Unfortunate. This is exactly what Avecora’s aiming for.
The iPhone is White Label hardware.
With the unveiling of the iPhone 3Gs and further details regarding the newest iteration of the OS, the iPhone stands to become a universal device. It’s effectively a white label hardware solution for companies from all fields, the world over.
As developer after developer demoed their upcoming applications onstage at WWDC today, it became striking just how powerful and flexible the iPhone truly is. Plus, with an install base of 40,000,000 iPhones and Touches, there’s very little reason for start-ups to even attempt to pursue the wonky world of hardware. Even established businesses seemed to disprove their own divisions: as tomtom showed off their upcoming navigation software I was left wondering why they need to make their own devices anymore.
My favorite demonstration (which perfectly illustrates the flexibility of the hardware) had to be zipcar’s new application, which ports to the iPhone a universal key-fob to unlock their entire stable of autos.
But beyond refiguring the equation for a gadget start-up or business, the prospect of a truly White Label device has farther reaching consequences. In absorbing the functionality of many hardware devices, we stand to purchase less physical materials and perhaps reduce our impact on the environment a tiny bit.
Think of the next gadget you’re going to buy: there’s a good chance you could fulfill that function on an iPhone with a bit of software and perhaps an port accessory. The iPhone’s moniker is becoming misleading. More than a phone, it’s a shiny black brick that can be whatever you want it to be.
