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Apple shows off iPhone 4S camera with new gallery
The 8 MP camera is one of several new hardware features present in the iPhone 4S. It's a significant upgrade that'll entice many shutterbugs to drop their current phone and switch to Apple's latest handset. If you are on the fence or are just interested in seeing how the 4S camera performs, then you must check out this sample gallery of photos on Apple's website. Yes, the gallery is chosen by Apple and it has the best of the best photos, but still it's nice to examine the quality of images that this new shooter is capable of producing. To check out these photos, point your browser to Apple's website and click "view the gallery" on the right side of the page. Drool over the images for a while and let us know what you think in the comments.
Samsung takes a swipe at iPhone 4S already
Samsung didn't waste any time comparing its flagship Samsung Galaxy S II handset to Apple's recently announced iPhone 4S. The South Korean manufacturer sent out a note to the press detailing why its Android handset is superior to Apple's latest offering. According to Samsung, the Galaxy S II display has 42% more screen area than the iPhone 4. It notes that "screen size benefits scale by AREA (length x width), not just diagonal." The Galaxy S II is also the thinnest handset on the market and has faster HSPA+ network speeds than the iPhone 4S. Not surprisingly, Samsung couldn't help but point out Android is supposedly an "open ecosystem" while iOS is limited to single manufacturer's storefront or app store. Of course, the Korean manufacturer failed to mention all those Trojan horses and other malware that are lurking in this open system of apps.
Samsung looks to block iPhone 4S sales in France, Italy
Not exactly a shocking development here, but Samsung has just announced that it's looking to block sales of the iPhone 4S throughout France and Italy, opening up yet another frontier in its ongoing patent war with Apple. In a statement, the company confirmed that it will file two preliminary injunction requests in Paris and Milan today, on the grounds that Cupertino's new handset infringes upon two patents related to WCDMA standards for 3G-enabled devices. And it looks like this could only the beginning, with the manufacturer stating that it plans to pursue similar actions in other countries, as well. "Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free ride on our technology," reads Samsung's statement. "We believe it is now necessary to take legal action to protect our innovation." Apple has yet to comment on the filings, but we'll be following the drama very closely.
Opinion: Delayed New Zealand iPhone 4S launch shows the perils of drawing Apple's ire
Although it missed out on getting the original iPhone, New Zealand was the first country on Earth to sell the iPhone 3G. Unfortunately that wasn't the only way NZ distinguished itself during the iPhone 3G launch; thanks to local telco Vodafone NZ, the country also featured some of the highest handset prices and most expensive plans anywhere in the world. New Zealand lost its "first kids on the block with the iPhone" crown in 2009, as the iPhone 3GS came out in NZ just under a month after its launch in the United States. Although a year had passed, nothing had changed on the pricing front; Vodafone's handset subsidies remained pitifully lacking compared to other countries, and plan prices remained staggeringly high compared to what Kiwis were getting for their money. In 2010, the iPhone 4 once again launched in New Zealand a little over a month after its US debut, but the NZ launch was an unmitigated disaster. Even on the day of the launch, conflicting reports from Vodafone NZ made it unclear whether the iPhone would launch in New Zealand at all. No official numbers were ever released on the number of iPhone 4 units available on launch day, but I know my local retailer received perhaps a dozen units before it sold out -- that's 12 iPhone 4 handsets in a city of over 80,000 people. Nothing has ever been conclusively proven, but the most popular (and most likely to be true) theory is that last-minute pricing disputes between Vodafone and Apple resulted in Apple threatening to cancel the New Zealand launch if Vodafone didn't agree to offer customers lower handset prices. Vodafone reportedly capitulated at first, and handset subsidies for the iPhone 4 were initially much more generous (a relative term) compared to earlier iPhone launches. Vodafone NZ turned around and raised iPhone 4 handset prices anyway several months later. Apple has to have taken notice of these shenanigans, and the proof is in the now greatly delayed New Zealand launch of the iPhone 