Pogue extends iPhone FAQ

New York Times columnist David Pogue has answered a second round of iPhone frequently-asked questions on his blog after first handling the device and reading numerous questions from commenting users. The iPhone "might" support Flash as well as Javascript when it launches in June, but will not support Java proper as Apple Steve Jobs referred to the technology as a "big heavyweight ball and chain" that nobody uses anymore. The Cupertino-based company is undecided as to whether users will be able to set iPod-playable songs as ringtones, but will likely support games from the iTunes Store that currently work with the video iPod. The iPhone does not currently support wireless syncing via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and does not include any speed dial features -- much to the surprise of users and Pogue himself. The phone offers several pages of settings, however, and should -- in theory -- support both Google spreadsheets and docs to open Microsoft Word documents and spreadsheets.

Pogue reveals that the phone supports zooming in on both text and images, and surmises that the final version will include a security logon feature similar to that which is standard on currently shipping iPods to protect personal data from thieves. Users worried that the large screen could easily scratch asked about the status of the "glass" surface, which is in fact the same polycarbonate screen used in Apple's currently-shipping iPod screens with a substantially improved coating. Additionally, the iPhone's touch surface is only operable via bare skin, not with a gloved hand or a stylus.

The phone comes with stereo earbuds that feature a microphone and a switch on the cord, but works with any iPod-compatible earphones. Pogue notes that Apple also plans to support the 3G standard once it is more widely available. Addressing one comment about the iPhone's hefty requirement for visual attention, Pogue says that "at this early date, I think the phone may be the weakest part of the iPhone." The screen is "very bright" but the 'virtual' keys make the device's keyboard slower to use than a BlackBerry, although users needn't hit one key up to three times to reach a desired letter using the iPhone.

by MacNN Staff