Several bloggers and readers are reporting that when they tried to update the firmware on their iPhones Friday, the devices were "bricked," or rendered unusable.
CNET Blog Network contributor Matt Asay reported around 7 a.m. PDT Friday that when he attempted to use iTunes to update his iPhone, he got an error message and his phone stopped working. He says he can't access contacts or make calls.
CNET News reader Peter8105 reported the same thing Friday morning. Blogger Dave Winer posted the error message he got to his Flickr page Friday morning, and complained of the same bricking phenomenon. He does report that he can still make emergency calls, however.
Just from the few reports trickling in, it appears this is only happening to people who tried to update their firmware Friday. There were no such reports when many iPhone owners were able to update their devices Thursday.
Apple has not responded to requests for comment yet, but at first glance the problem appears to be stemming from the severe overload Apple's iTunes servers experienced Friday as people across the world came out to buy the iPhone 3G.
We'll keep updating the story, but let us know in the comments section if you're having similar problems with the 2.0 firmware update Friday.
Update 11:20 a.m. PDT: A reader added the text of a note he received from Apple in the comments. Apple blames the problem on "network congestion on the iTunes server," but says you should be able to update or restore the firmware once the traffic dies down.
Update 2:20 p.m. PDT: Many readers are reporting that they have been able to restore or update their iPhones now.
It gets updated.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)Although Friday's launch of the iPhone 3G is grabbing all the headlines, there's no need to put the original iPhone out to pasture just yet.
With the iPhone 2.0 software update, the first iPhone is getting another day in the sun, and it's a nice toasty sunshine at that. Although Apple has yet to release the update officially--it should happen Friday as well--the software became available on Thursday through the magic of the Internet.
As we reported during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last month, the 2.0 software update adds a number of important features to the original iPhone, including Microsoft Exchange server support and access to the App Store. After installing the new iTunes 7.7 (available for Windows and Mac) update on our PC, we downloaded the update and installed it on our phone. Here's what we found.
Download process
At the moment, the downloading process is a bit convoluted, though that experience will change, once Apple releases the software update officially. But once we started the process of installing it on our iPhone, it proceeded successfully without any hiccups.
The whole process took about 10 minutes from start to finish. Since the iPhone treats the update as a system restore, it will erase any saved information. Fortunately, iTunes creates a one-time media backup of your files. Although some users have reported that iTunes failed to create a backup file for them, we didn't have any problems.
Ready for your work e-mail.
Exchange server support
One of the most coveted additions is the full support for Microsoft Exchange server. Adding an account was ridiculously easy, once we had the correct settings from our IT department.
Once you've chosen to add a new e-mail account in the main Settings menu, you'll be taken to the standard list of available e-mail systems. "Microsoft Exchange" and (we'll try that later) will appear at the top of the list just above the choice for Gmail. You'll then be prompted to enter the applicable e-mail address, domain/username, server, and password.
The authentication process took just a couple of minutes, and we were up and running fairly quickly. Installing CNET's security certificate posed a bit of a challenge--we ended up mailing it to ourselves through Yahoo--but we installed it eventually.
Once you're ready to go, it will sync your Outlook e-mail, contacts, and calendar. Be advised that the iPhone can sync only with one calendar or contacts list at a time. If you have a separate personal calendar, your work calendar will replace it, once you start the sync (you'll be notified before it happens).
As an alternative, though, you can sync e-mail without syncing your contacts and calendar. Also, you can keep work and personal e-mail accounts open at the same time. You'll just have to switch between the two.
When using Wi-Fi, the syncing was very quick most of the time. As new messages came in, the iPhone registered them almost immediately. It seemed to get bogged down when we received a large clump of messages at one time. In those cases, we had to update the phone manually.
