The iPhone is a series of smartphones designed by Apple Inc, a US based company that is known for the application of innovative and cutting-edge technology in various products including home and office electronics, music gadgets and computer and phone software.
The first iPhone was released on June 2007 (Pogue, 2009). The company has so far released four versions of the products, namely: iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4. The company is set to release the fifth generation of iPhone, known as iPhone 5 later this year.
The iPhone user interface provides multiple user interaction and incorporates the concepts of direct input and touch. The operating system that runs the device is based on the same one used in the iPod Touch and iPad, both manufactured by Apple, Inc.
Features of the IPhone
All lines of the iPhone contain basic features associated with smartphones such the ability to capture videos and pictures, sending text messages, receiving voicemail, internet connectivity, and an Internet client with email and document management features.
The user-interface, which is the space where the user interacts with the device, is built around the multi-touch screen. The multi-touch screen also features a virtual keyboard as the iPhone does not have a physical keyboard. The screen is the main mode of interacting with the device.
General Use of the iPhone
As mentioned earlier, the main mode of interacting with the iPhone is through a multi-touch screen. This touchscreen is a 3.5-inch display with scratch resistant glass. The screen is very sensitive and senses slight finger touches, or multiple fingers for multi-touch operations such as swipe, tap, pinch, and reverse pinch (Pogue, 2009).
The device has undergone several improvements in its display abilities, wit the iPhone 4 having the best display among the series. Besides, screen sensitivity is tremendously improved and as a result, response to user input is swift and smooth.
The iPhone has very little hardware for input of information. A menu button is placed below the screen and closes the active apps, allowing the user to return the user to the home screen. A multi-use sleep/wake button is situated on the top part of the gadget.
The button serves several functions: it is the power button, control voice calls, silences incoming voice calls, and transfers incoming calls to voicemail (Pogue, 2009). Two buttons on the left hand side of the device are used to control volume, and directly above these buttons is a silence switch that mutes all sounds when in use
It is important to recognize that the iPhones display area reads intricate gestures through multi-touch. For instance, if user to move content up and down, he simply does this through a touch-drag finger motion. In order to enlarge images and web pages, a user places the two fingers on the screen and pulls then farther apart, a technique known as reverse pinch, or does a pinch finger motion to view in the default size. Scrolling through a long list is achieved by sliding a finger on the screen from bottom to top (LeVitus and Baig, 2010).
Using the Media features of the Device
The iPhone is a powerful media device, integrating several features from the iPod, Apples equally powerful media player. However, a user must first install iTunes on their computers so that they can transfer songs, videos, photos, audiobooks, podcasts and other portable media files into the iPhone.
ITunes is a software that acts as a media player on the computer and is used for synchronizing media files between a computer and either an iPod or iPhone. The software can be downloaded freely from Apples website. Media files can be opened by selecting them from media player, where they are organized by songs, artists, albums, videos, playlists, genres, composers, podcasts, audiobooks, and compilations.
The design of the music library on the iPhone is identical to that of an iPod. While playing videos, users can switch to portrait or landscape modes according to the aspect ratio of the videos. The landscape mode enables a user to access Cover Flow, a feature that displays different album covers in a scroll through photo gallery (LeVitus and Baig, 2010).
The iPhone allows users to watch television shows and films in widescreen. Double touching the display area switches between fullscreen and widescreen view modes. Volume is altered through the volume control hardware or through a slider on the screen.
To access the vast multimedia features of the iPhone, a user taps the iTunes icon and browses the required files. To purchase music, video, podcasts, photos and other media files online, an iTunes Store account is required, if a user has already created one and has transferred funds into it, then he/she scrolls and selects or searches for the required content. Download of the selected files begins immediately. A new iTunes Store account can be created through the same application.
Using the Camera
All generations of the iPhone have a camera fixed on the back for capturing photos. Later versions of the iPhones operating system allow users to insert location information in the pictures, creating photos with location information attached to them (Pogue, 2009).
IPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 have video capture abilities. These models also allow video editing. The iPhone 4 is also fitted has a second camera located on the front that can be used for taking photos, video recording, and video calling (LeVitus and Baig, 2010). To activate a camera, a user taps on the camera icon located on the touchscreen, to switch to video mode, simply tap on the Options button and select video capture.
Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity is possible through local network (such as that restricted to an airport of university) or a wide area network provided by a cellular service provider such as AT&T. 3G connectivity is only available through the iPhone 3G and iPhone 4 versions.
By default, the device will ask a user to join a Wi-Fi network whenever it detects one, however, this can also be done manually (LeVitus and Baig, 2010). It will automatically connect to the strongest network available. When flying, users are advised to switch over to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (Pogue, 2009).
IPhone users can browse the web through the Safari browser, the browser is designed by Apple and is used in all Apple devices. Websites can be viewed in landscape or portrait and can be enlarged by multi-touch finger motions (Pogue, 2009). It is important that a user know how to use the internet as it allows one to access unlimited information on almost all topics, such as weather, stocks, events, latest news, entertainment, academic materials, communicate with others, purchase items and pay online, and so on.
To begin a browsing session, a user taps on the Safari browser icon on the screen and inputs the right web address. If the text on the screen is too small, the size can be increased by a techniques described above, known as reverse-pinch.
E-mail and text messages
Due to the significance of internet communication through email, the iPhone features an advanced e-mail program to assist in communication. This email program enables the user to attach image files contained in the phone to an e-mail message.
PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments can also be viewed and edited using a combination of touch motions and the virtual keyboard on the display area. To have an easier input of text, users should use the landscape view mode. A magnifying glass is activated by pressing and holding a section of the keyboard. The keyboard can predict text and has an auto-correct feature.
Text messages allow phone users to communicate via short messages. In the iPhone, text messages are arranged chronologically in similar style as e-mails, where messages from recipients and replies are grouped together.
Conclusion
The iPhone series of smartphones have been hailed not only as a breakthrough internet communication, but also as a revolutionary touchscreen device and has altered the way people view and use smartphones.
These devices incorporate the latest cutting edge technologies in the electronic world, and is regularly a pioneer of most of these applications. The iPhone has definitely altered peoples view and experiences while using smartphones. However, the capability of the device can be optimized by knowing how to use the various built-in applications and features.
References
LeVitus, Bob, and Baig, Edward C. IPhoneFor Dummies, 4th Ed. NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2010.
The study of products made by Apple can reveal many interesting details about the smartphone market in general and the customer decision-making process in particular. One of the latest releases is the iPhone X, launched in the second half of 2017 (Simon 2017). After the concept for the new iPhone was revealed, the company undertook multiple steps to ensure not only successful sales but worldwide brand recognition.
Throughout the years, Apples products have been leading the smartphone market (Capatina & Draghescu 2015). However, for its latest invention, the firm took a slightly different approach by focusing on the phones innovative and entertaining features and marketing. While the launches of previous iPhone models were based on similar concepts, the iPhone Xs case has some differences that should be pointed out. This report will analyze the marketing campaign for the iPhone X, using such marketing concepts as a product, production, and marketing orientation.
Literature Review
The use of marketing concepts for the products analysis allows the outlining of those specific strategies that a company chooses to follow to sell its products. For example, production orientation is a concept based on the belief that consumers are interested in buying the most affordable goods available on the market (Armstrong et al. 2014). This principle can be used by firms that try to develop cheap products and lower the costs in all possible areas of expense.