4S. While our neighbors across the Tasman will see the iPhone 4S reach Australian stores on October 14, with 22 more countries following two weeks later, New Zealand won't see the iPhone 4S until December at the earliest. For those keeping score, this means that in only three years New Zealand has gone from being first in the world to see a new iPhone to being lumped in with the "70 more countries" category, also known as Apple's "Meh, whenever we get around to it," tier for iPhone launches. Even when the iPhone 4S does finally make it here, there's every reason to suspect the NZ launch will be just as big of a bungled debacle as it was last year. It's my suspicion that NZ's newfound low-priority status for the iPhone 4S launch comes as a direct result of Vodafone NZ's inflated handset prices -- or looking at it the other way, its terrible handset subsidies -- and the company's inflexibility in negotiations with Apple. Representatives from Vodafone NZ consistently take a "blame Apple" approach when called to task for things like high handset prices and fumbled launches, but their sister company handles launches with aplomb in Australia and manages to offer handsets at a fair price for the market. To be fair, Apple is not entirely blameless here either. The prices Apple charges for its gear in New Zealand approach extortionate levels when compared to other countries' pricing, even after accounting for taxes and import duties. Apple still offers unlocked iPhone 4 units at a starting price of NZ$899, roughly comparable to what I expect the price for an unlocked iPhone 4S to be in the United States. Apple's continued refusal to establish any official retail presence in a nation of four million potential customers, while simultaneously opening stores in sparsely-populated markets like Alaska, is also profoundly baffling. However, I believe most of the blame for the delayed iPhone 4S launch falls to Vodafone NZ's attitude toward both Apple and its own customers; in the end, it's those customers who are paying the price, in more ways than one. Given its position as the number one smartphone vendor in the world, Apple can afford to play hardball with virtually any wireless carrier. If my appraisal of the situation between Apple and Vodafone NZ is even close to being accurate, then it should serve as a cautionary example for other carriers. The carriers need Apple far more than Apple needs them -- Sprint dropping 20 billion dollars on an iPhone deal is proof enough of how badly carriers need Apple, but Apple kicking Vodafone NZ to the bottom of the iPhone 4S availability ladder is just as much proof of how little Apple needs the carriers. Wireless providers play hard to get with Apple at their own peril... but, sadly, also at the peril of their customers.
Daily Update for October 4, 2011: Special "Let's Talk iPhone" edition
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. Today, we bring you a special edition dedicated to news of the Apple "Let's Talk iPhone" event. You'll get all the highlights of today's announcements in just seven minutes. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
AT&T goes meta: your iPhone 4S upgrade is just an app away (update)
If you're all hot and bothered by today's announcement from Apple, there'll be a new way for AT&T customers to snatch up the iPhone 4S. Later this evening, Ma Bell expects to introduce a gem into the App Store that lets users check their upgrade eligibility, and beginning Friday, October 7th, customers will be able to pre-order the A5-wielding beauty from the comfort of their current iPhone. Of course, we'll be sure to provide an update as the final details become available. Who'd have thought your current handset would play such an active role in its own demise? Update: As expected, AT&T's Upgrader app is now live in the App Store. Just take a peek at the source link to get your download on. Update 2: Apple giveth, and Apple taketh away -- in other words, the download has been pulled. Better luck next time? In the meantime, all AT&T customers may check their upgrade eligibility at the carrier's website.
Apple iPhone 4S makes its way through the FCC?
Well, well, what have we here? Hot on the heels of being unveiled to the world, the latest and greatest iPhone appears to have landed with the feds to get the FCC's stamp of approval. That's right, an Apple phone bearing model number A1387 has just made it through the commission's myriad tests unscathed. We can't say for certain it's the 4S, but given the timing of its appearance, it sure seems like Uncle Sam's officially on board with the new iPhone. If the rest of our coverage of Apple's new handset wasn't enough for you, hit the source below for the full FCC nitty gritty.
