iLounge

By Jeremy Horwitz

Editor-in-Chief, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, July 1, 2008
News Category: iPhone

For those of our readers who don’t have access to video playback, or just want a fast summary of all of the iPhone 3G’s new features, we have created this: a summary of the freshly posted iPhone 3G See What’s New video, complete with images. Inside, you can learn about the iPhone 3G’s “dramatically improved audio,” the system’s GPS “Tracking Mode,” the collection of Restrictions, and much more.

While the video doesn’t reveal many secrets, you may find the complete feature list interesting. Click on the title or comments bar below for the full scoop, and see our iPhone 3G First Look for many additional details.

Redesigned Body and Side: In addition to its glossy plastic back casing, iPhone 3G features metal volume controls and a silent/ringer switch.

Redesigned Top: The general orientation of the prior iPhone has been preserved, but the top headphone port is now flush with the body for expanded headphone compatibility.

Redesigned Bottom: Apple has redesigned the speaker and microphone, and says that they “bring dramatically improved audio to iPhone 3G.”

3G Network Connectivity: Thanks to quad-band GSM and triple-band 3G antennas, you can get twice the data transfer speed of the prior iPhone, and use both data and voice services at the same time. International 3G networks can be used all over the world.

Maps with Built-in GPS: The prior location finder from iPhone has been transformed into “Tracking Mode,” which calculates your position and lets you use your current location as a starting point for directions.

Enterprise Features: Expanded support for business users includes Push technology, applicable to e-mail, contacts, and calendars, as well as secure wireless access. You can accept or reject meeting requests, as well.

Contact Search: The ability to quickly search your entire Contacts database with a top-of-list search bar has been added.

Applications: Third-party applications can be purchased or downloaded for free via the App Store or using iTunes on your computer. The App Store’s interface is reiterated, nearly identical to iTunes on the iPhone, and an application downloading procedure is shown with a multi-stage downloading icon.

Email: Mass delete and mass move of messages have been added.

Quick Jump: You can now tap the status bar to jump to the top of contacts, email lists, and other lists just like you could in Safari.

Viewer: Email and Safari now include Microsoft Powerpoint and Apple iWork document support.

Photos: You can now save multiple e-mail attached images to your Photos library.

Calculator: In addition to a reskinning of the original calculator application, a scientific calculator has been added if you flip the device into widescreen mode.

Restrictions: Parental Controls has been named Restrictions, in a new Settings menu that lets you block explicit iPod content, turn off Safari or YouTube, and limit purchases from iTunes or the App Store.

Turn Off 3G: A Network settings menu lets you activate or deactivate 3G with an “Enable 3G” setting. This is useful if you’re in an area without 3G coverage or want to improve battery life at the expense of data speed.

Language and Keyboard Support: 21 international layouts are now built-in, prominently including Kana Japanese support and handwriting recognition for simplified and traditional Chinese.