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Phone, Internet device, ipod, navigator system, camcorder, personal voice recorder, play system, level, compass, computer...
I don't think is just 5 devices in one.

Jul 01, 09 - 05:22 pm Comment from: JRoy

I thought of an obvious hardware add-on last week. Imagine an add-on battery (such as Mophie Juice Pack) with a built-in flash for the camera. Voila, flash and the power needed for it in one neat package. Wasn't possible until 3.0 because there was no way for the iPhone to control an external flash unit.

This would overcome the biggest remaining camera-related complaint about the iPhone. Speculating on why Apple never included a flash unit in iPhones - probably real estate, additional power drain for even a fairly weak flash - unacceptable for a powerful flash. If they were looking ahead in 2007 to eventually permitting direct interface to add-on hardware (of course yes), they may have decided that the add-on approach would be the best way to support flash units. That way much more powerful flash could be supported. Including, come to think of it, remote flash units via Blutooth or Wifi, or ? Does anyone know the wireless technology used for remote flash units by professionals these days?

I have to believe that more than one vendor already has prototype iPhone camera flash units, and that they're rushing to have them ready as soon as possible. Especially if combined with an add-on battery, this would be a compelling device for many people.

Jul 01, 09 - 05:39 pm Comment from: ken1w

> Just wait until the hardware add-ons start to arrive in force.

Reminds me of my old Handspring Visor with its Springboard modules (interchangeable hardware that slid into a slot in the back). That was a pretty decent platform for its time. There were even GPS (with mapping), MP3 player, and mobile phone modules. I had a module that allowed a compact flash cards (back when 128mb was big) to be used for extra storage; I stored public domain classic novels from Project Gutenberg on it and used my Visor Pro as an eBook reader (years before Kindle).

Too bad Palm bought Handspring for the Treo...

once the game controllers and stuff start coming out, its really going to kill android and pre

Jul 01, 09 - 06:51 pm Comment from: TowerTone

I use mine as a personal face tanner!
Try that with Windows Mobile,
and you'll just get brown teeth.
With Android, a brown nose....

Jul 01, 09 - 06:54 pm Comment from: TheConfuzed1

It's also a pretty good game system.

Personally, I'm waiting very eagerly for iControlpad.

Jul 01, 09 - 10:32 pm Comment from: amyhre

Then in a more adult-oriented move, someone will make the iFuckedYourMom MILF-finder. But would probably get banned from the iTS for adult content.

Jul 02, 09 - 01:51 am Comment from: GregoriusM

We think the iPod/iPhone/iPod touch ecosystem is huge now.

We haven't got a clue what we are in for now that Apple has opened up the iPhone/iPod touch for external hardware.

We can't even imagine what is going to come along.

Wait a year or two and then look back. We'll be shocked.

This is a PLATFORM, not just a certain number of devices in one.

It is going to virtually be whatever device you want it to be, within the limits of its size. That opens up almost endless possibilities.

Jul 02, 09 - 07:01 am Comment from: Cubert

amyhre,
Isn't that the name of the new Microsucks commercials - MILF Hunters?

Jul 02, 09 - 09:58 am Comment from: Big Als MBP

There will be a fish/depth finder add on.

Fish on!