Apple will be launching their iPhone in Egypt in the near future, and everyone thinks that I’ll be one of the first to get it as I’m a Mac/Apple freak. They are wrong.
There are several reasons that I will not get the iPhone.
GPS: Being in Egypt, GPS will be disabled in the iPhone. To get to this conclusion, I have compared the iPhone – Egypt page, with the iPhone – Qatar page. In the Egypt page it says;
iPhone combines Multi-Touch — the most innovative user interface since the mouse — with some of the most advanced software ever. The three-axis accelerometer senses the orientation of iPhone and adjusts the display. The proximity sensor saves power by turning off the display when iPhone is lifted to your ear. All of this — together with its 3G, Wi-Fi, and EDGE capability — puts iPhone years ahead of any other mobile device.
However, in the Qatar page, it goes;
iPhone combines Multi-Touch — the most innovative user interface since the mouse — with some of the most advanced software ever. The three-axis accelerometer senses the orientation of iPhone and adjusts the display. The proximity sensor saves power by turning off the display when iPhone is lifted to your ear. All of this — together with its GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi, and EDGE capability — puts iPhone years ahead of any other mobile device
Also, on the Egypt page is says just “Maps”, whereas on the Qatar page it says “Maps with GPS”.
App Store: What can one do with an iPhone, that you can’t buy/install Apps on. Ofcourse you can Jailbreak it, but if I wanted to go in that direction, they I could have bought from anywhere else, Jailbroke it and waited like a loser until they Jailbroke every new release of the iPhone software.
So guys, before you go throwing your money on a phone whose features has been raped, make sure that you get all the features that the iPhone should provide.
Personally, I will not even think of buying unless they start selling it as it should be sold – with all the features.
UPDATE: The iPhone does not support Arabic yet. The characters show, but you can’t read anything.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it all depends on the price , if it’s too expensive comparing to other phone in the same category ,I won’t buy it .
anyway, I’m thinking about buying a Macbook White 2.4 ,I’m getting it from KSA so it’s gonna cost roughly 7.600 LE .
the question here ,with the same price tag I can get a flaying normal laptop . is it really worth it ?
It’s not a matter of price at all. The issue is that you will be buying a phone, where you will not be able to use half of it’s features.
GPS its a fact in egypt everyone must deal with , but i know that quite a number of people gonna buy it including me and all will use it just to log on facebook and comment on others pic. LOL man its Egypt most people don’t even know what GPS is …. they think its a program just to use it on spying on people w 7ay2olak b2a w ye3mel nafso mefata7 ” el nas el fo2 mesh 3ayeza 7d ye2le2 manmha” its a culture of people JP
GPS in Egypt is obviously coming sooner or later, they just havent built the infrastructure for it yet, but knowing how competitive Vodafone, Mobilnil, Etisalat is, they will and Egypt DOES have a GPS development office in Garden City for your information.. so its obvious they are building a up to date gps of all cities in Egypt. Google Egypt office will also be doing Street Views in Egypt, Google Egypt already has maps for Egypt.. so you can just download Google Egypt maps which is the same thing..you can do so by getting it off the Google US site or Egypts Site
@James Interesting comment there. We will have to wait and see. Thanks.
I beg to differ here. GPS does not need infrastructure, and that’s the very essence of GPS. It was created to tell you where you are, wherever you are, even if you’re at a totally unmapped, uncharted spot of the earth. The only thing you might refer to as infrastructure here (although not infrastructure for the function of GPS itself) are the maps, which have been developed already by Nokia (very accurate ones, too), and by Google as you have mentioned. Nokia N95 phones, banned by the Egyptian ministry of communication for ’security’ reasons, yet smuggled and sold illegally, have 100% functional and very useful GPS maps and signal.
Now there is another point to make here. The development of the iPhone has taken it’s fair share at Apple, crafting out design, inside chips, ergonomic design, so on and so forth. Now, I HIGHLY doubt that Apple would actually modify it’s hardware, removing the GPS hardware chip for the sake of the Egyptian government. Now although this would seem like a saving money procedure, I think it would actually cost them a lot more to prepare and execute such a modification. So, it is HIGHLY likely that they will instead disable the GPS function on the phones through the OSX software, releasing a country specific edition, which is something they have done already with other countries (yet the specificity was due to language implementation). When and if this happens, this would mean you will still have the option to flash your iPhone with another US or otherwise version with GPS enabled in the software. So, GPS won’t be the dealbreaker here.
iPhone 3G is still worth it -IF it comes out below the 5,000 EGP mark. If it goes above that, it is up to everyone’s individual value2price judgement.
