As expected, Apple, in conjunction with AT&T, has released the latest revision to its iPhone line, titled simply the iPhone 3GS (where the S stands for speed) at the company’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) today. This looks strikingly similar to the existing iPhone 3G, but the new iPhone differs in a few key areas. Internally, the iPhone 3GS contains entirely different hardware, and as such the main interactions with the phone are at least 2x faster than with the previous iPhone. The iPhone 3GS also supports HSDPA networks for up to 7.2Mbps downloads.
The biggest plus with the latest iPhone is the updated 3MP camera with autofocus and touch-to-focus. Other advanced features include voice control, digital compass, better battery life and talktime, 10 hours of video playback and 9 hours of WiFi browsing. The availability date of the iPhone OS 3.0 worldwide is June 17. This also contains useful updates, such as device-wide search feature, built-in GPS, better iTunes feature and so on.
The tethering support, which allows the user to connect the device to a Mac or PC with Bluetooth or USB to share internet connection with the computer is one of the best thing about this facility. On launch, 22 carriers will support this tethering feature. MMS support will be included as well, with 29 international carriers supporting this feature.
Apple iPhone 3G S
Source: MobileBurn
Mophie today announced the immediate availability of Juice Pack Air, an Apple-certified ultraslim external battery for iPhone 3G. The rechargeable 1200 mAH battery, integrated into an ultra-thin case, is now available globally for sale, at Apple retail stores and Apple.com for $79.95 in black, white, and purple colors.
Juice Pack Air features a unique “standby mode” that lets users to control when they want to use additional battery support versus simply using it as a protective case. The integrated 4 LED charge status indicates how much power remains in the external battery. The pass-through design allows users to simultaneously charge their Juice Pack Air and sync their iPhone 3G with iTunes via the included USB cable.
Mophie Juice Pack Air Accessory
Source: SlashPhone
The Apple iPhone definitely has shortcomings in the video output department. The iPhone and iPhone 3G are only capable of barely-HD 480i video-out resolutions, making movie playback or watching TV shows on large TVs rather inadequate. But there is good news about the upcoming launch of the third-generation iPhone. There are reports that confirm that future iPhone and iPod Touch hardware will be capable of playing back full-HD video at 720p and 1080i resolutions!
It is rumored that Apple has advised its Apple Authorized Resellers to start clearing out any remaining Composite AV Cable and Apple Component AV Cable stock. The move is aimed at cutting down inventory ahead of the introduction of Apple’s new Apple AV Cable, which consolidates the functions of both the Composite and Component AV iPhone-cables. Apple is also apparently looking to shift focus from the Apple TV to the iPhone. By endowing the iPhone lineup with true HD-output, Apple will be looking to redefine the iPhone as the most convenient way to bring digital media to the TV screen. The iPhone can stream videos from your computer and so you have almost limitless storage capacity for HD videos.
It’s not clear when the Apple AV Cable will become available – maybe after the official launch of its new iPhone.
Source: IntoMobile
We told you about the contract-free Apple iPhone 3G just a few days back. We knew there was a catch here and now we know what it is exactly. This contract-free product involves higher replacement costs for non-warranty-covered damaged phones.
The 8GB and 16GB iPhone 3G models are available without a contract for $599 and $699 respectively. The cost to get a replacement of a damaged unit, the company has now revealed, will cost $400 more than what it was just a couple of days ago. Previously, the replacement of a non-warranty device would only cost the user about $199 or $299, depending on the model of the smartphone.
Hmm, Apple is definitely the winner here, because it now gets to make a cool $400 on non-warranty replacements, what say?
Source: MobileBurn