The next type is product orientation, where companies focus on the products unique or exciting features in order to show that their goods are of the highest quality and value possible (Armstrong et al. 2014). Here, the final product becomes the center of all the firms efforts. The third concept is marketing orientation, in which firms believe that a successful marketing campaign can drastically improve product sales (Armstrong et al. 2014). Finally, societal marketing is another concept that focuses on consumers needs and ethical considerations. All of these concepts can be used by a company in various proportions as they do not directly contradict each other.
Apple uses the concepts of product and marketing orientation for its latest smartphone, the iPhone X. The implementation of both ideas can be seen in the companys marketing strategy prior to the phones launch. First of all, focus on the product is present in all campaigns of the firm, including its first and final launches. According to Capatina and Draghescu (2015), the iPhone was created with the intention of influencing customers perception of smartphones, especially their functionality, usability, and exclusivity. In fact, these phones advertising always tries to make them stand out in the market.
In the case of the iPhone X, multiple key features are fleshed out. First of all, the phone offers a screen that has no borders and takes up the entire surface of the phones front. Other features include Face ID and Animoji, as well as new camera effects (iPhone X 2017). Innovation, a typical area of concentration for Apple, is clearly visible in the marketing campaign which uses such phrases as that vision is now a reality and say hello to the future (iPhone X 2017, para. 1).
Another concept used by Apple focuses on active marketing. According to Simon (2017), the company pushed entertaining features of the phone for a reason, convincing customers to open discussions and share information about the new product. Apple gave popular reviewers a chance to use the iPhone X before the official launch and fleshed out its fun features in its advertisements (Image 1; Simon 2017). For example, during the first days after the start of sales, many videos and images with the use of Animoji appeared all over the Internet (Simon 2017). The weakness of this concept lies in the companys focus on products and not on customer needs. People may not want the phone to have so many innovative features in exchange for such a high price.
Here, the utilization of the marketing concept is apparent, as the company has clearly tried to attract new customers with creative marketing from not only Apple but the clients themselves. It is possible that this focus in marketing was used to compensate for the phones high price and create a strong and enticing advertising campaign. This approach may have worked well for the company, as its revenue from smartphone sales increased after the launch of the iPhone X although the number of sold phones decreased, suggesting that the expensive model was still popular (Table 1).
The strategy of companies, including Apple, is based on the consumer decision-making process. This model has five steps: need recognition, information searches, alternative evaluation, purchase and post-purchase (Wolny & Charoensuksai 2014, p. 319). The first step, need recognition, explains the way people decide that they need to purchase something. A product must convince a person that he or she needs it. Apple creates this sense of necessity by highlighting the unique and innovative features of the new phone.
For instance, the iPhone X has a Face ID that allows people to unlock their phones using their faces (iPhone X 2017). The companys marketing presents this feature as an easy way of using ones smartphone, appealing to the customers need for simplicity. This smartphone is also often compared to other products and is described as a one of a kind device, which corresponds with the third step, alternative evaluation. People often make purchases based on reviews, which is reflected in Apples advertising. A powerful online representation of iPhones through YouTube and other social media heavily influences purchasing decisions (Simon 2017).
Conclusions and Recommendations
The marketing strategy of Apple is based on highlighting the distinctive features of its products. The new iPhone X is marketed towards customers as an innovative experience that opens the door to the future of technology. The company uses product orientation by focusing on the smartphones unique features and marketing orientation by using different channels of information distribution. These concepts are utilized to appeal to clients and present them with a product that is not only functional but also entertaining and exciting to have. As Apple remains one of the leaders in the smartphone market, it is clear that their marketing strategy is highly effective.
Armstrong, G, Adam, S, Denize, S & Kotler, P 2014, Principles of marketing, 6th edn, Pearson Australia, Melbourne.
Capatina, G & Draghescu, F 2015, Success factors of new product launch: the case of iPhone launch, International Journal of Economics and Finance, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 61-70.
Wolny, J & Charoensuksai, N 2014, Mapping customer journeys in multichannel decision-making, Journal of Direct, Data and Digital Marketing Practice, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 317-326.
Appendix 1
Image 1: iPhone X reviews (Apple reviews iPhone X 2017).
Appendix 2
Table 1: Apples iPhone Sales in the First Quarter of 2018.
Q1 2018
Q4 2017
Q1 2017
Year Change (Percentages)
Units
Revenue
Units
Revenue
Units
Revenue
Units
Revenue
77,316
$61,576
46,677
$28,846
78,290
$54,378
-1%
13%
In this table, units of sold iPhone devices are shown in thousands, while the revenue is in millions. The year change column includes the difference between the four quarters of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018. As can be seen, the quantity of sold phones decreased while the revenue increased due to the latest models being the most expensive ones. The company presented information only about the first and the last quarters of 2017. The sequential change between the last quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018 is omitted from the table.
The analysis of David Pogue’s review of new model of Blackberry fails to provide a fair assessment because it focuses mainly on negative critique. In particular, the author criticizes the concept, introduction of clicking sounds for the touch screen board, and software design in general.
Despite the dominance of negative comments, Pogue still manages to introduce some positive insights to the article. The favorable review has been dedicated to the analysis of touch screen effect, particularly to the click sounds, which seems to be an advantage of Blackberry Storm.
However, these positive comments are intertwined with ironic remarks concerning the practical side of this novelty. Two types of touchiness are applicable to register the click. Positive connotation is also presented at the end of the article, when the author refers to specific function and overall design of the device. Thus, the author notes, “I you’re one of the few remaining rich people in this county, you can even use this phone overseas…the phone features are excellent; calls are loud and clear” (Pogue, n.p.).
There are also many other extensive features which allow the phone producers to gain a competitive advantage over other smartphones. The positive features discussed at the end do not contribute to the overall negative evaluation because readers have already received the author’s overall perception of the new model.
The positive comments cover only one fifth of the entire reviews. Moreover, these comments are endowed with hues of sarcasm and irony. The rest of the critique is dedicated to negative representation of device’s features. Similes, metaphorical constructions, repetitions, and interrogative sentences create a full picture of Pogue’s negative attitude toward launching of the product.
At the very beginning, the author refers to Bleackberry Storm as “Dud”, the unnecessary and useful devices that can be replaced by other much more effective tools of communication.
Further, the critic makes a number of successful comparisons concerning the absence of physical keyboard, which he identifies with “iPhone without a school wheel…Prius with terrible mileage…Cracker Jack without prize inside” (Pogue n. p.) All these comparisons are persuasive enough to understand that this feature is the essence of Blackberry concept and design.
Use of interrogative sentences is also among the approaches that Pogue uses to emphasize the disadvantages of the new model. The interrogative intonation is also presented in the article title and in the body. While explaining the pitfalls of Blackberry Storm, the author refers to such words as “trouble”, “issue”, and “problem”. There are rare occasions that Pogue introduce explicit and heavy criticism of the model.
Such an approach makes the negative comments even more convincing and persuasive. Using simple descriptions that start with questioning and comparisons provides a satirical view on the new function of Blackberry. While resorting to these assumptions, positive comments lose their value due to the inappropriate use of functions, as well as lack conformity between software design and the corresponding tasks.
