Tag: iPhone

Smaller iPhone Probably Not Happening

Rumors have been going around (stemming from a Wall Street Journal report) that Apple is working on a smaller, and cheaper version of the iPhone to come out this summer. Some have been calling it the "iPhone Nano". Now the New York Times reports that its sources say Apple is not working on a smaller iPhone.

Of course sources from either publication are unnamed, so who knows, but the latest is: do not expect a smaller iPhone this summer.

Here what the Wall Street Journal had reported, citing "people familiar with the matter":

One of the people, who saw a prototype of the phone late last year, said it is intended for sale alongside Apple’s existing line. The new device would be about half the size of the iPhone 4, which is the current model.

The new phone—one of its code names is N97—would be available to carriers at about half the price of the main iPhones. That would allow carriers to subsidize most or all of the retail price, putting the iPhone in the same mass-market price range as rival smartphones, the person said. Apple currently sells iPhones to carriers for $625 each on average. With carrier subsidies, consumers can buy iPhones for as little as $199 with a two-year contract.

Here’s what the New York Times reports, citing "people briefed on Apple’s plans who requested anonymity because the plans are confidential (which does sound a little more trustworthy):

Apple’s engineers are currently focused on finishing the next version of the iPhone, which is likely to be similar in size to the current iPhone 4, said one of the people. The person said Apple was not planning to introduce a smaller iPhone any time soon. Analysts expect the new iPhone to be ready this summer.

Another person who is in direct contact with Apple also said that the company would not make a smaller iPhone at this time, in part because a smaller device would not necessarily be much cheaper to manufacture and because it would be more difficult to operate.

More important, a phone with a smaller screen would force many developers to rewrite their apps, which Apple wants to avoid, the person said.

Cheaper may not be out of the question, but don’t expect smaller anytime soon.

Would you like to see a smaller iPhone?

February 18, 2011
Cheap iPhones Coming This Summer?

Rumor has it that this summer, Apple will release a new line of cheap iPhones, which will cost about half as much as the current iPhone 4.

A report from the Wall Street Journal, citing "people familiar with the matter," says:

One of the people, who saw a prototype of the phone late last year, said it is intended for sale alongside Apple’s existing line. The new device would be about half the size of the iPhone 4, which is the current model.

The new phone—one of its code names is N97—would be available to carriers at about half the price of the main iPhones. That would allow carriers to subsidize most or all of the retail price, putting the iPhone in the same mass-market price range as rival smartphones, the person said. Apple currently sells iPhones to carriers for $625 each on average. With carrier subsidies, consumers can buy iPhones for as little as $199 with a two-year contract.

You might say that one of the biggest factors in the success of Google’s Android platform has been the availability of it across so many different devices. Part of that factor, is the fact that some of these devices have been cheaper than others. For example, the Droid Eris was once available buy one get one free for $79 from Verizon.

Lower prices mean more people will buy. This is an incredibly smart (and seemingly obvious) move on Apple’s part. Combine this with availability from a new carrier (in Verizon), and the iOS platform should find its way into many, many more hands.

Competition in the smartphone space is only increasing, as well. Not only must Apple contend with Google’s Android and RIM’s BlackBerry, but Microsoft has of course now partnered with Nokia on a major mobile initiative, and HP is hoping to create waves with its new webOS devices.

Another interesting nugget, the WSJ’s report discussed, is that Apple is also apparently revamping its MobileMe cloud storage service, and making it free.

According to CultofMac, the new cheaper iPhones (which would also be smaller – hence the nickname (iPhone Nano") will pull all content from MobileMe.

Apple has not officially confirmed any of this.

February 14, 2011
Steve Jobs Soldiers On

While I’m not the Apple fanboy others are, even I understand the impression Steve Jobs has had on the tech industry. From the earlier days of being the upstart competitor to Bill Gates’ Kingdom of Microsoft, to the current ruler of the tech gadget movement, Jobs’ overall impact is quite apparent.

However, in recent years, Jobs has been battling pancreatic cancer to such an extent, he received a liver transplant in 2009. With that, concerns about Jobs’ health and his position at Apple have been an issue, with the main one being will Jobs be around to lead Apple beyond the iPhone/iPad generation?

