WebProNews

Tag: iPhone

  • New iPhone, iPad Mini Launching Together In September?

    In the midst of all the rumors about the new iPhone and iOS 6 and Siri on the iPad that are circulating today we’ve got an interesting rumor to report concerning the long-rumored iPad Mini.

    According to AppleInsider, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White is meeting with some his sources in Apple’s Taipei supply chain, and has picked up some interesting news about what Apple may have coming down the pipeline. In a note to clients, he predicted that Apple would have an “exciting” September that would see the launch of both the new iPhone and the iPad Mini.

    Unfortunately, White doesn’t have any more details about the iPad Mini than the fact that it will launch alongside the iPhone. Speaking of the iPhone, however, he says his sources confirm some of the reports we’ve been seeing about the new iPhone’s redesign.

    While reports of the iPad Mini have become increasingly credible in recent months, a September launch alongside the new iPhone seems an odd choice for Apple. Most rumors place the iPad Mini in the $200-300 range, on par with the iPhone. The new iPhone is likely to be every bit as popular and in-demand as the iPhone 4S was last year. The problem, though, is that the iPad Mini is likely to be extremely popular as well, especially if the price point rumors are true. Releasing the two products simultaneously is bound to split the market for both devices. Of course, there are plenty of people who would want one device but not the other, and there are probably a sizable number of people who would buy both devices at the same time. But the markets for the two overlap significantly, and for the average customer a $200-300 iPad Mini and a $200-400 iPhone is going to be an either-or purchase. If Apple releases the iPad Mini alongside the new iPhone, they’re going to have more than a few customers who will decide to forego upgrading their iPhone in favor of an iPad Mini, or who will pass on the iPad Mini to get the new iPhone.

  • iOS 6: Siri Coming To The New iPad?

    There’s one thing you can always bet on with the Apple rumor mill: if they put a new feature in one of their devices, it will kick off speculation about them putting it in all the rest. Case in point: the original iPhone’s touchscreen technology was pretty amazing at the time (though we take it for granted now). No sooner had the iPhone been released when people started wondering when we would see touchscreen MacBooks and iMacs. Similarly, the iPhone 4’s retina display sparked rumors that the iPad would be getting the same remarkable technology (which it finally did this year). When the iPhone 4S came out last year with Siri, many wondered whether the new iPad would be getting that, too.

    Of course, the new iPad didn’t get Siri. Instead all it got was Dictation, which allows users to speak instead of typing. It’s a cool feature, but it’s no Siri. What if, though, Dictation on the new iPad was just a test run, and Siri will be coming to the iPad with iOS 6? Citing “trusted sources,” 9to5Mac is now claiming exactly that. It seems that Siri will do everything on the iPad that she does on the iPhone except make phone calls. They claim that you’ll be able to control media playback, iMessage, Reminders, and even get weather reports (despite the iPad’s lack of a native Weather app).

    According to the source, Siri on the iPad won’t take up the whole screen the way it does on the iPhone. It’s activated in the same way – holding down the home button. The iPhone’s animation that shows the display sliding up to reveal Siri is replaced by an animation of Siri sliding out from under the display. Once active, it shows up as a window on top of whatever is on your screen.

    It’s not clear whether Siri will be available for all models of iPad, but it seems likely that it will be limited to the new iPad only (though you can bet the jailbreak community will find a way around that). It’s also not clear whether Siri’s migration to the iPad will be announced at WWDC 2012 with iOS 6, or will be Tim Cook’s “one more thing” at the iPhone unveiling, which is expected to happen in the fall.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Concept Photos Show iOS 6 In Action

    As you are probably aware by now, there’s been a lot of speculation over the last couple of weeks about just what the next iPhone – and it’s operating system, iOS 6 – will look like. Perhaps the biggest news is Apple will be going with an in-house mapping system and finally saying goodbye to Google Maps. Other rumored features include an overhaul of Apple’s stock iOS apps, a new color scheme, and a larger body complete with bigger screen. Meanwhile, iOS 6 is expected to be getting Facebook integration and several features from OS X Mountain Lion.

    Well, as often happens when rumors like this start flying, someone has put together some concept images that show what the new iPhone with iOS 6 will look like (assuming all the rumors are true). The images were put together by Apple Core Forums user gizmosachin. They show the new silver color scheme, the larger body and unibody frame, as well as Safari’s new Chrome-like omnibox (a feature that’s coming to Safari in Mountain Lion). You can check out the images below. If the information we’ve been seeing over the last couple of weeks really is accurate, then there’s a good chance that the new iPhone will look a whole lot like what you’re seeing:

    iOS 6 iPhone 5 Concept

    iOS 6 iPhone 5 Concept

    iOS 6 iPhone 5 Concept

    iOS 6 iPhone 5 Concept

  • iOS 6: Facebook Integration, Do Not Disturb, & More

    Apple’s WWDC 2012 keynote is just a week away now, and as it gets closer, more information is beginning to surface concerning just what iOS 6, which is expected to be unveiled at the conference, will look like. Last week we brought you news that iOS 6 would be getting Facebook integration to match iOS 5’s Twitter integration, and that all of Apple’s stock iOS apps would be getting major upgrades, including the iOS Maps app.

    New information this morning provides a little more detail about what Facebook integration in iOS 6 will look like, along with a few other features that will be coming to both iOS 6 and OS X Mountain Lion, which is due out later this summer and will also likely be a major focus of the WWDC keynote. Citing “sources familiar with” the iOS 6’s Facebook integration, 9to5Mac is reporting that the integration will, like Twitter’s be OS-wide, requiring the user to sign into their Facebook account from the Settings app. The most notable use of Facebook will, obviously, be in the Photos app, where you will have the option of posting your photos to Facebook, just as you can post them to Twitter now.

    Another key feature that will be added for both Twitter and Facebook is app sharing. You can currently share an app via Twitter or Facebook from the app’s page in iTunes, but sharing via the App Store app is limited to email. According to the source, Apple will be adding a Facebook Like button to each app’s page, allowing users to “like” the apps they buy. These likes, of course, will be published to the user’s timeline.

    In addition to Facebook integration, it looks like iOS 6 will also be getting enhancements for some of its basic features. As you may know, OS X Mountain Lion is set to continue the “back to the Mac” trend begun with OS X Lion last year. iOS features like Notification Center, Twitter integration, and iMessages are being incorporated into OS X. In the process they’re getting a few enhancements, including a “Do Not Disturb” feature on the OS X notification center, mail VIPs, and iCloud Tabs.

    The Do Not Disturb feature allows you to temporarily mute push notifications. If you’ve ever been startled by a Words With Friends notification just as you were falling asleep, you’ll definitely appreciate this feature. Mail VIPs is pretty much what it sounds like: you select certain contacts to designate as VIPs. This puts a star beside their name in the Mail app, allowing you to more easily find mail from your most important contacts. The iCloud Tabs feature allows you to view all the open tabs across all your iOS devices from the Safari browser on any device. So, for example, if you’ve got a page open on your iPhone Safari that you’d like to open on your Mac, then you just click the iCloud Tabs button and select it from the list.

    All in all, it looks like iOS 6 is going to be a feature-packed update, despite the fact that it (reportedly) won’t really look any different from iOS 5. As the WWDC keynote approaches, more information is bound to surface. Check back regularly for more news.

  • iOS 6 To Get Facebook Integration

    Earlier this week Apple CEO Tim Cook gave an interview during the opening session of AllThingsD’s D10 Conference. During that interview he said many interesting things. Among them was a brief discussion of Facebook and its relationship with Apple. While There had been rumors that iOS 4 would be getting OS-level Facebook integration, that deal fell through. Similarly, a deal to integrate Facebook with Ping, Apple’s home-built music-based social network, also fell through, prompting Steve Jobs to call Facebook “onerous.” During the interview at D10, however, Tim Cook hinted at Facebook integration for iOS 6. When asked why iOS 5 had included Twitter integration but not Facebook, Cook suggested that we “stay tuned on this one.”

    Of course, Cook carefully avoided saying that iOS 6, which will probably be unveiled at WWDC 2012 later this month, will be getting Facebook, but his remarks strongly imply it. New information that has come to light this afternoon, though, suggests that we really will be seeing Facebook integrated into iOS 6. According to a report from TechCrunch, Apple and Facebook are “on the brink” of finalizing a deal to incorporate Facebook into iOS 6 in much the same way that Twitter was incorporated into iOS 5.

    The only problem left, the report says, is just how Facebook integration will work. With Twitter the problem is much less complicated: you either tweet something, or you don’t. While Twitter does have privacy settings that allow you to block public access to your account, the process is little more complicated than flipping a switch – your account is either public, or it isn’t. Facebook’s settings are somewhat more nuanced and complex, allowing you to decide who can see a post as you post it. Working that level of control into iOS 6 is bound to be more difficult than just a “Post to Facebook” button.

    Of course, assuming TechCrunch has it right and the two are close to finalizing a deal, things could still go south. Given the success of Twitter integration, though, both companies have every incentive to make this work, so it’s a fair bet that when Apple makes it’s iOS 6 announcement at WWDC 2012 on June 11, Facebook will be a big part of it.

  • Samsung, Texting Still Tops With US Mobile Users

    Is this where Apple’s reluctance to develop devices for different price ranges comes back to bite them? I mean, a quick look at the Apple stock prices means you don’t need to shed a tear for them, but the fact that Apple ranks just above Motorola in terms of US mobile device users is, at the very least, surprising.

