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It was one of Apple’s worst kept secrets, but the iPhone 5 was finally revealed in San Francisco yesterday. While there weren’t too many new standout features, it seems to do almost everything the iPhone 4S did just a little bit better.
The device is set for release in 9 countries on 21st September, but India isn’t part of that group. Another 20 countries (hopefully including India) will get it in October.
Apple also announced that its new mobile operating system – iOS 6, will roll out on 19th September for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, 3GS, new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch.
The iPhone 5 is lighter (112 g) and slimmer (7.6 mm), and yet now sports a larger 4-inch Retina display. The 1136 x 640 screen sports a 16:9 aspect ratio and can accommodate an extra row of icons, but this means that apps that aren’t designed for it will appear letterboxed. Apple also claims that the iPhone 5’s touchscreen is the "the most accurate display in the industry". That’s definitely good news for gamers.
Under its glass and aluminium shell, the iPhone 5 packs in a new A6 processor, which despite being 22% smaller, runs twice as fast. Battery life is also said to trump that of the 4S.
EA: Console quality gaming
EA’s Rob Murray stepped on stage to show off the iPhone 5’s gaming chops. Murray claimed the new phone is capable of full console quality” and presented footage from Real Racing 3 as proof.
The upcoming racer boasts dynamic reflections, crisp shadows, and a rearview mirror that gives realtime visual cues. Real Racing 3 also includes time-shifted multiplayer using Game Center iOS 6 challenges.
Aside from Real Racing 3, EA also announced that it will optimise other key titles to conform with the iPhone 5.
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