The iPhone 2 coveted features include 3G data support as well as built in GPS turn by turn directions. It is still unclear why these features were not included on the original iPhone.
Apple has sold more than five million iPhones when the device debuted in the US in June last year and the firm says it is on course to sell 10m iPhones by the end of 2008. I wonder if they released the original iPhone without 3G support since they knew that people who loved it would upgrade to the new one just a year later. Expect eBay to create a secondary market of old iPhones as owners flood eBay with them trying to make some cash to purchase the iPhone 2.
Whatever happens today it will be interesting to see how the world reacts. Only Apple can develop a phone where everyone has to have it, when other phone manufacturers like Motorola and Nokia are struggling to hold on to the market share they already have. The iPhone 2, I am sure, will be another huge success. I just wish Microsoft could step up their Windows mobile solution to give the iPhone some competition. Google’s Android phone should be out later this year. I am curious to see if design and usability was a huge factor in the creation of it. Everyone knows that Apple is tough to beat when it comes to bling!
Update: The new iphone will be released to the public on July 11, 2008. The new iPhone will cost $199 with 8 gigabytes of memory, and only $299 twice the memory. This is much cheaper than the original iPhone.