Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference has come to an end and for the most part, it certainly wasn’t disappointing. As was heavily rumored, Apple did introduce the new iPhone 3GS with upgraded specifications, they introduced new Macbook Pros, and they also unveiled a near final version of Snow Leopard which current users of OS X 10.5 can get for a mere $29. Pretty cool on Apple’s part.
So as with any WWDC conference, it’s essential to do a rumor vs. reality article. And for this one, I must admit that I’m going to be eating some crow. Some of the things that I seriously questioned in my previous write-up here on FlipCurve were indeed true. So, without further adieu, let’s start by recapping some of the iPhone rumors and what really happened.
Rumor: 32 GB of space
Prediction: True, Reality: True
As was rumored, Apple did dramatically increase the storage space of their new iPhone. The new iPhone 3GS comes in both 32 GB and 16 GB varieties, while the previous iPhone is still available for purchase at the low 8 GB end. I’m surprised that they’re not selling the 16GB version of the original iPhone 3G for the $99 phone, but essentially all storage sizes that were available before, are available now – with the added bonus of getting a 32 GB phone.
Rumor: 3.5G Network Access
Prediction: Likely True, Reality: True
Apple’s newest phone does include support for 3.5G network access which I suspected would be included, although given Apple’s history with the original 3G iPhone, I wasn’t holding my breath. This inclusion + tethering will mean that people can download at speeds comparable to most DSL/cable connections. Of course, the carrier will have to allow it, and most carriers that do permit tethering also only permit a measly 5 GB or thereabouts, so I don’t expect the iPhone’s internet connection to overtake broadband any time soon.
Rumor: Increased Speed and RAM
Prediction: Not True, Reality: True
Ugh. Here’s where I have to eat some crow. I really didn’t think that Apple would have such a dramatic upgrade to their iPhone lineup. I mean, they’ve essentially doubled the processor and RAM – how do they expect to handle this for developers? Will they create two separate App Stores for the 3G and the 3GS? Many of the games that Apple envisions will require the faster phone, in my opinion, so I really don’t know how they’ll handle this logistically. On the plus side, the inclusion of a compass, voice control and a three megapixel video-recording camera are definitely good for the iPhone’s reputation. It’s a little embarrassing to have a phone that so clearly beats most 3 year old phones in terms of internet, e-mail, and applications, but can’t record a frickin’ video!
In conclusion, I’m really pleased with this year’s WWDC. Apple has taken some smart steps in the right direction. They’re starting to lower their computer costs and offer customers more value for their money. Now, it is certainly not the case that Apple computers are cheap, but I think they have finally got the message that they need to reduce their prices a little.
The new iPhone 3GS at only $199 on a three-year term represents a pretty good deal for what you get. Sure there’s still the Apple tax, but that has diminished quite a bit relative to where it was a little while ago.
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Tags: 3g, 3gs, Added Bonus, apple, Apple History, Cable Connections, Cro, Current Users, Dsl Cable, Gb, Holding My Breath, Inclusion, Internet Connection, iphone, Os X, Snow Leopard, Storage Sizes, Storage Space, True Reality, Worldwide Developer Conference
