iPhone 3G and firmware 2.0: the day after

So many of you are probably still in your jammies, reveling in the afterglow of yesterday's purchase, repeatedly opening Maps on your glossy new iPhone 3G and watching in exaggerated wonderment as your location is determined with frightening speed and accuracy. Others might be standing in a line snaking hundreds of bodies long into your friendly local Apple Store, reading this post from the comfort of your Motorola RAZR V3 and realizing that these are some of the last moments you'll be using a physical keypad. Still others are bemused by the fuss -- but whatever your stance on the phone, it's pretty hard to ignore the buzz that's floating around in the aftermath of day zero. Here are some of the goings-on we're tracking:

• The masses of humanity continue to collect. Massive stock shortages don't seem to be an issue (yet), but patience is not a virtue we hold dear to our hearts, so we really can't blame these people.
• Some buyers are reporting a yellow tint to their screens -- probably not enough to notice without another unit side-by-side for comparison, but real nonetheless. Of course, the first iPhone suffered from the occasional crappy backlight, bum touchscreen, or negative black, so we wouldn't be surprised if a few lame displays made it out of the factory floor for this model as well; we're following up with Apple on this and we should have more for you later today.
• We took the iPhone 3G on a decent drive around New York, and found its tracking to be impeccable. In a situation where we might have veered off the path following Google Maps directions, the blue blip kept us right on track. Despite what you've read (we're looking at you, Mr. Pogue), we see no technical reason that the aGPS can't provide turn-by-turn directions, provided there's software to take advantage of it.
• There are some complaints floating around about 3G reception, but it's been just fine on our review units around the world so far. How's it treating you out in [your location here]?
• iphone-dev has a video up of BootNeuter going about its business on a first-gen iPhone that's been upgraded to firmware 2.0, and the process is looking as slick and painless as ever. Unlockers who haven't shelled out for the 3G, commence your salivating.
• MobileMe seems like it's up for the moment, but don't breathe too hard lest you bring the whole thing down again.

Update: We just spoke with Bob Borchers, senior director of product marketing for the iPhone, and he had some very interesting info regarding the "yellow screen" phenomenon we've been hearing about. According to Bob (and Apple), the screen's color temperature has been purposely altered on the new iPhone to produce warmer, more natural tones, sharper images, and deeper blacks. The company says that 1st gen iPhone screens appeared colder and less defined, and they made some adjustments for the new models. In our opinion, what he says is right on -- the screens do look better on the iPhone 3G versus the older variety. What do you guys think?

[steve blumberg @ Jul 12th 2008 3:55PM]

mmmmm its niiiiice

[David @ Jul 12th 2008 4:18PM]

Has anyone else noticed that the games from the app store eat your batteries like ice cream?

Cro mag rally takes me down quick..

david

[GatgetMan @ Jul 12th 2008 4:22PM]

I've never had any problems with the apps eating my ice cream...

[CraigJ @ Jul 12th 2008 5:08PM]

If you are on the v1 iPhone with the wrong firmware 1,2_2.0 instead of 1,1_2.0 you will have battery issues...

I played monkey ball for a while this morning and my battery still indicates full.

[Shiva N Singh @ Jul 13th 2008 2:34AM]

that's what she said

[Ben @ Jul 12th 2008 3:57PM]

Does anyone have the link for the iPhone-less version of engadget?

[El Taco @ Jul 12th 2008 5:08PM]

no but I have the link for a website that has less apple news than engadget:

http://www.tuaw.com

[Ben @ Jul 12th 2008 9:30PM]

I see what you did there...


It still bothers me that Weblogs, Inc. killed BBHub but lets TUAW live on even despite the fact that Engadget usually has Apple news hours or even DAYS before TUAW.

Engadget has no issue sending people to Mobile for cellphone and handheld news, HD for coverage of all things high-definition, or sister blogs for relevant and more in-depth news (Autoblog, Luxist), so why the exception for Apple and TUAW? In-fact, TUAW does the OPPOSITE, sending people BACK to Engadget for up-to-the-minute Apple coverage.

Either Engadget is WAY to into Apple, or TUAW seriously needs to step it up. My guess is both.

[Lance @ Jul 12th 2008 9:55PM]

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/30/iphone-news-making-you-queasy/

[Ben @ Jul 12th 2008 9:59PM]

Thanks!