@Bassel I believe you are mainly referring to James’ post with your comment. However, we need to clear up some points here.
Yes, GPS does not need infrastructure as you mentioned. You can be positioned anywhere on this planet as long as you have sufficient satellite access, even if the area is uncharted. The problem with Egypt is the charts. We do not have charts that are working as they should together with GPS technology. I indeed know that you can get these maps for Nokia, and other devices, but not even Cairo if fully mapped as it should be. Most probably the GPS office which James mentioned in his comment is an office to make the correct maps that should work with GPS. You can even see some roads on Google maps. But when you check on hybrid view, you will find that the road are not in accordance to the images.
Regarding the iPhone. I totally agree that they will disable the GPS functionality through the OS X, but re-flashing will put you in the same situation where the iPhone was not launched in Egypt. i.e. Getting a phone from the US and jailbreaking it.
Moreover, it’s not just a matter of the iPhone having the GPS enabled or not that will evaluate if I should buy it or not, but a critical point also remains whether Egypt will have it’s own App store and iTunes store or not?
@JPierre I’ve seen more than a couple of people with N95s that do have pretty accurate maps that even enable nicely timed turn-by-turn navigation through the streets of Cairo. The GPS reception though is something Nokia can work on, since both had to extend their devices right under the windshield where they can possibly yeild an average satellite signal. So, if you are referring to some peripheral parts of cairo where access is limited (probably parts like Deweqa too), I’ll give you that.
I also agree that if you reflash your device with a US version that will probably bring you back to sqare 1. But… Think about this: Yesterday Apple Hong Kong and South Africa released the ‘first’ ‘unlocked’ iPhones for sale in both regions, without carrier limitations. Reports have been coming in of people successfully registering those devices on networks outside their intended regions. I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t flash their Egyptian carrier-locked and GPS-disabled iPhone with a Hong Kong software. There is no reason why it won’t work with any of our three carriers. Of course these are all assumptions, but I believe they should turn out valid in time.
When it comes to regional customized app-store or itunes… you’re quite right. Even with the presence of iTunes in many non-US countries (e.g. UK, Germany), most customers have been disappointed with the comparatively narrow variety of products available for sale (movies? forget about it). So, if you’re in it to buy music and videos through iTunes, you’d better think twice before buying the Egyptian iPhone. Me, I shouldn’t worry much about that. ;)
There might be one ‘tiny’ disadvantage for flashing a non-Egyptian OSX to an Egyptian iPhone, which would arise if they release a fully Arabic enabled OS, which would mean a hell load of convenience to many people. For me, still not a dealbreaker.
IMHO the iPhone is still a good value for money. I’m no Apple or Mac fan, but the mere experience, (and I wish I had formatting tools here to highlight the word ‘experience’ in all ways possible) is simply a pure delight. Unmatched till this very moment, even by the most feared rival, the G1 google phone. And at approximately 4,200 EGP, I’m digging deep into the back of my head for any friends or acquaintances in Hong Kong or South Africa. :)
@Bassel The maps on N95 are not very accurate, and when I mentioned that there are some missing maps for regions in Cairo, for sure I did not mean Daweqa – but thanks for trying to sound funny ;)
Just for the record, you can not install anything on the iPhone for the time being except through the app store or you get a jailbreaked iPhone. Once again, the Jailbreaked iPhone is not to be discussed here, as I’m purely referring to legal iPhones that are supposed to work as they are.
iTunes + App store are bind to each other. If you own an iPod touch you will know what I mean. Not having iTunes store + App Store in Egypt will not enable you to install anything on you iPhone… which I do think it’s something you should worry about and think before buying the iPhone.
No one can comment on the experience. It’s second to none compared to all the touch devices I have tried before.
@JPierre Of course when I was talking about Nokia maps I was referring to my personal experience, which would vary much according to many variables that come into play here.
