In the U.S. the new iPhone 3G is priced at $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. The phone goes on sale in the U.S. on July 11.

The iPhone 3G has built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software with support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. It can run hundreds of third-party applications built with the recently released iPhone software developers kit (SDK).

"Just one year after launching the iPhone, we're launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. "iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, runs the incredible third-party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this year."

E-Mail for Business Users

iPhone 3G relies on quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world for access to the Internet and e-mail.

iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to ensure the fastest possible download speeds, Apple said. The iPhone 3G also makes it easier to multitask with simultaneous voice and data communications , so users can browse the Web, get map directions, or check e-mail while on a call.

In a move to compete with the Blackberry, iPhone 3G includes, besides Microsoft Exchange support, contact and calendar syncing, remote wipe, and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to corporate networks.

The GPS Play

The iPhone 2.0 software makes possible a laundry list of new features. Users can do real-time mapping and tracking with GPS, move and delete multiple e-mail messages, search for contacts, access a scientific calculator, and turn on parental-control restrictions. Users can also save images from a Web page or e-mail and transfer them to a Mac or PC.

Apple said iPhone 3G delivers 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and five hours using 3G, with up to five to six hours of Web browsing, up to seven hours for video playback and up to 24 hours for audio playback. (continued...)

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