14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has rolled out a tweaked iOS 5.0.1 firmware update that targets iPhone 4S handsets exclusively. The download is free and immediately available through iTunes, or via manual IPSW download.
Cupertino was not expected to launch a newer version of iOS 5.0.1, but rather an iOS 5.0.2 or even the iOS 5.1 update (currently in beta) to address several software problems, including poor power management on iPhone 4S handsets.
There is also no changelog accompanying the release. The software update may either address a security issue, or the battery drain bug, or both for that matter.
According to the most prominent figures in iOS jailbreaker circles, the new build enables legal Siri ports to iPhone 4 handsets (more on that later today).
Siri is an exclusive iPhone 4S feature. It is an intelligent personal assistant that helps you get things done just by asking.
Siri allows users of an iPhone 4S to use their voice to send messages, schedule meetings, place phone calls, see what the weather is like locally or in any other place in the world, and much more.
As Apple puts it, “Siri isn’t like traditional voice recognition software that requires you to remember keywords and speak specific commands. Siri understands your natural speech, and it asks you questions if it needs more information to complete a task.”
“Siri uses the processing power of the dual-core A5 chip in iPhone 4S, and it uses 3G and Wi-Fi networks to communicate rapidly with Apple’s data centers. So it can quickly understand what you say and what you’re asking for, then quickly return a response,” the company says.
The service is currently in beta.
Those who don’t own an iPhone 4S but can use iOS 5 have craved for Siri for a long while. It appears that it will soon be possible (and legal) for owners of an iPhone 4 or iPod touch 4G to use the assistant.
In the meantime, you can grab the refreshed iOS 5.0.1 IPSW for your iPhone 4S via the link below. Alternately, connect your device to iTunes, select Check for Update, then follow the instructions.