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Tag: Rumors

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Release Date October 15th Says Telecom CEO

    That October release date speculation for the iPhone 5 has just received a bit more corroboration, and this new rumor even gives us a specific date.

    According to France Telecom CEO Stephane Richard, the iPhone 5 will launch on October 15th. France Telecom is the top telecommunications company in France and the third largest in all of Europe. Originally quoted on French Apple site Mac4Ever (translated), Richard said this:

    If I believe what we heard, the iPhone 5 will be released on October 15th.

    Of course, this statement doesn’t clarify what Richard means by the phrase “what we’ve heard.” He could mean that he has been told specifics about the release, or he could be referring to the multitude of rumors out there that point to an October release date. But most of those rumors point to a fairly generic “early-to-mid” October launch. Here, Richard gives the specific date of October 15th.

    Funny thing is, October 15th falls on a Saturday this year. As MacRumors points out, Apple usually likes to launch new iPhones on Thursday or Friday. A Saturday launch would be unusual.

    There’s another rumor floating around today that also bolsters the October 15th (or at least mid-October) release speculations. Quoting “people familiar with the matter,” AppleInsider says that Apple has informed their AppleCare division to prepare for a mass influx of queries about iOS starting Monday, October 10th. Could this mean that iOS 5 will be coming around that time?

    And if iOS 5 were to release on or around October 10th, that might signify an impending iPhone 5 release. Apple has a history of releasing iOS updates just days before new devices. In 2009, they released iOS 3.0 a couple of days before they launched the iPhone 3GS. And in 2010, the iPhone 4 launched just 3 days after Apple unveiled iOS 4.

    Earlier this week we reported on another iOS/iPhone 5 rumor that talked about the “golden master” version of the software possibly being distributed to assemblers on the week of September 30th. If this is true, once assemblers install the new OS onto the new iPhones, they should be ready to ship in a matter of days.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Release Date Mid-October, 3.5 Inch Screen

    Things are in motion and have been for some time, says one analyst. The new iPhone will be receiving its final modifications in late September-early October and will hit the shelves in mid-October.

    According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, both the new iPhone and the new iPod touch have been in production since late August. These assemblers are just waiting on the “golden master” of iOS 5, Apple’s brand new operating system.

    Once they have the iOS 5, the assemblers can install it on the already-made devices and ready it for the shipping process.

    Kuo told AppleInsider that the “golden master” version of iOS 5 will release to the assemblers on the week of September 30th. This points to a mid-October release date for the final product. This information backs up various other rumors that point to an October release for the much-anticipated device. The latest release date rumor came yesterday when an internal memo from Sprint leaked, showing that employers will be black out Sept. 30th – Oct. 15th for a “major phone launch.”

    As far as iOS 5 goes, a rumor from last week said that Apple was in the process of training their Apple Store employees on iOS 5 and iCloud. Apple Stores oftentimes begin new software training a few weeks before a big product launch.

    Kuo also spoke to MacRumors and had some more to say regarding to specs of the upcoming iPhone. He brings back the notion that the iPhone 5 might not really be an iPhone 5 after all – more like an iPhone 4S will just a few simple tweaks from the iPhone 4.

    He says that it will contain the rumored A5 chip currently found in the iPad 2, which offers 512 MB RAM.

    Plenty of other rumors have hinted that the new iPhone could have a thinner frame and a tapered design – and possibly launch with a bigger screen. Kuo says that the new device will actually sport a 3.5 inch screen, which is the same as the iPhone 4.

    Of course, rumors are rumors. But this release date timeline coincides with almost everything else we’ve heard in the last few weeks.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Release Date Before October 15th For Sprint?

    Is something big coming to Sprint in the next few weeks?

    Dozens of rumors in the last couple of weeks have pointed to the fact that Apple’s iPhone 5 will be coming to Sprint’s Now Network, whenever it decides to grace us with its presence. There have also been rumblings that the iPhone 5 will be making an appearance on T-Mobile as well, which would mean that big players AT&T and Verizon would cease to have the market cornered on Apple mania.

    This latest hint not only backs up the “iPhone coming to Sprint” rumors but it might give us a little more information on when the device will launch for everyone.

    SprintFeed has happened upon another internal memo, one suggesting that Sprint is locking down its troops in preparation for something huge.

    The leaked document says: Due to the possibility of a major phone launch in October we are black out September 30th through October 15th..

    Translation: Good luck scheduling any time off, guys!

    As Mark Hearn at SprintFeed says,

    Considering that the Epic 4G Touch is already out of the bag, what else can it be? Everything here suggests the iPhone making its highly anticipated debut on the Now Network. Looking at the referenced time period, we’re pretty sure that this “big” unnamed device will hit between the blackout dates. This would allow time for employee training, release date preparation and finally the aftermath of sales.

