The dog days of summer are over, and it was marked by the release of the new iPhone 5. Growing half an inch more and weighing a whole ounce less than its predecessor the 4S, the 5 can be compared to Emma Watson. As the years go by, they both get skinnier and lighter.
It is being hailed as the best iPhone to date by The Verge columnist Josh Topolsky. With a rating of 8.8 out of 10, Topolsky notes that the new phone may be better than the 4S, but it is nothing revolutionary.
The headphone jack was moved to the bottom of the device, and a smaller port for charging was implemented to save space. Aside from these minor changes, the overall design of the phone is the same: thin, sturdy, rounded corners, and elegantly simple.
iOS 6 was released in conjunction with the 5. Again, nothing revolutionary. I upgraded my iPhone 3GS (no need to remind me that I live in the dark ages) to the new operating system, and I was greeted by a new app: Passbook.
I haven’t used it because I haven’t found an opportunity to use it yet, just like Newstand (which I still can’t delete >.< ). Passbook is supposed to collect QR codes and scan certain nick-nacks, accumulate coupons, and check into flights. I’m not too excited about it now, but who knows, it might take off.
What has been getting a lot of funky press is the new Apple maps feature. Mounting tensions between Apple and Google are at the root of this problem. Although Apple and Google’s contract regarding Google Maps as the standard map app doesn’t expire until next year, Apple decided to dump Google. Sticking it to the man, however, may not have been the best idea, at least not yet.
Apple was able to sell out 80 to 85 percent of its stores three days after releasing its new product, selling 5 million units — 1 million less units than originally projected. Apple’s stock price reached its all-time high — just under $705 — because of the new release.
Overall, Apple should be happy. Its product is competent and beautiful. The iPhone is still the reigning standard in the kingdom of smartphones. I’m happy because now I just need to show an officer my iPhone’s map app as a legitimate excuse for weaving.