While reviewing the new production, the author relies on personal experience in employing these functions. Hence, when he describes the pitfalls of touch screen key board the author writes, “to type “get” you press the GH, ER and TY keys. Unfortunately, that’s also “hey”” (Pogue n. p.). Hence, typing by means of tine keyboard creates serious problems and diminishes the practical value and usability of the device. Removing physical keyboard, the producers failed to meet the requirements of the standard virtual keyboard.
What do you think was the main reason for iPhone’s success in America?
As I am sure, the main reason for the success of Apple in America was their perfect understanding and use of the 7 P’s of marketing (Tracy 2004). The company has produced a high-quality product, understood when the price needs to be lowered and acted so, managed to promote their product so well that people have idolized it, used attractive packaging and right places to sell it, initially positioned its product as superior and sophisticated and attracted the right target market (young people using the product for personal needs rather than business).
With tough competition from Nokia, HTC and Blackberry, do you think iPhone is as successful in Europe as in America? Why or why not?
It is true that after its introduction to Europe, the iPhone has faced strong competition with Nokia, HTC, and Blueberry. However, it is clear that the iPhone is now as successful in Europe as in America. At first, the competitors were stronger, but nowadays, the main reason, for which the iPhone is in a superior position, is IOC (Tung 2015). Symbian, the operating system of Nokia, is now considered a disadvantaged system; moreover, Nokia is now facing a serious decline and is almost out of the competition. Blueberry OC and Android are currently losing their positions to IOC in Europe. Since IOC is more sophisticated and less prone to breakdowns, the iPhone is likely to continue being successful in Europe.
Help Apple to formulate a strategy and a marketing plan for Europe
In my opinion, Apple needs to employ the following strategy in Europe. First, it is necessary to stop their agreements with mobile network operators (Faheem 2008, p. 630). Such agreements are dissatisfying the customers and making them unlock phones to use their network of choice. Second, the prices need to be lowered since the iPhone is still known as an expensive phone.
The marketing plan for the iPhone in Europe can proceed as follows:
The target market should be enlarged. The already existing target market should be kept, as it has proven to be successful. The current target market includes Millennials, who use phones for personal purposes and prefer active online communication. Apple needs to include older generations to its target market, as well as the individuals using smartphones for business.
Apple needs to keep its unique selling proposition the same, i.e. make its products speak for themselves instead of inventing a motto.
The prices need to be lowered to suit European customers.
The distribution policy should make iPhones as available as possible. The company must be able to meet the demand of prospective customers.
The typical Apple promotion strategy (creating buzz around its products) needs to be changed. As time passes, it makes people more ironic and irritated than excited. The company should employ a more stable promotion mode.
The current online marketing strategy of Apple is workable and should be preserved.
Do you think Apple’s superior technology is helping it to achieve market shares?
In my opinion, being technologically superior allows Apple to gain market shares and defeat its rivals in the market. As it was said, many people now consider iOS more sophisticated that Android and Blueberry OC (Tung 2015), not to mention Symbian. Apple produces more durable batteries than Android, which has an important impact on customers’ buying decisions. IOC works faster and is far less inclined to random shutdown than Android. In addition to these facts, Apple, unlike many rivals (such as Samsung) launches new devices only when it is able to produce something even more sophisticated, which is a winning strategy. Due to these factors, Apple’s sales are currently rising and are likely to continue being that way.
Reference List
Faheem, H 2008, Apple Inc.’s iPhone: Can iPhone maintain its initial momentum. Web.
The iPhone 3G is a smartphone developed by Apple Inc. as an improvement of its predecessor the original iPhone. The phone does not have a keypad and users depend entirely on a touch-screen that has a virtual keypad that has the capacity to function as well as a physical one. Apart from the phone capabilities, the iPhone also boasts the multimedia capability including having a powerful camera, having media player capabilities comparable to its iPod sibling and having internet connection capabilities that can handle emails and web browsing.
iPhone 3G was launched on July 11th 2008; as an improvement to the original iPhone released approximately a year earlier, the new phone is able to support the fastest 3G data speeds in addition to a raft of other improvements. However, most other specifications are shared between the older and the newer generation iPhone.
Technical Features
As mentioned before many features are shared between the two generations of iPhone released by Apple. The phone comes armed with a 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 480×320 pixels at 160 PPI. The aspect ratio of the display is 3:2. Commands are given to the phone through a screen interface with multi-touch capabilities; additionally, there are physical buttons for power on the top surface and a ‘home button. The phone also has a 2-megapixel camera and Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities.
Additional features of the 3G
The phone comes with an 8 or 10 GB storage capacity as flash memory and a 128 MB DRAM memory; the latter supports the functions of the iPhone operating system. In addition to the location finding capabilities found in the original phone, the iPhone 3G.
Dimensions
The phone has a height of 115.5mm (4.5 inches), a width of 62.1mm (2.4 inches) and a thickness of 12.3mm (.048 inches). The weight of the phone is 133 grams.
Display capabilities
The touch-screen has a special feature that enables multi-touch operations that are specifically designed to respond to finger input. The screen is protected by a scratchproof glass panel. The 9cm liquid crystal display is basically a capacitive display that requires bare skin for electric conductivity required or touch-screen inputs; thus the phone cannot be operated by a gloved hand or stylus. The display has the remarkable ability to render up to 262,144 colors.
The obvious problem arises in installation of a sensitive touch-screen on a telephone; for example, what happens when the phone comes into contact with the skin of the face. To solve this problem, Apple has installed three proximity sensors; one turn off the touch functions of the screen when the phone is brought near the face during a call; this is aimed both at reducing the power consumed by the phone at any one time and to prevent activation of the touch-screen by the face. The brightness of the screen is adjusted also to save power by an ambient light sensor that detects the light in the environment and adjusts the screen effectively. The third sensor is a 3-axis accelerometer that detects how the phone is oriented and changes the screen to fit the orientation.
Battery
The iPhone has a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can power up to 10 hours of 2G telephone functions, 5 hours of 3G communications and 5 or 6 hours of data functions depending on whether it’s on a 3G or a Wi-Fi network respectively. The company also says that the battery can power up to 7 hours of continuous viewing of digital videos, and six hours of continuous web surfing, eight hours of telephone activities, 24 hours of continuous music function and up to 250 hours on idle standby. The company also claims that the battery has the ability to maintain up to 80% of its original capacity even after 400 cycles of full discharge and recharge.
A big disadvantage however with the iPhone 3G battery is that the user cannot replace the battery since it is sealed inside the phone and in the newer models, it is even soldiered in. Therefore, if the battery was to malfunction prematurely then the user has to return the phone to Apple and have the battery replaced for free if the period of the warranty has not expired [Apple Inc]. If the period of warranty has expired, the company can still replace the battery but with a charge amounting to about 50% of the cost of buying a new iPhone 8GB. However, it is not entirely impossible to replace an iPhone battery; third-party replacement tools and procedures have been developed. However, if a user replaces a battery for him or herself or by the use of a third-party technician, the warranty becomes void. The issue of battery replacement has been a point of contention between the company and some consumer rights organizations such as the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights regarding both the fee of replacement and the reduced freedom of the user compared to other phones whose battery is not sealed in, soldiered and easy to replace (Lee, 2007).
