Unwired View has investigated the patents of the upcoming iPhone and reports this:

"During his presentation of the iPhone, Steve Jobs mentioned that they have filed for more then 200 patents to protect the inventions they’ve put into this new gadget. Want to know what exactly have they patented? Then read on.

To find out which of the cool iPhone features has been patented by Apple and are now protected from replication and which ones you can expect to be copied soon by the likes of Nokia, Samsung or Motorola, we’ve combed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark database and checked all relevant Apple’s patents.

And we came to a conclusion that this time Steve Jobs did his homework and most of the key features that make iPhone an iPhone will not be easily copied by competitors. This applies to Multi touch display, the idea to use full screen of the device for User Interface, scrolling, zooming and other finger gestures, soft on screen controls, multifunctionality, proximity, ambient light sensors and many other functions."

Unwired View then goes on to report on patents relating to:
MULTI-TOUCH SCREEN
MULTIFINGER GESTURES
DEVICE INTEGRATION
Full screen touch screen display covering almost all the area of the hand-held device and operated mainly through on screen buttons
Multifunctionality - iPod, Cellphone and Internet Communicator in one device. Functions changes through software. Switching between applications (Phone, iPod, Internet) through on screen buttons
MULTITASKING
ACCELEROMETER
PROXIMITY DETECTOR
SYSTEM FOR SENSING AMBIENT LIGHT

Of interest is the "Multitasking" patents, something not covered elsewhere or in any demos. Perhaps it is not going to be fully functional in version 1 of the iPhone software, but surely the hardware has the capability, it will be a software development issue. The Multitasking patents describe activating a unique GUI display if one hits two or more device functionalities (buttons?) simultaneously. Is it possible that Jobs has hidden features of the iPhone he has not revealed in the same way as he demoed Mac OS X Leopard? This would be a phenomenal feature that would be very difficult for the competition to match. So far, all the competition has been able to talk about is making a phone that looks like an iPhone. But they don't get it. Their rip-offs won't function like an iPhone.

Unwired View continues, "So Steve Jobs exclaimed during keynote “And boy have we patented it!” it was not an empty boast. The have indeed PATENTED it. And though not all of the claims have received patent protection yet and even less of them may withstand scrutiny in court if Apple decides to enforce them, many of the claims should should stick.

I guess Steve has learned his lessons from Mac and there it would be very difficult for Nokia or Samsung to repeat the Microsoft Windows feat and create an iPhone knock-off without violating at least some of Apple’s IP."


Apple 80 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)

Apple Tech News reports:

"Apple is hard at work making the next version of the iPhone worth every penny of its subsidized $499 price tag. The next iPhone probably due out at Macworld or early spring of '08 will incorporate a GPS receiver chip closely matching the SiRFstarIII from SiRF Technology. Even though the StarIII’s power consumption is a bit higher than Apple would like it is considered the best chip for a mobile device of this kind, having the capability to receive signals from 20 different satellites simultaneously and a super fast First Fix Time.

Because of the high expectations placed upon the iPhone, Apple is certain to use a chipset using Assisted GPS technology, which cuts down the time needed to determine a location using GPS. (A-GPS) is necessary in urban areas with tall buildings or locations with heavy tree cover.

The first phone/GPS devise to fully utilize this technology is CNS-4320 from DiXCOM. The CNS-4320 hybrid device uses GSM radio with GPRS data for text and multimedia messaging. DiXCOM has also equipped the CNS with the Traffic Message Channel (TMC) for real time traffic information, a technology Apple is thought to be developing."


Apple 80 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)

"What will change? Pretty much everything," Ahonen writes.