    If the memo is indeed referencing the iPhone 5, what does it tell us? For one, that Sprint is getting it – but we have already heard a lot about that. Second, it tells us that the iPhone 5 should launch by October 15th at the latest, maybe earlier. This would coincide with many other rumors we’ve heard about the device releasing in early to mid-October.

    On Friday, we heard that the iPhone 5 might be coming to Sprint with an unlimited data plan offering. This move would allow Sprint to compete with AT&T and Verizon for iPhone customers, since both of those carriers no longer offer unlimited data flat-rate plans.

    Here are some more rumors we’ve heard about the iPhone 5 and Sprint –

    • Early reports indicate that the phone will launch sometime in mid-October. That source named an actual date – October 7th.
    • Late last month, an internal memo leaked that showed Sprint upper management directing employees to keep mum regarding the iPhone 5 release. They were specifically instructed to give a “no comment” response when any customer asked them directly.
    • Last week, a Best Buy document surfaced detailing a probable early October release date for the iPhone 5 as well as a release on Sprint.
    • Finally, Sprint is reportedly installing network repeaters in Apple stores in order to boost signal quality for next month’s release.
  • Amazon May Launch Netflix-Style Book Service as Part of Amazon Prime

    Amazon May Launch Netflix-Style Book Service as Part of Amazon Prime

    Rumor has it that Amazon is in talks with publishers about the potential launch of a Netflix-like service for digital books. Actually, it sounds like it would simply be added on to a service the company is already offering.

    Amazon currently offers access to digital movies and TV shows, along with two-day shipping as part of its Amazon Prime service. This costs $79 a year. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the company is considering adding this book service to this product. It would feature access to a library of older titles.

    The report cites “people familiar with the matter,” and there is not a whole lot more in the way of details, other than the notion that publishers are a little skeptical about the concept.

    Amazon has already been bolstering its media library ahead of a pending tablet launch, which will square off against Apple’s iPad. Last month, over 100,000 new titles were added to Amazon Instant Video.

    “We are focused on offering our customers the very best selection and are always working to expand our already extensive list of great video content,” said Steve Oliver, director of video at Amazon.

    It stands to reason that the digital book list will continue to grow rapidly thanks to Amazon’s popular Kindle platform, and the ease with which authors can use it to get their works published. Not to mention the huge pool of potential readers. One in five Internet users visited Amazon sites in June.

    Sales of Kindle devices were also accelerated last quarter. In its last earnings report, Amazon reported that the U.S. Kindle Store had over 950,000 books, including new releases and 110 of 111 New York Times Bestsellers.

  • AOL Reportedly Interested in Deal with Yahoo, Yahoo Reportedly Not

    It seems that AOL wants to merge with Yahoo, but that the feeling is not mutual.

    The chatter stems from a Bloomberg piece, which cites “two people familiar with the matter” as saying that AOL CEO Tim Armstrong is taking with advisors to Yahoo to gauge interest in combining companies. The report says:

    Armstrong is discussing options for a combination aimed at strengthening the two Internet companies, said the people, who wouldn’t be identified because the talks aren’t public. He has talked with private equity firms and investment bankers from Allen & Co. working with Yahoo, one person said.

    Armstrong had been interested in a merger with Yahoo last year and was rebuffed while Bartz was at the helm, one person said. Her departure prompted him to reconsider the option, and, under one scenario now being considered, Yahoo would acquire AOL and Armstrong would become CEO of the combined company, the person said.

    CNBC reported via a tweet, that a “source close to Yahoo” says there’s no interest on Yahoo’s side:

    @CNBC
    CNBC    CNBC: Source Close To Yahoo Says No Interest In A Deal With AOL @Yahoo @AOL 1 hour ago via Seesmic · powered by @socialditto

    The whole thing comes at a very interesting time for both companies. Yahoo just ousted CEO Carol Bartz, and AOL is dealing with a huge PR firestorm over the whole TechCrunch debacle. AOL’s TechCrunch, by the way, says the discussions are happening, but “it’s not clear how serious they are.”

    I wonder if Yahoo is taking Business Insider’s offer any more seriously.

    AOL and Yahoo have both become pretty big media empires, and despite all the turbulence surrounding Bartz, Yahoo’s brand seems to still be in pretty good shape.

    Yahoo also just hired CNET editor-in-chief Scott Ard to run its US home page, which the company says is the most visited page in the country.

    Would Aol and Yahoo make a good fit? Tell us what you think.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Releasing On Sprint With Unlimited Data Plan?

