Some might argue it's the most subtle update in the iPhone family thus far, but Apple's
iPhone 3GS still seems to be moving the sales meter, regardless. The latest and greatest iPhone officially hit the market a few weeks back, and even though Apple claims that demand is still
far outpacing supply, we're of the belief that most everyone who wanted one has managed to snag one by now. During
our time with the unit, we definitely didn't find too many reasons to upgrade from the already solid iPhone 3G, but given that you probably did anyway, we're eager to hear how things have turned out. Did you upgrade from a prior iPhone to this? Are you joining the iPhone family for the first time? What gripes have you found impossible to ignore? Are you still up in arms about AT&T's inability to provide MMS / tethering service? Are you,
like us, completely roiled by the unit's lack of multitasking abilities? Go ahead and let it rip in comments below -- we're guessing Apple has about 11 months or so to take your opinions to heart.
posted August 1st 2009 12:31AM
Multi-tasking, better notification system, and better battery life are the three things I really want. Considering how much I use my phone those three things alone would give me a much better experience with my iPhone by tenfold.
I would like more power all around. Seems greedy, I know, but there are several basic things the 3Gs doesn't do that my Tmobile Dash did 4 years ago and it drives me crazy (I'll ignore for now the million things it does better than the Dash). Just go ahead and make the phone a little bigger so you can put the hardware in there the device really requires. More memory and a real CPU. More storage. A much bigger battery. Then you can stick the basics in there like multitasking and and file management. Then kick the wall down from around the garden and just let it grow wild! I hate iTunes. I hate AT&T. And I'm starting to hate Apple rather a lot. They remind me of what used to suck most about Microsoft back when Microsoft mattered.
But for all my bitching, I can't take a crap without my iPhone now let alone leave the house, so I'm screwed either way. Apple is my dealer and I'm his crack whore. Of course I hate him.
I would make it a Blackberry.
Get the default toolchain cross platform, or open up other natively supported development options like Java. Lack of developer support for Windows users is a big negative for me.
That and the exclusivity of the App Store are the 2 things that definitely need to change.
put a physical qwerty keyboard and im game
I'd just like to see better pricing from this and all other smartphones. It seems like they all have inflated price tags and they get away with it because everyone else who makes the things marks them way up too. I'm all for companies making profit, but I suspect they'd probably be better off if they came down in price so more people could buy.
Add support for 802.1x PEAP MS-CHAPV2. Our corporation, 40,000 associates, refuses to use it since it's currently not secure "enough". :\
As a first time iPhone owner (longtime Blackberry owner)... here are my biggest gripes:
1) No ability to delete, move, manage e-mails when there is no data service. For those of us that get many e-mails per day and only have subway time to manage these e-mails on the device, this is a massive letdown. It would be nice if they got rid of all of the error messages that it cannot connect to the server as well... I know there is no service, I know it isn't going to send, dont bother me with an extra notification
2) No Exchange synchronizable tasks / notes... what are you thinking Apple?
3) No ringing profiles. I like to have a specific vibrate / ring / quite profile set (like the Bberry) without having to constantly change through the settings applet. Annoying
4) No e-mail filtering, Out-of-Office support, other advanced messaging features.
5) Anyone read the wired article? How about you fix the "encryption" algorithm to not be such a joke Apple?
6) Every other day or so, when selecting songs rapidly (next arrow), the device will stop pushing out any music. It shows that it is playing and I can stop / control / etc the music control functions, but cannot hear anything.
7) Small gripe... it would be nice to be able to set a custom background. I know I can jailbreak the unit but I don't want to do that.
As these are all software issues, I'm shocked that they haven't addressed these issues already. I cannot be the only Blackberry user / iPhone tester that has the gripes can I? Someone from Apple really needs to get a Blackberry and a Blackberry Enterprise Server, work with them for a couple of weeks and then integrate the great things about the Blackberry into the iPhone so real business users can actually use the device.
Give it a better carrier - preferably Sprint.
