next generation

More photos of iPhone OS 3.0 have been released, this time from a user in Hong Kong who claims to have seen a prototype. The images aren't the best quality, however they confirm many of the recent rumors swirling around the upcoming model.

Among other things, the pictures demonstrate digital compass, voice recorder, horizontal messaging, and MMS functionality (video and photo messaging). Many of the images also show details about how auto focus will work with the new higher-resolution iPhone camera.

Live video iChat on the iPhone may be something we would expect from Apple, but is the timing and technology ripe for this functionality to come out this summer? Some reports are reading into AT&T network upgrades to 7.2 Mbps as a sign that they are bracing for more bandwidth demands from their iPhone subscriber base, and that one of those demands could be live video chat.

The longer AT&T can deliver what Apple needs for its hardware, the longer the company stands to profit from an exclusive arrangement to offer the iPhone on its network. Other leaks and data that point in the direction of a front facing camera on the next generation iPhone have also surfaced.

Check out this photo of the black iPhone 3G next to what is purported to be the next generation iPhone. The matte finish on the new device to the left is clearly visible, although the model number is not.

Previous leaked photos of the matte iPhone 3.0 have indicated the model number A1303. The older photos looked like metal may have been used for the back casing, however recent tips have pointed to the possibility of a matte plastic back.

Twitpic user Carniphage has posted a mockup to MacRumors of what the next generation iPhone 3.0 might look like, based on the "4G" bezel that appeared on the website of a Chinese parts seller. Here's the artist's rendition:

Great work, especially using only a few photos of the black iPhone bezel as a basis for the concept. The shape of the black bezel is clearly different from the iPhone 3G, with the speaker much closer to the edge of the device.

Next generation iPhone parts have already hit the web. Online wholesaler China Ontrade has a menu item labeled iPhone 4G Spare Parts, and claims to have stocked two parts from the not-yet-released third generation iPhone.

One of the parts is the bezel frame, and the other an LCD screen. The bezel frame sports a different shape and color than the iPhone 3G bezel, and runs $79.27. Anyone following rumors lately might have expected an OLED screen on the new iPhone.