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Tech Spec: What you need to know about the iPhone 5 Part One

Both phones offer the newest technology; is the "upgrade" worth it? Data by Courtland Jeffrey.
Both phones offer the newest technology; is the "upgrade" worth it? Data by Courtland Jeffrey.

Like the emblem, Apple takes a big chunk of the consumer appeal. Photo by Courtland Jeffrey.

It is that time of year again: time for Apple’s newest installment to the iPhone series, the iPhone 5.

This refresh of both hardware and software (iOS 6) brings some big changes. With a 4-inch screen, 4G LTE connectivity and a dual-core processor, this phone-- which is available for purchase starting today-- is bringing Apple back up to speed in the smartphone world. Many devoted iPhone fans have been holding out for this upgrade since as far back as the iPhone 3GS, but what is new about this rendition?

What has changed? Is it worth it?

Let’s go over all of these topics and more in this two-part series:

History: The iPhone 5 brings the number of iPhone generations to six. Since the original iPhone release back in January of 2007, Apple has been working towards bringing new and innovative technology to the palm of customer’s hands ever since. Apple has been following a tradition of unveiling their updates to their smartphone line near the same time every year (iPhone- January 2007, iPhone 3G- June 2008, iPhone 3GS- June 2009, iPhone 4- June 2010, iPhone 4S- October 2011).

An interesting fact about Apple is that with the first-generation iPhone, they teamed up with Google, thinking that the partnership between the two companies was going to last. Obviously the two companies went their separate ways, Apple continued the iPhone while Google created the Android operating system, but in recent times it has become more apparent that Apple wants to be independent of all things Google (the switch from Google maps to their own app, as well as the removal of the YouTube app from the list of built-in apps).

Specifications: The iPhone 5 has received some changes to both its hardware and its software. Physically, it weighs less than its predecessor, it now has a mostly aluminum back plate and the screen has grown half an inch. While this and other hardware specifications are listed on the chart provided, the software has also received some big changes.

With the release of the iPhone 5, comes the release of the newest version of the operating system, iOS 6. This iOS, which is compatible all the way back to the 3GS (as well as certain iPads and iPod Touchs), was made available for download this last Wednesday and offers some new features. One of the most hyped features is the Facebook integration throughout the operating system. For those who do not know what this integration means, when an iOS 6 user goes to their browser (or many other built-in apps), there will be an option for them to share to Facebook. Another new feature (as mentioned earlier) is the move from Google Maps to their own Maps app. This app offers many of the same features as it once did , with the addition of turn-by-turn directions and a feature called “Flyover,” which gives users a 3D overview of cities. To see all of the new features of the iOS operating system, click here.

This is it for part one; the next article will be comparing the iPhone 5 to some of its top competitors and more.

Both phones offer the newest technology; is the "upgrade" worth it? Is the Android bringing up the caboose in the smartphone world? Data by Courtland Jeffrey.

 

Keep an eye out for part two that will post on Tuesday. Follow my coverage of today’s release on twitter @Court_Jeffrey or email me at cejeffre@asu.edu. Thanks!


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