1) option for a physical keyboard (even if it's just a case that makes it into a portfoio style clamshell, and the keyboard is in the case lid -- but, preferably, something like the look and keyboard layout of the HTC Touch Pro2)
2) docking connector supports display port out, USB host, and maybe USB OTG, for keyboards, displays, external storage, etc.
3) microSDHC card slot (even if it's not allowed to store apps and music/vids)
4) "Terminal" type app, for using/accessing the command line
5) open app eco system (ability to install apps not in the itunes music store)
6) bigger screen (at least 4.1" 800x480)
7) more/all bluetooth profiles
8) no requirement for carrier lock-in (subsidies if you do go to a carrier, but available without that)
9) support for Euro/Asian/AT&T _and_ T-Mobile-USA 3G all in one device
10) USB tethering, BT DUN tethering, BT PAN tethering, and Wifi tethering ... all available with or without the carrier's consent (at least on the non-carrier branded version)
Oh, and, redfly support.
A cdma flavor of this phone would be nice and the ability to multitask would be great!. This phone is already light years ahead of anything out other than the pre and even that's made in the iphone mold...
ummm... maybe not have it be so "revolutionary" that it cooks itself so that its color changes and it requires a cool-down period? i don't know, just saying...
It is so sad such a nice phone is running on America's worst network. Call it what it is folks Fan boy or not..AT&T is terrible and far behind the competition in terms of network call quality and features. Iphone can't do MMS? Are you kidding me that technology has been around for over 7 years now and you still can't do that on the iphone? Hell I still am running an 6 year old Nextel phone ( i930) that does MMS. I would buy the iphone if it where running on a more reliable and solid network like Sprint's or Verizon. Also people get over the camera feature...its a cell phone not a digital camera. If you want great photos take them with a quality stand alone digital camera. Even if the phone had a 6 megapixel with auto focus and crappy led flash...you are still stuck with a bad camera sensor, lack of a true focal lens, ISO settings, and most importantly lack of a shutter. In other words cell phone cameras will always suck.
A cdma flavor of this phone would be nice and the ability to multitask would be great!. This phone is already light years ahead of anything out other than the pre and even that's made in the iphone mold...
As the GSM version is being used both by AT&T and the rest of the 80+ countries where it's sold wouldn't you agree that it's better to ask the other USA service providers to change to a standardized network ? Once the bigger part of the world uses LTE it's going to be easier, but why should Apple cater only to the specific carriers who refuses to follow world standards ?
From a buisiness perspective it's bigger profit to just produce one version of the specific whope which can then be sold all around the globe. I can understand the difference when it comes to China, but they have both a "quite" large population and other regulations which is in the way.
do anyone of you really think apple hasn't thought of this stuff yet? as a profit maximizing firm their #1 obligation is to their shareholders who demand the most milking of this cash cow for as long as they can. that calls for a strategy of incremental updates and teases to keep you people begging for more and dropping your cash year after year.
while the technology is there for the device you all want today it will not be made by apple or any other company who's priority is not necessarily advancement of technology but making a profit.
Better battery life, multitasking/background apps...hard to have both I know, especially if they need network access.
The iPhone 3GS was my first iPhone. I had a chance to spend about 3 days with it before I exchanged it for a HTC Dream. I found the unit to be too big for me (I have Asian hands). When in portrait mode, my thumbs have difficult time reaching for the key in the middle area. It felt uncomfortable to hold over all for me.
Software-wise, it would have been nice if it had a customizable locked screen where I can make it show upcoming events and meeting or even weather. The notification system is also quite intrusive in my opinion. The Google product integration left much to be desired.
There are things that I like about iPhone though. It has nice and vibrant screen. The sound quality is very good, and well thought-out music player integration. It has a solid desktop application as an interface.
If iPhone and HTC Magic have a baby together, I would really like that haha.
