Macworld update: Apple today introduced iPhone, a new device that combines a state-of-the-art mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, searching and maps into one small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting users control iPhone with just their fingers. According to Apple, iPhone also ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, which completely redefines what users can do on their mobile phones.

iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone, said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. We are all born with the ultimate pointing device our fingers and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse.

The iPhone features WiFi support and integration with iTunes, which could make it the ultimate device for enjoying audio and video podcasts.

Here’s the skinny:

• It’s a smartphone, similar to the Palm Treo or RIM’s BlackBerry
• Combines an iPod, cell phone, 2 megapixel camera, and Internet browser.
• Available in June (delay is due to requirements for FCC approval)
• Comes in two models, 8 GB ($599) and 4 GB ($499)
• Powered by Mac OS X
• Phone operates on Cingular’s mobile network. (For you cell phone geeks, it’s GSM and EDGE compatible)
• Has a 3.5 inch, 160 pixels per inch touch screen
• No buttons or switches: you control everything by touching or making gestures on the screen (like “pinching” icons)
• Battery will supply 16 hours of audio or 5 hours of talk
• Has built in WiFi and Bluetooth antennas

Essentially, this thing is the long-awaited wide-screen iPod, with a phone and Internet connectivity inserted into it. It’ll do just about anything other smart phones will –play music, show movies, access email, surf the Web, shoot photos. But if it bests competing handsets, it will do it because of Apple’s signature style. The user interface is slick and pretty. It looks like it moves smoothly from phone to music player to whatever else. And it’s full of bells and whistles that will make it cool to show off. For instance: An internal motion sensor can tell whether you’re holding the thing in portrait or landscape mode, and will automatically rotate the screen, orienting it to the right direction.

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