Technically, Apple could release GPS and 3g addons right?

[yayaba]

At least for GPS, an add on that plugs into the 30 pin connector could work. Then, they would just need to write the software for it and serve it via a software update.

A 3g adapter might be possible but would be cumbersome. With an update, the iPhone could detect the 3g module and switch over to 3g if it detects an available network. I could only see this as something I would use though only if I could tether as I wouldn't want to be carrying around my iPhone with an adapter sticking out of it.

Plausible or impossible?

 

[EricNau]

Anything's possible, but I would consider both of those improbable.

...Although I wouldn't rule out a software update that added turn-by-turn directions to Google Maps, or at the very least, allow the phone to locate itself on the map.

 

[nickspohn]

GPS yes. 3G no.

 

[sethypoo]

Something tells me that Apple will likely not want to add any physical add-ons to their iPhone, as an iPhone with something as important (and cumbersome) as a 3G radio attached to its dock connector may take away from it's sleek nature.

Did that make any sense?

Anyway, I think Apple will be more likely to wait a year to 18 months to announce the first update to the iPhone. I think that update will include things like a 3G radio in it, GPS, and maybe even instant messaging. When the iPhone goes 3G, I'll be first in line to buy it!

 

[sethypoo]

...Although I wouldn't rule out a software update that added turn-by-turn directions to Google Maps, or at the very least, allow the phone to locate itself on the map.

Doesn't the iPhone already kind of have this? I thought it has turn-by-turn instructions built in to it's Google Maps application.

 

[yayaba]

Anything's possible, but I would consider both of those improbable.

...Although I wouldn't rule out a software update that added turn-by-turn directions to Google Maps, or at the very least, allow the phone to locate itself on the map.

I was actually thinking of something like this. With voice recognition technology, they could even add something as simple as "Next Please" and it'll go to the next direction and voice announce it. If you need it repeated just say "Repeat" and the voice will say it again.

I want to note also that I'm not putting down the iPhone for lack of GPS or 3g... I'm just more excited of the prospect that they can enhance the phone through software at will.

 

[EricNau]

Doesn't the iPhone already kind of have this? I thought it has turn-by-turn instructions built in to it's Google Maps application.

Sort of. It can give directions, but it does not dictate them as you drive because it doesn't know where you are like car navigation system would (or GPS, or many cell phones).

Basically, you can enter a start address and end address and it can tell you how to get there, but nothing more.

 

[3nm]

most PDA phones support bluetooth GPS and 3rd party nav apps, i'm sure apple can make the iphone do the same if SJ wants to.

 

[newtxmgf]

Don't all cell phones have to broadcast their location for 911 purposes? Is there a way this can be used as part of google maps to keep updated directions. If so, the voice recognition etc..would be as easy as a software update.

 

[wongulous]

They could, but I doubt they will.

The most you'll get is a $19.99-49.99 application and data suite via iTunes that allows you to download maps and an application to your iPhone that uses GSM towers to triangulate your location, aka TeleNav.

There is a very slight, like one tenth of a percent of a chance, that Apple will in the future support interoperation via Bluetooth with GPS units. I just don't know if they want it to become like WinMo and HP/Dell WM PDAs that sit in a weird holster in some geek's car. They want it to be touched, to be multimedia, to be sexy, to be appreciated as a status symbol, not a geeky tool.

That said, we do know that Apple is working with at least one car manufacturer on in-car computing, as is Microsoft.