Morning:
13°c
First review: Apple's new iPhone hides box of tricks
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Correspondent19.06.09
Apple iPhone 3GS
****
The latest Apple iPhone, the 3GS, goes on sale today, a faster and slicker version of the popular older model.
Externally the phone is identical but it features impressive new features on the inside, including a three-megapixel camera and more memory (32gb rather than the original 3G's 16).
It's instantly much faster and snappier, with games in particular more responsive.
There are also interesting features such as video recording, voice control and the ability to track how far you run using Apple's Nike+ sensor.
The iPhone software has also had an overhaul, and lets you cut and paste data as well as receive alerts from your software (for instance when players in a game send you a message).
The camera is probably the best addition.
It has an autofocus and pictures are clear and sharp, although with many of Apple's rivals already selling eight-megapixel cameraphones, it is still underpowered — and crucially there's still no flash.
The voice control feature works surprisingly well — by pressing a button on the remote you can speak a command, such as “play Kylie”, and the iPhone will do it.
You can call people simply by saying their name, and it's even pretty good at understanding different accents.
One other interesting inclusion is a digital compass. It effectively knows which way you are pointing, and when tied in to Google maps it can show you a map of exactly where you are facing.
Apple has also been working with Tom-Tom, and a car satnav is expected to be launched within weeks.
Apple is also expected to launch applications for the 3GS taking advantage of its faster speed and better graphics, so games fans in particular should probably consider upgrading.
Overall the 3GS is an evolution rather than a revolution for the iPhone, but this is still without doubt the most impressive all-round phone. For owners of the 3G, the new software
is also available as a free upgrade.
This may cannibalise sales of the new model somewhat — the 3GS doesn't offer quite enough to warrant rushing to buy an upgrade. But for new users, it's by far the best phone you'll find.
Reader views (5)
I have seen better ¡
- Oscar, London
Not that great? The iPhone 3G is amazing. Replaced my computer as well.
- Brad, Memphis united states
I've got an 3G, and just upgraded the software - so far the first impressions are good, it's a great improvement on a phone that has all but replaced my laptop! The business side for linking email addresses /calendar/ and contacts is also a great feature. It's by no means perfect - but I think it's the best out there. Sadly I've got another year before I can upgraded for free(ish) to the 3GS - by which time there's always the hope of an even better version being released!
- Colin, London
I have have the 3G, and coming from a Blackberry which I swore by, the iPhone is by far and away the best phone out there. It has totally revolutionised my use of tech. I have been able to do away with my laptop for casual browsing. Brilliant.
- Clive, Putney
After a year with my 3G, I've decided that it's not that great, I think I'll try Android V2 on an HTC when this contract ends at Christmas.
- Bob, Cheam
