Apple didn't pack as much punch as expected in its latest press conference, but the one major reveal it did provide is the iPhone 4S due Friday, Oct. 14 (preorders on Oct. 7).
If you don't have an iPhone 4, this is a pretty decent upgrade. Otherwise, you may need some soul-searching to justify the premature upgrade when an iPhone 5 is still looming (though probably not before 2012).
Here's what's new in the iPhone 4S:
- Not the size - it's the same size as the iPhone 4 and, yes, your iPhone 4 case will fit.
- Models include 16GB ($200 with a contract or $450 without), 32GB ($300 or $550) and the new 64GB option ($400 or $650).
- Faster processor for better responsiveness. Apple claims seven times the speed for games and twice as fast for regular apps.
- Faster Internet speed over AT&T HSPA+ networks (also, Sprint and Verizon still can't do voice and data simultaneously).
- 8-megapixal camera (up from 5) with a better light-sensitive sensor plus support for 1080p HD video.
- Better battery. Apple claims 8 hours of talking over 3G, 6 hours if you're web browsing over 3G - longer over WiFi.
- Siri, a voice control feature billed as a "personal assistant" with conversational natural language interpretation and the ability to interact with apps and even provide answers to simple questions posed in English, French and German. It's probably best described with the following promotional video (your own voice recognition capability may vary):
Whether or not you get an iPhone 4S, iOS 5 will be releasing for iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, all iPads and 3rd/4th generation iPod Touch on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Details on iOS 5 are nothing new: Read our full report.
So, is iPhone 4S compelling enough to warrant a switch or upgrade? Or will you hold onto your existing phone, or hold out for an iPhone 5...
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