iPhone 4S Announcement FAQ
We've all had a number of lingering questions after today's event. Here's a quick summary of some of the more frequently asked questions we keep getting on our tip line. Will Siri be available on the iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4? As far as we can tell, Siri is an iPhone 4S exclusive feature. Will Siri be available outside of the US? Siri will be available outside the US. Where? We can't entirely tell yet. Siri mentions vary on out-of-US Apple websites. The French and British sites discuss Siri, but not Canada. (Thanks, Jean-Philippe Bousquet) We have no word as to how well Siri will work in Scotland. Why does the iPhone cost so much in my country? Probably because your country does not follow the US subsidy model, where prices are discounted in exchange for a contract commitment. When can I buy an unlocked and/or out-of-contract iPhone Apple's site suggests the unlocked unit will be available for sale at the same time as the contract/locked units. We have contacted US Apple support and received conflicting information (we were told that these units would only be made available in Canada). We have sent a query to Apple PR for a clarifying statement. We have not heard back, and we probably won't. When does it go on sale? When can I buy one in person? Pre-orders start October 7. We don't know what time of day. Last time Apple offered iPhone pre-orders, it was early in the morning east-coast time. We're guessing 7AM or 8AM ET. The iPhone arrives in stores on October 14th. Probably with lots of lines at Apple's stores. If history holds, you'll also be able to get in line at AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon stores in the US. How much will out-of-contracts likely sell for? Kelly Hodgkins tells us that Verizon is listing the 16GB unit for $649, the 32 for $749, and the 64 for $849. Compare and contrast that with the Late 2010 64 MacBook Air, which you can buy for $749 (slightly refurbished) or the May 2010 Macbook 2.4 with 250 GB (SATA) for $849. You can also pick up a brand new Mac mini for $599 (less for refurbished models). You can buy a first generation iPad with 3G for $399, and a current generation 16 GB iPad 2 with 3G for $579. Will Siri run on iPad 2? It has the same processor Apple says: "Siri is available in Beta only on iPhone 4S and requires Internet access. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Cellular data charges may apply." So even with the same processor, it doesn't look promising. Will all iPhone 4 cases work with iPhone 4S? Apple's site says yes, but again we're not sure. Other than the weight (3 grams more), the dimensions appear to be the same. Most concerns seem to be about the camera, but we're hearing nothing yet about any differences there in external case access. Apple says: Do existing iPhone 4 accessories work with the new iPhone 4S? Yes, all iPhone 4 accessories work with iPhone 4S. What size storage will be available for iCloud? 5 GB free -- and you can use that up like *that* if you do iCloud backups (vs computer backups). From there 10GB $20/yr, 20GB $40, 50GB $100 Why do some iPhone 4 first-day adopters have immediate upgrade ability rather than February 25th? They pay a lot more per month than you or I do. Us "bottom feeders" (at $65 a month or so) have to wait longer. Will unlimited data be grandfathered in? Wait and see. Definitely unlimited data on Sprint if rumor holds true. For AT&T, we're not sure. When does iOS 5 ship? iOS 5 will launch October 12th
Roundup of today's iPhone event coverage
Here's a summary of what happened today during Apple's iPhone event, with links you can follow to more in-depth coverage. You can check out Apple's keynote for yourself if you like, but our summary will probably go a lot quicker for you. Apple announces the iPhone 4S: The top story for today, Apple's next-gen iPhone is an all-internal upgrade that looks externally identical to the iPhone 4. The handset will be available for pre-order on October 7, and it launches in the US and a few other countries on October 14. As virtually everyone expected, the iPhone 4S will launch on Sprint in addition to AT&T and Verizon. Evidence on Apple's site suggests unlocked models will be available, but pricing info for contract-free handsets isn't available yet. The iPhone 4S has a faster A5 processor with much-improved graphics performance, improved battery and wireless performance, and a vastly improved 8 megapixel