Apple Intros iPhone

Apple today announced its highly anticipated iPhone, a combination cellphone, Internet communicator, and music player. Described as a "revolution of the first order" by Steve Jobs, the phone relies almost exclusively on a 3.5-inch screen with multi-finger touch control to place calls and SMS text messages, control media, and communicate with the Internet through e-mail or the Web. Unlike other smartphones, Apple says, the device includes a full desktop operating system -- Mac OS X -- with support for full-size programs such as Safari and Dashboard-style tools for Google Maps, weather, and more. A quad-band GSM phone, the device connects to the Internet through EDGE or Wi-Fi and lasts for up to 5 hours of talk time or 16 hours of music.< Accessories include a Bluetooth headset and earphones.

Although announced today, the phone will be available in North America beginning in June due to FCC certification, the company says. Cingular will be the exclusive carrier in the US. Releases are due in Europe by the fourth quarter of this year while Asia will see the iPhone in 2008. Apple expects to price a version with 4GB of storage at $499 and an 8GB model for $599.

By Electronista Staff