    The fact that both Samsung and LG significantly outrank Apple only adds to it.

    Thanks to the latest comScore Mobile Market Share report, we find that not only do the Apple challengers have a healthy share of the US Mobile Market, Google’s Android OS also has a strong lead on iOS. Granted, this is directly related to the multiple device support Android features, but the fact remains: Android has close to a 20 percent lead on Apple’s iOS. comScore’s tables. First, the top manufacturers:


    The operating system market share:


    As for activities, it’s pretty clear very few people use their cellphones, er, mobile devices to make calls anymore. By far, the most popular activity in the United States when it comes to mobile devices is text messaging. By a wide, wide margin. The other activities include downloading apps, using the mobile browser, mobile social media use, playing games, and listening to music. Apparently, “making a phone call” is a given or something that’s just not that popular anymore. While the former makes the most sense, I’m still leaning towards the latter:


    What, exactly, are some conclusions that you can draw from this data? First, if iOS was usable on more devices than just Apple, who knows where the market share numbers would be? But then again, using Apple’s operating system on a non-Apple device just wouldn’t be right, would it? Does the fact that Samsung and LG make cheaper devices than Apple play a part here? Undoubtedly, but there’s also the distinct possibility that not everyone in the US wants an iPhone, either.

    The numbers reflect all of that.

  • iOS 6 To Include All New Versions Of Apple’s Apps

    As WWDC 2012 approaches with its (presumed) unveiling of iOS 6, more information is starting to emerge about what sort of features the latest version of iOS will include. We’ve already told you about the coming update to the Maps app. New information has surfaced now suggesting that the rest of Apple’s stock apps will be getting significant updates as well.

    According to iDownloadBlog, a “credible source” has revealed that all of Apple’s built-in iOS apps have been completely rewritten to add numerous new features. The source cautions, though, that the overall look and feel of iOS will remain unchanged. The home screen, for example, will remain unchanged. The source also said that as far as the Maps update is concerned, the cat is completely out of the bag: there aren’t any new features that weren’t included in the leaked information.

    The big changes will come in the stock apps. The Camera and Photos apps will be getting some new features, and iOS 6 as a whole may be getting some additional goodies. Unfortunately, the source didn’t go into very many specifics, though he did hint at something particularly good coming for those who will run iOS 6 on the new iPad. The source also deliberately avoided answering questions about iOS 6’s multitasking, which may suggest that the feature will be getting a much-needed update.

    Assuming this source is accurate, then it seems that iOS 6 will be a pretty significant upgrade over iOS 5, which was itself one of the biggest upgrades Apple has made to the iOS platform. All in all, it seems like quite a lot to be excited about.

  • Men’s Health Launches App for iPhone

    Men’s Health Magazine has just released an update for its app for iOS. The magazine has now adapted its app to iPhone, users can post articles to Twitter, issues have been optimized for the iPad’s retina display and a few bugs have been sorted out.

    Here’s a screenshot of the new update:

    men's health app

    Interestingly, Men’s Health is presently reporting some issues with the app – must have something to do with the aforementioned bugs. Users can go here, to file a report on any issues.

    Men’s Health published by Rodale Inc., and is the world’s largest men’s magazine brand, with 44 editions around the world. It generally covers fitness, nutrition, sexuality, lifestyle and other aspects of man-life and health. MensHealth.com averages 38 million page views a month. The page on iTunes describes the magazine as being not “just a magazine. It’s the solution – for every bit of chaos, confusion, or suffering that the world can inflict on the male of the species. Belly fat. Fatheaded bosses. Exercise plateaus. Exercise excuses. Her boredom. His boredom. The fast-food menu. The wine list. The Dow Jones Industrial Average. We give men the tools, strategies, and motivation to handle all of this and more.”

  • Boost Mobile May Be Next Carrier To Get The iPhone

    UPDATE:

    A Boost spokesperson declined to comment on the rumors, saying “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation on our product portfolio.”

    ORIGINAL STORY:

    Yesterday we brought you news that prepaid wireless carrier Cricket Wireless had announced that they would begin carrying the iPhone on June 22. Now it looks like Cricket might not be the only prepaid carrier that’s about to get in on the iPhone action. Recent reports say that Boost Mobile, which is owned by Sprint, will be getting the iPhone later this year as well.

    Citing “a trusted source,” TechnoBuffalo is reporting that Boost will be getting the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 in early September. Details are few and far between, given the lack of an official announcement. Presumably, though, Boost iPhone customers will be getting the Boost’s $50 unlimited plan. It’s unclear whether they will include the Shrinkage reward system, which rewards customers who pay their bill on time by knocking off $5.

