When Steve Jobs announced the brand new iPhone at Macworld in San Francisco early in 2007, Apple fans from around the world celebrated the shiny new gadget. With its American launch in June of that same year, our neighbours down south taunted us with the phone’s candybar design, speedy YouTube videos, and two-finger photo “pinching.” It was all so sexy.
Unfortunately, for those of us outside the U.S., it would be many more months before this touch-screen device would be available in local stores. As a result, in Canada, many Apple die-hards scurried across the border to scoop up a U.S. iPhone, one that could be (fairly) easily unlocked for use with a Fido or Rogers SIM card.
On June 8th, 2009, news of a faster and cheaper iPhone made headlines. This latest release includes new enhancements such as a built-in camcorder, longer battery life, and voice control. The camera is now 3 megapixels, which will increase the quality of photos substantially, and on the camcorder side, you can trim videos you shoot simply by using your finger. Apple calls this 3GS, “the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet,” with up to 32GB of storage. Most importantly, this time around, Canadians will not be left behind.
Rogers has confirmed that, along with Fido, they will be launching the new 16GB and 32GB Apple iPhone 3GS on June 19th. The prices are $199(16GB) and $299(32GB), both will be available in black or white. The existing iPhone 3G (8GB) will be for sale for just $99 (on a three year voice and data contract). If you don't want to sign a contract, that is also an option. Rogers and Fido will, once again, be offering the $30/6GB plan for iPhone customers for a limited period.
On the software side, both iPhone 3GS and 3G users will be able to download a free update, which includes the much desired cut, copy, and paste, among dozens more additional features.
Insofar as tethering, which allows you to share your iPhone internet connection with your computer, Rogers will support this feature for existing models and new models of the iPhone on both brands.
All of this news is refreshing for Canadian iPhone lovers. No longer will we have to sneak across the border to get our Apple phone fix or gaze into the eyes of proud iPhone owners on YouTube. Instead, we’ll be sharing the features of this year's sexiest phone around the same time as the rest of the world.