WWDC: Apple announces the iPhone 3Gs, now with video

One of the most highly anticipated announcements at this year’s WWDC was the iPhone. As usual, Apple has delivered and announced the iPhone 3Gs where the “s” stands for speed. This iPhone looks pretty much the same on the outside and doesn’t have a front facing camera. That said, the camera on the back has been updated to a 3MP version that has auto-focus and auto-white balance. The camera can now also take video (30 fps) as well as stills. The best part about this, though, is that the iPhone allows users to edit them from their actual iPhone. Once that is done, users can directly upload their videos to YouTube, MobileMe, and MMS.

The main improvements on this model of the iPhone are on the inside. Apple claims that everything runs faster on this version, from loading apps to browsing the web. Most apps load two to three times faster than on the iPhone 3G. Furthermore, this model also includes a built-in digital compass that can be used to find your orientation in Google Maps. Also demoed was voice control software that allows users to easily call friends or build Genius playlists, among other things. Nike+ support and hardware encryption are also built in.

As far as availability goes, the new iPhone 3GS will cost $199 for 16GB and $299 for 32GB with AT&T, and will come in black and white models as before. It will ship with iPhone OS 3.0 in about a week and a half on June 19th. The iPhone 3Gs is also being called the most green iPhone yet with arsenic-free glass, BRF-free, mercury-free LCD, and other advancements. Along with that, it features improved battery life, with up to 9 hours of internet surfing, 10 hours of video, 30 hours of audio, 12 hours of 2G talk-time, and 5 hours of 3G talk-time. The original iPhone 3G will still available at only $99, starting today.

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