Cheat Sheet: The Apple iPhone 4S event in a nutshell

At its Cupertino campus on Tuesday, Apple unveiled a new iPhone as well as iPod updates, pricing and availability for iOS 5, iCloud and iTunes Match. Apple also announced two new apps, and introduced the world to its intelligent software assistant, Siri, that helps you get things done though speech.

Here’s what happened, in a nutshell.

iPhone 4S

Same design, better internals.

It has a dual-core A5 CPU with graphics that can be up to seven times faster than in the iPhone 4.

The antenna has been upgraded with “intelligent switching” for better call quality.

The 4S is capable of download (HSDPA) speeds of 14.4Mbps and is a “world phone” which means the same model can operate on both GSM and CDMA networks.

The new 8MP camera has a custom, 5 element lens, a larger f/2.4 aperture and an advanced hybrid IR filter that produce sharper (30% increase) and brighter (sensor gathers 73% more light) images.

The image signal processor in the A5 dual-core chip makes the camera one of the fastest on a mobile phone. The Camera app launches much faster and the shot to shot capability is twice as fast as the iPhone 4. 1.1 seconds to the first photo and just half a second for the next shot

Video recording now happens at 1080p, with image stabilisation and temporal noise reduction.

US$199 for the 16GB version, US$299 for 32GB, and US$399 for 64GB on a two year contract.

Available on October 14th with pre-orders starting on the 7th.

Siri

Siri is exclusive to the iPhone 4S.

It’s intelligent software that helps you get things done though speech. It understands context allowing you to speak naturally when asking it questions, for example, if you ask “Will I need an umbrella this weekend?” it understands you are looking for a weather forecast.

Siri is also smart about using the personal information you allow it to access, for example, if you tell Siri “Remind me to call Mom when I get home” it can find “Mom” in your address book, or ask Siri “What’s the traffic like around here?” and it can figure out where “here” is based on your current location.

Siri helps you make calls, send text messages or email, schedule meetings and reminders, make notes, search the internet, find local businesses, get directions and more. You can also get answers, find facts and perform complex calculations just by asking. It connects to both Wikipedia and Wolfram Alpha.

iPod nano

The nano has an updated interface. You swipe between icons instead of seeing a grid. It also has improved fitness features. You can run or walk with it, with no other accessories required.

Embracing the trend of the iPod nano being used as a wrist watch, the software has been updated with 16 new clock faces.

US$129 for 8GB nano, US$149 for 16GB — available today.

iPod touch

Good news, the iPod touch will get iOS 5. It now comes in black as well as white.

US$199 for the 8GB version, US$299 for 32GB, and US$399 for 64GB.

Available on October 12th.

Cards

Cards is a new app that let’s you create cards on your iPhone, which Apple will then physically print out, put an address on and emboss, before mailing them out for you. US customers can track cards with a postal service barcode, and Apple will send customers push notifications when the card reaches its final destination. You can choose among 21 designs.

Available October 12th.

Find My Friends

Another new app that lets you share your location with friends and family. It has a temporary sharing option, and simple privacy controls. It’s a lot like Google Latitude.

iTunes Match

It’s now confirmed that iTunes Match will scan your music library and make it available in the cloud at 256Kbps AAC DRM-free and if you have songs in your library that’s not in the iTunes database, the remaining songs will be uploaded. New playlists are updated across all your devices running iTunes. Songs stream immediately.

The service costs US$24.99 per year.

iCloud pricing

You get 5GB free initially with an extra 10GB at $20 per year if you want more space. An extra 20GB will cost you US$40 per year, while 50GB will set you back $100 per year.

Available October 12th.

iOS 5

iOS 5 will roll out worldwide on the 12th of October.