iPhone 3.0 Hands-on

Prasad Naik, Jun 19, 2009 2013 hrs IST

An update you wouldn't want to miss out on

EXPERT REVIEW

Apple displayed the v3.0 firmware for both the iPhone and the iPod Touch back in January this year at the Macworld '09. We got a sneak peek at all the features that the firmware upgrade promised, some of which were a long time coming, such as the ability to copy paste text and use stereo Bluetooth headset with the iPhone.

The 3.0 upgrade also unlocked the Bluetooth in the iPod Touch, something that was inaccessible till now. We got another look at the 3.0 two weeks ago at the WWDC '09 with a final date as to when it will be available to users worldwide. That date was June 17, and since we have an iPhone and an iPod Touch with us, we decided to download it and take it for a spin to see what's new and how well it performs.

Do bear in mind that this is one upgrade no iPhone or iPod Touch user should miss out on. Apple has promised over a 100 new features for the users and about 1000 new API for developers to work with. So let us begin this little tour to see first what's in it for the users, starting with the major additions.

First things first

Getting the firmware is as easy as transferring music to your iPhone. Just connect the iPhone to your PC or Mac and start iTunes. Then select the update button and follow the instructions. The download is around 230 MB, so it would take some time for those with slow connections. But trust me, it is worth the wait.

After using the 3.0 for a while, I can say that it has definitely made the iPhone noticeably faster than before. Even though our iPhone 3G was loaded with multiple apps it still felt fairly fast and better than before. I also did not experience any crashes or bugs while using it, which means Apple engineers have spend considerable time fine-tuning it to make sure it works fine.
Now let us see what the 3.0 has to offer.

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USER COMMENTS

i have updated to 3.0 today successfully but disappointed with bluetooth connectivity. It does not even detect a bluethooth enabled phone or laptop

by Gaurav Vyas, Mumbai, on Jun 20, 2009 05:19 PM, Report abuse Reply

hey.. i have 2G iPhone which was code broken.. I would like to update to the new v3.0 where did you do it..

by Dharmesh, Mumbai, on Jun 25, 2009 02:08 PM, Report abuse

Just because they make good tires, not necessarily mean they will make good Car. Admitted iPhone/iPod touch has the real "touch" technology...and rest is all crap. In 21st century they are bringing stone age tech's.

by Ashok, New Delhi, on Jun 22, 2009 12:13 PM, Report abuse Reply

If you find this technology stoneage, What is new technology according to you ?

by Dev, Mumbai, on Jun 25, 2009 02:07 PM, Report abuse

Is it true that Iphone First Gen does not support stereo bluetooth?

by Chethan, Rockville, on Jun 20, 2009 02:03 AM, Report abuse Reply

Yes, the original iPhone does not support stereo Bluetooth, MMS or internet tethering. These are only available for the iPhone 3G and 3G S

by Prasad Naik, Mumbai, on Jun 22, 2009 10:34 AM, Report abuse

champ ! u miss the most hype one "BLUTOOTH".can we transfer file from ipod touch /iphone to any mobile with blutooth connectivity

by manish, navi mumbai, on Jun 20, 2009 12:53 AM, Report abuse Reply

No. if apple would have included the feature it would have been great,considering it is only a software limitation and not a hardware one.

by Prankur Sharma, New Delhi, on Jun 20, 2009 01:34 PM, Report abuse

are you sure, AFAIK this is still not possible, have you personaly tried this...confirm

by sam9s, New Delhi, on Jun 20, 2009 08:41 PM, Report abuse

No, you cannot transfer files over Bluetooth. This is one feature, which I'm afraid, will never be a part of any iPhone or iPod Touch. All you can do now is listen to music using wireless headsets and play multiplayer games over Bluetooth.

by Prasad Naik, Mumbai, on Jun 21, 2009 09:52 AM, Report abuse

I'm using the JayBird Bluetooth headphones with my iPhone 3G running OS 3.0 - loving it ... good to loose my wires, not my mind. I was ready to offer burnt offerings of my wired buds.

by Toddsy, Logan, on Jun 20, 2009 11:32 PM, Report abuse Reply