Improvements at a glance

Visually the new iPhone 3GS is almost identical to the previous model and offers the same basic features. These include an integrated iPod, dedicated internet access, email, camera and mobile phone. To pick the difference, you have to check the back of the phone carefully – the writing is silver, not grey.

The only noticeable physical change on the front of the phone becomes apparent when you use it – fewer finger marks. You’ll still get them, but in our experience there’s less of a mess unless you’re particularly heavy-handed. The 3GS has a special oil-resistant coating (called oleophobic – literally, ‘oil fearing’) on the glass to help resist smudgy fingerprints, a welcome innovation for a touch screen phone.

Hardware enhancements

Improvements include:

• 3 megapixel camera with autofocus, tap-to-focus (for specific areas, with automatic exposure adjustment) and automatic macro (close-up) focusing and low-light mode.
• Video recording, with the ability to trim the start and finish points. Photos and video clips can be sent directly via email or posted to YouTube or MobileMe.
• Voice control for hands-free voice dialling and operation of iPod functions such as music selection.
• Digital compass (works in conjunction with GPS function to orient your maps correctly). Note that GPS turn-by-turn navigation isn’t standard but TomTom, for example, has announced this as part of an upcoming in-car navigation kit for the iPhone.

Software enhancements

The iPhone 3GS includes the recently released iPhone OS 3.0 and 3.1 software, which Apple claims has over 100 new features including:

• Spotlight search, for finding almost any information on the phone quickly.
• Cut, copy and paste of words, pictures and web content.
• Stereo bluetooth.
• Voice Memos turns the iPhone into an audio recorder for memos, meetings and so on.
• Landscape keyboard (on-screen) for easier email, web browsing and note taking.
• MMS (multimedia messaging).
• Direct downloading of music, audiobooks and optimised video content from the iTunes Store, for rental or purchase.
• Internet Tethering (connects your computer to the internet via the iPhone). Access to this feature may involve an extra charge.
• Remote phone location and wiping of data.