subject: Improved Power Management On The Amazing Iphone 4 [print this page] It has been difficult to avoid much of the hype surrounding the release earlier this year of Apple's must have gadget, the IPad. Now the manufacturers are cramming some of this technology into the new iPhone 4, to great effect.
The iPhone 3GS used a very good and reliable processor in the form of the ARM Cortex A8 chip. This has however been dispensed with in favour of Apples own A4 chip, their custom built processor that the iPad utilises. Where the 3GS was fast at loading applications, the iPhone 4 is supersonic, especially when you consider it has to handle the new multi tasking facilities that are built in. Although the exact spec on the chip has not been officially confirmed, we imagine that it will be around the 1Ghz level, in line with many of its competitors. IOS 4, the new operating system has also seen suitable upgrades to match the tweaks that we have seen on the phone itself. To save on several homepages packed with icons, IOS 4 gives the user the opportunity to categorise applications. For example, you can create a Photography icon, which when clicked on will unveil all photography apps such as Camera, Camera Roll, Photoshop etc. This keeps the homescreen tidier, and also makes it easier for the user to navigate. Wallpapers can also now be added to the homescreens for anybody who is bored of the ageing black background. Other subtle improvements include a new unified e mail inbox, allowing easy management of several accounts, a 5 x camera zoom, all be it only in digital form, and the option to view photos by location taken in addition to the date they were taken.
Externally, the iPhone 4 has undergone its first change since its original release. At a glance it is almost unrecognisable. The curved, glossy, plastic back no longer exists, replaced now with more angular and expensive looking glass on both the front and back. Having undergone a chemical treating process, this glass is 20 times stiffer than the plastic and reportedly 30 times tougher, meaning an all together more rugged and long lasting handset. Thanks to the glass being used on both sides of the phone, there is now a noticeable difference between black and white models, with more than just the back shell being different. Packed in neatly between these two sheets is a stylish looking metal band (which acts as the phones antenna). This strip incorporates a few buttons, including individual circular volume buttons rather than the cheap looking, single rocker switch found on previous models. Hidden behind the front screen is also a new camera, added to allow the user to make high quality video calls thanks to Apples new "FaceTime" method.
Apple have done a good job in taking the impressive iPhone 3GS, and making well considered improvements. But in doing so, they have also totally over shadowed every other manufacturer thanks to features such as the "Retina" display and stunning looks.
