Critics Fall in Love with iPhone 4
iPhone release day is always fun for technology critics. If the new iPhone surpasses the previous model, then the reviewer can gloat about getting to play with a great piece of technology before anyone else. If it unexpectedly fails, they can tearfully lament their disillusionment at Apple’s fall from grace.
Looking at the advanced reviews of the iPhone 4, the critical consensus seems to be heavy on the gloating.
Every reviewer so far agrees that the iPhone 4 ups the ante in the world of smart phones , with The Wall Street Journal saying, “in both hardware and software, it is a major leap over its already-excellent predecessor, the iPhone 3GS.” The New York Times goes even further, wondering “what’s the point?” of reviewing the iPhone, since its success is such a foregone conclusion.
However, four major improvements get the most attention.
First, Apple redesigned the form of the phone, cutting off the rounded edges in favor of a sleek black and steel look. Engadget calls the new design “nothing if not striking,” while The New York Times calls the design “solid and Lexus-like.”
Second, a forward facing camera allows users to video chat with each other. USA Today believes that the so called “FaceTime” video app is the iPhone 4’s killer app, noting that even though video phone technology dates back decades, Apple has finally perfected it. The camera on the back of the phone is no slouch either, with BoingBoing joining in on the praise-party by calling the camera “nothing short of stunning.”
Next, critics cannot contain their love for the increased screen resolution . Engadget has the side by side comparisons with the iPhone 3 that really shows off the difference, but every reviewer seemed excited at the prospect of watching movies on this far-sharper device.
Finally, everyone breathed a sigh of relief that Apple has finally introduced the long awaited multitasking feature. The New York Times likes that a user can jump from one app to another without passing through the home screen in between, but Engadget notes that the iPhone 4 only allows multitasking with certain programs.
Critics also heaped praise about the iPhone 4's other great new features, including a durable screen, longer battery life, and the inclusion of folders for better app organization.
The iPhone 4 officially goes on sale this Thursday.
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