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Just in case you missed it, there was a BIG announcement yesterday. I’m not talking about the news that New Jersey Chris Christie decided not to run for US President or that NBC cancelled The Playboy Club (you’ll have to read other blogs for more on those announcements). I’m talking about the press conference Apple gave yesterday to introduce new hardware and software that will be launching next week.
The biggest news yesterday was what wasn’t announced. No iPhone 5. Yes, you read that correctly, there will be no iPhone 5 coming out in 2011.
I know what you’re thinking:
“Say it ain’t so! I held off on the Verizon iPhone in February.”
“But I resisted the temptation of a white iPhone in April!”
“I waited from June until October and now I don’t get an iPhone 5?”
“Are you serious?”
Yes, I’m serious. There will be no iPhone 5 this year. But there will be an iPhone 4S and the improvements over the iPhone 4 may be more than enough to make you very happy.
On Friday, The Wonder of Tech published a poll: What Is Your Dream iPhone? listing 12 desirable features for the new iPhone. The new iPhone will have most of the features listed, plus some other features not mentioned in the poll, make this new device a very desirable phone. You will also be able to get the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 on Sprint, making a lot of Sprint customers very pleased.
Voice Commands – Siri
In what looked like a slice of the Future, Apple introduced a deeply integrated voice command system that was simply astonishing. The software, called Siri, is sophisticated voice recognition technology that will respond to your voice commands by using information on your phone such as your calendar, messaging, email, maps, weather app, stock app and notifications. Siri will also use search apps such as Wikipedia, Yelp and Wolfram Alpha to help you find information from the Internet.
You can ask Siri questions such as what is the weather today? What is the weather in London tomorrow? Do I need to wear a raincoat today?
You can also ask Siri things such as what is the capital of Morocco? Where is the closest Chinese restaurant? What would the payments be on a 30 year $200,000 mortgage at 4.5%?
Here is Apple’s demo video showing Siri in action:
In the video, Apple shows someone jogging while asking Siri to schedule a meeting. If he’s breaking a sweat, it’s not because of his scheduling conflicts!
One question I would like to ask Siri: why Apple didn’t just call this the iPhone 5?
Siri will be available in English (American, UK, and Australian), French and German when it launches.
Double Capacity for Content – 64GB
Many people doubted that the iPhone would have greater capacity due to the launch of iCloud where users will be able to store their music and photos in the Cloud. But good news! Apple will be offering a 64GB iPhone 4S, double the capacity of the current 32GB iPhone 4 so you can keep twice as many songs, videos, photos, apps and other content on your phone.
Faster Processor – Dual Core A5 Chip
The iPhone 4S will come with a lightning fast dual core A5 chip withe twice processing speed and times faster graphics than the iPhone 4, which has a single core A5 chip. This speed will be apparent when you launch apps, surf the web and play games on your new phone. Apple demonstrated a new gaming app, Infinity Blade 2, to show off the enhanced graphics. Infinity Blade 2 will only be available on the iPhone 4S and will be launched in December.
Besides the enhanced graphics, what else makes Infinity Blade better than the original Infinity Blade? In Infinity Blade 2 you get to use 2 swords instead of 1. Think how 2 razor blades are better than 1 on your personal shaver and you’ll know precisely why this game will be awesome!
Better Camera
The camera on the iPhone 4S is 8 megapixels and has loads of improvements, including:
- A 5 element lens
- 30% more sharpness
- F 2.4 aperture
- Hybrid IR filter
- An image signal processor,
- 26% better white balance
- Face detection
The video camera also gains major improvements over the iPhone 4, including 1080p HD recording, image stabilization, and temporary noise reduction.
Apple spent a lot of time showing off amazing pictures. Let’s just say someone’s vacation involved hot air balloons and a very cute squirrel!
World Phone
For international travelers who want an iPhone on Verizon or Sprint, you don’t have to compromise. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA networks while AT&T and carriers in many other countries use GSM networks. The iPhone 4S will be compatible with both CDMA and GSM networks so you won’t have to choose which carrier you want based upon whether you travel internationally.
