Here is a wrap-up of network related news from Apple's big iPhone event:
- iPhone 5 was not introduced.
- Sprint is a confirmed carrier for the iPhone.
- iPhone 4S uses the dual-core A5 chip for faster processing and 7X faster graphics than predecessor.
- iPhone 4S supports both CDMA and GSM in same device. It does not offer LTE.
- iPhone 4S supports 14.4 Mbps HSPA downlinks, versus 7.2 Mbps in the iPhone 4. In the U.S. market, this provides a speed boost for AT&T, but not for Verizon or Sprint
- iPhone 4S intelligently switches between two antennas for transmit and receive.
- The new Siri personal assistant is a major selling point and will require 3G or Wi-Fi network connectivity. Siri is not supported on earlier iPhones, nor on iPads or iTouches.
- In the U.S.., iPhone 4s is priced at $199 for a 16GB version, $299 for a 32 GB version and $399 for a 64 GB version -- 2 year contract required with AT&T, Verizon Wireless or Sprint.
- iOS 5 is coming October 12
- iOS 5 introduces iMessage, which is a free and unlimited service delivering text messages, photos, videos and contacts between fellow iPhone, iPad and iTouch users with iOS 5. Group messaging is supported. Delivery receipts are provided. It shows when the other party is typing a message to you. iMessages are encrypted. iMessage can reach non iOS 5 users via standard MMS.
- iOS 5 offers integration with Twitter
- Apple will offer a free Find My Friends services for iOS users. This is in addition to Find My Devices.
- iPod Touch is positioned as a communications device with free and unlimited messaging over Wi-Fi
- iCloud launches October 12 with 5GB of free storage, with the option to buy more (pricing not yet disclosed).
