Apple has announced the new iPhone 3G, which combines the power of 3G networking that makes it twice faster than the first generation iPhone, has built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK.
iPhone 3G promises faster access to Internet and email with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world and supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks. iPhone 3G includes the new App Store, providing iPhone users with native applications in a variety of categories.
The new iPhone 3G is priced at $199 (8GB model) and $299 (16GB model) in the US and will be made available in 22 countries from July 11, 2008 Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US. Watch the keynote address and the new iPhone 3G ad.
Apple also introduced the MobileMe Internet Service that provides Push Email, Push Contacts and Push Calendar for iPhone, iPod touch, Macs and PCs. MobileMe will be available from July 11 as a subscription-based service with 20GB of storage for $99 per year for individuals and $149 for a Family Pack. Users can sign up for a free, 60-day MobileMe trial and current .Mac members will be automatically upgraded to MobileMe accounts.
Besides AT&T in US, Apple has tied up iPhone sales with leading telecom operators worldwide to deliver their network services – Bharti Airtel in India, Globe Telecom in Philippines, Hutchison Telecom in Hong Kong, Optus in Australia, O2 in the UK & Ireland, and Am’rica M’vil in Mexico.