Unveiled today, the new super-fast iPhone that can tell how far you run
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:14 AM on 21st June 2009
Apple’s new ‘faster’ iPhone, the 3GS, hit the highstreet this morning.
Stores of O2 and Carphone Warhouse were expected to sell out of the model, which adds new features and cranks up the speed of the hugely popular handset, within minutes.
But its unclear whether the hefty price tag, at £274 with an 18-month contract, could put off many potential users.
Faster and smarter: The iPhone 3GS went on sale today
Apple has now sold more than 40 million iPhones and iPod touch devices worldwide.
However, the technology giant and 02 have been criticised for the cost of the new iPhone 3GS deals.
O2 is forcing owners of Apple's current iPhones to buy out their contracts if they wish to upgrade to the new model, which has angered many.
Externally the new version is identical but it has impressive new features inside, including a three-megapixel camera and more memory (32gb rather than the original 3G's 16gb).
Games are faster and more responsive and there is also video recording, voice control and the ability to track how far users run with Apple's Nike+ sensor.
The iPhone software has also had an overhaul, and lets users cut and paste data as well as receive alerts from software (for instance when players in a game send a message).
The camera is probably the best addition.
It has an autofocus and pictures are clear and sharp, although with many of Apple's rivals already selling eight-megapixel cameraphones, it is still underpowered - and crucially there's still no flash.
The voice control feature works surprisingly well - by pressing a button on the remote users can speak a command, such as "play Kylie" and the iPhone will do it. Users can call people simply by saying their name, and it is also pretty good at understanding different accents.
One other interesting inclusion is a digital compass.
It knows which way you are pointing, and when tied into Google maps can show users a map of exactly where they are facing.
Apple has also been working with TomTom, and a car satnav is expected to be launched within weeks.
Apple is also expected to launch applications for the 3GS taking advantage of its faster speed and better graphics, so games fans in particular will want to upgrade.
Technology website Gizmodo said the new handset was certainly worth the money.
It said: 'Everything is faster. It's exactly the same experience as switching from a two- or three-year-old computer to something brand new.
There's a reason why Apple called this the iPhone 3GS for Speed and not the 3GC for 'compass' or 3GV for 'video recording.'
Speed is the central upgrade here, and probably is the single biggest reason you would upgrade to a 3GS from a 3G.
And if you're coming in as a virgin iPhone user, there's definitely no question: The 3GS is worth an extra $100.
Fans throughout the world have been queuing up outside stores for the release of Apple's new iPhone, titled the iPhone 3GS.  The phone went on sale on Friday morning around the world. According to CNN, around 300 people were queuing outside Apple's New York store while employees were briefed inside.

Lines however, were not as long as was anticipated, with surplus metal barriers outside stores. An Apple employee was quoted as saying that the lines were shorter than this time last year.

The new iPhone contains a faster processor, a digital compass and a video camera.  Ever since the launch of the original iPhone two years ago, it has been praised for "making smartphones cool", with over 17 million handsets being sold.

However, critics have said that the new update deals are too costly. The telecommunications company O2 has made owners of Apple's current iPhone products buy out their contracts should they wish to purchase the new phone.