iPhone Firmware 3.0 – News

Posted by Chris on Jun 14, 2009 in Technology | 0 comments

So after the WWDC for 2009 passed, we are left with a wealth of helpful information. The majority of the news was already predicted, as far as what pertains to the iPhone anyway. So the new iPhone firmware 3.0 will be made available for free for all iPhone 1st and 2nd gen users on June 17th! For all iPod touch users, you will have to pay a $9.99 fee to upgrade to 3.0, just like 2.0. So the news about the firmware, was already expected and the release date just lets us know that the firmware is coming. More importantly the 3rd gen iPhone information has been released. The new model will be called “iPhone 3G S” of course the S stands for speed and that is what the new phone is all about.
Increased processor performance, added more RAM, a new higher megapixel camera, but maintains the 3G phone’s look. Now for those of you who have been putting off the iPhone, whether it be price or what have you, the 2nd gen iPhone (iPhone 3G) will still be available for $99, a direct blow to Palm’s new Pre. The new iPhone will come in 16GB and 32GB for $199 and $299 respectably. The new phone will be available June 19th, two days after the new firmware.

iPhone 3.0 New Features:

One of the biggest fixes this firmware brings is the ability to copy and paste text, as well as undo a copy. For those who have had an iPhone since it’s first gen release have undoubtley run into a situation where they needed to copy and paste. Beyond the, a new feature near and dear to me is the ability to use the Stereo bluetooth, which the phone has always been capable of, just never activated. Stereo bluetooth means I can finally use my Motorola S9 headset at the gym and no more using corded headphones! Some other features include

Landscape keyboard in all key apps
Spotlight, you swipe to the left of the home screen and can search all of your documents, contacts, apps, etc. Just like on a Mac
MMS messages will finally be available unless you are an AT&T customer, they haven’t gotten it set up yet
Tethering, again unless your an AT&T customer
Bluetooth peer-to-peer connections for games, etc.
New app store purchase options, monthly subscriptions, upgrade packages right from inside an app
Voice memos will also be available via a pre-installed apple app, you can email and mms these memos as well

Many of these features people have been asking for for a very long time, it is nice to see the company finally take some advise from it’s loyal customers.

Although I doubt I will be upgrading to the new iPhone anytime soon, my phone is fast enough for me, it is nice to see them dropping the price of the now-current model to keep a good market share on the smart phone market.