Monday, October 10, 2011
References
- (2011, October 4). KCTV5 News [Television broadcast]. Kansas City: KCTV5.
- Apple - iPhone 4S - See all the amazing new things iPhone can do.. (n.d.). Apple. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.apple.com/iphone/
- This website page is created by Apple, the company that actually manufactured the iPhone 4S. It probably contains bias because they need to sell their product, but it is a relevant source for my paper because it contains accurate system specifications.
- Fei, Michelle. (2011, October 4). Plugging in but not tuning out. McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Dateline. (Document ID: 2474929811).
- Since this source is from Proquest, a database from the GMU library website, it is a relevant source.
- Samsung seeking ban of new Apple iPhone 4s in France, Italy. (2011, October 5). Washington Post. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/
- This newspaper article contains relevant, recent information without any bias. It is also long enough to get plenty of information from.
- Sutter, J. (2011, October 5). Five reasons people are calling the iPhone 4S a dud. CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/
- This is a reputable source because it is from CNN, a major news company. It also tells the facts about people's opinions on the iPhone 4GS without any bias. The information is well organized and easy to understand.
- Topolsky, J. (2011, October 5). Apple Siri: the next big revolution in how we interact with gadgets?. Washington Post. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/
- This newspaper article contains relevant, recent information without any bias. It is also long enough to get plenty of information from.
- Tsukayama, H. (2011, October 6). iPhone 4S Roundup: Hands-on reactions. Washington Post. Retrieved October 7, 2011, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/
- This newspaper article contains enough relevant information to be helpful for my paper. It is from a well-known Newspaper company.
Analysis & Conclusion
The iPhone 4S, therefore, has many important pros and cons that must be considered, whether one is a possible purchaser or simply wondering about this widely hyped up product. While the iPhone 4S is an upgrade to the iPhone line, making it even more useful and easier to use/access than ever before, it is not different enough to amaze the public again. Credit must be given, however, to the changes that have been made, which include top speed, better graphics, and better software. Some say that there is no “huge reason to get it” other than high graphic gaming or shooting many photos/videos, while others are very eager to try out the new voice command assistant. (Interview)
Knowing both the benefits and drawbacks of this product will help consumers to make educated purchases. The iPhone 4S definitely has important pros and cons that must be considered before judging its quality as a world phone, including software changes and lack of new design. This idea of making well informed decisions applies not only to the iPhone 4S, but also to all other technology purchases. Although the public was generally disappointed over the introduction of the iPhone 4S, its upgraded components must not be overlooked. At the same time, the public’s reasons for being disappointed are understandable, as well.
Knowing both the benefits and drawbacks of this product will help consumers to make educated purchases. The iPhone 4S definitely has important pros and cons that must be considered before judging its quality as a world phone, including software changes and lack of new design. This idea of making well informed decisions applies not only to the iPhone 4S, but also to all other technology purchases. Although the public was generally disappointed over the introduction of the iPhone 4S, its upgraded components must not be overlooked. At the same time, the public’s reasons for being disappointed are understandable, as well.
Drawbacks
While the program, Siri, is the source of much excitement, it is important to remember that it is not perfect. The software uses a network connection, which means that it won’t be able to work in places like the inside of a train. It is also in beta, meaning that there are still bugs to be found in the program. Additionally, only those with new iPhone devices will be able to use this new software.
Another disadvantage of this device is that at $199, it is expensive compared to other regular phones. Not only is this a financial disadvantage, but it is easier for devices like this to get stolen. Moreover, because these phones are so handy for everything, people may enter more private information that can be accessed by others, especially if these are stolen or left unattended. Additionally, there is the possibility of users becoming addicted to using these types of phones. According to the article, “Plugging in but not tuning out” by Michelle Fei, some negative effects of excessive smartphone use “…include a distraction from a text message while engaging in face-to-face conversation, an enthusiastic online chat with someone miles away despite being seated with a group of people for dinner, and increasing online purchases of e-books over magazines from news stands.” These disadvantages not only apply to the iPhone 4S, however, but to other smartphones and technology devices, as well.
Another negative aspect of the iPhone 4S is that many people were disappointed by how minor the changes were in comparison to the iPhone 4. There were so many rumors for such a long time as the public anticipated the iPhone 5, but their expectations were not met. The fact that this model looks the same as the iPhone 4 is “perhaps the biggest reason people aren’t wowed by the iPhone 4S.” The name has no even changed, when the public was actually highly anticipating a completely new iPhone 5. Even if several new features have been added, they are all “essentially invisible”. (Five reasons). This disappointment caused Apple shares in the stock market to fall “as much as 5 percent before recovering to close down 0.6 percent on Tuesday.” (Samsung)
In terms of legal aspects, Samsung, a competitor company, is already seeking the ban of this phone in France and Italy. These cases involve patent infringements related to the device’s wireless technology. This, however, is almost expected of a competitor company, and cannot be used against the iPhone 4S.
