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It’s been a while since my last post, and to be honest, there hasn’t been much to review/write about lately.  Today, Apple announce the long awaited upgraded iPhone.  They deviated from there normal release schedule (they usually release in June) for reasons unknown.  Below I will share some thoughts on the announcement as well as give my recommendation as to whether you should buy it now or wait.

What?  No iPhone 5?

The entire world was under the false impression that the next iPhone to be released would be the iPhone 5.  Various tech blogs had posited many theories about what it would be, including the iPhone 4S (which is what they announced).  Some even thought Apple would release multiple iPhones, including the 5.  As we all know, Apple decided to release an incremental upgrade, much like they did with the 3G/3GS.  The 4S will retain the 4′s shape and build, save for the antenna.  The Antenna is a definite cool upgrade in that it is auto sensing and is both outfitted for CDMA and GSM (you can use the same phone on AT&T, Verizon and presumably, Sprint).  The camera is also an upgrade, which I really like.  It is getting to the point where the iPhone 4S camera will rival most point and shoots and kick the crap out of their HD video.   I have to say, I was disappointed, but not surprised that they didn’t release a new form factor.

Voice Assistant

This is probably the coolest addition to the 4S.  Apple’s purchase of Siri looks like it is finally paying off.  You can ask it for things like the weather forecast, adding contacts, reminders, calendar items, etc.  It looks like the first real voice technology that is as natural as asking a human a question.  While I haven’t seen it in action, it looks promising and possibly the only real reason most people would upgrade from the iPhone 4 to the 4S.  There are lots of other upgrades, check out the videocast apple has on their website to see the entire presentation.

Why no iPhone 5?  Why did it take so long?

I can only speculate to both of these questions.  My personal assumption is that Apple really wanted to wow everyone with Siri.  It really looks awesome and my guess is that it took a lot longer than the June deadline gave them for their normal release cycle.  I say this because nothing else was really that groundbreaking.  There was a ton of speculation that the iPhone 5 would have the same type of form factor as the iPad 2 (teardrop shape, aluminum backing, etc.).  I was pretty surprised to be honest that this announcement was an incremental upgrade.  Their stock got pounded today as well.  I guess the market was expecting more from Apple today.

So, should I get the iPhone 4S?

That depends…If you have an iPhone 4?  I would say wait to see if the assistant is as awesome as it looks.  If you are really into photography, again, it looks like the camera upgrade is pretty great and may be worth it.  If you have a 3G or 3GS, I would say go for it.  It is a significant upgrade and if you have an original 3G/S, your phone will likely be pretty sluggish and the battery at about 50%.   We really don’t know if Apple will pick back up the summer release schedule or if fall is the new schedule.  With all technology, you can’t continue to wait as there is ALWAYS something better coming down the road.  Given that the iPhone 4S has a dual core processor, retina display, new antenna, 8MP camera/HD, I would say it would be an amazing phone for the next 2 years.  I personally am going to wait to see how good the assistant is and if I would really use it.  If it isn’t all that, then I will likely keep the iPhone 4 for another year.  Alright, who am I kidding, I will get the 4S on the 14th!!

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