all the iphone photos

[iamtone]

so were all those iphone photos before the 3Gs came out ALL fakes? or do they really plan on implementing front facing camera on the phone for video chat?

 

[Jeremy]

Yes, they were fake. All of which except the one that showed the matte backing instead of the slick back. In the future, more than likely a front facing camera will appear. At this point in time, your guess is as good as anyone else's on a time frame. Perhaps next year, maybe the year after... take a guess.

 

[canadu]

Front facing cameras are a bad investment to pitch to a US network carrier right now IMO. Look at how long its taking AT&T to enable mms support on a data hungry device. Plus, they're boosting 3G in some areas now just to improve service. I won't expect to see a front facing camera...i.e. video call support till the implementation of LTE. By the way, LTE is the true 4G network, not Wimax (wifi). We're talking 2011.

 

[flyingember]

By the way, LTE is the true 4G network, not Wimax (wifi). We're talking 2011.

Wimax (802.16) is not Wifi (802.11) in any form. They're completely different standards.

LTE won't be common until 2014 at the earliest. Verizon has to replace their entire network with GSM and AT&T doesn't even have 3G data services everywhere yet. I read a Verizon press release that gave the 2014 number. AT&T hasn't given one yet and is 6 months behind Verizon in starting.

But video conferencing via phone will come when the FCC decides that people need to be able to use services like skype and google voice without restriction from anyone and a video call via phone number is just like a voice-only call with a phone number, and they will. AT&T hurt themselves when they blocked Google Voice. That will happen much sooner than 2014 and Apple will release a device to make more money in new sales with a front facing camera and allow apps like Google Voice and Skype with video.

You also won't see a Verizon iPhone until their GSM rollout is well underway, or 2-3 more years at the soonest. This is because people won't be able to move their phone to Verizon until it can run on GSM domestically. No one will deal well with having to buy a CDMA iphone if they current model works fine.

 

[canadu]

Wimax (802.16) is not Wifi (802.11) in any form. They're completely different standards.

LTE won't be common until 2014 at the earliest. Verizon has to replace their entire network with GSM and AT&T doesn't even have 3G data services everywhere yet. I read a Verizon press release that gave the 2014 number. AT&T hasn't given one yet and is 6 months behind Verizon in starting.

But video conferencing via phone will come when the FCC decides that people need to be able to use services like skype and google voice without restriction from anyone and a video call via phone number is just like a voice-only call with a phone number, and they will. AT&T hurt themselves when they blocked Google Voice. That will happen much sooner than 2014 and Apple will release a device to make more money in new sales with a front facing camera and allow apps like Google Voice and Skype with video.

You also won't see a Verizon iPhone until their GSM rollout is well underway, or 2-3 more years at the soonest. This is because people won't be able to move their phone to Verizon until it can run on GSM domestically. No one will deal well with having to buy a CDMA iphone if they current model works fine.

Great write up.... I do understand the difference in both wifi and wimax....I used to make a comparison that's all. WiMax vs Wifi
Great update! As far as shooting themselves in the foot, what else would they do? Carriers here are not impressed with mobile convergence here in the US. Skype as you mentioned earlier faced and still faces an uphill battle in getting adopted. he problem with AT&T and co. is that these technologies will cannibalize their revenue plain and simple. The US is behind in managed services hence they cannot justify a value proposition for allow skype on 3G or google voice. I'm not in telecom anymore so you could be right about the time frame you gave. Interesting update on verizon testing LTE already.

 

[anon(1605018)]

I cant see a front facing camera for atleast 3 more years. Att has enough problems right now and for the forseable future.

 

[Bella]

That would be awesome if the iphone had ichat!

 

[GMJeff]

WiMax is Sprint's 4G network, the same way that EVDO Rev A was their 3G network. Rev B was supposed to be their 3.5G Network. They have appeared to leapfrog that update.

Although we all know that the theoretical change to LTE is supposed to be in the next two years or so, Verizon has claimed to be putting the LTE network into action possibly even before next year, 2010. Verizon has made this claim publicly, as AT&T is supposedly just started testing. They are more concerned with HSPA.

There is obviously going to be a slow rollout of the network as both will start with in a major market.

AT&T’s LTE Plans Taking Shape In Slow Motion

 

[jhamilton3]

JFSikora is correct.. all fakes except the matte black back that ended up not being used.

 

[chobbs1]

I've stopped looking at these "leaked" photos. Too much of a let down. I'll just wait and see what the next BIG thing is.

 

[iamtone]

I cant see a front facing camera for atleast 3 more years. Att has enough problems right now and for the forseable future.

aint that the truth!