Phone functions and capabilities
Various capabilities of the iPhone make it superior to other conventional phones; these include phone conferencing capabilities, call merging and cellular network integration. Additionally, the merging of the iPod and a mobile phone has resulted in features that are unique to such an innovation; for example, the phone can fade out a playing song when a call is received and then gradually fades the music back once the user hangs up.
In countries with features that support the feature, the phone has visual voicemail that allows a user to see the number of voicemail messages on the display without having to dial the voicemail network. Additionally, the user can listen and delete such messages without having to follow a chronological order.
Multimedia capabilities
The phone has inherited all the remarkable multimedia capabilities of its iPod siblings. The music library is formatted in a manner similar to the iPod with the songs being categorized in terms of artist, composers, play-list, albums et cetera. The user can access the various categories via scrolling on the screen interface by swiping a finger across the LCD.
The phone, much like the fifth-generation iPods supports video playback and a user can even view television and films on the widescreen format; however, unlike similar devices that can play digital videos, the iPhone can only show such in a landscape mode; that is when the phone is tilted sideways. In order to view live television, a special external tuner card has to be attached.
In addition to this, iPhone users can buy and download music directly from iTunes Store.
Data capabilities
Users of the iPhone can access the internet if they are connected to a Wi-Fi network localized in a small area or a GSM network spread over a large area. Additionally, the phone also supports data services routed through an EDGE network. The phone has the innate ability to choose the network that is strongest at the time; that is either Wi-Fi or EDGE; additionally, when the phone detects a localized Wi-Fi network automatically (for example in an university or workplace) and may prompt for a password automatically if such is required; alternatively a user can opt to join such a network via manual commands.
The phone’s native browser, Safari, can load most internet applications without any hitches including images, HTML, Canvas and Bonjour (Wilson, 2008; Riactant, 2007). The phone also supports other applications including YouTube, Google Earth; and can also load weather information, stock quotes and traffic updates by tapping into the internet.
The iPhone 3G versus competitors
Several other smartphone products are in the market and are direct competitors to the iPhone 3G (Mobilewhack, 2008). Some of them include;
LG Viewty KU990; this also has 3G capabilities, a 5-megapixel camera (compared to the 2 in the iPhone) and a 3-inch touch-screen display. Additionally, users are able to watch digital videos in the DivX format. The phone has a very stylish design. However, it still lacks some special features such as GPS positioning.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X1; with a slide-out QWERTY keypad and a 3 inch VGA display, the 2008 phone is giving the iPhone 3G a run for its money. Additionally, it can match the iPhone in data capabilities on almost every front.
Nokia XpressMedia 5800; unlike the others, this phone has GPS capabilities similar to the iPhone. It also boasts equivalent Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi capabilities. The touch-screen display has tactile feedback giving it an edge over the iPhone in this area.
Other products include;
Meizu Minion
HTC Touch Diamond
Blackberry thunder
Samsung Omnia; has a 3-inch touch-screen and 5-mega-pixel camera
OpenMoko Neo FreeRunner
Samsung Instinct
Phillips X800; this phone has a 35 days standby battery capacity and 8 hours of talk time. Additionally, it has an edge-to-edge touch screen.
Price
The 16 GB iPhone retails at $299 while the price is $199 for the 8GB version. While in the United States most of the phones are locked into the AT&T network, in most other countries the iPhone can be sold without being locked to a particular network and without a network; additionally, some regions have the option of unlocking the phone.
Some of the unlocked phones have found their way into the American market.
Conclusion
In 2007, after the launch of the first generation iPhone, the Time magazine named it the ‘Invention of the Year’ (Grossman, 2007). With the release of the second-generation iPhone with 3G capabilities, the sky is the limit as they seek to make wave in the mobile phone industry and specifically in the smartphone sub-sector.
Work cited
“Apple iPhone Features”. Apple Inc. Web.
Grossman, L. “Invention of the Year: The iPhone”. Time magazine (online): (2007): Web.
The report provides the comparison of three types of smartphones which are iPhone, Droid, and BlackBerry. The comparison is realized with references to the analysis of the smartphones’ basic technical characteristics and applications.
The purpose of the smartphones’ critical examination is to choose the most appropriate model among the variants proposed by three leading producers within the market. The main requirements accentuated while examining the variants are the options and functions of the model and its appropriateness for the everyday personal use.
To provide the necessary analysis of three types of smartphones, such criteria as the peculiarities of the operating system, usability, apps, the characteristic features of the models, and their price were determined.
iPhone 4S was recommended as the most fitting variant according to the presented criteria.
Introduction
The modern market of digital devices proposes a lot of different variants to satisfy the taste of any customer. Each person concentrates on a range of characteristics which are important for him and necessary for completing the definite business tasks (Rentz, Flatley, and Lentz).
Smartphones as the mobile devices of the new generation are practical and easy to use because they are characterized by the possibility to provide a number functions and operations.
Such smartphones as iPhone, Droid, and BlackBerry have a lot advantages, and their disadvantages are predominantly based on their differences from each other.
When it is necessary to choose a smartphone for a personal use, people should determine the set of criteria according to which it is possible to concentrate on the best variant to address all the personal requirements appropriately.
The purpose of the report is to compare iPhone, Droid, and BlackBerry in relation to such features as the peculiarities of the operating system, usability, apps and tools, the technical characteristics, and the price of models.
The characteristic features of iPhone
The operating system used in iPhone is iOS. It is developed by Apple for smartphones produced by the company. The user interface of the system and menu are easy to navigate.
The work of this multi-touch device depends on controlling the processes with the help of gestures. iPhone is also oriented to using AT&T and Verizon’s network.
The technical characteristics of iPhone as a mobile device can be discussed with references to iPhone 4S. iPhone 4S is the more progressive variant of iPhone 4, and it is based on the dual core Apple A5 CPU.
Moreover, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S are practical because 3.5″ Retina Display provides the opportunities for the effective web browsing, e-reading, and using different multimedia.
iPhones are characterized by a constant evolution of their possibilities. Thus, iPhone 3GS has the 3 megapixel camera, iPhone 4 operates the 5 megapixel camera, and iPhone 4S has the 8 megapixel camera (“Compare iPhone Models”).
The customers can use a great variety of apps developed by Apple for iPhone. It is possible to access to all the necessary tools with the help of Apple’s App Store.
The next feature of the smartphone worked out for iPhone 4S is the Siri voice-activated personal assistant. Apple’s FaceTime app (video chatting) is also considered by consumers as the useful and progressive tool. Moreover, it is possible to share pictures and music with the other users and utilize the function of 3D positioning.
Consumers are usually interested in the usability of devices in order to choose the model which addresses their needs. The usability of iPhone is based on the multi-touch screen that reacts to gestures and expands the possibilities to control the work, on the ability to quick-delete swipe and bulk-delete messages.
The web connectivity is also of the great importance because it is possible to access to the web pages with the help of screen apps and organize the communication via the Internet effectively.
The price of iPhone depends on its model, and it can start from $200-$300. It is also necessary to pay attention to the monthly service which can cost $150.
The main advantages of iPhone are in its high web connectivity and effective e-mail tools based on the powerful operating system. The models of iPhone are also characterized by a variety of apps (“Compare iPhone Models”).
The peculiarities of Droids
The operating system used for the Droid is worked out by Google, and it is known as Android. The work of the operating system is associated with the work of Verizon Wireless.
