Apple iPhone 3GS Announced

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 at 8:55 am

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So ... now we have it.

Apple have released the new iPhone 3GS

Yesterday Apple unveiled a new iPhone at WWDC, the iPhone 3G S -- the "s" stands for speed. Now, although it looks pretty much the same as the 3G, it's very much faster -- some of the tasks are almost four times faster. Data speeds are increased to 7.2Mbps HSDPA, and the camera is now a 3 megapixel unit with tap-to-autofocus and auto white balance -- and as expected, it supports 30fps VGA video recording with editing features.

There is also a built-in compass, Nike+ support, and a new battery that offers 5 hours of 3G talk time and 9 hours of WiFi internet use.

Voice Control -- holding down the home button now enables a new voice control interface that lets you do everything from make calls to control iTunes, and Apple's touting a new "fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating."

New and end-of-contract pricing is set at $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB when it goes on sale June 18th Stateside and in 80 more countries in August -- and the current 8GB 3G will remain on sale for $99, effective immediately. You'll have to pay a bit more if you're mid-contract, though -- $299 for the 3G and $399/$499 for the 3G S.

Basic Specs:

	iPhone 3G S
Basics
Price	$199 16GB, $299 32GB ($399 and $499 for ineligible upgraders)
Processor	Unknown, "on average up to twice as fast"
Graphics capability	OpenGL ES 2.0
Camera	3.0 megapixel autofocus with macro mode and auto white balance
Video recording	30fps VGA with on-device editing capability
Voice control	Dialing, music control
Nike+ support	Yes
Wireless technologies	7.2Mbps HSDPA, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Water- and oil-resistant finish	Yes
Integrated magnetic compass	Yes
Included headphones	Inline remote for music control
Battery life	Up to 5 hours talk time / data on 3G, 12 hours on 2G Up to 9 hours data on WiFi Up to 30 hours audio Up to 10 hours video
Dimensions	115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm
Weight	135 grams / 4.76 oz.

Additionally the original iPhone 3G has now been reduced to $99 via AT&T.

Has the hardware and software revision plugged all the gaps that the old iPhone 3G had? Has it tempted you to upgrade? Are you going to get one rather than the Palm-Pre?

Let us know your thoughts!