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09/02/09
Because Apple doesn't allow this
• Connect to the iPhone through a custom app (EQ display, etc)?
Apple only recently made this possible, I suspect the iP1 was too far along in development.
• Dial a number through its oversized remote?
Because Apple doesn't allow this
• Output video through HDMI instead of component?
One day... HDMI is not the simplest nor least expensive way to support HDTV hookup, and for content that isn't even HD, the benefits of the serial digital signal are less.
• Support A2DP audio streams (no dock needed)?
Because A2DP audio quality would sound even more like shit at 100 Watts.
• Floor me with sound quality?
Matter of taste here... sounds like many are floored given the segment and competition.
09/02/09
There are other products, ON THE MARKET, by IHOME, that support speakerphone through mic/speakers. They use Bluetooth to do so, yes, but don't give me this not allowed bullshit. Tell your employer to figure it out.
Development time toubles for a custom app? Not my problem, nor a consumer's.
Yes, HDMI is the simplest way to hook up an HDTV. It's one freggin' cord, dumbass. You could generate the signal through a converter, independent of the dock. This would help most consumers as HDMI is the de facto home theater standard.
A2DP audio shouldn't be included because it's not good enough? It's good enough for other iHome products (and a slew of em from more reputable manufacturers). The option for consumers to choose would be nice.
Sound quality can be a matter of taste...in high end systems. The iP1 isn't quite good enough to be beyond critique.
As for dialing a number through a remote, OK, you got me - maybe that's restricted. I honestly don't care enough to look it up at this point as I'm considering blackballing any corporation who plants commenters from review altogether.
09/04/09
FWIW, I stand by my comments above, as they are not meant to mislead at all, and they are based on my experience working on products around the iPod/iPhone platform, per se (...save for my one opinion on A2DP, which is neither controversial in audio circles, nor biased in favor of iHome).
I think it’s useful for readers to recognize that there are certain constraints placed on Apple-licensed accessory makers when implementing accessories for iPod and iPhone. A prime example is Bluetooth, which today is the only means to support Speakerphone or call controls on the iPhone (unless you count the headphone jack... but that gets messy too). The 30-pin is simply not an available option for phone audio or control for the foreseeable future. In addition, there are product marketing reasons (i.e. competitive positioning and product-economics) why Bluetooth for phone-calls and/or stereo audio are more/less appropriate on one SKU versus another. As you noted, consumers should be able to choose, and I argue that they can. They can consider one of the other products you speak of, and if they must have A2DP on a particular dock product, they can consider buying 3rd party BT receivers and using the AUX-input present on most speakerdocks.
As @Nick2 noted, HDMI has its cost/benefit challenges as well. Architecturally, product makers have to pick their battles. Many other docks fail to offer video at all... so that's something, right?
I too look forward to more devices that offer more convergence and stellar-execution. I hope that a negative sentiment wasn't coming across in this regard – I was fairly terse I admit. All in all, I thought the review portion of your original post was balanced and thorough. And again, that's just my personal opinion.