Apple has released it’s latest iPhone the iPhone 3GS in the first quarter of 2009, Apple will join forces with local telcos to offer special deals on the iPhone 3GS 8GB and the 16GB version, there will be plans tailored especially for users wanting to make full use of their iPhone. Since it’s introduction the iPhone has been revered as the must have jack of all trades in mobile technology, an extremely functional and aesthetically pleasing gadget, the iPhone was basically three products in one – an excellent phone, an iPod with a large screen and great PDA with option to add third party software. Since the old model was so great how could Apple top it?, simple don’t mess with the formula and just add 3G and applications to increase the usefulness of the iPhone. With fast 3G networking, GPS mapping and support for office features including Microsoft Exchange, the iPhone 3Gs puts even more features at your fingertips. Although the iPhone and all its iterations has been available in the grey market in countries where the product was not officially launched, users of gray market import or “underwater” iPhones as they are known are not able to fully utilize them as compared to the official iPhone from recognized local service provider partnership with Apple, whereby users can only make full use of their iPhone if they purchase the official version. Apple’s funky App Store which allows users to access a myriad of applications ranging anywhere from games to business applications are available to those who get their iPhone from the official source.
Aesthetically the iPhone 3G S looks virtually identical to the earlier iphones, with the same glossy, black plastic finish and the same on-screen interface. So for those who already own an iPhone it remains to be seen whether the new features are worth an upgrade as many third party applications are readily available to emulate most of the new features .
The iPhone 3G S’ new features include:
* A faster user interface
* 7.2 Mbps 3G network connection (dependent on the service provider)
* A bigger storage
* 3 megapixel camera, with video recording at 30 frames/second
* Apple video-editing software, with push to share over mms, email, YouTube
* A built in digital compass
* Hardware encryption
* Voice control interface for iTunes
* Improved accessibility based on the phone speaking content
* Apple support for Nike+
* A longer lasting battery
And therein lies the potential failure for the iPhone 3GS, as mentioned before most of the “new” features have been available as software updates through third party software for example the Video recording has been available for the older Iphone by using Cycorder and the voice control were also available through third party apps such as Fonix Speak and Voice Box Dial. As for the hardware, the 3 megapixel camera isn’t all that great and the resolution is rather grainy. The new battery, in real life gives only an extra 15 to 20% compared to the old one. Also the weight increases a little by 3 grams. So my advise would be if you currently own an iPhone or iPhone 3G don’t bother upgrading to the S model unless you’re a fanatic applehead, but if you don’t own one and want one than the 3Gs is the way to go.