A beta release of something like a voice interface, called Siri, which seems to be an expansion of an iPhone 4 app of the same name (Apple acquired the company and its IP in 2010). Apple has integrated Siri with a wide range of iPhone applications.

You use conversational English (or French or German) to talk “to” the phone. Siri interacts with a range of OS and phone features to schedule meetings, find information, alert you with verbal reminders (for tasks or errands), read your text messages aloud, get directions (and guide you verbally), book a table at a local restaurant and much more. Over a Bluetooth handset it can read your text messages to you even if your phone is in your pocket. What’s more, it supports dictation: according to Apple’s Phil Schiller. “So anywhere an application might normally show a keyboard, there is now a microphone [the Siri icon], where Siri will type for you,” he says.

What are the phone purchase options and when can I get one?

You can start ordering the 4S on Oct. 7.

Three U.S. carriers will offer it: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and for the first time, Sprint.