You've got to give it to
Apple, never has a company so cleverly seduced us. They've taunted and teased us with sexy iPhone photographs; even the occasional steamy video highlighting all its best assets. Ask anyone in Australia right now: Angelina Jolie naked on a bed of cos lettuce or an iPhone naked on a bed of cos lettuce? You get the picture.
Finally after wining and dining this harlot for a year we're about to be invited back to the house for some real action.
Here are some iPhone answers to your iPhone questions, released officially at 3am this morning — and not a minute too soon.
Q. When does the bloody thing go on sale in Australia?
Sart saving now because your iPhone 2.0 is only one month away. Expect it to hit shelves July 11.
Q. How much will it cost?
Still no official word on Australian prices, though the next generation iPhone is set to cost USD199 (AUD209) for the 8G and USD299 (AUD314) for the 16G. Let's hope local costs are similar.
Q. Will all the TelCos be selling them?
So far only
Optus and
Vodafone have been mentioned as official retailers for the July 11th release date. Currently only Optus has a pre-order system live on their website, but it is only 5am.
Q. Is it any good?
According to Apple's CEO Steve Jobs the iPhone 3G is a cracker, though we suspect he may be a little biased, "Just one year after launching the iPhone, we're launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price," he said. "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." Also expect built-in GPS, better battery life, improved audio and a sleeker look.
For those of you who can't get enough, or for those who like their early morning literature dry, here is one of the
official press releases (a separate one was issued for both
Optus and
Vodafone partnerships):
"Optus and Apple to Bring iPhone 3G to Australia on 11 July
MELBOURNE, Australia and SAN FRANCISCO - 10 June 2008 - Optus and Apple® today announced that they will bring the highly anticipated iPhone™ 3G to Australia on July 11. iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK.
'iPhone 3G is the handset Australians have been waiting for,' said Paul O'Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive. 'With Optus, more iPhone users can enjoy 3G services as we expand our network to 96 percent of the population by December 2008 and 98 percent by December 2009. We look forward to providing our unique services and content to consumers and business customers via this outstanding handset.'
'We're excited to be working with Optus to bring iPhone 3G to millions of mobile customers in Australia," said Tim Cook, Apple's COO. "We can't wait to get this revolutionary mobile device in the hands of even more people around the world.'
With 7.14 million mobile customers in Australia, Optus offers a constantly expanding suite of mobile content and services on Optus Zoo, including Google, MySpace Mobile, MTV Music Store, eBay and Mobile Instant Messenger, as well as high quality content in the areas of sport, news, weather, shopping and lifestyle from some of the best content providers in the industry.
Further details regarding the availability of iPhone 3G from Optus including pricing, plans and offers will be announced at a later date. To register your interest, and to secure an opportunity to get your hands on an iPhone 3G from Optus first, go to www.optusiphone.com.au.
*Based on 3G and EDGE testing. Actual speeds vary by site conditions.
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications. The company specializes in a broad range of communications services including mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television. For more information please visit www.optus.com.au.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone."
Check out the new
advertisment on TheVine TV
or here's more reading for the enthusiastic:
Steve Jobs unveils Apple's new 3G iPhone,
SMH
Samsung launched iPhone look-alike Omnia, SMH
Apple changes iPhone business model, SMH
Picture: GIZMODO