By and large, those updates were quick, but there was at least one instance where it took a couple of minutes. In fact, it was so long that we thought that the phone had frozen. We also noticed that if the iPhone loses its Wi-Fi connection, the syncing is interrupted. But even with these caveats, the experience was satisfactory. Syncing via EDGE took a few seconds longer, but it wasn't too bothersome.
When we deleted a message on our phone, the same e-mail vanished on our PC just a couple of seconds later. Messages deleted on the PC took longer to disappear from the phone; typically, we had to do a manual update to see them gone. Messages deleted on the phone will show up in your PC's Recycle Bin and vice versa.
You can access all folders in your in-box and move messages from your in-box to a specific folder. You can't search for messages, but you can call a contact if they include their phone number in their e-mail. Opening attachments worked as promised, and we like how the software update now lets you save attached images directly to your photo gallery simply by tapping the image. To e-mail photos, you will need to do so in the traditional manner by opening the photo, selecting the e-mail option, and choosing which account you'd like to send from.
Though according to AT&T, using Exchange server support on the iPhone 3G will require the business data plan (the one that costs $45 per month), we received no notice on the original iPhone advising us of any data plan issues (not that we would). It will be interesting to see how AT&T enforces this policy on the iPhone 3G.
The iPhone Apps Store
Third-party applications
Once the software update installed, an icon for the App Store appeared on our iPhone's home screen. When selected, you're taken to the Apps Store main menu, which somewhat resembles the mobile iTunes store in design. You search applications by name and category and you can browse through the lists of Featured applications or the Top 25. There also is a feature for seeing if your purchased applications have any updates.
We purchased two applications from the iPhone: AP Mobile News and a currency rates application. Downloads over Wi-Fi were pretty quick; it took just about 10 seconds total. Though wireless iTunes song downloads are available only through a Wi-Fi connection, you can purchase applications over EDGE. Just keep in mind that downloads will take a lot longer.
We also purchased applications through the online iTunes (7.7) store. Though you could access the applications store only through a back-door method this morning, it's now prominently featured in the store. We downloaded Super Monkey Ball and then synced it to our phone--a new applications tab appears under the iPhone menu. The process was quick and painless. What's more, navigation through the online apps store is easy.
What's most remarkable about the online applications store is the sheer breadth of titles available. As of this writing, there are 27 pages available in a staggering range of categories. If there is one thing about the software update that changes the original iPhone for the better, it's the Apps Store--even if not all the applications are keepers. Of course, before you get carried away, remember that some apps are free but others will cost you.
Contacts search
A search bar now appears above your contacts list. Typing in any portion of the same will take you immediately to that person. The software update also added a special Contacts to the home screen, which is something we weren't expecting.
iWork documents and PowerPoint
We haven't tried iWork documents just yet, but we were able to view PowerPoint e-mail attachments. The attachment was rather large (1.3MB) but it didn't take very long to download.
The new scientific calculator
Bulk delete and move
This works in your e-mail boxes only. In your in-box you'll see a small "edit" button at the top right-hand corner. When you press the button a small circle will appear next to each e-mail. Touch the circle to highlight as many messages as you like and then select the "delete" or "move" options.
Scientific calculator
As Steve Jobs said in his WWDC keynote, you'll now get a scientific calculator when you turn the phone on its side. You'll see a lot more buttons that will set a mathematician's heart aflutter. Jobs said a lot of people asked for this but again, I'd like to know who they are.
Parental controls
You now will find a "Restrictions" selection under the General tab of the main Settings menu. There you can restrict access to the Safari browser, explicit songs, YouTube, and the iTunes and iTunes Apps stores. You can select as many restrictions as you like.
Your choice of keyboards
Language support
The software update will brings language support and typing keyboards in French, Canadian French, UK English, German, Japanese (QWERTY and Kana), Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, and Polish. You can select as many languages you want by opening the "International" selection under the General tab of the main Settings menu. For Chinese you choose from Pinyin or a graffiti-style application for writing characters. As you enter characters, suggestions will appear to the right. To change between menus, choose from the small globe icon next to the space bar.
