Why I dont care that the iPhone 5 wasn’t released

OK people…enough.  I keep hearing all about how disappointed people are in Apple and in that they did not release the iPhone 5 in October.  I heard the rumor-ville that Cook was holding off on the new phone roll out because of the poor health of Steve Jobs and as a result they kept that ace-in-the-hole to improve the stock price down the road.  

My thoughts?  I disagree.  Everything they were talking about rolling out in the iPhone 5 they rolled out in the iPhone 4S.  The same features.  What that tells me is someone got carried away that there was the 5 coming out and assumed that meant the new iPhone 5. Anyone who’s been paying attention knows the real exciting part of Apple’s October launch was the new iOS5 operating system for the iPad, and iPhone devices.    

I got the update a few weeks early thanks to this article from Lifehacker.com.  So far, it’s awesome and the best part is it’s free and works amazing on the iPhone 4.  Here are the features I already cant live without:

1. The Notification Center - so so so so cool.  The way the notifications show up on the screen and then disappear is slick.  

       2.  iCloud - if you have not heard about this then you may only be an iPhone user.  

In addition to your music, you can also sync your photos, your contacts, your emails, and your work, between your Apple devices (iPad, iMac, Macbook, or iPhone) without a thought.  Apple just makes it work.  I love the idea of iCloud and I will explain why in a follow up post.  

         3.  Reminders - with locations

Give yourself reminders for when you get to a particular location.  Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it.  

I could keep going as there are over 200 new features released in iOS5.  These are just the ones that I use most often.  Did I forget to mention the new camera update? What about the Safari update?  So many exciting features.  

So, what’s up with the new phone then?  Why the iPhone 4S?  Well, if you remember back to one of the first Apple phones, the iPhone 3G, the phone they released afterwards was the iPhone 3GS.  I didn’t search Wikipedia like I should but if I had to guess, the “S” stands for “software” update.  Why wouldn’t they do that after the iPhone 4 as well? That’s exactly what they did.  They are milking that iPhone 4 hardware design.  

Should you buy an iPhone if you dont have one?  Yes.  

Should you get the iPhone 4S? Yes, you will benefit from the Siri Assistant which merges with Wolfram Alpha.  

Should you wait for the iPhone 5? No.  

Should you get an iPhone 4S, iPad2, and a MacBook Air 11”? Only if you want to live a happy life with your technology in the clouds

Do I care that the iPhone 5 wasn’t released?  Not in the slightest.  I was waiting for the new software.  I downloaded the free update.  I smiled.  I am happy.  

The Irreplaceable One, Steve Jobs

When Steve Jobs retired in August from Apple, I had mixed emotions.  I was happy for him in that he could spend more time with his loved ones but I was worried that his illness was taking over.  I then reflected on the mark he has left on the world.  

When the news came to me tonight about his passing I felt conflict once again.  On one side, I am happy that he doesn’t have to feel pain anymore.  He was able to accomplish so much in his life and impact more lives that I could even imagine and he did this with perfection.  He held on to make sure his empire would continue on without him and I hope he didn’t suffer while the world benefited.  He has become larger than life.  He has become a legend and an icon.  

The other side of the coin is I feel like there is a void that can not be filled.  To me he represents success in life.  He was a leader.  He was the creator of the technology that we cant live without.  While companies were trying to catch up or copy him, he was trying to figure out how he could create something new for the rest of us.  His passion was creating a better world for us to live in.  It just seems like everyone else was following his lead one way or another.  Who wasn’t affected in some way by his technology?  Be it from computers, technology, apps, music, or even the laughter coming from Pixar…who hasn’t been affected by Steve Jobs?  

I look around and I wonder who are the real leaders out there.  Who is still innovating? Who is still creating a better world out of thin air?  Who is making the impossible, a reality?  Who can dream that big?  I dont know.  

I will never forget you, and the bar you’ve set for me and my life.  I’m happy you’re in a better place and you can go knowing the world will never be the same without you. Although your technology and dreams will live on…you are irreplaceable.  

Another Fun Data Point

parislemon:

When Apple’s market cap hits $400 billion, they’ll be worth more than Microsoft and Google — combined. 

They’re now less than $20 billion away from that happening.