iPhone 5S

This column focused on iPhone 5C last week. Apple TV enhancements include support for iTunes Radio and AirPlaying content from iCloud, which allows you to take any purchased iTunes content (such as music, movies, or TV episodes) and stream it directly to an Apple TV that may not even be configured with your iTunes login […]

This column focused on iPhone 5C last week. Apple TV enhancements include support for iTunes Radio and AirPlaying content from iCloud, which allows you to take any purchased iTunes content (such as music, movies, or TV episodes) and stream it directly to an Apple TV that may not even be configured with your iTunes login credentials. The authentication is provided wirelessly by a connected iOS device, like an iPhone or iPad. The new Apple TV also features the newly-launched iTunes Radio service, which is similar to Pandora, the well-known streaming Internet music provider.
Let’s take a look at the 15 wish-list features for 5S as compiled by Zack Whittaker on 6 September 2013 on ZDnet.com: a new, more advanced iOS 7 OS, the fingerprint scanner, a range of bright-colored phone cases, a phone with a thinner outer bezel width to give an edge-to-edge display, faster processor, stronger antenna for simultaneous voice and data, faster memory, advanced haptic feedback, wireless battery charging, a double-digit megapixel camera, stronger glass display, retina-plus display, better battery life, and matte, sun-resistant screen. Other bloggers added to the list: bigger display, more RAM, stereo speakers, and water resistance.
So, what do you get in 5S? The new phone does come with the fingerprint scanner that allows you to scan your fingerprint and access your iPhone and download media or apps from iTunes without the need to type in a PIN code. Although Apple has tried to allay fears of privacy issues, for example, by saying that the fingerprint information will only be stored on the device (not on the server in the cloud) and will be encrypted rather than saved as an image of the fingerprint, there are already concerns. The most official critic so far had been Hamburg (Germany) Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information John Caspar, who believes that the use of biometric technology for the sake of consumer convenience could become a hacking treasure trove, granting them access to permanent data, which cannot be deleted or changed.
Casper suggested that because of their permanence, biometric features such as fingerprint, retina scan, and facial features should not provide for everyday authentication method. He is unsure of the effectiveness of Apple’s measures, adding that the user is not in a position to control what his applications do with the information he puts in them.
There are other critics. In her article of 17 September 2013 on the security aspects of fingerprinting in 5S, Charlie Osborne reminded us of previous problems with the deployment of this biometric: “While the technology may be quicker for consumers than traditional PIN codes, biometric scanning is still dogged with problems. Motorola first launched its Atrix smartphone with the technology, but reportedly dropped it as consumers complained of errors. A report published on Elcomsoft’s blog highlighted a “huge security hole” with fingerprint-based security in laptops sold by companies including Acer, ASUS, Dell, and Samsung, and retina scanners used at U.K. airports were dropped following errors and slow processing rates.”
The introduction of biometric data into the mobile device industry has also raised privacy concerns in the United Kingdom, relating to its potential use as a way to track employees.
What else do you get in 5S? Walt Mossberg summarizes the features of 5S in his 18 September 2013 Wall Street Journal article: “The iPhone 5S is the first digital device I’ve seen with a simple, reliable fingerprint reader—one you can confidently use without a thought, to unlock the device instead of typing in a passcode. You can even use this fingerprint reader, called Touch ID, to authorize purchases from Apple’s App, iTunes and e-book stores.”
Mossberg alludes to a beefier processor that Apple says can double its performance, and to the fact that 5S has a better camera than the iPhone 5. He also has this to say about iOS 7: “Its new look, new user interface and new functions represent the biggest overhaul to the iPhone’s core software since the original model launched in 2007. Nearly everything has been improved, including multi-tasking, notifications, access to common controls, email, Web browsing and Siri. Like any big change, it’s a shock at first, but I have come to like it and consider it a step forward, despite a few issues.”
Here is Mossberg’s conclusion: “After a week of testing the iPhone 5S, I like it and can recommend it for anyone looking for a premium, advanced smartphone. If you are an iPhone fan with any model older than the iPhone 5, the new 5S will be a big step up. If you own an iPhone 5, there’s less of a case for upgrading, unless you want the fingerprint reader and improved camera. You can get the new OS free of charge.”
The bottom line of this article is that in the past week Apple has launched two iPhone products (C and 5S), upgraded its Apple TV software, and rolled out the new version of its smartphone operating system, iOS 7. One of the attractive, albeit very controversial, features of iPhone 5S, is the fingerprint capability.