Overview
The iPhone 3GS, was announced at Apple's WWDC conference on June 8th 2009 and at the time was the fastest iPhone ever. The 'S' stands for speed.
With the introduction of the iPhone 4 in June 2010, the iPhone 3G was retired, and the iPhone 3GS became the new entry level model, with an 8GB version available for $99 in the US, the same price point previously held by the iPhone 3G.
Outwardly the same as an iPhone 3G internally it is entirely new. It has a 3 megapixel camera with autofocus and video recording. It also includes a built-in digital compass that enables it to be used for turn-by-turn navigation applications, and the option of voice control for a number of phone and media player features..http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare-iphones/
According to Apple it runs twice as fast as the iPhone 3G and battery life is also much greater. This increased speed not only allows all apps to run faster, it enables the 3GS to become the first iPhone to have a video recording and editing capability.
Apple claims that the battery life enables 10 hours of video viewing, or 5 hours of internet browsing over a 3G phone network.
With the introduction of the iPhone 3GS Apple also launched a new version of the operating system, know as OS 3.0, and the option of "tethering". The new OS is available on other iPhone and iPod Touch models and includes features such as cut-and-paste between applications and use of a landscape keyboard. Tethering allows an iPhone's 3G phone connection to be used as a broadband internet connection for devices such as laptops.
The iPhone 3GS originally retailed in the US at $199 for a 16GB version, $299 for 32 GB, and was available in white and black. These prices required signing up for a 2 year contract with AT&T. In other markets where pay-as-you-go options are available, the handsets being priced at the equivalent of $650-$800, but usually heavily subsidized when buying a long-term contract..http://shop.o2.co.uk/promo/iphoneindex/Pay_And_Go/3G_S/Black
Featured Video - A Closer Look at the iPhone 3GS
Macworld takes a closer look at the new iPhone 3GS.
The video illustates many of the new features such as increased speed, video recording and compass. See the Macworld review listed in the Mahalo Top 7 for a detailed comparison.
Featured Photo
iPhone 3GS Articles and Blog Posts
References
Fast Facts
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Introduced in
June 2009
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Developed by
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Model Variants
8GB, Black or White. Previously 16GB and 32GB were available.
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Price range
$99 with an AT&T contract in the US
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Notable Features
Built-in video recording and editing. Voice control of phone and music player. Digital compass that works with maps.
