iPhone 3G hacks its way to Russia
Published 18 July, 2008, 12:05
Apple has been over-run with orders for its new iPhone 3G, which went on sale last week. In Russia, where it’s not sold officially, hackers have been busy selling their own versions. They’ve found that it supports the Russian keyboard, meaning the country may see an official release in the future.
Over a million of iPhone 3G’s were sold in the first weekend of its release.
Russian news site Gazeta.ru reported activation problems have caused major discontent from iPhone 3G owners. However, the popularity of the gadget grows, and hackers could not help reacting to that.
The phone's operating system was hacked straight away; the messages stating that have appeared already on July, 12.
Hackers activity has reportedly led to the appearance of iPhones on Russia's market though Apple does not officially supply the gadgets to the country.
The Gazeta.ru website quotes a mobile market expert Eldar Murtazin as saying the new smartphones have been put on sale on July, 15 at a price of $US 1,722. In some internet stores, the price of a new iPhone reaches $US 3,229 – but these offers are focused on those who strive to possess a desired gadget earlier than the others.
Though the experts are inclined to think the new iPhone could soon see an official Russian release. He forecasted the sale would start in February-March 2009.
He insists Apple will have to step into the country's market with the product due to the large number of 'illegal' iPhones of the first generation here. Since the release date, over half a million smartphones have been sold in Russia. The average price of a first generation iPhone makes up $US 775.
Apple IMS Russia however denies any immediate moves to release the new phone in Russia.
discuss it
