Apple iPhone 5

New Design Means New Tech

According to Apple, their initial vision for the iPhone 5 was of a lighter and thinner device. Unfortunately, this left them with a problem. Should they sacrifice performance and features or should they create a device that didn't bring anything new to the table in terms of design? As Apple is, they do what they want to do, they opted for door number three and created new tech where it was needed, changed standards where they would impede their ultimate vision and redesigned features to ultimately create the thinnest, lightest and highest performing iPhone in existence.

The result is an iPhone 5 that weighs only 112 g and has a thickness of merely 7.6 mm. To achieve this, practically every component had to be engineered on a smaller scale. Thus, we now have a nano-SIM card that is 44 per cent smaller than its predecessor. LTE has been designed to fit on a single chip instead of the separate chips for data and voice that is the norm. The camera has more features yet is 20 per cent smaller, the Lightning connector is 80 per cent smaller and the A6 processor is 22 per cent smaller. According to Apple, the entire phone is 20 per cent lighter and 18 per cent thinner than its predecessor, which is impressive.

Another aspect that had to be dealt with to achieve the thinner frame was the display, which also had to have its thickness reduced. Apple created the first screen with Retina technology that has touch technology integrated. The need for a separate layer of touch electrodes was eliminated so that now the pixels not only display the image but also take on the role of the electrodes, which means that the screen has a single layer. The result is a much clearer image and a screen that is 30 per cent thinner.

The look of the iPhone 5 is also new as it is made solely of glass and metal. Thus, the phone features an aluminium housing with a stunning bevelled edge and glass inlays that gives the iPhone 5 a sleek, elegant look. The two tone design also gives it a classy air as the black unit is now black and slate and the white iPhone 5 is actually white and silver.

The Screen

The iPhone 5 features a bigger screen but not so big that the device feels oversized and awkward to handle. The 4-inch display is larger but the phone is still the same width, meaning you can still do everything one-handed as you've been used to until now. However, you can see a lot more at a time, whether it's a webpage, your inbox or calendar. Even the Home screen includes more, with a fifth row of buttons, meaning you can access more applications directly.

Apple has also succeeded in retaining the clarity of its Retina display, meaning that you get a great resolution of 1136x640 and a density of 326 pixels per inch. At this degree of density, it's impossible for the naked eye to differentiate individual pixels. With the added colour saturation that boasts a 44 per cent increase, everything from games to text and images will seem more vivid. And thanks to the larger screen, you can enjoy HD video without having to watch it in a letterbox format.

High Speed Wireless

Conventionally, LTE technology is made up of two chips, one for voice and one for data, which posed a problem for Apple since they knew an ultrafast wireless connection was a necessity but they wanted to maintain the thin design of the iPhone 5. So, they optimised LTE so that it is on a single chip and requires much less power.

The iPhone 5 works with a range of networks from all over the globe, including HSPA, HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA. Considering that you also get accelerated Wi-Fi as well due to the dual-band 802.11 n wireless connectivity, you will be able to browse the net, stream content and download whatever you need at extremely fast speeds.

More Power and Better Performance

The iPhone 5 boasts the all-new A6 chip which makes the device significantly faster when compared to the A5 chip. In fact, when compared side-by-side, the iPhone 5 performs twice as fast as its predecessor, so web pages load practically instantly.

Speed isn't the only thing that's been boosted, though, as graphics performance is also twice as fast, meaning that apps and games requiring a low of graphics processing power will not cause any problems. In fact, this processor will allow for more graphics-intensive games to be developed because users will be able to enjoy a smoother and more realistic experience.

Another advantage of the A6 chip is that it was designed specifically to work with iOS 6 and to have a minimal power consumption so that the chip could offer improved performance without draining the battery. Even though the iPhone 5 runs much faster, it offers more than enough talk and browsing time to last the day. After all, no one spends more than 8 hours talking on the phone or browsing the web. And don't worry if you want to watch videos or stream a movie, because you've got 10 hours of video playback time.

iSight Camera Boasts New Features

The iPhone is not only the most popular smartphone but also the most popular camera due to the amazing photos you can take. In fact, images are so clear and vivid that there's no way you can tell they were taken with a mobile phone. So, while Apple kept everything that made the iSight camera on the iPhone 4S so popular, it has added quite a few new features to enhance the experience even further.

