Updated 26 May, 2012, 4:18 pm IST

WWDC 09 - The iPhone 3G S Cometh

09 Jun, 2009, 1:05 am IST | by Shayne Rana |

Break out that Drum Roll and let loose the cheerleaders, the iPhone third generation has finally been revealed at Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)! What does it have? Rumors aside, here’s the real scoop, according to reports the new iPhone being called the iPhone 3G S is going to rock those socks right off of your feet. Here are a few of the specs –

Form Factor
There doesn’t seem to be any physical differences in the overall design as compared to the 3G. It'll be available in a Black and White rear paneling. Has Apple just become complacent about the handset's looks?

Speed
According to the tests conducted at Apple’s labs against the iPhone 3G, aside fromr the new iPhone being far more capable in terms of features, it’s also going to be at least 2 times faster.

Voice Control
If you thought the iPhone was great before, it’s off the charts now with a new Voice Control feature. Of course Nokia and even RIM had this figured out a while back, but when you talk about the iPhone having it, that’s a phone of a different color. But the voice control is not just limited to mundane uses like making calls by saying a contact's name, no no no! Users will now be able to speak specific commands to the handset and get instant replies eg. What’s Playing Now? And the handset will voice out the track name and artist. It’s also going to be able to read out text, but there’s no specific information on the limitations i.e. what applications it’ll be incorporated for or will it be a universal offering.

Compass

To ensure you never get lost, the new Digital Compass will automatically change the orientation of the map according to the way you’re facing. No more Mr. Bean Goes on Holiday like impressions and having to walk in an absolute straight line anymore.

Camera

You heard it right the first time – the new iPhone has a 3.0 megapixel autofocus camera that has an auto White Balance feature. With the new handset you can simply tap the area on the screen you wish to focus on and let the handset do the rest. Talk about unconventional photography. The handset’s camera lens is also designed to offer Macro shots from up to 10cm away from the subject.

The camera will also feature better quality of images in low light conditions and of course, Video Recording (VGA resolution at 30fps). Whoopie! Video can also be sent via MMS if your carrier allows or uploaded directly to YouTube and even emailed. An editing feature is also available.

Battery
Apple is boasting of a 5 hour 3G talk time (Up to) and 9 hours of Wi-Fi internet surfing. That’s a big jump from the 3G. Let’s hope it’s accurate when it comes to testing time.

Pricing and Availability
Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, you’re not going to believe this, the new iPhone 3G S is due to be out on June 19th of 2009 and here are the prices –

The 16GB version is going to be priced at Rs. 9,452 ($199) and Rs. 14, 202 ($299) for 32GB. It gets better; Apple also announced that they planned on keeping an 8GB version priced at Rs. 4,702 ($99) for a while on the markets. Of course all the above mentioned prices are seem so low because they are on contract with their respective service providers. You can expect the phone to be sold at its full price once it lands on Indian shores, since our service providers just don't love us as much!

Take the guided tour of the 3G S here and watch the TV ad here.

Update: The iPhone Third Generation will be coming to India by August 2009, as announced at the WWDC.