In June 2008, Apple Inc. unveiled the iPhone 3G, a device that offered many of the same powerful, multipurpose capabilities of the original iPhone introduced a year earlier--such as the multi-touch screen user interface and access to thousands of third-party applications--but offering faster 3G wireless connection speeds and built-in global positioning system (GPS) services. It also included the iPhone 2.0 operating system, which included better email management capabilities and easier access to the App Store. It was also half the price of the original iPhone.
Connectivity
The first-generation iPhone was one of the most popular smartphone devices, but reviewers were vocal about its shortcomings, especially its data connection speeds. The fact that the second-generation iPhone 3G was compatible with the 3G network would make this device twice as fast for networking uses as the original iPhone, according to Apple's own testing. At the time, AT&T was still the exclusive carrier of the iPhone (Verizon would begin carrying the iPhone in Januarym 2011). iPhone 3G users would have access to the Internet and email over their own cellular network, with quad-band Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and tri-band High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) for voice and data connectivity. The iPhone 3G could also switch between 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities according to which provided faster access.
Dimensions and Display
The iPhone 3G came in two plastic-built models: 8 GB and 16 GB. It was 2.4 inches wide, 4.6 inches in height and weighed 4.7 ounces. The 3.5-inch screen, which was a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), offered a resolution of 320-by-480 pixels and color depth of 16.7 million colors.
Battery Life and Camera
According to Apple's specifications, the iPhone 3G's lithium-ion battery offered talk time of up to 300 minutes. In its review, PC Magazine was able to reach five hours and 43 minutes of talk time, more than 37 hours for music and seven hours and 53 minutes for video. The magazine was also able to continuously stream data for four hours and 45 minutes before depleting the battery. The device also included a 2-megapixel camera that could take still pictures but not record video.
Messaging and Email
The iPhone 3G allowed users to multitask with simultaneous voice and data applications, which meant that they could check email or browse the Web while on a call. The device also supported Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to provide push email and syncing of contacts and calendar. In its review, Wired magazine noted that the iPhone 3G did not sync notes and to-do lists. The iPhone 3G also included Cisco IPsec to access corporate networks via virtual private networking.
Applications
One of the major advantages of the iPhone 3G was its access to many applications. Its built-in applications included the iTunes Store, Safari browser, YouTube, Contacts, Calendar, text messaging, Notes, and GPS among others. It also had access to the App Store, which offered applications--at the time numbering more than 50,000 (now numbering more than 350,000)--some made by Apple and many more made by third-party developers.
Tags: also included, hours minutes, more than, original iPhone, access Store
