IPHONE 5S

The latest addition to Apple’s smartphone line is the iPhone 5s. You’ll notice that on the surface, not much more has changed other than the new colors, Gold, Silver, and Space Grey (yes, you will be judged on which one you pick). This update was reduced to three primary additions: the speed, the camera, and your finger (security).

Speed

The speed has been increased with Apple’s new A7 chip. It produces twice the amount of processing in graphics as well as calculations than the previous model. For those who like to know a bit more, Apple’s senior VP Phil Schiller touted today the one billion transistors that exist within the chip. From my calculations, that number is large. The other element that may prove very useful to gamers, battery life, and those who are tracking their walking, is the new M7 chip.  This is a motion chip that is constantly monitoring all the data being given from the gyroscope, compass and accelerometer, without engaging the main A7 chip.

Camera

The camera has been given quite a few new innovations. There is a new five element sensor that does things like auto white balance, and auto focus. It also takes several pictures on its own, and only shows you the best one. The sensor array for capturing the images has also been increased by 15% and with larger pixels. The flash is now made up of two separate LED’s, one cooler white and the other warmer amber. The camera will adjust the flash according to the environment with approximately 1000 combinations of the two light elements. There is now a burst mode, where you can hold down the shutter button and it will take up to 10 pictures a second as long as you hold it. And with burst there must be slow-mo, which shoots 720p at 120fps (pretty impressive for any camera). In any case, Instagram may need to up it to HD.

Security

Security.  The days of typing in your simple 4 digit code are apparently over. Apple has designed a discreet finger print reader right within the home button. It can recognize multiple fingers, and you train it to learn which finger you would like to use. Your finger can then also be used for Apple ID purchases instead of typing in your password. In the video played during the announcement, it was made clear that your finger print data would be stored only on the device itself. Never uploaded to Apple’s servers or logged on iCloud. I anticipate a few problems here, such as, what happens if it doesn't work? Maybe I have an accident and god forbid, lose my finger. Most technologies have contingency plans, but if my finger doesn't work (or is gone), can I somehow convince SIRI that I’m really me. All I’m saying is, if they rebel, there will be many copies, and they probably have a plan (if you get the reference please reward yourself 3 gold star nerd points).

Look forward to getting your finger onto your new iPhone by September 20th.