Apple launch thinner, glass fronted and backed smartphone

After months of rumours Apple has finally launched the iPhone 4, which offers plenty of advantages over it’s predecessor. By adding an LED flash, upping the resolution to 5MP and adding backside illumination to the sensor Apple has tackled one of the main criticisms launched at the iPhone. This means less light is scattered prior to reaching the sensor, improving both image quality and low light performance. There’s also HD video at 720p resolution at an impressive 30fps as well as video editing app iMovie to cut and re-publish the results. Photo slideshows can also be made within the app making it possible to upload to YouTube without ever needing to involve a computer.

The new Retina Display also offered a flagship feature, as it triples the screen resolution to incredibly high detail levels. This means jpegging will be far less obvious on photographs, and detail more visible when zoomed in. Screen resolution has also been upped to 960 x 640 from 480 x 320, along with increased battery life and the same processor as is inside the iPad. Storage is limited to 32GB, meaning it not be a perfect tool to be used for image backup, but the addition of a gyroscope and accelerometer means moving the phone allows the world around to move around within the display, making map reading far more interactive.  

Although it may never fully replace a laptop for more in depth editing the iPhone 4’s new functionality will certainly make it useful for photographers stuck without a camera, or those wanting to create slideshows on the move.   
Also announced was an upgrade for existing iPhone 3Gs to run the iOS 4 operating system, which allows for multi-tasking of applications.

For more information head to www.apple.com

Vodafone has announced the iPhone 4 will be available on June 24th, although details on tarriff costs have yet to be released. Check http://www.vodafone.co.uk/iphone for more details