Well it has been a couple of days since Apple announced the iPhone 3GS, the dust has settled and reality bites again. So what did we really get out of all the rumours that were circulating prior to the WWDC keynote? On the hardware/firmware side there is: More memory – 16Gb and 32Gb models Faster [...]
Apple iPhone 3G update
Well it has been a couple of days since Apple announced the iPhone 3GS, the dust has settled and reality bites again.
So what did we really get out of all the rumours that were circulating prior to the WWDC keynote?
On the hardware/firmware side there is:
- More memory – 16Gb and 32Gb models
- Faster processor – 600MHz (from 412Mhz)
- More RAM – 256Mb (from 128Mb)
- Faster graphics chip
- Faster wireless – up to 7.2Mbps where available
- Better Camera – 3Mp autofocus camera
- Video recording
- Improved finger resistant screen
- Improved battery and power consumption
- Tethering – use the iPhone as a modem
- MMS messaging
- Magnetic Compass
- Integration with Nike+ shoes
So whilst there were no earth shattering new announcements, the hardware improvements do go a long way to make the iPhone a better device. I actually expect that the lesser touted features of faster processor and more RAM will make the iPhone a better device. My 3G iPhone has lots of memory issues running the more demanding applications because of the 128Mb limit. The other big improvement is the battery and power consumption allowing you more use of the iPhone without having to worry about saving your battery.
Whilst tethering and MMS are features that many users have been requesting they do come at a cost. In the US the sole provider AT&T currently do not support it though they say they will late summer, same with MMS. In the UK both MMS and Tethering will be available but will be chargeable extras.
One of the best things about the new models is that they are exactly the same size as the iPhone 3G. Why is that important? Well it means that all the accessories for the 3G will fit and work with the 3GS. This compatibility is something that many people find frustrating when updating phones. Well done Apple.
The price points for the iPhone come in at:
US: 24 mth 8Gb iPhone 3G $99, 16Gb iPhone 3GS $199, 32Gb iPhone 3GS $299
UK: 12 mth 8Gb iPhone 3G £97, 16Gb iPhone 3GS £184, 32Gb iPhone 3GS £274
UK: 24 mth 8Gb iPhone 3G £0, 16Gb iPhone 3GS £87, 32Gb iPhone 3GS £175
This makes the UK and US pricing pretty similar, but you do need to bear in mind that you are tying yourself into a 2 year contract.
Overall this is a good upgrade to what has become the iConic leader in SmartPhones, With the iPhone 3G holding the position at the bottom of the range it looks like Apple have decided that there is still good life in the product yet. For those of use who were early adopters the introduction of newer devices is a bit of a problem. More about that later.
