The new 3G iPhone features 32 gigabytes of storage, dual video cameras, VoIP, an updated version of OS X, and is available on any wireless carrier, not just AT&T.

Apple surprised analysts and technology pundits by releasing the 3G iPhone months ahead of expectations, though supplies of the first generation iPhone have dried up in the past two weeks.

The 3G iPhone is shipping now and comes in two models. The base model features 32 gigs of RAM and a dual camera which retails for $99. The other model features 64 gigs of RAM for $199.

Both models are available for order now from the Apple Store online, and will be sold in Apple’s retail stores and most cell phone carrier retail stores in the U.S, as supplies reach the stores.

The new iPhone is no longer tied to the AT&T network. The 3G iPhone will be available in Europe within a few weeks.

The 3G iPhone features a slightly larger multi-touch screen, though overall dimensions of the device are slightly smaller than the first generation iPhone, which will continue to be sold while supplies last.

Apple reduced the price on the first generation iPhone to $69. Stock analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jafray reiterated his estimate that Apple will sell over 45-million iPhones in 2009 as the company rolls out the second generation iPhone to more countries.

Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs made the announcement in Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.

“On behalf of all of us at Apple, we are pleased and excited to introduce the second generation iPhone for $99. The new iPhone features high speed Internet browsing on any cell phone carrier’s 3G network. This new iPhone also comes with 32 gigabytes of RAM, built-in WiFi, Safari and Mail, and features a unique dual camera function for true iPhone to iPhone video conversations. We are years ahead of the competition with this new iPhone.”

The new 3G iPhone retains many of the features found in the original iPhone, including the ability to play music and videos as a video iPod, buy music and videos online via Apple’s WiFi Store.

The most intriguing new feature is the iPhone Multi-cam, which features a dual video camera system. A video camera, capable of motion video or still video is on the back side of the iPhone. Another video camera is on the front side of the iPhone at the top of the multi-touch screen.

Apple claims the camera will provide full motion video recording as well as live video and audio conferencing over the cell phone network. Jobs announced that AT&T will no longer be the exclusive U.S. partner for the 3G iPhone, which will be made available to work on an U.S. cell phone system.

The new iPhone features OS X version 1.4, though Jobs stressed that version 2.0 will be available as a free upgrade to all iPhone users in late June.

Apple’s stunning 3G iPhone announcement comes on the 32nd anniversary of Apple, Inc., which was founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in a garage on April 1, 1976.

Time Magazine once highlighted Apple’s early days in their 80th Anniversary Issue back in 2003, ”80 Days That Changed The World.”

Did I mention that Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, 32 years ago? April 1 is also known as April Fool’s Day which is often marked by hoaxes and practical jokes of varying sophistication.

Today being April Fool’s Day all of us at Mac360 could think of no better way to celebrate than with a dream. A 3G iPhone for $99? What a great dream, huh?

Welcome to April Fool’s Day.

Check out the daily list of our 9 Word mini-Reviews at NoodleMac, and Kate's daily in-depth Mac software reviews at PixoBebo.

Off Topic #58 - Do politicians use personal computers? Of course. We’ve heard Barack Obama prefers a Mac, while Hillary Clinton uses a Dell, though, apparently neither of the candidates can bowl. Does Obama’s potential vice president use a Mac? Even Clinton acknowledges Apple’s brand power but says she can’t afford a Mac. Maybe she’d win if she used a Mac.

Off Topic #23 - Mac OS X Leopard is now at version 10.5.2 which we’re proclaiming the best yet, though we expect version 10.5.3 soon. If you haven’t upgraded yet, don’t forget that Leopard is on sale at the Mac360 Store, and so are the latest Leopard books. If you plan to order Leopard or a Leopard tips book from Amazon, please consider using the Mac360 Store to place your order (it’s really Amazon). Click Here to look at the latest Leopard books.

• Article by Kate MacKenzie • Published on Tuesday, April 1, 2008
• Category: News & Commentary • 2 Reader comment(s) • Email This • Digg This • Shop Now

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Readers Talk Back:

willis says:

OK, Kate. You got me. I bought at the headline, paused when I saw the ‘April 1’ date, but continued to read hoping Apple had really done the right thing.

A 3G iPhone from Apple for $99? This is the same company with the highest profit margins in the industry.

I should have figured it out early on. That tells you what I really want to see from Apple.

— Posted on Tue Apr 01 at 11:23 am by willis

DanMan says:

Ha, good one. Still in a few more years this will become a reality I’d bet. Maybe about 3 or 4 more years…

Kudos for pulling a prank that was fun to see, but obvious enough that it didn’t get my hopes up.

— Posted on Tue Apr 01 at 10:27 am by DanMan

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