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Tag: iPhone

  • Google Facing Legal Action In UK Over ‘Safari-Gate’

    Google continues to deal with the fallout from “Safari-gate” privacy scandal that led to a record fine (for a single company) from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission last August. The company was fined $22.5 million.

    Now, iPhone users in the UK are getting together to sue Google over the debacle. The Guardian reports:

    At least 10 British iPhone users have started legal proceedings and dozens more are being lined up, according to Dan Tench, the lawyer behind the action at the London-based firm Olswang.

    “This is the first time Google has been threatened with a group claim over privacy in the UK,” he said. “It is particularly concerning how Google circumvented security settings to snoop on its users. One of the things about Google is that it is so ubiquitous in our lives and if that’s its approach then it’s quite concerning.”

    There is a Facebook Group called “Safari Users Against Google’s Secret Tracking,” which has been set up by the law firm in connection with the users who are going after Google. In the “About” section, the description says:

    This group has been set up to provide information for anyone who used the Safari internet browser between September 2011 and February 2012, and who was illegally tracked by Google.

    Any users in the UK may have a claim against Google for this breach of their privacy. Other users, who have set up this group, are taking action against Google to hold them to account.

    …

    Members of this informal group have instructed the leading technology and media law firm, Olswang, to begin an action against Google.

    If you have concerns or want to join the action, contact us via this group and we will share your views or put you in touch with the legal team.

    It will be interesting to see how many users get on board with this, and what it ends up meaning for Google. A press release from Olswang has more on the case.

  • iPad 5 To See Complete Redesign, Will Launch In October [Report]

    The iPhone 5 was the first major change to Apple’s iconic mobile device since the iPhone 4. The move to a 4-inch display was the most noticeable change, but there was a number of small adjustments that made it another hit for the Cupertino-based company. The same, however, could not be said for the iPad as its fourth iteration featured no discernable aesthetic difference. That all may change this year.

    In a report from iLounge, Editor-in-Chief Jeremy Horwitz claims to have seen a “supposedly accurate” physical model of the iPad 5. In his report, he claims that the iPad 5 will be noticeably smaller than its predecessors. In fact, the next-generation iPad will be taking a cue from the iPad Mini by removing the left and right bezels and reducing the size of the top and bottom bezels to only include enough room for the home button and camera.

    So, when we will see this supposedly redesigned next-generation iPad? Horwitz says that Apple is targeting an October release after its previously planned March launch slipped through its fingers. The delay is welcome, however, as it gives Apple ample time to perfect the newest iPad into something that may just wow critics after the disappointing fourth-generation iPad.

    The iPad 5 may be the star of this report, but Horwitz adds more credence to the rumors of two iPhones launching this year. He says that the iPhone 5S will look much like the iPhone 5, but feature a larger flash. The other iPhone model coming this year is the same rumored cheaper iPhone that features a plastic body. It will be sold to emerging markets like China where most of the population can’t afford the regular iPhone.

    As for that rumored bigger iPhone, Horwitz says that it’s in the planning stages. He says that it will feature a 4.7-inch display. You shouldn’t get too excited though as he says it may never come to market. It’s only experimental for now, and it may just remain that way.

  • This iPhone/Cup Holder Is the Ultimate First World Problem Solver

    A new solution to a first world problem wants your money.

    How often do you find yourself unable to properly text, Facebook, or play Temple Run because you’re forced to use one of your free hands holding a cup of coffee. If this scenario hits home, help may be on the way.

    It’s called the UpperCup, and it’s the iPhone/cup holder that you never knew you wanted.

    “No more one handed typing. No more spilling coffee. Have your hands free for your optimal texting, gaming and social networking pleasure,” says Dutch marketing agency Natwerk.

    Awesome! You want one, right?

    Well, you can’t have one – yet. Natwerk is currently crowdfunding the project on indiegogo. They’ve set a goal of $25,000 to get the UpperCup into production and say that if/when it hits the shelves, it will do so with a $35 price tag. As of now, the’ve only managed to collect a little under $800 with 36 days left in the campaign.

    This is admittedly a little ridiculous. But I can totally see it selling.

    UPDATE: It looks like I, like many others, have written up a publicity stunt.

    [via BuzzFeed]

  • Apple Posts Record Revenue And Profit Yet Again, But Misses Expectations

    Apple Posts Record Revenue And Profit Yet Again, But Misses Expectations

    Apple just released its earnings report, breaking its own records yet again. The company posted record revenue of $54.5 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.1 billion. These are up from revenue of $46.3 billion and net profit of $13.1 billion in the year-ago quarter.

    The company sold 47.8 Million iPhones and 22.9 Million iPads during the quarter, up from 37 million and 15.4 million respectively in the year-ago quarter. Mac sales were down year-over-year at 4.1 million from 5.2 million. iPod sales were down to 12.7 million from 15.4 million.

