When Apple first released their legendary iPhone on June 29, 2007, there were many different reactions toward the device. Some people, such as myself loved the concept of being able to do virtually anything from the simplistic phone...and others thought the device could use major improvements, such as being able to access the networks faster data connections, multimedia-messaging or having a traditional "physical" keyboard which all the original iPhone lacked.

Through further releases of the device and OS updates, the device finally had the programming capability to do many and much more of the above critiques...but a few that the device still lacked in the United States was multi-media messaging. The phone was fully capable of doing so in OS release 3.0, but AT&T restricted use of the multi-media messaging capabilities. Why? Bandwidth.

On Friday, September 25th, 2009...AT&T finally made available multi-media messaging. I think it is absolutely ridiculous for a company such as AT&T to partner with a company and basically bag their users of features because of poor planning on their part. It is my belief that AT&T took off a bigger bite than what they could chew. They had many months before hand to prepare or upgrade their network to be capable of doing such high-bandwidth tasks.

People have said before that you cell phone is only as good as your service provider, and in this case that is true partially. It is of my belief that AT&T has given Apple a bad representation of themselves. The phone works great, the only lacking thing is quality and reliable service. Hopefully, AT&T will get their act together if they are smart and are completely sincere about getting their customers the best quality of service for all users of the iPhone now and in the future.

-Ken

Labels: apple, att, cell phones, history, mobile, revolution, service

For our generation, you will never look at an Apple the same way. About a hundred years ago, if you looked at an apple, you would think a fruit. When we see an apple today, yes...maybe a fruit goes through our mind, but also the computer company will as well.

We all have unique and specific characteristics that make up our individual selves. We can observe each other and notice how we all are physically different; but also many other factors go into play...such as our beliefs, strengths, weaknesses and many many others which can include things that we wear or use all which make up our individual character.

For myself here, I know what types of items I like. Usually, these are classified as a "name brand," especially when it comes to clothing. As an example, those that know me probably would witness my love for the Abercrombie clothing family (which includes the obvious A&F, Hollister and Ruehl.) On the tech side, I love products from Apple, SONY, Digidesign, GigaByte, Intel...the list continues for days.

This bring up the question, is it okay to be branded...to support the brands in which you prefer? To be honest, I think that it is perfectly acceptable. I desire nothing more than great quality in manufacturing, stylish and ease of use. As I attempted to point out earlier, you can learn a lot about a person by which products they consume and use on a daily basis.

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day, and he informed me (as if I did not know) that I am "branded." I knew that, but in reality...we all are. Even those that choose not to display the "brand logo" on their clothing...they still do a little bit of advertising for the companies they like consumables from.

If you look at Apple's marketing, many of their items sell themselves. Sure...they have television commercials and whatnot but most of their marketing is done through the end user. For instance, whenever you purchase an Apple device, you get along with the packaging two Apple stickers...which you can place on your vehicle or whatever you choose. Then, on every laptop they sell, the chassis has a nice Apple logo with a light behind it. Apple no longer participates in trade shows or anything like that. Their sales are done through the Apple store...and they are doing quite well, if you ask me.

What are your thoughts on branding?

-Ken

Labels: abercrombie, apple, brand, branded, characteristics, digidesign, friendships, hollister, intel, macbook, personalities, reuhl, Sony