Along with todays unveiling of the new faster iPhone – the iPhone 3G S – Apple announced that it is slashing the price of the current iPhone 3G phone. Which is damn good news all around, really. Unless you’re also in the smartphone selling business.
This is the news that no one can stop talking about today. The new iPhone model from Apple (the “S” stands for “Speed”) is an altogether snazzier item than the previous model. Let’s have a quick look at the main announced features:
Faster all round – it works on HSDPA networks, so it’s web connection speed should be a whole lot faster than the 3G. It’s also got a faster processor, so on-phone functions will run faster as well.
Larger hard drives – it comes in 16 and 32 gigabyte models. Which is great news for me, because the small hard-drive of the previous model really knocked it’s potential as a mobile music device.
Better camera – the camera is now a 3MP feature, with better focusing and image clarity, and the ability to shoot video.
Voice commands – you can now control your phone via voice commands, including making calls and loading apps.
There’s a very cool video about this over at Business Week
Of even greater interest though, is the massive price cut on the iPhone 3G. It’s US price has been dropped down to 99 dollars.
What we think?
The features of the new iPhone look great – coupled with already announced features from iPhone OS 3.0, we’re looking at a great little device.
But I am incredibly impressed with the 3G price drop. That is going to do huge damage to anyone else selling smartphones this year. Or any other high-end device, really. Look, for example, at the prices for upcoming HTC devices. Upwards of 500 dollars just for the phone! Or you could get the iPhone 3G for under one hundred dollars.
I know which one I’d go for.
