If You Can’t Get A New iPhone 3GS

by John R. SedivycloseAuthor: John R. Sedivy Name: John R. Sedivy
Email: john@capecodbranding.com
Site: http://www.capecodbranding.com
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…then check out the new features of the existing iPhone 3.0 OS update. The great thing that I have found about Apple is that when they update their existing products new capability is often added – free of charge. I will provide an overview of my favorite three new features that came with the new operating system update, although there are many others. For a complete list of 3.0 updates, check out the “iPhone 3.0 Software Update” page.

Voice Memos
This is the equivalent of having a voice recorder in your pocket, without the need for yet another device. The feature allows you to record voice memos for later retrieval similar to a voice mail format. Simply awesome.

Spotlight Search
Search capability is included with this new release. The search feature allows you to type a search term or phrase and basically retrieves all instances of the requested search from the phone. It even places the results in nice categories such as notes, e-mail, contact, etc. If you have music in your iPod it even searches that!

Sync Notes
The ability to sync notes was not available on previous releases but is thankfully available with this new release. In the past if I would type a note on my computer in MacMail and then try to retrieve it on my phone when away from my computer it would not be there, and vice versa. This new update fixes this basic, yet convenient capability!

Disappointments
The new updates were not without disappointments – there were two worth noting. The first is the absence of the “Internet Tethering” feature. Tethering is basically the ability to have your computer use your phone as a wireless Internet connection. I currently have a wireless card for my Mac for use on travel, however the tethering capability would eliminate my need for that device. Concerning the availability of tethering Apple has the following note, which leads me to believe it is an at&t issue:

“Tethering is not currently offered in the U.S. and some other countries. See your carrier for availability.”

But why list this as a feature if not available at time of the new OS launch? My guess is that they are using it as leverage against at&t – such as we are ready on our end, now update your network! This may or may not be true – however it seems plausible given much of what I have seen in business, and life in general is based upon leverage. Besides, Apple was the first cell phone manufacturer to dictate conditions to a cell phone carrier, which at the time of the iPhone release was unheard of.

The second disappointment is the missing “MMS” feature for texting audio, video, pictures, contacts, and other information. This feature is currently being advertised by Apple, however it is not supported by at&t, which essentially means that it is not available in the U.S. as with the Internet Tethering feature. However there is no doubt as to where the limitation lies here based on the message on the Apple OS 3.0 page:

“MMS support from AT&T coming in late summer.”

But why advertise it if not available? Again, my guess is leverage.

Despite the two limitations I am very happy with the new OS update as it adds much more capability to the existing iPhone at no cost to the consumer. This is the next best thing to buying a new iPhone! For another take on the iPhone software update check out this article in Wired – “First Look: Apple Stays Ahead Of The Curve With iPhone 3.0 OS.”

-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding

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