iPhone 3G S Flaunts New Features at Conference

You saw the photos, you read the rumors, you watched Digg break as news from yesterday's portion of the annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference was frantically posted online. Yes, faithful iPhone fans, the newest generation has been unveiled.

The "fastest, most powerful iPhone yet" is heavy on updates to its existing technology, like its video and still camera. Features like a three-megapixel camera, auto-focus and video editing/sending software are now built-in, enabling instant uploading straight to YouTube. With this, the New York Times sees potential for greater citizen journalism. Also on the highlights reel: Instant messaging through multiple media, real-time stock news and a compass that has the power to rotate maps to face the direction you are. No more walking around awkwardly holding your GPS.

Maybe Apple's slow-but-enrapturing online guided tour is making it seem especially cool, but the new voice control is what's captivating us. The device recognizes all the music in your iPod (and all your contacts' names) and methodically plays whichever song you orally command it to. Your voice can also cue the iPhone to play a certain playlist, and asking "What song is this?" will trigger a voice that politely informs you, "Now playing 'Troublemaker,' by Weezer." You can also tell the voice control, "Play more songs like this," and Genius will take over. Creepy and awesome!

On the edge of your computer chair yet? Come June 19, iPhone 3G S will be available in the U.S. and several other countries for $199. Those still yet to embrace the original iPhone can now obtain the first-generation version at $99. And on the same note of recession-specials, pricing for the entry-level MacBook Air will be $300 less.