So a tech blogger walks into a bar and finds the next iPhone prototype. Stop me if you’ve heard this one…
Seriously, Gizmodo might have gotten the serious scoop on the rest of the tech journalism universe with a fortuitous 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 that Apple had lost a prototype and was “very interested” in getting it back. It is unclear whether they were ready to use pay day loans to sic Sherlock Holmes on the case.
In 3GS clothing, an iPhone prototype
On the surface, the plastic case 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, more storage, a lot 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 2nd volume button
- Metal buttons
- A flatter, more squared-off design
- Higher-powered battery… 5.25 WHr (watt hours) at 3.7V, compared with 4.75 WHr within 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 into 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 accessible, which indicated to Gizmodo that this was an unreleased unit. The fact that the Mac OS X System Profiler reported it as an iPhone in restore mode is consistent with the phone having been “remotely wiped.” according to Gizmodo.
Under the hood is where you'll find the proof
The components on the inside are Apple-labeled and fit together very well inside the case. If this were 3G or 3GS parts in some modified housing, Gizmodo claims the parts wouldn’t fit so well. It was intended for that case. The case is thinner than the 3GS but slightly heavier (probably because of the metal buttons). The product seemed as though it wasn't as sleep as customers are used to having with Apple products. It’s boxier and kind of ugly (like tax debt), whereas previous iPhones have had more curves. The iPhone being a prototype could possibly be the excuse for this though.
What this could mean for consumers
The iPhone is going to be announced this summer for the next-gen. If the iPhone prototype discovered by Gizmodo is any indication, individuals waiting to upgrade may want to take the plunge. A better back camera, a better battery, a second microphone for better voice clarity, and a front video cam addresses some of fans' major concerns. Just sexy up the case a bit and you might just have a deal.
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