PDA PORTAL

The new version of the iPhone comes in July with support for faster 3G networking. The good news are that this new version of the popular smartphone will be available for a lower price.

The new iPhone will sell for US$199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. That’s a $200 discount from the previous $399 and $499 prices for the 8GB and 16GB iPhones, respectively.

First launched in 22 countries, the iPhone will reach to 70 countries at the end of the year. The 3G iPhone will enable faster data downloads over AT&T’s 3G network. The handset will also include built-in GPS.According to Apple, Web pages will load up to 2.8 times faster.

Physical changes to the new iPhone include a curvier design, full plastic back, solid metal buttons, and a flush headphone jack.

In addition to the new features, iPhone 3G offers an improved battery life of 300 hours of standby time. Users will also be able to switch between 3G and 2G in case they wish to save battery life. On the new iPhone, 2G talk time has improved to 10 hours (from 8 hours); for 3G talk time, the phone will have a battery life of 5 hours.

The 8GB model is available in black and the 16GB iPhone now comes as a white phone.