Many specialists and consumers agree that Android is the most flexible operating system. The system is easy to use, and the additional apps allow controlling the functions of the system.
It is possible to concentrate on the technical characteristics of Droids, paying attention to the Droid 4. This smartphone operates Android OS 2.3.6. It uses the 1.2GHz dual core TI CPU.
The users also accentuate its 4″ qHD display. All the Droids are characterized by providing the access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
However, comparing the Droid 4 and the Droid RAZR MAXX, it is important to determine the 4.3″ qHD Super AMOLED display in the Droid RAZR MAXX and the usage of the 1.2GHz dual core CPU.
The Droid RAZR MAXX has the 8 megapixel camera. Droids are known by the possibilities to use touch-screen typing and developed slide-out QWERTY keyboards (“Motorola Smartphones”).
The access to the apps for Droids is realized with the help of the Android Market. The number of the available apps is lower than the variety proposed by the developers of iPhone.
It is possible to use such tools as OS 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for the latest models of Droids.
Moreover, Android allows using the special version of Google Maps and a number of Gmail apps. The work with the word documents is realized with the help of Quickoffice app.
The usability of the Droids can be considered according to the parameters of using the apps and controlling the work with the help of touch-screens or traditional keyboards.
Having chosen the models of Droids, users can form the menu of active apps and organize them for their rapid access. This function is similar to that one presented in iPhones, but it is more developed.
Furthermore, the possibility to use the touch-screen as well as the slide-out QWERTY keyboard is discussed as the advantage of Droids.
The price of Droids can start from $150. The models of Droids are discussed as more available for customers in comparison with the models proposed by iPhones or BlackBerry (“Motorola Smartphones”).
The important features of BlackBerry smartphones
The operating system for BlackBerry smartphones is developed by Research In Motion (RIM), the manufacturer of BlackBerry smartphones.
The main feature of the system is its orientation to providing a lot of possibilities for receiving and sending e-mail messages. The web browser is improved with each model of BlackBerry smartphones.
According to the technical characteristics, the first models of BlackBerry have hardware keyboards, but the latest models, known as BlackBerry Torch, are characterized as capacitive touch-screen phones with the multi-touch display with the high resolution.
The models of the BlackBerry Torch operate BlackBerry OS 7 and use 1.2GHz CPU. These smartphones have the 5 megapixel camera, and it is also possible to access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.
Moreover, the developers of BlackBerry smartphones pay much attention to the high security requirements.
The apps for different models of the BlackBerry smartphones are available at the BlackBerry Store. The users can also find them in the other stores.
To work with the word documents, the BlackBerry operates such an app as Documents to Go (“BlackBerry Smartphones”).
The main advantage of the BlackBerry smartphones is their developed system of the BlackBerry messenger. It influences the usability of the models and the choice of consumers who work a lot with messages and e-mail.
The price of the BlackBerry smartphones is comparable with the prices of iPhone, and it can start from $200-300 depending on the model.
Conclusions and recommendations
The choice of the best variant of a smartphone for the personal use should be based on the flexibility of the proposed options and operations, variety of the available apps, easiness in controlling and functioning, the advanced web connectivity, and the general level of usability.
According to the examined criteria, iPhone is the most powerful device with the developed operating system and a modern touch-screen display with the high resolution which is easy to use because of the responsive interface and the specifics of the menu navigation.
iPhone successfully addresses the people’s demands in web connecting, and it has the great number of the necessary apps and tools that can be accessed via the Internet without any problems. For instance, the Droids and BlackBerry have the weaker selection of the available apps and tools.
The price of the device is comparable with the other brands’ prices and meets the public’s possibilities. iPhone is recommended as the type of smartphone with the highest characteristics. From this point, the model iPhone 4S is the most appropriate choice for the personal use.
With BlackBerry and iPhone competing in the market, users have encountered a hard time choosing between them (Hendrickson, 2007). An internet survey to determine the number of people who liked the iPhone and those who liked BlackBerry was conducted. Participants were asked to name the phone they like most and the reasons. If one did not like either of them or liked a different phone, he/she was asked to mention (Kerry, 2009). The results obtained were as follows:
Which Phone do You like and why?
Business
Entertainment/Applications
Touch screen/ keypad
Price
Internet
Total
BlackBerry
8
4
6
3
9
30
Apple iPhone
3
17
12
5
4
41
I have my own (Different)
1
1
4
1
7
I do not use a cell phone
4
The results were analyzed and represented in graphs and pie charts
The number of people who like iPhone, BlackBerry and those who liked/used other phones
Reasons for people liking the iPhone over BlackBerry
Reasons for people liking the iPhone over BlackBerry
Introducing a gadget with an original design is one of the keys to the success of the given technological novelty. Therefore, the peculiarities of the Locator Application for iPhone are of crucial importance for the public’s perception.
Taking into consideration the elements that add to the stylishness and the functionality of the given gadget one must admit that the features of the given Locator Application for iPhone offer a balanced and well thought-out idea.
Speaking of the aesthetic look of the gadget, one must mark the sleek look of the black surface and the glittering chrome internal components, which add incredible smoothness to the entire device. The blue light striking when the device receives the signals adds a certain element of high-tech and makes the gadget look more impressive, whereas the hole in the left upper corner allows both to decorate the device and to make sure that it’s secure.
It is essential that the design of the Locator Application for iPhone also presupposes high functionality of the device. Only 2” square, the given gadget fits one’s hand perfectly well, yet is not too light owing to the rubber bottom that adds certain weight to it, both literally and metaphorically.
With the help of the LED display, one can see the battery life, which is quite important and convenient. It is important that the gadget can run for three days without recharging. In addition, the innovation that allows to plug the battery for charging into the car, computer or wall socket is also quite fresh.
Protection: Reinforcing the Security System
Because of the controversies concerning the high rates of competition in the modern gadgets market, a specific protection strategy must be worked out to provide the maximum security for the Locator Application for iPhone; otherwise, it is highly probable that the other companies could plagiarize the given gadget.
When speaking of the gadget protection, it is necessary to consider the Intellectual Property rights. Documenting the development of the gadget and obtaining the patent for the development of the Locator Application for iPhone, one can efficiently avoid the possible violations of the copyright law and make certain that no accidents of plagiarism could occur.
Therefore, patenting the Locator Application for iPhone is absolutely necessary for the project to be completely safe from the plagiarism of the ideas and the concept.
Beware the Competitors: No Trespassers Allowed
Because of the large number of the competitors in the given market, one must take considerable care of the plausible attempts on outrunning the given device. Therefore, the list of the competitors in the given sphere is to be made. Moreover, the weaknesses of the latter are to be marked. Hence, the strategies for the integration of the Locator Application for iPhone into the market can be offered.
Among the most widespread competitors to consider, such Apple products as the Dealer Locator Application for iPhone that assists in finding the closest Continental service provider should be considered (Tucker).
To counter the given applications, it is necessary to introduce a larger number of locations in the digital map of the Anything Locator Application for iPhone. Therefore, high efficiency of the device will enjoy wide popularity in the market. Learning the strengths of the competitors, one can improve the current gadget and succeed in the world market.
Works Cited
Tucker, Laura. “Useful iPhone Locator Apps… Never Lose Your Phone Again.” MakeTechEasier, 25 Apr. 2011, Web.
