First iPhone 3G S Unboxing Photos Showing Compass and Voice Control

[str1f3]

I also remember the complaints after the 3G came out. Biggest amongst them were no copy/paste, no MMS, no turn by turn software, no voice controls, no 32GB version, no video.

Now they are ALL there! I think the iphone is becoming close to perfect. The main reason I think they didn't change the case design is it was already perfect! There was no need to change it, especially not to that ugly matte finish.

So I'm rejoicing and think the iphone now has hardly any faults. I will sing its praise!

I don't know about it being perfect. Things that it will eventually need:

-multitasking
-revamped UI
-API for integration between apps with some kind of folder structure to download and store files
-OLED screen
-HD video camera
-flash support (I don't like flash but it's going to have to be there sooner or later)
-front facing camera

When it has those things (which will probably take 4 or 5 years), it will be the perfect device. Right now mobile phones are where PC's were in the late 90s/early 2000 when specs meant everything. Eventually we will get to a place where the specs don't really mean anything because we have all the power and features we need. It will solely be about the experience.

 

[Slurpy2k8]

Actually, it's 1/10 of an ounce, but still WAY too heavy. [/sarcasm]

If that's too much for you, you guys are ******* (and not the good kind). Hey, I can do dips with a 45 pound barbell weight roped to my waist so a 1/10 of an ounce is nothing.

I'm not sure whats worse- the fact that you missed such an obvious display of sarcasm, or that you felt the need to share how much you can weightlift, and therefore your ability to handle such a negligible increase in the iPhone's weight- an increase in weight that no human being would even notice.

Well done.

 

[Angra-mainju]

When the video function will come to the older iphones ?

Anyone can answer that question? I don't wanna see that older iphones can't record the video, co that's bollocks... I know that older iphones can record cos during the JB I had this app...

 

[Surely]

Anyone can answer that question? I don't wanna see that older iphones can't record the video, co that's bollocks... I know that older iphones can record cos during the JB I had this app...

I'd say...... never.

If you want video that badly, just jailbreak your iPhone and download Cycorder. If that's all you're jailbreaking it for, it's safe and easy.

 

[Casiotone]

I've seen people all over the web complaining that Apple only included video on the 3G S and pointing out that the 3G (jailbroken) could record video with Cycorder.

Truth is Cycorder can only record 388x284 video at 7-15 fps using low MJPEG compression settings.

On the other hand, the 3G S can record 640x480 video at 30 fps, that's 8x more pixels being recorded, and at a much better quality (MPEG-4).

So with 8x the number of pixels being recorded, with a much more cpu intensive codec, I find it hard to believe that the 3G could achieve even half of that with an Apple programmed application.

And I also doubt very much that the faster processor in the 3G S is solely responsible for the increase in resolution and quality of recorded video. The 3G S probably includes an MPEG-4 hardware encoder which is not present in the 3G.

388x284 video at 7-15 fps was simply not up to Apple's standards, so get over it, Apple won't bring video recording to older iPhones.

 

[ZebraineZ]

With the ability to add peripheral devices could apple or a third-party company sell a small front-facing camera to plug into the bottom to allow video chat (probably over wi-fi)? Or am I interpreting that wrong?

If anything, you can add a 2nd sim type of thing, probably a CDMA dock connector that is like a small square to use for verizon NOT!

Well maybe, but you heard it first here >:O

 

[propynyl]

That's it? 3GS a clone of 3G...come on.

Am I the only one who wanted more?

I feel like Apple is getting either too lazy, or complacent. Yes, they have the best phone on the market, but Palm, and Google are players now.

Apple ALWAYS redesigns their products to be distinguishable from the old one in some way. The 3GS is a CLONE of the 3G. They should have done something that classes it up a bit...makes it stand out from all the has-been 3Gs, and Edge iPhones.

I'm underwhelmed by the 3Gs. A compass??? haha.

 

[globol]

Do your calculations again, its a 100% speed increase.

False. 433mhz to 600mhz is less an 50% speed increase.

 

[Surely]

Am I the only one who wanted more?

I feel like Apple is getting either too lazy, or complacent. Yes, they have the best phone on the market, but Palm, and Google are players now.

Apple ALWAYS redesigns their products to be distinguishable from the old one in some way. The 3GS is a CLONE of the 3G. They should have done something that classes it up a bit...makes it stand out from all the has-been 3Gs, and Edge iPhones.

I'm underwhelmed by the 3Gs. A compass??? haha.

Read the specs. It's a significant upgrade.

What did you want, a strobe light? A cheese grater? Speed holes?

 

[PhilipOrr]

Faster GPU

Was talking with the Apple engineers at WWDC which technical data sheets to look up concerning the GPU within the new iPhone. It's the PowerVR SGX 535.

This chip is one up from the Palm Pre which is the PowerVR SGX 530.

The difference between these is more video based than anything else. 535 has hardware acceleration for H.264 encode/decode, MPEG 4 and JPEG. It also handles HD content to 720p in real time.

These specs seem to give a hint to what Apple are planning for future upgrades of the iPhone or other device. Suggesting, that if your developing for the 3GS then you're already developing for the next generation too.

 

[eye]

Cool phone. Not worth the cash to upgrade, but a cool phone nonetheless. I'll stick with my first gen iPhone. Works like a charm.

 

[LagunaSol]

Why the complaining about no visual change? How does one improve that which is already perfect?

I agree. I don't know why people are demanding change just for the sake of change. The iPhone is one classy looking piece of kit. Why mess with success?

I was worried with the "spy shots" showing a black bezel. It looked cheap. Glad they stuck with the chrome (brushed metal would make a nice bezel too).

