Steve Jobs Introducing The iPhone At MacWorld 2007

Summary

In 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, a revolutionary product that combined three devices into one: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone, and an internet communications device. The iPhone featured a multi-touch interface, eliminating the need for a stylus or physical keyboard, and ran on OS 10, offering advanced software capabilities. It was designed for ease of use, with a focus on syncing with iTunes for media and data, and included a 2-megapixel camera, proximity and ambient light sensors, and an accelerometer for orientation awareness.

Takeaways

• 📱 Apple introduced three revolutionary products in one device: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device, which they named the iPhone.
• 🎉 The iPhone was a leapfrog product that aimed to be smarter and easier to use than any mobile device at the time, setting a new standard for smartphones.
• 🖥 The iPhone's user interface was a significant innovation, replacing physical keyboards and buttons with a multi-touch screen, which allowed for a dynamic and application-specific interface.
• 🤲 The multi-touch technology was a key feature, allowing users to interact with the device using their fingers, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
• 💾 The iPhone ran on OS X, a sophisticated operating system that provided multitasking, advanced networking, power management, and security features, making it more powerful than other mobile devices.
• 🎵 The iPhone was designed to sync seamlessly with iTunes, allowing users to transfer their music, videos, and other media easily from their computers to the device.
• 📸 The iPhone included a 2-megapixel camera, a feature that was not common in smartphones at the time, enhancing its multimedia capabilities.
• 🔄 The device was equipped with advanced sensors such as a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and an accelerometer, which improved the user experience and power efficiency.
• 📐 The iPhone had a sleek design, with a thin form factor of 11.6 millimeters, a 3.5-inch high-resolution screen, and a single home button for navigation.
• 🌐 The introduction of the iPhone was a pivotal moment in technology, signaling a shift towards smartphones with advanced computing capabilities and user-centric design.

Q & A

What significant product introductions did Apple make in 1984 and 2001?

In 1984, Apple introduced the Macintosh, which changed the computer industry. In 2001, they introduced the first iPod, which transformed the music industry.

What are the three revolutionary products Apple announced in the script?

Apple announced three revolutionary products: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device.

What is the name of the device that combines the three products mentioned into one?

The device that combines all three products is called the iPhone.

What is the main issue with smartphones according to the script?

The main issue with smartphones is that they are not so smart and not so easy to use, despite having a combination of phone, email, and internet capabilities.

How does the iPhone aim to differentiate itself from other smartphones?

The iPhone aims to be a leapfrog product that is both smarter and easier to use than any mobile device, with a revolutionary user interface and breakthrough software.

What is the 'multi-touch' technology introduced by Apple?

Multi-touch is a new technology that allows users to interact with the device using their fingers, providing a more intuitive and accurate method of control without the need for a stylus or physical buttons.

What operating system does the iPhone run on?

The iPhone runs on OS X, which is a sophisticated operating system that provides multitasking, advanced networking, power management, and other features.

How does the iPhone synchronize with a PC or Mac?

The iPhone synchronizes with a PC or Mac through iTunes, automatically syncing media and data such as contacts, calendars, photos, notes, bookmarks, and email accounts.

What are some of the design features of the iPhone mentioned in the script?

The iPhone has a 3.5-inch high-resolution screen, a home button, a thin profile at 11.6 millimeters, a 2-megapixel camera, and a 30-pin iPod connector.

What are the three advanced sensors built into the iPhone?

The iPhone has a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and an accelerometer, which improve user experience and save power.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Introduction to Revolutionary Products

The speaker begins by expressing anticipation for a day that has been two and a half years in the making. They discuss the rarity of revolutionary products that can change everything and acknowledge Apple's fortune in introducing such products, like the Macintosh in 1984 and the iPod in 2001. These products not only changed Apple but also their respective industries. The speaker then announces the introduction of three revolutionary products: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device. However, they reveal that these are not three separate devices but one, called the iPhone. The speaker emphasizes the goal to create a product that is both highly intelligent and extremely user-friendly, aiming to leapfrog over existing smartphones that are neither easy to use nor as smart as they claim to be.

05:01

🖥️ Revolutionary User Interface

The speaker delves into the need for a revolutionary user interface, criticizing the traditional smartphones for their fixed keyboards and control buttons that are not adaptable to different applications. They argue that every application should have an optimized set of controls, which is not possible with current designs. The speaker then draws a parallel to the solution found in computers 20 years ago with the introduction of the bitmap screen and the mouse. They announce that Apple has solved this problem for mobile devices by introducing a large, touch-sensitive screen and a new technology called multi-touch, which allows for intuitive finger-based interactions. The speaker boasts about the accuracy and intelligence of multi-touch, which can recognize multi-finger gestures and ignore unintended touches. They also mention that this technology has been patented. The paragraph concludes with the speaker asserting that multi-touch will be as revolutionary for mobile devices as the mouse was for computers.

