Rumorama: 3G iPhone Coming in June, with GPS!
There's been a multitude of rumours this week surrounding the launch of the new 3G iPhone this year from a few sources, with an analyst at Gartner media confirming that the new 3G iPhone is coming in June:
Apple may have ordered a second round of 10 million iPhones based on the 3G network, according to Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney. Mr. Dulaney, who follows the iPhone for the research firm, based that on rumors he's become aware of in Asia.In a phone interview, Mr. Dulaney told the iPod Observer that he believes Apple has ordered a second round, amounting to 10 million more units, based on what he's heard in Asian circles. This is in addition to the ten million first generation iPhones that Apple has said it will sell by the end of 2008.
That's a lot of iPhones.
Gartner also adds that Apple might be using an OLED screen for the 3G iPhone, which I seriously doubt. While an OLED screen would save power, the technology hasn't advanced enough (especially with longevity issues) for Apple to implement it on the iPhone.
Keep in mind a June release would also put the 3G iPhone's release at the same time as the iPhone SDK, though, and I'm willing to bet some money on this, I don't think they'll be released on the same day.
My prediction is that the iPhone SDK will be released at the World Wide Developers Conference Keynote (June 9-13), and if the 3G iPhone shows up in June, it'll be on the last Tuesday in June (June 24), so the announcements don't steal thunder from each other. This would also place the 3G iPhone release nearer to the one year anniversary of the original iPhone's release (June 29, 2007.)
Kevin Rose, founder of Digg, has also chimed in with some of his own confirmation of the rumours on his Twitter feed:
another person confirming iphone rumors w/me (high lvl VP at a big company that works w/Apple) - "it will ship in June w/3G and GPS"
GPS is almost a shoo-in for the 3G iPhone.
Kevin Rose also added some rather incredulous claims on his Diggnation video podcast, claiming that an "iPhone Pro" would be released, including a camera in the back like the iPhone now, and a camera in the front facing the user for video conferencing.
I'm going to put my foot down and call BS on this one. Video conferencing would simply be too battery draining - I would suspect even on a full charge you wouldn't get more than an hour before the phone died. That's not something Steve Jobs would like.
Hit the jump for the clip of Kevin making the video conferencing claim.
Den Den Boy
Posted to Hot Stuff, In Your Pocket on 26 March 2008
· Comments (2)
Other stuff like this: 3G, Apple, GPS, iPhone, Kevin Rose, rumor, rumour
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I don't get why the Americans think that video calls are new technology or battery draining, we've had them here in the UK for about 8 years at least (our first 3G network - called 3 - was setup in 2000). Mind you we've had 3G for at least 8 years and are now on HSPA (HDSPA & HUSPA) of between 2.5Mb - 7.2Mb.
Video calls never took off here although most phones have both front and back cameras and the ability to do it, I think it comes on Sony E's as standard since about 6 years ago.
3G would almost be enough to make me switch carriers and get an iPhone. I just wish it wasn't locked to AT&T. Especially since I'm on the other GSM network here in the US.
I won't switch carriers just for a phone. Not since T-Mobile kicks AT&T's ass when it comes to international roaming. I sometimes have weird travel plans, and I've had to catch last minute connecting flights home through Canada and Mexico. I refuse to pay AT&T a monthly fee for roaming when T-Mobile gives it to me free. I just pay the usual per minute international roaming fee (which is a killer all by itself).
I'll just keep telling myself given enough time T-Mobile will finally upgrade their network to 3G, and Apple will sell an unlocked iPhone. Hopefully once their exclusive contract with AT&T expires they'll realize that selling it unlocked will be better for them.