Sunday, December 26, 2010

Yep, there's an App for that

Today's Topic: The iPhone

I was always against people with their "big fancy cellphones." Honestly, it's a phone, and all I needed it for was to make calls with. That was until I bought the iPhone. I did learn that yes, there was in fact an app for everything. It has been the single device that has totally changed my lifestyle, how I conduct my day-to-day business and one thing that goes with me wherever I go. I never thought I would be this attached to a device, but yes, the iPhone has grabbed hold of me and I don't plan on letting it go.

For me, it wasn't because I wanted the "cool" phone. I needed something that was going to be reliable, useful, resourceful and make my life just a little bit easier (mark my words when I say that Apple is slowly taking over the tech world.) For example, this past thanksgiving, I was traveling to see my girlfriend in Cambridge and the traffic was absolutely brutal. Google has a built in Maps App on the iPhone that not only locates precisely where you are, but gives you a detailed traffic report, how far the traffic is lined up and your new ETA to your destination. I saw that there was no end in site to this traffic, so I got off at the next exit and my trusty phone guided me through the back roads all the way to my girlfriends house. It saved me at least an hour and half because riding a turtle would have made more sense then driving on the 401 that day. Life easier= a happier person. Not only the Maps app, but the ESPN Scorecentre app, my Scotiabank app (yes, I can pay all my bills from my phone), the YellowPages (which saves me a TON of time with work) and just having the Internet in the palm of my hand at all times in general is just awesome. All for $56 a month. It's a complete all in one package that has completely revolutionized my life and helped me keep up with the 21st century we live in. It even has the built in iPod, 3mp camera and a sweet calender. The best part? Every awesome app is free, 99% of the time.

The iPhone for me is a classic case of a piece of technology owning you, not you owning the technology. I will straight up admit that this phone is way smarter than me. The concept is incredible and for what you can do on it, blows my mind. It amazes me everyday. It's safe to say that my phone and I are in a serious relationship. Any conversation or debate I have with someone on a day to day basis, (mostly my big brother) we pull out the phone to get the facts straight or prove one another wrong. I always say "Well luckily, there's an app for that," followed by a brief browsing period (which costs no extra money since I'm connected to the nearest router automatically...as long as I know the password.) There are few things this pocket device cannot do. Aside from feeding you or giving you money, it takes care of everything else. It's gotten to the point where I often feel "naked" if it's not on me. Since I started this blog even, I've looked at it multiple times for inspiration.

If you don't have a smart phone yet, do it. I'm not going to get into the blackberry vs. iPhone debate because they are for two completely different people. The blackberry helps people stay in touch and has revolutionised communication with the free worldwide BBM network, which is a stroke of genius. Had it not been for that, the iPhone would have already monopolized the cell phone industry. I would recommend the iPhone to any walking human being, from the age of 10 to 85. You don't have to be a genius to be on this thing, trust me. It does the thinking for you. Auto correct is a wonderful tool. And if you can get used to the touchscreen, you're off to the races. Eventually, if you own a cellphone, it will have to be a smart phone, as technology changes so fast that the old cellphones keep having turnovers and discontinued models. Hop on this one though and if you can, buy Apple stocks because this is one company that is going to be around for a very, very long time.

I think the most amazing thing about Apple is that the Apple is their marketing tool. No words. Just a symbol. A fancy screen, the simple colours, and a whole group of followers that love the latest and greatest in the tech world. The sales speak for themselves. $3.4 billion last year in the quarter of sales that surrounds Christmas. Not too shabby. Steve Jobs has to amazed by his masterpiece. He totally dominates a cut throat industry that is only concerned about one thing: being the best. Do one thing and do it well. That's what Apple has done, and will 100% likely continue to do.

The one question I have, where were we before all these smart phones came about? Were we that lost in the clouds? Were our lives that much harder? Did we not have a device that could literally do it all? Whatever the case, people far more intelligent then us figured it out, made the change, and now we live in their world. However, I for one am thankful. Thank you iPhone. You deserve a round of applause.

Luckily, there's an app for that too. Instant applause. I'm not even kidding.

2 comments:

  1. I'd have to say we were smarter before the iPhone. People had to be more organized, more scheduled and more resourceful.

    Ever tried to read a road map? Made of paper? And you thought texting driving was a challenge.

    Ditch the iPhone and go play outside.

    ReplyDelete
  2. ^Hahaha I love Anonymous's comment. Gotta kind of agree with that.

    Smart phones are definitely awesome devices and incredibly powerful tools, but I think they destroy people's ability to think for themselves. Some kid grows up with one and then when he's met with a problem his phone can't solve for him he has no problem solving skills to call on to get him through.

    Definitely provides a lot of conveniences but just don't let it completely enslave you.

    They made an app for keeping the texters walking straight yet?

    ReplyDelete