Communities Dominate Brands article about the ensuing iPhone era:

"Lets start with the obvious. From June all handset makers will get their first tests of the iPhone. Then Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, SonyEricsson, LG, and the dozens of second and third tier manufacturers will all see what they are up against. Not the outwardly form factor - yes, the iPhone is cool and slick and sexy - but the more important internal software. How do they make it so user-friendly? This is Apple's strong suit. More so than even stunning outwardly design, is the internal software on user interface. The iPhone for most of its parts will definitely be the best phone out there. Yes, it probably will not be perfect at all, not the very first version (although it might be that too) but certainly in most major features, making calls, listening to voice mail, sending and receiving most messages, accessing the web, consuming music and videos - the iPhone will be supreme," Ahonen writes.

"So from June all reviewers around the world will compare all new high-end phones with the iPhone. How near do they arrive in being 'almost as good as the iPhone.' This is the phrase we will see in most reviews of smartphones. And the yardstick in usability will from now on - and my prediction is that for the fore-seeable future of mobile phones - the latest iPhone. A clear watershed moment in the industry. For the first time a major handset device which was designed from the start to be both a multipurpose smartphone and yet easy to use," Ahonen writes.

"Much like the Western calendar marks time from before and after Jesus Christ, and how the computer world changed totally by the Macintosh - remembering that Windows is Microsoft's copy of the Mac operating system - I am certain that the mobile telecoms world will count its time in two Eras. The Era BI: time Before the iPhone, and the ERA AI: time After the iPhone."


Apple 80 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)

According to Macsimum News:

“The iPhone is one of the most anticipated handsets ever in the wireless industry, and we want to make sure that every drop of equity from the iPhone accrues to the AT&T brand,” AT&T spokesman Michael Coe told Reuters. “We want to be as far along as possible with our rebranding in advance of the launch of the iPhone.”

The article begins by stating, "AT&T plans to speed up its re-branding campaign at Cingular wireless stores, seeking to raise AT&T’s profile ahead of the launch of the iPhone next month."

According to MacDailyNews:
"Apple iPhone has been granted FCC certification."

The article includes links to documents which are the official results of the U.S Federal Communication Commission.

"The documents include Apple's confidentiality requests to the FCC:

Apple requests that the Commission withhold the following documents from public viewing for forty-five days after the date certification is granted:
• Test Setup Photographs
• External Photographs
• Internal Photographs
• User Manual

Apples requests that the Commission withhold the following documents from public viewing indefinitely:
• Block Diagram
• Operational Diagram
• Radio Schematic
• Radio Bill of Material
• Radio Tune-up Procedure
• Exhibit Notes"

The fact that in the documentation it states that Apple has requested to withhold certain documents for forty-five days after the certification is granted suggests that the release of the iPhone is on schedule for the end of June.

In case we haven't mentioned this before, after you purchase your iPhone, come back and download iPhone movies optimized for the iPhone's bright wide screen.

According to AppleInsider:

"On Friday, AT&T sent out an e-mail to those who had signed up for news on the iPhone's availability. In doing so, it also confirmed interface changes that had always been hinted at, but rarely mentioned."

"One product shot included in the e-mail shows new buttons in the Google Maps tool included with the phone that were briefly shown during Jobs' keynote at Macworld San Francisco. Two new icons, one of a car (Directions, Traffic conditions?) and one of a knife and fork (Restaurants?), can be found in the bottom corners of the image."

"This and other images also reinforced the change from Cingular to AT&T branding for the official launch and the title bar on the iPhone's screen."

This confirms what was seen of the interface in the video in our post, Hidden details about the iPhone when the iPod was being demoed.

Of course, our iPhone movies are going to look great on the iPhone's large, bright screen.

After you purchase your iPhone, come back and download iPhone movies optimized for the iPhone's bright wide screen.

According to several reports, the anticipation of the release of the Apple iPhone is high with many wanting to be first in line to receive it. MacDailyNews states they have confirmed an official AT&T internal memo:

"To: All Company Owned Retail Employees
From: [Name removed]
Subject: iPhone Launch Period
Date: May 4, 2007

As previously announced, Apple and AT&T will soon debut the iPhone, which combines a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and breakthrough internet communications into one small and lightweight handheld device. The new AT&T has a multiyear, exclusive agreement to provide U.S. service for the iPhone.