Faster Network
While Apple didn’t enable the iPhone 4S to run on LTE or 4G networks, its dual core A5 chip means that the iPhone 4S is twice as fast at downloading data as the iPhone 4 is (14.4 mbps vs. 7.2 mbps), comparable to the speeds of a faster network. Unfortunately for Verizon and Sprint customers, this faster download speed is only on the AT&T network.
Battery Life
The battery life of the iPhone 4S is comparable to the battery life of the iPhone 4. The battery life of the iPhone 4 is one hour longer for using Wi-Fi. The battery life is one hour longer for talk time on the iPhone 4S.
Other iPhone 4S Features
The iPhone 4S has other features that weren’t mentioned in Friday’s Wonder of Tech poll, including two antennas, one to be used for transmitting and one to be used for receiving. These antennas work in tandem to optimize reception and transmission so your connections should be more stable.
The iPhone 4S will have AirPlay, meaning you can connect the phone (wirelessly through an AppleTv or via a cable) to your tv so you can play your games, look at your photos and see your iPhone screen on your tv.
I Was Wrong!
Okay, first of all, in Friday’s post I called the new device an iPhone 5. Silly me, I thought 5 came after 4. But I should have known better since I have an iPhone 3GS. What was I thinking?
But I was also wrong when I said that the new iPhone would not be heavier than the old iPhone. How wrong was I? I was so wrong. The new iPhone 4S is 1 ounce (3 grams) heavier than the iPhone 4. My exact words about the new iPhone being heavier?
“No way. No how.”
Sorry, my bad.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing will be as follows:
- 64GB iPhone 4S $399
- 32GB iPhone 4S $299
- 16GB iPhone 4S $199
- 8GB iPhone 4 $99
- 16GB iPhone 3GS Free
All of these prices are when a two year contract is signed with your carrier (AT&T, Verizon and Sprint).
Want to see if you’re eligible for an upgrade from your carrier? Check out this website: Upgrade Status for AT&T and Verizon.
The iPhone 4S will be available in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Germany and Japan on October 14 (with pre-orders being taken beginning October 7). The phone will be available in 22 more countries beginning on October 28 and in 70 additional countries by the end of 2011.
iOS 5
Even if you don’t get an iPhone 4S, you can still get enhanced features on your iPhone 4 or 3GS with a free upgrade to the iPhone operating system, iOS 5. Notifications, Newstand, iMessage, Camera enhancements, Reader and Twitter integration will all be yours on October 12 when iOS 5 is released. These features were revealed by Apple at their WWDC conference in June. For a full explanation, check out my article: WWDC: A Slice of Apple’s Future.
What do you think? Are you enticed by the iPhone 4S? Would you have preferred a new design? Would you have liked it better if Apple called its new phone the iPhone 5 instead of the iPhone 4S? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Ok, tell me if I’ve got this right: previous models made you choose between a totally different phone depending on whether you wanted ATT or Verizon, but the ATT version worked overseas while the Verizon didn’t.
Now the Sprint and Verizon phones will be exactly like the ATT version and all three will be compatible in whichever country you’re in? So you’re not restricted with a permanent marriage, so to speak?
Hi Kathy, You’re right. With the iPhone 4, if you got the phone on Verizon, it wouldn’t work in most countries outside the US. Verizon uses a CDMA network and very few countries have CDMA networks available.
All AT&T phones work outside the US because they are GSM phones and most countries use GSM networks.
The new iPhone can work on both CDMA and GSM networks so there shouldn’t be a problem if you travel internationally with an iPhone 4S, no matter which carrier you choose.
For example, let’s say you’re in the UK and buy an iPhone 4S and get it unlocked. You could then bring the phone to the US and use it on Verizon, Sprint or AT&T.
I hope this helps. I know it’s confusing but I love the World Phone feature of the iPhone 4S!
Carolyn,
I was just talking to a friend about finding the right tool for what I want to do. They suggested an iPhone.
Geocaching (app)
Make video
Internet
But I also want to write my blog. I can’t afford everything! The solution seemed to be to stick with my laptop (speed is way too slow for video) and the iPhone.
I’m not really up on this stuff. Suggestions?
Thanks! Betsy
Hi Betsy, I agree with your friend, an iPhone would be very helpful for you in shooting video, geocaching and accessing the internet. You can even use the phone to manage your blog when you’re away from your laptop.