10:04

🎨 Design and Functionality of iPhone

The speaker shifts the focus to the design and functionality of the iPhone. They highlight the device's 3.5-inch high-resolution screen, which is the highest resolution screen Apple has ever shipped, with 160 pixels per inch. The front of the device features only one button, the 'home' button, which serves as a universal return point from any application. The speaker emphasizes the thinness of the iPhone, making it thinner than any other smartphone at the time. They describe the side controls, including a ring/silent switch and volume controls. The back of the device features a 2-megapixel camera. The speaker also mentions the various ports and sensors, such as the proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and accelerometer, which enhance the user experience and functionality. The design philosophy is to create a device that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and easy to use.

Keywords

💡Revolutionary Product

A 'revolutionary product' refers to an innovative item that significantly alters the way things are done or perceived, often leading to a paradigm shift in its industry. In the context of the video, the speaker highlights Apple's history of introducing such products, like the Macintosh in 1984 and the iPod in 2001, which transformed the computer and music industries, respectively. The video suggests that the iPhone is poised to be another such revolutionary product, indicating a transformative impact on the mobile phone industry.

💡Widescreen iPod with Touch Controls

This term describes one of the three products that the iPhone is said to encompass. A 'widescreen iPod with touch controls' suggests a portable media player with a large display and a user interface that responds to touch inputs, enhancing user interaction. The video positions this as one of the key features of the iPhone, indicating a significant upgrade from traditional iPods with smaller screens and physical click wheels.

💡Mobile Phone

A 'mobile phone' is a portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a cellular network. The video script implies that the iPhone is not just a basic mobile phone but a 'revolutionary mobile phone,' suggesting that it will offer capabilities far beyond those of conventional mobile phones, potentially in terms of functionality, design, or user experience.

💡Internet Communications Device

An 'internet communications device' is a tool that enables users to access and communicate over the internet. The video suggests that the iPhone will function as such a device, indicating that it will offer internet connectivity and possibly advanced communication features, setting it apart from simple mobile phones that might not have robust internet capabilities.

💡Multi-Touch

Multi-touch refers to a technology that allows for multiple points of contact on a display to be recognized simultaneously. In the video, Apple's development of multi-touch technology is highlighted as a key innovation for the iPhone. It replaces the need for a stylus or physical buttons, allowing users to interact with the device directly with their fingers, which is described as being more intuitive and accurate.

💡Smartphones

A 'smartphone' is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities, typically featuring a touch screen, internet access, and the ability to run various applications. The video discusses the limitations of existing smartphones, which are described as neither smart enough nor easy to use. The iPhone is positioned as a leapfrog product that will be both highly intelligent and user-friendly, surpassing the capabilities of contemporary smartphones.

💡User Interface

The 'user interface' (UI) is the space where interactions between users and a device occur, including how commands are input and how output information is communicated back to the user. The video emphasizes the need for a 'revolutionary user interface' for the iPhone, which implies a significant redesign of how users interact with mobile devices, aiming for a more intuitive and adaptable experience.

💡OS 10

OS 10, or Operating System 10, refers to the software that powers the iPhone. The video mentions that the iPhone runs on OS 10, suggesting that it is built on a robust and sophisticated platform. This is significant as it implies that the iPhone will have advanced features and capabilities typically found in desktop operating systems, such as multitasking and power management.

💡Sync with iTunes

To 'sync with iTunes' means to synchronize data between the iPhone and a computer using Apple's media player software, iTunes. The video explains that the iPhone will sync with iTunes just like an iPod, allowing users to transfer media and data seamlessly. This is a key feature that leverages the familiarity of iTunes for users, making the iPhone's integration with existing Apple ecosystems more straightforward.

💡Proximity Sensor

A 'proximity sensor' is a device that detects the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. In the video, the iPhone's proximity sensor is highlighted as a feature that turns off the display and touch sensor when the phone is brought close to the face during a call. This not only saves battery life but also prevents accidental inputs, showcasing the attention to detail in the iPhone's design.

💡Accelerometer

An 'accelerometer' is a type of sensor that measures acceleration forces. It is mentioned in the video as one of the advanced sensors in the iPhone, which can detect changes in orientation and switch the screen from portrait to landscape mode accordingly. This feature enhances the user experience by allowing the display to adapt to how the device is being held.

Highlights

Introduction of a revolutionary product that changes everything, a rare occurrence in the industry.