GPS
As the iPhone Atlas reports, the 2.0 software update also brings GPS tracking. We tested both while walking in downtown San Francisco and riding in a taxi. Considering that the tracking is relying solely on cellular towers and Wi-Fi hot spots, it was pleasantly accurate. When walking we could see the little bull's-eye moving along with us. Not surprisingly, the tracking was a bit off when we were in a car. The bull's-eye jumped block by block as we came to stoplights. On the whole it works well, but it's no replacement for a standalone GPS system. Also, remember that while you can get directions through Google Maps, the iPhone does not support real-time turn-by-turn directions.
What we didn't get
As we've told you already, the software update didn't give us a lot of things we were hoping for. But if you'd like to see the list again, Nicole Lee has the details.
That's it for now, but check back tomorrow as we divulge into more details on the software update and delve into our full review of the iPhone 3G.
When the iPhone App Store was mentioned in Steve Jobs' WWDC keynote, one of the many applications announced was a TypePad blogging tool, courtesy of Six Apart (The company also makes two other blogging tools; Movable Type and Vox). Now that the App Store has launched, other blogging platforms like WordPress are coming forward with their own iPhone app plans.
Today, WordPress put out a video demonstrating its very own iPhone blogging tool, which supports WordPress.com blogs and self-hosted WordPress.org blogs (as long as it's version 2.5.1 or later). WordPress promises the iPhone app will let you create and edit posts, will support multiple blogs as well as privacy settings, plus it will let you upload images directly from your camera or library. You can also preview the post in the iPhone's Safari browser before hitting Publish. While you can currently post to your WordPress blog via the Safari browser, this native iPhone app will hopefully offer a better and more seamless experience. It isn't out yet, but seeing as the App Store is live and the iPhone 3G will be in U.S. stores tomorrow, we expect it'll be out very soon. We expect to see a similar iPhone app from Blogger soon as well.
The Remote App puts control of iTunes--or Apple TV--in the palm of your hand.
(Credit: CNET)We've had a few minutes to play with the Remote App (download) for the iPhone. The (not surprising) verdict? It's an easy must-have for any iPhone or iPod Touch owner who enjoys listening to music at home.
Once you've upgraded your iPhone (or Touch) to version 2.0, just go to the App Store and search on "remote." (Amazingly, that--not "iRemote"--is the program's official name.) You can download it straight to the phone over a Wi-Fi connection (tap the word "free" on the upper right corner), and it auto-installs, adding a new icon to your home screen.
... Read moreEditor's note: Though this FAQ posted originally on June 11, we updated it on July 1 to reflect new information from AT&T.
Is your heart aflutter at the thought of buying an iPhone 3G? Are you counting the days until the July 11 release date? If this describes you, or even if you are just toying with the idea, there are a few things you'll need to know. The process for buying an iPhone 3G will be quite different from what it was last year for the original model. Fortunately, CNET is here to tell you all you should need to know.
The iPhone 3G
(Credit: James Martin/CNET Networks)
Q: What's so great about the iPhone 3G?
A: The iPhone 3G adds important features that were absent on the original iPhone. It now has support for AT&T's 3G network, true GPS, and Microsoft Exchange server. The iPhone 3G also will support third-party applications available through the upcoming App Store. Its design is different as well, but not by much.
Q: What's not great about it?
A: We were hoping to see a few more features, including multimedia messaging, voice dialing, video recording, and a landscape keyboard.
Q: So should I get it?
A: If you want an iPhone, but haven't yet bought one, this is the iPhone for you. If you already own an iPhone, the choice isn't as clear. However, if you can afford to upgrade, you should. The added features will be worth it. We only stress that you should verify that AT&T has adequate 3G coverage in your area. If you buy it and you find out that your 3G service is inadequate you'll have 30 days to return the iPhone without paying an early termination fee.
