Apple's iPhone Update 2.0 will bring students a faster Internet connection complete with 'lsusecure' wireless network compatibility. "The iPhone 2.0 software will be phenomenal and raise use to a whole new level," said Steve Jobs, chairman and CEO of Apple, on Monday at the World Wide Developers Conference. "We'll release it in early July." The free upgrade will give iPhones Wi-Fi Protected Access, allowing the device to meet the higher security standards required to access 'lsusecure.' iPod Touch users must purchase the upgrade for $9.99. Apple also introduced the new 3G iPhone at the WWDC. AT&T's 3G cellular network is faster than AT&T's older EDGE network. "If we compare this to WiFi, we'll see 3G approaches WiFi speeds," Jobs said. The 'lsusecure' network requires a username and password for access. This level of protection prevents unauthorized users from accessing 'lsusecure.' Students will be able to input their PAWS username and password after selecting 'lsusecure' as their wireless network on their iPhones.
Caitlin Thorpe, mass communication sophomore, uses her iPhone and the EDGE network to access the Internet on campus constantly. "It's all right, but it's not as fast as LSU's network," Thorpe said. "I'll use 'lsusecure' on my iPhone when I can." iPhone users on campus will still be able to access the Internet on the EDGE network. The update will also allow students to receive and view Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint attachments through the iPhone's e-mail feature. Compatibility with Microsoft's "Exchange ActiveSync" will allow users to connect to Microsoft Exchange servers and access e-mail, calendars and address lists. "I'll keep my laptop at home," Thorpe said. "I won't have to carry around all my books. I'll be able to study my PowerPoint slides while I walk to the testing center." Other e-mail upgrades include the ability to move or delete multiple e-mail messages at once. The lack of a multimedia messaging service, the deal breaker for many potential iPhone purchasers, remains unaddressed in iPhone Update 2.0. iPhone users will remain unable to send picture and video messages. The 3G iPhone, to be released July 11, will feature a sleeker frame, built-in GPS and 300 hours of standby battery life. Perhaps the most impressive new feature is the lower price. "iPhone started off at $599 for an 8GB device, which now sells for $399 - we want to make it even more affordable. I'm happy to tell you the 8GB model will sell for $199," Jobs said. The release includes Apple's iPhone Software Development Kit that will allow developers to create "multi-touch" iPhone applications and games. The Standard SDK Program, for personal use, will cost $99 per year while the Enterprise Program, for commercial use, will cost IT departments $299 per year.
---- Contact Scott Holley at sholley@lsureveille.com
