Apple has sold over 4 million units of the latest version of its mobile phone, the iPhone 4S. The device is now the most ubiquitous handset in the world. These are indeed prosperous times for the iPhone, but you will recall that things did not begin so auspiciously.
Apple has sold over 4 million units of the latest version of its mobile phone, the iPhone 4S. The device is now the most ubiquitous handset in the world. These are indeed prosperous times for the iPhone, but you will recall that things did not begin so auspiciously.
When Apple announced the first iPhone in 2007, the device was met with mixed reviews. On the one hand, the phone contained remarkable new technology, like it”s multi-touch screen, a feature that enabled navigation through multiple finger gestures; the clean and smooth user interface; and integration of desktop quality web-browser. On the other hand, the device was only available on AT&T”s 2G Edge network, a disappointment considering many phones on the market were already taking advantage of next generation 3G speeds. In addition, applications available on the iPhone were sparse and included only the bare essentials such as web browser, calendar, clock, ect. Many rudimentary features, such as the ability to copy and paste text and record video were left out, however. Worst of all, the device carried a daunting price tag of $499 and $599 for 4GB and 8GB versions, respectively. Underwhelming sales figures prompted Apple to slash the price of the phone by $100 within months of launch.
These issues were addressed in future updates, starting with the iPhone 3G. As its name alludes to, this iPhone ran on AT&T”s faster 3G network. In addition, Apple introduced the App store, a digital market place where software developers could sell original applications. This opened up an entirely new attraction on the iPhone. No longer was it simply chic, it was also incredibly functional. An array of activities, such game play, reading e-books and navigating through GPS, were now available through the iPhone. Simple features missing from the original iPhone, like copy and paste and multimedia messaging were also added. The design of the iPhone 3G also received an overhaul from its predecessor, replacing the chrome back with plastic, improving signal quality. The third iPhone, dubbed the 3GS retained this design while being upgraded with a faster processor and video recording capability.
Today, the iPhone 4 and 4S have evolved to even greater lengths. The design now features an all-glass casing with a metal band around the circumference of the phone that serves as the antenna. The 4S boasts the fast A5 dual-core processor and a voice command feature called Siri.
Jolene Swanson is a writer who enjoys sharing her knowledge and advice with readers. For more on the iPhone, The Techno Club offers readers information on the truths of the iPhone.