Apple's history of introducing groundbreaking products: the Macintosh in 1984 and the iPod in 2001.

Announcement of three revolutionary products in one device: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone, and an internet communications device.

The unveiling of the iPhone, a device that combines the functionalities of an iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator.

The iPhone's goal to reinvent the phone industry by introducing a leapfrog product that is both smarter and easier to use than existing smartphones.

Critique of traditional smartphones for their complexity and lack of user-friendliness.

The need for a revolutionary user interface to overcome the limitations of physical keyboards and fixed control buttons.

The introduction of the multi-touch technology as a solution to traditional input methods, allowing for a more intuitive and flexible user interface.

The iPhone running OS X, a sophisticated operating system that enables multitasking, advanced networking, and power management.

Emphasis on the importance of syncing with iTunes, allowing for easy transfer of media and data to the iPhone.

Design philosophy focused on creating a device that is comfortable to hold, with a 3.5-inch high-resolution screen and a single home button.

Inclusion of a 2-megapixel camera on the iPhone, enhancing its multimedia capabilities.

Integration of advanced sensors such as a proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and an accelerometer for an enhanced user experience.

The iPhone's sleek design, being thinner than any other smartphone at the time, with a focus on portability and ease of use.

The iPhone's potential to change the way people interact with mobile devices, setting a new standard for smartphones.

