Michael Carroll: a senior in electrical engineering, enjoys a conversation using the first model of the iPhone. The new iPhone 3G, set to make its debut to the public next month, is cheaper than the original iPhone with a starting price at $199. It will offer faster downl
Apple announces a slimmer, more affordable version of its latest product
Remember when you were amazed at Apple’s first iPod?
Your favorite tunes right in your hand.
Digital music will never be the same.
Apple Inc. CEO, Steve Jobs, continues to be on the cutting edge of consumer electronics and music distribution with no signs of letting up.
Soon after the launch of the popular iPod, Apple Inc. shipped out its best idea yet, the iPhone June 29, 2007.
Sales soared to new company heights, and the smart phone was revolutionized forever.
Still less than one year old, stores are sold out as first generation iPhone sales topped an overwhelming 6 million.
Apple Inc. wasted no time as it strategically introduced the newer, faster iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 software platform at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco June 9-13.
Apple boasts the iPhone 3G is twice as fast and half the cost, hopefully making it more available to potential buyers who just couldn’t fork out the $399 for the 8GB first generation iPhone.
“This is the phone that has changed phones forever,” Jobs said at the WWDC keynote. “Just like the first iPhone, this new iPhone 3G is one of the most amazing products I’ve had the privilege to be associated with.”
iPhone 2.0 software is comprised of three parts.
First, Enterprise support has the large corporations and Windows customer in mind with the development of Microsoft ActiveSync.
This integrated sync feature finally bridges the gap between Microsoft Outlook and the iPhone, allowing push mail, contacts and calendar entries, giving mobile users secure access to corporate resources using Cisco’s VPN client.
Secondly, access to a revolutionary software development kit (SDK) allows developers and everyday users alike, the ability to build personalized applications for the iPhone through a user-friendly interface.
“I like the idea that Apple developers have given users the tools to easily create applications,” said Stephen Torri, a graduate student in computer science. “The phone is still too expensive for me, but hopefully I can get one soon.”
“We think the 2.0 software is going to be phenomenal and raise us to a new level,” Jobs said.
Coupled with the SDK will be the introduction of an App store becoming available in mid July, where users can find applications in every category from social networking to education.
The App store will specifically be for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Thirdly, general new 2.0 features include improved contact search, full iWork and Microsoft office document support, bulk message deletion, parental controls and more extensive language support with sophisticated character recognition.
The update will be available through regular iTunes sync and is free to iPhone owners, and $9.95 for iPod touch owners July 11, the same day the iPhone 3G becomes available.
According to Job’s keynote address, 56 percent of people polled think the first generation iPhone was overpriced and claimed it was a contributing factor in deciding whether to buy one.
Apple kept these concerns in mind when deciding to set the new 8GB 3G at $199 and the 16GB 3G, which comes in both black and white, at $299.
“If I’d had the money in my hand, I would’ve definitely bought one,” said Haley Crooks, a recent Auburn graduate in industrial design. “I just couldn’t afford it at the time. I would worry about it being stolen or dropped, too. I settled for a $99 smart phone instead.”
“For me, it’s all about maximizing pocket space, I always have my iPod and cell phone with me, and I plan to make the switch to the iPhone when the 32GB is released.”
“The price cut definitely will help my decision,” said Josh Thomas, a senior in radio, television and film. “I have a lot of music, and the 16GB just wouldn’t be big enough.”
Not only is the new 3G cheaper, it is 2.4 times faster. 3G technology offers users quicker downloading and Web surfing than the first generation 2G EDGE technology.
Most notably, GPS tracking and navigation is now only a touch away on the 3G’s zippy network. Integrated with the Google maps application and GPS, Wi-Fi and cell tower location technology, iPhone 3G will make getting lost or stuck in traffic a thing of the past.
Apple also focused on developing a new battery for the 3G that has a longer standby time and talk-time life.
At the July 11 launch, the 3G will be available to an even larger consumer group than its slower predecessor.
The iPhone will be sold in countries in North America, 15 in South and Central America, 29 countries in Europe and eight countries in Asia and Australia.
