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A month shy of a year after the release of the iPhone 3G, Apple has decided to update their hardware yet again along with the new iPhone OS 3.0. There isn’t much of a difference between the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S, except for a couple features. This is not a comparison between the two phones; this is just my personal opinion of the features of the new software update, since I’m not hardcore enough to wait outside in the rain to buy the new iPhone 3G S (and no it’s not because I’m not upgrade eligible…no nothing like that all! /cry!!!).

I’ve waited patiently to try out some of the new features, and now that I have, I’m loving some of them — others, not so much:

• Copy/Cut/Paste is useful — when it actually works! It activates easily enough by tapping and holding in SMS or on websites, however this can be a problem when all you meant to do was edit your text message (activate the magnifying glass). Most frustrating for me personally is the fact that I can’t get Copy/Cut/Paste to work at all on one of my favorite sites, Flickr.com!
• Voice Memos — I’ve downloaded several apps which do the same thing, but the sound quality is much better with Voice Memos. You can trim clips and then send them via email or SMS. Only downside is that the clips are saved in m4a format.
• Silent Mode – When you activate Silent Mode, games and apps (not counting iPod and YouTube) are now silent — but since Apple didn’t mention this change, users might first think their audio has stopped working. For me, when I activate Silent Mode, I just want my phone not to ring.
• Spotlight Search — This is a pretty handy new feature. Now I don’t have to open every individual app to find something, I can just use Spotlight Search. Plus, you can go into Settings and customize your search to limit where you want it to search.
• Recent Calls — This list now has a lot of additional info which makes it easier to see who called. Each contact’s name has a small label underneath it indicating if it’s a mobile or home phone; a small icon indicates an outgoing call while names of missed callers are in red. Additionally, you can now see the duration of each call, not just the time it was made.
• Landscape Keyboard — This is one feature I’m not a huge fan of. When using the iPhone, I’m a one-hand typist so I’d never willingly choose this option, but sometimes an unintentional slight tilt of the phone will bring it up and this aggravates me! In fact, I don’t even like it when I’m surfing the web and it goes to landscape! You should have the option in Settings to turn this feature off for Messages, Mail/Contacts/Calendars, iPod and anywhere else. I might prefer this option in Safari, but I don’t like it in my SMS, etc.
• Settings — Under Settings there is a subcategory for Messages, and you can finally turn off “repeat alert”! With this deactivated, your phone won’t keep vibrating to notify you that you have yet to read the new message you just received instead of thinking someone is stalking you with multiple text messages (we wish we were all that popular, but who are we kidding?). Now, when you hear the alert it really does mean that you have a new message not an old one that keeps nagging at you.
• SMS — Did you know, you can double tap on the space bar for a period? I’m easily amused and I know it’s a minor detail, but it’s very useful! Instead of being lazy and not using proper punctuation because switching modes is too much of a hassle you can do it without having to think twice. Proper punctuation is always a good habit.
• iTunes — Download movies and music without having to connect to iTunes on your computer. This is so much more convenient, especially for busy people on the go (or lazy people on the couch).
• Skype — I know this is not a new iPhone feature, but hear me out! Skype actually works without having to turn off 3G or activating airplane mode. As long as you’re connected to a wireless connection you can make Skype calls just like a regular phone call. Yay!
• Email — You’re now able to search within your Inbox, Sent Messages, etc. This makes life easier so you don’t have to scroll down through hundreds of emails trying to find an email in a hurry, for example your e-ticket.
• MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) — This is so early 2000! I never understood why Apple never implemented this feature, but I guess better late than never. Of course, we have to wait until AT&T unlocks the feature at the end of summer. Let’s see if they will charge us an arm and leg to use it.
• Internet Tethering — I’m interested in this feature, I guess, but I have a feeling that AT&T may charge a lot to use it.

“My momma told me to be proud of what I have!”
…but even she would be interested in some of the 3G S features. Here are the ones I wish I had on my 3G:

• Camera – 3.0 megapixel. Who says size doesn’t matter!?! The higher the resolution the better! I know this is probably Apple’s prototype of what the iPhone camera is capable of doing in the future, and I’m sure by the time I’m upgrade eligible they will be close to perfecting it. The camera on the 3G is not quite the best cellphone camera out there, but I’m pretty sure it’s better than the G1’s (sorry, Google). The cool thing about the 3G S camera is that it has auto-focus. Since this is a cellphone camera you probably don’t have much expectations, but you can touch anywhere on the 3G S screen and the camera will shift the focus to the spot you’ve touched and adjust the exposure and white balance.
• Video — Also, you can take videos on the 3G S. Again, I don’t know why this feature was never introduced in the first generation of iPhones since most cellphones have video capability (even if it’s not the greatest quality). But the cool thing about Apple’s video, you can trim within the iPhone itself, just like the Voice Memos. Very cool.
• GPS/Compass — I am a map fiend and this is probably one of my most favorite features to have on a phone. It’s very convenient, especially in cities like NY where your cab driver may not know where they’re going and you actually have to tell them which direction to go! The compass on the 3G S indicates the direction you’re facing, taking the guesswork out. Life is simpler with the new compass. If you’re a tourist and you have an iPhone you have NO excuse to get lost, just make sure you look left and right before crossing!
• Faster Internet — You can never have a fast enough net connection. The most desirable updated feature would be quicker load times on Safari, but again, this is probably not something Apple can have complete control over since it depends on the speed of your internet provider and phone services.

To Upgrade, or Not To Upgrade?

I think at this point it’s a matter of wanting rather than needing. With the software update, there is no immediate need to upgrade to a newer model. I have a feeling (just a hunch) that in 2010 there will be a new iPhone coming out and some of the new features that are on the 3G S are mainly just prototypes. The first version probably has its fair share of bugs and unforeseen issues, making it hard to justify spending another $200-$600 (depending on your contract eligibility to upgrade or not). I rather spend that $200+ on videogames and food, but that’s just me.

Tags: iPhone 3.0 software, iPhone 3G S

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 21st, 2009 at 9:30 pm and is filed under Blogs, Tech Feature, Tiny Fists of Fury. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.