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Tag: Rumors

  • iPad 3 Rumors: Higher Resolution Screen

    iPad 3 Rumors: Higher Resolution Screen

    Much of the focus on Apple-related rumors is on the iPhone 5 (even the name of which itself is still a rumor). Other rumors have popped up suggesting that Apple is looking at getting into the TV business. Yes, they have Apple TV, but we’re talking about actually making televisions. Some are skeptical that this will happen in the near term, but hey, that’s why it’s a rumor.

    Naturally, it’s about time the iPad 3 rumors start getting kicked up a notch. I mean, the iPad 2 has been around for over 3 months. Come on, Apple. What’s taking so long?

    While reporting on some iPhone 5 rumors, Bloomberg also dropped a nugget about Apple’s next version of the iPad, saying, “Apple is also testing a new version of the iPad that has a higher resolution screen, similar to the one now used in the iPhone 4, one of the people [familiar with the plans] said.”

    The report later added, “The screen resolution on Apple’s new iPad would be about one-third higher than that of the iPad 2 and will boast a more responsive touchscreen, one of the people said.”

    In my opinion, the iPad 2 was a huge step up from the original iPad, so it will be very interesting to see how much Apple is able to improve on that with its next release. The 2 is thinner and lighter, and simply more comfortable to use than the 1, which was the biggest improvement to me.

    The iPad 2 was also faster with the A5 chip and dual core processor, and featured a front-facing camera.

    It will also be interesting to see if they offer existing iPad owners refunds on the price difference again. When the iPad 2 launched, the pricing reflected that of the original iPad, but the original also dropped by $100, and Apple offered to refund the price difference to current iPad owners, so they would upgrade.

    Apple has some competition in the tablet space now. It didn’t when the iPad first came out. That competition will only increase, but so far, it seems consumers are far more interested in iPads than any of its competitors. A recent Bernstein Research survey found that 50% in the U.S. think they’ll choose an Apple product for their next tablet. In second place was Dell, with just 12%. In the UK, 50% said Apple again, and in 2nd place was Samsung at 13%.

    What would you like to see improved with Apple’s iPad? Let us know in the comments.

  • iPhone 5 Release Date in September … No, August … No, September

    Update 08/19: There has been a whole lot of back and forth in this release date game. Since this article was originally written speculation has been all over the place. The latest at this point is that it will be early October, based on a Boy Genius Report AT&T source.

    A rumor is a rumor. That’s why it’s a rumor. Does that make sense?

    Either way, rumors about Apple’s next iteration of the iPhone have been pouring out of the tech Blogosphere for months, and one of the common ones has been an expected release this September. That’s why when Boy Genius Report raised the possibility of it coming in August, people took note (the difference of a whole month…or maybe not even that!).

    The publication reported, “We have been told by a reliable source to expect a radical new case design for the upcoming iPhone, though we have not been given any additional details surrounding the design of the new iPhone case. What about a release, then? The consensus is that Apple is going to announce the next-generation iPhone at the company’s annual September event, traditionally focused on iPods, but we have heard it’s quite possible Apple will break tradition. According to our source, Apple may hold an event in the beginning or middle of August to announce the new iPhone, with availability to follow in the last week of August.”

    Then comes a report from Bloomberg, which says Apple “plans to introduce a new iPhone in September that boasts a stronger chip for processing data and a more advanced camera, according to two people familiar with the plans.”

    And that, “The device will include the A5 processor, the more powerful chip that Apple added to the iPad 2 earlier this year, along with an 8-megapixel camera, up from the 5-megapixel model in the iPhone 4, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the details aren’t public. Apple is also testing a new version of the iPad that has a higher resolution screen, similar to the one now used in the iPhone 4, one of the people said.”

    Ok, so there’s a new iPad rumor for you too.

    But staying on topic, we’re apparently back to a September release, but what about BGR’s “reliable” source? Is it totally out of the question that Apple could reveal the next iPhone in August? It doesn’t seem unheard of.

    “From what I’ve heard, this is unlikely,” writes MG Siegler at TechCrunch. “Apple has stated that iOS 5 is due this fall, August is not the fall, and there is no way Apple releases the iPhone 5 without iOS 5.”

