There are tons of articles out there as to what the new iPhone 3GS and OS 3 have to offer, why it’s not a big deal, and in depth analysis of each little new feature. I don’t plan to reiterate that. I love my new 3G S, mostly for the main reason I upgraded SPEED, (after all that is what the S stands for) but as I get to explore it more there are some stunning, innovative and surprising new awesome-ities to it. Like to hear it: Here it go.
1) Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating: While not largely publicized this enhancement is
You Can't Touch This!
waaay cooler than it sounds. Initial shots of the new 3GS showed a matte screen which I wasn’t too excited for, however the screen is no more matte than the original 3G only it wipes clean much easier. How much easier? So much easier, that Apple didn’t include an official screen cleaning cloth in the packaging this time. Here’s a recent explanation from Bill Nye (the ol’ science guy) as to just how it’s done, if you care for a kind of scientific explanation.
2) Video: While billed as a main new feature; this new addition is much cooler than I expected. Its so because in Apple’s typical way, it does it better and more amazingly than anyone else’s phone can. You can not only shoot video at a full 30 fps, you can edit it right on the phone. I’ve been enjoying it much more than I thought I would. In a story posted today youtube uploads are up 400% since the release of the iPhone 3GS.
3) Compass: I loved the idea for this from the beginning, however I don’t get to camp as much as I used to… so why do I like this? Because it gives me a useful sense of direction. While co-piloting with google maps en-route it automatically rotates the map so you know which way to to turn. Subtle but awesome none the less. I’m sure it’s also quite useful if you use your phone to get walking directions in the city (any city will do).
4) Behind the scenes enhancements: While many haven’t followed the recent developer’s events, I have. Enhancements behind the scene’s in the new iPhone OS 3 are going to make all the difference. I’m not talking about copy & paste. Much like the iPhone SDK for OS 2 ushered in third party apps with the launch of the 3G, these new enhancement/capabilities are going to open the door to the coolest apps you can image. TomTom previewed their new turn by turn app for iPhone and their new cradle (not out as of yet, but I can’t wait) The iPhone can now through the dock connector communicate and control things that are attached. For example, it can connect to a glucose meter to help a diabetic regulate insulin or monitor blood pressure through a specially designed cuff. The options are literally limitless, I can’t wait to see what’s developed next (and wish I’d thought of it).
For most people the differences are negligible: not to me. That’s just how I roll.
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