The Apple iPhone 5 has finally been released after much anticipation. In an event earlier this week Apple presented iPhone 5, along with a revamped iTunes and redesigned iPod range.

Tell me about the iPhone 5…

The iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, just 7.6mm thick and weighs 112 grams. Despite being smaller and lighter the iPhone 5 has been made taller to fit a 4-inch retina display.

 

iPhone 5 supports all major mobile networking technologies including super fast 4G LTE. The new phone is also compatible with the fastest WiFi connections that can deliver up to 150 Megabits per second of data.

The reimagined iPhone has a brand new processor chip called the A6 which is twice as fast as that used in the 4S. Usually more powerful processors and bigger screens mean shorter battery life, but surprisingly iPhone 5 has 8 hours of battery life during talk-time and 255 hours stand by.

A good camera is a vital requirement for most people when choosing a smartphone, the iPhone 4S made a big leap forward with its improved camera. Now with iPhone 5 Apple has pushed the camera technology even further.

In iPhone 5 we can now have an 8 Mega Pixel sapphire crystal lens iSight Camera, built to micron level perfection. Camera software has been improved – with built-in noise reduction, an improved ability to take photos in low light, and photo capture is now 40% faster. Most inspiring is the new panorama feature which lets you capture jaw-dropping panoramic images of up to 28 megapixel by simply moving the camera across a scene in one smooth motion.

Audio has been tweaked for the new iPhone, there are now 3 speakers and a noise canceling earpiece so you can hear more clearly. There is also support for a new technology called wide band audio which makes voices sound more natural.

iPhone 5 now uses a new connector called Lightning. Lightning is 80% smaller than its predecessor and it is reversible so it’s easier to use. Don’t worry though Lightning, can still work with all your old devices like speaker docks by using a 30 pin to Lighting adapter.

An upgraded operating system – iOS 6 has been developed for the new phone. In iOS 6 the Siri voice assistant is improved - it can now fetch sports results, recommend restaurants and launch apps. Apple says there are 200 new features in iOS 6, and you can bet Facebook will be heavily integrated. iOS 6 will be able to download as a free software update for your existing devices on September 19th.

What’s all the fuss about? Should I buy an iPhone 5?

What was interesting about this iPhone launch was that Apple CEO Tim Cook did not demonstrate the smartphone himself. Instead leaving up to Phil Schiller who really seemed to lack the energy and pizzazz of the late Steve Jobs. Schiller talked a lot about numbers and engineering. Who cares?

Apple effectively botched its own magical launch formula. People don’t care about numbers and engineering challenges. All we care about is whether the new iPhone provides a great experience, but Wednesday’s product launch seemed to lose track of that all-important factor. If Apple continue down this path they are more likely to lose out to competitors who understand this.

Smaller, Lighter, Faster yet Unimpressive…

For a product rumored to be the last project the great Steve Jobs worked on, this latest iPhone lacked soul. There is no denying iPhone 5 is beautifully designed and engineered. But there is no wow factor – no single feature that makes me want rush out and buy one.

What are the iPhone 5 Specifications?

If all you are interested in are the specs for the iPhone 5, you probably better off looking at one of their competitors phones, as this latest offering from Apple offers nothing technologically better.

Size & Weight: 7.6mm thick 4-inch screen, 112 grams,
Processor: Dual-Core Apple A6 chip,
Screen: 4-inches HD retina (1,136 x 640 pixels),
Camera: 8MP rear facing with autofocus and LED flash,
Battery: 255 hours standby, 8 hours talk time,
Connector: Apple Lightning,
Networking: WiFi 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE,
Price: $199 on contract, $699 unlocked,

What are your thoughts on the iPhone 5? Are you going to rush out to get one? Leave a comment below…