Q: Where can I buy the iPhone 3G?
A: It will be available only in Apple and AT&T stores. You'll also be able to get it at AT&T kiosks in shopping malls but it will not be available online. The iPhone 3G will go on sale at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, July 11.
Q: Wait, so I can't get it on the Apple or AT&T Web sites?
A: No, you'll have to go to a store, which is more than inconvenient if you don't live near one.
Q: Can I still activate my phone using iTunes?
A: Unfortunately, you'll have to do that in an Apple or an AT&T store as well. You will not be able to take it home and do it there. Major bummer. There will be an activation fee of either $18 for existing customers eligible for an upgrade, or $36 for new customers.
Q: Why are AT&T and Apple doing that?
A: We suspect that it's a way to crack down on iPhones that were purchased but were never activated on AT&T's network. By forcing you to activate the phone in a store, you'll be forced to sign up for AT&T service.
Q: Won't that create a mob scene on stores on July 11?
A: It should be pretty crazy that day. Though stores were mobbed last year, buyers had only to pay for their phone and get out. This year, however, they'll have to go through the entire process for credit approval, contract signing, and activation before they can leave. If you figure that each person will take at least 15 minutes to complete their transaction, then we should see some long, and slowly moving, lines.
Out with the old.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)
Q: Will AT&T employees be working in Apple stores?
A: Probably not. Apple has not released details, but we expect that the process will be similar to how stores such as Best Buy handle cell phone activations now. It's likely that you'll be dealing with an Apple employee who will have access to AT&T's computer system.
Q: How much will the iPhone 3G cost?
A: This is one area of good news. While last year buyers paid up to $600 for their iPhones, the iPhone 3G will be significantly cheaper. The 8GB model will cost $199 and the 16GB model will cost $299, both with a two-year contract. However, to get that price, current AT&T customers must be "upgrade eligible". To find out if you're eligible, contact AT&T. If you don't qualify, the iPhone 3G will be $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB version. Both require a two-year contract as well.
Q: Is there price for the iPhone 3G without signing a contract?
A: Customers who purchase the phone without a contract will pay $599 for the 8GB version or $699 for the 16GB model.
Q: Can I use an iPhone 3G with AT&T's Go Phone prepaid service?
A: Not at the moment. But this may happen in the future.
Q: What about a family plan?
A: AT&T hasn't addressed this yet.
Q: But what's this I hear about the plans being more expensive?
A: It's true that Apple and AT&T are changing the structure and pricing for the iPhone 3G plans. Unlike with the previous handset, you will have to select separate voice and data plans (they won't be combined). Voice plans, which are the same for all AT&T handsets, range from $39.99 to $79.99 per month, depending on the available minutes. Unlimited data plans will be $30 for consumers and $45 business users.
As a result, the cheapest monthly cost for an iPhone user will be $69.99 for unlimited data, plus 450 anytime minutes and 5,000 nights and weekends. That's $10 more than what current iPhone users' pay for comparable services.
Q: The original data plan came with 200 free text messages. How much text messaging do the new data plans include?
A: AT&T is charging $5 for every 200 text messages; $15 for every 1,500 messages; and $20 for unlimited text messages.
Q: Will the new $30 and $45 a month data plans offered for the iPhone 3G be the same as the standard data plans for other AT&T smartphones?
A: Not necessarily. According to AT&, it is still working out the details and will have more information closer to July 11 when the phones go on sale.
Q: I heard that people who already have a first-generation iPhone have to turn it in to an Apple or AT&T store if they want the 3G phone. Is that true?
A: No, but AT&T is giving people who bought their first-generation iPhone on or after May 27, 2008, the opportunity to exchange it before August 1. AT&T and Apple will refund the difference in price but iPhone 3G users will have to sign a new two-year contract and choose a new plan. If you go this route, don't forget to erase your personal data.
Q: If I keep my current iPhone, will I miss out on all the new features?