@ Matt
Sprint better than anybody... Are you serious? I'd rather have a paper cup with a string on it than the "No Network"
Multitasking is the biggest improvement that could be made in my POV. I love my 3G S. As far being with AT&T...I have no complaints service wise. I never have any issues. I also have great 3G and I do not live in a major metropolitan area. Maybe a bit costly but overall I enjoy my experience with AT&T. Even customer service has been good to me. So I think it just depends on the area you are in as to the kind of service experience you may experience. It may be good for one provider in your area but bad for another and vice versa in another area. Anyway, multitasking, better camera (front facing for video calls would rock). It wouldn't be a bad idea to be able to use it on other networks if people want though.
Pandora. I would add native, backgrounding Pandora.
... also native google voice. ATT needs apple more then apple needs att. If I were apple i'd just generally start randomly saying "So I was talking to verizon yesterday ...oh sorry" And then demand ridiculous things for the iphone users. but mostly Pandora.
noo!
Slacker is soo much better!!
they won't limit you to 40hours per month!
allow flash webpages, be able to choose our own songs for ringtones (without having to use itunes to do so) and change text tones, wifi file transfer or even bluetooth, better support of file types (both sound and picture), multi task........ Need I go on?
I've had my heart set on an iPhone after the 3G but decided to wait for the next gen since I was so close to the expected June release of the 3GS. I'll be rather biased because I've upgraded from an 8 GB first gen iPod Touch and a shitty Verizon flip phone from '05.
I'd say the phone has been totally fine for me in every way. My gripes are all with Apple rather than with the phone itself. The app rejection madness is definitely a slap in the face for all developers and is sure to dishearten any prospective developers. This really doesn't create an appealing atmosphere for me as an end user, knowing that I'm buying from a company that doesn't respect developers for their phone the way the should. Also, Apple's crazy inquisition is keeping high quality, useful apps from my phone. So far they haven't pulled or rejected an app that I needed. But I've been lucky, if I were a GV subscriber I would have been utterly boned.
My one other dissatisfaction sort of amuses me anyways. It always tickles me how apple can get me so excited for a new camera that is nearly less than standard at this point. MMS, video recording, Tethering, voice control, copy/paste... I sometimes wonder whether Apple didn't originally create the 3GS and strip all of it's most basic features and gradually put them back on to keep sales high while they were working on the good stuff. Maybe the 3GS was such a small update because Apple needed more time to work on something truly ground breaking. I certainly hope it's the tablet rather than the phone, otherwise I'm going to be seriously considering paying extra before my 2 years are up!
Above anything else I would like to see the cell phone radio section redesigned/reworked to give decent reception. I know there are many who claim no reception problems but there are also many of us who have had simply awful RF experiences with all three models of the iPhone in side-by-side comparisons of other brands. The iPhone is a great device but can suck as a cell phone. Second I would like to see Profiles implemented much like those supported on Blackberries. It would make the iPhone much more useful for business users. Everything else is completely acceptable to me.
1) More exclamation points!!!!
2) More witty comments like "not made by apple"
3) More requests that show a distinct lack of realism regarding current technological capabilities
4) More suggestions that if implemented would give the iPhone a 1987-ish size
5) more ODD choices of CAPITALIZATION
6) More comments by people who have obviously never used an iPhone
7) More requests for things like document support which are already supported by third-party apps
No, wait... those are suggestions for comments on this thread. My mistake. Okay, then...
1) Yes, support for Adobe Flash is a must - if not applications, than at least some way to view Flash videos
2) Longer battery life is always a request that likewise always comes down to component size
3) A better (read: fewer clicks) system for toggling network features like wifi, GPS, 3G, etc.
4) An app review process that isn't arbitrary
5) An app review process that doesn't appear to be based on my grandmother's sensibilities
6) An app review process that has some level of accountability to developers and users
7) An app review process that recognizes that the iPhone 3.0 now has parental controls
8) An app review process that doesn't spew out mystifying decisions every other day
9) An app review process that isn't heavily flavored by AT&T's squirrelly self-interest.
10) A camera flash, even if it's just LED
11) Be nice if they could squeeze another mp out of the camera next round
12) An end to the AT&T exclusivity contract in the US (and subsequent CDMA support)
13) Toggled or limited support for background processes.
