One year, one measly consonant. What’s
that? It stands for ‘speed.’ Well, that changes everything!
Meet the iPhone 3GS, last year’s iPhone
after 365 days of a Russian-theme Rocky IV workout. Leaner, meaner, and
speedier.
Faster Processor
The all-new built-in processor is,
according to Apple, twice as fast as the previous generation, capable of
loading message and web pages in less than half the time. What’s more, the
added speed comes with a boost in efficiency, giving the 3GS battery more
staying-power. The added efficiency means on a single charge you get:
- 12hrs talk time on 2G
- 5hrs talk time on 3G
- 300hrs standby
- 5hrs of 3G internet use
- 9hrs of Wi-Fi internet
- 30hrs of music, 10 hours of video
3D Graphics Support
Additional hardware has been added enabling
more complex and visually attractive games (and hopefully this means new
renditions of our favourite titles!)
Build
The screen size (3.5-inch wide screen) and
aesthetics (rumours of a matte black coating were severely debunked) remain
relatively unchanged. However, Apple has added an oleophobic coating which, as
we all know, makes for a more fingerprint-resistant screen.
Unique Features
Magnetometer—adds a built-in compass,
utilized by an accompanying Compass app. Also shows a directional cone in
Google Maps. Will be accessible to other apps
Voice Control—get chatty with your iPhone
to place calls or play similar songs
Improved Camera
Boasting a 3 Megapixel camera, the 3GS also
sports some spiffy photo features, including auto-focus, auto-exposure, and
auto white balance. Apple has also added the ability to tap the screen to focus
the shot, which also adjusts the white balance. They’ve also added photo and
video geotagging and Apple has finally opened up the camera to all apps. Video
support is available at 30 frames per second VGA with the same adjustment
features as camera as well as the ability share videos via email, MMS, MobileMe, and
YouTube.
Pricing
16GB for $199
32GB for $299
The iPhone 3GS will be available June 19th.