The fact Jobs took a leave of absence from his company only fueled these concerns. However, reports of Jobs’ inability to effectively manage have been quite premature. Not only is Jobs still very much involved in navigating Apple’s course, he’s also been an active leader. While he may not be at the Apple campus as much, Jobs still manages — quite well, it seems — from home.

While COO Timothy Cook controls the day-to-day operations, Jobs is still an incredibly influential figure, and is still very much a part of the managerial team that drives the fruit-laden tech company.

The Wall Street Journal offers more:

The 55-year-old Mr. Jobs, whose ailment hasn’t been disclosed, has been taking business meetings at home and on the phone, these people said.

Among products he is continuing to work on are the next version of the iPad tablet computer, expected out in the next couple of months, and a new iPhone, expected to be released this summer…

Not only is Jobs still an active participant in charting Apple’s path, despite his apparent medical issues, he’s been seen on the Apple campus, and reports are, his appearance is very good, in spite of the medical battles he’s been fighting.

Oddly enough, at least to this writer, the viral leak of an early television appearance of Jobs on an edition of Nightline from the late 70s seems fitting. With reports of Jobs and his distinct lack of invalidity due to his recent health battles, the video, coupled with the recent reports of Jobs sightings, seemed to give a sense of confidence to Apple fans everywhere:

Unfortunately, the NASDAQ doesn’t seem to share the same enthusiasm, although, the overwhelming success of the Verizon iPhone launch should reverse the recent down-trend, regardless of Jobs’ physical condition.

If anything, the Verizon/iPhone grand slam proves Steve Jobs doesn’t need to be front-and-center for Apple’s successes to continue.

February 11, 2011
American Airlines Launches Android App

American Airlines has launched a mobile app for Android user aimed at improving its customers travel experience.

The American Airlines Android app allows users to check in for flights; receive gate, seat and flight status information; view terminal maps; and provides a number of other functions, including the ability to:

*Access Mobile Boarding Pass – the application saves the boarding pass

*Enter log in and password only once – allowing the application to push upcoming flight details to the home screen automatically

*Set a parking reminder

*Monitor the standby list

“With the popularity of American’s first app for iPhone, many customers have asked for an American app for Android. In fact, one in four smartphone owners are now using an Android device," said Rick Elieson, Managing Director – American Airlines Interactive Marketing.

"Not only does this meet the needs of many of our customers while they’re on the move, it also paves the way for innovation on other devices that use the Android platform."

February 8, 2011
Google Shopper For iPhone Released

iPhone owners now have another option when it comes to apps that can help them save money. Almost exactly a year after it became available to Android users, a version of Google Shopper for the iPhone has launched.

Obviously, Google’s a little late to this game on the iOS platform, and the new version of Google Shopper doesn’t offer any fresh, groundbreaking features. But the app is free, and its functionality is hard to dispute.

To start with, users can "[l]earn more about products and read relevant user reviews," as a post on the Google Mobile Blog explained. It’s possible to "[c]ompare prices at online and local stores," and "[s]ave and share products for later consideration," as well.

Meanwhile, the real advantage of Google’s tool is that it works off typed searches, barcode scans, or voice searches, which is rather unique.

We’re sure at least a few iPhone owners will give the app a try. Then Google’s no doubt hoping the exposure will improve users’ opinion of its brand, and perhaps nudge them towards trying Android the next time they shop for a smartphone.

Our readers outside the U.S. should just note that Google Shopper’s only available to people in America and the U.K. at the moment.

February 2, 2011
Verizon Taking Pre-Orders For iPhone 4

Apple said today it will be taking pre-orders for its iPhone 4 on Verizon beginning at 3 a.m. EST on February 3.

Verizon said it has set aside a limited quantity of iPhone smartphones for existing customers and orders will be shipped to arrive on February 10.

“We appreciate our many customers who told us that iPhone 4 should be on the nation’s most reliable network," said Dan Mead, chief executive officer for Verizon Wireless.

