Apple Inc.'s iPhone has always been the world's most influential smartphone; its design aesthetics and powerful functions have earned widespread praise in the market. The device is a true handheld computer, raising the competition threshold for all competitors. However, the first-generation iPhone had two major drawbacks: it was expensive and could not connect to the faster 3G network.
This Friday, Apple will launch the second-generation iPhone. This new product, named "iPhone 3G," addresses these two shortcomings while retaining the sensory experience of the first generation's software and hardware.
The price of the 8GB version of the second-generation iPhone is $199, half the price of the $399 for the same category of the first-generation product; the new 16GB iPhone is priced at $299, much lower than the previous $499. Moreover, the new iPhone will use the faster 3G technology, significantly speeding up internet connectivity; the new iPhone also has a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) chip, which can better determine the user's location.