    The addition of the iPhone to prepaid carriers like Cricket and Boost (assuming this information is accurate) has the potential to bring some pretty significant changes in the smartphone market. While prepaid phones are more expensive, lacking a carrier subsidy, they also bring a great deal of freedom, and the kind of unlimited plans like those offered by Cricket and Boost could provide a significant incentive to those who are frustrated with the more limited plans offered by larger carriers.

    A request for comment sent to a representative of Boost Mobile has not yet been returned.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Video Puts New iPhone’s Size In Perspective

    As you have no doubt heard by now, it looks like the new iPhone is going to be a bit bigger than its predecessors. The rumors have been circulating for ages, but the first confirmation appeared a couple weeks ago. Earlier this week, an image surface that appeared to show the new iPhone’s rear case, followed very quickly by even more images.

    This second set of images – along with a schematic that surfaced around the same time – showed the new iPhone’s front panel as well, complete with a larger display and relocated FaceTime camera.

    All of these images, though, have raised a very important question: just how big is the new iPhone going to be compared to the iPhone 4S? The front panel image and schematic showed a screen that was just shy of 4-inches on the diagonal, roughly half an inch bigger than the 3.5-inch screen on every iPhone since the original in 2007. But still, it’s can be hard to get a good idea of just what that looks like in comparison to the iPhone 4S. Fortunately, the Japanese site Macokatara (Google Translation) seem to have gotten their hands on one of the front panels, or at least a mockup of one. They took some video of the new iPhone’s front panel alongside the iPhone 4S.

    Assuming the front panel they’re using is accurate, it looks like the new iPhone will be about half an inch taller and maybe just a bit wider than the iPhone 4S. Check out the video for yourself below:

  • Study: IPhone Users Hog All the Data

    The Huffington Post is reporting a study that finds iPhone users comprise 80 percent of the top 10% of data users.

    The report comes from consulting firm Analysys Mason, who revealed that among the smartphone users that fall in the 70th percentile for data use, three times as many of them are iPhones than HTC, which is the second biggest data consumer. So for top data users, iPhone beats out the next top competitor three to one.

    The data was collected by tracking smartphone of over 1,000 users over a three month period. Users were taken from all over the world, including the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Spain and France. They were able to track the data using a monitoring app devised by research company Arbitron Mobile.

    The reason for the excessive data use may be SIri. Studies have shown that iPhone 4S uses twice as much data as the iPhone 4, Siri being the primary source in these cases.

    According to the Huffington Post, AT&T Cheif Executive Randall Stephen has stated that he regrets ever offering an unlimited data plan for the iPhone. This led to monthly data caps being introduced in March.

    Other service providers have introduced similar cuts. Verizon no longer offers its $30-per-month unlimited data plan for upgrade. Prepay provider Cricket is capping its monthly data plan at 2.3GB. They will be offering the iPhone line next month.

    Way to ruin everything, Apple.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: iOS 6 Beta Hints At Hardware Upgrades

    Rumors about the new iPhone have been coming fast and furious over the last two weeks, and the torrent doesn’t appear to be slowing. Yesterday we brought you a report of a schematic drawing that appeared to confirm earlier reports of the new iPhone’s redesign.

    Previously most of the new information focused on the external details – screen size, case composition, etc. Now, though, new information has surfaced that offers some insights into what Apple will be putting inside that redesigned shell. According to information obtained by 9to5Mac, the new iPhone will be getting several internal upgrades, including more RAM, an improved GPU, and an improved processor.

    The information was obtained by digging into a beta version of iOS 6, which is currently undergoing internal testing at Apple, and will probably be unveiled next month at WWDC 2012. According to data contained in the OS, the new iPhone will have an ARM S5L8950X processor. Exact details of the processor itself are unclear, though it’s a fair bet that it will have something like the upgraded 32nm processor in recent the more recent iPad 2 model. The GPU will also be getting an upgrade, possibly similar to that found in the new iPad. The data also suggests that the iPhone will be getting 1GB of RAM to match the new iPad.

    According to the source, iOS 6 is at a fairly advanced stage of development, meaning that it should be ready in plenty of time for the expected October release of the new iPhone.

    The source also offered some further info about the new iOS Maps app, including a redacted image of the app itself, which you can see below:

    iOS 6 Maps

    If this information is accurate, then it looks like the new iPhone will be getting some pretty significant hardware upgrades. With WWDC 2012 coming soon, developer betas of iOS 6 may begin to be distributed within the month. When that happens, expect more information about the new iPhone to surface as developers dig through the code.