 

[caseybb4]

Is that the hand of a Chinese laborer or a Apple Marketeer? I'm sold on the latter, especially with the AT&T Network. It makes sense for Apple to post "leaked" photos to generate buzz...

 

[redkamel]

the only feature I want is a new radio so it can get off that damn ATT network.

I also think they should let it bluetooth pair with real GPS receivers and not rely on the cell phone towers.

 

[LagunaSol]

I'm underwhelmed by the 3Gs. A compass??? haha.

Hmm, double the storage for the same price (and double the storage of the Pre for the same price). Much faster processor. Much faster graphics. Better camera. Better battery. And yes, a compass.

Methinks you had unrealistic expectations if that isn't a significant enough upgrade for you.

 

[conch575]

Ohhh I can't wait to get it!!!! Everything always comes out later here in Australia, oh well, it's only a week extra!

 

[The General]

False. 433mhz to 600mhz is less an 50% speed increase.

That might be correct if clock speed = performance, but it doesn't. The Cortex-A8 at 433Mhz would outperform that ARM11 at 433Mhz.

It is over a 100% increase in performance.

Is that the hand of a Chinese laborer or a Apple Marketeer? I'm sold on the latter, especially with the AT&T Network. It makes sense for Apple to post "leaked" photos to generate buzz...

Believe it or not, there are plenty of people who speak Chinese in America. The person who did that hands on is at WWDC. The photos are leaked. It's just a hands-on of one of the 3G Ss at WWDC.

 

[iMacDragon]

Hmm, double the storage for the same price (and double the storage of the Pre for the same price). Much faster processor. Much faster graphics. Better camera. Better battery. And yes, a compass.

Methinks you had unrealistic expectations if that isn't a significant enough upgrade for you.

Only double storage for same price if in States, so far.. we're paying more for same storage. which annoys me quite a bit.

 

[Jimmy James]

Am I the only one who wanted more?

...The 3GS is a CLONE of the 3G. They should have done something that classes it up a bit...makes it stand out from all the has-been 3Gs...

Since the original iphone came out I was hoping for a number of things:

1. GPS with turn-by-turn navigation - check.
2. Skype - check.
3. A faster processor that would let me play higher-bitrate video - check.
4. A better camera - check.
5. Maximized batter life - check.

It seems that you simply want to be seen with your phone. Perhaps you're a minor. Perhaps you're just immature. But I don't think any amount of technical improvement would satisfy someone like you.

I was hoping they wouldn't change the form factor. It's so great the way it is.

 

[inkswamp]

Are both apps open simultaneously? No.

It's background processing - limited to Apple apps.

I believe that's what I said. I said it was limited, background processing, but that is multitasking. It's not flexible, but it's running more than one application at the same time even if you don't see it.

Furthermore, most of the iPhone apps save their state when you close them as well as allowing multiple windows in some (Safari, Notes, etc.) and launch and close relatively quickly. That means, even though there's no explicit multitasking for many apps, it's not that big a drawback. You open an app, close it, open another. I don't see how the supposed lack of traditional multitasking is really that big a deal.

 

[superted666]

Its a nice upgrade alright but faster CPU,more memory etc... it feels a bit like the latest MBP 'speed bump'.

I was hoping for ichat/front camera combo and a matt finish as in the hand it feels too slippy.

Also was hoping big style for a removable battery, at first this didnt bother me but its not the largest technical challenge in the world it should be something we can do without paying apple!

 

[Mausse]

G Sssssssss

They could have AT LEAST put a S on the back. Is that too much to ask for Apple marketing?????

Damn....

 

[puercaeli]

They could have AT LEAST put a S on the back. Is that too much to ask for Apple marketing?????

Damn....

They did make the writing shinier... but yes I am with you something like that would have been nice. But then again they never did that with the other devices(iPod Nano does not say iPod nano, just Nan..)

I think few of the reason they kept the same casing is becoz
1) They are seeing it as kind of computing device so probably they think it's okay to keep the same outlook..
2) Other design would have increased the thickness and making current plastic thinner would have made the iPhone crack like Edwards AFB runway...

 

[gnikcjack]

One thing that had me worried the month leading up to WWDC was the prospect of Apple changing the iPhone physically. When the leaked pics with the black bezel started pouring in, I was hoping that it was a hoax, and thankfully it was. When the iPhone first came out I was stunned at how beautiful it was, and I still am. I have a hard time understanding this incessant need to change it for the sake of change itself. It kinda reminds me of guys cheating on beautiful women with the homely girl down the street out of boredom. The iPhone should be changed physically when the market as a whole moves on from the current form factor, and introduces something substantially new and different. Until then, if you really need some change, glue some ****ing glitter to it.

Here, this should get you started:

http://www.sourcingasian.com/anti-slip-glitter-silver-iphone-3g-plastic-case-product-288.html

 

[MagicWok]

I don't know about it being perfect. Things that it will eventually need:

-multitasking
-revamped UI
-API for integration between apps with some kind of folder structure to download and store files
-OLED screen
-HD video camera
-flash support (I don't like flash but it's going to have to be there sooner or later)
-front facing camera

When it has those things (which will probably take 4 or 5 years), it will be the perfect device. Right now mobile phones are where PC's were in the late 90s/early 2000 when specs meant everything. Eventually we will get to a place where the specs don't really mean anything because we have all the power and features we need. It will solely be about the experience.

If it only has those features in 4 or 5 years time, if definately won't be the perfect device. Infact, it will be old and outdated in 5 years time with that list of specs.

Personally, I wouldn't care if flash never ever made it to the iPhone/iPod either.