I don’t know why you seen so reserved about jailbreaking your device, for me, I am used to flashing any device I’ve had uptill this moment. I like to explore limits and extend functionality of powerful mobile devices (which I have no doubt the iPhone is one), of course as long as the upgrade won’t crash or brick your phone, which is something you can avoid by following the upgrade procedure down to the letter. Also, there is nothing illegal concerning jailbreaking your device, if that’s a worry. It will simply void your guarantee. Tsk tsk.
But again, that’s just the adventurer that I am. I am sure many out there would rather die than flash with an ‘apple unapproved software’! :)
Btw, Vodafone Egypt has recently dedicated http://iphone.vodafone.com.eg. There is nothing there yet, but it is a sign wheels are in motion.
@Bassel I am not reserved about anything, but unfortunately you don’t get the point of that there is no need to jailbreak your iPhone when it’s supposed to be available in Egypt as in the US and the other countries. What you are saying is similar to get a pirated software key while owning the original, or getting pirated cable channels when you already have the card to decipher the channels.
It’s a pity that you just don’t get the point. There is no doubt that you can jailbreak, flash or even Frisbee with your own iPhone – that’s your own business. No one said it’s illegal.
And if you consider flashing devices an adventure, enlighten us more ;) We seem to have no adventures in our life trying to get the most of our gadgets and get them to work as they should.
Oh, thanks for re mentioning the iPhone URL on the Vodafone Egypt webpage. But that’s just plain old news…
Cheers.
Nobody said flashing was for everybody. Actually, I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone below a certain level of computer knowledge. But thank you for re-asserting my point.
Anyway, on a final note, your take on jailbreaking seemed so simple, yet it is rather simplistic; and it seems that you are the one who doesn’t get the point out of jailbreaking. Jailbreaking is taking place MAJORLY in the USA, where as you have kindly mentioned there is an official and fully functional iTunes+Appstore. Why? The main purpose of jailbreaking is allowing your phone to accept third-party software not already available in the appstore. Why isn’t this software available in the appstore? You can argue ‘apple cares for my safety’ all night long if you want, but take a look here for deeper insight, and maybe you might ‘enligten’ yourself as well: http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/25/engadget-cares-save-us-from-apples-groundbreaking-developer-s/. In a few words for those of us who prefer it this way, you get to install much much more apps than you normally would.
So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the USA, Egypt, or even JPierre land, availability of appstore or itunes is irrelevant to jailbreaking.
Oh, one more thing, since you’ve owned so many touch products before, there must have atleast been one or two Windows Mobile devices. And if you have never flashed your rom before, i’m sorry to tell you that at best you’ve been getting out of it a mere 50% of what it can give. You get access to much better software updates that were designed for your phone but not signed by microsoft, and you get access to much more functionality. Yeah, there’s a minor risk of bricking the device, but again, that is why I said it is not for the ‘average mac fan’, nor the ‘faint-hearted’. ;)
Try browsing engadget.com or gizmodo.com every once in a while, you’ll be amazed on how much it’ll keep you up-to-date with the tech sphere.
Fast changing world, eh?
Over and out!
Bassel,
I can see that seem to be a Mr. Know it All. However there are some points which are needed to be listed here.
Jailbreaking the iPhone or the iPod touch is a mere child’s play. And if anything goes wrong you can simply restore back to the original setting via iTunes. Simle – eh!
However, jailbreaking also allows you to use your iPhone with other carriers. You are right that you can get 3rd party apps available and sold in the app store by jailbreaking, for free, which according to you is very legal. Jailbreaking is also like – you get an original Windows version which you can activate, but you prefer to use the activation crack!
Regarding the engadget and the gizmodo links, thanks mate… but if you have been reading them for a while, you will also learn that some of the iPhone features do not work with Jailbreaking. Just quit underestimating people, and the world will look brighter at your end!
And instead of calling people “the average mac fan” or the “faint hearted”… Go through the post again, and try to get the point.
I hope that in your following comments, you come up with something useful and informative.
Good day guys ;
Well while i am truly enjoying the above argument , just wanna remind you all that guys , whats the fuss they are just gadgest ( sand , plastic & glass ) no need to argue that much .
newayz , wanted to point out that the prices for the mobinil Iphone are :
L.E 3500 for the 8 Gb
L.E 4200 for the 16 Gb
i guess 3.5K is not bad for the phone even with half it’s features
hey hey hey!
