The tech world was abuzz on Tuesday as Verizon Wireless announced that it will begin offering the Phone model in February.
During a news conference in New York City, executives from Verizon and Apple – which manufacturers the popular device – revealed that the iPhone 4 will be available in stores February 10. Verizon, which has the largest mobile telecommunications network in the U.S., will begin accepting pre-orders for the product one week before its in-store release date.
The iPhone 4 will be a 3G version, which disappointed some people who were hoping for 4G capabilities, which allows users to make phone calls and connect to the internet at the same time. During last week's Consumer Electronic Show, Verizon announced that it will launch 10 4G devices this year, including four phones. However, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said the first set of chips developed for the iPhone 4 are not compatible with Verizon's 4G network.
"Verizon customers told us they want the iPhone now," Cook said, quoted by CNN, adding that offering a 4G phone in February would "force design changes we wouldn't make."
The iPhone is a popular tool at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Its applications allow students to perform a variety of tasks in a short amount of time, such as checking e-mail, connecting with friends or managing education costs.
A study by Stanford University examined the extent to which college students are hooked to their iPhones. Rating their addiction to the devices on a five-point scale, approximately 10 percent of students who were surveyed said that they were fully addicted to their iPhones, while about 34 percent said that they were a four out of a five. Three-quarters of respondents admitted that they sleep next to their phones, while almost 90 percent said they use their iPhone as an alarm clock.
The poll also showed that about 30 percent said that their iPhone provides a "doorway into the world," and 41 percent said that losing their mobile device would be a "tragedy."
Many scholars have created their own iPhone applications that are designed specifically for their respective school's student body. At several Ivy League schools, individuals have released apps that provide up-to-date information regarding on-campus events, parties and transportation schedules.
App creation is not limited to just those receiving their college education at four-year schools. For example, Pennsylvania-based Montgomery County Community College offers an iPhone Application Programming class.
"The app store democratizes software development and distribution," said professor Jason Wertz. "Anyone can develop and sell an app and make millions of dollars. Building apps is the best way for somebody to work at home in their spare time and possibly make a lot of money."
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