After a long awaited iPhone 5, Apple unveils the iPhone 4S instead. I’ve speculated about the iPhone 5 quite a bit; not only the iPhone 5 release date, but also on iPhone 5 Mockups, and even iPhone NFC technology.  So I was somewhat surprised when it was announced yesterday that it was the iPhone 4S to be released (much to my chagrin!).

Equipped with a new dual-core A5 processor, with dual CDMA / GSM, the new phone features an all new camera, full 1080p HD video recording and new Siri-enabled voice control.

Siri (the best personal assistance app, which we wrote about in late-August) is an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. Siri understands context allowing you to speak naturally when you ask it questions, for example, if you ask “Will I need an umbrella this weekend?” it understands you are looking for a weather forecast. Siri is also smart about using the personal information you allow it to access, for example, if you tell Siri “Remind me to call Mom when I get home” it can find “Mom” in your address book, or ask Siri “What’s the traffic like around here?” and it can figure out where “here” is based on your current location. Siri helps you make calls, send text messages or email, schedule meetings and reminders, make notes, search the Internet, find local businesses, get directions and more. You can also get answers, find facts and even perform complex calculations just by asking.  Sounds futuristic?  It is!

You can purchase the new iPhone 4S in black or white starting on October 14th in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB configurations for $199, $299 and $399, respectively.

My review: I’m impressed by Siri and can’t wait to get my hands on the new functionality infused phone, but I don’t think I’ll be upgrading to another iPhone 4 series /model.  I’ll be a holdout for the iPhone 5.

Image [via]