    Today’s iPhone 5 rumor bypasses the “if” it’s going to launch on Sprint question and jumps right ahead to specifics of that launch.

    According to sources “familiar with the matter” as quoted in Bloomberg, the iPhone 5 will most definitely be arriving on Sprint. And when it does, it will come with an unlimited data plan.

    This move would make Sprint the only wireless carrier to offer the iPhone with an unlimited, flat-rate data plan. Carriers like AT&T used to offer the unlimited plan, but have since moved to a tiered data structure.

    The sources also confirmed the mid-October release date, the most widely accepted rumor nowadays regarding the upcoming device. To prepare for the iPhone 5 launch, they said, Sprint has postponed the debut of a rival 4G phone that was supposed to launch this month.

    It’s pretty easy to understand why Sprint would take this step. They are in 3rd place among wireless carriers, a good deal behind AT&T and Verizon. This kind of offering could make a splash right when the iPhone 5 drops, but could it really draw a significant amount of customers away from the big two?

    CNET quotes an analyst who thinks the unlimited offering, if accurately predicted, would only last for a brief time.

    “There’s a good chance they will use this to pull subscribers from AT&T and Verizon,” said Maribel Lopez, an analyst at Lopez Research. “After a certain time, they won’t offer the unlimited option any more.”

    It remains to be seen if that would actually be an effective strategy.

    Here’s everything we know about the iPhone 5 coming to Sprint:

    • Early reports indicate that the phone will launch sometime in mid-October.  That source named an actual date – October 7th.
    • Late last month, an internal memo leaked that showed Sprint upper management directing employees to keep mum regarding the iPhone 5 release.  They were specifically instructed to give a “no comment” response when any customer asked them directly.
    • Earlier this week, a Best Buy document surfaced detailing a probable early October release date for the iPhone 5 as well as a release on Sprint.
    • Last, we heard that Sprint was installing network repeaters in Apple stores in order to boost signal quality for next month’s release.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Is T-Mobile Planning For Upcoming Release?

    Late last month, reports surfaced indicating that the iPhone 5 would be launching with T-Mobile, at the same time it launches with AT&T and Verizon (whenever that might be).

    The rumor was sourced to a T-Mobile contact that claimed to have been briefed about the upcoming device. MacTrast quoted the source as saying –

    The informant, who requested to remain anonymous, went on to claim that the iPhone 5 would also operate at 3G speeds on T-Mobile US network. Current unlocked iPhone 4 units can only operate at 2G “edge” speeds on T-Mobile’s network, and lack certain network-dependent features, such as Visual Voicemail.

    Further elaborating on the matter, the informant suggested that T-Mobile USA expects the iPhone 5 to launch sometime in early to mid October, which corresponds nicely with current speculation.

    This rumor popped up just days after rumors emerged surrounding Sprint’s launch of the iPhone 5. Since that time, numerous reports have come out backing the prediction that the device will indeed arrive on Sprint sometime in October.

    Now we get our first corresponding rumor surrounding the previous T-Mobile/iPhone buzz. T-Mobile blog TmoNews has obtained what they claim to be an internal email sent to T-Mobile employees. The email asks employees to “save the date” for an all hands meeting on Saturday, September 24th.

    Their analysis of this cryptic document is pretty amusing –

    Could this be a pre-iPhone launch meeting? Could this be related to the AT&T takeover or could this be related to T-Mobile discovering water on Mars? In any case, mark your calendars down for September 24th because something is going down.

    While this email doesn’t specifically mention an iPhone 5, it does let us know that something big is going down near the end of September in the world of T-Mobile. Previous speculations have put the iPhone 5 pre-sales starting in late September.

    But then again, there is a lot of other stuff going on at T-Mobile right now involving a particularly noteworthy acquisition that is running into some serious roadblocks.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: First Photo From The New Device?

    A wild iPhone 5 photo appears! More specifically, a photo supposedly taken from an iPhone 5. If accurate, this would be the first pic ever taken from the upcoming device to make its way to the internet – as well as the most famous uni and salmon sushi pic of all time.

    Pocketnow thinks that they’ve stumbled upon the first known photo taken with an iPhone 5, cleverly labeled as “taken with an iPhone 4.” Not so fast, they say –

    This (very attractive) photo claims to have been taken by an iPhone 4, but the rest of its EXIF data tells a different story: although the image has been cropped to 2235×2291 (5.12 megapixels), the original picture was a much larger 3264×2448 — or just shy of eight megapixels. What’s more, the lens was recorded as a 4.3mm f/2.4, which is closer to that of a point-and-shoot than the iPhone 4’s actual 3.85mm f/2.8. (Remember that the upcoming HTC Runnymede is said to have an aperture of f/2.2.)

