SAN FRANCISCO ? Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, on Monday took the wraps off the next generation iPhone that will use third-generation or 3G wireless technology, which will transmit data about three times faster than the dial-up speeds offered earlier on the EDGE Network.
The new iPhone also will support Microsoft?s Office software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and it will have built in GPS, which should allow map software to take into account a salesperson?s location when calculating directions.
Jobs also gave more detail about a software upgrade for the iPhone designed to make it more appealing to businesses. The software makes it possible to access Microsoft?s Exchange email over the iPhone and employs technology from Cisco to ensure that data sent between businesses and employees? iPhones are secure. Both of these features were announced earlier this year, as was a plan to require businesses that develop their own software for the iPhone to distribute the software through Apple?s new App Store.
There are still some things that might give businesses pause: The iPhone still only works on AT&T?s network in the U.S. and it doesn?t have built-in support for some popular corporate email programs, such as IBM?s Lotus Notes. Also, Apple unveiled a new service that allows people to store data on tech equipment operated by Apple.
AT&T, in a press release, said the new 8 GB iPhone 3G will be sold, beginning July 11, at $199 with a two-year contract; the 16GB model will be priced at $299.
Unlimited iPhone 3G data plans for consumers will be available for $30 a month, in addition to voice plans starting at $39.99 a month.
Unlimited 3G data plans for business users will be available for $45 a month, in addition to a voice plan.
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