So a tech blogger walks into a bar and finds the next iPhone prototype. Stop me if you’ve heard this one…
But seriously, Gizmodo may have gotten the scoop on the rest of the tech journalism universe with a discovery of just what appears to be a prototype of the next iPhone (iPhone 4G?). A Gizmodo reporter found it in a Redwood City bar. After checking with Apple-connected John Gruber of Daring Fireball, Gizmodo found out that Apple had lost a prototype and was definitely “very interested” in getting it back. Whether or not they were ready to use payday advances to sic Sherlock Holmes on the case is unclear.
An iPhone prototype in 3GS clothing
The surface of the iPhone prototype looks more or less like an iPhone 3GS. However, there are numerous details that make this new iPhone something quite different:
- Front-facing video camera in addition to a back camera with a flash and larger lens
- Micro-SIM – a lot more secure, a lot more storage, more allowable connections. This would be the first use of this tech in a U.S. cell phone
- Higher-res display (exact numbers unclear so far)
- A second microphone port and second volume button
- Metal buttons
- A flatter, a lot more squared-off design
- Higher-powered battery… 5.25 WHr (watt hours) at 3.7V, compared with 4.75 WHr in the iPhone 3GS
New iPhone or red herring?
Gizmodo believes that this new iPhone is a discovery for numerous reasons. First of all, it was running the iPhone 4. operating system before that OS was even announced. Second thing, the iPhone was killed likely before Gizmodo could get any further to the OS. When connected to a Mac OS X system, the device was recognized as an iPhone in both Xcode and iTunes, but no firmware updates were available, which indicated to Gizmodo that this was an unreleased unit. According to Gizmodo, the fact the Mac OS X System Profiler reported it as an iPhone in restore mode is consistent with the phone having been “remotely wiped.”
Under the hood is the proof
The internal components fit together well inside the case and are Apple-labeled. Gizmodo claims that if this were 3G or 3GS parts in some modified housing, then the parts wouldn’t fit so well. It was designed for that case. Probably because of the metal buttons, the case is thinner but heavier. However, the design appeared to be somewhat less sleek than consumers are used to with Apple products. IPhones previously had a lot more curves than this one that was ugly, just like tax debt, and boxier. The iPhone being a prototype could possibly be the excuse for this though.
Just what does this mean for all consumers
The next-gen iPhone is going to be announced this summer. If the iPhone prototype found by Gizmodo is any indication, individuals waiting to upgrade may want to take the plunge. Front video cam, a better back camera, better battery and a second microphone for better voice clarity address some of fans’ major concerns. Apple just may have a deal if you sexy up the case.
No comments:
Post a Comment