To ensure proper staffing during the product launch period, Sales personnel planning to take approved time off are encouraged to schedule their vacations before June 15 or after July 15 to participate in the iPhone launch.

Previously approved vacation will be allowed where voluntary rescheduling is not feasible.

No additional vacation requests will be approved during the launch period (6/15 – 7/15).

I want to thank you in advance for your understanding as this is likely to be the biggest selling period we have seen in a few years.

Happy Selling,

[Name removed]"

According to MacRumors:

"As previously reported, iPhone support individuals are being hired. Training will reportedly begin on May 30th and will continue through June 20th. The actual launch should presumably be expected after the June 20th date.

Meanwhile, Apple Stores have begun seeing Cingular technicians visiting the store to test network (mobile) connectivity throughout the store. This move, of course, makes sense in that customers will expect good Cingular reception at the stores in which they will be buying the iPhone."

AppleInsider reports:
"Less controllable on the carrier's part was an alleged leak which claimed that the iPhone displays in AT&T's own stores were in the works and would stand out among the crowd.

Where most cellphone displays are often slim and share resources with competing models on the show floor, the iPhone's space will purportedly stand 7 feet tall by 3 feet wide. It will also demand its own individualized power supply and network cabling -- a strong suggestion that Apple, AT&T, or both are insisting that demo models are live and connected to the Internet."

Meanwhile, Business 2.0 Beta blog reports that:
"...bidding wars had broken on eBay for pre-sale iPhones, with Buy It Now prices reaching as high as $10,000 for a "14 Kart SolidGold" model. The postings would appear to be in violation of eBay's pre-sale rules, which require that items be available for shipping within 30 days of the start of an auction."

"As of this morning, most of those offers had been withdrawn, replaced by pitches for "Apple iPhone.com domain names," whatever that means, for Buy It Now prices as high as $19,999. One auction for an iPhone was still progress, however, with 20 bids and a top offer of $1,249.69."

But according to The Boy Genius Report, an internal AT&T document clearly states that the iPhone is not to be pre-sold:
"Sales for the iPhone will be on a first come, first served basis. No wait list of names will be taken and NO pre-selling is allowed."

The opening day of sales in June should be interesting to say the least.


Apple 80 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)

At Mac360, Kate MacKenzie and Bambi Hambi had five minutes with the Apple iPhone at MacWorld and pen their impressions in My 5 Minutes Alone With Apple’s New iPhone. Kate MacKenzie first writes, "First, iPhone’s screen is stunning. Absolutely crystal clear, bright, with resolution that will max out many credit card limits. Second, the size feels both small and not small at the same time."

"iPhone feels wider than Apple’s iPod with video, and feels a little thicker, though it’s not. It’s an optical illusion brought about by the full screen."

"Considering that there’s no hard drive inside, iPhone appears to weigh about the same as the low end iPod with video."

Bambi Hambi then agrees, adding, "The screen jumps at you when iPhone is turned on." Later she writes, "I remember checking out the iPod with video when it first came out. The video was good, but I thought, 'Too small for movies or TV shows.' That’s not the case with iPhone. This screen begs to be watched."

Check back here at MOVIEiPHONE.com for iPhone movies to watch on that screen.

"That was it. It was over. 5 minutes, a few scrolls, some taps, some double tapping, and no phone call. I’ll buy one."

In its article, Will the iPhone be the Apple of Apple's Eye?, Harris Interactive reports, "The iPhone is a revolutionary new product that has the potential to turn the technology world on its ear and with the anxiously awaited Apple® product expected to be available this June, Harris Interactive® recently took a quick pulse of American adults to determine how strong the buzz really is. Although iPhone is not yet a household word, 47 percent of respondents were aware of the product and a full 17 percent expressed interest in purchasing it, which makes for a pretty loud buzz from consumers for a product that isn’t yet available."