  • Trygger’s iPhone Case Adds Filter to Camera

    It was recently reported that the iPhone beat out Sony in the camera market for the first time, as more and more users are plainly taking pictures with their mobile devices, rather than investing in a standard camera. And cameras on smartphones have become fairly legitimate – Nokia’s 808 PureView takes 38-megapixel photos, a higher resolution than the Nikon D800, which comes in at 36.3. Still, a cellphone camera has yet to come close to a standard DSLR when it comes to manual control and features, no matter how many Hipstamatic filters a user tries to degrade their image with.

    Now Trygger, a company currently running a campaign on Kickstarter to fund their project, is offering a new iPhone case that features a built-in polarizing filter, that slides over the camera when needed. The case is similar in form to an Otterbox, and fits tightly over the phone, as opposed to some other lens-enhancing cases for the device, which ad bulk. Below is the Kickstarter clip:

    Polarizing lens filters work to cut glare and unwanted reflections, thus capturing photos in a more natural light. Below is a before and after screenshot:

    polarizing

    The Trygger case comes in various colors, and retails for $49.95. Those who support the project in Kickstarter can get an early-bird special for $35.

  • Fruit Ninja Still Slicing After Two Years

    It’s hard to believe how explosive the mobile gaming scene has become. It was only just a few years ago that we were still playing basic and admittedly pretty awful games on our mobile phones to just pass the time. Now mobile games are selling by the millions and even getting their own theme park attractions. Halfbrick was one of the first on the scene and they’re celebrating a milestone this week.

    You may know of a little game called Fruit Ninja on the App Store and Google Play. For those unfamiliar, the game tasks players to cut fruit flying across the screen with their finger while avoiding bombs and other dangers. It’s a simple concept, but it has really caught on over the last two years that the game has been available on the App Store.

    To celebrate its two year anniversary, Halfbrick has been throwing some crazy Fruit Ninja parties in the studio’s native Australia. They even held a contest to find the best Fruit Ninja Master which saw the winner being sent to Japan to learn some real ninja techniques that probably don’t involve cutting fruit.

    What’s even more amazing is the absolutely massive number of people who have played the game thus far. Halfbrick has compiled the data and have found that there are 300 million people playing Fruit Ninja all over the world. On top of that, 50 billion combos have been achieved, over 1.5 trillion pieces of fruit have been cut over the last two years. They also found that over 100 years of Fruit Ninja is played every day. That’s a lot of people playing a game that I can only play one round of before I get bored.

    With those kind of numbers, the game must be really successful. How successful? Try the second best selling App Store game of all time. They don’t mention it, but it’s obvious that only Angry Birds stands between Fruit Ninja and ultimate glory. Maybe Halfbrick should make a game called Bird Ninja to take on Angry Birds at their own game.

    Halfbrick won’t be resting on their laurels though. Phil Larsen, Chief Marketing Officer at Halfbrick, says that they have more updates on the way for Fruit Ninja. They will also continue to expand on their current explosive hit – Jetpack Joyride.

    It’s really encouraging to see Halfbrick do so well after the Australian games industry was hit by a wave of studio closures and layoffs. Of course, Halfbrick is part of the super popular mobile games movement so there’s no real danger of them being closed. Their example will hopefully see more game development pop up throughout the country.

    As an aside, Halfbrick is offering free codes for Fruit Ninja on the App Store. Just hit up the anniversary Web site and give them your email address. It’s a limited time offer so you better act fast.

  • iPhone 4S Coming To Cricket Wireless June 22

    Apple’s flagship product, the iPhone 4S, is about to make its way to another new carrier: Cricket Wireless. The company announced today that it will offer the 16GB iPhone 4S and the 8GB iPhone 4 beginning on June 22. Each will include Cricket’s $55 per month unlimited talk, text, and data plan.

    While that’s an excellent deal any way you slice it, there is a bit of a catch. While most carriers subsidize the cost of the iPhone (and other smartphones), reducing the price of the handset when you sign a two-year contract, Cricket is a prepaid-only carrier. That means there are no contracts. That’s great for the customer in terms of flexibility – if you get an iPhone 4S through Cricket and then decide that you want the new iPhone when it launches in October, you can switch without any trouble. Unfortunately, though, no contract means no carrier subsidy, which means you’ll pay a lot more for your iPhone than you would by going through one of the other carriers. The iPhone 4S will set you back $499.99, while the iPhone 4 is only $100 cheaper.

    The iPhone has come a long way since Apple’s exclusivity agreement with AT&T ended in 2010. Within two years, the iPhone had come to the other two largest carriers, Verizon and Sprint. In the last couple months, Apple has struck deals with several other carriers to offer the iPhone. In April the iPhone made its way to five new carriers. Early this month three more carriers announced that they would start offering the iPhone as well. All eight of these carriers are small, local carriers. Several of them primarily serve rural areas. Interestingly, all of them offer the iPhone for $50 less than the Big Three, with voice and data plans that often have distinct advantages (e.g., unlimited texting or unlimited data included).

