Tech geeks are definitely feeling some mixed emotions today. One the one hand, Apple did unveil a “new” iPhone to the public. But on the other, it’s not quite the version 5 that most fans were hoping for. The Apple iPhone 4S is basically an extension of the existing model, albeit with some interesting new features.
Taking the stage in a blue shirt and denim jeans, Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook introduced the new device to a very curious crowd.
“This is my first product launch since being named CEO — I’m sure you didn’t know that,” he explained from the headquarters in Cupertino, California. “I love Apple and consider it the privilege of a lifetime to have worked here for 14 years and to assume this role. Today we’ll remind you of the uniqueness of this company as we announce innovations from our mobile OS, to apps, services and hardware.”
And from there it was on the iPhone 4S.
Aesthetically, the 4S looks just like the iPhone 4 that we’re all used to. But, it does include a new dual-core A5 chip that offers seven times faster graphics for mobile gameplay. It will also give users a much longer battery life (one of the biggest iPhone complaints), with over eight hours of talk time and 40 hours of music listening.
Additionally, the 4S contains 1 gigabyte of RAM, which means you can store A TON of apps on your various touchscreens. It also sports two antennas to help increase downloading speed.
And for all of you cellphone shutterbugs, the 4S has a new and improved camera too. Now with 8 megapixels, its picture resolutions will be 60 percent better than the snaps you get with the model 4 (which will be great for all of those celebrity Twipixers).
And yet, something did seem a little stale at Cook’s press conference. Obviously losing the trademark style of Steve Jobs threw fans for a loop. And to many of the tech bloggers, Tim’s delivery felt somewhat bland and uninspired.
Plus, the “4S?” Something about that name lacks pizzazz. Why not the iPhone Bling or the iPhone Deluxe? And would it have killed them to add a few new fun tweaks to the rectangle design? Not that our opinion matters. We’re sure when 4S hits Apple Stores on October 14th, it’ll create lines down the block.
By Michael Lopez
