[Smithy]

-would post this in the tech forum, but we don't have one-

Apple this morning announced an invitation-only special event to be held at company headquarters in Cupertino on Oct. 4, a Tuesday. “Let’s Talk iPhone,” the invitation reads.
While the next-generation iPhone’s design has been heavily debated, supply-chain chatter has previously indicated that it will use the faster A5 processor on which the iPad 2 runs, a Qualcomm dual-mode GSM/CDMA baseband and will feature a higher-resolution eight-megapixel rear camera. We’ll find out for sure next Tuesday. The invite, below …

The iPhone 4S has been officially announced by Apple.

Marketing executive Phil Schiller unveiled the handset during the company's 'Let's Talk iPhone' event this evening.

The device will feature the A5 chip technology, enabling it to perform seven times faster than the iPhone 4. It will also include a dual core CPU, dual core graphics, and an eight mega pixel camera.

"CMOS backside illuminated sensor gets 73% more light than the iPhone 4 sensor, and one-third faster. On top of that, we place a high-end IR filter for greater accuracy and uniformity," said Schiller of the camera's new features.

HD video recording will be supported for the first time on the platform. Footage in the 1080p format will run with real-time video image stabilisation, and real-time temporal noise reduction.

The iPhone 4S will also carry voice control system called Siri. "For decades technologists have teased us with this dream that we can talk to our technology. But it's never come true. It's such a let-down. What we really want to do is just talk to our device," said Schiller.


© Apple


Siri will enable users to gain access to a range of information by uttering verbal questions into their handsets. Weather updates and restaurant location finding were demonstrated via a video display. Siri will also read messages aloud when verbally prompted, and allow users to compose them via dictation. Wikipedia and Wolfram Alpha integration are included.

Schiller also confirmed that battery power has been increased to enable up to eight hours of 3G talk time, 14 hours of 2G talk time, six hours of 3G browsing and nine hours of WiFi browsing. Data downloads will be twice as fast thanks to an improved antenna system.

The iPhone 4S will be available in either black or white at launch. The 16GB handset will cost $199 and 32GB $299. It will also be the first iPhone to feature a 64GB model, priced at $399.

Apple also confirmed that the iPhone 4 will now be available in both black and white at the reduced price of $99. The 8GB iPhone 3GS will be available for free on contract.

The iPhone 4 will be available to pre-order on October 7. It launches on October 14.