"We heard them and we agreed, which is why we are letting them be among the first to own an iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network. We thought it fitting to say thank you to our customers by giving them the phone they want, a week before the general population."

iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for the 32GB model with a new two year agreement.

February 2, 2011
Layar Lowers the Barrier to Entry for Augmented Reality for Brands

As reported earlier, augmented reality app provider Layar announced that it’s making its AR technology available for all iPhone apps via the Layar Player platform. While only three apps are utilizing it so far, you can expect to see a lot more innovative AR-related features in many apps down the road.

Layar co-founder, Maarten Lens-Fitzgerald tells WebProNews, "All apps and services that have a location aspect can now easily and without license costs be enhanced with an AR view of their content. Any popular known service can use the Layar Player to add an AR view."

There is a lot of room for Augmented Reality in both e-commerce and local business as evidenced by existing products, and clearly there is demand for more.

"This product of Layar is specifically inspired by all the brands and agencies that have approached us in the last year wanting their own AR experience within their own application," says Lens-Fitzgerald. "This is how we answered this market need."

announced @ #DLD11 and now live, the Layar Player. Devs, publishers & brands can get Augmented reality in their own app http://bit.ly/f1QHb7less than a minute ago via TweetDeckM. Lens-FitzGerald
Dutchcowboy

"It fits with the new trends within the AR industry, which is the democratization of this new medium – lowering the barrier to enter the new realm of AR," he adds.

On a possible Android release, he says, "We are always looking to expand to other platforms, but have nothing to announce at this time."

When Layar launched its Layar Stream feature, for content discovery, it went to Android first, so I don’t imagine that Android will be too far off for this.

More here.

January 27, 2011
Verizon iPhone Hotspots Will Cost You

Now that the confetti from the “Verizon’s getting the iPhone” hubbub has died down, it’s time to talk turkey. It’s not going to be cheap to use Verizon’s iPhone to begin with — unlimited data packages, anyone? — but now, information about the additional charges potential users will face are surfacing, and, suffice to say, the results are typical.

That is, you’re going to have to pay for pretty much every little capability the iPhone has, including using your phone as an Internet hotspot.

According to TGDaily.com, Verizon is going to charge would-be hotspot users $20 a month for this “tethering” capability. The additional charge, of course, is not included in the unlimited data package that’s required of all Verizon iPhone users.

So yeah, $30 for the data plan and $20 for the ability to be used as a hotspot already puts the customer up to $50 a month, and we haven’t even discussed the charges stemming from the phone usage plan.

It should be noted, Verizon already uses this same charge for Android phone users, so the news shouldn’t come as a surprise… But then again, one wonders what, exactly, is covered by the unlimited data plan. Clearly, Verizon is making a distinction between the two, and charging would-be users accordingly.

TGDaily has more:

…the unlimited iPhone data and the tethering data will show up as two separate line items on your Verizon bill. The service provider will track how much data is used on laptops and tablets instead of the iPhone. And that data is limited at 2 GB per month.

Naturally, anything over 2 gigs of data usage will also be issued an overage charge by Verizon.

$30 for unlimited data and $20 for limited data as a hotspot. Again, the term “they get you coming and going” feels quite apt when discussing Verizon’s iPhone service.

January 27, 2011
Layar Lends Augmented Reality Technology to Any iPhone App

Augmented reality app provider Layar made a very interesting announcement today – it’s making its AR technology available for all iPhone apps. In other words, expect to see a lot more innovative AR-related features in a lot of apps.

This extension of AR tech comes in the form of Layar’s Layar Player (now out of beta). It’s available to all agencies, brands, and developers to use to include AR (for free, no less) in their iPhone apps.

Layar already has a million active users on its platform, which can be reached as a result of this, and I would have to assume this will help spur growth in that number. As interesting use-cases for the platform increase, user interest is likely to follow.

"This year is about the democratization of augmented reality as we work to find ways to make it easier for everyone to create and publish AR content," said Claire Boonstra, co-founder and VP of platform and community. "The Player availability is the first of many activities Layar will be announcing this year to make this democratization happen."

