Announcing The iPhone 4s

Yesterday evening I received an email in bed that made my night. I receive emails from Apple and iTunes almost daily, all its customers receive information on new products they are offering, but I am not usually enticed by anything as I am satisfied with my precious iPhone 4 and iPad 2. After hearing the news of Apple CEO, Steve Job's passing, I was a little saddened. He was, after all, the Apple man and a great inventor.

He did conceive one more miraculous concept before he passed. That was the Apple iPhone 4s. I can not express how excited I am at this moment. I have been waiting for the iPhone 5 that everyone has been talking about since I got my phone in April. Although, it does have the exact appearance as the iPhone 4, this little miracle is so much more than its predecessor.

The iPhone 4s has many new upgrades to speak of and will be elaborated upon in this posting. The greatest question Apple faced was "how do you improve on something that is so extraordinary"? To do this, they took and amazing design and improved on the inside instead. This would be why it looks exactly like the iPhone 4, but with better technological additions on your home screen.

To begin, the phone has iOS 5 and over 200 new features like notification center, iMessage, twitter integration, and reminders. Another great addition is iCloud, which stores your music, photos, apps, calendar, contacts, mail, documents and more, a mom's dream! iCloud even pushes your wireless content to other devices. I'm in love! You have to see the video to believe it.

Notification Center
It's one place to see what's new. Preview your latest text, email messages, reminders, friend request, and more.

iMessage
Send messages to any iPhone, iPad, or iPod running on iOS 5. It's unlimited so you can say as much as you want.

Twitter Integration
Sign in once under settings and tweet directly from Safari, Photos, Camera, YouTube, and Maps. 

Reminders
Create lists of things to do that you can check off as you go. Even add due dates and locations.

iCloud is the easiest way to manage all of your stuff, because it manages it all for you. It's automatic, effortless, and seamless.


With iCloud, the music you buy on iTunes appears automatically on all your devices. You can also download your past iTunes purchases so your music goes where you go.




With Photo Stream, you can take a photo on one iOS device and it automatically appears on all your other devices, including your Mac or PC. Your photos show up, just like that. And you can show them off everywhere.



iCloud can automatically keep your presentations, reports, and other documents up to date across all your devices. Even when you update them, they're updated in the cloud automatically.

 


It is now enabled with a dual core A5 chip with two processors that carry the workload. This is the same chip that the iPad 2 has and makes it twice as fast. Graphics will now render up to 7x faster, making game play way better. My kids are going to love that! In Safari, websites will load a lightning speeds. This is also great news regarding apps, as they will also launch much more quickly.



iPhone 4S is great for gamers. The A5 chip pushes graphics up to seven times faster. So games run smoother and they’re even more realistic. And graphics-intensive apps perform even better.




The dual-core A5 chip delivers up to two times more processing power, which makes iPhone 4S even more responsive. Pages load quicker. Game play is better. And everything just feels faster.

The power-efficient A5 chip and iOS 5 deliver outstanding battery life. So you can keep making calls, checking email, playing video, and browsing the web.

 There will even be new apps like Newsstand and PC Free. Safari has been changed as well, for the better that is.

Newsstand
Find all your newspaper and magazine apps here. Even subscribe to something new. And read all about it. All from one place.

PC Free
You can activate and set up your iPhone wirelessly, right out of the box. Without the need for a Mac or PC.

Safari
Reader displays web articles without ads or clutter. And Reading List lets you save article links to peruse later.

The folks at Apple also re-designed the camera, making it 8MP which now increases the clarity and sharpness of your photographs. The addition of all new optics is also a big bonus in terms of phone photography. No one will believe that your images are coming from a mobile phone. Accessibility to your camera will now easier through your lock screen and you can snap a picture using your volume buttons. It also has face detection that knows if you are shooting an individual or group.

The iPhone 4S camera gives you 8 megapixels — that’s 60 percent more pixels than the camera on iPhone 4. And they’re engineered with a higher, full-well capacity to collect even more light. With more megapixels and more light, you’ll see a dramatic difference in the resolution and details of your images.



 The custom lens uses five precision elements to shape incoming light, which makes the entire image sharper. The larger f/2.4 aperture lets in more light, so photos look brighter. And the advanced hybrid infrared filter keeps out harmful IR light for more accurate and uniform colors.



Touch up photos right on your iPhone — without the help of photo editing software on a computer. You can crop and rotate photos, enhance the image overall, and even remove red-eye.

The big bonus is that now you can crop, enhance, and edit your photos directly on your iPhone. Videos will now be recorded in 1080p HD at 30 frames per second and will automatically stabilize your videos as you shoot them, enhancing the quality of your recording.


Record amazing 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second. The advanced backside illumination sensor and larger aperture let in even more light. Improved auto white balance makes color even more accurate. And temporal noise reduction helps you take great videos in low light. Video stabilization removes unwanted motion caused by unsteady hands. And if you’re recording a scene with subjects in both the foreground and the background, the camera focuses where you want with a tap.