A: Through the iPhone 2.0 software update, you'll get a lot of new goodies including the third-party applications and the Exchange server support. Yet, you will miss out on the 3G and GPS.
In with the new.
(Credit: Apple)
Q: I already have a comparable smartphone from AT&T and a two-year service contract. Can I buy the iPhone 3G for the $199 price and simply restart my contract?
A: It depends on when you started your initial AT&T contract. To get the $199 price tag, you have to meet AT&T's upgrade eligibility criteria. We'll know more on that later. But for the most part, even current AT&T customers will need to sign a new contract.
Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the iPhone 3G. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?
A: No, once an existing iPhone user activates service for an iPhone 3G, their first-generation handset will be unusable as a phone. You won't be able to replace it with another AT&T SIM card and use it to make calls. This also means that you can't buy an old iPhone on eBay and expect to activate it on AT&T's network. However, you can use it as a media player and a Wi-Fi device for browsing the Web.
Correction: Originally, we had received incorrect information from a source at AT&T. If you decide to pass it on to someone else, they will be able to activate the phone through iTunes but only by activating a new account. If you (or anyone else) do not open a new account, the old iPhone will be unusable as a phone, even if you insert another AT&T SIM card. In that case, you can use the handset only as a media player and a Wi-Fi device.
G: Given the in-store activation requirement, how can I buy an iPhone 3G as a gift?
A: We're not sure yet, but we're checking with AT&T.
Q: Will people living in areas without native AT&T coverage be able to buy an iPhone 3G?
A: No, anyone buying an iPhone 3G must live in an area where AT&T provides coverage. Since the phones will be activated right in the store, people won't be able to leave the store without activating the phone for service in area where AT&T is offered.
Q: Will the SIM come preinstalled this time?
A: Yes, the SIM is already installed and is not meant to be removed or replaced with other AT&T SIM cards (though it is physically possible to do so). On the other hand, Apple will include a SIM removal tool in the box.
Q: Do I have to be in the store to get software updates or to sync it with iTunes?
A: No, updates and syncing with iTunes can be done right from your home computer. You can also buy applications from the App Store from your computer.
Q: Can I use the iPhone 3G overseas?
A: As a quad-band GSM phone with support for three 3G bands, you'll be able to use the new iPhone all over the world. Just remember that the phone will be locked to AT&T so you won't be able to use another carrier's SIM card. If you're a frequent globe-trotter, you should ask about AT&T's international plans to avoid nasty surprises on your bill.
Q: Will the iPhone ever come to other carriers in the United States?
A: There is a chance it could come to T-Mobile, but it won't be for a long time. AT&T is believed to have a five-year lock on the iPhone (now through 2012), but other reports indicate that its monopoly will be up in 2010. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that Apple will ever develop a CDMA version for Sprint or Verizon Wireless.
CNET News.com's Marguerite Reardon and Dawn Kawamoto contributed to this report.
It keeps growing and growing.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)There was more news today from Apple's WWDC than just the announcement of the iPhone 3G. CEO Steve Jobs also announced the iPhone 2.0 software update. Available to current iPhone and iPod Touch owners, the software update adds several new features that are interesting, if not extraordinary. Indeed, I warmly welcome the addition of Microsoft Exchange server support and the third-party applications, but I was hoping for a lot more. The software update will be available in early July; iPhone users will get it for free while iPod Touch users will pay $9.95. Here's a summary of what we'll see.
Enterprise support
As promised last March, the iPhone will support the Microsoft Exchange server. That means you'll be able to get push e-mail, contacts, and calendar. This is a big win for corporate users who have iPhones but have had to carry another device (like a BlackBerry) to access their work e-mail. Other new features will include auto-discovery, global contacts access, and remote wipe.
Third-party apps
The new software also adds full access to the iPhone apps store, which is also set to open in early July. The new applications range from games that integrate with the phone's accelerometer to a mobile version of eBay. We saw a number of apps demonstrated today.
