Apple has produced two new television commercials aimed at disputing rival claims the smartphone cannot accomplish everyday tasks. The two commercials – On Hold and First Steps – attempt to show consumers the iPhone and the AT&T wireless network are up to the job.
In On Hold, an iPhone owner receives an electric bill by email. After placing the call and being put on hold, the person downloads a game and whiles away the time until an operator is available. The commercial is seen as Apple’s way of showing the iPhone’s exclusive network, AT&T, can handle voice and date simultaneously. In a series of ads, rival carrier Verizon had claimed the iPhone was unable to juggle voice and data at the same time.
The second TV spot – First Steps – includes a mom videotaping her baby’s first steps, sending the video as a text message attachment, then initiating a conference call.
Both commercials are available on Apple’s Web site.
The Apple ads are not the first in response to the series of Verizon spots. In November, AT&T unveiled a “Truth About 3G” commercial and an associated Web site. Actor Luke Wilson proclaims: “When you compare, there’s no comparison. AT&T.”
Apple also aired two commercials in November showing an iPhone user checking his email and online movie listings while taking a phone call. The commercials asked the question: can your phone do that?
Amid all of the complaints against AT&T, Apple surprised some by coming to the carrier’s defense. Tim Cook, Chief Operating Officer for the Cupertino, Calif. company said in January he had “very high confidence” that AT&T could resolve any network issues.
Most recently, talk that Verizon might become an iPhone carrier when AT&T’s current exclusive contract with Apple ends this summer has been replaced by speculation AT&T will remain the only U.S. iPhone provider for the rest of 2010.
[Via 9to5Mac and Mac Observer]