    Basically, this photo was taken with a much better camera than exists in any current iPhone model. Once of the earliest and most persistent iPhone 5 rumors has been the addition of an 8 megapixel camera. Here’s the sushi pic in question –

    Not only that, but the geotagged location of the photo is 1 Infinite Loop in Cupertino, sticking this plate of sushi smack dab in the middle of Apple’s campus. Perhaps an eager staffer documenting his lunch with a brand new iPhone?

    Or a manipulated photo? Of course the EXIF data could have been misrepresented and the geo data could have been faked. But the evidence as is suggests that we might be looking at what photos will look like when taken by the iPhone 5.

    And it looks pretty good, am I right?

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Is Sprint Preparing For Release?

    When it comes to iPhone 5 rumors, they seem to fall into three categories. First, release date. The latest in that department put the launch in early October. Second, specifications. Recent rumors suggest the new device might be thinner and wider than its predecessors.

    Lastly, carrier rumors. The biggest one of this season is that Sprint will be getting the iPhone 5 whenever it finally launches.

    This rumor falls into the latter category. According to a source quoted by Beatweek, Sprint is busy installing network repeaters in Apple retail stores. It looks like they might be gearing up for an imminent launch.

    Now there’s evidence that Apple is beefing up Sprint signal quality at its own stores so that would-be iPhone 5 buyers will be able to put the device through its paces on the Sprint network in quantity while still in the store.

    According to the source (a resident of Austin, Texas), “One thing I can tell you is that the electrical contractor that I work for is contracted to install Sprint ‘repeaters’ at The Domain. There is a Apple Store at The Domain. One of the ‘repeaters’ is to be installed INSIDE the Apple Store. There is to be a total of 5 ‘repeaters.’”

    This rumor adds more fuel to the “Sprint iPhone 5” fire, as it is one of a few substantial hints at the upcoming release that we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks.

    Near the end of August, the WSJ cited sources who said Sprint will definitely start selling the iPhone 5 sometime in the middle of October.

    About a week later, an internal memo surfaced from top management asking employees at Sprint dealers to “not speculate about sprint getting the iPhone 5.” The memo told employees that they should respond to customer questions about the new device with a “no comment.”

    And yesterday, a leaked document from Best Buy surfaced showing that they expect the iPhone 5 to launch on Sprint during the first week of October.

    Sprint would be the last piece of the carrier puzzle for Apple. If the iPhone 5 launches on Sprint, that means that the device will be available with all three top carriers.

  • Justin Bieber Rumored to Be Investing in Tech Startup

    Justin Bieber is investing in at least one startup, according to a report from Business Insider.

    Alyson Shontell reports, “We’re not at liberty to announce which startup just yet.  All we can tell you is that the Bieber-backed startup will be a good-natured Zynga, and it has other high-profile celebrity backers on board.”

    Shontell points to the following video of Bieber playing basketball with NBA star Steve Nash, and points out that one of the other players in the video is a co-partner of Nash’s VC firm Consigliere Brand Capital.

    You might say Bieber’s entire career is a product of technology and social media. You’re probably familiar with the story about how he got his start with YouTube. He is certainly no stranger to Twitter’s trending topics. Just last week, Guardian ran a piece about Instagram’s CEO who pointed out that Bieber is using his app.

    There have even been legal issues arise from Bieber’s social media stardom.

    Any startup investment from Bieber would also just be the latest from young popular celebrities, although he is much younger than his predecessors. Ashton Kutcher is an investor in such startups as Hipmunk, Fashism, Fab and Airbnb. Justin Timberlake is an investor in Myspace, as was announced shortly after that of the company’s sale this year.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: More Release Date Evidence

    Over the weekend, a few reports popped up that all seem to suggest one thing: The iPhone 5 launch is around the corner. Of course, as it’s customary to remind everyone, rumors are rumors, which is why they’re called rumors. Got it?

    First up, Japanese Apple blog Macotakara is reporting that manufacturing has already begun on the latest device.

    According to “Chinese sources,” Foxconn Technology and Pegatrom Technology have already started producing the iPhone 5. The blog also states that the finished phones are not being packaged yet because iOS 5 has yet to be finalized.

    Apparently, Foxconn will be producing about 85% of the iPhone 5s while Pegatron will be producing the remaining 15%.

    Next, BGR reported yesterday that they obtained a leaked document from a “Best Buy source.” According to that document, the higher-ups at Best Buy expect the iPhone 5 to launch during the first week of October.