Contacts search
Currently on the iPhone you can locate contacts only by browsing your entire phone book. Now you'll be able to locate exactly the friend you want, which is particularly useful if you're popular.
iWork documents and PowerPoint
That's right, you'll get access to documents created in iWork. And for the presentation-happy, you'll be able to read, but not edit, PowerPoint attachments.
Bulk delete and move
This is a pretty simple feature, but it's one the iPhone needed. It can get pretty tiresome to delete individual items from a list so we're glad to see that Apple took pity on us.
Photo saving
Now you'll be able to save photos sent as e-mail attachments directly to your photo library.
Steve shows off the new calculator.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET Networks)
Scientific calculator
Jobs said a lot of people asked for this and frankly, I'm wondering who they are. When you're using the calculator and you tip the phone to its side, you'll get more buttons and a landscape orientation.
Parental controls
Jobs didn't expand on what we'll see here. We'll report back when the software update is available.
Language support
This is exciting for our friends abroad. The software update will bring language support in French, German, Japanese, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Russian, and Polish. You'll also be able to use a graffiti-style application for entering characters in Asian languages.
So what's missing?
It continues to baffle me why Apple won't add multimedia messaging and video recording. Those features are available on even the simplest phones that you can get free from a carrier. Voice dialing would be another huge win and I'd love to see a landscape keyboard for composing e-mails and messages, cut and paste, and a stereo Bluetooth profile. I know I was dreaming when I wished for a user-replaceable battery, a memory card slot, and tactile feedback for the touch screen, but the other omissions I just can't forgive. And now that the original iPhone is being sent out to pasture in favor of the 3G model, it never will.
The 16GB Apple iPhone 3G
(Credit: Apple)
Almost one year after the original Apple iPhone went on sale, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has announced a 3G version of the device, finally putting to rest months of rumors and speculation. While some of the rumors panned out--the new handset will offer full GPS--other rumors, like the addition of a 32GB model, fizzled. But even with the long list of basic features that Apple still is denying us (hello, multimedia messaging?), the addition of 3G support is a big win. If data speeds hold up as Jobs demonstrated (more on that later), the new iPhone really will put the Internet in your pocket. We also approve of the new price: $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB version, a pleasing price for all but the poor souls who shelled out nearly $600 a year ago. The new iPhone will go on sale July 11.
Design
Though the iPhone 3G is thinner at the edges than its predecessor, the phone measures a hair thicker (0.48 inches versus 0.46 inches) in the gut. The other measurements are the same except that it weighs just the slightest bit less (4.7 ounces versus 4.8 ounces). Otherwise, the iPhone 3G shows few cosmetic changes from the front--same display size and resolution, and the single Home button sits just below the screen. We're very pleased to see that Apple has done away with the irritating recessed headphone jack, which now is flush so that you'll be able to use any 3.5mm headphones you like.
But turn over the iPhone 3G, and you'll see more significant changes. A black, plastic skin replaces the current silver-aluminum back. The swap may cut the cost, but we worry about its long-term durability. The 8GB model will come in black only, while Apple promises the 16GB version in black and white. The white model is a bit random--we were expecting something in red--but color is a personal choice. The camera lens, volume rocker, charger port, speaker, microphone, power button, and display locking switch show no changes. Our News.com colleague got a hands-on with the new device and reports that it feels similar in the hand to the current model, with the exception of the tapered edges.
3G
With support for three 3G bands (850, 1900, 2100) and both UMTS and HSDPA networks, the iPhone 3G is well positioned for using high-speed networks all around the world. Considering that Apple is promising to bring the device to 70 countries, it had better be. During his WWDC keynote, Jobs demonstrated Web download speeds between the two iPhones. On the original model, which runs on a 2.5G EDGE network, a photo-heavy Web site loaded in 59 seconds, while the same site loaded in 21 seconds on the new device--impressive, but we take it with a grain of salt for now. Real-world tests, particularly with a multitude of devices flooding the same network, will be more telling.