    With Cricket, the iPhone makes its way into the world of prepaid wireless plans as well. The iPhone will be available from Cricket on June 22. For more information you can check out Cricket’s iPhone page.

  • Netflix Streaming Player For iOS Updated

    Netflix today announced that it has updated its streaming player inside the Netflix app for iOS devices. The asthetics of the player has been adjusted to look more like Netflix’s “browse experience.”

    The new video player includes larger buttons and controls, making it easier for users to navigate and adjust streaming content on smaller screens. Thumbnail images will now be displayed when searching with the “scrub” bar, meaning a more precise search experience. An audio and subtitles menu button has been added next to the volume bar for easy access to those options. For Canadians, an easier “do not share” option is enabled for members who have connected their Netflix accounts to Facebook.

    Netflix has also updated the settings for the player, and the app now has a setting that allows users to restrict streaming to only when a device is connected via Wi-Fi. This is a necessary option, given the fact that wireless carriers are now killing off their unlimited data plans.

    The updated Netflix app is now available in Apple’s App Store and will work on any device, including iPhones, iPads, and iPods, that are running on iOS 4.2 or later. The Android version of the app has not yet been updated, though Netflix stated that a similar update for the Android streaming player will be coming in the near future.

    (via Netflix blog)

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Schematic Confirms Front Panel Redesign

    It looks like all the rumors circulating about the new iPhone’s redesign may have a bit more confirmation today. Yesterday we reported on images that had surfaced purporting to show the back casing of the new iPhone. These images appeared to confirm rumors that the new iPhone would be getting a metallic rear panel and a larger display.

    Included in those images was one that showed the new iPhone’s front glass alongside the rear panel. Today, Japanese site iLab (Google Translation) has published another image that may offer some confirmation. This image is not, unfortunately, an actual component. Instead it is a schematic that appears to show details about the new iPhone’s front panel. Unfortunately the words have been blurred out, so all we have is the actual design image. Check it out for yourself below (click to enlarge):

    iPhone 5 Front Panel Schematic

    For comparison, here’s the image from yesterday that shows the front panel alongside the rear panel:

    New iPhone 5 Images

    Today’s image is completely consistent with yesterdays. It shows a taller (but not wider) display, and the front camera centered above the phone’s earpiece. Of course, just as with yesterday’s images, this could well be a fake. It could even, conceivably, be a fake inspired by yesterday’s images. If it’s genuine, though, it looks like we’ve already got a pretty good idea of what the next iPhone is going to look like. What remains to be seen now is what new goodies Apple will manage to cram into this larger case.

  • Reviews and Reactions of the Samsung Galaxy S III Launch

    Samsung’s answer to the iPhone series, the Galaxy S family, has a new model on the streets with the launch of the Galaxy S III, at least on an international basis. That, however, did not include the North America region, which, thanks to hardware compatibility issues, won’t be seeing the S III until June 20.

    Just because the United States (or Canada) did not receive the Samsung Galaxy S III at this time, that doesn’t mean we should be blind to the reaction of those who did. While the North American models will have a significant alteration from their international counterparts, the device is expected to be a true alternative to those who don’t want to get locked into Apple’s world. The question concerning the North American models is will the devices suffer due to the switch from a quad core processor to a dual core? Time will tell.

    As for the international version, the reaction has been strong to both the smartphone and its hefty price tag. First and foremost, the positives point directly to the device’s screen, a 4.8-inch/720p display that T3.com refers to as:

    a superbly viewable screen. Video playback on a mobile is always a questionable priority – if you can’t watch on a TV, a tablet makes much more sense – but with 4.8ins of high-resolution Super AMOLED screen with its vivid colours and contrasty blacks, this makes it more of a possibility than before.

    While they acknowledged the size of the screen may prove problematic in the handling of the device, the review closes by saying the display looks “lush and inviting,” high praise when you consider the importance of the screen in relation to mobile computing. CNet UK mirrors T3’s praise by saying:

    while you might find your knuckles bending in new and exotic ways, the benefit is that this whopping display will make your photos and video look stupendous.

    With a 1,280×720-pixel resolution, the S3 will do justice to your high-definition footage, as well as leaving icons and text looking impressively sharp. This is an HD Super AMOLED screen, which is the same display tech used on the Nexus and Note, both of which are a real treat for the eyes.

    The quad-core processor set-up is also praised by both publications, but with the North American models only getting a dual-core S III, these consumers will be missing out on some of that power. Not to worry, indicates CNet UK:

    A question hangs over whether quad-core processors are really needed, and you’ll be hard pushed to find apps in the Google Play shop that stress the S3’s processor to its limits.

    That being said, the North American dual-core may not have that same luxury when more powerful applications hit Google Play. As you might expect, many international Twitter users took to the air to discuss their new toy:

    S.Alhajjaji
    @sara_ali89     In love with #Samsung_Galaxy_S3 ♡♡
    19 minutes ago via Twitter for Android · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Rachita Jain
    @rachoorocks     @Samsung_India I would do many things for you, Samsung Galaxy S3. #TalkAwayS3
    20 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    The #TalkAwayS3 hashtag is little marketing ploy initiated by Samsung India. The results have been impressive:

    kevin
    @kevinkool55     #TalkAwayS3 I would bite wolveirne for you S3 http://t.co/fn7ykm0x
    1 minute ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Sweta Saraf
    @angeleyess4uin     #TalkAwayS3 I would Die a thousand death for you S3. http://t.co/eujfmUH5
    1 minute ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    ANEESH S
    @ANEESHS003     #TalkAwayS3 I would sell my kidney’s for you S3 http://t.co/uT47iAHq
    4 minutes ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Sweta Saraf
    @angeleyess4uin     #TalkAwayS3 I would Donate my Apple 4S for you S3 http://t.co/eujfmUH5
    2 minutes ago via Tweet Button · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Rahul Chaudhari
    @Raahul255     I would tweet till the final minute and hope that nothing is impossible in this world for you, Samsung Galaxy S3 #TalkAwayS3
    12 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    And that, folks, is dedication. Of course, considering the device’s £549.99 on Amazon’s UK site, some of those measures aren’t that drastic at all. Considering the North American model will have a dual-core, one would expect the price to be a little more reasonable. Not much though.

  • Mitt Romney App Projects A Better Amercia

    Mitt Romney App Projects A Better Amercia

    Mitt Romney has clenched the GOP nomination, but someone on his team hasn’t quite clenched the concept of how to spell the country of which he’s running for President. Some poor, poor developer will most likely never work in this town again thanks to a typo that went live in a new app for Mitt Romney released Tuesday.

    Apparently, Mitt Romney is your guy if you want a better Amercia.

    Yeah, Amercia.

    The app, called “With Mitt,” is pretty simple. You snap a photo of someone or something that’s pro-Mitt and overlay one of fourteen Romney slogans on said photo. You are then prompted to share the photo on Facebook and Twitter, and shortly after that you’re asked to donate. The app would have made no news if it weren’t for that one basic error.

    Some of the overlays feature slogans like “Day one, job one,” “I’m a mom for Mitt,” “Obama isn’t Working,” I Stand with Mitt,” and “The America we love.” The one that stands out reads “A better Amercia.”

    Sure, typos happen. And this one is unlikely to derail his campaign. But it’s pretty damn funny. And the internet has been unsurprisingly unforgiving of the error.

    On Twitter, the #Amercia hashtag has been trending since Tuesday evening. Here’s a sampling of what they’re saying:

    Andrew Cove
    @aac     Some poor app designer is getting strapped in a cage on the top of a car and driven across country tonight. #amercia
    12 hours ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Neff Conner
    @nffcnnr     Mitt Romney: wrong for wemon, wrong for minotiries, wrong for #Amercia.
    1 hour ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    Andy Borowitz
    @BorowitzReport     Romney’s knack for spelling qualifies him to be President of Twitter. #Amercia
    1 hour ago via web · powered by @socialditto
     Reply  · Retweet  · Favorite

    There’s even a new Tumblr blog dedicated to the typo, called “Amercia is With Mitt,” featuring the internet’s own photo overlay creations:

    The app is still available to download as version 1.0, so if you want to have fun with the error act fast before it’s updated.

    *Note: I acknowledge that I included at least 1 error in this article to protect myself against the “you had a typo too” claims. That way, I can say it was intentional. Or maybe I didn’t. ‘Mercia.

  • Tim Cook Promises Improvements To Siri Coming Soon

    Tim Cook Promises Improvements To Siri Coming Soon

    Even if you don’t have an iPhone 4S (or a jailbroken iOS device running Spire), you know what Siri is. It’s the voice-activated “killer app” for the iPhone 4S, introduced in October. It’s the focus of pretty much every ad for the iPhone 4S you’ve ever seen (including some recent ones with celebrities).

    Siri is also, however, a subject of some controversy. While most iPhone users like it, others hate it. Some of those even claim that Apple’s ads are deceptive and are suing Apple for false advertising.

    Whatever else Siri may be, though, there’s one thing that Apple has emphasized from the beginning: as cool as Siri can be when it’s working properly (like in Apple’s ads), the feature is still in beta. Unfortunately, that means that Siri won’t always work like it’s supposed to.

