As expected, Steve Jobs used his WWDC 2008 keynote to launch the iPhone 3G. In addition to operating on the speedier 3G network, the new iPhone offers several other improvements over its predecessor, some more exciting than others. You can find all the changes--big and small--right here.
An application store will be added to iTunes; plus, you'll be able to browse new apps directly from the iPhone.
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Apple also failed to add multimedia texting, voice dialing, video recording, cut and paste, and the capability to purchase iTunes music over the 3G network. There's also still no A2DP Bluetooth, which seems a particularly glaring oversight given the phone's excellent integrated music player.
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No need for a computer to keep tabs on your eBay auctions. You can reply quickly to item questions with the iPhone's built-in e-mail capability.
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The iPhone 3G announcement was bulked up with a slew of new applications for the device. Some highlights include Sega, TypePad mobile blogging, and Cow Music, a neat program that lets you play various instruments on the phone as well as mix music.
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So what's the difference between this new iPhone and its predecessor? The most important one for many people is probably the price: $199 for an 8GB (versus $399 for the previous model) or $299 for a 16GB (versus $499 before). But don't stop reading there. Apple is allowing AT&T to subsidize the phone, but only with a $10 increase in the monthly unlimited data plan.
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Changes to the interface structure are minimal. The screen flips accordingly with the phone. However, Apple still neglected to include a landscape mode for the onscreen keyboard.
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...but the iPhone 3G is getting plenty of games under its belt. One called Super Monkey Ball responds to your movements. Expect more tap and tilt games going forward.
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The iPhone 3G offers true GPS, which is significantly better than the previous model, which used triangulation via cell towers. The iPhone's large touch screen gives its GPS functionality a significant leg-up over what is offered on other smartphones.
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Whereas the previous iPhone featured a rather slick aluminum casing on the backside, the iPhone 3G is wrapped in high-gloss plastic.
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The new iPhone is actually 0.02 inch thicker than the previous model, but the edges are tapered so it may appear thinner. The buttons lining the side are silver now, rather than black.
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It may show dirt easier, but Apple's bringing back its signature high-gloss white. This color will only be available for the 16GB model.
