The new iPhone 3GS

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Apple just announced the much hyped next gen iPhone 3GS. The “S” stands for speed as they are touting it as the fastest iPhone ever.

Apparently, not everything we were hoping has been upgraded. Here is the list:

1. 2.1x times faster launching of messaging, NY Times loads 2.9x faster.
2. New 3 MP camera with AF, AE and AWB. Supports tap to focus (pretty cool), macro and low light modes. Does VGA video @ 30fps. Ability to trim video and share them over MMS, email, MobileMe and YouTube.
3. Support for 7.2 Mbps 3G HSDPA standard.
4. Open GL|ES hardware support. This means better games.
5. Built in compass. Orients Google maps according to your direction.
6. Nike+ support built in.
7. Voice control. Supports voice dialing, voice controls for iPod.
8. Accessibility features. Standard zooming etc. plus voice over when you touch something on the screen.
9. Better battery life.

Price:

• $199 for 16GB version.
• $299 for 32GB version.

Colors: Black and white.

Design: Same as iPhone 3G:

Yeah. Disappointing. I know. All those exciting rumors for a front camera, OLED screen and new design have been smashed brutally. And no, there is no backlit Apple logo either.

But its not all bad news. With the launch of iPhone 3GS, the original iPhone 3G’s price has been dropped to $99 for the 8 GB model (available only in black now). You waited? Smart. Go get it!

The iPhone 3GS will be available in the US starting June 19th 2009 and will reach India in the month of Aug 2009. The price drop for the original iPhone 3G is effective immediately in the US. Not sure what Airtel’s strategy is gonna be for India, however, we can definitely use the price drop :).

In other WWDC 2009 announcements, the complete line of Macbooks have been upgraded and prices reduced. Check back later for a first look.

[via live.gizmodo.com]

[Images from Gizmodo]