Business

Saturday August 8, 2009

Maxis unveils packages for new-generation iPhone

By LEONG HUNG YEE


THE wait is over. The new generation of Apple Inc’s iPhone, the iPhone 3GS, is now available in Malaysia through Maxis Communications Bhd with enhanced iValue packages.

The iPhone 3GS looks similar to the iPhone 3G but comes with new features, including easy-to-use video recording, high-quality 3-megapixel auto-focus camera, longer battery life and hands-free voice control.

Maxis senior general manager and head of product development and infotainment services, T. Kugan, says the product is the most powerful iPhone so far, packed with new features including improved speed and performance.

He says the enhanced iPhone is equipped with features like cut, copy and paste; landscape keyboard; MMS; and voice memo. “It allows users to easily cut, copy and paste texts from application to application and also when browsing the Internet,” he adds.

Kugan says users can even tap to snap a picture right inside the messages. The new iPhone 3GS can also act as a modem, just like the Maxis wireless broadband USB dongle.

Maxis’ iPhone 3GS roadshow at The Gardens, Mid Valley, which will end tomorrow

The new iPhone 3GS appears to be better-priced compared with the iPhone 3G that was launched in March.

With the price tag of RM1,080 to RM2,960 for the iPhone 3G, many thought that Maxis’ iPhone packages were rather expensive and beyond the reach for some.

The new iPhone 3G (8GB) now retails at RM1,990 (previously RM2,540) while the iPhone 3GS (16GB) and 3GS (32GB) cost RM2,490 and RM2,990 respectively.

Maxis offers iValue and iData plans that give more savings on the iPhone price. For example, for the iValue 1 plan, at RM100 per month for a 24-month contract, the iPhone 3G 8GB goes for RM1,190 while the iPhone 3GS 16GB and 32GB is offered at RM1,590 and RM1,990 respectively.

The mobile operator is offering the iPhone 3GS (16GB) free with its iValue Plan 4, with a monthly commitment of RM375 for 24 months. Customers opting for the same monthly commitment over 24 months can pay as little as RM290 for an iPhone 3GS (32GB).

Under the new plan, customers subscribing for iValue 1 for the iPhone 3G (8GB) has to pay RM1,590 for the phone and a 12-month commitment of RM1,200, bringing the total to RM2,790.

If customers were to subscribe for the same plan previously, it would have cost them RM1,990 for the phone and RM1,200 for a 12-month commitment, bringing the total to RM3,190.

The new plans offered by Maxis are more affordable and value for money than its previous offers. Maxis has also enhanced its iValue plan with free SMS, MMS and family package which were not available previously when it launched the iPhone 3G.

Under the new iValue plans, customers will get a bundle of talk time and data for a fixed price per month. For example, for the iValue 4 plan at RM375 per month, customers get 2,500 minutes of free local calls, 3GB of free data, 400 and 40 free SMS and MMS respectively for Maxis-to-Maxis and free local calls and SMS to family lines.

The duration of free locals calls and amount of free data remain the same under the previous plan but Maxis has bundled in free SMS, MMS, local calls and SMS to family lines under the new plan.

Maxis is making it even more affordable for customers to own the revolutionary iPhone 3GS with the Maxis easy-payment scheme. This scheme was not available previously and customers needed to pay the price upfront. Customers can purchase the iPhone 3G interest-free over 12 or 24 months for as low as RM60 per month.

Customers who bought the iPhone 3G and existing iValue and iData subscribers wishing to upgrade to iPhone 3GS can enjoy at least RM500 rebate.

Meanwhile, people of different ages are enjoying using their new mobile device.

iPhone owner, Lee Keang Sin, 67, says he bought the phone because it is really useful. “It complements my lifestyle. I can’t imagine life without it. My favourite applications are Fishing and Bowling,” he says.

Sharon Rusby, 34, prefers the iPhone 3G because it is like a computer in her hand.

Meanwhile, Norbiatul Adawiah Mohd Nor, 28, says iPhone provides convenience to a career woman like her. “My favorite iPhone application is Bloomberg. It gives me the latest entertainment, global and local news.”

Rahmalia Ibrahim, 33, says the new phone is stylish in shape and offers interesting graphics. She finds it easy to download different kinds of applications from iTunes.

With the new pricing, enhanced packages and better functionality, more people are expected to be attracted to iPhone 3GS in the next few months.

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