camera. Exclusive to the iPhone 4S is Siri, a new and powerful voice interface. Speaking of which... Apple (re)introduces Siri as iPhone voice control assistant for iPhone 4S: By far the biggest new feature announced today, Siri looks like it will revolutionize voice control on the iPhone. Siri is able to understand natural language inquiries and quickly look up information, generate appointments and text messages, and even take dictation. You may never need to type on your iPhone again. Reportedly the existing Siri app will go dark on October 15, so the service will definitely be exclusive to Apple's newest iPhone after that. iOS 5 available October 12: The iOS 5 "gold master" seed was released today to developers, and it will be available to everyone else on October 12. iOS 5 will be a free download that will run on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S; all models of iPad; and the third- and fourth-generation iPod touch. Apple's free replacement for MobileMe, iCloud, is also going live to everyone on October 12. Meanwhile, the App Store is now officially welcoming apps compatible with iOS 5. Apple refreshes iPod touch lineup with new colors: With the only apparent changes being a new white model and a price drop for the entry-level model, the iPod touch received only a very modest update today. No mention was made of the iPod touch being updated with the A5 processor, which marks the first time the line hasn't kept pace with the iPhone's processor. Apple refreshes iPod nano, lowers price: The iPod nano also received a very modest update; aside from new clock faces, integrated fitness functions, a slightly revamped UI, and a price drop, the nano is largely the same as last year's model. The new UI and clock faces appear to be available to 2010 model iPod nanos via a software update, so if you have last year's model already there doesn't appear to be any reason to upgrade. 8 GB iPhone 3GS now free with contract, iPhone 4 price dropped: You can now pick up Apple's two-year-old iPhone 3GS for free if you sign up for a two-year contract. That may sound like a great deal, but by 2013 the iPhone 3GS is probably going to seem like it's a UNIVAC. You're better off spending the extra $99 to get an iPhone 4 instead; it's the same capacity, but with a much-improved processor, Retina Display, and a far better camera. Sure, the iPhone 3GS is free, but in our opinion you get what you pay for with that model. Other new services and products: Apple announced a Find My Friends app that will work via iCloud, which should make stalking locating your friends much easier -- no more "I'm over by the thing, next to the other thing" directions. Another new app that had us alternately scratching our heads and cracking jokes: Cards will enable you to send photos to Apple, which it will then turn into postcards and mail out for you for a modest fee. To comply with EU standards, Apple will release a dock connector to micro USB adapter on October 14. Available on Apple's online UK store, it's relatively inexpensive at only £8. The sequel to Chair's hugely popular Infinity Blade will be released December 1. Infinity Blade 2 demonstrated the hugely improved graphical performance of the iPhone 4S -- I can't wait to see how this looks in person. Apple kicking butt, taking names: Apple's largest store in Asia had over 100,000 visitors in its opening weekend. OS X Lion has sold 6 million copies since its July 20 debut, 80 percent more than Snow Leopard. The iPhone 4 accounts for half of all iPhone sales, ever, and iPhones now account for 5 percent of worldwide handsets -- not just smartphones, all phones. iPads are "showing up everywhere," including 80 percent of US hospitals and 92 percent of Fortune 500 companies. Despite arguably stagnant features over the past couple years, the iPod still accounts for 70 percent of the portable music player market, and iTunes is the number one music store. The App Store has served more than 18 billion app downloads, with more than 500,000 total apps and 140,000 iPad-specific apps. To be honest, with the exception of Siri there doesn't seem to be much new and exciting coming out of Apple's event today. The iPhone 4S is, as the name implies, an iterative update to the (admittedly hugely successful) iPhone 4, while the iPod lineup has seen only very modest updates. Given Apple's massive success as of late, the company can afford to rest on its laurels for awhile -- but not for too long.