It’s easy to edit your HD video right on iPhone. Just drag to select start and end points on a filmstrip to trim your clips. Or make a mini-blockbuster in iMovie with Apple-designed themes, titles, transitions, and even a soundtrack.

 My absolute favorite part is the addition of SIRI, which is a whole new way of interacting with your iPhone by using only your voice! It actually understands what you are saying, rather than just listening to what is being said. Its like having a personal assistant that you don't have to pay. A lot of devices can recognize the words you say, but the ability to understand what you mean and act on it is truly a technological breakthrough.

You can say “Remind me to call Mom when I get home” and Siri sets a reminder for you.

If you ask “Do I need an umbrella?” Siri gives you the forecast for where you are.

Say something like “Tell Bronwyn I’m running late.” Siri writes and sends the text.

You can say "Where's the best pizza place?” or “Where's an ATM?” and Siri finds a few nearby.

If you say “Email Sandy: Can you send me those photos?” Siri writes and sends the email.

You can tell Siri “Meet Kristen for lunch at noon” and Siri puts it on your calendar.

“Set an alarm for 6 a.m.” is all you need to say. Siri sets as many alarms as you need.

Ask something like “Where's Apple?” and Siri tells you the address and how to get there.

Tell Siri “Look up Kyle's number” and Siri finds it for you in your contacts.

"How's Apple stock?" is one way to say it. Siri keeps you up to date.

Ask “What can you do?” and Siri tells you everything you need to know.

Say “Set the timer for 10 minutes” and Siri starts keeping time.

Furthermore, it is the world's first phone that can intelligently switch between two antennas to transmit and receive calls. The best part is that it is now a worldwide phone so that customers can roam on a GSM network anywhere.

iPhone 4S is the first phone to intelligently switch between two antennas to transmit and receive, so call quality is better. It also doubles the maximum HSDPA data speeds to 14.4 Mbps.⁸ Which means faster connections, faster loading and reloading, and faster downloads. And iPhone 4S is a world phone, so you can use it almost anywhere. Whether you’re a GSM or CDMA customer, you can roam GSM networks in 200 countries around the world.

If all these new features and enhancements weren't enough to wow the world. The magicians even found a way to enhance the already beautiful Retina Display and Face Time. They've also added Air Play and Air Print. My husband, who was never interested in iPhones is even contemplating buy one for himself.

The sharpest, most vibrant thing you’ll see on iPhone 4S is everything. The Retina display is the highest-resolution phone screen ever. In fact, the pixel density is so high that the human eye is unable to distinguish individual pixels. But without a doubt, you’ll notice crisp text, sharp graphics, and stunning images. It’s more remarkable than the printed page. And you’ll be completely absorbed.

FaceTime lets you hear a voice and see the face that goes with it — iPhone to iPhone, iPad 2, iPod touch, or Mac over Wi-Fi.⁵ So no matter where they are, no matter where you are, you’ll always be there. Making a FaceTime call is just as easy as making a phone call. And it’s even easier with Siri. Just tell Siri “FaceTime with Mom” and you show up, smile, and wave hello. You’ll never miss a big event, an important meeting, or a good laugh. And who wouldn’t be happy to see your face?

With AirPlay, you can wirelessly stream what’s on your iPhone to your HDTV and speakers via Apple TV.⁶ And with AirPlay Mirroring, whatever you see and do on your iPhone appears on your HDTV at the same time.

Print your email, photos, web pages, and documents right from your iPhone over Wi-Fi.⁷ There’s no software to download, no drivers to install, and no cables to connect. With just a few taps, you can go from viewing something on the iPhone screen to holding a printed copy.



I can't speak for any of you, but I we are sold. This is a colossal breakthrough for Apple. Other companies will definitely have to step their game up if they plan on competing with the iPhone 4s. I just wonder what Apple, AT&T, and Verizon stores are going to look like on the day it releases. I can already see the chaos. I will definitely be one of those crazy iPhone admirers in line, patiently waiting to hold my new baby if I can't pre-order.

Brook Avenue Gardens

I sat back this evening and found myself reminiscing about my old neighborhood in New York. I don't exactly know why, but it was nice to remember fond memories of the people I left behind when I moved to Pennsylvania.

It wasn't too long ago, while living in our first floor apartment on Brook Avenue in the legendary South Bronx, birthplace of hip hop, that I would spend every waking hour on my stoop right next to old man King's windows, listening to his old time music being mixed into the surrounding noise and the blares of car systems as they zoomed down the block hurriedly trying to avoid the light from switching to red. After all, in New York, you are always in a hurry for no apparent reason.

It wasn't until the Summer of 2009 that the neighborhood began to really change. You see, that summer was when Cash came home and his cousin, Hell Rell (former Dipset artist) began to frequent our neighborhood. Living in that neighborhood on and off for over ten years, and up until they arrived, things were pretty bland and uneventful.

