iPhone 5S

[darjr]

Music bought from iTunes is in some other format. Most other players likely don't support it. So moving over isn't feasible without some effort.

iTunes does make it pretty easy to convert to mp3. I've done it and I don't think I've lost any quality. Though my ears are not what they used to be.

 

[Janx]

It doesn't have user profile selection.

The fingerprint thing is literally just a small thing to bypass entering a passcode. That's all. They said at the speech that it was based on the fact that their research showed that over half the customers don't put a passcode on their phones because they find it too inconvenient. This is merely providing an alternative to that.

True. But this ties into a number of initiatives going on.

Android is working on multi-profile systems for their devices (like tablets), if some devices out there don't already have it, I'd be surprised. As noted, this is more useful on tablet devises, but the technology is applicable to smart phones and tablets. From a developer's standpoint, that means I'm going to make it work on everything, because it actually complicates things to differentiate, when making it universal has minimal harm (so what if your smartphone only has one profile on it if the wake-up sequence is non-impactful).

The telcos are now working on maintaining a national registry of stolen phones because smart phone theft is a growing problem. Having a security mechanism to lock the iPhone so it can't be used/wiped or resold helps prevent that.

The current pass-code security isn't being used on most phones because it is a hassle. Coming up with a security mechanism that is non-intrusive is the only way to get wide-spread adoption.

 

[Morrus]

The current pass-code security isn't being used on most phones because it is a hassle. Coming up with a security mechanism that is non-intrusive is the only way to get wide-spread adoption.

Now you're just repeating what I'm saying!

 

[Janx]

Now you're just repeating what I'm saying!

Great minds think alike?

Except when we forget that the user can enter a passcode if their finger doesn't work?

Having just read a new article, that's actually specifically described.

If you haven't opened your phone in 48 hours, you WILL have to enter the passcode instead.

So the finger-scan is for situations where the phone is obviously in my posession and frequently used (I lock my screen all the time, instead of letting the screen timer kick in)

 

[Umbran]

Except when we forget that the user can enter a passcode if their finger doesn't work?

If my finger doesn't work, what do I enter the passcode with? My nose?

 

[darjr]

If my finger doesn't work, what do I enter the passcode with? My nose?

It does work.

 

[Hand of Evil]

It does work.

Smell technology was once talk about and don't forget that joke phone, the lick screen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eSuj-xLrONg

 

[darjr]

I was on my bike in freezing temps and had an important call from work. I did not take my gloves off.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

The reason I'm not excited about the iPhone 5s --or any of the new smartphones, really-- is that my 32GB 4s is still a damn good mobile device. My only complaint is the battery doesn't last quite as long as it used to.

Maybe I'll upgrade next year... or, you know, just replace the battery.

I have a 4 that I see no need to upgrade, even though my wife has a 4S for direct comparison. I personally think the 5-series screens have gotten too large.

 

[Fast Learner]

Some key tinfoil-hat-ridiculing facts:

1. The fingerprint does not leave the device. It's not in the cloud, on some server somewhere, or anywhere but the phone.

2. It's completely optional. Feel free to enter a passcode and type in your Apple ID password each time they're needed instead.

3. You can add multiple fingerprints so that other people you trust can use it the same way. There's no personalization at this time, but there can be multiple people added.