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Tag: iPhone 5

  • iPhone Loyalty on the Decline, Says Report

    iPhone Loyalty on the Decline, Says Report

    A new report released today by Strategy Analytics shows that loyalty to the iPhone has fallen for the first time since 2007, most noticeably in Western Europe.

    The report, titled iPhone Owner Loyalty Declines: Is Apple Losing its Innovation Edge?, found that 75% of iPhone owners in Western Europe this year say they are likely to buy their next smartphone from Apple. This may seem high (and it is), but that number is down from 88% of iPhone owners in 2011. There was also a slight decline in the percentage of U.S. iPhone users who say their next smartphone will be from Apple, down to 88% from 93% in 2011.

    “There is no doubt that Apple is continuing its success in retaining existing user base while attracting new customers,” said Paul Brown, director at Strategy Analytics’ User Experience Practice. “However, negative press prompted by a perceived lack of recent innovation by Apple has meant we are starting to see some growth in the number of previously highly loyal consumers who are now reconsidering whether or not they will purchase a new iPhone for their next device.”

    This report comes just as Apple is reorganizing its upper management in the wake of the Apple Maps app debacle. Also, though initial shipments for the new iPad Mini and new (4th generation) iPad have sold out, Amazon is claiming to have seen sales of its Kindle Fire HD tablets surge in the wake of Apple’s announcement. Amazon is even running an ad comparing the Kindle to the iPad Mini on its homepage, emphasizing the iPad Mini’s relatively low resolution and high price.

  • iOS 6.0.1 Update Coming Soon, Fixes Annoying Glitch

    It shouldn’t be long until iOS users receive the first update to the system. According to BGR, their “reliable” Apple sources have confirmed that Apple is in the process of testing the build with various U.S. carriers. That means that we should have the update shipped within the next few weeks.

    iOS 6.0.1 will first and foremost fix a glitch that has plagued iPhone 5 users since its launch. An Apple thread exploded with users complaining that their phones were displaying a “weird screen glitch” when the keyboard was loaded and they were inputting their iTunes password. The glitch seems limited to the iPhone 5, and happens when users access the “.?123” button on their keyboards to open up the numerical characters.

    Here’s what the horizontal lines glitch looks like in action:

    Apart from fixing that issue, BGR says that Apple will also fixing an issue with the camera’s flash not working with iOS 6.0.1. The update will fix a couple of security issues involving Passbook data being shared from the lock screen as well as a bug that allowed Exchange meetings to be cancelled for entire groups.

    We’re also getting some improved Wi-Fi support.

    It looks like iOS 6.0.1 will be the only update for a little while, as BGR’s sources say that iOS 6.1 will probably ship after the holidays.

  • iPhone 5 Glitch Messes With Date And Time

    iPhone 5 Glitch Messes With Date And Time

    As previously reported, iPhone 5 users are complaining about an apparent software glitch related to the keyboard feature. Users are also complaining about another glitch involving the automatic date/time settings.

    Specifically, users are talking about incorrect days and times being displayed. There’s a big thread about this in Apple’s support forums. The thread starts with a user saying:

    So, I activated my vzw iPhone5 Saturday. Very much enjoying it. Woke up yesterday and was very confused because my phone thought it was 8/26/12 and 30 minutes later than the actual time. I reset network settings and it self resolved…until this morning. I woke up and looked at my phone and had a melt down because my alarm never went off. I hurriedly got ready and looked at the microwave as I ran out, and it was 30 minutes earlier than my iPhone said.

    My iPhone apparently is doing something weird and reverting to 8/26/12 + 30 minutes while I (and it) sleep. It throws off iMessage and I’m sure the rest of the date/time dependent apps, so I’ve turned off the automatic time setting for now, and its fine now (so far lol). But I would like to know what the real issue is if possible!?! Is it my phone? VZW? Does it matter?

    Since the original post on September 24, there have been numerous complaints along the same lines from other users. To date, there are 361 replies.

    Some believe the glitch is related to Verizon’s network in the U.S. AppleInsider reported on the issue, and was unable to obtain comment from either Apple or Verizon. Mikey Campbell writes:

    While the exact cause of problem is unknown, speculation points to a bug with how the timing code embedded in Verizon’s CDMA cell network is handled.

    In order to operate properly, all CDMA cell towers transmit a time signal based on data from an on-site GPS receiver, allowing the network to stay in synchronization. It is possible that either Apple’s handset is somehow misinterpreting the time signals, or timing data from certain Verizon cell towers is faulty, though at this point the theories are mere conjecture.

    One user in Apple’s forum said they had talked to Verizon, who confirmed that they had heard other complaints about the issue.

  • iPhone 5 Glitch Is Annoying Users

    There sure seemed to be a lot of annoyed iPhone users as soon as they got their new iPhone 5s, thanks to Apple Maps, and its bugs and lack of Google Maps, though according to one study, Apple Maps have not been a problem for 90% of users.

    I wonder what the percentage is on this glitch. iPhone 5 users have taken to Apple’s support forums to complain about a screen glitch (though there seems to be a general consensus, it’s really software-related). One thread begins with a user saying, “I just purchased my iPhone 5 yesterday and randomly I have been seeing a weird screen glitch that goes horizontally across the screen, has anyone else had this problem? P.S. if you google iPhone 5 screen glitch there is a YouTube video that someone else posted with the same problem that I am having.”

    The same user then posted, “After looking at a couple of YouTube videos of the same problem it seems to happen when using the keyboard or using the keyboard to access iTunes or input your iTunes password. Is anyone else having this problem? And a reboot does nothing because it goes away on it on after a while or if you just hit cancel. However I have rebooted the phone more than once and this will be the third time it’s happened.”

    Since the user posted on September 23, numerous others have complained about the issue. There are 87 complaints in that thread alone.

    AppleInsider shares the following video, and says it was able to replicate the flickering glitch, though “not with regularity”.

    “The issue appears to arise when users invoke the numbers and symbols keyboard by pressing the “.?123″ button in the bottom left corner of the device in portrait mode,” Neil Hughes reports.

    According to various users in Apple’s forum, the glitch seems to happen when users enter their Apple ID password.

    The issue does appear to be real, though probably not the biggest deal in the world. I doubt we’ll be seeing a public apology from CEO Tim Cook over this one.

    Next week, Apple is holding event, where it is expected to unveil the iPad Mini and a new MacBook Pro.

  • iPhone Could Finally be Coming to T-Mobile

    T-Mobile is now the only major U.S. wireless carrier that doesn’t carry the iPhone. It isn’t a coincidence that t’s also the only carrier that doesn’t have a nationwide 4G LTE network (its 4G is HSPA+) or that it is lagging behind the other three major carriers. This weeks’s news, if true, could put T-Mobile on-track to truly compete in the U.S. wireless market.

    CNET is reporting that a Morgan Stanley analyst predicts T-Mobile “could” announce iPhone distribution in “early 2013.” The analyst also said that such an announcement would mean one or two million more iPhone 5’s sold in the first quarter 2013.

    T-Mobile is already known to be developing iOS versions of its smartphone software. Last month T-Mobile launched an ad campaign urging customers to buy unlocked iPhones for full price and use them on its network. The company pointed out that T-Mobile’s less-expensive plans would save them money over time, though the upfront cost is high.

    Though Android phones have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, no single device can yet compete with the hype that surrounds the iPhone. Apple’s latest model of their smartphone, the iPhone 5, sold out its initial shipment of pre-orders in under one hour and analysts predict that Apple could sell as many as 250 million of the devices over the next few years.

    In the meantime, T-Mobile subscribers will have to be content with high-end Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy Note II, which is rumored to be coming to the carrier in one week. T-Mobile is also negotiating the purchase of a smaller U.S. carrier, MetroPCS, which will raise its subscriber numbers closer to the third largest U.S. carrier, Sprint.

  • Too Many People Are Dropping Their iPhones Into Toilets

    How many of you have broken an iPhone? The existence of repair services like iFixit seems to indicate that mobile devices break easily and frequently. A lot of us just aren’t careful when handling surprisingly fragile gadgetry. That’s not to say that we’re always off guard. It just may be that we’re cautious in all the wrong areas.

    A recent study from Squaretrade, an electronics warranty service, found that a lot of people aren’t careful with their iPhones when they’re at home. In fact, 51 percent of all iPhone accidents happen in or around the home. It’s here where you feel safest, and you probably let your guard down enough to have your iPhone fall into the sink.

    Speaking of sinks, 21 percent of all accidents happen in the kitchen. Following closely behind in second place, 18 percent of all accidents happen in the living room. Rounding out the top three is the bathroom where 16 percent of all accidents happen.

    Some of the most prevalent dangers threatening iPhones around the home is water. In fact, 5 percent of iPhone owners have left the device in the washer. Another nine percent have admitted to dropping their phone in the toilet. The latter statistic makes perfect sense as many users reported in a previous survey that they must take their phones into the bathroom with them.

    As for liquid abuse, water is the main aggressor as 43 percent of all accidents involve H2O. The rest of the liquid aggressors in order are soda, beer and a combination of coffee and tea. I don’t know if that says iPhone users drink mostly water, or if they’re just more careful around other liquids.

  • Watch the iPhone 5 & the Galaxy S III Blended to a Fine Powder

    Watch the iPhone 5 & the Galaxy S III Blended to a Fine Powder

    You wanted it, and here it is. Blender company Blendtec has been torturing things for a while now through a YouTube video series called “Will it Blend?” Their speciality happens to be throwing tech devices into blenders – because why not? And today, they finally got around to posting a video that showcases the blendability of the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3.

    Without further ado, here’s the carnage:

    If you liked the slow-motion blending, you can check out the full slowed-down clip below:

    Although the iPhone 5 seemed to blend a bit faster than the Galaxy S3, both ended up as black heaps of smartphone dust by the end. I’m not really sure what that should tell you about either device.

    All that smartphone torture…leaves me hungry for more. If you feel the need for more iPhone 5 pain, you can watch it dropped, shot with a sniper rifle, and tortured by an Android fan.

    [h/t TechCrunch]

  • Apple Maps Not a Problem for 90% of iOS 6 Users

    Despite reports that the new Apple Maps product inside iOS 6 is the worst thing to happen to smartphone users shy of submerging their device in battery acid, a majority of iOS 6-using, iPhone 5-owning people don’t seem to have a problem with it at all.

    According to a study from ChangeWave Research, 90% of users say they haven’t experienced any problems at all with Apple’s much-maligned maps product. Only 3% said that Apple Maps have been a “very big problem” for then, and 6% said they have been “somewhat of a problem.”

    As you may have heard, users have complained that Apple Maps shipped severely underdeveloped and flat out faulty in some cases. There have been reports of broken landscapes, mislabeled locations, and general incompetence when searching for directions. The backlash was so severe that Apple CEO Tim Cook had to publicly apologize for the mess, saying, “at Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps…we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.”

    Cook even recommended competitors like Bing maps, Waze, and Google maps as a holdover until they get Maps up to par.

    But according to the study, Apple Maps simply isn’t a big deal with iOS 6 adopters – especially when compared to something like the antenna problem that plagued the iPhone 4.

    “In comparison to the iPhone 4 Antenna/Reception issue, the current Apple Maps issue is of marginal concern to iPhone 5/iOS 6 users. Simply put, Apple Maps is not considered a problem by the overwhelming majority of users,” says ChangeWave.

    According to the data, Apple Maps has not affected people’s desire to purchase the iPhone 5 either. 19% of those surveyed said they were “very likely” to buy the new device, and 13% said they were “somewhat likely.” That bests the demand for the iPhone 4S gauged in a previous ChangeWave survey, which saw 10% and 11.5%, respectively.

    [h/t AppleInsider]

  • Apple Was Warned About Maps App Issues

    Soon after iPhone users got their hands on the iOS 6 update, it became clear that the new Apple Maps app sucks. Users quickly took to the internet to vent their frustrations and laugh at the incorrectly placed landmarks, distorted satellite imagery, and poor search quality.

    The issue even played a part in lowering customer satisfaction toward iOS 6 compared to iOS 5. The outcry eventually humbled Apple, and CEO Tim Cook apologized for the software, urging customers to use alternative map applications which it then promoted in the App Store.

    Now it appears that Apple’s hubris in believing it could easily replace Google Maps (a product that has over 7,000 employees working on it) with its own software was even greater than was readily apparent.

    This week CNET reported that developers have been complaining about the new Maps app since the pre-release version of iOS 6 was released back in June. The report quotes a “half-dozen” unnamed developers as saying they filed bug reports, sent e-mails, and posted to message boards with “doomsayer” rants, but went ignored by Apple. Some of the developers stated that the broken nature of the Maps app broke features within their own apps that relied on an accurate map imagery.

    One of the unnamed developers told CNET that an Apple employee did reply to his or her complaints, saying that the maps issue was “well understood,” so it isn’t as if Apple simply didn’t hear developers’ warnings. Perhaps in the future Apple will listen more closely to those people who are on the font lines of Apple software development.

  • Chinese Company Reportedly Cracked Apple’s Proprietary Lightning Cable

    For years, Apple fans could rely on cheap Chinese accessories to take the place of the expensive cables Apple sold for their iOS devices. The 30-pin connector that was in use up until the new iPad has been replicated time and time again. Apple changed all that with the Lightning connector by requiring an authentication chip that would prevent third party accessories from working. That authentication may soon be a think of the past.

    The folks at iPhone5mod, a Chinese manufacturer, announced a new lightning cable that circumvents Apple’s own authentication chips. Their new cable is called the iPhone 5 Flash Lightning Dock. According to MacRumors, the current cables use Apple’s own authentication chips, but later models will use cracked chips. Even better, the third-party is way better than Apple’s simple cable.

    Check out the video below to see for yourself:

    The most impressive part about the new cable is how it lights during syncing or charging. The lights even become slower as the phone nears being fully charged. It’s a genius addition that even a company like Apple would be envious of.

    So how much is this third-party Lightning cable going to cost you? The company is only asking for $39.99 for both the cable and dock. Each component is sold separately for $19.99. It’s the same price as Apple’s cable, but can you put a cost on freedom?

    The cable is cool, but its implications are even better. This proves that Apple’s new authentication chip can be cracked. After this, we can expect to see a flood of third-party Lightning cable clones to hit the market at ridiculously low prices. Any clones should also be impervious to intervention on behalf of Apple as its hardware related. The only fix would be to implement a new kind of dock connector with the iPhone 6.

    iPhone5mod’s site is currently down due to the massive amounts of people clamoring to get ahold of their cheap, yet stylish, Lightning cable. The company’s YouTube channel says that the site will be back up in a few hours. At that point, you can grab your very own glowing cable.

    [h/t: M.I.C. Gadget]

  • iPad Mini Rumor: Images Of Device Leak Via Twitter

    The iPad Mini is officially Apple’s worst kept secret. It’s actually kind of amazing that Apple is able to pretend the tablet doesn’t exist after all the leaks and information coming out of China. Apple is reportedly sending invites for the iPad Mini launch event tomorrow, but some pictures showed up on the Internet today to once again confirm that the iPad Mini is real, and it’s coming soon.

    9to5Mac Researcher Sonny Dickson has been busy this morning on Twitter. He’s been posting numerous pictures of the iPad Mini that show off the backplate in incredible detail with a close up of the Lightning connector port. Check ’em out:

    He also posted a few images of the device via Instagram. Check them out if you want to see the new Lighting connector dock on the iPad Mini. Unfortunately, it appears that Dickson was only able to snag the back panel, just like everyone else. Unlike the iPhone 5, I don’t think we’re going to see a fully assembled iPad Mini until the event.

    [h/t: CNET]

  • Windows Phone, HTC Outscore The Rest In Customer Satisfaction

    Remember when the Siri told iPhone users that the Nokia Lumia 900 was the best smartphone on the market? It was a funny oversight that pointed out an often overlooked truth – people really love their Windows Phones. It may not have the market penetration of iOS or Android, but its fans are loyal to the bitter end. A recent report from Amplified Analytics found that Windows Phone loyalty has not tapered off one bit since then.

    Each quarter, Amplified Analytics conducts a report called the Piplzchoice Customer Experience. They look at reviews from over 100,000 customers to create a dataset that seeks to show customer satisfaction among smartphone brands. The results contain some expected results, but there are a few surprises as well.

    For starters, Samsung products received the most reviews. It’s important to note that this does not indicate customer satisfaction. It does indicate that more people are buying Samsung phones than ever before even if they don’t necessarily like them.

    Samsung falls by the wayside when it comes to actual customer satisfaction. The report shows that HTC is king with Apple following as a close second. Nokia comes in third, and Sony in fourth. Samsung and Motorola, the two major Android OEMs, share fifth place together.

    Windows Phone HTC

    As for mobile operating systems, Windows Phone came out on top. Out of top 10 phones, five of them are Windows Phones. Interestingly enough, four of the five Windows Phones come from HTC. Nokia’s Lumia 900 is the only other Windows Phone to break the top 10. The number one phone is HTC’s Radar, a Windows Phone on T-Mobile. Another Windows Phone, the HTC Titan II, takes second place.

    Things get a little more interesting when you look at the trends in customer satisfaction by OS. Windows Phone is still the leader, but satisfaction is on its way down. iOS satisfaction has seen nothing but growth since 2011 while Android and BlackBerry satisfaction are mostly staying stagnant.

    Windows Phone HTC

    It should be noted that these numbers are pulled from a limited amount of customer engagement and reviews. It should not be seen as a definitive look at overall satisfaction. Ask any Apple fan, and they will tell you that the iPhone 5 is the greatest piece of technology to ever grace their hands. This study only looked at reviews over the past three months which would give other phones a huge headstart over the iPhone 5 in online reviews.

  • New iPod Touch Pre-Orders Shipping Out Today

    Did you pre-order the new iPod Touch as soon as it was announced last month? If so, you’ve been waiting for the vague release date of October to roll around. We’re already a quarter through the month and there’s been no mention of an actual release date. There’s still no release date, but Apple has apparently started to reward the patience of those who pre-ordered the device.

    Gigaom reports that Apple has started to ship out early iPod Touch pre-orders to early adopters. In this case, the device is being shipped via FedEx from China to the states with an estimated delivery date of October 15. The strange shipping method could be Apple’s way of cutting down on delivery time by shipping straight from the Chinese suppliers.

    Of course, this brings up the question of why Apple listed the device as shipping in three weeks on the Australian store. Reports from The Next Web suggests that the current iPod Touch pre-orders are only being shipped to US and Canadian customers. It could also indicate that Apple won’t have the devices generally available on the Apple store until three weeks from now.

    Apple could also be limiting the supply to these early pre-orders as they work to get production ramped up to meet demand. The iPhone 5 and iPod Touch share a lot of the same components including the larger 4-inch screen. GigaOm suggests that Apple could be prioritizing shipments of iPhone 5s as that device is Apple’s true money maker, whereas the iPod Touch is more or less a diversion these days.

    Regardless, we’ll keep you updated on the strange launch of the iPod Touch. Apple should be making an official announcement regarding general availability soon.

  • iPhone 5 Lightning Adapters Begin Shipping

    Apple’s new Lightning connector is elegant, necessary, and was inevitable. The old 30-pin connector was bulky compared to the mini USB cords that are now ubiquitous for a variety of mobile and wireless devices. Don’t mention that to someone who has spent the past five years collecting iPod-compatible accessories, though.

    The Lightning connector means a period of transition for both Apple fans and for Apple accessory manufacturers. To help ease the transition, Apple has an adapter that will allow users to dock their shiny new iPhone 5 in their old 30-pin compatible stereos. At $30, the solution isn’t cheap, and given the incredible lengths to which Apple has gone to make the Lightning connector proprietary, it might be a long while until less-expensive third-party options are available.

    Today, MacRumors is reporting that the first shipments of the new adapter are being shipped out to customers. According to the site, some Australians have reported that their adapter shipments are now labeled as “in transit” by the online Apple Store and that delivery could be as early as tomorrow, October 9.

    Something to remember about the new adapter is that it won’t work perfectly with accessories designed for the analog 30-pin connector. Specifically, Apple’s product listing for the adapter states that it won’t support video or iPod Out formats. iPod Out is a format that allows some compatible systems (such as car stereos) to display content from an iPod. So, the iPhone 5 won’t play well with vehicles or a few other accessories, but it should work just fine for stereos and alarm stands.

  • Apple on iPhone 5 ‘Purple Haze’: You’re Doing it Wrong

    With every new iPhone comes a series of complaints about issues that simply weren’t caught during Apple’s undoubtedly rigorous product testing.

    Who can forget “Antennagate,” when customers reported poor reception from their new iPhone 4s. Apple, at first, maintained its line that the smartphone was perfect, and that it was users who were wrong. They told customers that they were holding it the wrong way.

    Eventually, though, Apple had to acknowledge the problem and Steve Jobs had the humiliating task of going on stage, not to announce a revolutionary product, but to address a flaw in Apple’s latest product and offer a “bumper case” add-on. He then fired the person responsible and the company settled a class-action lawsuit over the debacle, which just this year began paying out.

    Now, the iPhone 5 is having its own mini-scandal. Some customers are reporting a hazy reflection on some of their photos.

    Today, Apple officially addressed the “purple haze” issue, and their response is similar to their first reaction to antennaegate. In short, Apple has told customers that they are taking photos incorrectly. The Apple support page regarding the issue states that all small cameras have this problem:

    Most small cameras, including those in every generation of iPhone, may exhibit some form of flare at the edge of the frame when capturing an image with out-of-scene light sources. This can happen when a light source is positioned at an angle (usually just outside the field of view) so that it causes a reflection off the surfaces inside the camera module and onto the camera sensor. Moving the camera slightly to change the position at which the bright light is entering the lens, or shielding the lens with your hand, should minimize or eliminate the effect.

    Whether or not Apple’s claim that most small cameras suffer from the issue is true, it’s worth noting the high standards Apple is being held to. On a different brand of smartphone, the camera issue might not have even been noticed. The fact that Apple is touting its new “sapphire crystal” lens and “precision lens alignment” makes the device a huge target.

    (via BGR)

  • iPhone 5 Production Leads To Strike At Foxconn

    Last month, a riot broke out at Foxconn’s Tiayuan facility over the alleged beating of a worker. The riot ended with 40 injuries and several arrests. At a different factory, the workers have went on strike to protest the unfair working conditions put on them by Foxconn and Apple.

    According to China Labor Watch, up to four thousand workers at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou factory have gone on strike. The workers are protesting the “overly strict demands on product quality without worker training” that has led to fights between general workers and the quality control team. Even worse, supervisors ignored the complaints from both workers and quality control.

    The catalyst for the strike appears to be the strict new quality guidelines that Apple has put into place. The company now expects workers to turn out devices with indentations of 0.2mm and that not a single scratch be present on frames and back covers. The workers were already having a tough time meeting Apple’s demands, but they soon found that they would not receive a vacation during the holiday.

    The quality control workers have gone on strike to protest the harsh treatment they have received from workers. A fight broke out between the workers and the quality control team that led to injuries and some hospitalizations. Their strike has prevented the general workers from being able to contine with assembly, and multiple production lines have been stopped as a result.

    The iPhone 5 is a truly marvelous device. That being said, people must remember the actual human effort that went into making the device. The consumer may appreciate Apple’s high standards, but those same high standards are causing undue stress on the Chinese workers that assemble and inspect the devices.

    Apple has repeatedly said that they are committed to improving the working conditions at Foxconn’s factories, but it’s looking like their efforts aren’t doing much to stem the tide of riots and protests.

  • Samsung Might Want To Lose To Apple More Often

    Samsung Might Want To Lose To Apple More Often

    Samsung, at least in the US, has seen a shortage of good news. The company ended August by losing a massive patent lawsuit, and now Apple wants to have some of their devices banned from sale. They aren’t letting a potential $1 billion payout to Apple get to them though. In fact, things are actually looking better than ever for the South Korean-based company.

    Localytics recently looked into the weekly growth of sales for Samsung’s insanely popular Galaxy S III smartphone. Common sense would dictate that Samsung would see a decrease in sales growth as a result of the ruling, but the opposite has proven true. They found that sales growth actually spiked 16 percent after the verdict in the patent trial was announced.

    Once again, common sense would dictate that such a spike is just a coincidence. As it turns out, there’s no coincidence. Samsung saw their next big sales spike only three weeks later after the announcement of the iPhone 5. At that time, sales of the Galaxy S III spiked by 15 percent.

    Samsung Might Want To Lose To Apple More Often

    So, what’s going on? Why is Samsung reaping the benefits from Apple’s supposed wins? Localytics has a theory. They feel that a growing number of users are no longer tied to a particular operating system. They no longer look to iOS as the gold standard. Instead, people will compare the “full package of device, mobile network and available apps.”

    Take that theory, combine it with the increased coverage the Galaxy S III is getting, and you have a recipe for success. People will see the Galaxy S III as a more cost effective version of the iPhone. They also might see Samsung’s device as more forward thinking since it contains many features, like NFC, that Apple left out of the iPhone 5.

    It’s really hard to say what has led to the increase in sales, but it’s definitely tied to Apple. You can’t mention Apple without bringing up Samsung and vice versa. The fact that both companies are constantly brought up in mainstream media only helps to increase awareness. Samsung may have lost its court battle, but it’s definitely winning in sales.

  • These Amazing iPhone Cases Were Made With A 3D Printer

    The iPhone 5 is now on the market, and people may be looking to get a case to protect their investment. The only problem is that phone cases in general are way too expensive for just a hunk of plastic. You could always just make your own for a fraction of the price with a 3D printer.

    Generally, a 3D printed phone case would be kind of boring. The devices can usually only print in one color, and the design would be a little plain. That would be true if you were printing a case with a standard 3D printer, but the folks at Objet have down what their impressive 3D printer can do.

    I may not an iPhone case aficionado, but that’s one hell of a case. The moving gears are an especially nice touch. For those wondering, the case was made with the Object Connex multi-material 3D printer. Before you ask, this printer is probably too expensive for you. It was made with industry professionals in mind and the price reflects that.

    There’s no reason to worry though. A case similar to the one made with the Object printer could be made with Formlabs’ Form 1 3D printer. It’s already a big hit on Kickstarter, and you can get one of your very own for the very attractive price of $2,699.

  • iPhone 5 Initial Sales Will Be Included In Apple’s Q4 Earnings Release

    Apple will release its Q4 FY12 earnings release on October 25, when the company will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results of its fourth fiscal quarter. It falls on a Thursday, and the call will take place at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET.

    The company has updated its Investor Relations page announcing the news.

    The earnings report should will reportedly include the first weeks of iPhone 5 availability. Anticipation of the device actually caused iPhone sales to slow in the previous quarter.

    Apple announced on September 24 that it sold over 5 million iPhone 5s in the first weekend of availability. Since the initial launch in 9 countries, the device has launched in 22 more.

    Initial demand for the device exceeded the company’s initial supply, causing a shipping delay for some customers.

    “Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible,” said CEO Tim Cook in a ]statement at the time.

    A live audio stream of the conference call will be provided here. To listen, you’ll need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 4.2 or above, any Mac running OS X 10.5 or above or any PC running QuickTime 7 or later.

    We’ll have coverage of the earnings when the day comes.

  • iPhone 5 Added to Samsung Patent Lawsuit

    iPhone 5 Added to Samsung Patent Lawsuit

    Samsung had already announced in a court filing that it was going to take on the iPhone 5 for suspected violations of patents it holds, and the company has stayed true to its word.

    Apple Insider is reporting that this week Samsung officially added Apple’s latest smartphone to a different lawsuit than the one Samsung lost last month. This lawsuit is the same one in which Apple was granted an abbreviated preliminary injunction against the Samsung Galaxy Nexus being sold in the U.S. Samsung is alledging that Apple’s iPhone products violate two UMTS standards patents and six other feature patents Samsung holds.

    The report states that Samsung obtained an iPhone 5 as soon as the smartphone was available, then determined that it has “the same accused functionality as the previously accused versions of the iPhone.”

    This trial is currently very young, and is still deep in the discovery phase. It’s likely that Samsung may even get the chance to add the next version of the iPhone to the lawsuit, as the trial isn’t scheduled to begin until 2014

    Samsung recently lost a different patent dispute to Apple. In that lawsuit, Samsung was ordered to pay Apple $1 billion in damages, though the judge in that case did lift the U.S. sales ban on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that had been in place since June.

  • Watch An iPhone 5 Get Tortured By An Android Fan

    You’ve seen the drop tests. You’ve seen what a Barrett .50 Caliber sniper rifle can do to it (in slow motion). You’ve seen it deflect bullets. You’ve seen it violated.

    Now, watch it get tortured (courtesy of Android Authority):