Apple unveiled their new and improved iPhone 3GS Monday at their Worldwide Developer’s Conference. While some critics are looking at possible speed bumps in the Apple - AT&T partnership – others say get over it – and enjoy the new technology.
Apple announced the new iPhone will be able to send multimedia messages and will have tethering ability, which makes the iPhone a portable modem.
But here’s the rub: AT&T won’t support either feature for several months.
CNET says this disconnect may be intentional.
“Weirdly, MMS and tethering are both features AT&T supports on many other phones. I get the feeling that if the two companies had really wanted to work together, AT&T would have been right up on that announcement screen.”
This isn’t the only issue upsetting AT&T customers. The new model is available at a reduced price, but customers who are already under contract with AT&T aren’t in the club.
After signing a 2-year contract, new users can pay $199 for the 16-gigabyte model and $299 for the 32 gig version.
However, contract-bound customers will have to shell out $399 for the 16-gig phone and $499 for the 32 gig model.
Tech blog
Slashdot has this fiery response from a current AT&T customer…
“This is ridiculous and a slap in the face to long-time loyal iPhone customers like me who switched from T-Mobile and the only reason was the iPhone.”
Gizmodo, another tech blog, takes a less sensitive perspective. It tells people to stop whining and appreciate what it takes to stay on the cutting edge.
“These things are computers. And as applications get more and more complex—specially [sic] games—you will want to have the latest and fastest… Without a subsidy, you will keep paying full price for these tiny and wonderful computers.”
USA Today reports that Verizon Wireless may enter the iPhone market when AT&T’s exclusive contract expires in mid-2010.
Web magazine
WIRED sees this as a solution to high prices.
“Multiple carriers means competition and, seamless brand message be damned, the carriers wouldn’t be able to stop themselves from entering a price-war.”
Apple is taking pre-orders for the new iPhone 3GS, which will be available June 19th.
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