iPhone 4S: Hype or Might? [ARTICLE]
After months of speculation about the next new iPhone, people are still speculating. The iPhone 4S was a letdown for iPhone users who expected a design overhaul and potentially robust features of a still-imminent iPhone 5. Plus, the simultaneous release of Apple’s new operating system has made it difficult to tease apart the hardware from the software.
Software vs. Hardware
Why does it matter if a fabulous new feature is hardware or software? Well, because the software, called iOS 5, is also available for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. No new iPhone required. However, upgrading to better-performing iPhone 4S hardware may help you get more out of some iOS 5 features.
iPhone 4S Hardware
Compared to the iPhone 4 (without the “S”) the new iPhone (with the “S”) comes with a faster processor, a better camera and Siri. By upgrading the single core A4 processor to a dual core A5 processor, users will get faster, more responsive ways to launch apps, browse the web, play games and look at pictures.
If the iPhone has become your primary point-and-shoot camera, you’ll appreciate the new 8 megapixel resolution, the 1080p video capture and the f/2.5 aperture lens. The dual core processor boosts camera response time and performance, plus you’ll get better low-light pictures as well as improved shadow details and subtler red pushes in high-contrast pics.
Last, but certainly not least, is Siri. To quote the popular technology e-zine Mashable, Siri is “not why you’ll buy the iPhone 4S, but why you’ll fall in love with it.” Siri uses artificial intelligence technology to interpret your natural speech. She can answer your questions, add to your grocery list, place your phone calls, update your calendar, find a restaurant for lunch and more.
If you can not see the embedded video above please use the following link: Apple – iPhone 4S – TV Ad – Assistant
A really good personal assistant also has a good sense of humor. Siri does her job well. Ask Siri “Will you marry me?” and you may get an answer like “My end user licensing agreement does not cover marriage. My apologies.”
iOS 5 Software
If you already have an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4, then you also can get many of the features being promoted as part of the 4S launch by upgrading to the new iOS 5.
Apple says there are more than 200 new features in iOS 5, which also runs on iPod Touch (third and fourth generation) as well as iPad 1 and 2. Some user favorites include:
- Notification Center: A single list of all your missed calls and messages, upcoming calendar events, friend requests, Reminders (another new feature) and more.
- iMessage: Unlimited texting and Face Time with other iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users.
- Camera Access: From standby mode, click the home button twice to start snapping pictures.
- Photo Editing: Crop, rotate, enhance, and remove red-eye from your mobile device.
- iCloud: Keeps all your iOS devices on the same page, picture, document, song or app.
More Carriers, More Affordable
After AT&T’s many years as the exclusive iPhone carrier, you can now get the iPhone 4 ($99 with a data plan) or the iPhone 4S (starting at $199 with a data plan) with 3G network service from AT&T, Verizon or Sprint.
If you are new to the iPhone or to smartphones, and if you can live without Siri and the 8 megapixel camera, the $99 iPhone 4 is a good, budget-conscious choice. You can now even get the 3GS free with a two-year service plan contract, but it’s only available from AT&T and its display has a noticeably lower resolution.
What won’t you get with the iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S? Access to blazing-fast, next-generation 4G data networks that carriers currently are rolling out. For that you’ll have to think Android.
