US : Strategy Analytics has conducted the first end user evaluation of the much heralded iPhone with its panel of multimedia buyers in Boston, MA.

The latest Wireless Device Laboratory report, "Nokia N95 and Apple iPhone Set New Standards for Multimedia Devices," reveals that although the iPhone has the wow factor and outperforms all other multimedia devices tested, the Nokia N95 likewise provides exceptional multimedia performance in a mobile form.

Paul Brown, Senior Analyst in the User Experience Practice, comments, "The iPhone has raised the bar in terms of navigation, menu logic and overall multimedia consumption experience.  Thus, the iPhone generally lives up to its hype!" Brown adds "The Nokia N95 also offers an exceptional multimedia experience with better features than the iPhone, but it suffers from Nokia's traditional lack of industrial design expertise and weak brand image in the US."

David Kerr, Vice President of Strategy Analytics, notes "The iPhone certainly wins on the style/design and wow factor but has notable weaknesses in the telephony icons and second level menu icon clarity." 

Kerr adds that key questions remain on the iPhone:
* Can the virtual keypad win over SMS activists?
* Is the lack of video capture a significant factor?
* Does the limited 2 Megapixel camera and lack of image refinement, manipulation tools (zoom, autofocus etc) represent a significant deficit?

About Strategy Analytics:
Strategy Analytics, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, provides timely insights and strategic business solutions to companies operating at the convergence of information, communications and entertainment technologies. With worldwide headquarters in Newton, MA, and principal offices in England, France and Germany, Strategy Analytics focuses on market opportunities and challenges in the areas of Automotive Electronics, Broadband, Telematics, Wireless Strategies and Enabling Technologies.