In what should’ve been a surprise to no one, Apple announced a new generation of hardware for their famed iPhone. The 3GS, where “S” stands for “Speed,” has twice as much RAM and a faster processor, which makes applications, Safari and pretty much anything else you can do on the phone blazing fast. According to their tests, it’s 3 times faster than last year’s 3G in Safari alone.
Also getting upgraded is the camera, which will now sit at 3 megapixels. The 3GS camera also records video, and you can edit it ON THE PHONE, which is amazing in itself, then send the video via email, text (MMS) or upload it to YouTube. The still camera is now much improved and features a “tap to focus” feature that is amazing. Simply tap the object on the phone screen that you want to focus, and it automatically focuses on it!
The 3GS also touts a few things that the older 3G will not have, including the video recording capability, the built in magnetometer that integrates into maps and adds a whole level of GPS functionality, and voice command capability for both voice dialing and music navigation.
And the 3.0 firmware update, which brings all of these software changes to current 3G and Gen 1 owners, will be free and releases June 17. Gen 1 owners will not have MMS capability.
Now for the “controversey.” Current 3G owners, who were able to purchase the 3G phone at a subsidised price with a 2 year contract from AT&T, are not eligible for the discounted 3GS until their contract is up. I have heard that the discounts begin at 18 months past the contract, though they get deeper as you get closer to clearing the whole 24 months.
I say “controversey” because the forums and comments are full of people bashing both AT&T and Apple because of this process that has been around for YEARS. Name a major carrier that doesn’t require a 2 year contract with a subsidised phone. Can’t do it? Ok, how about naming a major carrier that gives you a discount on a *new* phone after a single year of a 2 year contract? I still can’t think of one. This practice is nothing new, and I don’t understand why 3G iPhone users are bringing out the bad words for this. It’s a CONTRACT, and you bought the 3G at a DISCOUNT. The discount is given to you and ties you to the company for 2 years.
Ok so yes, the process does suck. I don’t like being stuck in contracts when my carrier sucks or has bad customer service or charges way too much. But there isn’t a whole lot you can do to get around that and still use an iPhone. Yes you can jailbreak it or unlock it, but that’s only if you know what that is. I’m aware of what it is, but have never taken the plunge on my Gen 1 iPhone because I really don’t feel like I’m missing out on much. My bill is right at $75 a month and will now go up $10. I’m not too happy about that, but having the iPhone 3GS outweighs that small stipulation, in my opinion.
So the internets are blowing up with people bashing Apple and saying “it’s a pathetic update.” Bla bla bla, these people are just pissed because they will have to pay through the nose to upgrade their very capable 3G phones. The only thing they’re missing out on is voice, video and the compass. Also the new hardware. And FYI, the price for the 32 GB phone at no discount is around $699! Insane! But hell, my Gen 1 was $599 when I got it last March.
If you love the technology like I do, you’ll take the steps to get your hands on it. I think the iPhone is a great value. I use mine every day for 5 tasks completely unrelated to talking on a cell phone. I love how it has destroyed the line between computer and personal device. They really have completely changed the landscape of what is considered a “mobile phone.” It’s bigger than the color screen, bigger than the Razr, bigger than email on your phone. It brought us the app store, which is an amazing way for small developers to get their ideas out to the public.
So on day one, I will be walking out of my local Apple store with my brand new 3GS with a huge smile on my face. For me, this is more than just another phone; it’s a piece of technology that has changed the way I think about technology.