    CEO Tim Cook said, “We’re thrilled with record revenue of over $54 billion and sales of over 75 million iOS devices in a single quarter. We’re very confident in our product pipeline as we continue to focus on innovation and making the best products in the world.”

    Apple also declared a cash dividend of $2.65 per share of the company’s common stock, payable on February 14 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 11.

    Despite Apple’s record revenues and profits, the company still missed analyst’s expectations. Business Insider has a good comparison by the numbers of by how much for each category.

    Tim Cook praised the company’s “extraordinary quarter” during the earnings call, saying, “No technology company has ever reported these kinds of results.”

    Here’s the release in its entirety:

    CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today announced financial results for its 13-week fiscal 2013 first quarter ended December 29, 2012. The Company posted record quarterly revenue of $54.5 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.81 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $46.3 billion and net profit of $13.1 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share, in the 14-week year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 38.6 percent compared to 44.7 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 61 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

    “We’re very confident in our product pipeline as we continue to focus on innovation and making the best products in the world.”

    Average weekly revenue was $4.2 billion in the quarter compared to $3.3 billion in the year-ago quarter.

    The Company sold a record 47.8 million iPhones in the quarter, compared to 37 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple also sold a record 22.9 million iPads during the quarter, compared to 15.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The Company sold 4.1 million Macs, compared to 5.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple sold 12.7 million iPods in the quarter, compared to 15.4 million in the year-ago quarter.

    Apple’s Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $2.65 per share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on February 14, 2013, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2013.

    “We’re thrilled with record revenue of over $54 billion and sales of over 75 million iOS devices in a single quarter,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We’re very confident in our product pipeline as we continue to focus on innovation and making the best products in the world.”

    “We’re pleased to have generated over $23 billion in cash flow from operations during the quarter,” said Peter Oppenheimer, Apple’s CFO. “We established new all-time quarterly records for iPhone and iPad sales, significantly broadened our ecosystem, and generated Apple’s highest quarterly revenue ever.”

    Apple is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2013 second quarter:

    • revenue between $41 billion and $43 billion

    • gross margin between 37.5 percent and 38.5 percent

    • operating expenses between $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion

    • other income/(expense) of $350 million

    • tax rate of 26%

    Apple will provide live streaming of its Q1 2013 financial results conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PST on January 23, 2013 atwww.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq113. This webcast will also be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements including without limitation those about the Company’s estimated revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, other income/(expense), and tax rate. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive and economic factors, and the Company’s reaction to those factors, on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to the Company’s products; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the ability of the Company to deliver to the marketplace and stimulate customer demand for new programs, products, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the effect that product introductions and transitions, changes in product pricing or mix, and/or increases in component costs could have on the Company’s gross margin; the inventory risk associated with the Company’s need to order or commit to order product components in advance of customer orders; the continued availability on acceptable terms, or at all, of certain components and services essential to the Company’s business currently obtained by the Company from sole or limited sources; the effect that the Company’s dependency on manufacturing and logistics services provided by third parties may have on the quality, quantity or cost of products manufactured or services rendered; risks associated with the Company’s international operations; the Company’s reliance on third-party intellectual property and digital content; the potential impact of a finding that the Company has infringed on the intellectual property rights of others; the Company’s dependency on the performance of distributors, carriers and other resellers of the Company’s products; the effect that product and service quality problems could have on the Company’s sales and operating profits; the continued service and availability of key executives and employees; war, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters, and other circumstances that could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products; and unfavorable results of other legal proceedings. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012, and its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 29, 2012 to be filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

    Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

    NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple’s PR website (www.apple.com/pr), or call Apple’s Media Helpline at (408) 974-2042.

    © 2013 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

    Apple Inc.

    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

    (In millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands and per share amounts)
    Three Months Ended
    December 29,
    2012    		 December 31,
    2011
    Net sales $ 54,512 $ 46,333
    Cost of sales (1) 33,452 25,630
     
    Gross margin 21,060 20,703
    Operating expenses:
    Research and development (1) 1,010 758
    Selling, general and administrative (1) 2,840 2,605
    Total operating expenses 3,850 3,363
    Operating income 17,210 17,340
    Other income/(expense), net 462 137
    Income before provision for income taxes 17,672 17,477
    Provision for income taxes 4,594 4,413
    Net income $ 13,078 $ 13,064
    Earnings per share:
    Basic $ 13.93 $ 14.03
    Diluted $ 13.81 $ 13.87
    Shares used in computing earnings per share:
    Basic 938,916 931,041
    Diluted 947,217 941,572
    Cash dividends declared per common share $ 2.65 $ 0
    (1) Includes share-based compensation expense as follows:
    Cost of sales $ 85 $ 63
    Research and development $ 224 $ 160
    Selling, general and administrative $ 236 $ 197
    Apple Inc.

