higher memory version.
Last year's plan: The cheapest of all the plans, you pay $99 every two years, but you get last year's model.
As for AT&T, how do the figures stack up for them? Analysts estimate for the $199 phone, they pay $550, and hope to recoup the $350 subsidy in service fees.
from the washington post
But Saul Hansell, writing in the nytimes.com's Bits blog, has a novel proposition?that people shouldn't think they are buying technology products, rather that they should consider that they are subscribing to them. This is especially true, he says, of the iPhone when you consider Apple's pricing of it, which is in line with how they price their other products, but out of sync with how carriers normally charge for their handsets.
Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) sets a price for its products, whether its phones or computers, and heavily discourages its dealers from discounting them. Carriers, on the other hand, turn to their databases of customers to figure out how much money they can earn from them when their contracts are nearing an end. They offer up various deals, with different customers getting different offers. One phone might be given away for free to one customer, while another might have to pay $100 for it. Apple, however, has banned this according to a Bits source, hence all those who want to upgrade but aren't near the end of their contract must pay either $399 for the 16 GB version of the new iPhone, or $499 for the 32 GB one. (So blame Apple, not AT&T for the pricey upgrade cost).
But back to the subscription bit. This is how Bits breaks it down:
The standard model plan: You pay $199 every two years for the standard model, or $299 for the higher memory one. You suffer a "year of jealousy" over not having the latest model.
The latest model plan: You spend $399 every single year, (though you get the introductory rate of $199 the first year), which ensures you get the latest model as soon as it comes out. You pay $499 ($299 introductory rate) for the higher memory version.
Last year's plan: The cheapest of all the plans, you pay $99 every two years, but you get last year's model.
As for AT&T, how do the figures stack up for them? Analysts estimate for the $199 phone, they pay $550, and hope to recoup the $350 subsidy in service fees.
from the washington post
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Verizon and ATT Netbook
Two years ago, the word “netbook” might have conjured images of a paperback about Web sites or online novels.
Today, the term is on its way to becoming a household word as the category of small, lightweight, inexpensive computers has grown from nearly nonexistent to become the hot industry segment.
They don't have the power of full-blooded laptops, but they offer the convenience of extreme portability and the ability to connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi and in some cases cell phones' high-speed data networks.
These attributes make netbooks a growth area in an otherwise down computer market.
With small screens – typically around 8 to 10 inches – netbooks fall in the gray area between smart phones and laptop computers. With two cell phone companies beginning to sell the diminutive computers, the lines are being blurred further.
Using the same strategy as they have for selling phones, Verizon and AT&T have begun selling netbooks at a subsidized, lower price in exchange for a two-year commitment to a data plan.
Although buying a computer at a phone store is a new idea, it's expected to catch on. Speaking to wireless industry executives earlier this year, Microsoft's president of entertainment devices, Robbie Bach, said that by 2012, a third of all netbooks will be sold by wireless phone companies.
The streamlined portable computers are shaking up more than the traditional model of computer retailing. The shift to netbooks is rocking computer manufacturing, as well. Sales of netbooks are forecast to double this year, even as overall PC purchases fall 12 percent, according to the research firm Gartner. By the end of 2009, netbooks could account for close to 10 percent of the PC market, an astonishing rise in a short span.
Low-cost netbooks also generate lower profits for manufacturers. While netbook sales continue to grow, there is concern that the growth comes at the expense of more lucrative laptop sales.
“A broad shift in the consumer market toward low-cost PCs would clearly put pressure on the revenues of nearly every player in the value chain,” according to a Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. research report this year.
In the United States, AT&T started the trend of selling netbooks in April with test marketing in some of its retail outlets. The ultra-portable computers feature modems that link to the company's high-speed, 3G data network. The company said last week that based on customer acceptance, it planned to offer netbooks from Acer, Dell and Lenovo online and in its stores by this summer.
Details such as price and technical specifications remain to be announced, though in the test marketing, the AT&T netbook sold for $50 with a two-year contract.
While AT&T tested the waters, Verizon plunged in. A week ago, the company rolled out a netbook from Hewlett-Packard for $200, discounted significantly from the $520 price of a comparable HP netbook from traditional retailers.
Verizon's required data plans cost $40 or $60 a month.
Verizon's netbook includes Wi-Fi and the ability to log on to 3G data networks worldwide. Early reviews have pointed out that the total cost over two years could be high depending on how heavily an owner uses the Verizon data network.
Some industry analysts expect that at least one U.S. cell phone company will begin offering free netbooks this year.
There is no precise, common definition of a netbook. They are generally described as lightweight, averaging around 2 or 3 pounds, with built-in ability to link wirelessly to the Internet. Netbooks typically contain slower processors than laptops, which reduces the drain on batteries and lowers their cost. The less powerful processors make netbooks ill-suited for heavy lifting such as editing photos.
Netbooks are designed to run online software more than installed programs. This means much of the processing will be handled by the Internet servers, so they don't have as much need for a robust processor. They typically don't have CD or DVD drives, which helps reduce weight.
Some run Linux operating systems, others run Windows XP, and a few run Windows Vista.
Netbooks, by some definitions, typically run on chips made by Intel or AMD. San Diego-based Qualcomm is pushing a similar category of portable devices that run on top-of-the-line cell phone chips. That makes the Qualcomm-based devices more like scaled-up smart phones, while netbooks based on Intel's chips are similar to scaled-down laptops.
To distinguish from the laptop-related netbooks, Qualcomm uses the name “smartbook.” The devices will feature “always on” and “always online” networking, similar to a BlackBerry or iPhone with a bigger screen and keyboard, Qualcomm says.
Sereral manufacturers are planning to build smartbooks using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips. The company has announced deals to sell the chip to at least 15 major device manufacturers, including LG, Acer, Samsung and Asustek.
Qualcomm won't say how many of those manufacturers will make smartbooks, but has said some Snapdragon devices appearing this year would have 10-to 12-inch screens.
The company expects carriers to offer smartbooks this year in addition to netbooks, chip division spokesman Luis Pineda said.
“We're happy that Verizon is selling a notebook with 3G connectivity,” Pineda said. “We're excited that the carriers are looking at selling smartbooks. We're waiting for that first device
by the union-tribune
Today, the term is on its way to becoming a household word as the category of small, lightweight, inexpensive computers has grown from nearly nonexistent to become the hot industry segment.
They don't have the power of full-blooded laptops, but they offer the convenience of extreme portability and the ability to connect to the Internet through Wi-Fi and in some cases cell phones' high-speed data networks.
These attributes make netbooks a growth area in an otherwise down computer market.
With small screens – typically around 8 to 10 inches – netbooks fall in the gray area between smart phones and laptop computers. With two cell phone companies beginning to sell the diminutive computers, the lines are being blurred further.
Using the same strategy as they have for selling phones, Verizon and AT&T have begun selling netbooks at a subsidized, lower price in exchange for a two-year commitment to a data plan.
Although buying a computer at a phone store is a new idea, it's expected to catch on. Speaking to wireless industry executives earlier this year, Microsoft's president of entertainment devices, Robbie Bach, said that by 2012, a third of all netbooks will be sold by wireless phone companies.
The streamlined portable computers are shaking up more than the traditional model of computer retailing. The shift to netbooks is rocking computer manufacturing, as well. Sales of netbooks are forecast to double this year, even as overall PC purchases fall 12 percent, according to the research firm Gartner. By the end of 2009, netbooks could account for close to 10 percent of the PC market, an astonishing rise in a short span.
Low-cost netbooks also generate lower profits for manufacturers. While netbook sales continue to grow, there is concern that the growth comes at the expense of more lucrative laptop sales.
“A broad shift in the consumer market toward low-cost PCs would clearly put pressure on the revenues of nearly every player in the value chain,” according to a Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. research report this year.
In the United States, AT&T started the trend of selling netbooks in April with test marketing in some of its retail outlets. The ultra-portable computers feature modems that link to the company's high-speed, 3G data network. The company said last week that based on customer acceptance, it planned to offer netbooks from Acer, Dell and Lenovo online and in its stores by this summer.
Details such as price and technical specifications remain to be announced, though in the test marketing, the AT&T netbook sold for $50 with a two-year contract.
While AT&T tested the waters, Verizon plunged in. A week ago, the company rolled out a netbook from Hewlett-Packard for $200, discounted significantly from the $520 price of a comparable HP netbook from traditional retailers.
Verizon's required data plans cost $40 or $60 a month.
