Introduction
The term that defines technology is “forward” and we can only expect a lot of improvements and developments from technology to make our life easier. One company that has touched millions of cellphone users worldwide with its cutting edge technology is Apple Inc, the most admired company globally and one of the largest multinational corporations in technology. In September, 2012 Apple announced its much awaited iPhone 5, the sixth generation in the iPhone series that runs on iOS 6 (iPhone Operating System), has a top-notch design, an innate user interface, and has impressive interactive programs for internet based applications. This paper provides a broad explanation and a critical assessment of Apple’s iPhone 5.
Operating System (Software)
iPhone 5 runs on iOS 6 and this operating system runs on its own. An operating system that runs on its own has the capability to maximize the software and hardware compatibility. iOS 6 provides the user with multi touch gestures such as tapping, swiping, pinching to squeeze the user interface and reverse pinch for zooming. iOS 6 includes a new app called the Passbook app that allows the user to recover documents like the admission tickets, vouchers, and accommodation passes. Mobile payments can be processed easily using the passbook app at selected outlets as the Passbook app can be scanned under a reader. The operating system has been updated for the privacy settings and a general settings option allows the user to block unwanted advertisements on screen while connected to internet. This operating system has been considered to be the fastest developed OS for the mobile phones. Apple regularly releases free updates and bug fixes for iOS to add features to iOS and the built-in apps, whereas others plug security holes or fix stability problems (Beighley 2012). The operating system can be upgraded to iOS 6.1.4 and iOS 7.0.3.
Hardware
iPhone 5 is sleek, light, and thin than its previous model iPhone 4S. The new iPhone 5 weighs only 113grams, has a primary camera of 8 Mega Pixels (MP), and a secondary camera of 1.2 MP that supports face detection and FaceTime. The available system on chip is the Apple A6 chipset which is much faster than the previous A5 chipset and supports graphics better than its predecessor. According to Apple, the processor, with a new design, is twice as fast, and the iPhone has 4G LTE, meaning superfast Internet in select cities (Pogue, nytimes.com). The Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) supports triple core graphics as it is powered by the PowerVR SGX card. iPhone has an internal storage of 16 GB, 32GB or 64GB and consists of 1 GB RAM DDR2. The battery is non-removable Li-Po battery that works efficiently and supports standby time up to 225 hours on 2G and 3G, and talk time up to 8 hours in both the modes.
Security
New technologies have fueled globalization, redefined our concepts of software and computing, crushed costs, fueled data-driven decision making, and raised privacy and security concerns (Gallaugher, 2011). iPhone 5 has built-in security features and in addition to that the security layer also provides a security framework that guarantees data security for the applications installed in the phone. iPhone 5 uses a unique technique known as Address space layout randomization (ASLR). ASLR helps prevent any threats by providing security and defending the attacker to envisage any target addresses. The security framework in iPhone helps in generating cryptographically pseudo random numbers to secure subtle user data. Strong authentication methods are also supported by iPhone for certificates and identities.
Network Capabilities and Compatibility
iPhone 5 conforms to the Wi-Fi 802.11 standard and supports a/b/g/n modes, dual-band, and is easier to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. The phone is also capable of assisting Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and General packet radio service (GPRS). There are several network frameworks that allow the user to setup networking and internet-based features with any device that supports iPhone. Cloud computing services are also provided by iPhone through iCloud. iCloud is a collective name for several free Apple services that use the cellular or Wi-Fi network to backup and sync the data with other devices and computers (Beighley 2012).
Limitations
Mobile development is a continuous process to improve the functionality based on customer feedback. iPhone 5 has limitations on the LTE signal reception as the phone receives strong signals when operated in 3G mode; however a drop in reception is seen in 2G mode. For example, buying an iPhone in USA may face LTE band issues in Europe. Few applications are not supported on the LED-backlit IPS screen and the apps need an update to fit on the screen.
Conclusion
Apple seems to have put its focus on the important things you want in an app phone: size, shape, materials, sound quality, camera quality and speed (Pogue, nytimes.com). iPhone 5 is a definite asset in the smartphone market and it is capable to reach various dissimilar consumers in numerous innovative ways. iPhone has made a niche in the minds of people and the many fans of iPhone have upgraded their iPhone 5 to iPhone 5S; an upgraded version of iPhone 5.
Works Cited
Beighley, Lynn. “iPhone 5: Visual QuickStart Guide”. Peachpit Press (2012). Print.
Gallaugher, John. “Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology”. Flat
World Knowledge. (2011). Print
Pogue, David. “The iPhone 5: My First Impressions”, New York Times 21 September, (2012).
Web. 10 November 2013.