    Maybe he’s right about that, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t show it off ahead of the release…in August. It’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility is it?

    In the end, whether it comes out in August or September, we’re talking about a difference of a few weeks. A lot of people are quite happy with their iPhone 4s, and considering that iOS 5 will run on those (as well as the 3G Ss), how much does it really matter whether it comes out in late August or in September?

  • Jurassic Park 4 Rumors Poised To Set The Internet Ablaze

    If there is one thing you can unite the internet community around, it’s bacon. Bacon and, to a lesser degree, Jurassic Park 4 rumors.

    That’s why the news just put out by the Hollywood Reporter is going to ignite the speculation fuse, once again, about the possibilities of a reboot of the much beloved film.

    According to THR, Steven Spielberg has been holding meetings with screenwriter Mark Protosevich and “kicking around ideas for how to reboot the Jurassic Park franchise.” So yeah, that’s happening (wheeeeee). Spielberg’s camp as well as Universal Picutres stressed that they aren’t banging out a script, as these are only super preliminary talks.

    Protosevich has written the 2006 action remake Poseidon, the adaptation of the Will Smith vehicle I Am Legend as well as the criminally underrated visual masterpiece The Cell. So that sounds promising-ish.

    Jurassic Park is a great film. Two and three, meh. But for anyone my age (or, like me, dinosaur obsessed at a young age) the original holds tons of sentimental value. For me, it was one of the first movies I ever truly loved. Many people feel the same way I do about it, thus the huge internet buzz whenever “4” is mentioned.

    The last big JP4 buzz happened back in 2007 when Laura Dern said that it was definitely happening. She told MTV –

    “It is happening. Rumor has it [my character] Ellie Sattler may be back in the woods, back on the island,” Dern announced, saying the movie will hit theaters in 2008. She added with a coy smile, “You know, there is a guy I know who told me he wants me to have something to do with it. [So] I have a date with a dinosaur again. My 5-year-old will be thrilled.”

    Then the reports emerged that the dinosaurs in the film were to be outfitted with government-grade weapons for battle purposes. And the internet collectively shit a brick. But that version of the film never made it to theaters and fans were left wondering if they would ever see Dr. Grant or Ian Malcolm on screen again.

    But now it looks like things are moving in the right direction at least. Or wrong direction according to this writer at The Guardian –

    First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. Jurassic Park IV will be terrible. All the signs are there. Michael Crichton is dead. Stan Winston is dead. The last time Steven Spielberg waited this long to revive one of his franchises, he ended up blowing Harrison Ford across the sky in a fridge. The portents are not good. In an ideal world Jurassic Park would be extinct, once and for all.

    He suggests that we crowdsource the plot of the upcoming film to save it from whatever awfulness is bound to ensue. Interesting idea – let’s keep that in mind.

    Twitter, as usual, is weighing in on the news –

    @WhyJerryWhy
    Jerry Mahoney    Spielberg is considering making Jurassic Park 4, due to advances in CGI technology which will assure that the dinosaurs no longer look real. 53 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @zvirby
    Lara Zvirbulis    My plot suggestion for Jurassic Park 4 – Dinosaurs eat man, woman inherits the earth. 46 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @DominicScott
    Dominic Riccitello    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JURASSIC PARK 4????????????????????? 2 hours ago via UberSocial · powered by @socialditto

    @SUEtheTrex
    Specimen FMNH PR2081    Jurassic Park 4 rumors?!?! Don’t tease me like that… Got to get into prime Goldblum chasing shape! http://t.co/764hD75 55 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @ritchiepevo
    Ritchie Pevo    steven spielberg thinking about making jurassic park 4!? best. news. ever. 26 minutes ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @MikeC713
    Mike C    Steven Spielberg is considering making a Jurassic Park 4. Rumor has it, Chris Bosh has already been asked to play the Brachiosaurus. 1 hour ago via Echofon · powered by @socialditto

    Oh, and I discovered this. Did you know that Jurassic Park 4 has a rotten tomatoes page? It’s 93% fresh based on 444 user ratings. It says the film is from 2008 and stars Sam Neill and Keira Knightley. Holy hell, did I miss something?

    Is the nostalgia in me clouding my judgment? Maybe so. Maybe I just want some of the old magic recaptured so bad that I’m getting excited about something that is doomed to disappoint. But let’s just hope it gets made and hope that it turns out to be awesome. I don’t think there is any chance in JP4 ruining the first one for me after sitting through JP2 and JP3. All I have to say is it better have Goldblum in it.

  • WWDC 2011 Bingo

    Monday kicks off Apple’s much hyped 2011 Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. For a while now, everyone has been speculating as to what will be revealed at the conference. Apple has made it clear that the focus will be on software, quelling rumors of huge news regarding the new iPhone.

    When Apple initially announced the conference, they put the focus on their operating systems:

    At this year’s conference we are going to unveil the future of iOS and Mac OS. If you are an iOS or Mac OS X software developer, this is the event that you do not want to miss.

    But the most speculation has surrounded the iCloud, Apple’s upcoming cloud services launch. Everyone began to speculate when filing revealed that they company had bought the iCloud.com domain name. Just a few days ago, Apple made it official: the iCloud would be a big part of the WWDC 2011. They also confirmed Lion OS X and iOS 5:

    At the keynote, Apple will unveil its next generation software – Lion, the eighth major release of Mac OS X; iOS 5, the next version of Apple’s advanced mobile operating system which powers the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch; and iCloud, Apple’s upcoming cloud services offering.

    Apple Insider has photos of the WWDC banners, further confirming the agenda:

    But what else will be revealed in the Keynote, scheduled for 1 pm EST on Monday? Steve Jobs will be giving the address, we know that. What could he unveil? New MacBook Air? New Voice features? iPhone details?

    Well, the folks over at Krazybig have developed a way for you to play along at home: WWDC 2011 Keynote Bingo.

    As Steve announces all the cool new stuff like iCloud movies and wireless sync, get 5 in a row for Bingo!

    We’re not sure exactly what Mr. Jobs will say, but we can be sure that there will be a lot to talk about on Monday afternoon.

  • Sean Kingston Stable, Dead on Twitter

    Sunday evening, hip-hop artist Sean Kingston was injured in a jet-ski crash in Miami Beach. The 21-year old Jamaican singer of “Beautiful Girls” was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

    Kingston was riding with a female friend when he lost control of the jet-ski and crashed into the Palm Island Bridge. According to TMZ the female passenger, Cassandra Sanchez, reports that they were traveling “really fast” and simply lost control of the watercraft. Sanchez walked away with minor injuries, but Kingston was badly hurt.

    “[Sean] was coughing up blood, foam and pink stuff… and when he finally opened his eyes, he kept repeating the words, I’m hurting. I’m hurting,” said Sanchez.

    Here’s the last thing Kingston, a heavy Twitter user, tweeted on the day of the accident:

    @SeanKingston
    SEAN KINGSTON     South beach… #nicee… bout to get fresh and cause that movie!!… 2 days ago via ついっぷる for iPhone · powered by @socialditto

    It looks like as of this morning, Kingston has stabilized. Reuters says that he has been moved from trauma to the ICU.

    Sean Kingston has been a trending topic on Twitter for the last few days and the hashtag #PrayForSeanKingston was trending on Monday. Celebs have shown their support for him as well:

    @NICKIMINAJ
    Nicki Minaj    My love & prayers are with Sean Kingston & his family. 1 day ago via UberSocial · powered by @socialditto

    @SouljaBoy
    Soulja Boy    praying for my brother @seankingston I hope he makes a full recovery… smh it’s always something 🙁 1 day ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @justinbieber
    Justin Bieber    got my friend @seankingston in my prayers tonight. a true friend and big bro. please keep him in your prayers tonight as well. 1 day ago via web · powered by @socialditto

    @llcoolj
    LL Cool J    I hope and pray that Sean Kingston recovers quickly…. #staystrong 1 day ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® · powered by @socialditto

    But we all know the internet, and the rumor began to circulate that Kingston had died. The rumor is still making its way around Twitter, even as reports emerge that he has stabilized.

    Kingston is not the only person to suffer from death rumors today. The internets reported that Will Smith had also died today. He has been a trend in Google all day long and has made appearances in Twitter top trends throughout the day. People who are perpetuating the rumor are linking to a fake news article by “Global Associated News.” The page is a fake, generated by FakeAWish fake celeb news generator.

    @markrupnow
    Mark Rupnow    Heard Will Smith was killed while filming…….hope its untrue! http://will.smith.mediafetcher.com/news/top_stories/actor_new_zealand.php 28 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® · powered by @socialditto

    Just type in a celebrity name and it creates an official looking page with a random news story about them. The Will Smith rumor is that he fell to his death while filming a movie in New Zealand.

    Andy Warhol said that in the future. “everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.” It is also true that most everyone will, at some point, die on the internet.

  • Twitter Said to Be Launching Image Service, Acquiring AdGrok

    Twitter Said to Be Launching Image Service, Acquiring AdGrok

    Last week, Twitter officially announced its acquisition of TweetDeck, and if there is merit to the rumors emerging, the company also has some other fairly big news on the way.

    Alexia Tsotsis at TechCrunch is reporting, citing “multiple sources,” that the company is both close to acquiring AdWords keyword bidding platform AdGrok and launching its own photo service.

    AdGrok, backed by Y Combinator, consists of Antonio Garcia-Martinez, Matthew McEachen, and Argyris Zymnis, but as Tsotsis points out, Garcia-Martinez has actually changed his title on Facebook to Product Manager at Facebook, which raises other questions.

    It’s unclear exactly what Twitter would do with AdGrok. It could simply be a talent acquisition that could be used to develop its own advertising platform. The deal is said to be for less than $10 million.

    The other rumor is quite interesting as well, and frankly makes a great deal of sense. Twitter has become a place for people to quickly upload pictures, but they’ve always had to use third-party platforms, and TwitPic and YFrog have largely dominated this space.

    TwitPic May be in trouble

    Given Twitter’s acquisition of TweetDeck, it’s clear that the company is interested in the continued evolution of Twitter itself, and an image service is a fairly obvious element – especially in light of Twitter’s role in significant events, like revolutions.

    Things seem to be happening at a much more rapid pace at Twitter since the return of co-founder Jack Dorsey. It will be very interesting to see if this pattern continues.

  • Facebook, Spotify Partnership Rumored

    Facebook, Spotify Partnership Rumored

    According to a new report from Forbes, Facebook and Spotify are partnershing on a music service that is already in testing, and it could launch within 2 weeks. According to Facebook and Spotify, there’s nothing going on…officially.

    Clearly, we’ll have to keep any such partnership filed under rumor for the time being.

    Parmy Olon at Forbes says “sources close to the deal” told the publication the two have in fact partnered, it will be launching in as little as two weeks, it will see a Spotify icon added to the left side of the Facebook News Feed, and clicking it will install the service on the desktop in the background, while allowing users to play songs from Spotify simultaneously with friends.

    That same Forbes report also quotes a Spotify spokesperson as saying, “We have a Facebook integration. We’re continuously working with them to make that as good as it can be. But that’s the extent of our relationship.”

    Spotify told Mashable something similar: “We have a good relationship with Facebook in that we have done an integration on Facebook Platform that has been valuable in terms of driving engagement with the Spotify service. We’re continuously working together to make the social experience on Spotify the best it can be and welcome relationships with any company looking to innovate by building more social value into the user experience.”

    Facebook also said there was nothing to announce. While pre-announcement details being kept private is to be expected, Spotify’s responses seem to suggest that any partnership is simply an extension of Spotify’s existing Facebook presence, as opposed to any new joint service.

    Even Olson’s report says that no money would change hands.

    Regardless, it won’t be coming to the U.S. because Spotify still has been unable to get all of the licensing details worked out that would allow its service to legally operate here. That includes any Facebook integration. That could all change in time, but people have been waiting a long time, and meanwhile, plenty of other Internet music services continue to carve out their own spaces in niche.

  • iPhone 5 Rumor: Curved Glass

    iPhone 5 Rumor: Curved Glass

    The rumor mill continues to churn out speculations regarding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5. Though past rumors that it will in fact sport a taser and/or serve as a functioning teleportation device have been debunked, the latest one is almost as cool.

    A report from DigiTimes is suggesting that the iPhone 5 may come with a curved glass cover. According to their industry sources, Apple has purchased somewhere between 200 and 300 glass cutting machines for the production of these curved covers.

    According to the sources:

    Cover glass makers are reluctant to commit investment to the purchase of glass cutting equipment due to the high capital involved, said the sources.

    The glass slicing machines are currently being stored at associated assembly plants and will be brought online once yield rates for the production of curved glass reaches a satisfactory level.

    It’s looking more and more likely that we will not see the iPhone 5 until sometime in 2012. For awhile, we thought that we would see the 5 ship out in September on 2011, but recent reports suggest that instead, we will get a revamped version of the iPhone 4, the 4S.

    The 4S will be a less dramatic update that the suspected iPhone 5, with minor cosmetic changes, an improved camera and possibly a faster processor according to reports.

    The iPhone 5, whenever it hits, has a strong possibility of carrying 4G LTE connectivity. Other iPhone 5 rumors suggest a larger screen, possibly over 4 inches, HD video shooting, and the fact that it may be released in separate models. But those reports may have mistaken the differences between the 4S and the 5 as two different iPhone 5 models.

    An earlier rumor that the iPhone 5 would contain NFC capabilities for mobile payments has been shot down recently.

    Earlier this month, a new patent filed by Apple emerged that suggests that future models of the iPhone may include speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities. No telling whether that will fall on the 4S, the 5, or some model way down the road.

  • Facebook, Google Weighing Skype Deal?

    According to “two sources with direct knowledge of the discussions,” both Facebook and Google are weighing deals with popular video conferencing service Skype.

    According to Reuters, both Facebook and Google have held discussions about forming joint ventures with Skype, and Facebook has at least talked about buying the company outright.  Since the discussions are still nascent,  there is no word from the sources on which way Facebook is leaning.

    Skype is reported to have delayed its IPO, and Reuters says that a deal could be valued at $3 to $4 billion.  Other sources says Skype’s IPO will raise about $1 billion.  Though they wouldn’t rule out an IPO later in 2011, the sources are confident that Skype is already in “strategic discussions” with the companies.

    As you may remember, this isn’t the first time that rumors have swirled that Facebook is courting Skype.

    For Facebook, a deal with Skype seems like a logical prospect.  The company could add voice and video chat quickly and seamlessly to its service.  And of course, as we are all aware, Facebook has always had issues with their chat and direct messaging services.  Chat was much maligned when it first debuted for a host of connectivity problems.  Recent improvements have fixed some of the problems and Facebook has attempted to promote chat with more prominent indicators about friends’ online status.

    Last year, Skype version 5.0 added a level of Facebook integration, allowing users to interact with Facebook directly through Skype.

    Google’s interest is a little less intuitive.  Google already offers video chat through Gmail, iGoogle and orkut.  But that’s not to say that a partnership with Skype wouldn’t help Google Chat gain visibility.  Plus, not wanting Facebook to acquire Skype could be an strong enough reason for Google to act, points out BI.

    Rumors are, of course, rumors.  But this one has been discussed for quite some time.  It’s not going to surprise anyone if one of these big players snatches up Skype in the near future.

  • iPhone 5 to Release in Two Models This Fall?

    Multiple sources have reported that Apple will ship its highly buzzed about iPhone 5 in the fall, possibly September. Little by little, more rumors are surfacing about what the new phone will look like and today finds an interesting on floating around.

    iphonedownloadblog is reporting that their Apple source, who is an employee of an Apple part supplier, says the iPhone 5 may come in two different models when it finally releases this year. The source was vague, but suggests that buyers might have the option of purchasing a “standard” version and an upgraded or “pro” version.

    From IDB:

    Our source says that Apple is ordering components of similar function, but some of them are the very best of what you can get right now.

    While the rest of the ordered components are just the standard versions, Apple is also ordering better quality components of the same function. Our source says that both types of components wouldn’t go in one device together, which makes him believe Apple is up to something with a ‘pro’ version.

    Recent iPhone 5 rumors have said that the new phone might just be a hardware upgrade of the iPhone 4 and will look similar.

    Other, more ambitious rumors include NFC capability for mobile payments, T-Mobile access, a larger (perhaps over 4 inch) screen, a much faster processor, a thinner and lighter design and a built-in bumper.

    On Thursday, Apple’s white iPhone 4 was finally released to the joy of those who think the original black iPhone is too easy to keep clean. And just today, it was reported that users will receive the iOS 4.3.3 upgrade, which fixes some of the notable tracking controversy bugs and improves battery life, within the next couple of weeks.

  • Apple iCloud on the Way?

    Apple iCloud on the Way?

    A new report from GigaOm, cites a “tipster” as saying that Apple has purchased the domain iCloud.com from Xcerion, which just changed the name of its own iCloud service to CloudMe at CloudMe.com. According to the tipster, Apple bought the domain for about $4.5 million.

    Naturally, one would have to assume Apple would be interested in that “i” in the name, as the company is expected to launch a cloud-based music service that would compete with Amazon, mSpot, and potentially Google. TechCrunch’s Robin Wauters says he asked Xcerion why they changed their name and got the following response:

    “We decided we needed a name change to better reflect our new focus on files and storage, where the desktop is just one of many clients to access files and content stored in CloudMe. Since we a couple of months ago launched our iPhone and Android app, WebDAV and the automatic backup software, Easy Upload for Windows, Mac and Linux, we now have many clients that interact with our users’ content. There also are a lot of third party apps and software supporting the CloudMe online computer.”

    Apple’s service is expected to be a paid service. While unconfirmed, a price that has been rumored is $20 a year. The service would let iTunes users stream songs from a remote server from anywhere there is Internet access.

    Apple is said to be in talks with record labels about licensing of songs. Google is in the same boat. Both would surely like to have a product out as soon as possible, but those pesky legal issues always get in the way. Apple has reportedly already reached deals with a couple of the major labels. Obviously Apple has a foot firmly in the door with iTunes.

    Google has actually been said to be talking to Spotify as a possible partner on its own music service, which was supposed to be ready with Honeycomb (the latest version of Android designed primarily for tablets).

    Xcerion is still listed as the owner of the iCloud.com domain.

  • Wii 2 Rumor Roundup

    Rumors began to circulate yesterday that Nintendo plans to reveal its brand new console this coming June at E3.  With sales of the original Wii console falling, the company is planning to announced a $50 price cut.  It might be time to unveil the big guns.

    Yesterday, Game Informer reported that they had confirmed with multiple sources that the new console will be capable of HD gaming. Also, Nintendo is reportedly showing the system to publishers already in an effort to get them familiarized with the specs so developers can begin working on games before the new console is officially announced.

    “Nintendo is doing this one right,” said an anonymous source. “[It’s] not a gimmick like the Wii.” What else, beyond graphics, this may imply about the system is unknown. What kind of controls the system will support (we imagine a need for both classic analog configurations and motion controllers) or what level of software and infrastructure Nintendo will provide for online gaming is also unknown. However, it’s a positive sign that the system might be more than just an HD Wii.

    Well, more details about the controls and graphics are emerging today.

    The new Nintendo console is being codenamed “Project Cafe” (I know, right?) and IGN has some information on the controller, according to their sources:

    According to our sources, the new Nintendo controller will feature dual analog sticks in addition to standard d-pad and trigger buttons. It’ll mirror a Gamecube controller in general function but not in specific form.

    French technology site 01.net has some more specific details as well.  According to the site, the new console will support all Wii peripherals and run Wii and Gamecube games (!!!!!).

    Translated on the Develop game design site, “CPU is custom IBM PowerPC with three cores, GPU should be an ATI from the R700 family, with a shader unit at version 4.1. Ram should be at least 512 MB.

    The most interesting and possibly the farthest-reaching speculation involves the new controller having a 6 inch touch screen, capable of moderate graphic output, with a front facing camera and a built-in sensor bar.

