 It seems that the top story kicking off this week is the re-release of the iPhone, complete with technological enhancements and a spiffy new price tag. Among the dozens of news sites that covered the story, Associated Press reported that two new iPhones are set to debut in stores July 11th— an 8-gigabyte for an eye-popping $199 and a 16-gig for $299. That’s quite a hack in price from the original iPhones—which, for even minimum storage, sold for no less than $399. In addition to a decrease in cost, the new iPhones offer several new features: a host of fresh games and applications, satellite navigation/global-positioning technology and a wireless Internet connection which boasts a download time twice as fast as the original iPhone. What makes the connection faster is the new wireless platform from which it runs— 3G— also known as “third-generation.” The speedy connection will be able to sufficiently support the new capabilities, applications and games on the iPhone— AP contends they encompass a wide variety including video games, educational study tools, geographic customized RSS news feed, “real-time video highlights and game stats,” and even a mapping feature which allows users to browse “which of their cell-phone-carrying friends are nearby.” Unfortunately, the biggest drawback looks like it will be revised monthly charges; while the cost of the device was cut significantly, AP reported that “service charges are rising” as a way to make up for lost profit. Apple is also hoping the drop in price (of the actual iPhone) will stimulate sales, which can also help generate revenue for the company. But it’s not just the customers who will see an increase in contract costs— according to AP, “wireless carriers will now pay more for the right to carry the gadget.” Still, there’s always a fiscal silver-lining; Apple announced it is withdrawing several stipulations pertaining to profit-sharing, which in turn “frees the carriers to charge higher prices for the service.” For now the iPhone is set to go on sale in 22 different countries, but Apple hopes to expand its horizons further in the coming months. In the mean time, I’m anxious to see how the public receives the new iPhone’s fancy new features and reasonable price adjustment. |
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