Layar names a few integrations in its announcement, which include the Bing-sponsored "Snowboard Hero", VerbeterdeBuurt, and Layar Trade. The first lets players earn more points; Layar Trade is an app that helps people view recent projects and work from local builders, and VerbeterdeBuurt is an app for letting neighbors post their issues and ideas for the public space on a map.

As discussed in another recent article pertaining to a new eBay fashion app, augmented reality is likely to play an increasingly significant role in e-commerce, and much of that will be dependent on how businesses and other app developers integrate the technology.

Announcements like Layar’s should help stimulate this. Last year, Layar revealed the Layar stream, which opens up some doors for local brick and mortar businesses as well.

While today’s announcement doesn’t mention any details about the Layar Player becoming available for Android or other platforms, we imagine it’s only a matter of time. Layar itself is already available on Android.

January 27, 2011
IRS Launches Tax App For Android And iPhone Users

The Internal Revenue Service has introduced IRS2Go, its first smartphone app that allows people to check on the status of their tax refund and receive tax information.

"This new smart phone app reflects our commitment to modernizing the agency and engaging taxpayers where they want when they want it," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman.

"As technology evolves and younger taxpayers get their information in new ways, we will keep innovating to make it easy for all taxpayers to access helpful information."

Apple users can download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the Apple App Store. Android users can visit the Android Marketplace to download app.

“This phone app is a first step for us," Shulman said. "We will look for additional ways to expand and refine our use of smartphones and other new technologies to help meet the needs of taxpayers."

People can check the status of their federal refund through the new phone app with a few basic pieces of information. First, they can enter a Social Security number, which is masked and encrypted for security purposes. Next, taxpayers pick the filing status they used on their tax return. Finally, taxpayers enter the amount of the refund they expect from their 2010 tax return.

For people who e-file, the refund function of the phone app will work within about 72 hours after taxpayers receive an e-mail acknowledgment saying the IRS received their tax return.

For people filing paper tax returns, longer processing times mean they will need to wait three to four weeks before they can check their refund status.

About 70 percent of the 142 million individual tax returns were filed electronically last year.

January 27, 2011
Will You Be Paying Restaurant Checks with iTunes This Year?

There has been no confirmation from Apple on this front, but word is that the next versions of the iPhone and iPad will include NFC (near field communication) technology, which means people will be able to use them to make payments out in the physical world (where the technology is supported – which will likely be a growing number of places).

A report from Bloomberg cites Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm Envisioneering Group as the source of the information. According to the report:

Apple, based in Cupertino, California, is considering starting a mobile payment service as early as mid-2011, Doherty said. It would revamp iTunes, a service that lets consumers buy digital movies and music, so it would hold not only users’ credit-card account information but also loyalty credits and points, Doherty said.

Using the service, customers could walk into a store or restaurant and make payments straight from an iPad or iPhone. They could also receive loyalty rewards and credits for purchases, such as when referring a friend, Doherty said.

According to the report, Apple could also use info from in-store payments to bolster its iAd mobile advertising offering, so ads could be based on where users have been making payments.

The move would certainly not be a surprising one, as Google is already getting into this game with Android. Reports from earlier this month indicated that Google too could launch a mobile payments service as early as this year, also based upon NFC, and the Android-based Nexus S phone already includes the NFC technology.

Outgoing Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently said, "You’ll be able to walk in a store and do commerce. You’d bump for everything and eventually replace credit cards." Major credit card companies will likely be involved in the action as well, however. MasterCard has indicated as much.

Apple is reportedly considering giving away payment terminals to businesses to accommodate the system, and given that iTunes has such a huge user base, it could prove quite successful. Google’s strategy could make Google Checkout more of a household name. Either that or Google’s system could hurt its chances in competition with Apple. You know who has a pretty good system in place that could rival iTunes, should they look to expand into this new territory? Amazon. Something to think about.

January 25, 2011
Starbucks Launches Mobile Payments In All U.S. Stores

Starbucks has introduced mobile payments in all of its U.S. stores, allowing people to pay for purchases with select smartphones.

The new mobile payment program now includes 6,800 company-operated stores and more than 1,000 Starbucks in U.S. Target locations.

