IPhone
From TMUG - The Triangle Macintosh Users Group
Apple announced the first iPhone (2.75G, or EDGE) on Jan 9 2007, and released it on Jun 29 2007. The first iPhone hack was reported 4 days later, on Jul 3 2007. Although the hack prevented use as a phone, it was primarily motivated by the desire to "unlock" the phone (for use on a different network). It connects to the internet via either EDGE or WiFi.
The iPhone was named "Invention of the Year" for 2007 by Time Magazine.
Apple released the iPod Touch on Sep 5 2007. It is essentially the iPhone without the phone, and so connects only via WiFi.
Apple released the 2nd generation iPhone (3G) on Jul 11 2008. Similar to the original iPhone, it is less expensive, adds GPS capability, and uses the faster 3G network (as well as WiFi). By Jul 14, Apple had sold 1 million iPhone 3Gs.
The iPhone distinguished itself as a unique device early on - controlled entirely by touchscreen... embedded sensors to rotate view between landscape and portrait... and, implemented all video iPod functionality. Read the Full Specs here.
The App Store is a bazaar for applications that run on the iPhone. As unique as the iPhone itself. 10 million downloads in the first 3 days. Each app is vetted by Apple, and developers must register in order to download the development kit. Prices range from free, to a maximum of $999.99. The App Store has been in interesting entity to follow. Some Apps have been explicitly pulled by Apple (Graveyard). More than the iPhone itself, perhaps, the App Store seems to be Apple's Latest Brainstorm of Genius.
Apple splits revenues for the App Store 70/30 with the developers. In the first month, 60 million downloads were reported, with $30 million in sales.
For more reading:
Official Apple Links:
iPhone 3G
iPod Touch
iPhone 3G specs
The App Store
Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_iPhone
Macintouch Reader Reports:
Macintouch iPhone Reader Reports
Macintouch iPod Touch Reader Reports
Macintouch iPhone 3G Reader Reports
Synergistic Use of iPhones:
Texas University
Financial Potential:
