There are some new applications in iPhone 3G. New Apple 3G uses Mac Os x operating system and supported by a data network with maximum speed up to 3,6 mbps via WCDMA/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 mHz channels. Also GPS and the direct access to iTunes and application store.
Design
I notice that the design of New Apple iPhone 3G is basically similar to the old generation of iPhone. The difference is on the plastic material used in the newest version, especially on the backside. While in the old version, the material used is aluminum.
Another difference is on the battery location. In Apple 3G, the battery is located inside the hardware. It means that the SIM card holder is made separately from the battery, unlike other hand phones which the battery and SIM card holder share the same space.
Somehow, I believe that this design has some disadvantages. For example, if the battery gets dropped someday, the user cannot freely change it with the new one. The user will at least need to go to the service centre for the replacement. Another disadvantage is on the glossy plastic and the screen of Apple 3G. I notice that these parts are like magnet of the user’s finger prints. The finger prints are left on the plastic material and the screen of the phone. This is a disadvantage that I also found in the older version.
Furthermore, I notice that there are not many knobs in the phone. There are only a volume knob, a power knob that also functions as a stand by knob, and also a profile key lock under the main screen.
Interface
I find that New Apple 3G uses Mac Os x operating system. This operating system provides a unique interface that applies a direct manipulation concept through various movements using a Multi-Touch technology. It means that the system will recognize every touch in various profiles. For example, when the user wants to drag the menu page, the finger movement will be well interpreted.
Once I read that New Apple iPhone 3G is the most revolutionary Touch UI phone. From what I find so far, I cannot agree for more. Another special thing that I find in Apple 3G is its 3,5 inches touch screen or capacitive touch screen with QVGA resolution and 24 bit colors that make a solid display of the screen.
I find the menu contains interesting icons. There are two parts of the display in the Apple 3G. The first part is on the upper area where the user can add many new menu icons up to the back pages. The second part is on the lowest part that has 4 knobs function as phone, mail, web browser and iPod or multi media player.
Similar to the older version of Apple, like iPod, iPhone needs a connectivity of computer hardware. If the user has a notebook, or a PC with Mac or Windows basis, it shall not be a problem.
Since the activation, the user is demanded to connect iPhone 3G to iTunes desktop as suit software that will be connected to the internet. That’s why the authorized reseller will activate the iPhone first before taking it home. Otherwise, it will be a problem for those who have no internet connection because the iPhone cannot be used.
PROMINENT FEATURES
iPod
The use will first get a music player. There are some format supports available, such as MP3, MP4, AAC and WMA. For the last format, there will be a conversion effort done by iTunes desktop as a backbone of iPhone function as a whole. Synchronization between a music player of iPhone 3G with iTunes is a must. Similar to iPod, music transfer can only be done using this desktop music player. The user needs to enter the music files into iTunes computer, and then do the synchronization, and those files will directly be sent to iPhone.
I personally think that it is not too efficient because other phone’s users only need to drag/drop or copy/paste the music files they want from PC to their phones.
Besides a music player, using iPod, the user can enjoy video, audio back and podcast. All of these use the same file transfer through iTunes desktop. Unfortunately, although the Apple is supported by a wide screen, the video format is limited to 3 gp and MP4 only. I think, it will be much better if it also supports avi divx.
As an audio output, iPhone 3G uses 2 main tools. They are phone’s speakers that are placed within a data port and a 3,5 mm audio jack. Even though the speaker are separated, the sound produced is not too stereo. It is different with a 3,5 mm audio jack support that’s quite satisfying.
The user can use almost any headset available in the market, or he can use the available headset of iPhone that has a tiny speaker in one of the ear bud cables.
However, when I try to use my stereo Bluetooth headset, it turns out that it cannot work because there’s no A2DP support in this iPhone.
HSDPA and Connectivity
I find that this New Apple iPhone 3G has been supported by a data network with maximum speed up to 3,6 mbps via WCDMA/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 mHz channels. This high speed data channel will help the user in accessing data channel in broad area coverage. For a narrower area, the user can use other connection such as WiFi. As long as the user is in the hot spot area, the user can access internet with a stable speed.
This WiFi connection is very helpful when the user wants to download an application bigger than 10 MB, because the iPhone system only allows HSDPA to download files smaller than 10MB.
Other connection available is Bluetooth. However, the Bluetooth here is more often used to accommodate hands free. Unfortunately, New Apple iPhone 3G has no ability to send files via Bluetooth to other hardware. The browser used in iPhone is developed by Apple and is called as a Safari browser. The display is similar to other browser, but with a support of the most advanced touch interface, this safari browser is most appropriate for iPhone. Safari brings Google as a default search site.
iTunes and Application Store
Other additional service that can be enjoyed in New Apple iPhone 3G is a direct access to iTunes and application store. These two links belong to Apple’s online digital stores are known as iTunes store only in iTunes desktop. When it is moved to another phone, it will be divided into two different stores.
There are some free applications available, such as Face book. Face book iPhone has a better performance than the one in the Blackberry phone. There are also a lot of free games that can be downloaded. The user can download some famous edition such as Bandai Namco and Digital Chocolate as demo. Even though they are only demo, the limitation is on the number of level only, not on the game time.
GPS
iPhone 3G is equipped with an internal GPS receiver. It works like any other phone’s GPS. It means that the GPS in this hardware is not intended for a pure navigation activity, but it can be used to know the direction only.
Battery
I notice that there is no further information on the battery capacity used in New Apple iPhone 3G. However, Apple claims that the capacity is better than the previous version. For the normal use, it can stand for 1,5 day.