iPhone prototype yanked down from eBay
A set of iPhone prototypes from 2006 briefly made the eBay rounds this morning, with bids running more than $2,000 for the two phones (one non-working) before Apple managed to get the listing yanked sometime during the day [although we now have reports that a sale was completed before the listing went down -Ed.]. The seller also made a YouTube video documenting the features on the phone -- while that too was pulled down due to Apple exerting its copyright, Engadget managed to salvage it and now has it up on its site.
The prototype hints at several features that did not make it to the final version of the iPhone, including a possible option for video phone calls and games. The video is well worth watching. Even though the auction was pulled, we still manage to get a peek at the process that led to the phone unveiled in early 2007. We also have a glimpse of the iPhone at its most basic levels, something that will be an asset to developers.
Update: A similar prototype is shown in this Flickr set as noted below.
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A set of iPhone prototypes from 2006 briefly made the eBay rounds this morning, with bids running more than $2,000 for the two phones...
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The look/feel of the icons and layout has a similar resemblance to how the Newton's GUI was laid out.
March 11 2009 at 11:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt's not custom firmware or fake.
The same firmware is on two other prototypes in my posession - one which is a really early version of the hardware with an all-black metal case and plastic screen - and another a prototype from right before the final version was released.
A few snapshots are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/abeles/3345271197/in/set-72157615015616147/
Can someone re-upload the video to YouTube? I can't see the video on my iPhone and want to see if that's just a feature that was cut.
Just name it G1, palm pre or BB storm insperation as not to tip off steve-o and I'll find it.
Looks to me more like someone made a custom firmware for the iPhone.
March 10 2009 at 9:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyapple wouldn't give a shit if that were the case.
March 10 2009 at 10:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replywho gives a shit
March 10 2009 at 9:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyVideo calls is what made me trade my iPod Touch for a Nokia n810. The first US carrier that makes a phone that has video call capability will get my business.
March 10 2009 at 8:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWho here really thought Apple would let someone profit from their work?
March 10 2009 at 8:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIdiot.
People sell all Apple products on eBay.
Hmm,
So the USA don't have video calls eh? Well don't get too excited about it. When video calling first started over here in Europe back in March 2003 it was REALLY REALLY hyped by the networks but went knowwhere. Fact is, video calling doesn't work on a practical level.
1)Do you really want to walk down the street holding your phone out at arms lenght using either a headset or having the phone on speaker?
2)The UTMS stardard is for video calling is 176×144 @ 15 FPS. That is not pretty!
But hey, different markets want different things, like over here in europe it was shocking that Apple wanted money for an iphone on a top contract and to top it off it didn't do MMS. Something which I believe has fallen by the wayside in US.
Um, I've known that for almost 24 hours. Are you guys just searching Engadget and Apple iPhone School and iPod touch fans???
March 10 2009 at 8:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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