IPhone

Apple's iPhone, the latest models of which are the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS, combines the functionality of an Internet-enabled cell phone with that of an iPod media player and a handheld computer.

First launched in June of 2007, the iPhone has become an iconic product, seen by many as a breakthrough in mobile devices. http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/03/iphone-release-date-june-29-confirmed-apple-fans-sigh-rejoice/

With the introduction of the new iPhone 3GS in June of 2009, the iPhone 3G became available as an 8GB model priced at $99. The iPhone 3GS was originally available in 16GB and 32GB versions, for $199 and $299 respectively, with 2-year AT&T contracts.

In June 2010, the iPhone 4 was introduced and the iPhone 3G was discontinued. The iPhone 3GS became the entry level model, now available in an 8GB version for $99, while the iPhone 4 occupied the higher price points of $199 for a 16GB model, and $299 for 32GB.http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare-iphones/

The iPhone 4 will now be carried by Verizon, due to an agreement of the wireless carrier and Apple.http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375581,00.asp As of February 10, customers will be able to buy the iPhone4 at over 2,000 Verizon stores, as well as on their website.http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375581,00.asp To get a jump on the orders, people can pre-order the Verizon phone starting February 3.http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375581,00.asp The 16GB will cost $199.99 with a two-year contract, and the 32GB phone will cost $299.99.http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2375581,00.asp

At WWDC 2010 on June 7, 2010, Apple announced the iPhone 4, the latest version of the iPhone, describing it as the biggest change since the original introduction of the iPhone. http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/steve-jobs-live-from-wwdc-2010/

The iPhone 4 uses the same custom A4 processor as the iPad, and gets a new Retina Display which has four times the pixel density of existing iPhones. This makes the iPhone display much sharper than before, with Apple describing it as being of similar quality to a printed page. http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/retina-display.html

The iPhone 4's main camera has 5MP, and is capable of recording full 720p HD video. The iPhone also has a front-facing camera which can be used for video calling using the new Facetime feature.http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/hd-video-recording.html

Due to an expanded battery and the A4 processor's enhanced power management, battery life is significantly extended.

The iPhone 4 ships with the new operating system, now known as iOS4. This operating system allows full multi-tasking as well as many other new features, including support for the iBooks application and online bookstore. http://www.apple.com/iphone/ios4/

iOS4 is available as a free upgrade for earlier iPhones and iPod Touch devices, though these aren't able to support all features.

The iPhone 4 is currently available for sale in the US, UK, France, Germany and Japan.

"Despite some important missing features, a slow data network, and call quality that doesn't always deliver, the Apple iPhone sets a new benchmark for an integrated cell phone and MP3 player."—Kent German and Donald Bell on the At&T Apple 8GB iPhonehttp://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-8gb-at/4505-6452_7-32309245.html#ixzz1AqrUXuA5

"We're not pleased that Verizon's iPhone will not support GSM networks. You'll be able to use it in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and a handful of other countries outside North America, but world travelers will have extremely limited roaming capability. Bad move, Apple and Verizon."—Kent German for cnet Reviews on the Verizon iPhone 4.http://reviews.cnet.com/verizon-iphone-first-take#ixzz1Aqv8vZny

On April 8, 2010 Apple announced the latest generation of the iPhone operating system, OS 4.0, which was later renamed iOS4. This has over a 100 new features and is available for iPhone 3GS and third-gen iPod Touch users.http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20001876-37.html

There are seven significant features which were highlighted by Apple, as listed below.

1. Multi-tasking - It is now possible for several apps run at the same time, and the user can easily switch between running apps with a few taps.
2. Folders - Applications and web shortcuts can now be organized into folders on the home screen, removing the need to navigate between a large number of screens to find an app.
3. Email - There are many changes to the interface that make working with multiple email accounts much easier, including a unified inbox.
4. iBooks - Just as with the iPad, it is possible to buy and read books from Apple's new online bookstore. Books can be shared between devices in the same ways as music.
5. Enterprise features - Various improvements that make it easier for corporations to use iPhones, such as support for Exchange 2010 and SSL VPN.
6. Game Center - This allows easier social gaming with friends online.
7. iAds - This feature is aimed more at app developers, and provides more ways to add richer forms of advertising into apps.http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-20001998-233.html

1. United Kingdom: O2, Orange and Vodafone
2. Spain: Telefonica (O2 owner)
3. Germany: Deutsch Telekom
4. France, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland: France Telecom's wireless division, "Orange"
5. Switzerland: Swisscom
6. Germany, Austria, Netherlands: T-Mobile
7. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia: TeliaSonera
8. Italy: Telecom Italia
9. Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Greece: Vodafone

On June 9, 2008, Apple CEO Steve Jobs revealed the iPhone 3G at the 2008 WWDC conference. This version includes 3G, GPS and improved battery life. It is thinner than its predecessor and has improved audio.

In addition to the usual suite of communication features on a mobile phone, the iPhone 3G can access the Internet via its EDGE or 3G wireless data connection. The iPhone's multi-touch touchscreen also comes equipped with gesture recognition software that allows for navigation using intuitive hand motion.