New iPhone to Reach Stores June 19th - 3G 8gb iPhone drops to $99
The iPhone is more popular than ever, but Apple isn't one to rest on its laurels. First they announced this afternoon that they'll drop the price of the current 8Gig iPhone to a mere $99. Then, the long awaited June introduction of the new generation iPhone, the 3GS, will hit stores June 19th. Is it worth the wait?
Well, it should be, if you like that sort of thing. First of all the current 8gb unit will stiock around for a while, albiet at its new, lower price of $99. The existing 16gb unit will exit stage left when suppplies are exhausted. The new phones will be at $199 for the 16 and $299 for the 32gb version, once you factor in the AT&T kickback.
What will you get, besides bragging rights? A new iPhone OS, fpor one thing. The new phones will ship loaded with the latest version of Apple's iPhone OS, 3.0. Additional goodies include an integrated compass with integrated digital map display for you outdoorsy types. If you want to send back pics of your latest hiking adventure, there is a new, 3MP camera included too. The camera brings such features as autofocus, auto white balance, macro focus, and low-light capability. It should be the best camera found in any phone to date.
It's not home theater, but the new 3.0 OS allows you to view downloaded movies on your phone to pass the time between subway stops or meetings. If you've always wanted to have the world jump at the sound of your voice, now's your chance. The new iPhone adds voice control for both apps and phone operation. Time will tell if thise voice dialing functionality extends to the new home control apps launched for the iPhone form the likes of Crestron, Home Logic and Lutron. It sure beats the hell out of the clapper, doesn't it?
Standard new model imporvements, such as faster load times and longer battery life are promised as well. Some not so standard improvements yet to be mentioned include the ability to cut and paste accross applications, 30 fps video capture w/camcorder functionality, and stereo Bluetooth, including peer to peer Bluetooth connections. One more bit of trickery involves the new phone's 3d video capability, courtesy of open GL 2.0 ES.
If it sounds like you have to get one of these, I'm right there with you. After programming some of these with Crestron's new mobile app to allow complete control of your home's features from in your living room, or anywhere in the civilized world, this looks even more inviting.