Another disadvantage of this device is that at $199, it is expensive compared to other regular phones. Not only is this a financial disadvantage, but it is easier for devices like this to get stolen. Moreover, because these phones are so handy for everything, people may enter more private information that can be accessed by others, especially if these are stolen or left unattended. Additionally, there is the possibility of users becoming addicted to using these types of phones. According to the article, “Plugging in but not tuning out” by Michelle Fei, some negative effects of excessive smartphone use “…include a distraction from a text message while engaging in face-to-face conversation, an enthusiastic online chat with someone miles away despite being seated with a group of people for dinner, and increasing online purchases of e-books over magazines from news stands.” These disadvantages not only apply to the iPhone 4S, however, but to other smartphones and technology devices, as well.
Another negative aspect of the iPhone 4S is that many people were disappointed by how minor the changes were in comparison to the iPhone 4. There were so many rumors for such a long time as the public anticipated the iPhone 5, but their expectations were not met. The fact that this model looks the same as the iPhone 4 is “perhaps the biggest reason people aren’t wowed by the iPhone 4S.” The name has no even changed, when the public was actually highly anticipating a completely new iPhone 5. Even if several new features have been added, they are all “essentially invisible”. (Five reasons). This disappointment caused Apple shares in the stock market to fall “as much as 5 percent before recovering to close down 0.6 percent on Tuesday.” (Samsung)
In terms of legal aspects, Samsung, a competitor company, is already seeking the ban of this phone in France and Italy. These cases involve patent infringements related to the device’s wireless technology. This, however, is almost expected of a competitor company, and cannot be used against the iPhone 4S.
Benefits
Many of the benefits of the iPhone 4S are shown in its new features that surpass the level of previous models. As mentioned in the introduction, there are some major software additions that are specific to the iPhone 4S, some of which will only be available on only the newer models of the iPhone. (apple siri) One of the most talked about additions to this model is the software called Siri, which is “possibly the kick-start of the next big revolution in how we interact with our gadgets.” This intelligent personal assistant is supposed to interpret and reply to the user’s spoken messages, including questions on the weather, movie times, requests to change the alarm, requests to schedule an appointment, etc. This software is very easy to use and can actually involve an interactive conversation, where the software will make changes and answer questions that adapt to the user’s vocalized needs. For example, it can correctly answer questions like “‘Do I need a raincoat today?’” followed by “‘How about in New York?’” (Roundup: Hands-on). Calendars and schedules may also be changed by a simply voice request. This makes use of the iPhone much speedier and even more entertaining.
Additionally, the devices uses iOS 5, which is “the world’s most advanced mobile operating system” according to Apple. With a dual-core A5 processor, the same one that is used in the iPad, the iPhone 4S is said to deliver up to two times more power and up to seven times faster graphics”. This leads to the improvement in the camera and video functions of this device. As with other smartphones, this device continually makes it possible for people to maximize their time, have convenience, save money when it comes to products like e-books in contrast to printed books, have ease of communication, and enjoy entertainment anywhere. (proquest)
As mentioned, this phone is a world phone, making it a universal tool for communication and entertainment. In contrast to former models, the 4S is now available for Sprint, which opens the way for many more people to use the device. (Interview)
Additionally, the devices uses iOS 5, which is “the world’s most advanced mobile operating system” according to Apple. With a dual-core A5 processor, the same one that is used in the iPad, the iPhone 4S is said to deliver up to two times more power and up to seven times faster graphics”. This leads to the improvement in the camera and video functions of this device. As with other smartphones, this device continually makes it possible for people to maximize their time, have convenience, save money when it comes to products like e-books in contrast to printed books, have ease of communication, and enjoy entertainment anywhere. (proquest)
As mentioned, this phone is a world phone, making it a universal tool for communication and entertainment. In contrast to former models, the 4S is now available for Sprint, which opens the way for many more people to use the device. (Interview)
Introduction
After several months of rumors, the upgraded version of Apple’s iPhone, the iPhone 4S, was finally announced on October 4, 2011. Its new features that set it apart from previous models include the Beta software, Siri, a voice-activated personal assistant, a dual-core A5 chip for faster performance, an eight-megapixel digital camera, 1080p HD video recording, and the iCloud software, a means of wirelessly pushing all information between devices. There were many software changes internally, but nothing changed much in terms of external hardware. The design, which is just as important to the public as its function, has ultimately stayed the same. (Apple website) As with any new technology, the development of the iPhone 4S brings about both benefits and drawbacks, which will be further discussed in this analysis. Furthermore, the product will be compared to earlier models, showing if it worth it to purchase, and whether or not it is dramatically different from the previous iPhone 4. Public opinion will also be discussed in terms of buying prospects, likeability, etc. The iPhone 4S has many pros and cons that must be considered before deciding to purchase it or to determine its worth as a world phone, meaning it can be used to communicate all over the world. (Gizmodo)
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