iPhone 4s

the iPhone 4s

while almost identical in exterior design to the iPhone 4, the new apple iPhone 4s nonetheless offers features that may change the standard face of smartphone software, featuring updated hardware alongside a voice-activated ‘personal assistant’.

the updated model is 0.1 ounces heavier than its predecessor, with an identical 3.5-inch, 960×640-pixel display with glass back and front, running a dual-core A5 chip to double the processing speed of the device. the dual-band world phone supports both GSM (HSPA+ 14.4) and CDMA.

the most innovative feature of the 4s is the ‘siri’ voice control application, whose technology effectively understands not simply words but also intent. the system ranges from the basic– in response to a question such as, ‘what is the weather like?’ or ‘how is the weather in new york city?’, for example, siri loads onto the phone the appropriate weather forecast– to the complex: if a user requests, ‘change my meeting with timothy silo to 12pm,’ siri might inform him that he already has a meeting with someone else at 12pm; would he like that siri nonetheless change this scheduling?

moreover, however, the application understands more natural-language questions, such as ‘will I need an umbrella today?’, responding in the affirmative if rain is predicted. the application can set calendar appointments and reminders, send text messages, open applications, and make phone calls, automatically translating keywords like ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ to the proper contact even when they are listed in the phone under their full names. users are also welcome to ask chacha-like trivia questions  (using wikipedia for information), restaurant tips (using yelp) or ask for directions.

demo of ‘siri’ on the iPhone 4s

the camera of the iPhone 4s has been updated with new optics; its 8-megapixel sensor permits the taking of video in 1080p HD at 30fps instead of 720p, featuring video stabilization, and improved low-light performance, colour accuracy, and white balance.

the new model is available with a two-year service contract for between 199 to 399 USD (dependent on the inclusion of 16, 32, or 64 gigabytes of memory).

full view

full view, video-recording

introduction of the iPhone 4s

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design-aerobics 2011: TECH GADGETS course september 15 – november 15, 2011 as more and more technological objects find their way into everyday life

designboom will hold an online design course on the theme of ‘tech-gadgets’. we’ll look at the most significant designs yet and ponder what might be around the corner. to see a lesson sample and information on how to enroll click here. classes have only recently begun, and all lessons are available for viewing throughout the duration of the course to enrolled participants.