Verizon's netbook includes Wi-Fi and the ability to log on to 3G data networks worldwide. Early reviews have pointed out that the total cost over two years could be high depending on how heavily an owner uses the Verizon data network.
Some industry analysts expect that at least one U.S. cell phone company will begin offering free netbooks this year.
There is no precise, common definition of a netbook. They are generally described as lightweight, averaging around 2 or 3 pounds, with built-in ability to link wirelessly to the Internet. Netbooks typically contain slower processors than laptops, which reduces the drain on batteries and lowers their cost. The less powerful processors make netbooks ill-suited for heavy lifting such as editing photos.
Netbooks are designed to run online software more than installed programs. This means much of the processing will be handled by the Internet servers, so they don't have as much need for a robust processor. They typically don't have CD or DVD drives, which helps reduce weight.
Some run Linux operating systems, others run Windows XP, and a few run Windows Vista.
Netbooks, by some definitions, typically run on chips made by Intel or AMD. San Diego-based Qualcomm is pushing a similar category of portable devices that run on top-of-the-line cell phone chips. That makes the Qualcomm-based devices more like scaled-up smart phones, while netbooks based on Intel's chips are similar to scaled-down laptops.
To distinguish from the laptop-related netbooks, Qualcomm uses the name “smartbook.” The devices will feature “always on” and “always online” networking, similar to a BlackBerry or iPhone with a bigger screen and keyboard, Qualcomm says.
Sereral manufacturers are planning to build smartbooks using Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips. The company has announced deals to sell the chip to at least 15 major device manufacturers, including LG, Acer, Samsung and Asustek.
Qualcomm won't say how many of those manufacturers will make smartbooks, but has said some Snapdragon devices appearing this year would have 10-to 12-inch screens.
The company expects carriers to offer smartbooks this year in addition to netbooks, chip division spokesman Luis Pineda said.
“We're happy that Verizon is selling a notebook with 3G connectivity,” Pineda said. “We're excited that the carriers are looking at selling smartbooks. We're waiting for that first device
by the union-tribune
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
AT&T add six HD channels
AT&T has added six new high definitions channels to its U-verse HD channel lineup. U-verse customers can view MTV HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD, Nickelodeon HD, Comedy Central HD and Spike HD as part of their existing HD service subscription, depending on their programming package.
AT&T U-verse TV has two HD options. HD service is included with the U450 programming package or is available for an additional $10 a month with any other U-verse TV programming package. U-verse HD customers can get even more HD-exclusive channels with the HD Premium Tier for an additional $5 a month.
AT&T U-verse TV has two HD options. HD service is included with the U450 programming package or is available for an additional $10 a month with any other U-verse TV programming package. U-verse HD customers can get even more HD-exclusive channels with the HD Premium Tier for an additional $5 a month.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Union at AT&T
Three different contracts between AT&T and about 100,000 employees represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) expired at midnight, April 4, without an extension or replacement. Employees in the East, Midwest and West zones have continued to work, although 88 percent have voted to strike if new “fair” contracts aren’t forthcoming, according to a CWA statement.
Candice Johnson, communications director for the CWA, said the union is continuing to bargain with AT& T.
An additional contract covering CWA workers in the Southeast does not expire until August, although negotiations on that contract have been adjourned until June.
In three news releases announcing the contract expirations, AT&T said it “stands ready to negotiate at anytime in a continuing effort to reach an agreement.”
Last week, the company struck a deal with about 20,000 wireless employees covered by a Mobility Orange contract, which was approved by 73 percent of the covered employees. It covered wages, pensions and work rules.
Not covered in the new contract were wireless employees in the Southeast, Southwest and Puerto Rico.
by http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2009/04/06/daily16.html
Candice Johnson, communications director for the CWA, said the union is continuing to bargain with AT& T.
An additional contract covering CWA workers in the Southeast does not expire until August, although negotiations on that contract have been adjourned until June.
In three news releases announcing the contract expirations, AT&T said it “stands ready to negotiate at anytime in a continuing effort to reach an agreement.”
Last week, the company struck a deal with about 20,000 wireless employees covered by a Mobility Orange contract, which was approved by 73 percent of the covered employees. It covered wages, pensions and work rules.
Not covered in the new contract were wireless employees in the Southeast, Southwest and Puerto Rico.
by http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/stories/2009/04/06/daily16.html
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