iFun?

So I didn't go out and buy a new iPhone like I did a year ago, but I did upgrade my iPhone to the 2.0 software today. Talk about network problems. I had slowdowns at every turn. Then again, maybe it wasn't the best idea to release a new phone, a software update, new apps, and phone registration all on the same day ... from the same portal! Some have said that they're sure Microsoft is laughing at this, but I'm sure they only wished there was such high demand for the Zune. After getting everything up and running again, I tried out a few of the apps, and overall, I'm fairly pleased. Some were must-haves, some were could-have-done-withouts, and some were WTFs? Here's a quick review of some that I've downloaded/paid for and sampled:

• AIM. Well, it is what it is. And it does just what you'd expect -- instant messaging. I actually applaud it for its simplicity. You don't need fancy when it comes to IM. It would be nice, however, to be able to connect to multiple accounts at the same time, like Adium. Score: A
• Remote. You can tell this was designed by Apple. It's easy to use, and it has a similar UI to iTunes on the iPhone/iPod Touch. I also liked how it instantly updated song ratings when set on either the phone or the controlled computer. And since it's running over your home wireless network, no worries about pointing a remote control at the device. You just need to be within the 802.11x network. Score: A
• Whrrl. I do like this social app, in theory, and the online version is much more robust. The biggest complaint I have -- and have seen -- about the iPhone app version is that you can't zoom into the map. This can be quite frustrating when you're viewing a heavily tagged area like NYC or SF. For it to be truly useful, you have to -- AGAIN -- get all of your friends signed up for it in order for you to see them. It would have been better if this tied into an existing network. Or made use of OpenSocial? Come on, fellas. Isn't this what we were hoping for? Score: C
• Jott. I would like to review this one, but I still can not get it activated. It tells me that it needs an "Account Validation Required" and that it has sent be an SMS with the validation, but after repeated attempts, no dice. Score: F (until it starts to work)
• NY Times. Eh, again, this one is great in theory, but the news items take so darn long to load (and this is over a fast wireless connection), that the "news" isn't really news by the time you get to view it. The ironic part is, when it finally did load,  I read an article on how the iPhone users are having troubles. Also, I still like to consume my traditionally print news in a scan-and-read manner. This is one reason I still like the print version. Even online, I find myself scanning the page and then focusing in on one article, like I'm playing 'Where's Waldo' or something. Score: B-
• Mobile Flickr. When I first jailbroke my iPhone, one of the apps I was sad to see go away when I did an iPhone update was iFlickr. I used that app all the time at the Podcast & Portable Media Expo (now New Media Expo) last year. And this app expands on iFlickr's capabilities with the ability to search, access groups and contacts, and tag each photo before it's uploaded, something iFlickr could only do en masse. The one glitch I found was that the first test photo I took appeared on Flickr upside down. Score: A-
• City Transit. If you live, work, or plan to visit New York City, this is a must-have. It's basically a zoomable map of the MTA subway system. For years, I've carried around the business-card-sized version of the MTA map in my wallet. The problem is, the MTA sometimes makes temporary or permanent changes to the map, rendering my map inaccurate. In addition to a current subway map on your iPhone, it can also access subway line advisories to notify of construction, route changes, etc. My only complaint about this app is that the map is not a vector-based image. When you zoom in on it, it becomes blurry. They need to fix that. Score: B+
• Twitterific (light). I'm not sure why they call this the light version, because it serves your Twitter needs perfectly. Unlike the (lighter) mobile Web version of Twitter, it has a nice interface, shows icon pictures, and doesn't choke your iPhone when typing an update as it tracks your remaining characters. Trying the standard-Web version of Twitter on the iPhone, and you'll see what I mean. The icons are a little unclear at first, which is why you may need to leave the hints on for a while. Scrolling is also a little sluggish. Score: A-

  I'll try out more apps over the next few days, and may report updates. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts/reviews. And while everyone is in a rush over all of these new apps, remember that well-written iPhone Web apps work just as well. Facebook, Bank of America, and Fandango are a few great examples. I think I'm going to steer clear of the games, as I've burned through half my iPhone's battery playing with apps. When I'm dying in a ditch, I'd rather be able to call 911 than play Super Monkey Ball.

• UPDATE: I felt I must update this list this soon because I've been playing around with this awesome app (the best iPhone app I've tried) called Shazam. It does one thing and does it well. It "listens" to any song playing where you are (in the car, home radio, in the movies) and then tells you the name of the song, the artist, the album and gives you a link to buy it on iTunes. What a great idea. Outside of just playing around with it today to test the accuracy, we were in the car, and my wife asked what song was playing on the radio. I fired up Shazam, and SHAZAM! It found the song. How cool is that?

Comments

[mediaczar]

Whoa -- Jott's got onto the iPhone (however poorly)?

I'm a huge fan of the whole voice-to-text market (couldn't live w/out it these days.) Voicemail is v. two years' ago.

** Disclaimer -- Spinvox - a competitor of Jott's - is a client of Porter Novelli, and I work for Porter Novelli

You going to jailbreak this version as well?

[Dave]

Heh, heh. You said, "Monkey Ball."

Cool apps review. I'm going to be relying on reviews like this going forward, since there aren't free trials for the paid iPhone apps.

The introduction of the app store was one of the things that made me decide to take the plunge with the new iPhone. The 1-2 hour lines yesterday (and all of the talk of activation headaches) kept me away yesterday.

As much as the network congestion fueled the rage of Apple haters yesterday, I figure it's along the lines of having traffic during rush hour, or around the block lines of moviegoers on a big opening weekend -- it just goes along with the territory. Personally, I can wait a few days until all the fuss is over with.

With app store, GPS chip, and the 3G network, Apple has addressed my major issues with the iPhone. There are a few "like to haves" left, but no more "must haves" keeping me away. I signed up with the developer's program and am looking forward to trying my hand at app development for the iPhone as well.

[Mark]

Nice reviews, Matt.

As a non-iPhone guy, I find it amazing how much "stuff" they can jam into a pocket-sized electronic device nowadays. And while it's cool, I can't quite find the hole in my lifestyle to fit something so... "involved." My simple phone plan with no internet and a limited text-message plan (though the full keyboard on my LG Rumor is pretty cool) gets me by just fine. I'd love to see a future post on whether you think that owning the iPhone is truly worth it to you, financially and agg-wise (I've noticed that several of your posts have detailed your annoyances with its quirks.)

I guess us suburban types just don't get it. :)

[Karen Chamis]

Yeah, but if you're dying in a ditch waiting for EMS to arrive you're going to want SOMETHING to do.

You need at least one...er... two games.

[Nicole Melnick]

Glad to see you weren't a big sucker in getting the new problem-laden Iphone (death to apple fro screwing me on Itunes!). I digress....how'd you get the MattSnadBlog feed thing on this blog? I'd like to add that to mine! Thanks.

[mattsnod]

Hey, Nicole. Shoot me an e-mail, and hopefully I can answer your question.