The iPhone 4 – New for Summer 2010
With Apple’s iPhone 4 finally available after much media hype, the question remains, was it worth the wait?
It’s obvious that Apple no doubt felt it needed to boost its profits with this launch, thanks to HTC and Samsung churning out ever more impressive smartphones. So this is not the usual release from Apple. For example, the move from the iPhone 3G to the 3GS saw a slight adjustment of features such as processor speed and video recording. I’m pleased to say that it looks like the iPhone 4 has gone back to the drawing board. An entirely new design, new materials, and a new operating system can be found, along with an impressive list of features, including high-definition video capture and multitasking facilities. The multitasking features will be well received by previous iPhone owners. With a phone offering such a wide range of apps, a lack of multitasking meant leaving whatever role you were in to read a text, check an email, or perform any other task. Now iPhone 4 saves the app you’re using in its current state to let you do something else. When you want to return to your previous task, a double-tap on the home button produces a list of your most recently used icons, where you can select the desired option and resume. This addition was almost vital, given that phones are now used for a variety of functions rather than just making calls and texting.
The video recording facility on the iPhone 4 is higher quality than what you will find on most mobile devices. Capturing footage in 720 line progressive scan resolution, an easier way to explain it is that it records in high definition. This brings the phone in line with today’s range of televisions, laptops and recording equipment. Basically, HD adds more lines to the image, which increases the number of pixels, ultimately giving a more lifelike image. Still photography has also been enhanced by a new 5-megapixel camera which, while not groundbreaking on its own, when combined with an excellent new sensor produces clearer images than can be found on a device rated much higher resolution. A secondary VGA front-facing camera features a focal length optimized for use at arms length. This not only makes taking a self-portrait easier, but also allows users to take advantage of Apple’s “FaceTime” video calling system.
The improvements found in the iPhone 4 have taken what was becoming a rather outdated form factor and breathed new life into it, not only adding a sleek look but also features that dwarf those currently available on other models.
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