Apple held its “Let’s Talk iPhone” event yesterday, so here are some random thoughts on what transpired — and what didn’t.
New CEO Tim Cook and the gang (Scott Forstall, Eddy Cue and Phil Schiller) did a fine job at the presentation. They showed that you don’t have to have Steve Jobs (still the ultimate showman) to put on a gee-whiz event, especially when you divvy up the duties among such a talented bunch of Apple execs.
My crystal ball was a bit cloudy. I predicted an iPhone 5 with built-in voice technology, and perhaps a 4-inch screen and beefed up camera. The revamped iPhone was dubbed the 4S and does have built-in voice technology and an enhanced camera, but retains the 3.5-inch screen.
I predicted there would be no low-end, contract-free iPhone. There’s still no contract-free Apple smartphone. However, the iPhone 4 will also be available for US$99 and the iPhone 3GS will be available for free with a two-year contract.
I predicted that Sprint and T-Mobile would be announced as iPhone carriers. Sprint is on-board, but not T-Mobile (yet).
I predicted a specific release date for iOS 5 and iCloud but said they wouldn’t roll out this week. On this I was right; they’re coming Oct. 12.
I predicted new iPod touches and iPod nanos, but no Apple TV updates. Right again. However, I also predicted the end of the iPod shuffle and the iPod classic. But they’re still around, though not updated.
Most of the announcements were positive ones. However, I was disappointed that iCloud’s Documents in the Cloud feature will apparently keep your documents up to date across all your iOS devices, but not Macs. Or am I missing something? I want Apple’s iWork apps (Pages, Numbers and Keynote) to take advantage of iCloud storage, and update across ALL my devices — including my Macs.
Finally, as for those who are crying that no iPhone 5 was announced. Exactly what is missing in the iPhone 4S that you were expecting — except for, perhaps, a bigger screen?
— Dennis Sellers