iPhone 2010 - My 2 Cents

So I'm joining in on the speculation of the iPhone 2010 --- though this is not a tech blog, or an Apple blog, or anything in particular blog, I am a self-described techie and currently an Apple "FanBoi" and well, I couldn't resist ;) There have been several leaks so far, Gizmodo got their hands on the infamous "I was left on a bar stool" prototype and the Vietnamese websites leaked a more finished product pic. I happen to be among those who like the new design as the current 3GS is showing its age. I've put together a fairly simple wish list which I believe is fairly realistic given the current smart phone environment. Before I purchased my first iPhone, I had a new phone every 6-8 months. As the competition begins to heat it, I am finding it harder and harder to stick with my Jesus phone. I'm hoping that on June 7th this will no longer be the case.

So here is my wish list:


64 - 128GB Version -- I'm probably pushing it with the 128 but as we are enjoying more and more digital content the space will be a must have.

Higher Resolution Screen -- I wanted an OLED screen, they are beautiful but when the iPhone 3GS won hands down in screen tests, it became apparent that maybe OLED isn't the greatest option. The iPhone screen is screaming for an upgrade - despite it's recent win against the Nexus One.

1Ghz Processor -- This is pretty much a given with all of the leaks referencing a faster, A4 iPad processor.

Better Camera -- Better can and often is subjective, but when on my recent trip to Miami I found myself without a camera in low light situations, I found myself beginning to understand why we have seen so many complaints about the iPhone camera. The leaks tell us we will get a front facing camera and a new camera on the back WITH a flash. Along with the better camera, let's hope to see a more sophisticated photo/video editing app.

Video -- We already have video but let's be honest, the iPhone should do better. HD recording and better recording/editing controls are expected.

802.11N -- The current iPhone does not connect using this standard. Enough said.

512MB RAM -- I don't care if we are getting a faster processor, I want more RAM. Everyone knows that RAM contributes greatly to speed. With multitasking finally appearing in the iPhone OS Apple should definitely include a little extra umph!

Upgrades to the Email, Calendar, Notes & Contacts Apps -- These apps are in desperate need of a face lift. At the very least, can we at least customize their appearance?

Google Maps -- I know we won't get Google's turn by turn navigation, but this is another app that needs a new features.
Wireless iTunes Syncing -- I hate having to plug in my iPhone every time I need to sync.

Tethering -- SMH

Similar pricing as 3GS for existing AT&T Customers -- Yes I know that if I want an early upgrade I need to pay for it, but I shouldn't been bent over a barrel either.

Better Speakers -- It is an iPod

Graphics Upgrade -- This is a gaming device.

Longer Battery Life -- Always a good thing.

A super secret feature that will blow us away -- Please Steve?

Gates vs Crowley - The Real Issue

I was shocked and dismayed when I first learned of Professor Gate's arrest in Cambridge, MA. After hearing the initial reports of the case, I knew immediately something in the police version of the story did not ring true, and today, after reviewing the official incident report, I am more certain than ever the arrest was in fact a 'stupid' decision.

Many have made race an issue in this case, and it most certainly played a role in the incident. However, in my opinion, the bigger issue is not 'racial profiling' but rather the attitude of police in general. The fact is that no other public servant welds the power a police officer does -- the power to immediately strip you of your rights and detain you. A police officer walks with that extra 'swagger' because he/she knows that unless they commit an especially egregious abuse of power, more often than not they will get away with 'teaching' a perp a lesson. Especially if they feel their power has been threaten or questioned. Even if the charges are later dropped, or a civilian complaint is filed, the officer will likely never suffer any real consequence for choosing to arrest someone without a valid legal reason.

Now I know that an individual under arrest is not entirely stripped of all of his/her rights, but let us be frank here - once a police officer places an individual under arrest, psychologically, you are no longer free. You are, for all intents and purposes, a peace of property, to be carted away, inventoried and held until THEY see fit. Yes we have laws in this country which entitle all to a fair and expedient trial, but anyone who has ever been arrested can most certainly attest to the overwhelming sense of powerlessness inflicted by such an ordeal.

In the Skip Gates case, we have a classic example of a police officer who felt a need to 'teach' a man a lesson. When Professor Gates refused to submit completely to Sgt. Crowley's authority, the officer made a decision to demonstrate the full extent of his power and show Gates who's really in charge. This is especially obvious when you read the police report and Crowley's own words, where the officer emphasis the 'tumultuous' behavior of Gates. The fact the officer did not follow MA law (disorderly conduct requires the behavior to take place in a public place - and that behavior to be distressing to the public, neither of which were present in this incident) are signs that what was at issue here was the fact that a civilian did not show the police officer respect. That despite having proven his legal right to be in the home, and thus relieving the officer of any legal obligation/authority to be at his property, what was most important or relevant was his lack of respect for the uniform. Read the report yourself, I found officer Figueroa's version especially troubling, as he seemed to simply copy Crowley's version, without, again, providing specifics.

The feedback this story has received has been especially troubling. Although race most certainly played an issue (anyone who thinks that if Gate's were a white male this would have played out the same way is delusional), race was secondary. Apparently we as a society have accepted the behavior of Sgt. Crowley and those like him as the standard, as most comments seemed to side with the officer on blind faith alone. This is a major problem - police officers are first and foremost public servants, entrusted with tremendous power. How are we to hold them accountable if we are not allowed to question their actions, and whenever we do, we are instantly reminded of how they risk their lives to shame us to silence. Are police officers heroes, are they woefully compensated for what they offer to society, are they under appreciated? Absolutely! --- but they aren't infallible.

Police officers and other law enforcement officers should be celebrated for the role they play in society. They should be educated, trained and well compensated for their sacrifice so that when these types of situations occur, when they act outside of the power entrusted to them, we aren't beaten back with the "they risk their lives" argument and instead we can wholeheartedly demand better behavior. What happened to Professor Gates happens everyday, thousands of times, all around this country, and its time it stops.