    They say that pre-sales for the device could begin as early as this week. Another interesting thing about this leak is that Best Buy is also announcing the the iPhone 5 launch will include Sprint. This is not the first rumor we have heard about the new iPhone coming to Sprint.

    Finally, it looks like Apple may have started iOS 5 and iCloud training with Apple Store employees.

    The timing of the iOS 5 training might be able to tell us something about a possible iPhone 5 release. If history proves correct, the brand new operating system is likely to be rolled out pretty close to the launch of a new device. And, as 9to5 Mac points out, Apples Stores usually being training of new software a few weeks before a product launch. If Apple Store employees are already in training mode, could that signify an earlier release for the iPhone 5?

    All of these rumors, taken as one, seem to suggest the already expected timeline of a September pre-order period followed by an early October launch. They add fuel to that already blazing fire. But then again, Apple has yet to say anything regarding the existence of a new iPhone. And of course, that’s what makes the whole rumor process so much fun, and so tedious at the same time.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Thinner, Wider According to Supposed Case Design

    If you’re feeling a bit fatigued by all the iPhone 5 rumors coming from supply chain sources and part manufacturers, here’s something completely different.

    Italian Apple blog Macitynet has come across an alleged iPhone 5 case, and has taken it upon themselves to snap an extensive set of photos of the purported case with various current Apple products tucked inside. They’ve put an iPhone 4, an iPod and an iPod touch inside the supposed iPhone 5 case and what do you know, none of the devices can fill it out.

    That’s right, the case for the iPhone 5 is huge compared to the iPhone 4. It’s not only wider and longer, but it is also thinner. It doesn’t take too much deduction to figure out what this could mean for the iPhone 5. Is it going to be wider, longer, and thinner?

    Here are some shots from the gallery –

    The iPhone 5 has been rumored thinner and lighter, based on some reports from component suppliers.

    These photos demonstrate what the relative size of the iPhone 5 would be if it ends up being significantly larger than the iPhone 4. There have been rumors for months that the iPhone 5 could have a 4 inch + screen, but the latest reports suggest that it may simply launch with a 3.5 -3.7 inch screen.

    Of course, there’s no way of knowing if this case if actually for an iPhone 5. If anything, these photos show us just how large the device could be, if some of the rumors prove true.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: San Francisco Police Know Nothing About Lost Prototype

    Yesterday we all experienced a bout of deja vu when the rumor emerged that another Apple employee had apparently had too much to drink and misplaced a new iPhone prototype in a bar.

    Last year an Apple software engineer lost the iPhone 4 prototype in a German beer garden in Redwood, California. The finders subsequently sold the device to Gizmodo, who ended up breaking the news of the secret specs of the device before its launch.

    Yesterday, CNET reported that an unnamed Apple employee lost a prototype for an upcoming iPhone in a “tequila lounge” in San Francisco called Cava 22. They indicated that the phone has possibly been sold on Craigslist for $200. All of this reportedly happened in July.

    Quoting an individual source, CNET detailed an investigative operation that involved both Apple and the San Francisco Police Department. The source said that once Apple electronically traced the location of the missing device, their investigators along with SFPD visited the location where they believed the iPhone prototype was being kept.

    With the help of the SFPD, Apple investigators apparently questioned a twenty-something man about the phone, to which he denied any knowledge. They then searched the “two-floor single family home” and came up empty.

    Of course, we were skeptical from the beginning on this rumor. Single sources have to be considered very carefully. It also seemed odd to this writer that nobody has yet to come forward with the prototype, if this misplacement really did occur back in July. The time to capitalize on the find might be drawing to a close – many feel the iPhone 5 will launch in early to mid October.

    Today we learn that the San Francisco Police Department is saying that they have no record of any such investigation.

    Talking to SF Weekly, SFPD spokesman Albie Esparza denies that they helped Apple with any such sweep of a house, looking for a missing phone. The CNET report mentioned that no official police report was filed during the investigation, but Esparza says that there are no records for the visit or even of a dispatch confirming the trip to the suspect’s home.

    So, either the SFPD is not being very forthcoming, some officers under top brass carried out the investigation under the radar and off the books, or CNET’s source is full of it.

    If a prototype finds its way onto the internet, I guess we will have our answer then.

  • What Happens When Hulu Gets Acquired?

    What Happens When Hulu Gets Acquired?

    Rumors about a potential Hulu acquisition have been running rampant. According to reports, Amazon, Dish, Google and Yahoo have bid or are close to bidding, and DirecTV is also reportedly considering submitting a bid. Valuations have ranged from $500 million to $2 billion.

