iPhone 3G S review
Product was received at 12:30pm ET today, June 19. Posted an "opening box" video on YouTube (shown below). Initial review should be up soon...
Some initial findings:
The activation went through for me by turning the phone on waiting 5 minutes, turning it off again, and then on the next startup the phone was activated. I was on the phone with AT&T asking for help while the activation happened - my old (uh, 7 months old) Nokia E71 suddenly disconnected during the call.
The iPhone shows up as a camera under Windows XP. Initially, it seems that all of the photos are downloaded to the PC upsidedown or 90 degrees off - although I suspect this is Microsoft's "Scanner and Camera Wizard" causing the problem. The photos appear very sharp (see examples below). The touch to focus feature works well and definitely improves the photo quality when used correctly. Note the sharp focus on the dog's nose and the soft focus on the right side of the image.
So far my only complaint is the face print. If I ever commit a crime and accidentally touch my face to something and the cops get my iPhone for evidence I will be screwed!
The Good:
* Faster
* Voice Control
* Digital compass
* Cut, Copy & Paste
* Video recording
The Bad:
* no mms support from AT&T in the US
* no tethering support from AT&T in the US
* $399-$499 upgrade for current iPhone 3G owners
On June 8, 2009 Apple announced the new iPhone, the 3G S (not 3GS, note the space). With no apparent physical differences the 3G S is still quite a new and compelling offer. There are many big changes inside like the 600MHz CPU (up from 412MHz) and 256MB of RAM (up from 128MB). This type of processing power is quite impressive (I recall dropping $3,000 on a 90MHz, 16MB PC in 1994).
The prices for the phone are reasonable at $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB (quick refresher for the non-techies the CPU speed determines the speed at which things are processed, the RAM determines the amount of super fast memory available for applications which need to "remember" things, and the 16GB/32GB monikers define the amount of permanent storage on the phone - storage for your mp3s, video files, contacts, emails, etc).
Another great feature is the compass. I think some people won't find this very compelling initially but I foresee many apps which will be revolutionary thanks to this new feature. For example, Google Maps will show you exactly which direction you are pointing (important if you are trying to determine if you should turn left or right). Also, while hiking in the woods this will be a nice thing to have in your pocket - assuming the battery lasts.
Speaking of battery life, Apple is claiming modest improvements in this department (your experience may vary). Apple states video playing is up to 10hrs from 7hrs, audio playing is up to 30hrs from 24hrs and wi-fi is up to 9hrs from 6hrs. The standby and talk times remain the same at 300hrs and 5hrs, respectively. Although, they do claim an improvement in 2G mode- 12hrs up from 10hrs (I guess this helps in areas without 3G or for users which will disable 3G in favor of battery life.
Other impressive features include the Voice Control and Cut, Copy & Paste. The Voice Control will be nice while in the car or when trying to impress your friends (I hope it doesn't require much voice learning type of programming). I expect the usage of this control to be limited but it will be invaluable in certain situations like the car (although, it would be hilarious to be on a noisy subway with everyone trying to control their iPhones via voice control). And on to Cut, Copy & Paste... another subtle feature that will pay big dividends for some. As a developer I have learned that it is always best to Cut, Copy & Paste whenever possible (typos mean people die! misunderstand or apps crash).
To read the end of this thrilling review, please come back after June 19...