14) Alert schemes that extend beyond "buzz" and "ring"
15) Front-facing color LCD status light
16) Better-implemented "shut down near yo face" functionality.
1) Better caching for Safari so that it doesn't reload the entire page when I toggle between open windows.
2) If not full-blown multi-tasking, then at least let certain approved apps run in the background. I hate that if I try to read mail while listening to Pandora that the music quits.
3) Front-facing camera for sell portraits and video chat
Cheaper plans
Longer battery life
True unlimited Data
some sort of iChat
New name
... i can go on forever
CDMA is a terrible idea!
80 percent of world is using the GSM network, it allows anyone to simply switch SIM cards between phones, and be connected to a new network. CDMA phones need to be re-programmed to switch carriers.
CDMA also is a bad choice because it does not allow concurrent use of data and voice.
once Verizon jumps to LTE, then sure, i hope there is an LTE iPhone available. but for now, i don't want to see it "dumb down" to the proprietary Qualcomm CDMA network..
Love the upgrade from my 3G to the 3Gs. It is faster, the camera is near usable, the video capabilities are nice and it's quite a bit faster (but I repeat myself). The one major complaint I have -- is LACK OF SUPPORT FOR ADOBE FLASH. Common Apple!! This is a serious shortcoming of an otherwise excellent product. Whatever the reason -- not being able to use Flash on the device is holding back an avalanch of usability. Too bad really. First phone company to come close to the capabilties of my iPhone - but support Adobe Flash . . . and the iPhone hits the heap.
Do any of you actually own the phone? I ask this because the 3GS is so fast that I don't feel like I need to multitask. The apps open so fast. I was an early adopter in 2007. I upgraded from the first gen iPhone, y'know, the one with an aluminum back and EDGE data only... Needless to say I'm a lot happier. The video functionality rivals a stock flip video, and the graphics performance is outstanding.
The voice command feature is not a big deal. And yes, I'm pissed about mms. AT&T sucks anus.
But, the few improvements they made were awesome. Oyea, the autofocus 3mp camera is solid, but I could use a few more megapixels for my money, and a low-light solution.
Ok I'm done.
I'm too much of a fanboy to complain too much.
Main issues are the lack of mms which is something AT&T needs to take care of and battery life. Oh if only the battery life was better.
Have a 3G, not an S, but here's my list:
multitasking
better email app(fonts, let me send more then one link, etc)
web browser with homepage and flash
more open app store
zoom in the camera, while at it give it 5MP.
A better camera, video calling, multitasking and new UI!!!
The worst part is that you have to download a 280 MB update for a simple security fix
Love the 3GS, the speed help a lot.
But i wish AT&T would get there stuff together and activate MMS.
For the multi-tasking, i say they should take a page from the Palm PRE book and give us something similar to the "cards"
Granted they say they want to save the consumer some "battery power" i say give us a choice.
its nothing more then flipping a switch in settings to allow background processes and to keep them off.
I think for Apple, to have a good multi-tasking functionality they may need to completely redesign the OS.
because as it is, even with processes allowed to run i think the pressing home to go back and fourth from said applications would get frustration..
I think the Pre from the time i used a friends, its awesome with its multitasking, it even has non-intrusive alerts..that just display on the bottom, cause i got to admit every once in a while, while typing a long email or text, i hate the big pop-up telling me i got a message a nice discreet alert can be done, the pre has proven it.
multitasking!
multitasking!
multitasking!
there hasn't been a good argument for multitasking yet and i suspect there would be no argument for it at all if it wasn't what jailbreakers or pre owners have come to expect. apple might have withheld multitasking for reasons other than battery life. they might just be waiting to unveil it for a killer app. right now, it's a very minor inconvenience to not listen to a playlist uninterrupted or quitting mail to check a contact. i never cared much about copy/paste and still haven't used it. but i know if i start using it regularly, i would feel cheated if that feature wasn't available to me at any given moment.
my point is, let apple do what they do because we know the iphone 3gs is underclocked and we know that apple is technically capable (similar to copy/paste outcry) of multitasking. so we should know that right now they are knee deep in a killer app that necessitates multitasking so any loud outcry for multitasking right now is a bit premature.