Thus, with the panorama features, you can shoot up to 240 degrees, so with a single motion you can take that group photo where no one ever seems to fit in one picture or capture any landmark that you could never otherwise fit on the screen in one go. The iPhone 5 uses a gyroscope in conjunction with A6 chip and the Camera app to achieve a high-res panorama image of up to 28 megapixels.

Some other improvements include a 40 per cent faster photo capture rate, better noise reduction and improved quality photos during low-light situations.

Even video recording has gotten an upgrade because you can now shoot 1080p HD video with your very own iPhone 5. The device also features a better stabilisation system to ensure the video is smooth and thanks to face detection, everyone can enjoy their five minutes of fame.

The iPhone 5 also features a front camera for FaceTime calls but it can also be used to take photos of yourself or shoot 720p HD video. And thanks to recent upgrades, you can now conduct FaceTime calls over a cellular connection if there is no Wi-Fi, meaning you can video call at any time, regardless of where you are.

New Lightning Connector Saves on Space

Another change that was a necessity was the reduction of the dock connector. The original 30-pin connection was replaced with the Lightning connector, which is significantly smaller since it has only eight pins. It's not only a lot more durable but it's also reversible, so that you can't plug the cable in the wrong way because there is no wrong way.

The new connector had many wondering what they would do with their existing iPhone accessories and whether they should forego the iPhone 5 completely since they wouldn't work due to the different connection. However, Apple put everyone's mind at ease with the announcement that an adaptor would be available so that accessories using the 30-pin configuration could work with the Lightning connector.

New Operating System Officially Launched

Along with the unveiling of the iPhone 5, we also got to have a look at the new operating system from Apple. iOS 6 features a wide range of improvements and new features, making it one of the most advanced mobile operating systems in the world.

The iOS 6 will soon be available for wireless installation on most iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices. In other words, even if you don't upgrade to the iPhone 5, you will still be able to take advantage of all the new features of this operating system.

One of the biggest advantages Apple has, besides all the new built-in apps and great performance of their new OS, is the fact that they make both the hardware and the software. This ensures a high level of compatibility between the two and also means applications can benefit from the great hardware, such as the Retina Display and accelerated graphics.

iOS has also been considered the platform for which most apps are created and it's not just because of the popularity of the iPhone or other Apple devices. It also has to do with the fact that Apple offers developers a wide range of tools they can use to create applications and games meant to take full advantage of what iOS offers.

And since all your apps are in a single place, they are easy to find, use and purchase. After all, that's what the app store is and since you can use your iTunes account, it won't take long at all. You simply browse the selection and download them practically instantly.

Maps

One of the new apps integrated in iOS 6 is Apple Maps. Announced at the beginning of June, this map service is a direct competitor of Google maps. Despite their previously friendly relations, it's clear now that Apple sees Google as a competitive threat and has taken matters into its own hands by distancing themselves from the giant as much as possible.

Apple's new Maps software gives turn-by-turn spoken directions, offers advice on places to eat, visit or simply plots the most efficient route to your destination. Apple Maps comes with an interesting feature that allows the giant to collect data from users regarding traffic conditions so that all users will have updated traffic information. If the route Maps planned out for you is too traffic intensive, the system will devise another route you can take to save on time.

And if you want to see more of a certain city without actually having to visit it, then use the Flyover feature which will allow you to visit all the major cities from Los Angeles to London and Tokyo to Rome.

Siri: The Intelligent Assistant Just Got Smarter

Siri is the personal assistant that was launched with iPhone 4S, which allowed users to get a lot done by simply requesting Siri to handle it. Apple advises people to talk to Siri as if the software were a real person, such as asking “where is the closest Italian restaurant?” The software understands what you say to it but also gets the meaning of your words. So, if you have a question or a comment regarding Siri, you can pose it directly as the system will find you the information you need.

