Apple iPhone 3G S & iPhone OS 3.0 coming next week

Apple last night confirmed months of rumours by announcing a new iPhone as well as a release date for the iPhone OS 3.0 software update. The announcements seem to be getting a mixed reaction, with most people seemingly impressed by the software update, but not so much by the new iPhone.

iPhone 3G S

The new iPhone is really a refresh of the current one, rather than something completely new. Rumours of an iPhone Mini and iPhone Pro have been around for months, but as with most Apple rumours, they were just that. The name of the new phone is unusual too, with the ‘S’ referring to Speed – the iPhone 3G S is noticeably faster than its predecessor.

The iPhone 3G S is the same shape & style as the current iPhone 3G, but with a number of changes internally – the main changes are with the Camera, Processor, Storage and Battery, and a couple of new software features not available to the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G S will be available on O2 and is due for release in the UK on the 19th of June

iPhone 3G S Features:

• 3.2 MP Camera with Touch Focus
• Video Recording and Editing
• Digital Compass for improved mapping
• Voice Control for calls and iPod
• 16GB & 32 GB Models
• iPhone OS 3.0

iPhone 3G S - No Cosmetic Changes

For a more detailed walk through on the new iPhone 3G S head over to the Stuff.tv website where they give it a full run through.

iPhone OS 3.0

Previously announced back in March, iPhone OS 3.0 hasn’t really changed much from the version that we reviewed recently. A few additional features have been added to the line up, including the option to download Movies, TV Shows and audio books direct to your phone over a 3G network. Internet tethering has been confirmed for the UK too – this is where you can connect your iPhone to your PC using Bluetooth or USB and use it as a modem to connect to the internet (in the same way as a mobile broadband dongle). iPhone tethering rates on O2 are £14.68 per month for 3GB of data, and £29.36 for 10GB of data. More information on iPhone tethering. iPhone OS 3.0 will be released on the 17th of June and will be a free upgrade to iPhone users and there will be a small charge (amount not confirmed) for iPod Touch users.

Landscape Typing in iPhone OS 3.0

iPhone OS 3.0 Features

• Cut, Copy & Paste
• MMS
• Search
• Movies, TV and Books in iTunes store
• Internet Tethering
• Shake to Shuffle Music
• Stereo Bluetooth
• Find my iPhone and Remote Wipe (MobileMe users only)
• YouTube log in
• Support for Turn By Turn Sat Nav (TomTom for iPhone coming soon)

If you want more information on iPhone OS 3.0, we’ve got a hands on review that’s worth looking at, and a video review from Darryl Mitchel on his YouTube Channel.

A full range of iPhone 3G S accessories are available now on the Mobile Fun site.