    Speaking to Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher last night at AllThingsD’s D10 Conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged Siri’s problems, and promised that the personal assistant software would be getting some big improvements in the future.

    Mossberg pointed out that “when Siri works, it works really well, it’s kinda like magic.” He went on to say, though, that “a lot of times it actually doesn’t work, and that’s not what a lot of people have come to think about Apple products.” He wondered whether Siri was up to Apple’s standards. Cook replied by pointing out Siri’s popularity with users of the iPhone 4S, which is “the most popular selling phone in the world.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged that “there’s more that it can do.” He said that Apple has “a lot of people working on this,” that they had “some cool ideas about what Siri can do, and that “I think you’ll be really pleased with some of the things that you’ll see in the coming months on this.”

    Swisher then asked Cook whether voice interaction would be critical to the phone industry moving forward. Cook replied that “Siri’s proven to us that people want to relate to the phone in a different way.” Siri, he said, represents the first real innovation in mobile technology interface since the touchscreen (which, of course, was brought into the mainstream by Apple with the original iPhone in 2007). Cook said that what makes Siri amazing is its ability to understand the context and intent of what’s being said, “not just voice recognition, voice recognition’s been around for a long time.” Siri’s best feature, Cook said, “is that she has a personality, she becomes many people’s best friend.” When Mossberg jokingly asked if that wasn’t actually kind of sad, Cook replied “hey, I’m not a judge.”

    Getting more serious again, Cook said that Siri “is something that people dreamed of for years, and it’s here.” He went on to say that “yes, it can be broader and so forth, but we see unbelievable potential here.” He concluded that “you’re going to be really happy with where this is going, we’re doubling down on it.”

    Later in the evening, Cook was asked about how Apple names new products, specifically the new iPad (as opposed to the iPad 3). He noted that the iPad naming represents a return to what Apple usually does with its products – e.g., the MacBook Air, iMac, and iPod. He also briefly touched on iPhone naming conventions, pointing out that the S in iPhone 3GS stood for “speed.” He then confirmed what most have long suspected: the S in the iPhone 4S name stands for “Siri.”

    Just as with Facebook integration in iOS, Cook carefully avoided giving any hint of when we might expect the improvements to Siri that he’s talking about. With the WWDC 2012 conference – and the probable unveiling of iOS 6 during Apple’s keynote – just around the corner, though, it’s a fair bet that at least some of these improvements will be coming very soon.

    You can see the video of Cook’s remarks about Siri below:

  • Tim Cook Hints iOS Facebook Integration May Be Coming Soon

    Tim Cook Hints iOS Facebook Integration May Be Coming Soon

    When Apple unveiled iOS 5 last fall with Twitter integration, the big question on everyone’s mind was “Where’s Facebook?” Apple had reportedly been in talks to bring Facebook integration to iOS since before iOS 4, but nothing had ever come of it. When iOS 5 came out with Twitter integration but no Facebook (a feature that appears to carry over to OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion, coming later this year), it raised a lot of eyebrows.

    Last night at AllThingsD’s D10 Conference Apple CEO Tim Cook spent some time on stage with Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher, talking about Apple. During that talk, Cook strongly hinted that iOS would be getting Facebook integration in the not-too-distant future. When asked about the situation by Mossberg, Cook said that he thought the relationship between Facebook and Apple was “very solid,” pointing out that “I saw Sheryl earlier, you can ask her” (referring to Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg). He went on to say that he had “great respect for them,” and that iOS users should “stay tuned on this one.”

    Of course, there have been difficulties between the two companies in coming to an agreement in the past, Swisher noted, pointing out that Steve Jobs said that Facebook was “onerous.” She asked Cook if he thought Facebook was onerous too. Cook paused briefly before saying “they have their way of doing things,” a remark that drew laughter from the crowd.

    Swisher pressed him further, asking whether Apple and Facebook were “must-haves for each other.” Cook replied that Apple’s goal is to “provide customers simple and elegant ways to do the things they want to do,” and that as such he wanted customers to have the best possible experience when using Facebook on their iPhones or iPads, “so stay tuned,” he repeated.

    These remarks echo comments made by Cook earlier this year. Back in February Cook addressed a meeting of Apple’s shareholders. When asked by one whether Facebook is “friend or foe,” Cook said that Facebook is a friend and noted the enormous overlap between Facebook users and Apple customers. He also pointed out how good for Twitter iOS integration has been, and suggested that Apple and Facebook “could do more together.”

    So there you have it. While Cook did not outright promise that Facebook integration would be coming in iOS 6 (or OS X Mountain Lion), it’s pretty hard to avoid the impression that it will at least be coming fairly soon.

    Check out the video of Cook’s discussion of Facebook below: