Apple Unveils iPhone 4, Video Calling and Netflix App
Posted by Jesse Ward on Monday, June 7, 2010 · 
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During a keynote address at Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference today, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the new version of the iPhone hardware, iPhone 4. Despite media supposition leading up to the event, the device will still operate over AT&T’s 3G network.
Physically, the new iPhone looks just like the prototypes that were leaked via the blog Gizmodo a few weeks ago. The iPhone 4 is 9.3mm, or 24% thinner than the iPhone 3GS — the “thinnest smartphone ever.”
The screen now boasts print-like quality for graphics and text. The iPhone 4 has four times as many pixels on its 960×480 pixel “retinal” display compared to previous iPhones. The 3.5″ display has a resolution of 326 pixels per inch.
The phone’s stainless steel frame is being partially used as an antenna. The rear-facing camera has been upgraded to 5 megapixels, with 5X digital zoom and a “backside illuminated sensor,” which can also record HD video at 720p at 30fps.
Perhaps most important, there is a new front camera that is enabled for real-time video chat. The new FaceTime video calling application will work via WiFi only (in 2010, at least), from iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 with “no setup” involved.
Also of note, Apple today announced a new Netflix application for all iPhone users. The app allows streaming of any video available through Netflix Watch Instantly, and users will be able to start a film or TV show on another device and pick it up via their iPhone. Customers can also search Netflix’s database, add to or manage their queue, and access personalized recommendations. Netflix CEO Reed Hastings stated the application is slated for release “this summer,” and will be free for Netflix customers.
Ready or not, streaming media is coming to AT&T’s 3G network. In preparation, AT&T announced new tiered pricing plans late last week.
The 16GB device has price tag of $199, and the 32GB version will cost $299. The iPhone 4G will be available on June 24. According to AT&T, customers whose contracts expire in 2010 can get the phone at these subsidized price points — if they sign a new two-year contract.
Ars Technica has more.
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