Harris Interactive continues, "Perhaps a more interesting question to ask is when U.S. adults would buy this product. Of those expressing interest to purchase, nine percent say they would buy at product launch and another eight percent would buy before their current wireless service contract expired. About 17 percent say they would wait for their current wireless contract to expire before purchasing and 25 percent would purchase it - when their existing wireless carrier offers the iPhone. Finally, a full 40 percent of buyers intend to wait for the price to come down."

Additionally, Harris Interactive writes, "Commenting on the survey results Joseph Porus, Vice President of Harris Interactive’s Technology Practice said, 'Apple's new iPhone has shaken the industry to its core. Look for strong sales and a new cult to develop around iPhone. Also expect increased orders for midnight oil as competitors scramble to play catch-up.'"

Be sure to check back to MOVIEiPHONE.com after you purchase your iPhone and download a movie optimized for its bright wide screen.

In Forbes.com's article Ahead of the Bell: Kids Eat Up Apple, the Associated Press reports, "Apple Inc. continues to enjoy strong interest from high school students in both its iPod and new iPhone, according to results from a recent Piper Jaffray survey."

The article continues, "The study also showed that 84 percent of students surveyed had heard of the iPhone, a wireless Internet device and cell phone. Furthermore, 25 percent said they would shell out $500 to buy the device, which is set for release in the U.S. in June."

In a client note, Gene Munster, a senior research analyst for Piper Jaffray, wrote, "'We believe that the teen demographic is a critical component of long-term growth in both markets, and Apple is clearly leading the category.'"

"Apple has captured the 'cool factor' among high school students."


Apple 80 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)

Actioncorp TV prepared this video after reviewing Steve Jobs keynote introducing the iPhone. After going back over the keynote with a fine tooth comb, several hidden details surfaced and are presented in this video. Notably, the Calendar application, Directions and Traffic, Letter Scrolling, and Ringtones.

Although I disagree with the video about the button on the bottom left for directions and traffic. The reviewer admits he can't make out what the icon is; I think it is the universal logo for "restaurants", a knife and fork, therefore the button is for finding nearby restaurants.

Great anticipating about this groundbreaking device. Of course, our iPhone movies are going to look great on the iPhone's large, bright screen.



In the meantime, you can watch movies on the following iPod models:
Apple 80 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)
Apple 80 GB iPod video White (5.5 Generation)
Apple 30 GB iPod video Black (5.5 Generation)
Apple 30 GB iPod video White (5.5 Generation)

Some good comments yesterday in Slate's The iPhone Wannabes by Paul Boutin.

Paul writes, "When Jobs touts the iPhone as three devices in one, he's selling it short: It's a computer, not some limited, specialized gizmo. That means that rather than a fixed set of applications—music, video, Web browsing, chat—it can, in theory, run any program that works on a Mac. The iPhone's killer feature, then, is probably something that doesn't even exist yet. It has the potential to spawn a mobile application as mind-blowing as the Web browser..."

Paul continues, "Once the third-party application restrictions start to loosen, the iPhone won't be just a phone. It'll be a platform."

Further, Paul adds that its "interface looks and works more like the computer you use all day, blurring the distinction between the two. There's nothing else like it in the pipeline."

Of course, we think it will be a great device to watch our movies on the road, too, with its bigger and brighter, higher-resolution screen. Better than the competition's. But that's only one thing it excels at -- a device that can do so many things well. It will be exciting to see how the iPhone changes the future of how we use handheld devices.

As of this date, the best close-up look at the iPhone's unique graphical user interface -- from an actual iPhone in use -- is this video from CBS News.

Of course, you can see by watching the interface why the iPhone is going to be such an exceptional phone -- as well as a mini-computer of sorts allowing you to surf the web, calendar appointments, and link to your contacts -- but also take a look at that large bright screen and imagine what a great personal video player the iPhone will be.



Our movies at MOVIEiPHONE.com are optimized for the large screen of the iPhone. And yet the file sizes are small enough to not crowd the storage space on your iPhone. With a good set of ear buds, a great movie watching experience.