3G iPhone Rumors Revealed at WWDC

At todays Worldwide Developers Conference, Steve Jobs has finally laid most of the 3G iPhone rumors to rest. In the weeks and months before today's announcement, tech bloggers and geeks of all stripes were in a frenzy of speculation about the features of the new 3G iPhone. Well from Steve Jobs lips to geeks ears everywhere; he has finally outlined the features.

PRICE

Before the announcement, I heard a wide variety of price points. Anywhere from $199 to $599. Well I am happy to say that Steve Jobs has announced that the 8G version of the 3G iPhone will be priced at $199. Speaking at the WWDC Jobs told developers, "The Number one reason people didn't buy iPhones is because they just couldn't afford it." Jobs said that in addition to the 8G model, there will be a 16G model that will retail for $299.00 and it will be available in the standard black and also in the ever elusive white.

GPS

The new 3G iPhone will include GPS. Some purchasers in the UK bought a first generation that does not include GPS. A benefit of the GPS feature is that the phone also offers access to restaurants and other amenities based on the phone owners location.

VIDEO CONFERENCING

It appears that the 3G iPhone will sport a front mounted camera that will allow videoconferencing and videoediting is also a done deal. Many techie pundits have been holding their collective breaths waiting for apple to come out with a "Killer App". Videoconferencing and editing may be just the thing they've been waiting on.

LIGHTER WEIGHT, SLEEKER SEXIER LOOK

This is true. According to Jobs thay have opted for a sleeker curvier back case; replacing the polished metal of the first iPhone.

iPHONE AVAILABILITY

Jobs confirmed that the 3G iPhone would be immediately available in 20 countries and available in 70 by years end.

BETTER BATTERY LIFE

Jobs compared the 3G iPhone to some of the other 3G devices available on the market such as the

Jobs outlined how improvements in battery life will make for better convenience features. 300 hours of standby, 2G talk-time 10 hours (as opposed to 5), 5 hours of 3G talk-time (competition is 3 hour 3G talk time), 5 to 6 hours of high-speed browsing, 7 hours of video, 24 hours of audio.

NEW FIRMWARE AND EXPANDED SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S KIT

Firmware Features

contact searching
complete iWork document support
complete Office document support (now includes PowerPoint)
bulk delete and move for Mail
save images you receive
scientific calculator in landscape mode
parental controls
language

SDK Upgrades

Apple does not allow background processes to run. This turned developers off because they need to receive server side notification of app events. In an effort to make developing apps for the iPhone more efficient, apple has created a notification process that lets developers know when server side events have occurred. This functionality will not be readily available until September but some developers will be given the opportunity to test the functionality.

MOBILE ME

Apple has introduced a revamp of its .mac platform which will now be called Mobile Me. It will allow users to push email, calendar and contacts. It will also offer cross platform synchronization for iPhone, Mac and PC as well as "Desktop-like" Web Applications for Mail, Contacts, Calendar, photo gallery, and iDisk online storage available via me.com.

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4100250.ece

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/0,1000000091,39431429,00.htm?r=3

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/06/09/apple-revamps-mac-mobile-me-announced/

http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/37846/113/