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iPhone 4GS ArrivesOctober 4, 2011 – 5:41 pm |
 Riyaad |
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It’s that time of the year again. Almost like clockwork, Apple has announced the release of the next generation iPhone. While anticipation has been high on the blogosphere for the past few weeks, many were disappointed with the announcement of the iPhone 4GS, leaving them to only dream about the iPhone 5.
Because the announcement of the ‘new’ device was delayed a few weeks (these announcements usually come in the Summer) everyone thought Apple was gearing up for
something big. With the exit of Steve Jobs earlier this year, critics claimed that Apple had something to prove at this reveal and that the new product line would be a testament to their ability to survive without him. While this is unfair, the blogosphere none the less went crazy with iPhone frenzy. Expectations were high. Apple instead delivered a faster version of the iPhone 4. The 4GS features voice recognition, an improved antenna setup, and an 8 MP camera among other features.
What were the game changers that everyone was expecting? What would have satisfied even their toughest critics?
4G Technology – A late bloomer in the United States, but much welcomed. It’s important to note that the iPhone at 3G speeds can out-perform some Android devices running on 4G, but is dependent on your network, location, and device. Increased data speeds have opened the market up to watching TV on your phone, an increase in mobile web traffic, and more. The ability to reach higher connection speeds will continuously change the way we use handheld devices. Many would argue it’s the current device speeds that are slowing down the growth potential of the mobile market. We’ve heard it every year, ‘This is the year of Mobile!’ Eh. Not yet. People demand more of their phones, and no significant change will occur until it becomes truly fast and convenient. Will the iPhone 4GS speeds be able to do just this? We’ll find out soon.
NFC Chips – Near Field Communication chips are changing the way we use our phones. It transforms them from communication and entertainment devices, to practical devices. Imagine holding up your phone to a sign, and being able to check into Foursquare automatically, without having to open the Application and search for the venue. Imagine a phone that can be waved at a register to pay for your groceries. Keep losing your discount and reward point cards? Its ok, that information is saved in your phone now. This is the future of your mobile device. Not in 5 years; now. Google Wallet has already introduced the system. While availability is still limited, it won’t be long until its common practice.
However, this is dependent on large segments of smart phone users having the ability to use their devices in this manner. With a large percentage of smartphone owners, iPhone users, its absence not only disables their ability to use their phones in this way, but very possibly holds up the development of the strategies themselves. If iPhone users cannot pay for their goods with their mobile phones, a significant portion of users are left out. This reduces the chances that businesses would invest in near-field-communication strategies.
Apple’s lack of inclusion in NFC chips doesn’t just leave iPhone users behind, it stagnates the market until they do. Guess we’ll wait til next year and get excited about the iPhone 5 all over again.
