Apple iPhone 3GS Compass
The new Apple iPhone 3GS comes jam packed with brand new features like the built-in digital compass which automatically reorients maps to match the user's current direction. The compass finds their location quickly and accurately via GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular towers. Another handy tool is the ability to drop a pin to mark a specific location then share it with others via email or MMS.
As expected, some features are carried over from the iPhone 3G such as getting directions. Now accessible is a list of turn-by-turn directions or highlighted map routes to track progress via GPS. This is a strong feature for the latest model which has the potential to rival standard Tom Tom's for those long car journeys. 'Maps' on the 3G S also displays live traffic information, indicating traffic speed along any given route in easy to read green, red, and yellow highlights.
One advantage it does have over its car based competition however, is the ability to specify the need for driving or walking directions. It can even display what time the next train or bus leaves with public transit directions, so getting lost is no longer an issue.
'Maps' can be changed on the 3G S between map view, satellite view, hybrid view, and street view which allows users to follow a particular route or scan the area in not only the most efficient way, but the way that is best suited to their personal needs. Plus, if the size isn't suitable, a double-tap or simple finger pinch activates a useful zoom function. Locations can also be found by address or a keyword i.e. searching for "coffee" will display the location of every café in the current vicinity. When that perfect place is found, a list of follow-on options are provided; tap the phone number to call, tap the location to get directions, tap the web address to open the website in Safari, or simply add it to 'Contacts' for future reference. You might also want to checkout the Predictive Dialers by IAT.
Why You Need An iPhone
There have been two main reactions since the iPhone was introduced several months ago. There was the crowd proclaiming the device's greatness, as probably the best cell phone ever. Then there was the sour grapes crowd, pooh-poohing those who feel the “need” for such extras as the touch screen and easy email access. So what is the truth? Is the iPhone much ado about nothing....or is it something that you really need? Why do you really need one?
There are several reasons why you need an iPhone. Perhaps most important is the way it will help to streamline your life. Think about all the time you spend running to the telephone, and then to the computer to check your email, and then to the TV or radio to check the news or weather. Think about all the pocket space taken up by your cell phone, mp3 player and PDA.
Now imagine a scenario in which you only have to have your cell phone, and not all those other devices in your pocket. And imagine just having to spend a few minutes with this one device, first checking the news and weather, then answering your email on the same device, loading your music on this same device, and finally, making some phone calls. Can you now see how the iPhone streamlines day to day activities for you?
The second reason you need an iPod is because it puts the world's information right in front of your eyes. Sure, other cell phones allow you to “surf” the Internet....but not really. They are always abbreviated and hard-to-read versions of websites. With the iPhones large and interactive screen, you are surfing the Web just as surely as if you were sitting in front of a computer screen. You'll be able to read the web page—and it's a full web page, not the abbreviated one with less content you see on most cell phones. This may be the first time you've ever been ablle to truly surf the Web while sitting at a red light.
Don't underestimate the value of this “red light” scenario. So much of our lives are spent in our cars in the 21st century. We're constantly on the go, and behind the steering wheel. Which brings us to another asset of the iPhone. What if you're going somewhere and don't know how to get there. You just surf over to Google Maps, as easily as you would surf to Mapquest on a computer, and with a few taps on the touchscreen, you have directions to your destination.
And with the iPhone, you can find the directions to your destination one second, and a couple of taps later, you can call that destination. For instance, if you typed in “Starbucks” on your phone, the iPhone will show you the closest one to you. Google Maps will show you how to get there, and then your iPhone will give you the option to call them. This device truly thinks and acts like you do—bringing the world closer to you, and you closer to your world.