Technology Standard (1): Technology Operations and Concepts
The attached artifact is the iPhone that can be successfully used in the learning environment. It can be a very valuable means of education as it helps students save their time when looking for information for assignments, always get the necessary help from tutors through the Internet, and use various applications to enhance their learning opportunities.
Using the iPhone for educational purposes can open access to many facilities, such as online libraries and databases, as well as online lectures or look up campus maps. The artifact provides the opportunity both for teachers and students to keep abreast of the growth in technology knowledge and develop the necessary skills to operate the knowledge in the educational environment.
The usage of the Technology Standard (1) provides the necessity to learn more about modern technologies and innovations. Thus, I will use them to organize learning activities, for example, using avatars, social software, and Peer-to-peer technologies can help work out effective training strategies.
Technology Standard (2): Planning & Designing Learning Environments
Technology Hardware and Software provide additional help when organizing and planning a learning environment. The artifact demonstrates how technologies can be used to meet different students’ needs, assess their level of knowledge, and plan for the management of technology resources to organize the learning of parts of speech.
The attached artifact demonstrates how teachers should plan and organize students’ activities to enhance their understanding of the parts of speech and how the usage of technology can be applied to adopt the assignments to students with different levels of knowledge.
I will use PowerPoint presentations as one of the ways to assess students, Multimedia tools to broader the educational activities, and e-mailing as a means of communication and controlling of student’s progress.
Technology Standard (3): Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum
The attached artifact demonstrates how teachers can use technology to address the content of the lesson and make learning more creative.
The PowerPoint presentation is an effective means to develop student’s creativity, skills of working with hardware and software and raise their interest in the subjects. It can be used when learning languages, as well as other subjects.
I will use PowerPoint presentations to raise the interest of students in my lesson, assess them and perform individual, as well as group tasks to develop skills of teamwork. Also, it can be used to prepare students for incorporating other technologies in the classroom.
Technology Standard (4): Assessment and Evaluation
The artifact, “Presentation Rubric” demonstrates how students’ projects (PowerPoint) presentations should be assessed. It presents a detailed explanation of how a teacher should assess every aspect of a student’s work.
The artifact serves as a great example of how the assessment must be organized to meet the standard. In a structured and appropriate manner, it demonstrates how teachers and students should approach the assessment of tasks performed with the help of technology resources, interpret results, and assess their skills. This approach can be applied not only to PowerPoint presentations but to working with other applications as well.
My further goals are to use the approach provided in the artifact. Introduce into the teaching practice working and assessing students with the help of technology, and work out detailed requirements to tasks that presuppose using technologies so that students know what is expected from them.
Technology Standard (5): Productivity and Professional Practice
The attached artifact perfectly demonstrates how technology can be used to enhance the productivity and professional practice of teachers. It also demonstrates how technology can be applied to self-assessment and communication with peers and partners.
To meet this standard, the artifact can be successfully applied. For example, the teacher can make a comparative analysis of his/her performance when creating a table of performed professional practices. Thus, he/she will be able to evaluate the performance, define future goals and strategies for future professional development.
My future goals related to this standard is to use technologies to assess my accomplishments, as well as the accomplishment of my students. Application of the technology to increase my productivity and define strategies for life-time learning to constantly develop my skills and reflect professional practices which will allow me to know what I should aspire to.
Technology Standard (6): Social, Ethical, Legal, and Human Issues
The artifact provided perfectly demonstrates how social, health ethical, and human issues deal with the use of technology in the learning environment. It demonstrates that excessive use of technology can cause some problems with health. Thus, the artifact shows that the approach to the use of technology in class should be taken into consideration and teachers must know the techniques how to prevent health problems and organize learning activities so that technology was not a threat to the students’ health.
Meeting this standard is essential as we live in a multicultural society and technology should contribute to communication and affirm diversity. In this light, all students should have equitable access to the technology used in class to contribute to their learning activities.
My future goals are to use technology to enhance communication between students with diverse backgrounds and abilities, as well as work out effective practices which will take into consideration health, social and human issues to create a healthy and friendly educational environment.
Mobile phones have become an inevitable companion for people in the modern era. The new generation is using various kinds of mobile phones for communication. From telephones to iPhones, the developments in technology have changed the vision as well as way of life. Years back, mobile phones were an amazing technology for the common people, but nowadays it has become so common. There are many models of mobile phones.
An important advantage of these phones is that they have made communication very easy. Their widespread use helps the public to be in touch with one another easily and they have access to any person in the world. The trends in mobile technology changed the entire concept of mobile phones and different models are entering the market. Recently, people have changed their preference from ordinary cell phones to Smartphones, and it has become a status symbol and matter of pride in society. These phones facilitate a lot of advantages like texting, picturing messaging, access to the Internet, banking, purchasing etc.
The most recent trend in cell phones brings a union of tone of voice, video and data connections. By joining together information with amusements and leisure, these mobile phones are the latest style in the developing path of infotainments. The latest models of cell phones are not only for voice, but it has changed the mode from voice call to video calls. Smartphone introduction has now modified the mobile set to a full-grown minicomputer.
It includes MP3 systems, video recording system like real movie reels, radio and TV entertainments etc at the punch of mobile keys besides digital cameras with several pixels and high speed internet. So, we cannot confine them within the scope of the word “mobile phones.” Such are the new trends in mobile phone technologies and their development into the Smartphone.
The most important producers of mobile phones include Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Motorola. But these mobile giants now face stiff competition because of the new trends. The first generation or 1G technology has disappeared from history. In the new era, third generation or 3G technology is conquering the hearts of mobile users. The firms which are active in making cell phones with most up-to-date 3G utilities are making good profits. Smartphones like Blackberry and iPhone are now coming with larger displays, touch screen and virtual keyboards. These keyboards are easy to use and are able to being restructured and modified by the users.
The operating system is very crucial in every Smartphone in the present day world. Unfortunately, it remains a fact that some people misuse such technologies. It is not the problem with the technology as such but it is because of the anti-social elements among public who create a bad image about the new technologies. Smartphones such as Blackberry and iPhone in the possession of such people are misused by them creating a threat to the security of people as well as nations. Another risk is that hackers can manipulate the technology of smartphones and can mount an attack. Blackberry is vulnerable to compound attacks and leak of private data or misuse of the same.
For this, the signature and code signing keys can be acquired at cheaper rates. The customer could be simply deceived by sending very exclusive messages by a function that makes to bond to the internet for legal intention. These are highly subjected to SMS harassments that permit the hackers to send SMS through the contaminated mechanism and to obtain entry to the code giving them open internet admission and the actual user has to pay for these. These signed functions can send emails and read incoming mails. They can add, delete or alter the contact details and can unlock the TCP/IP links. These details can be sent to any other application by the attackers.
