The iPhone 3G S comes with several new features.
- Faster and more responsive (twice as quick)
- Video - VGA in either Landscape or Portrait
- 3-megapixel camera with autofocus
- Voice Control
- Compass
- Internet Tethering
- Voice Memos
- Nike + iPod
Other new features are available to all iPhone users via the new 3.0 software update including cut and paste, forward contacts, forward sms messages and MMS (sending multi media messages). Most of these features where long overdue and are not revolutionary.
Faster and more responsive (twice as quick)
So far the iPhone 3G S has not let me down, I still get the occasional non response to the touch screen but less than before and it has not been a big issue. Most applications load in acceptable times and yes quicker than a 3G. I never found speed a problem but responsiveness was sometimes so it is nice that Apple have addresses this.
Video - VGA in either Landscape or Portrait
Video from on your mobile is useful for those times when you forget your video camera and want to capture sports day etc... It's not really a video camera replacement but it is a useful addition above a 3G
3-megapixel camera with autofocus
3-megapixel is disappointing from Apple when most of the completion is moving to 5-Megapixel and above. The camera is also lacking a flash and therefore results in poor light conditions are disappointing. The camera upgrade falls short of where it should have been and it remains a emergency back-up rather than a serious "snaps" taker.
Voice Control
The voice control works but not all the time, therefore if you want to call up David Bowie on your iPod and you end up phoning your mate John Smith it could get embarrassing. This kind of thing does happen and thus voice control is still not where it should be.
Compass
The compass is a useful addition to the iPhone's sensors and is best when linked to Google Maps so it knows which way you are walking and can therefore direct you correctly especially when walking in cities.
Internet Tethering
A useful add-on for road warriors but be careful of how much this is costing, you need to contact your retailer or account manager to check before you start to rack up some fairly hefty bills.
Voice Memos
New for the 3G S but 3G users can download one of the 50,000 + apps that does the same thing, so nothing to shout about.
Nike + iPod
I do not have Nike+ enabled trainers but I suspect that the iPhone will be a little bulky for a serious runner and that less serious runners will not bother. Other apps like Trail-Guru will do a similar job for free.
So all in all it's not a fantastic revolution but yes there are some really useful updates here. Are they worth it to you? Well it will depend on how you use your iPhone and how much a new one will cost you on your tariff and how much you want the latest thing.
For people that use the features that have been upgraded it is more compelling, for people that want a phone with an iPod then the 3G will do just fine and you should be able to get one at a bargain price and more and more users upgrade.