Apple unveils new iPhone

SAN FRANCISCO - Apple Computer on Tuesday unveiled a new mobile phone that can also be used as a digital music player and a camera, packaged in a long-anticipated device dubbed an "iPhone."

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs introduced the sleek new device to the public during an appearance at the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Fransciso, showcasing Apple technology.

"Every once in a while a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything," Jobs told conference delegates.

"It's like having the Internet in your pocket," the Apple CEO said. "It's the ultimate digital device. It's like having your life in your pocket."

Apple's shares surged 4.20 dollars, or 4.9 percent, to 89.67 dollars in the immediate wake of the company's announcement.

The iPhone will be ultra-slim -- less than half-an-inch (1.3 centimetres) thick -- boasting a phone, Internet capability and an MP3 player as well as featuring a two megapixel digital camera, Jobs said.

Two versions of the iPhone will be released, a four gigabyte version priced at 499 dollars and an eight gigabyte version priced at 599 dollars. The devices will be shipped to US retail stores in June, Jobs said.

"This is a leapfrog product with a revolutionary new interface with software five years ahead of any other phone and desktop class applications, not those crippled applications you find on those other phones," Jobs said.

"When you get a chance to get your hands on it, I think you'll agree, we've reinvented the phone," he said.

Analysts had been expecting Jobs to unveil the nifty new device at the conference, a move that aims to capitalize on the company's wildly popular iPod digital music player.

Jobs also unveiled a separate device that will allow users to transfer video from their computers to televisions.

The set-top unit known as Apple TV enables viewers to stream digitally downloaded video from a desktop or laptop computer to a television, complementing Apple's online film service which is available through its iTunes store.

"This is a really cool box," Jobs said.

Apple TV comes equipped with a 40-gigabyte hard drive capable of storing up to 50 hours of video programming. It will be able to store videos, photos and music sent from computers within wireless range.

The video box will be available in February and be priced at 299 dollars.

Agence France-Presse

you should kink to where you got information/article from. but its an awsome release

22J2 Wrote:you should kink to where you got information/article from. but its an awsome release

Too bad the phone isn't awesome... touch screens are a pain in the ass and always dirty and the phone is lacking in some pretty much standard features these days in a smart phone.. but it's an Apple so it will have some cool flashy commercials and the kids will line up to buy it, all the while wondering why and complaining about the lack of speed and quality.