Transcripts

this is a day

i've been looking forward to for two and

a half years every once in a while

a revolutionary product comes along that

changes everything

and apple has been

well first of all one's very fortunate

if you get to work on just

one of these in your career

apple's been very fortunate it's been

able to

introduce a few of these into the world

1984 we introduced the macintosh

it didn't just change apple it changed

the whole computer industry

in 2001 we introduced the first ipod

and it didn't just

it didn't just change the way we all

listen to music

it changed the entire music industry

well today

we're introducing three

revolutionary products of this class

the first one

is a widescreen ipod with touch controls

the second is a revolutionary

mobile phone

and the third is a breakthrough

internet communications device

so three things

a widescreen ipod with touch controls a

revolutionary mobile phone

and a breakthrough internet

communications device

an ipod a phone

and an internet communicator

an ipod a phone

are you getting it

these are not three separate devices

this is one device

and we are calling it iphone

today today

apple is going to reinvent the phone

and here it is

no actually here it is but we're going

to

leave it there for now so

before we get into it

let me uh let me talk about a category

of things the most advanced phones are

called

smart phones so they say

and uh they typically combine a phone

plus some

email capability plus they say it's the

internet sort of the baby internet

into one device and they all have these

plastic little keyboards on them

uh and the problem is that

they're not so smart and they're not so

easy to use so

if you kind of make a you know business

school 101 graph with a smart access and

the

easy to use access phones regular cell

phones are kind of right there they're

not so smart

and they're you know not so easy to use

but smartphones are definitely a little

smarter but they actually are harder to

use

they're really complicated just for the

basic stuff

people have a hard time figuring out how

to use them

well we don't want to do either one of

these things what we want to do

is make a leapfrog product that is

way smarter than any mobile device has

ever been

and super easy to use this is what

iphone is

okay so we're going to reinvent the

phone

now we're going to start

with a revolutionary user interface

is the result of years of research and

development

and of course it's an interplay of

hardware and software

now why do we need a revolutionary user

interface i mean

here's four smartphones right motorola q

the blackberry

palm treo nokia e62 the usual suspects

and what's wrong with their user

interfaces well

the problem with them is really sort of

in the bottom

40 there it's it's this stuff right here

they all have these keyboards that are

there whether you need them or not to be

there

and they all have these control buttons

that are fixed in plastic

and are the same for every application

well every application wants a slightly

different user interface

a slightly optimized set of buttons just

for it

and what happens if you think of a great

idea six months from now you can't run

around and

add a button to these things they're

already shipped so what do you do

it doesn't work because the buttons and

the controls

can't change they can't change for each

application

and they can't change down the road if

you think of another great idea you want

to add to this product

well how do you solve this it turns out

we have solved it we solved it in

computers

20 years ago we solved it with a bitmap

screen

that could display anything we want put

any user interface up

and a pointing device we solved it with

the mouse

right we solve this problem so how are

we going to take this to a mobile device

well what we're going to do is get rid

of all these buttons

and just make a giant screen a giant

screen

now how are we going to communicate this

we don't want to carry around a mouse

right

so what are we going to do oh a stylus

right

we're going to use a stylus no

now who wants a stylus

you have to get them and put them away

and you lose them yuck

nobody wants a stylus so let's not use a

stylus

we're going to use the best pointing

device in the world we're going to use a

pointing device that we're all

born with we're born with 10 of them

we're going to use our fingers

we're going to touch this with our

fingers and we have invented a new

technology

called multi-touch which is phenomenal

it works like magic

you don't need a stylus it's far more

accurate than any touch display that's

ever been shipped

it ignores unintended touches it's super

smart

you can do multi-finger gestures on it

and boy have we patented it

so

we've been very lucky to have brought a

few revolutionary user interfaces to the

market

in our time first was the mouse

the second was the click wheel and now

we're going to bring multi-touch to the

market and each of these revolutionary

user interfaces

has made possible a revolutionary

product

the mac the ipod and now the iphone

so a revolutionary user interface we're

going to build on top of that

with software now software on mobile

phones

is like it's like baby software

it's not so powerful and today

we're going to show you a software

breakthrough software that's at least

five years ahead of what's on any other

phone

now how do we do this well we start with

a strong foundation

iphone runs os 10.

now

why why would we want to run

such a sophisticated operating system on

a mobile device well because it's got

everything we need

it's got multitasking it's got the best

networking

it already knows how to power manage

we've been doing this on mobile

computers for years

it's got awesome security and the right

apps

it's got everything from coco and the

graphics and it's got core

animation built in and it's got the

audio and video

that os 10 is famous for it's got all

the stuff we want

and it's built right in to iphone and

that has let us create

desktop class applications and

networking

right not the crippled stuff

that you find on most phones this is

real desktop class

applications now you know

one of the pioneers of our industry alan

kaye has had a lot of great quotes

throughout the years

and i ran across one of them recently

that

explains how we look at this explains

why we go about doing things the way we

do because we love

software and here's the quote

people who are really serious about

software should make their own hardware

you know alan said this 30 years ago

and this is how we feel about it and so

we're bringing breakthrough software

to a mobile device for the first time

it's five years ahead of anything

on any other phone the second thing

we're doing is we're learning from the

ipod

syncing with itunes you know we're going

to ship our 100 millionth ipod this year

and that's tens of millions of people

that know how to sync these devices with

their pcs or mac

and sync all of their media right onto

their ipod

right so you just drop your ipod in and

it automatically

syncs you're going to do the same thing

with iphone

it automatically syncs to your pc or mac

right through itunes

and itunes is going to sync all your

media onto your iphone

your music your audio books podcasts

movies tv

shows music videos but it also syncs

a ton of data your contacts your

calendars and your photos which you can

get on your ipod today

your notes your your bookmarks from your

web browser

your email accounts your whole email

setup all that stuff can be moved over

to iphone completely automatically

it's really nice and we do it we do it

through itunes

again you go to itunes and you set it up

just like you'd set up an ipod or an

apple tv

and you set up what you want sync to

your iphone

and it's just like an ipod charge

and sync so sync with itunes

third thing i want to talk about a

little is design we've designed

something wonderful

for your hand just wonderful

and this is what it looks like

it's got a three and a half inch screen

on it it's really big

and it's the highest resolution screen

we've ever shipped it's 160 pixels per

inch

highest we've ever shipped it's gorgeous

and on the front

there's only one button down there we

call it the home button it takes you

home from wherever you are

that's it let's take a look at the side

it's really thin it's thinner than any

smartphone out there at 11.6 millimeters

thinner than the q

thinner than the blackjack thinner than

all of them

it's really nice and we got some

controls on the side we got a little

switch for ring and silent we've got a

volume up and down control let's look at

the back

on the back the biggest thing of note is

we got a 2 megapixel camera built right

in

the other side we're back on the front

so let's take a look at the top now

we've got a headset jack three and a

half millimeter all your ipod headphones

fit right in

we've got a place a little tray for your

sim card and we've got one switch for

sleep and wake just push it to go to

sleep

push it to wake up let's take a look at

the bottom

we've got a speaker we've got a

microphone

and we've got our 30 pin ipod connector

so that's the bottom now we've also got

some stuff you can't see

we've got three really advanced sensors

built into this phone

the first one is a proximity sensor it

senses when physical objects get close

so when you

bring iphone up to your ear to take a

phone call

it turns off the display and it turns

off the touch sensor instantly

why do you want to do that well one to

save battery but two so you don't get

spurious inputs from your face

into the touchscreen just automatically

turns them off take it away boom it's

back on

so it's got a proximity sensor built in

it's got an ambient light sensor as well

we sense the ambient lighting conditions

and adjust the brightness of the display

to match the ambient lighting conditions

again

better user experience saves power and

the third thing we've got

is an accelerometer so that we can tell

when you switch from portrait to

landscape