Also: Engadget! Put this link on your front page. I am sure I am not the only one just a teeny bit over the iPhone.

[GatgetMan @ Jul 12th 2008 4:00PM]

Welcome to iNgadget...

[JAmerican @ Jul 12th 2008 5:08PM]

More like iNwidget.

[Fernando @ Jul 12th 2008 6:25PM]

Don't hate the Apple just embrace it because it's coming for you too!

[totoro @ Jul 12th 2008 4:02PM]

The GPS is pretty amazing-Pogue's negative review of it made me worried, but it tracked our drive home pretty accurately, and kept up with my crappy driving skills.

[idude @ Jul 12th 2008 8:08PM]

You dont need turn by turn... that little blue dot is amazing! follow the dot..... you dont need to pay extra money for a woman to tell you to turn here!!.....lol

[p3t3b2 @ Jul 12th 2008 8:16PM]

Who pays extra for voice turn by turn? I know with Sprint FULL GPS is included with DATA, yes... You get the womans voice with turn by turn.

[mike @ Jul 13th 2008 2:23AM]

the last thing i want is another women telling me what they think i should do...

i have a sense of direction and it works just fine... if i need help, a silent blue dot is perfect.

[Mark Anderson @ Jul 13th 2008 2:26PM]

Except when driving.

[Jake Pollack @ Jul 12th 2008 4:03PM]

It'll fade eventually. It's the day after a big launch. Give it some time.

[Jason @ Jul 12th 2008 5:29PM]

Not soon enough...... Not soon enough.

[Steffen Jobbs @ Jul 13th 2008 1:25AM]

By the time the excitement dies down for iPhone 3G, be ready for the iPhone 4G hype. I'm glad you're enjoying all the excitement. But if you aren't, so what. Nobody cares. Too caught up in the spur of the moment.

[rtdunham @ Jul 13th 2008 10:22AM]

good point, steffen. what WILL the next-gen iPhone be like?

o better camera.
o truly replaceable battery.
o audio/video iChat: not turning this phone into the telecommunicator it can be is like having Olympic-level athletic abilities and settling for playing video games.
o and at least one model with a physical keypad.

what else?

[Rick @ Jul 13th 2008 11:25AM]

I've got the phone but now what?? Am I still cool?? (baahhhh) Is there something new from Apple? (baaahhh bahhh) ZOMG I'm so iPwned!!!! Where did the rest of the herd go!?! (BBAAHHH!!!!!!)

[Ethan @ Jul 13th 2008 12:09PM]

Ben, nobody is holding a gun to your head and forcing you to read the stories. Please stop whining and simply skip them, it solves the whole thing.

[Mike @ Jul 12th 2008 4:09PM]

LOL keep up the good work updating my favorite gadget of all time!

[Hmm @ Jul 12th 2008 4:06PM]

Dear god...

Get the HELL over there being iPhone posts! are you really that lazy where you can't just SCROLL? I can guarantee you right now engadget is getting tons of traffic because it is keeping everybody updated, more so than other tech sites. Are you going to complain about that? Stop complaining over great service and timely writers!

It's not a big deal. I applaud all of the staff of engadget for working hard and updating posts. It really helps!

[JKT @ Jul 13th 2008 12:47AM]

SO agreed. Me, I love the iPhone posts. I cannot, on the other hand, figure out why some days every other post is about ASUS. I do not even understand the concept of a microportable. I tried to play with one the other day and could not get it to do anything. Why do people want those things--they are clunky, unusable, and basically do not solve any problem. The iPhone does more, costs less, and is WAY the hell cooler. And yet some of you want less iPhone coverage when it's the very epitome of what Engadget exists to cover?!? Go get your heads examined.

[Decoy @ Jul 13th 2008 11:09PM]

I guess its because for Asus one post = one product. For Apple one product = three weeks of posts.

[Matt @ Jul 12th 2008 4:07PM]

The reception in my apartment fluctuates between 1 and 4 bars, but so far I haven't had any dropped calls, regardless. The one thing I AM having trouble with is finding a decent case. The Belkin Flip Folio seems like what I'm looking for, but apparently it's not shipping yet.

[phil @ Jul 12th 2008 4:13PM]

Don't get one.