Apple's iPhone 4S, iOS 5 and iPod roundup: details, specs and release dates
Phew, what a day! Apple's done its fair share of introducing today, and now it's on us to distill everything down into something understandable by folks who don't have the time to pore over every single morsel of iPhone and iOS 5-related news oozing from Cupertino. You can relive our liveblog right here -- for everything else, get schooled below. iPhone 4S iPhone 4S officially announed, lands October 14th in sizes up to 64GB Sprint iPhone announced, getting both iPhone 4 and 4S Meet the new iPhone 4S AirPlay Mirroring coming to iPhone 4S iPhone 4S hands-on iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite iPhone 4S vs. iPhone 4 Post-event live broadcast iPhone 4S event video posted online iPhone 4S makes its way through the FCC Upgrade to AT&T iPhone 4S: there's an app for that iOS 5 iOS 5 will be available October 12th, iCloud launches the same day Cards app for iPhone introduced Find My Friends announced iTunes Match hits US 'end of October' for $24.99 Apple brings Siri voice recognition iPod / Mac / other news Six million copies of Lion downloaded since launch Macbook Pro and iMac are the best selling notebook and desktop in the US 16 billion iTunes songs downloaded, 300 million iPods sold 250 million iOS devices sold, 18 billion apps downloaded iPod Touch available October 12th in black and white, maxes at 64GB / $399 iPod nano now $149 for 16GB and $129 for 8GB iPhone 3GS 8GB is free, iPhone 4 8GB $99 AppleCare+ debuts for $99, covers accidental damage for a fee
Apple's iPhone 4S event video now online
Looks like we weren't the only ones shooting video at today's 'Let's Talk iPhone' event. Apparently Apple had some folks there with cameras as well. Cupertino has posted video of the event, so between that and our liveblog, you can relive the magic -- or disappointment -- again and again. Check out the action in the Source link below.
Apple iPhone 4S keynote now available for streaming
As expected, Apple has posted the keynote for today's iPhone event. You can stream it over the Internet by pointing your browser to Apple's event website. To watch the video, you'll need to use a Mac with Safari 4 or 5 and Mac OS X Snow Leopard or Lion, an iOS 3 or later device with Safari, or a PC QuickTime 7 on Windows. Enjoy!
AppleCare+ debuts for $99, offers to cover accidental damage in addition to the standard fare
Once upon a time, the AppleCare Protection Plan was a service provided by Cupertino to extend out the life of your iPhone warranty for an extra year and enable Apple reps to help with additional customer service concerns. It still offers all of that, but now a Plus has been added to the title. The new plan was revealed as the cloak over the Apple Store lifted after today's keynote, with the boxes shipping out the same day as the iPhone 4S. What's so "plus" about it, you might ask? It's plus $30, for one, getting a price bump from $70 to $100. The good news, though, is that it also now offers two instances of protection from accidental damage... for a $49 fee each time. It's a fair deal less than shelling out full retail price for a fresh one, of course, but there doesn't appear to be any other new features beyond what we're already used to getting. Oh, except for "one more thing": whereas its predecessor could be obtained and activated anytime within the first twelve months of your purchase, it appears that AppleCare+ has to be bought at the same time as the valuable treasure it's protecting. We're still sifting through the fine print, so we'll holler if we come across any other changes. This raises the question: does the accidental damage handling justify the higher cost? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Official iPhone micro-USB adapter quietly sneaks into UK Apple Store
It looks like Apple's making good on its promise to standardize its charger port for EU territories. Behind all the big hitters announced by Apple today, an official micro-USB adapter has shuffled into the UK's online store in a very typically English way. Sure, there have been third-party options for a while, but this one's the real deal and looks set to go on sale on October 14th, alongside the newly crowned iPhone 4S. We hope and expect that this will come packaged with Apple's latest phone in Euroland -- but on the off-chance that it doesn't, we'd question whether charging an extra £8 obeys the spirit of the regulation. [Thanks, Cameron]
Apple's 'Let's Talk iPhone' post-event live broadcast!
Well, that was fun. If you wanted to read along with the liveblog, but couldn't hang with all of those words, or if you just need some help processing all of the Cupertino-based iPhone 4S-related excitement, stay-tuned. Tim Stevens, Darren Murph and a number of guest Fraggles (schedules pending) are live on the scene to help you wade through the deluge of news from today's Apple event.Update: And we're done! Check out video of the broadcast after the break!
iPhone 4S vs. the smartphone elite: Galaxy S II, Bionic and Titan
Now that we know how the iPhone 4S stacks up against the iPhone 4, let's take a look at how Apple's latest smartphone compares to its mightiest competitors on the other major platforms -- Android and Windows Phone. In Google's camp we chose the superlative Samsung Galaxy S II models (focusing on the announced US variants) along with the Motorola Droid Bionic for its qHD and LTE chops. We then picked the upcoming HTC Titan to bat for Microsoft's team. RIM's not included here since it's still stuck in the junior leagues. We left out the intriguing Nokia N9 because it's a niche player. Check out the fancy table after the break -- the results are pretty clear cut!
