467 iPhone I
In a bustling electronics store in downtown Tokyo, two friends, Hisao and Keiichi, browsed the latest gadgets, their conversation naturally drifting to the topic of the newly announced iPhone.
"Have you seen the price for the new iPhone?" Hisao asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
Keiichi nodded, scrolling through his current phone—a model known for its flippable design and color screen that had cost him a small fortune. "Yeah, I expected it to be way more expensive, especially with all the hype around it."
Hisao leaned closer, comparing the sleek image of the iPhone on the poster to Keiichi's bulky handset. "Exactly! People are complaining, but think about it—our phones were almost 100,000 yen, and they're nowhere near as advanced as the iPhone."
Keiichi chuckled, flipping his phone open and shut absentmindedly. "You're right. Mine doesn't even have half the features, and the internet is so slow. Yet, I paid top yen for this just because of its color screen and brand."
Hisao gestured excitedly. "And that's just it! The iPhone's starting price is what, 60,000 yen for the 4GB model? For something that lets you browse the web like a computer, listen to music, and even navigate maps? It's a steal!"
Keiichi sighed, putting his outdated phone back into his pocket. "When you put it like that, it really puts things into perspective. I thought it was pricey at first, but compared to what we got for more money... the iPhone seems like a bargain."
The two friends shared a knowing look, a mix of regret for their past purchases and excitement for what lay ahead. "Well," Hisao said with a decisive nod, "I know where my next paycheck is going."
While the iPhone's price tag raised eyebrows among some consumers in Japan, labeling it as steep, there was a significant portion of the population that actually found the cost surprisingly reasonable, especially compared to their initial expectations. After all, the market was already filled with high-end phones, sporting basic designs and keypads, tagged at prices upwards of 70,000 yen to 100,000 yen. These devices, often lauded for features as simple as colored screens and flip capabilities, paled in comparison to the iPhone's innovative offerings.
Many consumers saw the iPhone not just as a phone but as a multi-functional device that promised far more than making calls and sending texts. In their eyes, paying a similar price for something vastly superior in functionality and design—especially when compared to the pricier, yet less sophisticated models currently available—seemed like a bargain.
---
A few restless days had trickled by, with hopeful individuals already queuing up outside KiShin stores, fueled by the fervent wish that the iPhone would make its grand debut ahead of schedule. Their patience and dedication were not in vain. Just a few hours ago, to the jubilation of those waiting, KiShin made the announcement they had all been eagerly anticipating: the iPhone was officially on sale.
As the news spread like wildfire, the lines snaking outside KiShin stores grew exponentially. People from all walks of life, some who had camped out for days and others who had rushed over upon hearing the news, stood together in anticipation. Their shared goal was clear – to lay their hands on the iPhone, a device they believed would redefine their connectivity, productivity, and entertainment.
The scene outside the KiShin stores was nothing short of spectacular, a testament to the iPhone's allure and the impact of KiShin's innovative leap into the cellphone market. Cameras flashed and reporters jostled for the best spots, capturing the excitement and eagerness of the crowd. This moment of technological fervor wasn't only to local news, international media outlets also picked up the story, broadcasting images of the enthusiastic crowds lining up in Tokyo to a global audience.
Viewers around the world watched as the first customers emerged from the stores, iPhones in hand, their expressions a mix of triumph and awe. Interviews conducted with those in line revealed a spectrum of emotions – from the sheer excitement of tech enthusiasts to the curious optimism of everyday consumers looking forward to exploring the iPhone's capabilities.
---
In the dimly lit confines of his spacious office, the CEO of Motorola sat before the television, his eyes fixed on the screen, reflecting the vibrant imagery of the KiShin store's grand opening. The live broadcast showed the jubilant face of the first person worldwide to purchase an iPhone, holding it aloft like a trophy for all to see. The scene was celebratory, but the atmosphere in the CEO's office was starkly different.
With a solemn expression etched on his face, he watched the scene unfold, a deep sense of foreboding settling in his chest. The iPhone's sleek design, its innovative features, and the palpable excitement of the consumers were all too clear indicators of the shifting sands in the mobile phone market.
As the cheers from the television echoed through the silent office, the CEO leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. KiShin, a company known for its dominance in gaming and entertainment, had now ventured into his domain, presenting a challenge he hadn't fully anticipated. Until now, KiShin's presence in this space had been notable but not dominant; they had lingered as the fourth-ranking company, ambitious but not yet fully realized in the telecommunication sphere.
The weight of the moment was not lost on him; the KiShin iPhone could very well steal the title of the number one cellphone brand in the market, a title that Motorola had held for years. It was a wake-up call, a clear signal that the mobile phone industry was evolving and that Motorola would need to innovate or be left behind.
As the broadcast continued, showing ecstatic customers streaming into the KiShin store, the CEO Christopher turned off the television, the screen going dark.
Christopher massaged his temples, a headache throbbing behind his eyes. Ever since the announcement of the iPhone, Motorola had been in a frenzy, trying to chart a new course that would allow them to produce something akin to KiShin's groundbreaking device. They had entertained the idea of creating a phone to rival the iPhone, but the reality was proving to be far more complex than initially anticipated.
Developing an operating system comparable to what the iPhone boasted seemed like a Herculean task. The initial estimates suggested it could take years, a timeline that filled Christopher with a sense of urgency and frustration. As the CEO, the weight of these decisions rested heavily on his shoulders.
He couldn't help but marvel, albeit grudgingly, at KiShin's achievement. "How did KiShin manage to pull this off?" he muttered to himself, pacing the confines of his office. The seamless integration, the intuitive design, the sheer innovation of the iPhone—it all seemed leagues ahead of anything currently on the market.
