MONEY SPECIALIST

Apple finally unveiled the new iPhone 3G S to the world yesterday. After weeks of speculation, the introduction of the new iPhone did not have the wow factor as most of new functions have been discussed about on the net. Besides, it is more of an evolution change as opposed to something more revolutionary.

iPhone 3G S worldwide release

Due to be released on 19 June, the iPhone 3G S seems like a full-featured smartphone. But I don’t think the incremental changes in hardware would be enough to entice current iPhone owners to upgrade. Since software updates are part of the iPhone 3.0 software and will also be available to current iPhone 3G customers, these are definitely not reasons to upgrade. The good news is that Maxis might be bringing in the new model to Malaysia in July. So keep your fingers cross!

The reasonably fast processing of the previous model is now apparently three times faster, thanks to new 600Mhz processor with 256MB RAM on board. This speed bump covers processing and execution of applications, and also performance of the built-in Safari web browser too. Apple also claims that the 3G S features improved graphics performance. So we should expect to see better performing games, as well as games of increased visual complexity.

The real winner in this upgrade appears to be increased storage. Last year’s 8 and 16GB models are now 16GB ($199) and 32GB ($299) models, with the 8GB model ($99) remaining as the “budget” version, though it won’t carry the “S” in its title. The new “S” models will also feature a 3-megapixel camera with auto-focus, a built-in digital compass and longer battery life.

It also supports faster 3.5G connection, up to 7.2mbps HSDPA thanks to improved internal components. Video recording is available at 30fps VGA, as well as auto white balance, auto exposure and auto focus too. Automatic is the name of the game here, with video editing (ie trimming video with your finger also an option).

iPhone 3G S

The main downside for the iPhone 3G S is its similarity to the iPhone 3G. The iPhone 3G S will look exactly the same as the former, with the same glossy, black plastic finish and the same on-screen interface.

The iPhone 3G S is capable of tasks the iPhone 3G wasn’t at launch, but most of these upgraded features are software based, meaning they will be made available on the older model too. There’s a landscape keyboard now in all apps that require one; there’s voice commands for dialing and iPod control; and Universal search for quick access to contacts, media and the web.

There are a few different ways to interpret this revision. By its own merits the iPhone 3G S looks to be a full-featured handset with most of the features we expect in a smartphone with a view to business application. The upgraded camera and digital compass will strike a chord with some, but the landscape keyboard, voice dialing, MMS, cut & paste functions, and increased capacity will keep a lot of people happy.

Compared to other smartphones in the market, and importantly to the iPhone 3G, the 3G S is an uninspired upgrade on paper. Apple has reportedly sold over 20 million iPhone 3Gs and it’s hard to image a significant portion of these users bothering to break their contracts to upgrade. In the meantime, the competition closes in. Apple refers to its position as “light years ahead”, but a year without an exciting iPhone announcement is just what companies designing phones with Nokia’s Symbian and Google’s Android platforms have been waiting for.

After much buzz over leaked images of new PSP handheld gaming console, Sony PSP Go was officially unveiled at the E3 gaming conference earlier this week. The unit (PSP-N1000) has been redesigned to be a slider-based system.

Sony PSP Go

It is 43 percent lighter at 158g (including battery) compared to its counterpart, the PSP-3000. In essence, the Sony PSP Go is a Mylo with the keyboard ripped out and replaced by game controls. However, PSP Go is not slated to replace the PSP-3000, as both of them will attempt to live on store shelves side by side.

There are many upgrades on the PSP Go. Firstly, UMD drive has been ditched and replaced by internal 16GB of flash storage. This is definitely a welcome move since the UMD drive puts extra strain on the battery, especially when viewing movies or dealing with data that’s continuously streamed from the disc. The battery life would be about five to six hours, on par with the 3000 model.

UMD-less new games like Gran Turismo, Little Big Planet and Metal Gear Solid could easily be purchased and downloaded straight into the internal storage through PlayStation Network. Beside games, you could store a variety of digital entertainment content like songs and videos form the PlayStation Network.

Sony gave the PSP Go a smaller display of 3.8-inch TFT widescreen (4.3-inch on previous models), with 480 x 272 pixel resolution. Along with this new screen, Sony added bluetooth to the PSP Go, which supports handset tethering and BT headsets.

Built-in microphone is retained, which will allow many people who have access to WiFi hotspots peppered through-out a large city to utilize the PSP as a phone-like device with the Skype software.

Along with these hardware improvements, the PSP Go also features minor cosmetic improvements as well. The Sony PSP Go has only one analogue nub, and it is a little more recessed to prevent accidentally knocking against it during mid-game. Even though the PSP Go has got a 16GB storage, it didn’t feel like too meaty in the hand. The sliding mechanism felt firm. When shut, it’ll obviously make for a better video-viewer on your next flight.

Sony PSP Go will be available on 2nd October, featuring the colours Piano Black and Pearl White. Kaz Hirai’s PSP Go announcement clearly stated that the new console would retail for the same price as the original PSP-1000 did back when it first hit the shelves in 2005. So keep your fingers crossed for something nearer that original £179 mark when it is launched this Fall.

All in all, being smaller and lighter than ever with a sophisticated design featuring an easy sliding display panel, PSP Go is truly pocket-sized and handy for road-warriors. Either you’re looking to purchase your first PSP or replacing old one, PSP Go is the way to go!

Check out the hands on video of a white PSP Go from Youtube below: