(Image Source: 9to5Mac)
 

BY EVAN THOMAS
ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

You're watching multisource technology news analysis from Newsy.
 

Who says you need the latest and greatest iPhone to run Apple’s new software? Not developer Steven Troughton-Smith.

He released a video that shows the voice-recognition program Siri running on the iPhone 4, though it was created exclusively for the 4S. He’s been working with 9to5Mac to refine the hack, and now, he can smoothly navigate menus and issue commands. (Video source: 9to5Mac)
 

So does this mean you don’t have to stand in line for the new iPhone? Not so fast, PCMag says Siri’s not quite there yet.

“Siri on the iPhone 4 might 'work' in the sense that a user can load and access the app on the smartphone, but it doesn't actually perform like Siri on an iPhone 4S.”

And Slash Gear reports, the voice recognition, aka the whole point of Siri, really doesn’t work yet. The reason? The iPhone 4 can’t talk to the right servers at Apple.

“...since Apple’s server-side processes are integral to Siri’s interaction with the iPhone hardware, right now any spoken commands won’t be followed.”
 

But if the software works, shouldn’t the communication be an easy fix, too? LifeHacker thinks so.

“...there is no technical reason that iPhone 4 and iPad 2 should not be able to use the feature. Perhaps Apple will introduce Siri to these devices once the 4S has been available for a few months.”

But GottaBeMobile says not a chance. Hardware limitations aren’t why Siri is a 4S exclusive.

“I have another suggested reason: Money! If the iPhone 4S did not have Siri, would over a million people have preordered it last week? I wouldn’t have!”
 

But maybe you won’t have to pay 4S prices just yet. 9to5Mac says they and Troughton-Smith are going to see just how far they can take the hack.