    If any or all of these rumors prove accurate, then it shows Nintendo is targeting the hardcore gaming crowd, which basically translates to young to middle aged men.  Historically, a large majority of the games offered on the Wii tailored to a non-traditional gaming crowd – the very young, the old and women.  Adding HD capabilities and ratcheting up processing speed would signal that they are serious about competing with Sony and Microsoft for the hearts and minds of hardcore gamers.

  • iPhone 5 Release Date May Be in 2012

    Add another log to the iPhone 5 rumors fire. Now it’s looking like consumers may not see the device until next year, or possibly very late this year. It was once expected in early summer.

    According to a report from Avian Securities, as relayed by Business Insider, production may not even start until September. The report said:

    “Supporting out comments over the last month, conversations with yet another key component supplier indicates that production for iPhone-5 will begin in September. This is consistent with Avian findings in the supply chain in recent months and we believe the consensus view is moving towards this scenario. In addition, our conversations also indicate the existence of a lower-spec/lower-priced iPhone in Apple’s roadmap. However, while our contacts have seen the placeholder in the Apple roadmap, they do not yet have insight into specs or production timing. This leads us to believe that any launch is likely a very late 2011 or more likely a 2012 event. As a reminder, Avian has uncovered several data-points in recent months pointing to the existence of a lower-spec/lower-price iPhone. A lower-spec/lower-price iPhone has also been speculated in the press and gadget blogs, though we do not believe consensus currently discounts the existence of such a model.”

    Another recent rumor has the iPhone 5 possibly coming with a hybrid e-Paper/Video iOS display. This is based on a patent application from Apple. Another rumor has the device possibly coming with a more lightweight casing. That’s based on the company’s hiring of a carbon fiber expert.

    I have to wonder if this would help in correcting the antenna flaws of the iPhone 4. Apple does not want a repeat of antennagate.

    Sales figures for the iPhone in 2011 have been inconsistent. Either way, it does appear teens will keep buying them.

  • Nintendo Wii Price Cut On The Way?

    Nintendo Wii Price Cut On The Way?

    Now you won’t have any excuse not to grab a Wii, sports resort and play those love handles away.

    Engadget is reporting that a trusted source has informed them that Nintendo’s little white console will be dropping $50, from $200 to $150 soon.  They report that the date for the price drop will most likely be May 15th.  The last universal price cut on the Wii was way back in September of 2009, when the price also dropped $50, from $250 to $200.

    Popularity of the Wii console has diminished for the past few years.  The drop-off has been steady, with the console selling over 10 million units in 2008, down to 9 million in 2009 and most recently 7 million in 2010.  Most recently, Microsoft’s Xbox sales beat the Wii by nearly 100,000 units in February, according to CNET.

    Last year, Nintendo partnered with the American Heart Association to promote healthy living through video-game-exercise.  Their seal of approval appeared on Wii consoles,  Wii Sports Resort, and Wii Fit.  This writer definitively links does not want to correlate the declining Wii sales to the fact that Americans are fat and lazy.

    Adding fuel to the rumor, GoNintendo has posted a leaked internal price sheet from Kmart that also has the new Wii price set at $149.99.

  • iPad 2 Best Buy Rumors Addressed

    iPad 2 Best Buy Rumors Addressed

    There has been some controversy flowing around the web, regarding rumors about Best Buy witholding sales of the iPad 2. Both Best Buy and Apple have apparently addressed these rumors.

    The rumor was that Best Buy was holding back iPad 2 devices, even though they were in stock, and instructing employees to tell customers that they didn’t have any.

    The root of the rumor appears to be from a tip sent to CrunchGear, by a Best Buy employee. Boy Genius Report claims to have actually obtained an internal communication delivered to all retail employees at a Best Buy store in California, which said:

    “NewsFlash: ipads cannot be sold according to BBY. All ipads except for preorders MUST be held until further notice. Cant tell customers were holding them either.”

    They also shared the following statement from Best Buy, saying:

    “Best Buy continues to receive iPad 2 inventory from Apple on a regular basis. As we’ve said previously, we are fulfilling customer reservations first. Our stores have been asked to temporarily hold non-reserved iPad 2 inventory for an upcoming promotion. This is a customary practice for us when there are supply constraints. Best Buy enjoys a great partnership with Apple, and we’re delighted by customer response to iPad 2.”