Additional Siri features include the software's ability to understand more questions, provide more answers and generally allowing users to do a lot more with their voice than ever before. So, if you want sports information, or want advice on where to eat and what movies to watch, you can ask Siri. And let's not forget that you can update your Facebook status or tweet directly from your iPhone 5 by asking Siri to do it for you. The software has also received an upgrade in terms of supported languages so that now people all over the world can start relying on Siri.

Integrated Facebook, Shared Photo Streams and Passbook

Some other features the iPhone 5 boasts include a high degree of integration with Facebook, shared photo streams and Passbook. Now, you can share anything you like from your iPhone 5 without ever having to leave the app. Want to share a photo on Facebook? No problem. Just hit the share button while in the Camera or Photos app. Want people to know where you are? Update your status with your location straight from Maps. And if your hands are busy, you can request that Siri do it for you.

But it doesn't stop there. Your contact list is also synched with their Facebook profiles so that if they update their contact details on their Facebook page, the contact information you have stored for them updates accordingly. Additionally, you'll never be accused of forgetting a birthday again, because Facebook events are integrated into Calendar and you'll receive alerts for all important events.

Users can now share any photo they want, with whomever they choose. For those with Apple devices running iOS 6 or Mountain Lion who are using iCloud, you simply need to choose the photos to share and hit the Share button. They will receive the photos immediately via iPhoto or the Photos app. While the process is the same if you want to share your photos with those that aren't using Apple equipment, they will have to see the photos online.

Passbook helps users organise their coupons, loyalty cares, film tickets, boarding passes and more on their phone. You don't have to go digging around in your purse or wallet to find those annoying bits of paper anymore because you'll have it all in a safe place, on your iPhone 5. And don't worry if you've forgotten about a certain coupon because as soon as you enter the right store, it will pop up on your screen.

Or your movie tickets will appear at the right time, so you don't forget you're supposed to catch a flick.

When you're at the airport, simply scan your phone and you're checked in without any hassle. And you'll never again have to run from one gate to another because the departure point has changed and you didn't notice. Passbook will alert you to any changes so you can relax, safe in the knowledge that you won't miss your flight.

Improved Call Management, FaceTime and Mail

Now you can better manage your calls with the iPhone 5 because you have the traditional options of answering or declining a call but also the possibility to decline and then reply with a message or elect to be reminded to call back later on. And if you are way too busy, you can always activate the Do Not Disturb function, which will only allow calls from VIP contacts, like your children, boss or the significant other.

FaceTime has also been upgraded in that it now works over cellular connections so you don't need to have a Wi-Fi network available to conduct your video calls. In other words, talk to friends and family via FaceTime video calls whenever you choose, regardless of where you are.

The Mail app has also been redesigned and features a cleaner, more user-friendly interface, making it much easier to write and read emails. You can even set up a list of VIP contacts, which is uploaded to iCloud to ensure it is active across all your devices. This list ensures that you will be immediately alerted to messages coming from any of the contacts on it so you will never lose an important message again.

And if you want to send videos or photos with your emails, you can do it with a few taps. It's so easy, you'll never believe it.

Safari: Sync across All Your Devices

Safari comes with a cool new feature that will make life easier for those with multiple Apple devices. With iCloud Tabs, users can continue browsing the same page from one device to the next. So, if you're reading this guide on your iPad but had to leave urgently, thanks to iCloud Tabs, you can pick up where you left off on your iPhone when you have a moment's respite.

And you know that Reading List you never seem to get round to? Well, now Safari doesn't save just links but the entire webpage so that if you don't have an internet connection, you can still catch up with your reading.

Built-In Apps and the Apple App Store

iOS 6 already comes with a ton of built-in apps but thanks to the Apple app store, you can access many more programs that will make your life much easier and certainly more fun.

So, if you are looking for an app to help with your education, like improving your mathematical abilities, you'll find it in the app store. If you need productivity tools or business apps to manage projects, track stocks, keep a record of expenses or calculate profits, then the App Store should be your first stop. The list goes on and on with apps ranging from silly games to health and fitness monitors and financial tools.