In recent times, there was an assault that gave the strangers straight admission to business structures and network information through a connected Blackberry or new personal digital assistant, avoiding every applied outside contact obstructions. “The attack uses Trojan code based on a Blackberry proxy attack (BBProxy). Blackberry devices are typically connected to a corporate network through a “persistent tunnel” implemented via a protected VPN that prevents the communication from being inspected by an external process. This connection is terminated within the network at the corporate Blackberry server. The effect of this connection is to make Blackberry essentially part of the internal network, regardless of Blackberry’s connection point” (Blackberry exploit: An open door to your corporate network, 2009, p.1).
iPhones also stand the chance of attack by viruses and information can be extracted covertly. This will lead to code and signature exploitation and wireless exploitations. Unauthorized calls from Blackberry and iPhones have, in many cases, caused threats to the security of nations. Some nations are even contemplating the banning of Blackberry to avoid the threat of terrorists using this modern technology for their ulterior motives. In many instances the countries have not been able to trace data from Blackberry and this leaves scope for anyone to use this opportunity, and it makes it easy for the terrorists to plan and execute violence. Countries like India have asked Blackberry owners to start their network tracking system in those nations itself to get the details. Based on the survey of Trend Micro, some Smartphone owners have already encountered hacking of bank details.
IPhones have inherent security dangers caused due to software errors that can reveal the client’s information. There can also be exploitation of passwords leading to several attacks. These hits will be able to be noticed by some of the IDS/IPS systems. There are some possible remedies for these exploitations. The use of alarms or security alerts will help to decrease attacks and exploitations.
Literature Review
Introduction
Blackberries and iPhones contain effective software and technology. Smartphones such as Blackberry and iPhone recommend are high end devices designed to help people by providing them suitable platform for exchange of information and associated facilities. This is an up to date space of cross cultural and imaginative outlook. Blackberry and iPhone are mobile phones that provide more progressed connectivity than an up to date basic ‘characteristic of feature phone’. These Smartphones run entire operating systems. Because the product is technologically innovative, research has to be conducted to determine issues consisting of the environment of the marketplaces, motivation, outlook, preferences and purposes.
Logan Jackson, in his Articles called “How Smartphones Have Evolved,” states that “Cell phones have progressed a lot in the past decade in comparison to its initial launch. Some of the Smartphones have turned out to be extremely complicated and technologically advanced”. There is high demand for smart phones nowadays. “Current smart phones have some kind of operating system (OS) and are able to have new apps installed on them. They can either be open source or be like the iPhone and be totally proprietary, meaning you can’t easily program your own apps or easily download whatever you want for free.
So, if given the choice, open source is definitely better, no matter what the Apple fan boys will tell you. The Symbian OS is currently the most well-known open source OS, but Google’s Android system is becoming more popular as well” (Jackson, 2010, para.3). He also says that, a number of Smartphones also have been manufactured with GPS attributes which operate by means of satellite so that it will not get misplaced or lost.
Even though a smart phone does not maintain satellite supported GPS, they can still make use of maps or somewhat identical equipments to estimate the place it is housed on the basis of cell phone tower stationing. “So, smart phones are indeed much like miniature laptops in a sense (even smaller than net books). Which one you decide to buy depends on what you need it to do. If you plan to type a lot, I would personally recommend you get one with a QWERTY keypad, and avoid phones that only have on-screen touch screen keyboards because those will make your screen dirty all the time” (Jackson, 2010, para.6).
According to Art Rosenberg in his Article called, Consumer UC, Smartphones, CEBP Drive NexGen Customer Service, the speedy acceptance of multimodal, personalized or modified smartphones, customers and company clients, get the chance to make use of UC for equally inbound and outbound genuine -point communications among clientele, endeavor action-takers, and computerized trade applications will be increasing considerably. The idea behind the Apps Store of wireless service suppliers can be comprehensive to the endeavor portals to assist individual purchasers’ admittance to a variety of mobile consumer submissions.
The computerized trade procedure can observe the position of submission metrics and proactively start a modified consumer contact by way of a selection of customer interfaces on the basis of convenience or consumer’s preference. (Consumer UC, Smartphones, CEBP Drive NexGen Customer Service by Art Rosenberg. Published in the year January 25, 2010). “The iPhone 3GS (now new and improved with no space between the 3G and S) has been out in parts of the world for a full week, and hackers are already looking for exploits in order to jailbreak and unlock the device to set it free. Fortunately for iPhone 3GS owners not content with being confined, famed iPhone hacker George Hotz claims to have found an exploit in the latest Apple phone” (Yam, 2009, para.1).
According to Tanmay Sasvadkar in his Article called, “The Best Smartphone’s Ever”, Palm is too a large forename in the smart phone category and it is actually tough to overlook this manufacturer for the reason that they have provided us some tremendous handsets. (Best Smartphone’s ever by Tanmay Sasvadkar.)
William Deutsch in his Article called, “Threats against Smartphone’s Are Rising”, talks about the security of Smartphones. He says that, “as smart phones turn out to be a larger fraction of our existences, we wait for the victorious attacks in opposition to them to amplify”. Many people carry an illusion that smart phones such as iPhone and BlackBerry are immune to start virus threats. For this reason, virus protection software is not a mainstream industry when it comes to these types of devices. Not only do smart phones enclose a gold mine of individual and corporate data, they may offer a right of entry position into business networks. As an effect, wait for smart phones hits to give attention on stealing the data on an exacting phone, or utilizing them to enter a network. (Threats against Smartphone’s are rising by William Deutsch.)
Research Methodology
Research problem
The topic of exploiting by Smart Phones is a very interesting research topic. Smart Phones are wireless mobile devices which offer a number of special additional features in comparison to featured phones which are used only for making calls like the internet connection and other computer applications. The research problem is to research on the negative issues relating to smart phones like the Blackberry and iPhone and its involvement in several criminal cases.
Research Design
There are two research methodologies which are generally used for the purpose of research: Quantitative and Qualitative. The topic of exploitation of smart phones is more of a topic which can be qualitatively researched. Research design is a framework in which the research situation is analyzed so that an appropriate research method can be adopted. Careful analysis and stated facts were collected for the purpose of this research design. The role of Smartphone’s in a number of criminal cases in a number of countries was considered like the cases of financial scams and cases of child pornography. Many financial scams and child pornography cases reported in UAE were conducted by using Smartphone’s.
Developing a research plan
The research plan is a significant ingredient that is to be developed after selecting the research design and narrowing down to research problem. The research plan of any study should comprise of research on objectives, problems, concepts and obtaining the details of various techniques that are involved in the successful completion and deriving the most appropriate findings of a particular study. The contextual background was identified as different countries and the priority areas for the purpose of the research were the cases reported in various parts of the world.
Research was conducted in universities, offices, mobile phone corporations, security agencies, detective agencies etc, in order to understand the negative issues and exploitation of smart phones such as Blackberry and iPhones. Smart phones are more effective than mobile phones due to their utility as a device with diverse applications. However, these equipments are “being used to fan violence, cyber crime and terrorism and are vulnerable to disruption of communication. Affordable mobile internet – smart phones and data services–exist today in wealthier societies and could be near universal in the next generation” (Akhtar & Arinto, 2009, p.vii).
Smart phones offer uninterrupted, uncontrolled 24 x 7 internet service, which while being beneficial, also runs several risks too.
Selection of Qualitative over Quantitative for this specific research
Mobile phones and smart phones are an integral part of our society in the present day. Therefore, the research topic of study needs to be perceived as a social science topic of study. The research topic involves the issue of investigating many people from different areas of research such as universities, offices, smart phone agencies, detective and security agencies etc. Therefore, there is a lot of human involvement and hence the type research which can be more appropriate is qualitative methodology. “Blackberry users are at a risk of weakening the power of concentration and are creators of Brain Sickness. Therefore the notion is do not make yourself blackberry slave or vibrating tone” (Blackberry bad effect: Behind the positive, smartphones side effects can endanger our health, 2010, para.6).