OLED display. LTE technology (it will be here soon enough). Front facing camera. Multitasking. Physical keyboard option, preferably slide out landscape (I'll deal with the extra thickness). More open approach to software. Honestly, I'm leaning towards getting an android phone, I'm just waiting for a rig with some faster hardware.
apple aint gonna add a keyboard, sorry.
My iPhone 3G, just like my Alienware Laptop, was perfectly fine. But something new and shiny with that little plastic sheet to peel off was just too tempting.
The 3GS is like using a works computer, then going home to my own machine. It does exactly the same thing, but much faster and more usable in every way. I wouldnt have paid the ~£450 O2 want for a PAYG, but my partner was due a contract so stole the phone off her and gave her my old 3G.
For those with a Jailbroken iPhone, check Cydia for something called Backgrounder; you hold the home button to close an App (Works on multiple apps) and it keeps them running in the background so when you reclick on the App it opens back up how you left it, by far the best Official/Homebrew App ive seen.
'True' multi-tasking -- But this could mean it could get a lot more warmer than it is now
Allow 3rd party apps to run in background -- I miss the To-do reminders (with alarm notification) from my Nokia N95 8GB.
Video calling and better camera -- 3mp is good, but 5 mp is better! 1 camera is good, but 2 is too good! ;)
A new look? -- The current iPhone is beautiful. But, once in a while, change is good. Keeps you 'interested' ;)
Bigger screen? -- I am not saying the current one is not good enough. But they could increase the real 'screen' size keeping other dimensions same. For example, change the Home button to something 'rectangular' and have multiple holes instead of the 'line' shaped earphone.
Make it only visible to the most loyal fans.
I upgraded from my 3G to the 3GS. I loved my 3G but wanted more space and faster. The 3GS delivers both of these. I'm very glad I upgraded! I'm also glad they didn't change the form factor because I happen to like the way both the 3G and 3GS looks...this also meant I didn't have to change any of my accessories or case.
Frankly, I do not care about the multitasking, the background notifications are great! The new 3GS is so much faster in opening and closing apps that I don't mind that they aren't running in the background and it would also make the battery life even worse.
For all of you that seem to want Verizon so badly have probably not been on a Verizon Smartphone before. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge fan of AT&T but if it were on on Verizon you would not be able to talk on the phone AND use the internet at the same time. I like being able to talk on the phone and use maps or internet at the same time. And for all of you that are anxious for Tethering...even more important for phone and data to be able to happen at the same time.
If I had to list a gripe it would be that AT&T is stonewalling all of us that have made them rich with our iPhones but not enabling Tethering and MMS. I don't buy that they can't, it is that they just aren't doing it.
Bottom line: I love my new 3GS and am very happy with the subtle changes and extra speed.
ability to categorize apps i.e. all game apps on certain screens, utility apps on certain screens, etc.
full AVRCP profile to allow skipping tracks
ability to have a wallpaper screen that displays your favorite pic with no apps on it
set background to favorite pic instead of black background all the time
multitasking
minimum 5 MP camera with flash
flash support in safari
FM radio
front camera for video conferencing
longer battery life
Move carriers.... AT&T is the worst
I would change it by going into the future and bringing back technology that allows to it have a battery that lasts 2 weeks and has computing power equal to p4 desktops. Also I would make it use a camera sensor that produces images more like todays slr cameras. Lastly I would make it use that heads up image projected into the eye display system so you see a 60" screen instead of a crappy little phone screen.
Till all this happens there is no way I am paying that much for a damn phone, from any vendor.
Make it unlocked, sell it across the globe in 299-349 USD/16GB :p
Unrestricted blue-tooth, feathering , unrestricted phone, wireless sync with any program you choose that supports the function. Open platform, higher res cam and flash