Online Journalism - Own Story

Disappointment as Apple launches iPhone 4s

By Alexandra Schultz

Watch the launch of the iPhone 4s here (via apple.com)

Tech geeks all over the world were confused and disappointed when Apple unveiled the new iPhone 4s in place of the much-awaited iPhone 5.

The device comes with a few new additions, such as a more powerful processor for faster downloads and sharper graphics, a higher definition camera and ‘Siri’ the voice-activated assistant.

Tim Stevens, editor in chief of American technology website engadget.com, says that Siri the assistant is the only addition which isn’t a “solid but predictable update.”

“[Siri the assistant] has the potential to make the phone genuinely more useful in many situations,” he said.



Examples of Siri the Assistant's capabilities (via apple.com)

But Mr. Stevens questions Apple’s approach to creating such hype around the launch of an unexpected, merely updated product.

“Currently Apple throws out refreshed laptops and desktop computers without much fanfare,” he said.

“I think the company needs to start thinking about doing the same for simple refreshes of its iPhone line or risk future disappointments.

“Maybe it should save the big events for wholly new models.”

Terence Huynh, Exceutive Editor of techgeek.com.au, believes the upgraded iPhone 4 was released to keep up with competition.

“The phone is definitely a hardware upgrade just to keep it competing with Android,” he said.

 “Many of the top-end Android phones had dual-core processors and better cameras than the iPhone 4.”

Mr. Huynh says that despite public dissatisfaction surrounding the release, Apple will maintain its monumental following.

“Apple is known for letting down fans sometimes because the rumour mill just gets it wrong,” he said.

“Apple has always been a revolutionary company and has changed customer perceptions on technology.

“It will continue to grow in a post-Jobs era. After all, they've learnt it from the very man himself.”

The disappointment was palpable online, where social networking sites Twitter and Facebook were bombarded with posts concerning the iPhone 4s' release.

Dissatisfied Apple fans said the iPhone 4s is “barely different”, one social networker posting they “feel cheated”, another writing “the iPhone 4s sucks”.



Some of the Twitter posts in reaction to the iPhone 4s release



However, the odd supporter remained, praising the upgrades of the smartphone’s existing features.

The iPhone 5 is due for release next year.

Check out our Apple Evolution 'Flashback'

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Related coverage -

• View a Sky News report of the iPhone 4s launch here (via news.com.au)