(1) (InternetPhone) See IP phone and softphone.
(2) A smartphone from Apple that integrates cellphone, iPod, camera, text messaging, e-mail and Web browsing. Data and applications can be sent to the phone wirelessly or via Apple's iTunes software, which is used to organize music, videos, photos and applications (see iTunes).
iPhone and iPhone 3G
Introduced in the U.S. in mid-2007, and available in the U.S. exclusively from AT&T until 2010, the iPhone was superseded by the iPhone 3G in July 2008. The 3G added higher data speed (the 3G), GPS and an application platform that turned the iPhone into an ultra-mobile, general-purpose computer. With the 3G, the iPhone was finally introduced in Canada by Rogers Communications and its Fido subsidiary. It was also made available in many other parts of the world (see SIM lock).
iPhone 3G S
In June 2009, the 3G S was introduced with a faster processor for greater overall performance ("S" means "speed") and many additional features, including a video camera, voice phone dialer and improved battery life. The 3G S uses the third-generation iPhone OS (see iPhone 3.0).
Entirely by Touch
The iPhone is operated almost entirely via an innovative 3.5" touch screen. A major breakthrough in usability (see multitouch), the user interface was also carried forward in the next-generation iPod (see iPod touch).
Quite a Frenzy
In the history of the cellular industry, no phone ever created so much buzz; people actually camped out overnight to be first in line. AT&T stores closed early Friday, June 29, 2007 to set up the displays, reopening at 6pm and staying late to accommodate customers. Considering more than 20 million iPhones were purchased in the following two years, the enthusiasm was justified.
Specifications and Network Speeds
The iPhone is a quad-band GSM phone with music and video playback, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a two-megapixel still camera (three megapixels in 3G S). Powered by an ARM processor, it uses a custom version of the Mac OS X operating system. The maximum flash storage started out at 8GB, increasing to 16GB and 32GB in subsequent models.
Often called the "2G," the first iPhone used only the EDGE cellular network, while the iPhone 3G and 3G S support both EDGE and the higher-speed HSDPA 3G network. For example, HSDPA downloads are 200-1000 Kbps compared to 70-150 Kbps for EDGE (see EDGE and HSPA). Although EDGE/HSDPA service is generally always available, and Wi-Fi hotspots are not, Wi-Fi still provides the fastest data transfer (see Wi-Fi and hotspot).
One major inconvenience is that, like the iPod, the iPhone has a sealed battery and must be sent to Apple or to a third-party company for replacement if not under warranty. There is also no memory card slot for expansion. See iPod, iPod touch, iBricking and iClone.
The Home Screen
Pressing the only physical button on the front of the unit displays the home screen, which is the main menu to all operations. The iPhone is a handheld computer with an extraordinary user interface in a case less than a half inch thick. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)
Beautiful Presentations
The iPhone set a precedent for attractive screen presentations and clever functions. The weather panels of selected cities are scrolled horizontally with the finger.
Version 2.0 - The iTunes App Store
The iPhone 3G introduced Version 2.0 of the OS and the iPhone development platform. Turning the phone into a general-purpose mobile computer, iPhone and iPod touch users can download thousands of free and paid applications from the App Store. For example, in late 2008, this encyclopedia became available as an iPhone app. With the 3G, Apple also targeted corporate users by including synchronization with the Microsoft Exchange mail server. See iPod touch and iPhone 3.0.
(2) A smartphone from Apple that integrates cellphone, iPod, camera, text messaging, e-mail and Web browsing. Data and applications can be sent to the phone wirelessly or via Apple's iTunes software, which is used to organize music, videos, photos and applications (see iTunes).
iPhone and iPhone 3G
Introduced in the U.S. in mid-2007, and available in the U.S. exclusively from AT&T until 2010, the iPhone was superseded by the iPhone 3G in July 2008. The 3G added higher data speed (the 3G), GPS and an application platform that turned the iPhone into an ultra-mobile, general-purpose computer. With the 3G, the iPhone was finally introduced in Canada by Rogers Communications and its Fido subsidiary. It was also made available in many other parts of the world (see SIM lock).
iPhone 3G S
In June 2009, the 3G S was introduced with a faster processor for greater overall performance ("S" means "speed") and many additional features, including a video camera, voice phone dialer and improved battery life. The 3G S uses the third-generation iPhone OS (see iPhone 3.0).