The new iPhone 4S may be out of your price range, but now you can get the iPhone 4 for $99 or the iPhone 3GS for $0. That’s right, free. You need to sign a two year contract for these prices. The iPhone 4 is available on Verizon and AT&T while the iPhone 3GS is available only on AT&T.
The Wonder of Tech published an article on Geocaching in June that you may find helpful: https://wonderoftech.com/2011/06/geocaching-your-real-life-treasure-hunt/
I know you are very familiar with geocaching, but this article helps to explain what the benefits are to using an iPhone to geocache. I done it and the iPhone performed very well.
Let me know if you need any other information on the iPhone. You have a lot of choices now so it can be overwhelming!
Thanks so much for your visit, tweet and helpful comment!
So, did Siri answer your question? After all the hype, why aren’t they calling the new model an iPhone 5. Are they trying to maybe get an extra bite of the Apple?? (That pun was not intended, but what the heck. It fits!)
Hi Kathy, Lol, good pun! I don’t have Siri yet, but when I do, I will ask that question right away.
I think that Apple called this model the iPhone 4S because the outside design is identical to the iPhone 4.
The iPad 2 introduced only a handful of new features but Apple gave it a new name, presumable because the design was different.
Great question, Kathy! Thanks for stopping by!
Well, my guess will be our office will probably get the iPhone 4 but I guess that’s better than a sharp poke in the eye, huh?
I forwarded this to my wife because our sons contract is up and she is getting them new phones. I’ll let her use this as the one source for everything iPhone to make her decision.
So, it has enough new stuff they should have called it 5 anyway. I wonder what the marketing ploy behind that is? Hmmmm……
Thanks for the info and thanks for sharing.
Hi Bill, Getting an 8GB iPhone 4 for $99 seems like a really good deal. I hope that works for you. As you’ve never have had an iPhone before, you won’t have a lot of content to load onto the phone, so 8GB should be fine for you.
I’m not sure what the marketing ploy is. I think they should have consulted with Jens for marketing advice. If they had called this device the iPhone 5, people would have been much happier.
Good luck to you and your wife with choosing the iPhones for your sons. Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving an awesome comment and amazing tweet!
You are on my top list of early adopters. I was expecting an article on iPhone 4S from you, but not so soon. Thanks for summing it up nicely.
Besides, you might have seen the post on our Facebook wall (you have seen it, coz you *like*d), that one of our co-founders was the chief design architect of Siri app. The same guy who also designed iRewardChart. We are proud of the association, and even though, this version of iPhone has been underwhelming for most, its special for us!
Hello iRewardChart, How cool that the design architect of Siri also designed iRewardChart! This designer makes quality apps!
I’m not underwhelmed, I think the expectations were way too high for the iPhone 5. I wish Apple had called it the iPhone 5 and then people would have been more satisfied.
I am really looking forward to the Siri app. Now that I know the designer worked on iRewardChart, I know that Siri will be fantastic!
Congratulations on the Venture Beat app. I have downloaded that and have given it 5 stars in the App Store. Great app! Another winner. 🙂
Great review Carolyn,
I’ll be the first in line to get the 4S – camera and about a dozen other major improvements will be a treat.
Also condolences to the family and friends of the incredible man behind the world of Apple. It’s a sad day for all of us.
Gary Braley
Hi Gary, I am so glad to hear from a pro that the camera on the iPhone 4S is as good as Apple has claimed. No one I have read has been disputing the claim, but it’s still comforting to have that information confirmed.
Yes, you’re right, Gary, it certainly is a sad day. The outpouring of respect for a true visionary is remarkable. Steve Jobs touched so many lives in a profound way. He will be deeply missed by friends, family and millions who never met him. His legacy will endure for a long time to come.
Thank you, Gary, for sharing your wonderful comment with us.
The iPhone 4S is a waste of money if you already own the iPhone 4. If not I think itll be a good buy to new iPhone users.
Hi Edwin, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I agree that if you already own an iPhone 4, there are fewer reasons to upgrade to the iPhone 4S. But I can think of quite a few good reasons why someone with an iPhone 4 would want to upgrade to an iPhone 4S. Stay tuned to The Wonder of Tech tomorrow to find out what those reasons are!