Qualitative research
The main qualitative method that is used for the purpose of this research is case study analysis. For this purpose, previous cases of smart phones causing danger to security concerns have been analyzed. It has been found that there were many instances where have caused smart phones danger by transmitting information because the smart phones use advanced technologies. The use of advanced technologies in smart phones like Blackberry leads to the copying of secret information easily and its wide internet usage transmits information faster than any other service. “Sensitive corporate data on smart phones will probably draw only a small number of very targeted attacks; but it only makes sense that security pros expect attack trends on mobile devices to mirror trends for all other computing environments” (What happens next: “A giant hamster wheel of pain”, 2009, p.31).
Thus, the case study used in the qualitative research provides a better analysis of previous cases and is thus more helpful in helping the research. There is several criminal case instances reported in Abu Dhabi such as child pornography and financial scams which has led the Abu Dhabi government to consult a team of experts from the MET laboratory in London by which they can learn how to retrieve and extract data of crimes done through using Smartphone’s.
The forensic experts are learning how to combat the increasing crimes using Smartphone’s. Smartphone crimes were highly prevalent in US also. Ed Stroz who worked in the Stroz Friedberg had detected a number of Smartphone crimes and had served for a huge period in the US federal bureau of investigation. Many digital crime cases were hacked by Stroz, the most important being the case of a Russian criminal who committed a burglary in Citibank.
Smartphone are used today in forgery, fraud and defamation cases. Symbian Smartphone’s forensics is a new study found out to enforce law in digital crime cases. Private and confidential information can be transferred using Smartphone’s. These Smartphone’s arte highly advanced and can transfer highly confidential and private information of celebrities and they can be associated with several criminal cases. Several countries have faced failures in detection of crimes because of their inability to hack the data stored in the internal memory card of the Smartphone’s. But now technologies have been developed for seizing the data stored in the internal memory of the Smartphone’s to detect the crimes and to understand the background of crimes.
Mustaque Ahamad who is the director of the Atlanta-based centre for technology-security expertise and education is of the opinion that Smartphone’s are used in gaining private health records of celebrities like politicians and are then misused in crimes. He is of the opinion that the battery power available in Smartphone slows down the detection process in criminal cases and hampers the investigation process.
Analysis and results
Smart phones are those that are much significant today, and have captured the market at a rapid pace. It has quickly replaced the feature phone and the current survey says that 40% of consumers are now using smart phones.
Exploitation within the learning environment
As a greater majority of students are interested in using sophisticated technology for digital education and e-learning, equipments like smart phones and iPhones stand to gain quick popularity among the student population. They also prefer to use Smartphones to play songs, videos, taking photographs and for multimedia storage, with USB connector and enjoy the entertainment during free hours.
The popularity that these modern gadgets enjoy will influence not only the student themselves, but also a generation, other students and in a few cases, the family members. Thus the study will need to encompass a wider specter of population. One has to also consider the misuse of these equipments by students. These topics incorporated risk analysis, medical proceedings and the explosive related subjects in the country. It was mainly as a catalyst in generating certain information on the same.
For example, a student report shows how to be an immigrant to different countries and the criminal lessons by the Kray brothers, various graphical lessons which makes or contributes to difficult questions that are to be answered. On the other hand, the humorous elements for the resources as the fun making elements can help the students for the completion of the assignments and then submitting the assignment to the various social networking like the Twitter, Facebook, Orkut etc. This will contribute for enjoyment for student and the good results can be achieved by them.
Students see the use and effortlessness as the smartphone’s chief reward. One student specified that it is easy to handle and use. Besides, it is good for data transfer at the highest possible speed and easy in accessing the information. The major disadvantage centers on the deficient video format suitability among the smartphone and computer. Therefore, the transferring rates are not compatible with each other. The email and internet services are popular and are added advantages in comparison to the featured phones and these phones create a kind of the revolution in the cyber era.
Smart phones are found to run the risk of being used by children to watch pornography and also possibility of , the sending various porn sites through the blue tooth and the other 3G accessories besides with these phones in possession , the children receive the freedom accessing the sites and getting adequate information on various pornographic sites. In the current era schools and other educational institutions are banning smart phones because these are being misused.
The various threats faced by the smart phones are the
Allowing unauthorized access
This allows the accessing of the iPhone or BlackBerry though access is restricted. The password, applications or services have been hacked. This helps in accessing much of the information from the domain and storing of the information in other cache memory.
Diverting the calls
With the advent of the new techniques, attackers or hackers can divert any phone calls and then make use of the same to make calls. Calls can also be forwarded and they are given to the service provider and the charges applicable are much higher than the regular rate.
Malware propagation
Malware is a mechanism that can cause harm to the device. Such attacks can affect only a particular mobile customer. However, large scale assaults can be accumulated to immobilize communal services. The malware propagation is a serious threat people need to be careful as this can cause exploitation among the Wi-Fi network and the cross service exploitation on cyber and cellular networks. The whole “the number of 911 calls placed by people using wireless phones has radically increased. Public safety personnel estimate that about 50 percent of the millions of 911 calls they receive daily are placed from wireless phones, and that percentage is growing” (Liu, et al, 2009, p.6).
Blackberry product sales are found to be at a quick decrease in the current report as there is much fear of banning of smart phones in various countries. Many of the countries have warned against the use of such phones and sales have decreased rapidly. A Canadian based seller of the iPhone reports so.
Conclusion
Students, criminals and hackers are found to be accessing of the of various services multimedia accessible on the smart phone as they are the influential enablers for the service. Phone companies would persist in expanding the gadget for various kinds of people performing various tasks and they are useful for the understanding the activity. Mobile computer systems such as PDA and smart phones are becoming popular due the ease and comfort they provide. Along with this development, there is an increase of spiteful behavior with these mobile systems, such as in sequence escape, service burglary, and power collapse.
Besides the threats posed against personal mobile users, it also paves the way for more serious problems such as disabling of significant communal replicated corporal systems that are associated to the wireless communications. Normally people do not recognize the gravity of such situations. The portable devices, even with safety mechanism, are still susceptible to a set of vigilantly crafted attacks. Taking Linux-base phones as an illustration we show that this vulnerability not only makes it possible to attack individual mobile devices such as restricted resources, defense mechanisms, and divert phone calls, but also can be used to commence scattered denial-of-service attack next to significant communal services such as 911.
Reference List
Akhtar, S., & Arinto, P. (2009). Digital review of Asia Pacific 2009-2010. IDRC, p.vii. Web.
Blackberry bad effect: Behind the positive, smartphones side effects can endanger our health. (2010). Tommy. Web.
Blackberry exploit: An open door to your corporate network. (2009). Jefferson Wells, p.1. Web.
Jackson, L. (2010). How smartphones have evolved. Articles Base. Web.
Liu, L., et al. (2009). Exploitation and threat analysis of open mobile devices. Google Docs, p.6. Web.
What happens next: “A giant hamster wheel of pain”. (2009). CSO, p.31. Web.
Yam, M. (2009). iPhones 3GS exploit found for jailbreak and unlock. Toms Guide. Web.