Egyptian iPhone victim is here.. i wish i went thru your blog before i got fooled!
i just got one and its more like a candy with no taste!! its empty and useless no GPS no Games no Apps no Ringtones no anything!! i’ve been trying hard to get em but i couldn’t.. i was so amazed by its features that are on the apple website but i didn’t think for a second that i can’t get these features coz am in mother Egypt!!!! as soon as i heared it’s out in stores i rashed to get it n that was so stupid of me.. now i regret getting it especially coz am not a genius head i can’t do the unlock thing n dunno how to get an app store membership without paying.. so am so helpless! can anybody help?!
Hi Jean;
This is Tamer, we went to collage together ;)
I’m planning to buy the iphone, but that’s only because I’m trying to develop some apps/games for the istore.
as for the GPS, any discussion about infrastructure is bull, i travel a lot around Egypt and we use GPS most of the time, and yes authorities know about the “personal” GPS we carry, and have no problem with it, it’s all about bureaucracy, and it’s a shame it was disabled on iphone.
The other issue about istore, i think you could just change the country to UAE for example, to be able to use iTune.
I’m not an Aple fan boy, actually, i don’t own any Apple products so far, but planning to buy a Macbook, and an iphone as an investment.
My advice to any potential buyer, please don’t be a naive, wait for a while, there are few great upcoming devices, like the G1, and the nokia 5800 music xpress,with almost the same feature, like the touchscreen, so save you money, unless you really going to use the iphone available features.
P.S as far as i know, GPS was not disabled by any hardware modification, it’s just that each country has a SIM code, Egypt is 602, so once iphone reads that, it disables the GPS, so if you took the same iphone and used any other countries SIM, it will re-enable the GPS.
i could be wrong though :D
The Iphone in Egypt without an ITunes store is a total joke, for customers settling for an iphone without any access to itunes store, not even the free apps!
And here i was reading your blog about the ultra annoying Khaled Mattar accent just to stumble across this before i splash my hard earned cash on getting my X-mass present.
GPS as some said is not an issue, same regarding the Apple store..etc
I’m with Bassel on this, i owned MS-OS devices for the past 4 years from I-mate to HTC and i always go beyond the “licensed ” software or whatever u want to name it.
a friend of mine who recently bought the IPhone used his GPS successfully & installed more applications then i can think off so i don’t think its a stumbling block
the question however is this, should you buy an I Phone with lack of some normal functions like “message forwarding ” ” copy & paste for text ” ” editing word or excel files ” a Camera with no software or any function whatsoever” ” no video calls over the 3G network or video recording ” ” Bluetooth is useless for any data transfer just work as a headset” ” no support for webpages with java or flash content ”
and last but not least no slot for any memory card ..
regarding the jailbreaking we seldom get a proper service in Egypt for things we buy over here (ask any Xbox owner ) we are screwed either way
that’s the I Phone problem, so I’ll just keep using the HTC for my business purpose & get the I Phone for Internet & entertainment purpose since i already use two mobile phones at the moment
P.S the new HTC HD will kick apple butt but as usual it will be very expensive considering the Iphone is offered cheap ATM from the network carriers *getting mine for 2800 LE *
@Emad , is these functions prevented in egypt only or it is not iphone functions?????
i can not imagine a mobile device without these functions, no bluetooth data transfer ??? what they are thinking about ?
I am replying to Salem’s message.
Do not think that you are the only one who knows GPS, which i am sure that you have no idea about it.
I am from Egypt and i would like to let you know that GPS or GLOBAL POSITION SYSTEM whic i am sure you do not know that abbreviation is working by 24 Sattalites on 6 orbits submiting signals depending on time difference between transmiting and receiving by reciever on signal speed of 3X10 power of 8 Meters/sec.
Receiver should receive at least signal from 3 sattalites to start calculating positions measure time difference and make an interception between these signals to calculate the coordinates of a specific position.
GPS service is abseloutly free service controled by USA, GPS receivers is working on 2 bands the commercial band and military band thats used by USA government and Nato forces.
A highest grade of a GPS is the Differntial GPS wic depends on stations well knows its coordinates and sending corrections to units to avoid the,
The latest is 8 more corrections using differential methods such like internet corrections, inmarsat, Iala , XP, HP corrections.
I can not go more details than that becuase its useless for you.
Hatem.
Navigator.