Regardless of what you need, you'll be able to find in the Apple App Store. We're pretty sure you'll find a ton of apps there you never realised you needed until you start using them and discover how helpful they really are.

iMovie: Become a Filmmaker

If you've always dreamed of making your own films, now's your chance with iMovie. This software allows you to convert HD video footage into a cool trailer that can rival that of any of your favourite movies. And you can do it all by tapping, swiping and dragging!

iMovie features amazing graphics and stunning cinematic soundtracks that allow any user to turn their video footage into a trailer reminiscent of those created in Hollywood. Users can select from nine pre-existing trailer templates for various movie genres and can customize titles.

Creating the trailer is simple because all you have to do is add the video clips into the right slots, which can be filmed beforehand or done then and there, and you're done. The app tells you exactly what to do and you can be ready in minutes.

You can even make your own movie by choosing from eight different themes featuring stunning title screens, transitions and the ability to add great music and even sound effects. iMovie allows users to do this and so much more, including the ability to split scenes in two, freeze frames and, of course, share your creations with friends and family.

iPhoto: Taking Photography to the Next Level

iPhoto is an app that allows you to manage and edit your photos. So, you can easily view all your photos and navigate from one to the next thanks to a scrollable thumbnail. Do you want to compare a few pictures side by side? Not a problem. You can even hide those shots you don't think came out all that great in one go.

Do you need to edit your photos to improve them? Not a problem because Multi-Touch makes it easy to do it with your finger. You don't need to spend hours or days learning how to improve a photo or how to use the software. Just touch the area of the photo you want to change and drag up, down, right or left to choose what to do to it. From improving colour to straightening crooked photos with auto horizon detection, there's literally nothing you can't do to a photo to make it better.

You can even add lighting effects, paint adjustments or fix various areas up on your photos. Then, take those perfect pictures and create your own photo journal, which can be personalised and shared online.

GarageBand: Have a Rockin' Good Time!

GarageBand is a really cool app that allows anyone to live out their dreams of being a rock star, digital style. This app lets you create new tracks, play various instruments, have jam sessions with your friends and record music wherever you are.

Touch Instruments has to be one of the coolest features of this app. You can play a variety of digital instruments that are specifically designed to work with touch-screen technology. They sound identical to their physical counterparts and all you have to do is tap on the screen and you could be playing your favourite instrument in moments.

You can choose from a variety of drums, drum machines, keyboards and synthesisers. And what's even more fun is that you can record any sound, from dogs barking to doors creaking and turn it into your very own instrument!

Then there's the smart range of instruments that make you sound like a pro, even if you're musical ability is nil. With a single finger you can become the conductor of your very own orchestra. Choose from smart strings, smart guitars, smart keyboards, smart bass and smart drums.

And you can really take it to the next level by having a jam session with your friends. As long as they have iPads or iPhones, you can play together like a real band and even record your music! Let's not forget the amazing recording studio that allows you to get creative regardless of where you are. Arrange mix songs with this powerful eight-track recording studio whenever you feel like it and then share your results on Facebook to delight others with your musical genius.

Where to Buy the iPhone 5

Currently, you can get the iPhone 5 from any Apple Retail Store, where you will get plenty of advice and guidance on using your new device. You can also order your iPhone online from the Apple Online Store and have it delivered to your door, along with any accessories that strike your fancy. Keep in mind that either of these options mean buying the iPhone 5 outright.

The iPhone 5 is also available from the major networks, including Telstra, Vodafone, Optus and Virgin Mobile. In this case, you will be able to get your iPhone 5 on a contract, with monthly payments for the handset, which will depend on the plan you opt for.

iPhone 5 Specs At a Glance

iPhone 5 Tips and Tricks

Now that we've had a good look at what the iPhone 5 can do, it's time for a few quick suggestions that will make your life easier when using your new device, whether you want to get from point A to point B, achieve more with Siri or just generally get the most out of your device.

Quick Route Gets You There Faster

When you're looking for a location on Maps and it puts a pin down on it, simply tap the Quick Route button next to the name of the place to get instant turn-by-turn directions.

You can also drop a pin yourself by simply touching and holding anywhere on the map. This will let you quickly find an address, obtain directions, see the street view or share it with a friend, which will make meeting up a lot easier than trying to verbally give directions.

Take a Closer Look with Flyover

Take to the air and explore major cities across the globe by zooming, panning and rotating around landmarks. All you have to do is tap the 3D button in Maps to switch to the Flyover view.

Tilting, Rotating and Going North

To tilt or rotate the view of a map, all you need to do is use two fingers and since street names and places stay where they should be, you won't get lost because it's all quite easy to read. However, if you rotate a map one too many times you could get lost as you no longer have any idea where north is. This is simple to fix. You'll notice a compass icon in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap it once and you'll be pointing north again.

What Can Siri Do For You?

If you want to see a detailed list of what Siri can do for you, hold down the Home button until Siri asks, “What can I help you with?” and then tap the “I” button.

Introduce People to Siri

To make your life easier, you can describe your relationships with your contacts, such as saying “Lydia is my sister” or “Mark is my husband.” You can then say “Call my sister” or “Text my husband” and Siri will know who to get in touch with, making it easier if you have multiple contacts with the same name.

Tell Siri More about Your Locations

Siri can remind you of things based on your location so make sure to enter your home address, work address and other important addresses in your Contacts. You can then ask Siri to remind you to call your wife when you leave your kids' school, pick up the dry cleaning after leaving work and so on.

Dictate to Your iPhone 5

You can get Siri to write quick replies to your emails. Simply tell Siri “Reply” and then dictate your message. The iPhone will also take dictation in other areas. Just tap the microphone icon on the keyboard, start talking and when you're finished hit Done for your message to be converted into text. You can dictate anything from notes to tweets and Facebook updates.

Capturing the Moment

Even if you're phone is locked, the icon for the Camera app is always on your screen so all you have to do is swipe it to open up the app and capture the moment.

If you're in panorama mode, you can change the direction you are shooting in from left to right or vice-versa by simply tapping the arrow.

Important Emails

If you're expecting an important email, you can check your inbox and refresh it in a second by simply swiping downward.

Keeping Your Inbox Organised

You can delete or move multiple messages at a time by tapping Edit, when you are in your Inbox, selecting the messages you want and then hitting Delete or Move.

Full Screen Webpages

If you want to browse a webpage without distraction, turn your iPhone so it's on its side, in landscape, and hit the full-screen icon which will show the webpage on the entire screen, removing everything else.

Stay Up to Date

The Notification Centre ensures that you know exactly what you missed including messages, friend requests, calendar invitations and so on. New notifications show up on the top so swipe down to see a summary of recent notifications.

Don't Forget!

You can set reminders for tasks on your to-do list. Simply assign a due date and you'll receive an automatic alert and if you add a location, you can be reminded when you arrive or leave that specific place. You also can prioritise your tasks and include notes.

Sign In Once

You only have to sign in a single time under Settings and then you can access Twitter and Facebook at all times, regardless of which app you are using.

Type Faster with Your Custom Keyboard

You can create your own dictionary that features shortcuts for the words you use most often, which means you'll have the autocorrect function but it will also understand exactly what you are saying when you type it in. Go to Settings, General, Keyboard, Add New Shortcut, where you can insert new phrases and assign them a shortcut if you so choose.

Calendar: Easy to Use

Create an event by tapping anywhere on the calendar. Drag events to different slots to modify your schedule and tap to change views from day to month to list. If you want to see the week at a glance, rotate your phone to landscape.

Custom Alerts

You can set alerts for anything and they can be customised with different tones or vibrations or both for specific events, like a new tweet, a new mail, a Calendar event and more. Simply go to Settings and then Sounds, where you can assign tones or vibrations.

Save Images

If you're browsing the web and see an image you like, simply touch and hold on the image to save it to your device. You can also copy and paste it into an email or MMS if you prefer.

Lost iPhone!

Go to Settings then iCloud and turn on the Find My iPhone feature, which can help you find your iPhone if you've misplaced it.

Emoticons Rule!

If you love your emoticons, you'll be happy to know you can choose from a wide selection. Go to Settings, then General, Keyboard and finally International Keyboards. Select add a new keyboard and choose Emoji. When typing simply tap the globe button and choose the emoticon that best describes your feelings.

Silence is Golden

If you want a little peace and quiet, go to Settings and activate the Do Not Disturb feature. This will block all incoming calls, notifications and alerts. You can set it manually or activate it according to a schedule and you can even select certain people whose calls you wish to allow through.

Reach the Top Quickly

To get the top of a page quickly in a range of apps, including Mail and Safari, tap the status bar where the network information is displayed and it will take you right to the top.

Maintain Screen Orientation

If you want to lock your phone to a particular orientation, double-click the Home button, which will call up the multitasking bar. Swipe from left to right and tap the portrait orientation lock once to activate and again to deactivate. Once locked, you can turn your phone whichever way you want and it will still remain in portrait.

Zooming

In Camera mode you can zoom in and out of a picture up to 5x by pinching or by using a slider.

Keyboard Tricks

If you want to use special characters, touch and hold a letter to see a list. If you tap the spacebar twice, a period will be inserted and the following word will be capitalised. If you want to add a number or symbol and quickly return to what you were typing, touch the 123 button and hold it, tap the key you want and the lift your finger, which will return you to the alphabet keyboard.

Improved Organisation

You can organise PDFs by adding them to iBooks, whether you get them in the Mail or found them on a webpage. Open them by touching and holding the PDF icon and selecting “Open in iBooks.”

If you buy applications that are Passbook-enabled, any tickets you buy through these programs will automatically appear in Passbook.

Create Web Shortcuts

You can add a website shortcut to your Home screen by visiting the page in Safari, tapping the Share button and then hitting Add to Home Screen.

Using the Scrubber Bar

The scrubber bar allows you to jump to any point in the timeline of a video or audio file. While dragging the playhead along the bar, slide your finger down to adjust the scrub rate from high ñ speed to fine scrubbing.

Focus the Camera with a Tap

While the iPhone automatically adjusts things like exposure and white balance while you are shooting video or taking photos, if you want to focus on a specific area, simply tap the screen over that area.

Create Your Own Playlist

Create a playlist by going to the Music app, tapping Playlists followed by Add Playlist. Name it so you know what's in it. Tap any video or music file to add it to the playlist. You can add one file at a time, an album or all the songs by the same band or singer.

Immortalise Your Screen

If you want to take a picture of your screen, press and hold the Home button and then hit the Sleep/Wake button. The screen will flash and the photo will be in the Camera Roll.

Check Character Count of Messages

When you are charged per text message, you can activate the Character Count feature by going to Settings followed by Messages. The counter will appear once your message is longer than two lines.

Share It All

You can update your Facebook status or send out tweets right from your Notification Centre, letting everyone know what you are doing.

Wireless Printing from Your iPhone

You can easily print emails or webpages from your iPhone with AirPrint as long as you have a printer that is compatible. For emails, hit Reply and then Print. For webpages, hit Share and choose Print. You can print practically anything you choose including documents and photos.

Access the iPhone User Guide

To learn how to take full advantage of your iPhone 5 and to discover more tips and tricks, go to the iPhone User Guide under the Bookmarks icon in Safari.

iPhone 5 Price

The iPhone 5 price has been revealed - In Australia the Apple iPhone 5 will be released on September 21, 2012 with prices starting at from $799 for the 16GB model. This is similar to previous iPhone model pricing from both Apple in the US and Australia. If this were to be the case you would expect retailers and mobile carriers to also deliver similar prices for the iPhone 5 as were seen last year for the 4S.

In the USA, the iPhone 5 price has been confirmed as being the same as last year. iPhone 5 prices start at $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for the 32GB and $399 for a 64GB on a two year mobile phone plan.

iPhone 5 Reviews

Aussie Todd's reviewed the iPhone 5, and you can read his complete rundown of Apple's latest device here.