“Today, one in five Starbucks transactions is made using a Starbucks Card and mobile payment will extend the way our customers experience and use their Starbucks Card,” said Brady Brewer, vice president Starbucks Card and Brand Loyalty.

“With mobile payment, the Starbucks Card platform further elevates the customer experience by delivering convenience, rewarding loyalty and continuing to build an emotional connection with our customers.”

Users can download the free Starbucks Card Mobile App for select BlackBerry smartphones, iPhone or iPod touch mobile devices. Customers can pay with their smartphone by holding their mobile device in front of a scanner on the countertop and scan the Starbucks Card Mobile App’s on-screen barcode to make a purchase

January 19, 2011
iPhone Users Found To Be Most Loyal

Whether it’s been accomplished by the hardware, the software, or the marketing department, Apple has done something right when it comes to creating user loyalty. New data from Zokem indicates that iOS users are more loyal than the users of other mobile operating systems by a wide margin.

Zokem surveyed over 1,500 smartphones users and found that, on a loyalty scale ranging from negative 100 to 100 percent, the iPhone scored an impressive 73 percent. That puts it far ahead of the competition, as the chart below shows.

Indeed, Zokem even explained in its report, "Generically NPS score higher than 60 % is considered good. The only smartphone platform that exceeds that is iPhone . . ."

That means iPhone owners are extremely likely to buy another iPhone when it comes time to replace their current model. Meanwhile, other people may choose to experiment, winding up with a device associated with Apple, Google, or RIM.

Still, second place doesn’t look to be such a bad thing for Google. Hannu Verkasalo, the CEO of Zokem, said, "Android is a good number two in the US market, even though the loyalty score is not nearly as high as it is for iPhones, but it seems that people who are using Android are also very likely to buy an Android-based device as their next smartphone too."

Hat tip goes to Sarah Perez.

January 18, 2011
Mobile App Offers Tax Filing For iPhone And Android

TurboTax has introduced SnapTax, a mobile app that lets people file their taxes from their iPhone or Android devices.

SnapTax allows users with simple returns to take a photo of their W-2 with their mobile phones and then automatically enters the information into their tax return. Users answer a few basic questions, review their their return for accuracy and tap “File Now” to electronically file their federal and state tax returns.

“SnapTax offers an entirely new and unique way to file taxes,” said Barry Saik, vice president of product management for TurboTax.

“Now, millions of taxpayers across the country can do their taxes easily and accurately from their mobile phones in just minutes.”

Users can download the mobile app for free and pay when they electronically file their return. The price is $14.99 and includes one federal 1040EZ and one state tax return plus e-filing. SnapTax is available in the Apple App Store and Android Market.

January 14, 2011
iOS 4.3 Beta Reveals New iPhone, iPad Features

Apple’s iOS may have been surpassed by Android on Millennial Media’s network, but iOS is stealing the headlines this week.

It began with the announcement from Apple and Verizon that the iPhone would be available for Verizon subscribers next month. One of the big draws to the Verizon version was that it could serve as a personal Wi-Fi hotspot that would allow users to connect up to five devices. Then it was confirmed that this would actually be a feature for all iPhones with the release of the next version of iOS – iOS 4.3.

Now, Apple has gone ahead and released the beta version of iOS 4.3 to developers. The release reportedly brings new multitouch gestures, AirPlay video support to apps, the aforementioned hotspot feature, a new FaceTime icon, and full screen iAd banners.

(Video Via MacStories)

MacRumors found a setting for a new feature called Find my Friends. "The obvious interpretation is that Apple may be looking to offer a location-based friend-finding service like Loopt and Google Latitude," writes Arnold Kim.

Engadget notes that the Photos app has gained new AirPlay functionality for photos and videos, and that there’s a "slightly tweaked camera shutter sound, as well as bigger app icons in the App Store’s Update menu."

9to5Mac found some files in the latest SDK indicating that the next-generation iPad will have a camera.

January 13, 2011
Android Surpasses iOS For First Time on Millennial Media

Millennial Media has released its monthly Mobile Mix report looking at the smartphone market for the month of December. For the first time, Android surpassed iOS as the largest smartphone OS on the Millennial network, with an 8% increase month-over-month and 46% impression share on the firm’s network in December. iOS currently has a 32% share.

