Apple introduces iPhone 3G

Apple today unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 3G. The device “climbs the next mountain” of requiring fast mobile data as well as reducing the price. The connection is the most important feature and downloads websites 2.8 times faster than an iPhone on EDGE; it’s also faster versus rival 3G-capable devices like the Nokia N95, according to Apple. E-mail also transfers more quickly and approaches Wi-Fi speeds, the company says. Despite the higher-power Internet connection, the device can last for 5 hours of 3G talk time and 10 hours of 2G — up from 8 hours on 2G. Browsing is the same at between 5-6 hours, while video and audio playback have been upgraded to 7 and 24 hours respectively. GPS is also built into the device and can combine with cell tower triangulation and Wi-Fi to help locate an iPhone. The feature allows real-time positioning in Google Maps.

The device is even thinner at the edges and has a full plastic back for improve reception, but with solid metal buttons; the headphone jack is flush to allow any device. Audio quality is also improved, the company says. This is a GSM phone that requires a carrier SIM Card.

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iPhone 2.0 software is preloaded on the device and includes access to the App Store, Exchange data support using ActiveSync, parental controls, and native support for iWork and Office files. The iPhone 3G integrates directly with Apple’s new Mobile Me service to share calendars, contacts, photos, and iDisk information in real-time between computers, iPhones, and iPod touch devices.

The device will be available in 70 countries and will sell for $199 for an 8GB model — $200 less than the original. There will also be a 16GB model for $299. All of this is with a new 2-year commitment to AT&T service/tariff contract in the USA for qualifying customers.. Versions will be available in black and white. The phone is available through the online Apple Store & At&T retail stores. They will ship to 22 countries (including USA & Canada) on July 11th, with more following afterwards.

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So let’s ask the soon to be ‘FAQ’ (Frequently asked questions) particularly for customers in the uSA.

* What’s all this talk about 3G?

The 3G mobile phone network uses a different frequency band than its predecessors to deliver increased data transfer rates. The 3G network uses the 2100MHz frequency, while the existing 2G network operates at the 900MHz/1900MHz frequency band (GSM) and 800MHz (CDMA). This high-speed data capacity enables more content to be sent to and from mobile handsets through calls, messaging and Internet-based content.

* What are the bullet-point specs of this iPhone?

Specifications

Screen size

3.5 inches (diagonal)

Screen resolution

480 by 320 pixels (163 ppi)

Input method

Multi-Touch

Storage

8GB and 16GB¹

Cellular

UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Wireless data

Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz)
EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

GPS

Assisted-GPS

Camera

2.0 megapixels

Battery²

Talk time: Up to 5 hours on 3G;
up to 10 hours on 2G
Standby time: Up to 300 hours
Internet use: Up to 5 hours on 3G;
up to 6 hours on Wi-Fi
Video playback: Up to 7 hours
Audio playback: Up to 24 hours

Dimensions

4.5 by 2.4 by 0.48 inches
(115.5 by 62.1 by 12.3 mm)

Weight³

4.7 ounces (133 grams)

* Will AT&T increase data prices for ‘exclusive’ use of it’s heavlily , financed 3G network?

- Yes! AT&T will increase data rates for iPhone customers. A data plan for standard users will cost $30 per month versus the $20 per month paid on existing plans; a separate, business-focused data plan will be available for $45 per month. The BlackBerry and Windows Mobile devices receive similar pricing for unlimited data; without third-party apps. All of this is on top a $40 voice plan.

* What’s the deal if I bought an iPhone (2G) before?

- All iPhone 2G users will be grandfathered and won’t be required to pay more per month (3G data use) for as long as they choose to use the service, including past the end of their contract. AT&T Wireless also said that iPhones purchased after May 26, 2008 can be traded in for the iPhone 3G for free.

* Will the 3G iPhone work on T-Mobile USA?

Yes & No. Yes, because it still may be possible to unlock for use with the GSM radio for T-Mobile USA use @ 1900MHz. No because of specs disclosed @ the Apple On-line store reveals that the 3G frequency acquired by T-Mobile Wireless USA is 1700MHz.

* Are there any negatives?

Yes! You are locked to your authorized wireless carrier. Hard to switch SIM card when traveling.

- In the USA; you will not be able to activate iPhone @ hone via itunes. Only an in-store activation. There will be penalties if you do not activate the phone after 30 days purchase.

- still no copy/paste to move material from one app to another.. ok software is upgradable.

- 2.0 mp camera is the same/no video - most new phones will have 5mp and video. (maybe a 3rd party app on the way to record/stream video?)

- gps is nice to have, but will require another fee from att to use there telegps service for $10 a month.

- No removable storage

* 3g is the biggest selling point but most new phones that are iphone like now have 3g; a better camera and removable storage..
- Does NOT support Bluetooth A2DP. The best music player but forget about using those stereo wireless Bluetooth earphones!

- No MMS (Use e-mail to send attachments!)

- No Bluetooth tethering (DUN)

- Phone is subsidized in USA; so you must commit for a new 2 years.

- No front-side camera. (so video-conferencing vis-à-vis is impossible)

- No 32GB internal RAM

- No voice-activated dialing (wait for a 3rd party software developer to knock this out)

- Download cap over UMTS. Celluar Network OTA download =/< 10MB; If> then WiFi

- No ‘To Do List/No way to read PDFs (Once again..3rd party apps?)

- No search in the ‘Mail App’.

- No voice dialing