Are you amazed? Why? Apple Computers has been working towards this since its first iMac was born. This is the ultimate in branding: It’s a seamless progression. And, as part of their business, Apple has become so much more than computers – so lose that word – it’s now just Apple period.
And, of course, Apple being Apple (innovation is it’s middle name), it questioned everything including the need for a button key pad. And so they eliminated it, making the iphone a totally unique product and once again proving that Apple is the only apple among a bunch of lemons.
The form of the iPhone is pure ipod: the graphics come right off OSX because the iPhone runs off OSX. And, in true Apple fashion, they realize that the damn stylus is a drag and ditched that too: get down and dirty, use ‘the best pointing devise in the world’ your pudgy fingers to make commands and scroll.
This is all possible by using multi-touch which Apple has patented, Apple has already created ‘desk top class’ applications including Google Maps, Apple’s calendar, address book, iphoto and Safari.
Unfortunately the telecommunications partner is Cingular which has limited to urban areas but on the plus side, it’s international. You can bet that Apple’s iPhone is going to be a universal hit.
(By the way, if you want to find a Starbucks in San Francisco next time you are there: just ask your iPhone.)