I think they might have it right in about another year, I'm still amazed at how many basic features are stiil missing, although I have been impressed with it otherwise. I note that, although the feature is now available, AT&T still will not allow tethering or MMS. I personally like the inability to send or forward to multiple SMS recipients, but that is a feature wanted by many. The inability to share data over bluetooth is a serious drawback as well, and creating custom ringtones is a total PIA, as well as the necessity to use a PC (or Mac) for many major tasks. The 'Find My Phone' is a nice touch, including the ability to remote wipe the iPhone, and the upcoming GPS functionality will be welcomed by many.
A few excerpts:
Apple' senior vice president of iPhone software Scott Forstall said that the iPhone 3.0 OS will be released on 17 June. Forstall relayed this information in the keynote speech at Apple's worldwide developers' conference (WWDC) where he said that the iPhone 3.0 would be a free release for all iPhone customers.
Many of the new features in iPhone 3.0 have been talked about before - Cut, Copy, and Paste, for example. Landscape mode in all key applications, including Mail, Notes and Messages. Spotlight support across the entire device, and ubiquitous searching. Peer-to-peer Bluetooth-based multiplayer gaming, push notification, in-app store support and other capabilities factored into demonstrations showing off iPhone 3.0's new features, as well.
Forstall also delved deeper into some capabilities in the new operating system. MMS is a feature that many users have been clamouring for: iPhone 3.0 will have that capability but it won't be available in the US.
Another new feature will be tethering: the ability for a Mac or PC to share the iPhone's Internet connection. iPhone 3.0's tethering works over USB or Bluetooth, and works on Mac OS X and Windows, but it won't be available in the US.
"Find My Phone" is a new feature in iPhone 3.0 that helps you locate your iPhone if you've misplaced it. It's specifically for MobileMe customers - you can log in to MobileMe and it will show you where you left your phone. You can send a message to the phone, and will play an alert, even if you left the phone in silent mode. What's more, remote wipe isn't a feature just for system administrators anymore - "Find My Phone" will let you erase all your data if your iPhone falls into the wrong hands.
Another hotly-anticipated capability for the iPhone is turn-by-turn GPS-based directions. To that end, TomTom demonstrated an iPhone 3.0 application that delivers real TomTom navigation on the iPhone. What's more, the software also works with a cradle device that suction-cups to your vehicle's window. It's more than just a holder - it securely docks the iPhone, and can enhance the iPhone's GPS capabilities, and give you hands-free calling capabilities, power and a loudspeaker. TomTom plans to release both this summer, with a range of maps.
The new iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 3GS will launch applications faster than previous models. The new phone will have some new features, while looking broadly similar. The latest model offers a brand-new camera that lets you control the focus either by tapping on the screen or using the autofocus feature. In addition, the iPhone's new camera captures video in addition to still photos-a heavily requested feature among iPhone owners. In addition, the iPhone 3GS includes a voice-control feature to allow users to speak commands for applications on the phone. Accessibility improvements include VoiceOver support for reading to users and the ability to zoom in on the phone's display for larger icons.
From an AT&T Press Release:
AT&T to Offer iPhone 3G S on June 19
iPhone 3G S Preordering Available Online and at AT&T Stores Today
Dallas, Texas, June 8, 2009
AT&T* today announced it will offer Apple iPhone 3G S, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, in its retail and online stores beginning June 19. In addition, the company today will begin selling iPhone 3G starting at $99 for new and qualifying subscribers. AT&T offers the nation's fastest 3G network and the best worldwide coverage of any U.S. carrier.**
"iPhone 3G S is the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, and we're extremely proud to offer it to our customers on the nation's fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "We're also pleased to offer these innovative phones and plans at incredible values, including free Wi-Fi access at nearly 20,000 hot spots."
Based on independent market research, twice as many smartphone users have chosen AT&T over any other U.S. carrier. "I expect this great new iPhone 3G S and a $99 iPhone 3G on our mobile broadband network will spur even more smartphone customers to choose AT&T," said de la Vega.
PRICING
AT&T will offer iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G at a variety of attractive prices:
- iPhone 3G S will cost $199 (16GB) and $299 (32GB) for new and qualifying customers.
- iPhone 3G will cost $99 (8GB) for new and qualifying customers.
- The 16 GB iPhone 3G will be available for $149 while supplies last.
Prices above require a 2-year service commitment and approved voice and data plan. Options are available to purchase these phones without a 2-year contract commitment.
PREORDERING
Customers may preorder iPhone 3G S beginning at approximately 5 p.m. ET today at in AT&T's more than 2,200 company-owned retail locations or later this evening at www.att.com/iphone. All preorders will be processed on a "first come, first served" basis beginning June 19. Customers who preorder online will have iPhone 3G S delivered directly to their home or office; customers who preorder in a store can pick theirs up at the same store on or after June 19. Stores will open early at 7 a.m. on June 19 exclusively for customers who have preordered.
CONSUMER PLANS
AT&T customers can choose from several monthly plans that start as low as $69.99 per month for voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing). All iPhone plans include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, and unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling.
AT&T FamilyTalk® offers extra value for families who share minutes. Plans start as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone lines with bundled voice and unlimited data. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.
BUSINESS PLANS
Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk®, a shared minute plan specifically for small businesses. Companies can share up to 20,000 minutes per month between as many as 40 employees. In addition, business customers and employees of many businesses are eligible for discounted service rates. For more information, contact an AT&T business sales representative or visit www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.
NETWORK
AT&T operates the nation's fastest 3G network, delivering the power and benefits of mobile broadband to consumers and businesses. iPhone 3G S will be compatible with High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology, which offers theoretical peak download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, though actual speeds will vary as these capabilities become available. AT&T plans to begin deploying HSPA 7.2 later this year, with completion expected in 2011.
In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity.
Today, AT&T offers 3G service in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas in the U.S., with more than 20 more planned for the end of this year. AT&T also leads in Wi-Fi, offering free broadband connectivity to iPhone customers in nearly 20,000 hot spots including Starbucks and Barnes & Noble, and nearly 80,000 hot spots around the world.
Additional news regarding iPhone 3G S will be posted in the AT&T Media Newsroom at www.att.com/iphone_news.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
**Offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T|DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
© 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.
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