The new importance of networks also raises an interesting set of questions. For example, who will create the first or best Xbox Live-like multiplayer gaming network for a cell phone platform? What if Microsoft rolled out a version for Sidekick users, and pushed Xbox gaming development in that direction? Or, alternatively, what if Apple built an Xbox Live-like gaming network?

What if one of the major handset makers, through partnership or acquisition, gained exclusive control of Amazon's Kindle and Audible.com distribution? Or Netflix? Or Facebook?

The game-changers of the future will not be new hardware features, but new software and network capabilities.

So if you'll be buying a new iPhone 3G S, enjoy it! But realize that the best thing about it is that it gives you the iPhone 3.0 software, the App Store, iTunes and MobileMe just like the old iPhone did. Just faster.