For context, Millennial’s network is the largest mobile ad network in the U.S.

According to the firm, Android ad requests grew 141% from Q3 to Q4 and since January 2010, Android has grown 3130%. When breaking down the revenue generated by apps in Q4, Android had a 55% share as opposed to 39% for Apple. Android also had a 13% increase quarter-over-quarter.

Apple remained the top manufacturer on the Millennial network (as it has been for the last 15 months), and the iPhone and iPod touch made up two out of the top three of individual mobile devices.

Apple ad requests grew 12% from Q3 to Q4 and since January, Apple has increased 14%. iPad requests increased 280% from Q3 to Q4.

HTC came in at number 3 in the Top 15 Manufacturers with a 9% month-over-month increase. "There is a direct correlation with this increase and HTC having the highest number of devices (nine) in the Top 30 Mobile Device-Ranking including the debut of four new devices on the Millennial network: HTC Nexus One (Passion), HTC Evo, HTC Droid Incredible, and the HTC Desire," a spokesperson for Millennial Media points out.

As far as carriers, Verizon experienced a 2% increase month-over-month in December. "Verizon’s impression share is likely a result of the popularity of Droid devices and the carrier’s ability to offer 13 of the Top 30 Mobile Devices," the spokesperson said.

It will be interesting to see how much Verizon jumps for the February report, with the release of the iPhone for Verizon.

Samsung maintained the number two position in the Top 15 Manufacturers for the third consecutive month.

January 13, 2011
iOS 4.3 Will Reportedly Give All iPhones Personal Hotspot

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard that Verizon is getting the iPhone next month. One part of the announcement that excited a lot of people, beyond the extension of the iPhone’s availability was that the iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless would include new Personal Hotspot capabilities, enabling users to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.

While Verizon was no doubt hoping that bring a lot of current iPhone users (on AT&T) over to the Verizon network, that parade has been somewhat rained upon, as news has come out that all iPhones will have this feature in time.

Verizon iPhones may get the feature first, but tech blog Boy Genius Report has confirmed (including screenshots) that all iPhones will have the feature in iOS 4.3.

"We’re sure there will need to be carrier support for this feature, and for AT&T users it is entirely possible we might not see this right away," writes BGR’s Jonathan S. Geller. "For those of you with more lenient carriers, however, we are sure you will be pleased to learn that you’ll be able to connect up to five devices over Wi-Fi to the iPhone’s cellular data connection. We are told the OS version will be 8F5148b, the baseband will be 04.08.00, and technical acceptance is planned for March."

Verizon will begin offering the iPhone 4 on Thursday, February 10, while qualified Verizon customers will be able to pre-order them a week earlier. The price will be $199.99 for the 16GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two year customer agreement.

The iPhone 4 will be sold at over 2,000 Veizon Wireless Communications stores around the US, as well as online.

January 12, 2011
Google Places with Hotpot App Released for iPhone

Google has launched Google Places with Hotpot for the iPhone. Given the iPhone’s pending availability to Verizon customers, this should provide a huge boost in use for Google’s recently launched local offering. Google Places with Hotpot has been available in Google Maps for Android, but now it’s a standalone iPhone app too.

Google Places with Hotpot lets you search for places that are nearby and personalizes the results based on places you’ve rated using the service in the past. More on how Hotpot works here.

"It can be pretty rewarding to discover a new place you love, but we also realize that there are some experiences you just can’t wait to share," says Greg Blevins, a software engineer with Google’s Hotpot team. "So Places makes it super simple to rate a place with your iPhone while you’re there. Just fire up the app and hit ‘Rate now.’ It will use your location to guess your current place and let you post a Hotpot review right from your phone. But it’s not just about getting to say what you think—the more you rate places, the more you’re sharing about your tastes and the more we can give you personally tailored recommendations."

The app can be found by searching for Google Places in Apple’s App Store or visiting this link. It’s available for all iOS devices in English for now. More languages will come later.

Google says you can expect more features and improvements to roll out soon. It would not be surprising to see some deals-type things make an appearance.

