Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicked off yesterday and missing from the event, of course, was Steve Jobs. In his place was Phil Schiller to give the keynote filled with some major announcements. While Schiller did a decent job, he is certainly no Steve Jobs.
We’re skipping the fluff and getting right down to what you want to know. Here’s a list of the major announcements:
- NEW iPhone 3GS introduced – the S stands for “speed”
- iPhone 3G 8GB for $99 – the 2009 iPhone price drops are among us! Apple took the older model phone, and chopped the price in half. With the new price drop you can get the iPhone 3G (not the 3GS), for just $99!
- MacBook Pro Updated – and with the update came a drop in price
- Snow Leopard unveiled – and set to launch in September for just $29 bucks
- Safari 4 released – many of you were probably testing out the beta, but the final version is now available
iPhone 3GS/3.0 Software
Those of you who have been following us for a while know that we are big fans of the iPhone. We bought the original iPhone several months after it launched, and then stood in line last July to be one of the first to get our hands on the iPhone 3G. As you might suspect, we’re planning on upgrading to the iPhone 3GS loaded with the latest 3.0 Software which is set to launch next Friday, June 19th.
Speaking of the 3.0 Software, Apple got smart this year and decided to launch the software update BEFORE the launch of the new phone. Last year the software update coincided with the launch of the iPhone 3G which caused major activation problems. The software upgrade forced everybody to reactivate, so with the combination of those upgrading software, and those upgrading hardware which needs activating, their system became overloaded. The 3.0 Software launches next Wednesday, June 17th, and will once again, probably require everyone to reactivate their phone.
iPhone 3GS Features:
- Speed- it’s a faster phone
- Video camera – built right in, with editing capabilities
- Voice control – now you’ll be able to control the device by telling it what to do
- Compass – in case you can’t figure out which way is North
Pricing: $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB
Regular iPhone 3G in a 8GB model will still be available at a reduced price of $99. The price drop for the iPhone 3G is available directly from Apple or your phone carrier.
iPhone 3.0 Software Features:
- Cut, copy and paste – finally!
- Landscape Keyboard
- MMS
- Spotlight Search
- Voice Memos
- Updated Calendar
- Capability to download content from the iTunes store like movies, TV shows and Audiobooks, on your phone
- and more…
MacBook Pro Updated
Several changes were made to the MacBook Pro line. One of the changes is that the 13-inch MacBook recently introduced with the aluminum body, was changed a bit and is now part of the MacBook Pro line. The MacBook Pro line includes 13-inch (starts at $1,199), 15-inch (starts at $1,699), and 17-inch (starts at $2499) models which all received significant price-cuts.
The good: obviously the fact that they are now more affordable, and battery life is improved
The bad: non-removable batteries
Snow Leopard Unveiled
There’s a reason that Apple is only charging $29 for Snow Leopard come September when it launches – there aren’t that many new changes. There’s enough though, that many will be willing to pay the reasonable upgrade fee.
Safari 4 Released
Finally, the last big announcement at WWDC 09′ is that Safari 4 is now officially released. Its best feature is simply that it’s a fast browser. We can say that from first-hand experience. Other well-liked features include “top sites” and coverflow history viewer.
Available for Mac and PC, download here.
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That’s about all folks! It was one of the longer WWDC keynotes that we’ve seen, about two hours, and they covered a lot. When we get our hands on the iPhone 3GS next week (hopefully), we’ll be sure to fill you in.
After trying Android and seeing the reviews regarding the Palm Pre, I’m definitely getting the iPhone 3GS. Much better experience imo, and TomTom is icing on the cake for me. Will certainly get the OS upgrade as well, amazing price. Great updates all around for Apple this time
I’ll be upgrading my 1G iPhone. I’m really excited, and relieved to get the cheaper upgrade price.
Even though Steven Jobs is not at the helm of Apple due to health problems, the corporation is doing very well.
Price cutting in a depression scenario is good thinking. At $99 for an iPhone, many who were out of the loop would throw in some coins for the smart gadget.
Good for Apple and its honchos!
Does the S stand for Shit?
I don’t have an iphone, I have a ipod touch. I got it just because I was curious, even though I’m not an apple fan, but now I love it, it’s like a mini computer, I have everything I need in my hands everywhere I go
I keep waiting for more improvements, like flash, or even ms office, or something like that.
No doubts about marketing campaign in Apple home. For sure a success worldwide …
Exactly… they will get all the people who wanted an iPod or new phone, but couldn’t really afford one.
Where can I buy the 3G Iphone in Jakarta at the new reduced price?
As far as I know, the gadget is sold by cellular operators bundled with their offered services.
Thanks and regards.
You definitely won’t be able to find one cheap. Your only option would probably be to get one off of eBay.
Where can I buy the 3Gs Iphone?
As far as I know, the gadget is sold by cellular operators bundled with their offered services.
Thanks and regards.
how much will it cost for delivery if i’ll buy iphone ? im here in the philippines ….