    Mike Sullivan, CEO of online video ad targeting platform Affine shared some thoughts on the potential impact of a Hulu acquisition on the online video industry.

    “Currently, Amazon, Dish, Google, and Yahoo! are all in the running to purchase Hulu, but the implications for the online video industry vary greatly depending on who acquires the company,” he tells WebProNews. “These are four very different companies with four very different value propositions. For example, a Yahoo! buy would give Hulu the potential of remaining a premium content play with the addition of the Yahoo! sales team, while a Google buy would put strong technology behind Hulu and strengthen Google’s current on demand movie service. If Dish acquires Hulu it will probably discontinue current Hulu distribution channels like Hulu plus, but otherwise, Hulu has the potential of remaining the same. An Amazon acquisition wouldn’t change the online video space as much because they don’t yet have a viable ad platform. Across the board, a Hulu acquisition really only makes sense if Hulu’s license portfolio can be maintained.”

    “Amazon would be a natural fit to acquire Hulu since it has started to compete with Apple on content distribution,” he adds. “TV and DVD sales are dropping and Amazon is currently confined to shipping products. A long-term content distribution mechanism would make a lot of sense. Amazon could also have a little more leverage with content providers as they already sell a lot of their content in traditional formats. Google, however, has the ability to spend lots of money towards the eventual discovery of a sustainable business model.”

    A recent report from comScore found that Hulu is dominating in video ads.

    comScore - Video Ad Properties

    “Hulu’s advertising is successful because it has great, highly produced content and maintains backing from major TV networks and production companies,” says Sullivan. “Hulu’s advertising is also successful because it’s included as an easy add-on to traditional campaigns. Media buyers know how to buy premium content from TV networks, and the TV networks know how to siphon off spend for Hulu advertising. For example, ABC may package a media buy to include a $20 million spot on ABC and another $1-2 million for impressions on Hulu. The media buyers are happy because they are advertising on a new, exciting online video channel but are only advertising on premium content.”

    “Overall, a possible acquisition could result in a loss of distribution mechanisms and a possible fee increase for premium content,” says Sullivan. “Google lacks traction with Google TV but certainly has the cash to create a large TV sales team around their offering. An acquisition by Dish would be interesting as web-based consumer technology isn’t really in their DNA. They may struggle to find a viable business model the most of the aforementioned companies.”

    Severing ties with co-owners Comcast, Disney, and Fox would likely result in a loss of available video content. “Severing these ties will result in massive loss of video content unless the acquirer can pay the increased premiums for the content. Of the companies in the running, only a few have the money available to buy the premium content at higher price. In addition to the higher price, all of the potential buyers will need to find a business model that can justify the price.”

    On how Hulu’s competition with video streaming giant Netflix would be affected by the acquisition, Sullivan says, “Hulu is safe at the moment because it can provide recently run TV content while Netflix content tends to lag the current season. A Hulu acquisition by Amazon could help Amazon compete more directly with Netflix and Apple’s iTunes. Nobody views Google as a Netflix threat, though the number of hours of online video (YouTube) being watched is increasing dramatically. Dish is far more interested in competing with DirectTV then they are Netflix. Netflix remains device agnostic with many of their monthly streams going through game consoles whereas Dish’s business model revolves around consumers interacting with their own set-top-box.”

    In other Hulu-related news, they officially launched a subscription service in Japan today, marking the first international expansion for the company.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Did a Prototype Get Lost in a Tequila Bar?

    UPDATE: The SFPD responds to reports about the missing prototype.

    ORIGINAL ARTICLE: At this moment it’s possible that an upcoming iPhone, possibly the iPhone 5, might be hanging out in the unswept corners of a Mexican restaurant. Or it might be in the hands of someone ready to make a big score.

    Or the prototype might not be lost at all. Such is the rub when it comes to single sources.

    According to CNET, an Apple employee misplaced the unreleased iPhone at Cava 22, a “tequila lounge” in San Francisco’s Mission district. The source indicated that the iPhone might have been sold on Craigslist for 200 bucks.

    CNET has more details on how Apple reacted to the loss of their prototype. Apparently, once the unnamed employee manned up the courage to tell his bosses what he had done, Apple contacted the San Francisco Police Department. Apple electronically traced the iPhone to a “two-floor single family home” in the Bernal Heights neighborhood. With the help of the SFPD, Apple’s investigators went to the house.

    A twenty-something opened the door and acknowledged being at Cava 22 on the night in question but denied knowing anything about an iPhone prototype. He allowed police to search his house but they came up empty. According to the source, Apple offered the man money for the device, but he stuck with his story.