The Legend Hell Rell

I have to say that I was immediately curious about the new group of guys who began hanging out in front of the building, with their jewelry blinging and swag on the rocks, who wouldn't take notice? At the time, I had no idea of who Rell was, to be honest I didn't know he was a member of Dipset until a friend informed my ditzy ass. I would see them everyday at this point and at all times, day or night. They were immediately becoming a notoriety of our little corner, but I tell you no one on the corner had swagger like them. There were people from other blocks making their way to our block just to lay eyes on this hip hop legend. Eventually, their friends and family began to visit them as well and that is when the fun really began.

Culinary Master Cash

The whole summer was filled with the smell of Cash's deep fryer and grill hard at work, supplying the block with fish, shrimp, burgers, dogs, etc. This being said, and my daughter being a huge fan of food, her and Cash immediately became best buddies. It got to the point that as soon as she would step out the entrance door of our building, her immediate focus was up the block and the first thing out of her mouth was "Where's Cash"? My baby still ask for him from time to time. Cash and King were thick as thieves, which meant the perks of a close and open apartment for restroom and kitchen needs. I miss King a lot too. We had our ups and downs and many an argument, but he was like a grandfather to all of us with many stories to tell. 

Clement King "King" Resident Pimp

A lot of other faces started appearing as well, Ron, Richie, D, G Five, and many others. I interacted with all and had secret crushes on some. Others realized my fantasies, but will remain nameless as I am married and so are they. That block has an aura of infidelity, even the most faithful couples arrive at that dwelling and change their philosophies on monogamy. It was all fun and grooves, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A brazen bunch we were, no respect for the laws or individuals who upholded them. After all, these weren't small get togethers, these were massive un-official block parties, and how can you really tell who is intoxicated among so many people? It wasn't anything a little perfume, gum, hand sanitizer, and visine couldn't fix rapidly. A girl's handbag is her magic sack after all. I remember the time when Cash, I, Jadi, and Richie got caught by 50 and was mandated to go to court for a hearing. That was a fun morning. We joked around in the waiting area of the court and then walked home stopping by third avenue to window shop before departing ways, but I digress.

Although, we all shared many a good evening in the company of our neighbors, there were times when we clashed. So many personalities intertwining can make for an explosion of opinion. One night while mingling, an argument erupted between Rell and D over something unknown to myself, but I can tell you that Rell is not a man to be trifled with. I mean D held his own, but was promptly given a reality check. I have to say that Rell is extremely attractive when angered. Most of the women around, whether they would admit it freely, must have been turned on. A man with corn rolls in a wife beater, sagging jeans, and a gold rosary designed with guns instead of saints is definitely a thug chasers dream.

It wasn't up until all the complaints from angry tenants to management slowly stopped the gatherings. They went as far as posting signs stating "No Barbecuing No Loitering No Music Playing" so no one could say they weren't informed of the change in the untold rules of the building as there were none at that time. I moved shortly after, but until this day, the rebels still spend their time on the stoops. Recently, while visiting, I noticed that the signs weren't there anymore so I can only assume that means that if its not posted its not obeyed.

I miss my home and all those who played such an enormous role in the lives of myself and my family. I hope everyone is in fine health and doing well. I will be writing more about my old stomping ground, as I have many stories to tell. If you enjoyed reading this, stay tuned for the next installment. The saga continues...

Louis Vuitton Neverful PM, MM, and GM

The tote bag, of all tote bags, was announced in 2007 by designer Louis Vuitton, and since then has been the go to bag of student and professional women around the world.

Available in three sizes, the PM (Small), MM (Medium), and GM (Large), their is a tote to fit women of all statures.

Retailing between $770 and $870, these totes are one of the most affordable handbags that legendary designer Louis Vuitton offers. Don't forget, that price includes the versatility and quality of the brand. The best part is that these totes are reversible, although, personally, I wouldn't want it to possibly be torn or stained from outside elements, but to each his own. As usual, the Neverfull, as most of the handbags offered, are available in three canvas types and have a spacious interior for which the name is derived. Your bag will literally never be full.

Neverful Monogram

Neverfull Damier Azur

Neverfull Damier Ebene

This supple holdall bag is a must have for both travel and city use. Its shape can be adjusted offering great flexibility, while its timeless design adds a sophisticated touch to any outfit.

-Eye catching striped interior with textile lining
-Large interior zipped pocket which can fit a long wallet
-Interior D-ring for keys or an accessory
-Metallic pieces in shiny golden brass
-Leather trimmings
-Side laces to change the shape of the bag

Regarding the versatility of this bag, the Neverfull can be left open with the ideal tote shape or can be adjusted with the side laces that make it smaller. I forgot to mention above, but there is no zipper on this handbag, which leaves the items you carry within exposed to a thief's hands. Many woman tuck the ends of this tote in and tighten with the laces to avoid being pick pocketed, while others sacrifice safety for style.

Although this tote is wonderful and versatile, I have heard several complaints from the web and YouTube about the straps stretching or showing signs of stress almost immediately, even though the complainants swear they have not over filled this bag with weight, that is something to consider if interested in purchasing one of these eye catching beauties.