Paul F Burgueño

Curiosities of the news conference iPhone 3G

Telefónica today presented to the press the new iPhone 3G on its new store at Gran Via 28 (of which I published comments, photos and a video 2 days ago). And there I was, of course.

I am not going to speak of tariffs or contracts or specifications, which you can easily find any website. With this short entry I just want to explain a bit how was the press conference and influence in a couple of things I have drawn attention:

The best way to approach the store is using public transport. The excellent Metro we have in Madrid (line 1, station Gran Via) left me at the door. I confirmed my press accreditation and I agreed to the conference room, which had already congregated around a hundred journalists to attend the second call of the day about the iPhone (the first was at 11:00 am). After a brief explanation of rates, rules, prices and others, we went to questions, which is always the most entertaining.

The dialogues are not literal and sorry for not put the source, but was so absorbed with answers that do not list the names of the speakers:

• Journalist: Is the iPhone is the plastic shell or metal?
  • Telephone: Emmhh ... (faces and looks of surprise among them) For the truth is I do not know. Only we know of the existence of an iPhone. But what we have here, let's see. (He takes and gives tap with your fingernail) Yes, it seems like the plastic.
• Journalist: I thought Apple had indicated that the iPhone had to be sold at a competitive rate of about one hundred-odd euros. However, there is talk of prices over 300 €. Is that correct?
  • Phone: Do not know. Apple has shown us anything. But our rates are cheaper than those in the U.S. and range from 0 € to 300 €, according to the contract the customer chooses.
• Reporter: Prices range VAT?
  • Telephone: EMH ... do not know. Let's see, is there someone I know?
  • Telephone 2: Everything is without VAT, unless the price of the terminal, which leads included.
• Journalist: Is the iPhone will carry the logo screenprinted Telefonica?
  • Euhh ... do not know. We looked at now. Let's see ... No. No leads. But I guess that will take you to the screen.
• Journalist: We have said that you expect to exhaust all the units in the first week, but how many do you get the sale?
  • Amhhh .. Euh .. "I can not say. But roasted through stock each week.

What is not discussed is the limitation of the bluetooth of the iPhone 3G, which, as I have been able to confirm, will capadas communications through its wireless port so that you can not use the handset as a modem for a laptop. Therefore, the data connection of 15 or 25 euros, compulsory recruitment to any iPhone tariff, not under any circumstances, navigate with the laptop, but only with the mobile device. A shame for the user and a source of revenue for the multinational.

At the end of the conference, we went to have a drink and a snack to the mobile load area. Walking through the aisles of the store I learned that tonight will do the complete assembly of all that has to do with the iPhone in the store at Gran Via 28, but nobody else logic means Telefónica high. One of the clerks told me (to call it somehow) that the iPhone will be present (expected) in all areas of the store and another employee told me they expect an "out of the iPhone" amazing morning at 10 o'clock am. I'm looking forward to seeing the news or in person ...

Indeed, the impressive big screen at the first floor, with which even today I was playing a while, is the work of attracting business dedicated to the latest technology, multi-touch screens and leader in creating those fun mobile soil with leaves scatter when you step on them. Thanks, George Maiko (Atra), for the explanations.

"See you tomorrow at Gran Via 28?