Original Siri service is dead, long live Apple Siri
If you scoffed at the news that Apple's Siri would only be available on the iPhone 4S, thinking that you could just use the standard Siri app that was still available on the App Store, then scoff no more. The freely available Siri app has been removed from the App Store completely, and as TechCrunch reports, the whole service is being taken down in advance of the official debut of the app as part of iOS 5. TUAW reader Luc reports that the current app now gives a note as it starts up that the app will be "leaving for home" on October 15th, so you have until then to enjoy the app as is if you happen to still have it installed. Presumably at that point, the old service will end, and you'll have to buy an iPhone 4S if you want access to the new service. This basically makes sense: Apple's trying to sell devices, and it wouldn't really work to have a version of the service out there running around for free, even if that service isn't as integrated. Apple's done the same thing with other companies they've picked up and made official, including CoverFlow back in the day. Unfortunately, if you're currently a big Siri user, then you'll have to upgrade your handset to keep using the service as is -- there is no built-in plan to let you keep using the current app.
Apple's site suggests unlocked iPhone 4S will be available
A question that's been on many people's minds today, including mine, is whether or not the iPhone 4S will be offered in an unlocked, contract-free option like the iPhone 4 has been for the past several months. I know I've been awaiting the answer to this question with great interest, especially with news today suggesting the iPhone 4S won't be available where I live until December. Wording on Apple's iPhone page suggests that it will be offered unlocked. The below excerpt is directly from Apple's FAQ for the device (relevant portions in bold for emphasis): If I lose my iPhone, can I buy a replacement iPhone? Yes. You can purchase a replacement iPhone from the Apple Online Store, an Apple Retail Store, or your carrier's store. Your price will depend on whether you qualify for a carrier subsidy. You can also purchase an unlocked iPhone from the Apple Online Store or Apple Retail Store and obtain a micro-SIM card directly from your supported GSM carrier. When I buy from the Apple Online Store, does my iPhone come ready to use? Yes, if you have selected a mobile phone carrier. When your iPhone arrives, all you have to do is turn it on and follow the onscreen instructions to set it up. There's no need to call the carrier or visit a store to complete the activation. If you have selected an unlocked GSM phone, you will need to acquire a micro-SIM from the supported GSM carrier of your choice and activate it in order to use your iPhone. Information in a footnote on both that page and the iPhone 4S tech specs page further suggests the iPhone 4S will be available unlocked: For those who are not qualified customers, are not eligible for an early upgrade, are purchasing an unlocked iPhone (for supported GSM wireless service provider networks only), or wish to buy an iPhone as a gift, see your carrier, an Apple Retail Store Specialist, the Apple Online Store, or an Apple Authorized Reseller for pricing. There's always the possibility that these snippets were mistakenly carried over from the iPhone 4's descriptors, but my fellow TUAW colleagues have long suspected that the iPhone 4S would be available unlocked just like the iPhone 4. No official pricing info for unlocked iPhone 4S models is available yet, but the smart money is on "expensive as heck" -- the 8 GB iPhone 4, available for US$99 with a 2-year contract, costs $549 without a contract. Extrapolating from the iPhone 4's pricing suggests the following pricing scheme for unlocked models: 16 GB iPhone 4S: $649 (the same as the unlocked 16 GB iPhone 4 from months back) 32 GB iPhone 4S: $749 (again, same price as unlocked 32 GB iPhone 4 was) 64 GB iPhone 4S: $849 We're not certain as of yet if unlocked iPhone 4S models will be available for pre-order on October 7th, but I'm betting they won't be; I think it's more likely that only carrier-locked models will be offered for pre-order, with unlocked models available on October 14 in-store and on Apple's site. I'm unwilling to wait until December and pay the extortionate prices Apple charges in New Zealand, and I'm also not signing another two-year contract with my existing wireless provider just to get the inexcusably paltry "subsidies" they offer. Therefore, I know I'll be lining up (metaphorically speaking) for an unlocked US model -- how about you?
