I can safely assume that Apple and or AT&T are having a few problems with getting the new iPhone up and running on the network. I just got through the security line at LGA, heading home.
Security guy: "Sir, what's in this box, please, we need to check it."
Guy: "It's a piece of shit iphone I bought for my spoiled brat kid which I stood line for a damn hour to get. Then those phreaking butt wipes couldn't do whatever so I got this box of crap that can't be used and I have to deal with a pissed of kid. Hey, fry it in that X-Ray machine will ya!"
Technology, I love this stuff.
Rick,
Since I am based out of NYC, let me take a stab at this :)
"What would you do to maximize this opportunity from an advertising or usage perspective? Is it an opportunity?"
- Have a universal charger for people to use (laptop and/or cell phones): Think of all the money that corporate users would be willing to pay in order to get that extra 20 minutes of juice on their flights ! (Come to think of it, why not WiFi as well !)
- Sign up additional content/programming: Currently, it loops after 20 minutes and things can get quite dull after that.
- Fresher content: Currently, it renews about once a week. I probably take cab 4-5 times a week. 'Nuff said. (It's like watching the same Seinfeld re-run over and over)
- Turn it into a personal entertainment system (much like those Air Canada ones) where user have access to games, videos, TV shows etc.
- Enable plug and play hardware capability (USB/Flash/SD) so that people can play their own media
I talked to some cabbies as well. It was said that each unit costs about $5K and it is up to the owner to determine whether to install it (as there is built in GPS function). The owner can either pay for it all upfront, or put it on an installment plan. Apparently, the owners also share in the advertising revenue as well.
Posted by: Harrison Lung | July 14, 2008 at 17:52
Harrison,
Thanks for the note. I assume you meant this for the taxi cab entry. I can move the comment over there if you want me to. Regardless, thanks for the feedback and stopping by the blog.
>R<
Posted by: Rick Segal | July 14, 2008 at 20:12
Yes, it was. Please move it if you can.
Posted by: Harrison Lung | July 15, 2008 at 10:44
Rick --
If an entrepreneur can't walk away from a bad deal on an iPhone because "they have to have it" what is the likelihood that in business negotiations they are going to get similarly fleeced?
This just became a standard question for any business person I interview: "Did you wait in line for the iPhone?"
yes = no hire
more: http://www.sworddance.com/blog/2008/07/15/open-letter-to-iphone-users-please-stop-whining/
Posted by: Pat Moore | July 15, 2008 at 19:06