First Generation Nerd

We are just over a week away from the (purported) launch of the second generation 3G iPhone, and the buzz generators are working overtime. From solar power to GPS antennae to commercial shoots in NYC, the stories surrounding a single gadget are amazing. As much as people get themselves worked up, then are disappointed when an incremental update is announced, I don’t think we are out to be disappointed. Even if the smallest of the rumors are true, better phone hardware and software are sure to be released. I think that speculation and rumors can make us disappointed because we expect dozens of new updates and features, when it is reasonable for the company to implement some of them.

In the days when MacWorld and PC Magazine were where we got our news, each issue brought wonders of the technological world-one month at a time. Now we get hourly (if not minutely) updates from “insiders” and “sources” who somehow have pertinent information leaked at just the right time to make stock prices rise a few dollars. I don’t want to be disappointed on June 9, but I can’t help searching for all the iPhone news I can, even if it is all speculation and rumor. I haven’t been this excited about a gadget since the launch of the iPhone almost a year ago…just now I KNOW I am getting one, and it makes me even more giddy.

As if anyone doubted, Gizmodo is reporting that it has been confirmed that the new iPhone will be introduced at WWDC on June 9.  There have been many rumors floating around about the specifics of the hardware, new form factor, and date of availability, but here is what I have gathered so far:

•  The new iPhone will launch and be available on June 9
• It will have a forward facing camera that will allow face-to-face video chat (via the new software)
• It will likely have a slightly larger form factor with curved rear casing
• Integrated GPS (for real, not cell tower triangulation) will be available
• Software version 2.0 will have support for Exchange email, among other advancements
• The new iPhone will probably be part of a new line of iPhones at differing price points
• This new line may be opened to other networks, as AT&T will have its own model that it can subsidize; new 2-year contract holders will get the phone at a significant discount

As I have mentioned before, if the new phone has 32 GB of capacity, it is the ultimate device for me.  I can’t imagine what availability struggles they will have and/or the line I am going to have to wait in to get one, but it will all be worth it.   

So what?

This announcement is definitely going to revolutionize the smart phone market.  Since the launch of the iPhone one year ago, there have been advances in the mobile web, and we have gotten the sense of what consumers want and need when it comes to advanced mobile devices.  The iPhone is no Blackberry in capability at this point, but it is solid hardware and the advances (including Exchange support) will take a chunk out of Blackberry’s marketshare.

It has been a while since I’ve updated, but this time I come bearing gifts. I have spent some time (with the help of Alicia) compiling the shows from my day of filming at Sony Studios, and have uploaded my appearance to a streaming server. If you missed my show, be sure to watch it here! You need QuickTime 7 to view the clips, and they will load in a QuickTime window when you click on the links.

Click here to see my WOF appearance

My 20 seconds of fame on 6ABC 11:00 News