iPhone 3.0 Japan

Rumors of the iPhone 3.0 are out and iPhone 3.0 parts have begun shipping to retailers. A few Chinese wholesalers who sell parts for the iPhone have reported that they have two parts (a bezel frame and an LCD screen) from the third-generation iPhone which have shipped but are not yet available for purchase yet.

It looks like the iPhone 3.0 is not going to be sporting an OLED screen after all. Tech fans rejoice! The unveiling of the iPhone 3G is one step closer!

Now that Skype is available on the iPhone, with programs like SkypeOut, we can make unlimited calls to landlines and keep our phone bills low. How awesome is that? I recently got a SkypeOut unlimited plan, (only $12.95/month), and I’m waiting for the new iPhone so I can get full use of it. You can download Skype for iPhone here.

I hope the iPhone comes out soon because I’m still using an old cell phone from 5 years ago that says Vodafone on it.

Here’s some more news about the new iPhone that I pulled from various sites on the net:

On March 17, Apple presented the blueprint for iPhone OS 3.0, the next version of the world’s most advanced mobile platform. In addition to previewing its innovative features, Apple gave members of the iPhone Developer Program immediate access to the iPhone OS 3.0 software beta and an updated Software Development Kit (SDK) with over 1,000 completely new APIs.

New iPhone Specifications - What to expect

* There are also reports of a few changes in the external look of the new iPhone. Apart from reports of the metal band around the edge of the device ‘gone missing’, the new device is believed to have a comparatively sleeker design with a rubber-tread backing.

* Moreover, the rear of the phone will also sport a glowing Apple logo.

* The new iPhone is stated to offer 32GB storage capacity.

* Although there is no confirmation yet on the price, rumors are that the 16GB and 32GB storage are priced in the USA @ $200 & $300 respectively. I’m sure the prices will be much more in Japan!

* The short battery life in the current iPhone version is believed to be one of the bigger flaws in this highly popular device. The battery life of the new iPhone is believed to be 1.5 times greater than the original Palm Pre

* Apart from doubling of the RAM to 256MB, the processor speed is also expected to be twice as fast from the current 412MHz clock speed to 600MHz. iPhone enthusiasts are hopeful about the inclusion of background processing too.

* Possible inclusion of 3.2-megapixel camera and functions like video-recording and editing (what about video chatting??)

* The new iPhone with iPhone 3.0 software update will most likely allow iPhone users send pictures and videos via MMS.

* Built-in FM transmitter is probably one of the most anticipated features to look forward in the new iPhone. Another expected feature is the OLED screen.

* Another enviable feature in the new iPhone is said to be that of a built-in compass and the GPS, camera, compass and Google map combined will functions like ‘identify photo’ and ‘inform about photo locations’.

* The new device allowing turn-by-turn directions is another feature iPhone users are looking up to.

Update?

All eyes are now set on Monday, June 8, 2009 for further details on the new iPhone when Apple Inc. Vice President Phil Schiller will give out a keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC) in San Francisco. While another theory doing the rounds related to the release of the new iPhone is in anticipation of Apple’s affinity to schedule significant releases in the magic month of July. And analysts are hopeful that a formal announcement is on the cards following the return of CEO Steve Jobs to Apple Inc.

Industry analysts are optimistic that release of the new iPhone would drive demand as it has on other release of the earlier versions. Although, iPhone sales represent about 11% of Apple’s last quarterly revenue, and the Q1 report for the current shows a 123% rise in sales, the new iPhone is expected to steer the smartphone giant clear out of recession blues. And the results are already showing on the Apple Inc. shares, which have risen 43% until now this year, somewhat in anticipation of Apple releasing a new iPhone sometime this year.