AAPL takes a hit despite iPhone 4S news (Updated)
Apple's share price has dropped dramatically after today's announcement of the iPhone 4S. At 3:07 PM EDT, AAPL was down over $16 per share to $358.51, although it could recover before today's market close. While this doesn't look good for Wall Street's enthusiasm for the new device, the stock drop is actually quite normal for the day of an Apple announcement. We've seen similar results after announcements of most new Apple devices, with the stock usually recovering or rising the next day. The stock price for new US iPhone carrier Sprint doesn't seem to be reacting much in one way or another to the announcement. At press time, the company's stock was selling at $2.68 a share, down $0.06 for the day. Shares in Verizon and AT&T were relatively steady as well. Of course, most of the responsibility for the lackluster stock price for Apple could be tied to the world economic news today. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's comment that "The economic recovery is close to faltering" has resulted in an overall decline on the markets, with the Dow-Jones Industrial Average down 162, S&P 500 down 12, and NASDAQ down 17 at press time. Update: AAPL closed today at $372.50, only down $2.10 (-0.56 percent). The DJIA, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 all finished the day up. It's amazing what can happen with the market in only an hour... Turns out that the "hit" was more of a "hiccup."
iPhone 4S hands-on!
It's not an iPhone mini or anything, but it's the first iPhone with Siri. And that has to count for something, right? Right? While it's no iPhone 5 (not even close, really), the iPhone 4S is far from being "last year's iPhone," and the greatly enhanced camera, bolstered A5 dual-core processor and inbuilt voice command should provide plenty of reason for folks to upgrade if they're near the end of their contract. Furthermore, having the option on Sprint -- despite Apple almost announcing it as an afterthought -- is bound to make folks already entrenched on the Now Network think twice about what their next phone will be come upgrade time.We were able to spend a few quality moments with the refreshed iPhone 4 here at Apple's campus, the Sprint flavor no less, and as you might expect... it's an iPhone 4. But S-ier. Much in the same way that the 3GS improved the overall experience of the 3G, the 4S does likewise compared to the existing 4. The dual-core A5 chip is a laudatory improvement, and whisking about pages, loading the camera application and launching -- well, just about everything -- just feels zippier. As it should. The other major change, the antennas, weren't readily different at a glance, but as Mr. Cook stated, you'd have to be iFixit to notice (and we're sure they will).The most impressive part was the demo of Siri, the new assistant that lets you do just about anything you can do on your phone -- but with your voice. We tried to psych it out with a bunch of random requests, including the history of Chester, Vermont (a lovely town) and the best Ramen places in San Francisco. Siri never faltered, never missed a beat. It worked as well as Scott's demo up on the stage. There's nothing better to say than that. We even sent ourselves a few text messages, which Siri transcribed to a T. Of course, the lady on the other end still sounds eerily robotic, but we're hoping for smoother responses from the alien within in a future update.The 8 megapixel sensor doesn't look any different from the outside, but we're trusting that Apple's re-engineered the interior. We snapped a few photos in the demo room to test and not a one came out as great as the retina-bursting contrasty pictures of balloons and flowers we saw in the demo, but then again, we didn't have any balloons or flowers to capture.As for weight and feel? Just like the old king. We'll be updating this post with our impressions live from Cupertino, and are working to get you some better pictures to look at. Hang tight -- they're coming!Update: Sorry, guys, but this time around Apple isn't allowing anyone to take photos or videos of the new iPhone in the hands-on area at its event. But don't worry, we'll give you all that and more when we review it in the coming weeks!Relive the announcement in our liveblog right here!%Gallery-135711% %Gallery-135683%