    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    (In millions, except number of shares which are reflected in thousands)
    December 29,
    2012    		 September 29,
    2012
    ASSETS:
    Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 16,154 $ 10,746
    Short-term marketable securities 23,666 18,383
    Accounts receivable, less allowances of $119 and $98, respectively 11,598 10,930
    Inventories 1,455 791
    Deferred tax assets 2,895 2,583
    Vendor non-trade receivables 9,936 7,762
    Other current assets 6,644 6,458
    Total current assets 72,348 57,653
    Long-term marketable securities 97,292 92,122
    Property, plant and equipment, net 15,422 15,452
    Goodwill 1,381 1,135
    Acquired intangible assets, net 4,462 4,224
    Other assets 5,183 5,478
    Total assets $ 196,088 $ 176,064
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
    Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable $ 26,398 $ 21,175
    Accrued expenses 13,207 11,414
    Deferred revenue 7,274 5,953
    Total current liabilities 46,879 38,542
    Deferred revenue – non-current 2,938 2,648
    Other non-current liabilities 18,925 16,664
    Total liabilities 68,742 57,854
    Commitments and contingencies
    Shareholders’ equity:
    Common stock, no par value; 1,800,000 shares authorized; 938,973 and 939,208 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 17,167 16,422
    Retained earnings 109,567 101,289
    Accumulated other comprehensive income 612 499
    Total shareholders’ equity 127,346 118,210
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 196,088 $ 176,064
    Apple Inc.

    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

    (In millions)
    Three Months Ended
    December 29,
    2012    		 December 31,
    2011
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period $ 10,746 $ 9,815
    Operating activities:
    Net income 13,078 13,064
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash generated by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization 1,588 721
    Share-based compensation expense 545 420
    Deferred income tax expense 1,179 1,456
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable, net (668) (3,561)
    Inventories (664) (460)
    Vendor non-trade receivables (2,174) (1,206)
    Other current and non-current assets 413 (962)
    Accounts payable 6,145 4,314
    Deferred revenue 1,611 1,296
    Other current and non-current liabilities 2,373 2,472
    Cash generated by operating activities 23,426 17,554
    Investing activities:
    Purchases of marketable securities (37,192) (40,175)
    Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 3,460 3,038
    Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 23,002 21,472
    Payments made in connection with business acquisitions, net (284) 0
    Payments for acquisition of property, plant and equipment (2,317) (1,321)
    Payments for acquisition of intangible assets (138) (108)
    Other (52) (34)
    Cash used in investing activities (13,521) (17,128)
    Financing activities:
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock 76 91
    Excess tax benefits from equity awards 404 333
    Dividends and dividend equivalent rights paid (2,493) 0
    Repurchase of common stock (1,950) 0
    Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (534) (355)
    Cash (used in)/generated by financing activities (4,497) 69
    Increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,408 495
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period $ 16,154 $ 10,310
    Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
    Cash paid for income taxes, net $ 1,890 $ 1,474
    Apple Inc.
    Q1 2013 Unaudited Summary Data
    (Units in thousands, Revenue in millions)
    Q1’13 (a) Q4’12 (a) Q1’12 (a) Sequential Change Year/Year Change
    Operating Segments Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue Revenue
    Americas $ 20,341 $ 13,810 $ 17,714 47% 15%
    Europe 12,464 8,023 11,256 55% 11%
    Greater China (b) 6,830 5,427 4,080 26% 67%
    Japan 4,443 2,367 3,550 88% 25%
    Rest of Asia Pacific 3,993 2,110 3,617 89% 10%
    Retail 6,441 4,229 6,116 52% 5%
    Total Apple $ 54,512 $ 35,966 $ 46,333 52% 18%
    Q1’13 (a) Q4’12 (a) Q1’12 (a) Sequential Change Year/Year Change
    Product Summary Units Revenue Units Revenue Units Revenue Units Revenue Units Revenue
    iPhone (c) 47,789 $ 30,660 26,910 $ 16,645 37,044 $ 23,950 78% 84% 29% 28%
    iPad (c) 22,860 10,674 14,036 7,133 15,434 8,769 63% 50% 48% 22%
    Mac (c) 4,061 5,519 4,923 6,617 5,198 6,598 – 18% – 17% – 22% – 16%
    iPod (c) 12,679 2,143 5,344 820 15,397 2,528 137% 161% – 18% – 15%
    iTunes/Software/Services (d) 3,687 3,496 3,020 5% 22%
    Accessories (e) 1,829 1,255 1,468 46% 25%
    Total Apple $ 54,512 $ 35,966 $ 46,333 52% 18%
    (a) Q1’13 and Q4’12 spanned 13 weeks whereas Q1’12 included a 14th week.
    (b) Greater China includes China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
    (c) Includes deferrals and amortization of related non-software services and software upgrade rights.
    (d) Includes revenue from sales on the iTunes Store, the App Store, the Mac App Store, and the iBookstore, and revenue from sales of AppleCare, licensing and other services.
    (e) Includes sales of hardware peripherals and Apple-branded and third-party accessories for iPhone, iPad, Mac and iPod.

  • I Would Not Use This Anti-Loneliness Ramen Bowl, But It’s Still Pretty Neat

    I’m probably never going to buy this new anti-loneliness ramen bowl. It’s not because I don’t like ramen. I love ramen. I really, really love ramen. It’s also not because I’m not lonely at times. Who isn’t? It’s also not because I don’t approve of our global dependency on constant stimulation from our mobile devices, even while we eat. Let’s be honest, I’m on reddit during well over half my meals.

    It’s actually because I’m just an embarrassingly sloppy noodle slurper. I would splash porky, miso-y juice all over my device. It wouldn’t be pretty.

    Design company MisoSoupDesign unveiled their idea for a hands-free iPhone dock ramen bowl back in November, but it’s just now gaining traction on the interwebs.

    The ramen bowl, dubbed the “Anti-loneliness” bowl, allows noodle eaters to slurp while browsing the web. Or while watching a movie, or whatever else noodle eaters like to do when they are eating. The design is simple, but useful.

    Just a few minutes ago, in a Facebook post, the company said that due to all of the interest in the ramen bowl they are currently accepting a limited number of pre-orders. You can express your interest by sending them a Facebook message or shooting them an email.

    [MisoSoupDesign via CNET]

  • Apple Has Three iPhones Currently In Development [Rumor]

    The iPhone 5 was a pretty big success at first, but demand for the device is starting to slow down. What can Apple do to increase demand? How about release two iPhones this year?

    Digitimes is reporting Apple is currently developing two phones for release in 2013, with a third phone already being tested for a tentative 2014 release. The first two phones are expected to be the iPhone 5S that will only change the internal specs without much cosmetic change. The devices are rumored to feature 4-inch screens and in-cell technology.

    One of the phones planned for this year is once rumored to be the cheap iPhone 5S that will target emerging markets like China. Previous rumors said it would have a larger screen and feature a cheaper chassis. The rumor today suggests that the cheaper iPhone will be more similar to the regular iPhone in cosmetics, but perhaps feature lower specs. The reduction in price can also be attributed to better yields for the in-cell technology used in the iPhone 5.

    So what about that third iPhone in production for 2014? Digitimes’ sources say that Apple is playing around with the idea of a 4.8-inch screen. If true, it would be the largest phone that Apple has made to date. Samsung and others are already producing smartphones with screens of that size and larger, but those phones are also comparably fat. I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple is waiting for a reduction in component size so it can release a larger phone without sacrificing the trademark thinness of the iPhone brand.

    As always, these are all rumors at this point, but Apple has to shake up it’s iPhone brand at some point. The company has been playing it safe for far too long. If the company doesn’t introduce something radically different this year then 2014’s rumored larger phone may just be when Apple really starts to take risks.

  • iPhone 6 (Or 5S) May Get Fingerprint Sensor [Analyst]

    Last summer, rumors emerged that the iPhone 5 could come with a fingerprint-based security feature. That didn’t happen. When the device was launched last fall, the feature was nowhere to be seen.

    Matt Brian at TheNextWeb had put together a compelling argument as to why the device could have come with technology that would associate the user’s fingerprint with their identity for use with Passbook. Apple had acquired network security provider AuthenTec, and after digging through various documents and SEC filings, Brian was able to piece together a potential plan for Apple to include fingerprint hardware technology in an upcoming iPhone model.

    Since it didn’t happen with the iPhone 5, we’re now seeing speculation that it could come with what many believe will be called the iPhone 5S (some are still calling it the iPhone 6). This time, AppleInsider’s Neil Hughes reports:

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities expects Apple’s acquisition of AuthenTec to pay off this year with the so-called “iPhone 5S,” the company’s anticipated next-generation handset. He believes Apple will find a way to integrate the fingerprint sensor into the home button, allowing Apple to keep its “minimalist design.”

    In contrast, many Android and Windows Phone devices have more than one button below the display, and those buttons frequently lack the mechanical push of Apple’s home button. As a result, attempts to integrate fingerprint scanning on competing devices would be less intuitive, and could frustrate users, Kuo said.

    Clearly, it’s still only speculation, but this has been something that’s been expected for a while. It will be interesting to see if Apple goes in this direction, and how competitors respond.

    Google is already experimenting with some other innovative security scenarios, as in physical ‘keys’ to user accounts.

  • Amazon Optimizes MP3 Downloading For iPhone, iPod Touch

    Amazon Optimizes MP3 Downloading For iPhone, iPod Touch

    Amazon announced today that it has launched the Amazon MP3 store for iPhone and iPod Touch. Users can tap into the company’s 22-million song library with Safari in a better way than what was possible before.

    The site is built on HTML5, and lets users make purchases, which apparently was not already an option.

    “Since the launch of the Amazon Cloud Player app for iPhone and iPod touch, a top request from customers has been the ability to buy music from Amazon right from their devices. For the first time ever, iOS users have a way do that – now they can access Amazon’s huge catalog of music, features like personalized recommendations, deals like albums for $5, songs for $0.69, and they can buy their music once and use it everywhere,” said Steve Boom, Vice President of Amazon Music.

    Purchases are automatically saved to customers’ Cloud Player libraries, and can be downloaded or played from any iPhone, Pod touch, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android phone or tablet, Roku, Sonos home entertainment system, or any web browser.

  • Apple Cuts Orders For Various iPhone 5 Components [Report]

    iPhone 5 sales started out with a bang. Sales topped five million during its opening weekend, selling as many in three days as the iPhone 4S sold in an entire month. Since then, the device has been released in many more countries.

    Still, it appears that demand is not quite where Apple expected it to be. A new report from the Wall Street Journal indicates that the company has cut orders for various components, including (but not limited to) screens for the devices. The report cites people familiar with the situation. The reason is specified as “weaker-than-expected demand”. The WSJ’s Juro Osawa writes:

    Apple’s orders for iPhone 5 screens for the January-March quarter, for example, have dropped to roughly half of what the company had previously planned to order, the people said.

    Apple is said to have let parts manufacturers know about the changes in December.

    Last week, Walmart announced that the iPhone 5 is now available with unlimited service and no contract, thanks to a deal with Straight Talk Wireless. That means that over 2,000 stores (as well as Walmart’s site) offer this deal for $650 and an additional $45 a month for a no contract plan. This includes unlimited talk, text and data. that’s sure to interest a few people.

    Last week, T-Mobile CEO John Legere said that the carrier would be getting the iPhone within the next three or four months. That will, without a doubt, increase demand significantly.

  • 5 New Apple Products This Year, Analysts Say

    Analysts from Piper Jaffray think they have Apple’s product release calendar for the year all worked out. If they’re right, then we’ll see 5 new major Apple products launched in 2013.

    Of course, there’s always the possibility that this is completely wrong, but let’s look at what they have to say.

    CNN Money has put out a report citing analysts Gene Munster and Douglas Clinton, who predict that we’ll see Apple Radio in March, iPad Mini with Retina Display (also in March), iOS 7 and iPhone 5S in June, and Apple Television in November.

    We’ve already been hearing rumors about what could be Apple Radio – essentially an Apple competitor to Pandora and the like, though around the same time, the rumors also indicated that an Apple HDTV was unlikely for a 2013 release.

    Everyone already expects the iPhone 5S to come out this year (some are still calling it the iPhone 6 – who knows for sure?).

    iPad Mini with Retina Display seems like the next logical step for the iPad Mini, which has sold better than many expected.

    Interestingly, the analysts don’t include a lower-cost iPhone in their predictions. Such a device has been in the rumor mill this week, with Bloomberg’s sources saying it could be prices between $99 and $149. The device would be aimed at emerging markets like China, where CEO Tim Cook visited this week.

  • Cheaper iPhone Could Cost As Little As $99 [Report]

    As previously reported, there are rumors going around that Apple is working on a lower cost version of its iPhone for emerging markets.

    Rumors are also coming out that the price of such a device could range from $99 to $149. Bloomberg is reporting, citing a person familiar with the plans, who asked not to be named because negotiations are private, that Apple is weighting retail prices in that range on the device, which would be launched in late 2013. Bloomberg’s Olgoa Kharif and Adam Stariano report:

    Executives at Apple have been particularly interested in building a lower-cost model with less-expensive components as a way to appeal to customers in emerging markets, another person has said.

    On Tuesday, a report from Digitimes indicated that Apple would release a low-cost version of the iPhone for emerging markets like China (where Apple CEO Tim Cook is said to have made a trip this week). That report said:

    Some sources claimed that they have seen the sample of the low-cost iPhone, which will come with a larger display, meeting the prevailing trend for the adoption of 5-inch displays for high-end models. They added that the low-priced iPhone will also have a brand new exterior design.

    Those sources also indicate that the recent introduction of low-cost Qualcomm processors could play a role in Apple releasing a low-cost iPhone.

  • CES 2013: T-Mobile Is Getting The iPhone In Next Three To Four Months

    Smartphone users absolutely hate limited data plans, but the big carriers don’t seem to be changing their minds on the matter. T-Mobile saw that as an opportunity and started offering unlimited data plans to its customers. Now it just needs the iPhone and its future as a major wireless carrier may just be assured.

    At CES, T-Mobile CEO John Legere told Reuters that his company will begin selling the iPhone to its customers within the next three to four months. The move will allow T-Mobile to properly compete with the big guys who offer a wide range of iPhone options, but tether them to expensive data plans and contracts. T-Mobile is going to change that.

    During the same time frame, Legere says that T-Mobile will also be doing away with phone subsidies. He sees the one-two combination of iPhone availability and phone subsidy removal as an opportunity to grow the company’s market share by five percent. While the removal of phone subsidies will drive the price of phones up, it will allow T-Mobile to offer cheaper service, including its unlimited 4G data plans.

    Of course, T-Mobile customers won’t have to wait until the carrier gets the iPhone to start using Apple’s wonder device. The carrier lets owners of unlocked iPhones switch over to its network quite easily.

    It’s unclear if T-Mobile’s strategy of going against the predominant carrier model will be successful, but it will at least be interesting. If it is successful, it may convince other carriers to bring unlimited data plans. It just might be worth paying full price for our phones if we get cheaper data plans out of it.

  • Smartphone Sales Hit a Record 10 Million at AT&T

    Smartphone Sales Hit a Record 10 Million at AT&T

    AT&T announced today that it sold more than 10 million smartphones in the fourth quarter of 2012. The number tops AT&T’s company record of 9.4 million, which was set during the 2011 holiday season. The huge sales numbers include a surge for both iPhones and Android-based smartphones.

    “We had another incredible quarter of smartphone sales as the mobile Internet continues to drive strong growth in wireless,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T Mobility. “These are the industry’s most valuable postpaid subscribers with average revenues twice that of non-smartphone subscribers. During the quarter, we averaged more than 110,000 smartphone sales a day as customers flocked to our leading portfolio of the latest Android, Apple and Windows devices. Combine that with the nation’s largest 4G network and lightning-fast LTE network that now reaches more than 170 million people and you’ll understand why customers continue to choose AT&T in record numbers.”

    Given the record sales AT&T is recording, their fourth-quarter 2012 financial results are likely to make investors smile. Those numbers are scheduled to be released after the markets close on January 24.

    AT&T had an exclusive deal as the carrier of the iPhone for years, propelling it to its position as the largest U.S. wireless carrier. Now that the iPhone is sold by other carriers, AT&T has begun experimenting with new revenue options, such as more expensive shared data plans and holding iPhone features hostage.

  • Watch An iPhone 5 Get Dropped From 100,000 Feet [Video]

    If you’re the kind person who likes to watch phone drop test videos, you’ve probably seen a few for the iPhone 5 by now. But have you seen one in which the device was dropped from 100,000 feet?

    G-Form has posted this video promoting its latest iPhone case. They drive to the desert, and send the device up with a balloon.

    The phone appears to work after the drop.

    [via phonesreview.co.uk]

  • Surprise: Android And iOS Were The Only Mobile Platforms To See Growth In November

    Surprise: Android And iOS Were The Only Mobile Platforms To See Growth In November

    The mobile market isn’t exactly thriving with competition. In reality, it’s dominated by Apple and Google as iOS and Android continue to butt heads over marketshare. Other competitors, like Microsoft and RIM, can only hope to grab a few morsels that come their way. That trend doesn’t show any signs of stopping.

    ComScore has just released its smartphone platform market share numbers for November 2012, and the results are not surprising in the least. Once again, Android is in the top spot with 53.7 percent of all smartphones in the U.S. sporting Google’s mobile OS. Apple came in a respectable second with 35 percent. Both platforms saw a small amount of growth from August 2012 with Android growing 1.1 percent and iOS growing 0.7 percent.

    Everybody else did not come out of November looking too good. RIM came in a distant third with only 7.3 percent of the U.S. market while Microsoft trailed behind with only 3 percent. Symbian continues its death struggle against certain oblivion with only 0.5 percent. In even worse news, all three saw decreases since August 2012 with RIM’s marketshare decreasing by 1 percent, Microsoft’s decreased by 0.6 percent and Symbian’s decreased by 0.2 percent.

    Android iOS Mobile Growth

    As for the mobile device manufacturers, Samsung is still on top. In November, 26.9 percent of all smartphones on the market were made by Samsung. Apple came in second with 26.9 percent of the market. LG, Motorola and HTC came in third, fourth and fifth respectively.

    Just like with mobile OS platforms, only the two leaders saw an increase in marketshare. Samsung’s marketshare increased by 1.2 percent since August and Apple’s increased by 1.4 percent in the same time period. The others all had their marketshare decrease by less than a percentage point.

    Android iOS Mobile Growth

    It should be noted that these numbers are from November of last year. It doesn’t take into account all the new mobile devices that were activated over Christmas and the rest of the December. Windows Phone 8 also launched at the tail end of November so Microsoft’s marketshare may have climbed slightly in December. We won’t know for sure until comScore’s numbers for December come out.

  • iPhone 5S to Have Multiple Colors, Screen Sizes [RUMOR]

    A new year inevitably means new iPhone rumors. The next iPhone model is already pegged as being the iPhone 5S, and is rumored to be coming as early as June 2013. It’s also being reported that Apple is looking to use Sharp’s IGZO display panels, which would increase the device’s resolution while lowering its power consumption.

    Today’s new rumors are even more spurious than usual, with BGR reporting that a Topeka Capital Markets analyst is suggesting the next iPhone will come in colors other than white and black. Specifically, he states that the new device will come in pink, yellow, blue, black, and white – the same colors Apple’s new iPod touch devices are offered in. Also, the analyst currently believes the 5S will have multiple screen sizes to choose from. His predictions are based on “checks” with Apple suppliers.

    Such a move by Apple would be an extreme break from its staunch tradition of one-size-fits-all iPhone production. If true, though, it could be an acknowledgement by the company that consumers are being lured by colorful Android or Windows Phone handsets.

    Apple hasn’t always had the black-and-white image it has tried to cultivate over the past decade. A return to the colorful palate of the original iMac could signal the first tentative steps the company is taking away from Steve Jobs’ original vision.

  • Iphone 5S Rumor: Apple Eying Sharp IGZO Screens

    It’s three months on from the launch of the iPhone 5, and if rumors are to be believed, we’re almost halfway to the launch of the next version of the iPhone. That means it’s time to start combing shipping reports for iPhone 5S rumors.

    This week’s rumor comes courtesy of DigiTimes, a Taiwanese publication that focuses on manufacturers in Taiwan. Their report states that Apple is currently looking to use Sharp’s IGZO panels in their next generation of iPhones, iPads, and iPad Minis. According to unnamed “industry sources,” Apple is discussing production capacity estimates with Sharp and asking about similar AU Optronics technology.

    This isn’t a particularly new rumor. Sharp’s IGZO screens would allow smartphones to be thinner and have more accurate touch screens. In addition, the technology could allow for higher resolution displays and lower power consumption. As these are obviously goals future Apple devices will work towards, it’s a safe bet that the technology will show up in i-devices in the near future.

    Exactly when that future is depends on panel manufacturers and their ability to provide quality products in the huge volumes Apple requires. As far back as one year ago DigiTimes reported rumors that the New iPad (iPad 3) would feature an IGZO display. That obviously didn’t pan out, but Sharp has had an entire year to bring their manufacturing capabilities up to snuff. If IGZO really is the future, we’ll see it in devices starting this year.

  • IPHONE Launches In Brazil As An Android Device

    The iPhone 5 just recently launched in Brazil last week as Apple’s flagship device made its way into 50 more countries around the world. At the same time, a local Brazilian electronics manufacturer is going to compete with the iPhone 5 by selling the IPHONE.

    IGB Electronics SA announced this morning that the company will begin selling the IPHONE in Brazil as an entry level Android device. The first device to be sold under the IPHONE name is called the Gradiente Neo One. It runs on Android 2.3, and features dual-sim capabilities, 3G, Wi-Fi and bluetooth.

    So, how is IGB able to sell a product called the IPHONE in Brazil while Apple currently sells the iPhone? The company had applied for the IPHONE name in 2000, and finally secured the rights in 2008 from a patent regulator. The company hasn’t used the name until now because its previous focus was getting through a restructuring period and getting back to selling products. Now it can focus on selling the IPHONE to consumers who may just want an iPhone.

    Selling the phone to the less knowledgable should be pretty easy as well. The IPHONE will be sold at a ridiculously low price of 600 reais, or $286 USD. The iPhone 5 sells at 2,400 reais, or $1145 USD.

    It should be pretty easy to tell the difference between the IGB’s IPHONE and Apple’s iPhone though. That being said, Apple is fiercely protective of its trademarks and will most likely file a lawsuit against IGB by the end of the week. For its part, IGB knows a lawsuit is likely coming and says that it will “adopt all measures” to preserve its right to the IPHONE name.

    If it does end up going to court, it will be interesting to see what the Brazilian courts say. Is IPHONE different enough from iPhone? Is IGB’s trademark application legitimate? In any case, it’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out.

    [h/t: Macworld Brazil]

  • iPhone 5 Release Date Is Here For These Countries

    Earlier this month, Apple announced that the iPhone 5 would be released in over 50 countries in December. It’s already been released in South Korea, and today 33 other countries are getting the popular device (sure to be even more popular now that it has access to a Google Maps app).

    In a recent survey, the majority of people that indicated they will be looking to buy a smartphone in the next three months said they plan on getting an iPhone 5.

    Here’s a list of the countries that get the iPhone 5 today:

    1. Albania
    2. Antigua and Barbuda
    3. Armenia
    4. Bahamas
    5. Bahrain
    6. Bolivia
    7. Brazil
    8. Chile
    9. China
    10. Costa Rica
    11. Cyprus
    12. Ecuador
    13. Grenada
    14. Indonesia
    15. Israel
    16. Jamaica
    17. Jordan
    18. Kuwait
    19. Macedonia
    20. Malaysia
    21. Moldova
    22. Montenegro
    23. Panama
    24. Paraguay
    25. Philippines
    26. Qatar
    27. Russia
    28. Saudi Arabia
    29. South Africa
    30. Taiwan
    31. Turkey
    32. United Arab Emirates
    33. Venezuela.

    In a week, the device will be released in Barbados, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Senegal, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St.Vincent & the Grenadines, Tunisia, Uganda and Vietnam.

  • Google Maps for iPhone is Good for Apple, Bad for Apple

    Yesterday’s launch of Google Maps for iPhone is clearly a win for iPhone users. Apple Maps, despite being rather pretty, failed when it comes to what really matters. Misplaced landmarks, improper directions, life-threatening errors – the problems were frequent and well-documented. Finally, Google has swooped in with their maps product that draws on superior data obtained from years of improving the product. Of course it’s not perfect, but it’s pretty damn good.

    And it’s clearly a win for Google. Of course they get to stick it to Apple by coming in and saving the day – but for Google it’s more about money. The launch of their native maps app for iOS means one big thing: ads, ads, and ads. Not only ads, but ads based of locations data (it’s a maps app, remember?).

    But according to one analyst, the launch of Google Maps for iPhone is a mixed bag for Apple.

    First, the bad. Not only is Apple forced to accept the fact, once and for all, that they failed in rooting Google from their operating system (which was one of the main points of developing their own maps app in the first place), but it’s now going to be harder to make that maps product better.

    “Users’ input is critical in improving the quality of the application, and Apple will now receive less feedback on its own Maps app what with iPhone owners flocking to Google Maps,” says Needham & Company’s Charlie Wolf.

    He’s right, of course. In the wake of the initial Apple Maps hullabaloo, Tim Cook told iOS users that they were better off using a competing maps product, as Apple Maps simply wasn’t up to their standards. He also asked users to help them make the app better by submitting feedback and letting them know where they screwed up. If tons of people switch over to Google Maps, millions of little unpaid scouts leave Apple’s employ.

    Then again, Wolf points out the there is a silver lining for Apple – more interest in the iPhone 5 and iOS 6.

    “It has the potential to attract a meaningful number of new users to the iPhone who had previously shunned it because of Apple’s well-publicized misstep in releasing a less-than-market-ready product in the first place.”

    There’s a chance we’ll hear plenty of the “I can finally get the iPhone 5 (or upgrade to iOS 6) now that there’s Google Maps on it” sentiment over the coming weeks. A recent study did find that Apple Maps’ problems weren’t really a hinderance to people’s desire for the iPhone 5, however.

    Whatever the effect on Apple, we at least know that it’s going to have an effect. Google Maps for iPhone is already making a big splash; it’s the top app in the App Store right now and has been since about 7 hours after its launch.

    [via AppleInsider]

  • Amazon Launches Instant Video App on the Smaller iDevices, Adds Cloud Player App to Samsung TVs & Roku

    Amazon Launches Instant Video App on the Smaller iDevices, Adds Cloud Player App to Samsung TVs & Roku

    Amazon had just announced a few moves to expand the accessibility of content across multiple devices – bringing their streaming video app to the iPhone as well as Cloud Player apps to two new devices.

    Previously only available for the iPad, Amazon’s Instant Video app is now ready for download on your iPhone and iPod Touch.

    Amazon Prime members now have access to over 30,000 streaming titles on their smaller iOS devices, including hit TV shows like American Horror Story and Downton Abbey. Customers of Amazon Instant Video can now purchase from a library of over 140,000 movies and TV shows from their iPhone and iPod Touch.

    The app has added a “Watchlist” feature, which “lets customers make a list of all the movies and TV episodes they want to watch in the future, regardless of whether they own the video or not.”

    “Our customers tell us they want the convenience of being able to watch all of their movies and TV episodes, wherever they are,” said Anthony Bay, Amazon.com Vice President for Video. “Today we’re excited to extend our ‘buy once, enjoy everywhere’ approach to iPhone and iPod touch users, giving customers the chance to enjoy more than 140,000 titles from Amazon Instant Video and more than 30,000 titles from Prime Instant Video anytime, anywhere.”

    Amazon has also announced a new Cloud Player app for Samsung Smart TVs, making it easier for users to access their music from any location.

    “The Amazon Cloud Player app, which can be found in the Samsung Smart Hub, provides customers with the ability to browse, search or playback music from their library directly on their TVs,” says Amazon.

    The Amazon Cloud Player has also dropped on Roku The Roku blog details the new features of the app:

    “Shuffle play an album, all songs from an artist, all songs within a genre, a playlist or even all songs; Search for any album, artist or song in your account; Enjoy your music collection in high-quality 256 Kbps audio; View song details and album art on a smooth scrolling screensaver; Continue playback while browsing and quickly access the “Now Playing” song through a shortcut”

    More ways to access your Amazon content – never a bad thing.