Entirely by Touch
The iPhone is operated almost entirely via an innovative 3.5" touch screen. A major breakthrough in usability (see multitouch), the user interface was also carried forward in the next-generation iPod (see iPod touch).
Quite a Frenzy
In the history of the cellular industry, no phone ever created so much buzz; people actually camped out overnight to be first in line. AT&T stores closed early Friday, June 29, 2007 to set up the displays, reopening at 6pm and staying late to accommodate customers. Considering more than 20 million iPhones were purchased in the following two years, the enthusiasm was justified.
Specifications and Network Speeds
The iPhone is a quad-band GSM phone with music and video playback, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a two-megapixel still camera (three megapixels in 3G S). Powered by an ARM processor, it uses a custom version of the Mac OS X operating system. The maximum flash storage started out at 8GB, increasing to 16GB and 32GB in subsequent models.
Often called the "2G," the first iPhone used only the EDGE cellular network, while the iPhone 3G and 3G S support both EDGE and the higher-speed HSDPA 3G network. For example, HSDPA downloads are 200-1000 Kbps compared to 70-150 Kbps for EDGE (see EDGE and HSPA). Although EDGE/HSDPA service is generally always available, and Wi-Fi hotspots are not, Wi-Fi still provides the fastest data transfer (see Wi-Fi and hotspot).
One major inconvenience is that, like the iPod, the iPhone has a sealed battery and must be sent to Apple or to a third-party company for replacement if not under warranty. There is also no memory card slot for expansion. See iPod, iPod touch, iBricking and iClone.
The Home Screen
Pressing the only physical button on the front of the unit displays the home screen, which is the main menu to all operations. The iPhone is a handheld computer with an extraordinary user interface in a case less than a half inch thick. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)
Beautiful Presentations
The iPhone set a precedent for attractive screen presentations and clever functions. The weather panels of selected cities are scrolled horizontally with the finger.
Version 2.0 - The iTunes App Store
The iPhone 3G introduced Version 2.0 of the OS and the iPhone development platform. Turning the phone into a general-purpose mobile computer, iPhone and iPod touch users can download thousands of free and paid applications from the App Store. For example, in late 2008, this encyclopedia became available as an iPhone app. With the 3G, Apple also targeted corporate users by including synchronization with the Microsoft Exchange mail server. See iPod touch and iPhone 3.0.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- iFotoGuide interactive photography iPhone guide
- iFotoGuide launches interactive photography guides for the Apple iPhone. by CNET News.com
- Image galleries 2009-11-30
- Analyst: The iPhone's next carrier is likely T-Mobile, not Verizon
- An analyst suggests that the next wireless carrier to offer Apple's iPhone might be T-Mobile, not Verizon Wireless. by Sam Diaz
- Blog posts 2009-11-30
- Top 20 tough iPhone cases
- If you're someone who puts a premium on protecting your iPhone, check out these ultraprotective iPhone cases that will help your iPhone survive a fall without a scratch, let alone a broken screen. by CNET News.com
- Image galleries 2009-11-30
- Bigasoft iPhone Ringtone Maker 1.6.6.3600 (Windows)
- Bigasoft iPhone Ringtone Maker is an easy-to-use iPhone ringtone creator which helps you easily convert music like MP3 to iPhone ringtone M4R, even create iPhone ringtone M4R from your personal music/movie collection including WMA, M4A, WAV, MP3, RA, AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, MP4, H.264/AVC, AVCHD, MKV, RM, MOV, XviD, or...
