Sunday, June 27, 2010
iPhone 4 review
Pros:Faster and more responsive.
Amazing battery life (over 30 hours on our tests)
Excellent screen (retina display).
Smaller Size.
Apple's version of multitasking.
Cons:
Does not support flash.
Cons:
Does not support flash.
Non-standard sim card.
With the new iPhone comes multitasking. iOS4 implements Apple's take on multitasking, where you can open new apps then return to already opened apps seamlessly. It works by backgrounding opened apps, allowing only the primary processes to run, while giving full attention to the app in the foreground. eg. you can now run an im conversation, while checking your email, while downloading an app from the app store.
The new iPhone is snappier than its older brother the iPhone 3gs, thanks to the A4 chip (the same used in its bigger cousin, the iPad). Also thanks to the new "Retina Display" all this "snappiness" can be appreciated on the best screen I personally have ever seen on a mobile device. The new screens packs in more pixels on the same size screen as previous models. Not to mention the glass is said to be stronger that that of the previous models as well.
Totally redesigned?
The design of this model is alot different than that of the 3gs and 3g model. Its been totally redesigned, made up of three parts, two pieces of smooth, strengthened glass, and a stainless steel band which wraps around the sides, top, and bottom of the phone resulting in a clean effect. Apple has added little details, like altered volume buttons, and notches in that metal band which serve to improve radio connections. The phone is noticeably thinner than the 3GS at .37 inches compared to .48 inches, but it weighs the same 4.8 ounces, making the whole package seem tighter and denser. Buttons on it are now more clicker as well. The new design makes older models seem cheap in comparison.
Apple has finally listened to its customers by including a usable 5mp camera with LED flash to the back also capable of capturing HD video. Apple also includes the iMovie app which is capable of editing videos on the fly. To the front is a vga camera adjusted to be able to capture your face for the new video calling feature (Face Time) which allows your to see other iPhone 4 users over a wifi connection.
The new phone comes with the new iOS 4 as previously mentions. This adds multitasking, wallpapers and folders as well.
Here is a break down to how Apple accomplishes multitasking on the new OS.
- Fast app switching: You know how you can leave off in Mail halfway through writing a response and go back to exactly where you were? Well that happens everywhere now. When you leave the app, you go back in exactly the same place. And it happens quickly. Fast app switching is essentially like toggling between "paused" applications. This combined with Apple's new app switcher (double tap the home button to bring up your most recently used apps) destroys that annoying iPhone feeling of going in and out and in and out. It just doesn't exist anymore, provided all your apps are up to date, which is going to take some time. It's amazing how much this single feature counts -- it's definitely one of the prime movers here, and it's so simple it's stupid. I would have liked to see options for "favorite" apps or some way to prioritize what you're switching to, but once you get used to this system -- which just puts whatever you've used most recently to the far left -- it makes some sense.
- Task completion: Basically, task completion lets an app do its thing even if you leave it. So if you're uploading or downloading a picture in Evernote or Dropbox, or saving an article in theNew York Times app, even if you navigate away, the job is done when you get back to the app. This accounts for a lot of what we think of as multitasking. Most of your apps are just idling -- it's only when you interact with them that it counts. Its not clear the boundaries for this API, though it seems to leave a lot of room for creative use. To be honest, that kind of behavior is one thing alot of people thought we wouldn't see in iOS 4, and here it is. Hopefully Twitter app devs and other instant messaging clients will utilize the API in a similar manner.
- Background audio and VoIP: These two are straightforward. The first allows for music playing apps to keep their stream running in the background (and even gives them little widget controls in the app switcher), and the second allows VoIP connections to stay active. That means you can stay on a Skype call and go check your mail, but it also means that the VoIP connection will be aware of incoming calls when you're not actively using an app. Additionally, this API can be used to allow for recording even if you exit an app, as demonstrated effectively in the new version of Evernote.
- Background GPS: Basically, GPS apps can keep running in the background... for obvious reasons. This one will drain your battery if you're not docked -- but who's using a GPS app and not plugging that thing in? Regardless, this will keep your navigation software afloat if you have to take a call, and apparently will let GPS-centric apps like FourSquare check in even if you're not running it in the foreground.
Apple combines these heavy hitters with more familiar tricks, like push notifications, to excellent effect. I know that the hardcore users will cry foul because a lot of this doesn't amount to "true" multitasking, but I also know that often solutions to problems come in different colors. Apple found a way in iOS 4 to solve a pretty good amount of its major problems in this department, and so far its very promising. If it's only going to get better from here, I won't mind coming along for the ride. But it better only get better, Apple.
Battery life is incredible! The new device, thanks to the new design, now includes a larger battery. It now lasts close to 40 hours in casual use! (taking and receiving calls, looking at video, listening to music, emails, chatting and downloading new apps).
In conclusion, the iPhone 4 is one of the best smart phones on the market thus far. I won't say its the best (that's a matter of personal opinion) but it is the best iPhone Apple has released yet, addressing most if not all of the concerns of their fans.
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