I know this is common place - I hope all those who are crying about being disappointed realize they are part of a group who complains each year about the iPhone release - and in doing so, look like a fool.
Let me explain a little something about the iPhone and Apple.
Apple, is first and foremost, an expert in REFINEMENT, not INNOVATION. The main goal each year for Apple is to release a smartphone with features that WORK as close to 100% of the time as is possible in tech, and are USEFUL.
There is a great distinction to be made here. USEFUL over GIMMICK.
Now the word GIMMICK gets thrown around a lot when talking about Samsung or the fingerprint sensor, and really I think it's overused. BUT, when describing features that are cool and "futuristic" but aren't very reliable or terribly useful, I think the word GIMMICK makes sense.
Apple is not in the business of releasing GIMMICKS. Now, many who are upset, are upset because they want a bigger screen. And instead of rationally voicing this desire, they kick and whine about how Apple is doomed.
A few things about the larger screen.
(1) It's nice. I like it as a whole on my GS4.
(2) It's not all roses and unicorns - a larger screen SHOULD have software to adjust for accidental palm touches. The GS4 doesn't (nor does the HTC One) and in both instances, using the phone one-handed is a pain. Mind you, I can fit my hand around the phone just fine.....but when reaching across, my palm ALWAYS touches the edge and negates any taps my finger makes.
(3) Apple WILL release a larger screened iPhone. See #2 as a possible reason why they haven't yet.
If you look at what Apple presented in the 5S - improved camera, 64-bit processor, fingerprint sensor - they gave iPhone owners 2 things that are EXTREMELY USEFUL. The camera features mentioned look to make taking photos on the iPhone easier than ever and all the software and hardware that went into it will produce better pictures across the board. This being a main use of a smartphone for ME (and I assume, for many), I'm extremely excited to be able to take BETTER pictures in pretty much ANY situation. And I know people mock the fingerprint sensor as a GIMMICK - but (1) it works flawlessly from initial hands-ons and (2) I unlock my iPhone and enter my appleID password dozens of times a day. Being able to simply tap the home button instead of typing AND having the simple tap be more secure than the password (remember, your fingerprint will be stored on the A7 itself and NEVER backed up and NEVER synced to Apple's servers), I find this HUGELY convenient and USEFUL.
As for the 64-bit processor - it's hilarious that many of you who are berating Apple for "more of the same", consistently praise other Android OEMs for forward thinking features like Smart Stay.
The 64-bit processor is coming to mobile. It would've been whether Apple released it or not, and with this release they are actually AHEAD of the game....
Yet, people ask "What's the point?", and say "the iPhone was already fast enough."
The implications of moving smartphones to a 64-bit architecture are actually quite substantial. MORE graphics intensive games, more power applications. And Apple happens to do this FIRST, yet gets even MORE hate for it.
Anyways - hopefully this was somewhat informative. The 5S is actually a great upgrade in my opinion. I look forward to picking mine up on the 20th.
Huge disappointment. I have ZERO interest to upgrade from my iPhone 5. This launch has Tim Cook brand all over it: Risk adversity, lack of innovation, short minded, ..
