Apple talks iPhone 4s

Apple announced the much anticipated and highly rumored iPhone 4s today.  At first glance the new iPhone 4S doesn't appear to be much different from the iPhone 4, but is a solid update.  The standout features for the new phone offer a faster processor, improved camera, and enhanced voice command software.

Under the hood the iPhone 4s sports a new A5 dual-core processor, which is the same chip that is in the iPad2.  This new processor to the iPhone provides about 7x faster graphics and 2x processor speed. The improved speed is critical for many of the new high-end features on the phone and will give it a much snappier response. 

Many people enjoy the convenience of taking pictures and shooting video with their phones.  The new eight-megapixel sensor is engineered to let users take higher quality photographs very quickly and in much lower light situations.  The video recording is now at HD 1080p with real-time image stabilization. These changes give it technical parity with some competitors, but Apple's final fit and finish always makes it stand out in this space.

Battery life has always been a critical feature set for Apple when designing personal electronic devices.  Even with the new technologies built in, phone users can expect eight hours of talk time and six hours of data usage on 3G networks. This capability is often passed over, but one of the reasons iPhone users are passionate about their iPhones.

The iPhone 4s has a revamped wireless antenna system to overcome issues that became evident with the iPhone 4 model's antenna. The antenna and chipsets inside intelligently operate to provide the best local service or while roaming throughout the world.

Apple also introduce Siri for the iPhone 4s, "an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking."  This powerful voice command system will quickly provide you information from weather reports to stock market updates.  What is unique with Siri is that it not only listens to your voice commands, but will perform tasks as well.  It can set your iPhone alarm clock, schedule a meeting or provide directions.  In addition to this assistant functionality there is built-in a natural language dictation for transcription capabilities.

The new iPhone 4s is not an earth-shattering announcement, but does provide a significant improvement over the current iPhone 4.  The new iPhone keeps Apple as one of the leaders in the high-end smartphone market. If you have been waiting to upgrade your current iPhone or still just a little undecided, wait no further.

Apple is offering the new iPhone 4S in black and white models - 16GB for $199, 32GB for $299, and 64GB for $399 shipping starting October 14, 2011.