    If this all sounds somewhat familiar, that’s because this has happened before – under almost identical circumstances.” Last year, an Apple software engineer lost the iPhone 4 prototype in a German beer garden in Redwood, California. That prototype ended up falling into the hands of Gizmodo, who leaked all the juicy new details of the device.

    If this whole thing is true, nobody’s saying anything about it. Apple, Craigslist and the SFPD are all keeping quiet. The owner of Cava 22 has said that he remembers a guy calling multiple times about a lost iPhone. But who really knows if that had anything to do with this prototype? I’m sure plenty of people have too much tequila and misplace their mobile device.

    Did all of this really happen? Is there a prototype of the iPhone 5 out there somewhere? Maybe. I mean, it has happened before. If the secret phone was obtained sometime in July, however, it is kind of strange that nobody has come forward with it yet. The time to cash in on the find might be coming to a close. Most reports put the iPhone 5 release sometime in October.

  • Facebook Music Product Expected at f8 in September

    Facebook Music Product Expected at f8 in September

    Last week, Facebook announced that its f8 developer conference will take place on September 22. The company said it would explore topics including: new products, building social apps and open Q&A.

    “We have some exciting product announcements that enable a new class of social apps,” the company said.

    There have been rumors going around for months that Facebook was gearing up to launch a new music offering based on partnerships, so naturally, there has been plenty of speculation that this would be revealed at f8.

    News out today seems to indicate that this is more than just speculation. CNBC reports that a “source with knowledge of the plans” says that they will indeed launch a music platform at f8. CNBC’s Jon Fortt says, “it may be creating an environment where third-party music services such as Pandora, Spotify, MOG and others can offer their wares.”

    Mashable says it has learned that three of its launch partners will be Spotify, MOG and Rdio. It would be surprising if Pandora wasn’t involved, as it was a launch partner for Facebook’s Open Graph at the last f8 conference.

    Facebook’s statement is: “There’s nothing new to announce. Many of the most popular music services around the world are integrated with Facebook and we’re constantly talking to our partners about ways to improve these integrations.”

    That didn’t say, however, that there won’t be anything to announce on September 22.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: New Remote Diagnostic Tool

    iPhone 5 Rumor: New Remote Diagnostic Tool

    When the iPhone 5 hits sometime in the next couple of months (hopefully, if release date rumors are correct, and by the grace of Jobs), it will drop with iOS 5.

    The next major upgrade to Apple’s operating system has already been demoed, so we know some of the new features. Of the over 200 new user features, some of the most notable are the new notification center and built-in Twitter integration. You can see a bigger list of iOS 5 features here.

    The new rumor surrounding the upcoming Apple product is that users who need help fixing their new iPhones will have the help of a “web-based remote diagnostic tool.”

    This new feature ha supposedly already been completed and announced internally. According to AppleInsider:

    The entirely online system will be triggered by a special URL sent via e-mail or entered manually. When a user visits the website and agrees, Mobile Safari will conduct internal checks of the system and send that data to Apple’s servers.

    To ensure user privacy, the only personal data that will be sent to Apple will include its unique identifier, or UDID, as well as the name of the owner, the report said.

    Somehow I doubt that the last little blip about “ensuring user privacy” will be enough to put some people at ease, especially considering Apple’s troubles with data tracking as of late. Although somewhat of an invasive procedure for your iPhone, the type of information that is able to be accessed could truly aid the Apple tech trying to solve your problem.

    The diagnostic sweep will allegedly be able to access your iOS version, information about charging and battery life as well as how the device was turned off during its last deactivation. No word on whether Apple would be able to see if your iPhone (or other Apple device) has been jailbroken or not.

    Other rumors this week involve the iPhone launching with a 3.7 inch screen, smaller than the once projected 4.2 inch screen as well as having a metal chassis. Earlier this week, a memo leaked showing Sprint management advising employees to keep mum regarding iPhone 5 release date rumors. Most reports now put its release sometime in October.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Sub-4 Inch Screen, Metal Backing

    Today’s second big iPhone 5 rumor deals with the device specs, instead of the still-debated release date.

    In reality, one of the new “rumors” regarding the upcoming device is a strike against a previous rumor about the size of the screen in comparison to the iPhone 4. Previous reports hinted that the new iPhone could sport a significantly larger screen, possibly 4.2 inches. That would be an enormous upgrade from the 3.5 inch screen that adorns the iPhone 4.

    But DigiTimes is quoting an “upstream panel supplier” in squashing that rumor, saying that the new screen will most likely remain 3.5 inches or possibly expand slightly to 3.7 inches.

    Apple might be employing a trick, however, that would make the iPhone 5 seem like it has a larger screen. The sources say that the new design will “allow the bezel of the panel to become thinner and make the screen look larger.”

