Finally, We Got an iPhone From Apple!

As everyone expected, the iPhone has been revealed! Even better, it seems that the device will be called "iPhone", after all, but we'll talk about that just a little later. If the previous rumors about the iPhone were many, just wait and see how many reviews this device will get now! Unfortunately, I don't have one in my hand now, but since the product became finally public, there are no more secrets surrounding it. Oh, my, where from should I start?

Well, it seems that the final approach chosen by Apple was to incorporate three devices into a single one, so the iPhone can be employed as a wide screen iPod that features touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone that allows you to make a call by simply pointing your finger at a name or number in your address book, and an Internet communications device able to use a rich HTML email client and Safari, being able to sync bookmarks from your PC or Mac! All these are packed inside a 4.8 ounces (135 grams), 115X61X11.6mm case, and I guess that since you'll be able to find the detailed features of this new phone listed everywhere, we should talk about something different concerning the iPhone now...

First of all, the name issue. As we were surprised to find out a while ago, iPhone is the name of an existing product, the Linksys VoIP phone that comes from Cisco, Linksys' parent company. I will be honest and admit that I wasn't expecting the iPhone to be called this way, since Apple Phone was probably a name not registered yet, and sounded like a fair choice to me. Obviously, the alternative was a legal battle over the iPhone name, but it seems that Apple has chosen the third solution - a peaceful agreement with Cisco, and this has been confirmed by the latter, that stated to be in "extensive discussions" with Apple and that "it is our belief that Apple intends to agree to the final document. We expect to receive a signed agreement today". Excellent!

Since the iPhone will get the name ownership anytime now, one potential problem remains the availability on the market, and according to Jobs, the product will be available in June in the US, Europe will have to wait until late 2007, while Asia will get to see the iPhone in 2008, but I wouldn't be surprised to see any "Super iPhone" or something similar being released by a Taiwan or China-based company until then...

iPhone's CPU is made by Intel, while the German company Balda will manufacture the touch-screens used by the device. While some analysts believe that the lack of a tactile keyboard may be a drawback for heavy email/Blackberry users, my main concern is the limited autonomy offered by the phone's battery. According to Apple's website, iPhone's battery can last up to 5 hours in talk/video/playback mode and up to 16 hours when used for audio playback solely.

Although there's enough time left until the product will be available for purchase, you can plan your budget from now, since the 4GB model will be available for 499$, while the 8GB one will cost 100$ more.