Putting an end to all speculations, the much hyped October 4 Apple event has now officially made way for the brand new iPhone 4S. And it was not only the handset that was unveiled. The event also introduced the iOS 5, which was highly anticipated by several Apple enthusiasts, along with iCloud, iMessage and Siri.
For months now, many were rooting for an iPhone 5, while some predicting an iPhone 4S, judging by the history of handset launches by Apple. The iOS 5 was also an addition to the list of expectations for many. The web was abuzz for a considerable time with rumors about the event and its importance for the new CEO Tim Cook.
“iPhone 4S plus iOS 5 plus iCloud is a breakthrough combination that makes the iPhone 4S the best iPhone ever. While our competitors try to imitate iPhone with a checklist of features, only iPhone can deliver these breakthrough innovations that work seamlessly together,” believes Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.
The iPhone 4S maintains the design of its predecessor to some extent. However, the insides witness a grand makeover, like the 8MP camera and the larger f/2.4 aperture. With the iOS 5, the new device is expected to be graced with almost 200 additional features like the Notifications Center which will enable users to easily view and organize notifications in one place. This operating system will also be made available to iPhone 4 and 3GS as a free software update.
The iMessage is a free messaging service compatible with the iOS 5, at least for now. This service is integrated with twitter and users can share messages, photos, and videos either directly or via the micro blogging website. The iCloud feature is meant to store content and wirelessly share content with other devices like the iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC. One interesting addition in the entire list is Siri, a personal assistant, which helps in getting things done by intelligently interpreting what users say in a casual language.
The iPhone 4S will start retailing in the United States from October 14. For those who can’t wait that long, it will be put up for pre-order starting October 7. The 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB variants are priced at $199, $299, and $399 respectively. Networks carrying it include AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless.