Apple gathered the world's tech press at its headquarters in Cupertino to announce its latest products -- and to dash the hopes of anyone expecting the iPhone 5 -- on Tuesday.
What CEO Tim Cook did reveal during his first major product announcement was the iPhone 4S -- which, if you extend a belief that beauty is on the inside to your electronics, isn't such a bad deal. The phone is much faster than its predecessor, has a better camera and displays more vibrant colors. And it understands human speech!
Apple also had plenty to announce about iPhone prices, new partner carriers, the iPod, and iOS 5. You may know this already -- but in case you're one of the millions who didn't take time off work to follow the story tweet by tweet, here's a handy summary of what's new.
The iPhone 4S looks almost exactly like the iPhone 4, but has a better camera and, according to Apple Vice President Phil Schiller, runs "up to seven times faster" than its predecessor. The phone will cost $199 for a 16 GB model and $299 for a 32 GB model. It will be available for pre-order on Oct. 7 and start shipping Oct. 14
Siri, a new iPhone 4S feature, is voice activation on steroids. Because it is capable of parsing natural human language, it can respond to a question such as "What is the weather like today?" with an answer it finds online, such as a weather report. It can read messages, search Wikipedia, make a calendar appointment, set a reminder, search Google Maps and more.
Apple is giving away its 8 GB iPhone 3G -- with strings attached. The free phone comes with a new two-year contract. You'll also be able to purchase the iPhone 4 for $99 with the same contract. Both pricing options will go into effect when apple releases the 4S on Oct. 14.
Sprint is getting the iPhone 4S. Becoming the third carrier to offer the iPhone is a big bet for Sprint, which has reportedly agreed to purchase $20 billion in iPhones regardless of whether or not it can sell them.
The new iPod Nano has watch-like features and bigger app icons. It comes with 16 different clock faces (including Mickey) and tracks runs, steps taken and calories burned without any additional sensors or devices.
iOS 5 is available for free on October 12, two days before the iPhone 4S comes out. Apple announced
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What Apple Announced Oct. 4:
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iPhone 4S: When, Where and How Much
Free iPhone: Apple Cuts 3GS Price to $0
Apple Unveils Siri, the iPhone 4S Voice Assistant
New iPod Nano Is Clock and Fitness Watch in One
iOS 5 Available for Download Oct. 12
Cards: Apple’s One-Stop-Shop for iPhone Greeting Cards