Apple iPhone 4S

The 'new', or rather 'updated' iPhone "4S" was announced yesterday. It boasts increased processor speed (equal to the iPad 2), an upgraded camera (8MP) with 1080p HD video with stabilization to parallel most rivals (eg HTC) as well as some basic photo/video editing options, enhanced voice recognition 'Siri', and better battery life...oh and something about better reception and a new operating system.

Personally I have never had an iPhone. Sure I know plenty of people that do, the number of people I know that own them seems to increase more and more every month - With a special mention of my brother who I'd never have picked as ever having one.

With a swag of Twitter tweets about the disappointment in how un-revolutionary (my way of putting it) this new device is...I must say I believe this might get more people than me and the usual Apple cynics questioning in what direction the device is going, what additional features can be crammed into the device and how many features users truly want and need and how easily/readily people will integrate them into their life.

Already technology writers are focusing on the iPod range. When Apple appears to be trying to get everyone to use an iPhone by making it more affordable and having all the features social network users could want and more...it makes one wonder if people are carrying a phone that has the function of an iPod built into, why would they buy an standalone portable music/video player? It's just another thing to carry around, keep an eye on, make sure its battery is charged, etc.

I never understood why someone would want a 160gig iPod classic anyhow, how many people have that much music (or want to watch videos on its screen) as well as needing it in their pocket?

One other thing I got thinking was about Tim Cook selling this product. Steve Jobs could arguably sell anything to Apple loyalists...with the new guy pitching them, has the flair disappeared? Are people seeing past the hype of "OMG Steve Jobs like's it so much he is promoting it personally!" and seeing these things as what they really are?

One speculated change to the then rumored 'iPhone 5' was the removal of the "Home" button, a button that many people questioned the use/need of. Curiously double clicking (I thought that was a Windows thing?) the home button now on the iPhone 4S activates the camera.

I do give Apple credit, even if their 'revolutionary' products may not be exactly that per se, I think that it's undeniable that they have driven changes in technology and how people interact with those changes, all I am wondering now is whether technology has run out of steam. Besides 3D, increasing specs of components that already exist (processors, memory, storage, camera capabilities), and software that takes advantage of and finds new uses for the hardware...I just don't see what other avenues exist for expansion in the consumer handheld technology sector.

Steve Jobs - Thanks for the memories

Hi everyone, this is obviously an older blog post...I typed it up on my netbook which I must have intended to use as my system of choice for blogging...but it never worked out. Here it is, the lost entry on the stepping down of Steve Jobs from his baby, Apple Inc.

Well the news broke last week, Co-Founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs has stood down from his position of head of Apple Inc. due to inability to fulfill the requirements of the position.

I have watched 'Pirates of Silicon Valley' as well as 'Triumph of the Nerds' and 'Nerds 2.01'. The first computer I ever recall using was an Apple of some sort, I first saw what the internet was on an Apple computer, I loved the colorful iMacs and I've seen the popularity of iPods, iPhones and iPads first hand. The Mac Mini's...boy if people knew the power and ease of a home entertainment system based on this system was!

Although I primarily use Microsoft Windows and dabble with a few different distributions of Linux (representin' holla) I do see the importance of and influential prowess of the brand that is Apple.
Time will tell if Apple the brand and continued success, growth and innovation can exist without the great leader of the past.

My thoughts are with Steve Jobs, his family, his friends and everyone that this man's presence has had an impact on.

Peace.