iPhone 3G, OS 2.0 now available
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When announcing the second generation iPhone, Steve Jobs killed the dreams of many fans, revealing that it will fix the biggest hardware drawbacks (lack of 3G and GPS) but won’t be an entirely new device. It’s based on the original one with nearly the same design and functionality.
The look is almost absolutely identical. The speculations for a higher quality materials didn’t prove correct and the only change in this aspect is that the high-quality feel of the metal back is now missing, replaced by plastic. Although some will not like it, others will appreciate that the weight didn’t get larger and that the 3G will be offered in two color options: with white or black back.
The other rumor, giving the iPhone a slimmer body, also proved to be wrong. Overall, the 3G variant has the same thickness and size with the first generation, being slightly slimmer in the edges only. However, the difference is so minor that nobody will notice it, unless they compare both side by side.
The third and last variation in hardware aspect is the redesign of the 3.5 mm jack for stereo headphones. iPhone was touted as the best iPod when it was announced, but what is a PMP without a decent pair of headphones? – Nothing. A design flaw in the original iPhone didn’t allow the customer to use just any 3.5 mm headphones, as the jack itself was deeply in the body and only some models were able to connect. This lead to “Designed for iPhone” branded headphones, and greatly limited the options. This problem is now solved in the 3G and you can plug and use just any 3.5mm ‘phones.
That’s all for the hardware part, and what about the software?
Well, actually nothing too great in the 3G. Don’t get us wrong: the new iPhone 2.0 software really has some (probably great) benefits, but it will be available for free to users of the original iPhone, so it is not exclusively for the owners of the second gen. Kudos to Apple for allowing their customers to stay up-to-date.
Searching through the contacts list is now possible, inputting via the on-screen QWERTY. If you don’t like scrolling through the whole list, you will definitely be happy about this feature.
Push email is now supported straight out of the box, thanks to Microsoft Exchange. Apple clearly targets the iPhone not only as a multimedia device but also as an enterprise smartphone; now with push email, it can really try to compete with Windows Mobile and BlackBerry phones.
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However, unlike other operating systems, which are offered on devices by different manufacturers, the iPhone OS is used by Apple’s phones (and PMPs) only. This means that if you want to use this OS, you are locked to one of the two iPhones. And although they surely are great devices as a whole, they still have some negative sides left unfixed in the second generation.
This includes some of the greatest software drawbacks of the iPhone: if you are heavy texter, email is still the only solution for exchanging photos - MMS is still not officially supported. If you are a fan of homemade videos, don’t throw away your camcorder, because video capturing is not supported either. Want to listen to music on wireless speakers or headphones? – Apple won’t allow you to do it and Bluetooth is locked for usage with mono headsets only.
Another unaltered gear is the camera; although it makes nice photos to be used as caller ID picture and they are OK for emailing, the 2-megapixel camera is definitely not a selling point. If you are on the market for a smartphone with large camera resolution, Windows Mobile and Symbian will offer you devices with 5-megapixels. The 3.5” 320x480 display is also the same as the first generation iPhone, but no bad feelings here – it is great. However, if you want a VGA or higher, look somewhere else.
After all, iPhone is iPhone. Apple’s products have always had the fairy-tale look, leading numbers of fans who would give their lives, to protect the brand’s name from those who do not understand them at all. It’s really up to the person whether they’re going to like this type of smartphone, but if you are hesitating, you should buy one. It is hard to describe “iPhone’s magic” and only the people who have used it are true believers. It is unique in its class and no matter how hard some other manufacturers try, at least for now, they create different (not worse) devices. Give it a try and see; if you find yourself on the other side (opposing iPhone), you have 30 days to return it. Then, simply check out our comprehensive phone filter, to find the phone you need.
Expect our iPhone 3G Review soon. Until then, please tell is if you get one and did it met your expectations.
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29 Comments
1. pwned (unregistered) posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:42 0 0
if you buy this you are getting pwned by apple....the gps support isnt even real GPS, there IS NO TURN BY TURN DIRECTIONS ON IT LMAo go buy a DARE if you want a real touchscreen multimedia devie or wAIT FOR THE THUNDER....VZW FOR THE WIN BITCHES
3. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 11:31 0 0
Hahaha that sucks way to inovate. Throw 3g support in for a network with crap 3g coverage and don't fix the stuff that does work like mms
9. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 14:30 0 0
For so many people who are so anti-iphone you guys sure spend a lot of time reading and commenting on their threads.... losers get a life and keep your Verizon
17. tgijosh (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 19:02 0 0
There is still one thing this phone has that nothing else compares to. There is nothing like an ipod. No other phone manages your music like the iphone. The new software apps are very cool, especially the apple remote. If you want video get a flip cam, cell phone videos suck anyway. This is still the best phone out there. Verizon sucks and so does their crappy UI. And stop TalKinG liKe ThIs, are you 5 years old?? Can you even use a phone except to call mommy?
27. (unregistered) posted on 14 Jul 2008, 15:09 0 0
Do your research. Of course the iPhone 3G has real GPS on it and turn by turn directions. Now if you are a lazy ass and want audible directions you can always download the free application from the app store and get audible turn by turn directions.
28. (unregistered) posted on 14 Jul 2008, 15:12 0 0
Why crap 3G coverage, AT&T's 3G coverage is just a bit smaller than Sprint's and Verizon's. Oh yeah and when it comes to MMS, you can always download the FREE application from the app store and get MMS. So do your research and quit commenting from your heart and limited knowledge.
4. The Walt (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 11:54 0 0
Why Verizon Wireless? Does the iPhone have it? VZW:Offers over the air music downloads without having to be in a Wi-Fi Hotspot iPhone: NO: OTA downloads are limited to Wi-Fi Hotspots VZW:Offers Unlimited Access to Millions of songs through a subscription option like Rhapsody iPhone: NO VZW:Free Song ID iPhone: NO VZW:Bluetooth Stereo headset iPhone: NO VZW:Picture and Video Messaging or Video Capture iPhone:NO VZW:VZ Navigator: Audible turn-by-turn directions with traffic integration, weather and cheap gas finder iPhone: NO: GPS turn-by-turn directions are not audio VZW:Watch broadcast television on the go iPhone: NO VZW:Removable batteries: an option for extended batteries iPhone: NO VZW:3G network spanning more than 80 percent of the U.S. population iPhone: NO: AT&T’s 3G network covers 40-50 percent of the U.S. population
7. EN (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 13:38 0 0
yeah yeah yeah. We all know that the iphone is missing things that Verizon offers. Do you guys have to post this in every single site about the iphone. Don't you think that people already know this. You guys are quick to call people apple fanboys but i think there are verizon fanboys that are far worse. I know iphone users brag about how the iphone is the best phone, but at least they don't go to every single little article and start complaining about the verizon phones (even though I know there are some who do). Its like the word "iphone" catches verizon customer's attention and draws them in. Every single article on the iphone has verizon people bashing and trying to destroy the rep of the iphone. Its almost like a new hobby. I have Verizon Voyager and you guys don't see me whining about the iphone. You guys don't have to click the link you know.
11. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 15:08 0 0
wow, way too much effort put into listing what verizon has over iphone. we get it...verizon service is better. but wait a minute...apple has been making phones for how long? oh yea, only a year. everybody needs to calm the F down. give them some props for dominating the market faster than any phone company ever and let people cum all over their iphones.
13. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 15:17 0 0
Man I work for Verizon and I know the pros and cons and I still bought an iPhone, unlocked it and used it with T-mobile. It goes great with my Blackberry. Walt, Chill out
25. C-Chickie (unregistered) posted on 13 Jul 2008, 11:44 0 0
You work for VZW... ok got that You bought an IPHONE... Ok.... and you put the thing on T-Mobile?! WOW! You just showed ALOT of faith in your product! I work for Alltel so I will sit there a show respect to Verizon to an extent but at least I know that the number one rule in sales it believe in your product and by carrying about an Iphone on a T-Mobile network is NOT believing in your product. "But IPHONE is gsm not cdma, I cant use it on Verizon." THEN GET A JOB A t-MOBILE. Honestly if I was your boss, I'd slap you upside the head... Bone-headed move.... I hope your sales make up for it
5. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 12:39 0 0
yea i agree. i got my dare a few days ago and im loving it.
6. JT Strings (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 12:59 0 0
I've been wit ATT for years and i was excited bout the new iphone and its slash price but looking at the plans for it....lol...yea right I'll pass and wait for another phone to come out maybe the Bold cause its not worth it at all im a wait to see if ATT will be getting another HTC PHONE...
8. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 14:16 0 0
If any of you ahve actually used the iPhone touch screen then you would know why people love it so much...the Voyager, Dare, Instinct..even the LG Vu for att have GARBAGE touch screens..If I wanted a half-ass touch screen I'll change over to Verizon.
12. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 15:09 0 0
"If any of you ahve actually used the iPhone touch screen then you would know why people love it so much" SO TRUE
10. (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 14:34 0 0
Agreed with the touchscreen comment. Too many people that haven't used the phone have their made up fantasy comments on it. No other phone can hold a candle to it's touchscreen, bottom line. And yes I have used the other touchscreen phones and own the Voyager now. Loved the iPhone but I moved to a non-coverage area with AT&T. Get a life if you dont' know the facts and are making things up and jumping on the iPhone hater bandwagon!!!!!!!
14. Booo (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 16:41 0 0
I own the iphone and I agree that the touch screen is AMAZING, however is not the best out there. Your comments need to be turned upside down because is ALL of you that haven't used or try any other touch phones think that the iphone is the best, you can't really compare unless you have TRULY used them all. The iphone is HOT and revolutionary, but it lacks too MUCH. The DARE provides great feedback when it's touched and it has the best network, the instict is also great but it lacks speed when it's touched. So BE FARE and stop hating on everyone else because you LOVE your phone. Explore options and be open, the iphone is not all there is out there, the iphone is just another phone with great tactics and an AMAZING company (Apple) to back it up, but with the second best network which sucks in too many places.
15. Man_of_God (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 17:57 0 0
Hands down, Apple knows how to market their products. The quality is superb and the functionality is top notch. I work for VZW. If you don't like the iPhone, don't buy it. But be honest with yourself and acknowledge that Apple makes great products. Many have tried to duplicate the iPod, but their is only one iPod. Every other post should not be a bash of the competition. Promote what you think are your strengths without degrading the competition. Competition is good for the people that are most important...the Customer!!!
16. Man_of_God (unregistered) posted on 11 Jul 2008, 18:00 0 0
opppss, I need to learn how to use the right there instead of their... :)