- Software downloads 2009-11-27
- AVCWare iPhone Ringtone Maker 1.0.20.1015 (Windows)
- AVCWare iPhone Ringtone Maker turns your dream of making your own iPhone ringtone with loved music into reality in the way of converting almost all mainstream video/audio formats including AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, MP4, H.264/AVC, AVCHD, MKV, RM, MOV, XviD, 3GP, MP3, WMA, WAV, RA, M4A to M4R iPhone ringtone,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-27
- AVCWare Video Converter 2.0.1.1120 (Windows)
- With the easy-to-use interface and powerful conversion engine, AVCWare Video Converter is an ideal video converter to both beginners and professionals alike. It helps you to convert all popular video formats like AVI, MPEG, WMV, DivX, MP4, H.264/AVC, MKV, RM, MOV, XviD, 3GP, etc. You can also extract audio files...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Build Watch for iPhone 1.1 (Mobile)
- Build Watch for iPhone lets you track software projects on your iPhone by integrating with some of the most popular continuous integration systems. Conveniently track and resolve build problems all from your iPhone. It features view all build details, force new builds, hide projects you do not care about, and...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- PhotoNest for iPhone 1.0 (Mobile)
- PhotoNest for iPhone is an application that goes through your Twitter feed and looks for photos that your friends have posted. It then pulls that photo out and puts into a nice visual stream of photos from your Twitter friends. PhotoNest for iPhone features easily shoot and post your own...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Code Watch for iPhone 1.1 (Mobile)
- Code Watch for iPhone is the best way to get GitHub on your iPhone. Keep track of what is going on with all of your GitHub repositories, including your private ones. The features include view the same private news feed you see on your GitHub dashboard, view your public and...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Twitbit Lite for iPhone 2.2 (Mobile)
- Twitbit Lite for iPhone is a Twitter iPhone app to provide full support for push notifications. You will be sent an alert when you receive a direct messages or when you are mentioned. It also supports configuring whether alerts are received for mentions and direct messages individually, on a per-account...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Twitbit for iPhone 2.2 (Mobile)
- Twitbit for iPhone is a Twitter iPhone app to provide full support for push notifications. You will be sent an alert when you receive a direct messages or when you are mentioned. It also supports configuring whether alerts are received for mentions and direct messages individually, on a per-account basis....
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Scroll for iPhone 1.0 (Mobile)
- With Scroll for iPhone scroll any message across your screen in a variety of colors and fonts. A marquee for your iPhone. It features make someone laugh, broadcast your feelings, great for classrooms, parties, bars, and meetings, nine text and background colors, five fonts, and adjustable scrolling speed.
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Multiplication Helper for iPhone 2.2 (Mobile)
- Multiplication Helper for iPhone is an educational tool to help elementary grade school students practice their basic Math skills. We all know how important Mathematics is for a child to succeed in school, and of course the more Mathematics practice the better. Now you can practice with this neat little...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Subtraction Helper for iPhone 2.1 (Mobile)
- Subtraction Helper for iPhone is an educational tool to help elementary grade school students practice their basic Math skills. We all know how important Mathematics is for a child to succeed in school, and of course the more Mathematics practice the better. Now you can practice with this neat little...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Tell Time Helper for iPhone 2.0 (Mobile)
- Tell Time Helper for iPhone is an educational tool to help elementary grade school students practice their skills on reading time on 40 standard clocks. We all know how important telling time is for a child to succeed in school, and of course the more practice the better. Now you...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- iShopTheWorld Pro for iPhone 1.6 (Mobile)
- With iShopTheWorld Pro for iPhone you can save your entire shopping diary to your desktop computer and viewing it all again exactly the same as it is shown on your iPhone and iPod Touch. It features adding new items to your list with just a few taps, records shown for...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- PhotoSMS for iPhone 1.2 (Mobile)
- PhotoSMS for iPhone lets you compose unlimited free text messages on iPhone and iPod touch while looking at your favorite photos. Send texts to your contacts or friends that use our supported carriers. For the most part these carriers are in the United States. Choose background picture button to choose...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- MyBattery for iPhone 1.0 (Mobile)
- MyBattery for iPhone is the only battery app that displays battery in percentage. It instantly retrieves the current percentage of battery life and remaining time for key activities on your iPhone or iPod Touch.
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Frogger for iPhone 2.0.3 (Mobile)
- Frogger for iPhone is a classic arcade hits the iPhone/iPod touch. Point Frogger across the highway, hopping past cars and trucks after avoiding the perils of traffic, crossing the fast stream waits. Hop along moving logs and turtles and guide Frogger home. Guide five frogs to safety and move to...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- The Impossible Quiz for iPhone 1.0 (Mobile)
- With The Impossible Quiz for iPhone try to complete the quiz by answering all of the questions. It may sound easy, but will require quick reflexes, luck, and good old insane logic. While the majority of questions are multiple choice, there are plenty of surprises along the way. It features...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
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