What about the new iPhone 3G S release, though? Did it measure up?



While at first glance, the new features don't have the “wow” factor that some of the previous Apple releases have had, further examination of the new features will lead an iPhone app developer to the conclusion that Apple has jumped back out into the forefront of mobile computing.

The upgrade to the iTunes interface seems routine, but will be fundamentally a deal changers for iPhone game developers and app delvelopers. Now the iPhone can purchase or rent movies, purchase TV shows, music videos and electronic books. Users can also access iTunes U, classes and lectures from all around the world.

IPhone application developers will be able to use this feature and synch material from a user's iTues library for any application. They'll be able to offer real time upgrades and purchases to enhance a game or application experience.

Enhanced parental controls are a big step ahead from Apple. IPhone developers need to watch this development, since it means that they will need to submit age ratings for their games and applications.

With the enhanced parental controls, parents take more of the responsibility for prohibiting certain applications, and Apple takes less responsibility for screening applications.

Another feature that's migrating from desktop to mobile is the autofill feature on Safari. It will remember names and passwords, and populate contact fields based on the personal information you've entered as the iPod user.

If you subscribe to MobileMe, you will love the new “find” feature for the iPhone. If you tend to misplace your phone, this app is for you. One your computer, you can find the location of the phone, send a message to the phone and start an alert sound that works even if the ringer is off. So if you've misplace the phone in the house, this could be a lifesaver.

The last feature is great if you've really irretrievably lost the phone. You can remotely wipe all date – the music, the contacts, the mail, etc – from the phone, remotely from your computer.

Exclusive to the new iPhone 3G S is the upgraded camera features, always a point of contention for iPhone users. The camera is upgraded, with auto focus, auto balance, and auto exposure. Still, you wont' find a zoon, however.

Also, iPhone users have been waiting for the new video feature, included with the iPhone 3G S. You can shoot video, edit it quickly with a view that looks much like iMovie, and share it via You Tube or MobileMe with a single touch.

Voice control is a feature that iPhone game developers will love. You can tell the phone to call a contact or play a song, and with good accuracy.

The real fun with these and many more new features on the Apple iPhone 3G S will come when Apple will find iPhone developers that will take these great features and integrate them into new applications.