Thanks so much, Edwin, for stopping by The Wonder of Tech and taking time to leave your comment.
No doubt, popularity of Apple IPhones increase all over the world due to their brilliant and friendly features. I do have an IPhone, its application are very easy to use and I love that phone. Now, voice commands – Siri is one of the most advance and exciting feature launched by Apple in new IPhone 4S model. Looking forward to it to get one.
Hi web stats, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech. I agree, Siri is certainly one of the most advanced and exciting features Apple has ever offered. I’m looking forward to getting one just like you!
Thanks for the review Carolyn. My wife is blind and is extremely excited about finally having a mobile device that truly appears to be accessible through not only voice commands, but by query. If Siri functions as advertised she may finally have found a mobile device that puts on an even playing field with her professional colleagues. My question is this: do you know if Siri works in tandem with VoiceOver? In the video clips while Siri works with the voice commands, some of the content displayed requires visual awareness. For example, a list of nearby Sushi restaurants are displayed after the query, “find a nearby Sushi restaurant”. Can VoiceOver then read the list of restaurants that are displayed? If so, this phone will be a huge breakthrough for people with visual impairments.
Blessings to Steve Jobs’ family and friends. The world has lost a true visionary.
Namaste,
Gene
Hello Gene, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech. I am so glad to learn that your wife has been helped by the accessibility features of the iPhone. Stevie Wonder did a tribute to Steve Jobs a few weeks ago thanking him for helping develop products to help people with visual impairments. Here is the link if you want to check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2Tkj8SIHMU
I can’t say for certain that Siri will work with VoiceOver. I imagine it will, but I plan to get an iPhone 4S and will test this out for you when I get it. In the meantime, I will try to do some research to see if I can find out the answer for you before the launch.
Thank you very much, Gene, for your visit and wonderful comment.
Gene, I activated my iPhone 4S this morning and am happy to report that VoiceOver is still available. You can activate it by going to Settings => General => Accessibility. Combined with Siri, the iPhone 4S should be a very powerful tool for your wife.
I was watching the event, and I was also looking forward to the iPhone 5. And I was a little dissapointed when all I got was the iPhone 4S. But then, I realized that all I was looking for was a name. If the iPhone 4S would have been named iPhone 5 I would have been happy.. because everything else about the phone is awesome 🙂
– Jens
Hi Jens, I’m glad you’re happy too. I think Apple made a big mistake in not naming this phone the iPhone 5 (and perhaps by not changing the outer design somewhat). I think that Apple should consult with Sly Marketing before the launch if its next device. What do you think?
Thanks so much for your awesome comment, Jens! 🙂
I completely agree, they should contact me before the launch of their next device 🙂
The whole world was waiting for the iPhone 5, when you know this, you need to give them that. We should always get people what they expect or more, never less. And, I’m not sure why they needed to upgrade #4 this much without giving it a new name. But, according to the experts Apple might need an even bigger “revolution” to give it a brand new name?
But, what if they didn’t launch the iPhone 5 (the new “revolution”) because they knew about Steve Jobs and that he only had hours left to live and could even have died on the same day as the launch? Just a theory 🙂
– Jens
Hi Jens, I hope Apple learns from what you and I consider to be its marketing blunder and start to name their new iPhones numerically in order. I mean, it’s not as if they are going to run out of numbers!
Your theory is interesting, Jens. I believe Steve Jobs may have hung on long enough to see the announcement on Tuesday and then felt he could rest in peace. The timing of his passing was very coincidental.
Absolutely. I couldn’t believe the news when I read about his death, I thought about things I read on Twitter when several people thought that he would come on stage in the end and say “there’s one more thing” and he would present the iPhone 5.
His death was at the same day that I got my iPad.
Great news. I think Apple’s products are popular all around the world due to their brilliant applications and designs. I also have an Apple IPhone but now looking to purchase its new version of 4S. As this model has an Amazing feature of voice command “Siri”. web stats
Hi web stats, I agree, Siri looks to be a very promising feature. Other new features of the phone are great as well! I am looking forward to getting a new camera as part of my new iPhone. 🙂