    This report corroborates an earlier AppleInsider report that puts the new screen size at “slightly larger” than 3.5 inches.

    Other, non-refuted rumors about the iPhone 5 give the device an 8-megapixel camera, HD video capabilities, an A5 dual-core processor and a super-thin frame. It’s still possible that the iPhone 5 might not be a huge leap forward, but simply serve as an updated iPhone 4.

    DigiTimes’ sources also said that the iPhone 5 will have a metal chassis instead of reinforced glass.

    The other iPhone 5 rumor that dropped today involved Sprint. An internal memo leaked that shows how Sprint management is handling the release rumors. Basically, mums the word – they are instructing Sprint store employees to adopt a strict “no comment” policy when customers ask about the iPhone 5 release date rumors. The most widely accepted estimation is that it will arrive sometime in early to mid October.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Release Date Should Not Be Discussed Says Sprint

    The first rule of working for a company who’s getting the iPhone 5 is don’t talk about the iPhone 5.

    Sprint employees are being told to keep their mouths shut when it comes to the speculated release of the iPhone 5. SprintFeed obtained an internal memo addressed to “All Dealers” that advises employee to refrain from speculating about the much-anticipated phone coming to Sprint.

    The memo says “A recent Wall Street Journal article mentioned that Sprint is getting the iPhone 5. If you’re asked by a customer or just talking to friend or family members, you need to avoid making any comment about the iPhone 5 and simply state “no comment.”

    It goes on to give employees another response options when asked about the iPhone 5. Here’s a screencap of the memo –

    Last week, we told you about those reports that Sprint will be selling the iPhone 5 sometime in mid-October.

    The latest release date rumors have the iPhone 5 arriving sometime in September or October. The very latest has a specific date of October 7th, and this internal memo from Sprint just adds fuel to that fire.

    This is not the first information that’s been leaked from a carrier about the iPhone 5. Earlier this month, it was reported that an AT&T Vice President was telling certain employees that the iPhone 5 was on its way in October.

    “Expect things to get really really bust in the next 35-50 days – so prepare your teams accordingly,” he supposedly said.

    If the iPhone 5 does in fact come to Sprint, it would be huge for both parties involved. It would also mean that all three main carriers would offer the device.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Release Date in October – For Sprint

    Well, two big iPhone 5 rumors in one day. What’s the special occasion?

    The Wall Street Journal is reporting, citing “people familiar with the matter,” that Sprint Nextel will start selling the iPhone 5 in mid-October.

    The release date rumors have fluctuated between late September and mid-October. At least one source calmed October 7, specifically, and now this.

    Well, regardless of the date, the real news here is that Sprint is getting the iPhone (supposedly). That should be huge for Apple as that would mean the 3 main carriers in the U.S. (don’t forget AT&T’s T-Mobile acquisition) would offer the iPhone, surely increasing its market share significantly in the smartphone market, with which it is competing fiercely with Android (and now Windows Phone). Oh yeah, and RIM.

    The other rumor about the iPhone 5 today is that it will be a dual mode device. More on that here.

    Yesterday, some photos of alleged parts for the device were leaked.

    In other iPhone rumor news, there is also word that Apple will release a cheaper version of the iPhone 4 alongside the iPhone 5.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Dual Mode Device, Release Date Still Debated

    iPhone 5 Rumor: Dual Mode Device, Release Date Still Debated

    Another day, another iPhone 5 rumor. I wish this thing would just come out already.

    Today’s nugget suggests that the device will support multiple networks: CDMA (Code division multiple access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). In other words, the device will be dual-mode.

    TechCrunch writer Robin Wauters says he was “approached by a developer of some of the most popular apps on the iOS platform,” and that “according to this person, and app usage logs” he was sent, “a tiny number of people have recently registered for one of their applications from a single, brand new Apple device that is decidedly dual-mode – meaning it supports both CDMA and GSM.”

    Wauters says the logs show that the app has been tested by a few people using what is “almost certainly an iPhone 5”.

    This isn’t the first time rumors have circulated about the iPhone 5 being dual mode, but you can add it to the “more evidence” pile.

    In other iPhone 5 rumors, some alleged iPhone 5 part photos have been leaked. Go here to see the alleged pics of the battery, a camera lens and audio jack cable.

    In terms of release dates, there have been conflicting rumors placing it in late September to early October. One rumor has had it nailed down to October 7, specifically, but alas, these are just rumors.

    As long as we’re on the topic, rumors have also surfaced (or is that resurfaced?) about a cheaper iPhone 4 launching alongside the iPhone 5.