iPhone 5's Killer App: Assistant

9to5Mac has been revealing some tantalizing details about the new iPhone 5. Besides the expected hardware upgrades (a faster processor, more RAM, upgraded cameras and a dual GSM/CDMA chip), there’s a significant software addition: “Assistant.” “Assistant” is a voice-controlled software system that will go far beyond the iPhone’s current “Voice Control” system.

This existing feature allows a user to use voice-activated commands to play a song or dial a phone number in contacts. “Assistant” will do much more, allowing users to give voice commands to make appointments in the user’s calendar; get directions using Maps; and dictate, play back and confirm text messages.

“Assistant” will only be available in the iPhone 5; older versions will not be able to utilize it as it will require the extra RAM that Apple is adding to the new model. All this and an Apple rollout without Steve Jobs at the helm! Apple always has some surprises, so this is not likely to be a comprehensive list of the iPhone 5’s capabilities.