iPhone 3G [S] Launches….Mehhhh

My Thoughts: The 3G [s] is a disappointing addition to the iPhone family. This feels like when Audi & BMW change the lights on the back of their cars to make it seem like new, when the real “New” product is just around the corner.  Nonetheless, here is the lo down on the new iPhone launched today at WWDC.

Speed

• The “S” stands for “SPEED!” And according to Apple, it is faster launching applications or rendering Web pages.
• The iPhone 3GS has a new processor built-in. Apple says it is up to two times faster than the previous generation: Launching messages is 2.1 faster, load the NY Times in Safari: 2.9 times faster. It also consumes less, which has an impact on the improved battery life.

Camera

• They increased the resolution to 3 megapixels, which—judging from the shots they showed-seems much better quality under all conditions.
• 3 Megapixels sensor.
• New camera, with auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance.
• Tap to focus, changing white balance in the process.
• Special macro and low light modes.
• The camera also supports photo and video geotagging.
• Any application can access all the camera functions now
• It supports video, 30 frames per second VGA with auto focus, auto white balance, and auto exposure.
• You can trim the video shot just using your finger, then share it via MMS (in July), email, MobileMe and YouTube.

Graphics

• The new iPhone 3GS includes new 3D graphics support in hardware. This means faster and more complicated 3D games.
• Same 3.5-inch widescreen multitouch display, but this time it has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.

Design:

• Same size as the old iPhone 3G: 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.48 inches.
• The weight increases slightly. One ounce to 4.8 ounces (135 grams vs 133 grams).
• Greener materials: Arsenic-free glass, BDF-free, Mercury-free LCD.

• 

  faster

  

  same width, no front camera

  
  

  

  3 megapixel camera with video

  

  taken with iPhone 3G [S]

  
  
  

Special Features:

• It has a magnetometer, which works with a Compass application, third parties, and it is integrated into the new Google maps app, showing your orientation with a small semitransparent cone.
• Voice control. You can now talk with your iPhone. Instruct it to play similar songs to the one you are playing, or call people.
• Nike + support built in.

Battery life

• According to Apple, you will get up to 12 hours of talk time on 2G and 5 on 3G, with a up to 300 hour standby time.
• On 3G, it will deliver 5 hours of internet use.
• On Wi-Fi, Internet goes up to 9 hours (huge improvement here)
• Video playback is 10 hours vs 30 hours for audio.

Release Details:

• $199 for 16GB version, $299 is 32GB version.
• Colors: White and Black (glossy, no matte)
• The iPhone 3GS is available June 19th.
• iPhone 3G Regular Drops to $99 (As of today)

Is this enough to make you want to upgrade?

Thanks to Gizmodo. Congrats on an excellent LiveBlog this morning.

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Tagged as: Apple, Gadgets, iphone 3g, Mobile, s