Recently, Apple unveiled the latest version of its wildly popular mobile phone, the iPhone 3G S. The highly anticipated device boasts new features such as video and editing functionality, voice control, peer-to-peer networking and improved battery life. And of course as the “S” stands for speed, users can expect to download Web content and launch applications twice as fast.

One thing is clear; the iPhone phenomenon is still going strong. Apple has reported it has already sold more than one million devices since its launch on June 19. In addition, the company said more than six million existing iPhone users have downloaded the new iPhone 3.0 software in the first five days following its release.

As a self-proclaimed Mac and iPhone fan, I have to say I’m disappointed in the new updates. The software upgrade process was painful, I lost all of my contacts and I’m finding that my phone is running slower than ever. And since I have an older device I can’t take advantage of some of the features such as the video recorder and compass. However, knowing Apple and its products, I know that these kinks will be worked out and only improved upon in future updates.

The fact of the matter is, Apple is still doing some of the most innovative things in the mobile device space (in my humble opinion), and I’m always up for seeing what they will come up with. They’ve taken mobile computing to the next level and have shown consumers (not just business professionals) how their mobile phones can impact and enhance their daily lives. The iPhone has opened up a new wave of innovation for mobile application developers as well, and we’re only just beginning to see the possibilities these new mobile applications will bring.

As a PR professional, I’ve followed this space closely for several years as many of my past and present clients play in various parts of the mobile industry. While the iPhone 3G S is a nice upgrade, we’re on the verge of seeing an interesting showdown in the market with increased competition from Google, Nokia and Research in Motion (RIM) – not just from a device perspective but the convergence of mobile applications and connected services as well. These companies are really going to give Apple a run for its money. Ultimately, PR and marketing will play heavily into the success of who comes out on top in this race.

Either way, it should be an interesting showdown. I’ll be following the action closely from the comfort of my beloved iPhone.

Do you have the new iPhone 3G S? Tell us what you think by leaving a comment below.