[Mike @ Jul 12th 2008 5:34PM]

I just ordered this one from marware
http://www.marware.com/PRODUCTS/iPhone-3g-cases/Phone-3G-C-E-O-Flip-Vue

[dagamer34 @ Jul 12th 2008 8:17PM]

If you can, I'd wait a few weeks for case manufacturers to refine their product. Only quickly produced cases were made for launch since anyone looking for an iPhone 3G would immediately try to grab one. Nice way to play into the hysteria.

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jul 13th 2008 12:09AM]

I had typed up a cool post about my experiences with iPhone reception, but looks like it didn't go through. -_-

I work as a civilian on a military post and this is where I need internet browsing and game playing the most. The reception there is pretty degraded (1 to 2 or 2 to 3 bars at the most), but I'm still able to do what I need to do, so I'm impressed with that.

[h075h17 @ Jul 13th 2008 12:42PM]

I'll have full bars, but my phone will drop calls like a used whore any time i'm on 3G. But if i turn off 3G and just use EDGE, my calls are just fine.

Also, anyone notice how slow txting is now? Its takin forever to pull up my contact list, and then to select someone. And now the add button disappears everytime you add a name, so you have to re-open the To: field to get the button back so that you can add another person. VERY huge drag when you're trying to send a mass txt

[GatgetMan @ Jul 12th 2008 4:07PM]

I'm confused, what are you complaining about...

Are you upset because "Oh no! More iPhones!" thus gone form the post,

Or are you upset because "Oh! No more iPhones!" thus gone from waiting in line...

[Shawn @ Jul 12th 2008 4:08PM]

sigh. Enough with this iPhone @!#$ already... please

[GatgetMan @ Jul 12th 2008 4:17PM]

Isnt't that what you said when reading Playboy?

Enough of these B**bs already, where's the M@n Meat !?

[James @ Jul 12th 2008 4:59PM]

It's like you going over to cnn.com and complaining about the extended coverage of the Presidential election.

[Fernando @ Jul 12th 2008 6:26PM]

Don't hate the Apple just embrace it because it's coming for you too!

[Bob Sintas @ Jul 13th 2008 12:01AM]

Whatcu gonna do... Whatcu gonna do when it comes for you... iPhone iPhone..

[A.Jeffery @ Jul 12th 2008 4:10PM]

"Massive stock shortages don't seem to be an issue (yet)"

Say that to us UK readers ¬__________¬

Can't get one anywhere =(

[Hexxeh @ Jul 12th 2008 4:46PM]

Try an Apple store. I know for a fact that the Manchester store has plenty, and a queue of about 15 as of lunchtime today. It'll probably be the same or less tomorrow.

[Septimus @ Jul 13th 2008 11:19AM]

Doesn't help if you want to upgrade. Apple fucked their customers over who bought the original and wanted to upgrade. Loads in Apple where you can't upgrade and only 8GB's for original iPhone owners.

Fuck you Apple... fuck you.

[Tinu @ Jul 12th 2008 4:10PM]

Are we going to have an article about "First impression about the phone after the first day?" =). We would like to know how the phone feels on the second day....hehe.

[CTU_Bauer @ Jul 12th 2008 4:13PM]

MOAR MOAR MOAR! We need to know MOAR about the iPhone.

I deleted my CNET feed yesterday because of this, it looks like I'll be deleting my Engadget feed soon, too.

[CharlieX @ Jul 12th 2008 4:21PM]

aren't those the words to that Britney Spears song?

[Judd @ Jul 12th 2008 4:34PM]

All you people care about is MOAR MOAR MOAR MOAR MOAR!!! LEAVE THE iPHONE ALONE! I MEAN IT!

[nerdtalker @ Jul 12th 2008 5:25PM]

NEED MO@R iPHONE NEWS

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!!!

[GatgetMan @ Jul 12th 2008 4:13PM]

Yet you were the first one to visit and post?

I'll bet you were so disappointed that after waiting a week in line at the Apple Store, you got in first, looked around and... "OH NO, MORE IPHONES"

[Danny Smallman @ Jul 12th 2008 4:16PM]

my 3G reception is pretty poor, if i get it im on 1 bar, even though the o2 site says im covered. Located in barnsley, United Kingdom