18 September 2007 @ 5:06Apple UK Special Event
Apple just released the iPhone for the UK and stated that the carrier will be O2.
The iPhone will go on sale for £269 including VAT starting November 9.
There are new iPhone commercials for the UK. They are the same as the US versions, but with British voice-over. The Guardian has replaced the New York Times, and O2 has replaced AT&T.
The CEO of O2 UK, Matthew Key, takes the floor. “I’ve seen hundreds of devices every year, and within a few minutes of playing with the iPhone I knew it as a breakthrough product.”
Unlimited data with £35, 45, 55 plans. Visual Voicemail works. GPRS networked, not 3G. Key states that “[O2] created an agreement for 7,500 WiFi spots in the UK.”
Steve explains the reason for no 3G support. “”The 3G chipsets are real power hogs. Handset battery life cuts power to 2-3 hours. Our phone has a talk time of 8 hours and that’s really important when you want to use your phone for internet and music. 3G needs to get back up to 5+ hours, something we think well see later next year.”
“Cloud is the WiFi provider, and yes, it’s free.” according to Key.
iPhone activation will be done through iTunes just like in the US.
iTunes WiFi Music Store will be available later this month.
Key elaborates on contract details. “18 months contract. There is a limit: 1,400 internet pages per day would break the deal as part of fair usage agreement.”
By launch, only 30% of O2′s network will have EDGE.
Have you thought about opening the iPhone to 3rd parties? Steve’s reply: “Yes, we’ve already done that with Web 2.0. We’re looking at more intimate apps. But people hold their phones to a higher standard than their PC. The more open you are, the less predictable.”
£900 for 18 months on up to £1260. Any assurance you won’t slash the price by 1/3rd? (Laughter.) Steve’s reply: “I don’t think that’s going to happen. But this is technology so you never know. We have no plans to change the pricing, but we guarantee it will change in the future just like all technology products. We’re working on the next iPhone and the next one after that. That’s what our customers expect.”
Do you feel a 2 megapixel would be a concern to European customers? Steve’s reply: “No, the camera is great. More megapixels don’t make a better camera, the iPhone is actually a great camera, especially with great lighting.”
Unlimited data packages: will those go to other contracts as well? Matthew’s reply: “On 1st October we’ll be rolling those out for all out customers.” Steve’s reply: “It’s the future.”
That wraps up Apple’s UK Special Event.
Apple Chooses O2 as Exclusive Carrier for iPhone in UK press release
by Jon | Add a comment | Posted in apple, iphone, itunes | Link to this
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