Apple Announces iPhone 3GS For June 17

8 Jun 2009 | Apple | 3 comments


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apple iphone 3gsAfter waiting almost until the end of the keynote to build some suspense, Apple finally announced the newest version of their handset line-up, the iPhone 3GS. This new version looks pretty much the same as the previous model, the iPhone 3G.

Internally however, there have been some improvements.

Speed

Which is what the S in 3GS stands for. The device has been equipped with a faster processor and more RAM. Launching messages is now 2.1 faster and NY Times site load in Safari is 2.9 times faster.

Camera

The camera and its features have been heavily improved. The iPhone 3GS features a 3 megapixel camera with auto-focus, auto-exposure and also tap to focus, which allows you to focus and change white balance on the fly. Low light and macro modes have been introduced.

Apple has also added the ability to record video at 30 frames per second at VGA quality with auto-focus, auto white balance and auto-exposure. In order to shoot videos, you go into the camera app, and switch from "still" to "movie". Videos and pictures can be trimmed.

Other Features

Voice Control. Hold down the Home button until the waveform appears on the screen. You can say "call Steve" and the iPhone will make the call for you. "play more songs like this", "what's playing?" and "play songs by the killers" are also included in Voice Control.

The built-in digital compass shows your orientation, longitude and latitude, and can link right to Google maps, orienting to the way you are facing.

Battery life has been improved as well. The 3G had:

  • 6h on Wi-Fi
  • 7h on Video
  • 24h on Audio
  • 10h on 2G talk and 5h on 3G talk.

3GS will have:

  • 9h on Wi-Fi
  • 10h on video
  • 30h on audio
  • 12h on 2g talk and 5h on 3g talk
Apple will be launching the new iPhone 3GS 16GB for $199 and 32GB for $299 on June 19 in the US and August 9 in 80+ other countries. The iPhone 3.0 OS will be available for download on June 17 for free. ($10 to iPod Touch users). Apple will also be keeping the current iPhone 3G on the market and will be selling it for $99 (8GB). Wonder what Palm is thinking right about now.

iphone 3gs back
iphone 3gs camera software

~ 3 comments ~

by Jon on Jun 8, 2009

Wow! This doesn't justify buying a new one .... so I guess it's great new! Can't wait for the 3.0 OS though, that will be hot.

by FredK on Jun 8, 2009

like jon said, I'm waiting for the 3.0 OS as well

this is not worth buying if you already have the 3G, but totally worth if you have the first gen.

apple is updating way too ofter, so we might see a new iphone every year!

by Christian on Jul 5, 2009

So it doens't actually say it is an iPhone 3G S on the back, the 3G and 3G S look exactly the same?!?!?!