It seems like everyone is expecting Apple to release a brand new iPhone - the iPhone 5 tomorrow. Alas all we know for certain is that a slightly upgraded version of the iPhone 4 - an iPhone 4S - is being shown off. Hopefully Apple has some other things hidden up their sleeves. Here are a few possibilities that could sweeten the bitterness of an MIA iPhone 5 tomorrow:
1. Surprise new features in iOS 5 (the next release of the iPhone software due this month):
a. Voice control and recognition system-wide. This would ape another Android feature but if the rumors are true, Nuance is involved. Nuance is best known for Dragon Dictation software but if they're involved, it could be a game-changer.
b. Apple=branded maps and navigation. Aping yet another feature of Android, although given the typical Apple polish this could also surpass its predecessor.
2. NFC - Near Field Communication for purchases with just your cellphone. We know Apple's been working on this (due to patent fliings) and Google has already begun their (very limited) test of NFC with Android.
3. iCloud music streaming. As announced (and as currently running in beta), Apple's "iTunes-in-the-cloud" service only allows users to re-download previously purchased songs :( But if they allowed streaming, this would realize its full potential. Otherwise they're not even competing with Google Music and Amazon's music locker.
Unfortunately at this point it seems likely that only one new iPhone will be announced tomorrow. I hope I'm wrong. But if I'm not, there's going to be quite a chorus on "mehs" afterwards.
How Apple Can Release Only an iPhone 4S Tomorrow and Not Totally Disappoint Everyone
The Big Questions I
If Twitter is integrated system wide in iOS 5 , how do you just create a plain text tweet? All screen shots so people attaching photos or links.
Cadbury = Filthy
theme throughout the decades they've been around - can you guess what
it is?
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Multiplayer Looks Sweet
[play video in separate window]
This is a novel style for multiplayer, similar to The Ship Halflife mod. Each person is an assassin and you get one person designated as a target. Someone else is assigned to kill you. So you have to move through town without exposing yourself too much to protect yourself and not alert your target to your presence. You get a radar for the target you're hunting, but don't know where your pursuer is. It fosters a playing style that rewards slower methodical play. This looks like a great break from the typical adrenaline-fueled mania present in most multiplayer games.
They've also added a leveling and unlock system similar to Modern Warfare. There are other neat mechanics present so that one person doesn't just dominate everyone else, such as the fact that the top player has multiple assassin's assigned to take them out. What a breath of fresh air, especially for the adults who get tired of being owned by fourteen year olds because we don't have lightning reflexes.
Once I've explored every nook and cranny in New Vegas, I'll definitely be checking this out.
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