GPS
This is one feature that was on our original iPhone wish list. While the current iPhone location services find your position via nearby cell phone towers and satellites, the iPhone 3G uses Assisted GPS supplemented by satellites. It also offers live tracking so you can monitor your progress as you drive (or walk) along. We're excited to see this feature as well, as it fills in another gaping hole on the original handset. You'll also find photo geotagging, and third-party applications with turn-by-turn directions are in the works.
Third-party apps
Speaking of which, the iPhone 3G will indeed support the collection of apps available through the iPhone SDK--no surprise here. Apple promises to open an apps store in early July (Apple didn't release an exact date); we're guessing by July 11. Gaming apps should feature prominently; many will integrate with the phone's accelerometer.
Enterprise support
Worker bees will be pleased to know that the iPhone 3G will offer support for Microsoft Exchange Server. That will bring push e-mail, contacts and calendar, remote wipe, global contacts access, and auto-discovery. That's another welcome change as it puts the iPhone in the hands of a whole new class of corporate users who now will be able to get their work e-mail on the iPhone.
Battery life
Last year Jobs said that Apple had not included 3G in the first iPhone because it would have made too many compromises with the handset's battery life. But now it appears that Apple has solved that problem. The iPhone 3G promises a solid 5 hours of 3G talk time, 10 hours of 2G talk time, 5 hours of 3G Internet time, 6 hours of Wi-Fi Internet time, 7 hours of video playback, 24 hours of audio playback, and 12.5 days standby time. The audio and video times are unchanged from the original iPhone.
What else?
Since the latest iPhone will support the 2.0 software, additional new features will show up at launch and beyond, including contacts search, iWork document support, the capability to view PowerPoint attachments, bulk move and delete, a scientific calculator in landscape mode, parental controls, and support for 16 languages. You'll also be able to use a graffiti-style application for entering characters in Asian languages.
What's missing?
Unfortunately, we hoped for an even larger bundle of features in this round. Apple still leaves multimedia messaging out of the mix along with voice dialing and video recording. We still don't understand why Apple can't include these basic features, many found in even the cheapest and simplest cell phones. We were also hoping for a landscape keyboard, the capability to cut and paste, Flash support for the Safari Web browser, expanded memory, and additional Bluetooth profiles. Apple, you left us hanging in a big way. It's also disappointing to hear that the dock is now sold separately for $49, but we suppose that helped cut the price. No, you don't need the dock, but it's nice to have. Even the power adapter and the SIM card removal tool that now come in the box won't make up for its loss.
Should you buy it?
If you're an iPhone fence-sitter, now's the time. The addition of 3G and GPS, the affordable price tag, and extra features from the iPhone 2.0 software update make the iPhone 3G a worthy prospect. Unlike the previous iPhone, which we liked and recommended with reservations, we're much happier with what this new handset has to offer. iPhone 3G isn't perfect, but there's a lot to like here and we approach the device with much anticipation. We'll update this page with a full, rated review once we get our hands on the hardware.
On Sale Now: $149.99
View the latest prices for Apple iPhone 3G - 16GB, black (AT&T)
On Sale Now: $149.99
View the latest prices for Apple iPhone 3G - 16GB, white (AT&T)
On Sale Now: $99.00
View the latest prices for Apple iPhone 3G - 8GB, black (AT&T)
In March, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced an upcoming system for downloading third-party applications for the iPhone. At the Worldwide Developers Conference on Tuesday, he brought a parade of developers onstage to show off exactly what those new apps can do.
The apps range from monkey slinging to medical imaging and should be available sometime in early July (along with the iPhone 2.0 software required to run it), according to Apple representatives. Follow the jump to check out demos of each of the applications announced during the keynote speech. We'll update this post with more video demos as they come.
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