Google’s Marissa Mayer, who is now focusing on the company’s geo and local products, recently talked about how Google already has Groupon-like products, after Google’s failed bid to acquire the growing deals company. "I think that when you look at our overall suite of services, especially around our advertising, we already have some things that are like this," she said in an interview with Media Beat. "We have things like coupons and offer extension ads that allow merchants to basically make offers to our users. So we’re looking at how we can take that technology and put it to use, especially in the location space."

Google Places would be the location space, and getting the new app in front of iPhone users (a number which is sure to skyrocket next month) could be a powerful weapon.

January 12, 2011
Trend Micro Gives iPhone Security Edge Over Android

Yesterday, Google announced that it would stop supporting the H.264 video codec in Chrome, and in the process, praised the concept of openness. That approach isn’t always popular, however, and a Trend Micro exec cited it when stating that Android devices are less secure than the iPhone.

Trend Micro founder and chairman Steve Chang explained to Tim Culpan, "Android is open-source, which means the hacker can also understand the underlying architecture and source code. We have to give credit to Apple, because they are very careful about it."

Chang later continued, "Apple has a sandbox concept that isolates the platform, which prevents certain viruses that want to replicate themselves or decompose and recompose to avoid virus scanners."

Those comments could make the iPhone look much more appealing to potential buyers, especially considering that they now have a choice when it comes to networks.

Of course, while no one’s questioning Trend Micro’s expertise in security, those comments may also represent a bit of salesmanship, considering that the company made its first Android app available for purchase late last week.

In any event, for the sake of mobile users, let’s hope hackers don’t have much luck with either Android or the iPhone.

January 12, 2011
iPhone for Verizon Coming February 10

Apple and Verizon officially announced the iPhone 4 for Verizon today. Verizon includes the tagline, "The phone that changed everything. Coming to America’s most reliable network."

The iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning on Thursday, February 10, and qualified Verizon Wireless customers will be given the opportunity to pre-order it online on February 3.

"We are pleased to introduce millions of wireless users to the industry leading iPhone 4 on the nation’s most reliable network," said Lowell McAdam, president and COO of Verizon. "This is an important step for the industry as two great companies join forces to give wireless customers one of the most important technological additions to the mobile landscape this century."

"Verizon Wireless customers have told us they can’t wait to get their hands on iPhone 4, and we think they are going to love it," added Tim Cook, Apple’s COO. "We have enormous respect for the company Verizon has built and the loyalty they have earned from their customers."

Pricing starts at $199.99 for 16GB with a new 2-year activation (data pak required).

January 11, 2011
Verizon to Offer Unlimited Data Plans for iPhone?

Verizon Wireless subscribers have been waiting a long time for the iPhone to come to the carrier, and soon they will be waiting no longer, as Verizon is expected to offer Apple’s game-changing device within the next several weeks.

Verizon knows it will be a hot seller, and that along with massive amounts of sales, will come massive amounts of data use, but the carrier is prepared for that, and the solution, at least at this point, isn’t tiered data plans. A Wall Street Journal piece, co-authored by Spencer E. Ante and Yukari Iwatani Kane reports:

Verizon Wireless has been beefing up its network and believes it will have no problem handling iPhone-type loads, a claim that could be put to the test this year if the carrier signs up millions of subscribers using the Apple Inc. device.

Verizon Wireless, the country’s largest wireless carrier, is confident enough in its network that it will offer unlimited data-use plans when it starts selling the iPhone around the end of this month, a person familiar with the matter said. Such plans would provide a key means of distinguishing its service from rival AT&T Inc., which limits how much Internet data such as videos and photos its customers may use each month.

Recent reports indicate that Android devices have surpassed iPhones in the U.S. (comScore), in terms of smartphone subscriptions, but so far, iPhones have only been available through AT&T. The addition of just one more carrier in Verizion could give Apple a big boost in momentum.

As far as the unlimited data plans go, don’t expect Verizon to offer them forever. As the WSJ points out, the company has indicated in the past that the industry as a whole needs to move in the tiered-pricing direction. The initial unlimited plans are likely a way to boost sales to the max, as the iPhone comes to Verizon.

January 10, 2011