Digg founder claims added info on 3G iPhone
updated 10:55 am EDT, Wed March 26, 2008
Kev Rose More on iPhone
Digg and Pownce co-creator Kevin Rose claims to have obtained extra information about the launch of a 3G-capable iPhone, according to an update on Twitter. Following earlier claims about an updated iPhone on this weekend's Diggnation podcast, the social software developer claims to have received additional confirmation from a 'high-level VP' at a company working with Apple who says an updated device will ship in June with both support for faster networks as well as with truer GPS support.
The additions would allow previously impossible features for the handset, which has been unchanged outside of additional storage since its launch last June. In his previous claim, Rose suggested the faster iPhone would include a front video camera for two-way video chat, similar to some phones sold in Canada, Europe, and Japan. The previously unmentioned GPS would itself permit real-time positioning in Google Maps, which for now is limited to in-place triangulation using cellular and Wi-Fi signals.
Rose has had a mixed record in providing information on upcoming products but is known to have accurately reported on the iPod nano just ahead of its 2005 launch.
The claim echoes recent analyst claims and other reports of a 3G iPhone due in mid-2008 that would either replace the existing model or else supercede it as a premium version. The lack of faster Internet access has often been cited as a key limit to the iPhone's sales success outside of North America, as Europeans frequently opt for 3G phones while countries such as Japan often depend exclusively on 3G for phone service.
oh, snap! (jk)
03/26, 11:36am reply
We all know how Apple takes to people leaking info about upcoming releases. If this proves true, he'd better put a legal team around him.
danviento
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2005
It's the source
03/26, 11:41am reply
I believe technically it is the person who told Kevin that must watch their back, as technically they are the leaker. KEvin didn't sign the NDA.
lepton
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2005
I Call BS
03/26, 11:48am reply
I hate to call BS on Kevin, but this is just an educated guess made up by him based on pretty obvious signs and reports elsewhere.
Apple would VERY publicly go after him AND the "vp" who leaked this info if there were a real leak. It isn't.
This is like predicting that the average cost of internet access will rise in the foreseeable future. DUH. Yeah, an internet VP told me that! Srsly!
chas_m
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
yawn
03/26, 12:10pm reply
And is this anything we didn't know?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
it's not just the source
03/26, 12:49pm reply
The law (in various countries) does actually provide some protection for "trade secrets", above and beyond that stipulated in contracts between employer and employee.
So no, it isn't necessarily just the source, though you'd have to be a lawyer to know how far trade secret protection would extend in such a case.
ajhoughton
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Joined: Mar 2004
truer GPS support?
03/26, 12:59pm reply
what is "truer" GPS support? It either added GPS or it didn't. The current wifi approach isn't GPS.
simdude
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2004
not only the source?
03/26, 01:03pm reply
Lets sue Nostradamus!
Appleman
Mac Elite
Joined: Feb 2001
Sheesh
03/26, 01:17pm reply
Kevin also said not to take any of this to heart because he got burned last time with his dual-battery theory.
I can see GPS and 3G being stuck in there along with a potentially real GPS maps application, but dual-cameras is a bit far-fetched (and really not as pleasing). It would undoubtedly increase the size of the phone itself. And there's no one besides iPhone users to voice-conference with.
If anything, we'll still see the same exterior, just with a new interior. I DO expect a true iChat application of some sort.
dagamer34
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2007
Two cameras
03/26, 07:08pm reply
I'm hoping for video chat from a 3G iPhone. I think possibly they could video connect a 3G iPhone with other iPhones or with a desktop through iChat, AIM or Skype Video, which would open up the number of people to talk to.
jarc
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Joined: Jan 2008