    CrunchGear’s original tipster sent an alleged note from Apple COO/acting CEO Tim cook, saying, “My understanding is most of their stores sold all of their initial supply on the first night of the launch and the balance were out by the following day. I am not aware of any units being held.”

    It does seem a bit out of the norm that Cook would send such a note to some random Best Buy employee. Take from it what you will.

    There has been talk about friction between the two companies, but there’s really no concrete evidence to back up such a notion, as far as I can tell.

    iPad 2 sales have been estimated at 2.4-2.6 million for March, despite the somewhat strange lack of any official numbers from Apple.

    The iPad 2 recently went on sale in 25 more countries, beyond the U.S. RadioShack also started selling the device. It’s even received high marks from Consumer Reports, after the organization blasted the iPhone 4 (both the AT&T and Verizon versions).

  • Windows Phone 7 Rumored with NFC?

    Windows Phone 7 Rumored with NFC?

    One of the hottest technologies around is NFC.  Near Field Communication allows devices to communicate to other devices using short waves.  The reason this technology has caught fire has been its use in mobile credit card payments.  Another upcoming phone may be rolling out with full NFC capabilities.

    Last week we told you about iPhone 5 rumors that suggested NFC may be a part of the much anticipated smartphones.  Last December, the Google phone Nexus S was released with NFC capabilities, of course running on the Android OS.  Today, two anonymous sources have confirmed that the upcoming Windows Phone from Microsoft will be NFC capable.

    From Bloomberg:

    Microsoft plans to include mobile-payment technology in new versions of its operating system for smartphones as part of an effort to narrow Google Inc.’s lead in handset software, said the people, who asked to remain anonymous because the features aren’t public. The first devices boasting these features may be released this year, the people said.

    According to technological researchers Gartner Inc, mobile payments may be used in 245 billion dollars worth of transactions in 2014, up from $32 billion in 2010.  It is obvious that NFC and mobile payments is something that consumers desire.  Companies like Verifone that build POS terminals are beginning to include NFC in all new models.  Smartphones capable of providing reliable NFC might have an edge in the future market.

    According to a study by the IDC, the Windows Phone will lose handily to Android, iPhone and Blackberry in 2011.  They also suggest that with Nokia’s adoption of the Windows Phone to replace Symbian, 2015 may see Microsoft pull into second place in the market, with over 20% of the share.  Adding mobile payments to the mix may help them out even more.

     

  • Myspace to Vevo?

    Myspace to Vevo?

    There has been a lot of talk about the decline of Myspace and of possible Myspace sales and mergers. Now we have something a little more specific (though unconfirmed) to consider.

    People with knowledge of the situation say that News Corp. is in talks to give Vevo a majority stake in Myspace, according to a report from Bloomberg. “The talks are preliminary and an agreement may not be reached, said the people, who weren’t authorized to speak publicly,” reports Andy Fixmer. “Under the scenario being discussed, News Corp. would exchange the Myspace social network for a stake in a new venture, the people said. Vevo.com is one of several parties looking at Myspace, two of the people said.”

    Vevo is a joint venture among Sony, Universal, and Abu Dhabi Media. It has a partnership with Google/YouTube, in which the two share ad revenue.

    Vevo only launched in late 2009, and it is already one of the top web video properties. According to comScore‘s list of top U.S. online video properties last month, Vevo took the second spot, just behind Google Sites (in other words YouTube). While the difference in views was drastically different between those two (144,058 compared to 51,025), there’s a good chance that a significant amount of the YouTube views can actually be attributed to Vevo content, as Vevo videos appear all over the world’s largest video site. If you ever search for music videos on YouTube, there’s a good chance that you’ve watched some Vevo videos.

    With that, a Vevo-owned Myspace would seem to make a fair amount of sense. I think it’s safe to say that one of the biggest things Myspace has going for it at this point is its video content, much of which is music-oriented. A Vevo ownership would mean instantly more Myspace video views I would think. In fact, Myspace already has Vevo video content on it itself.

    For example, the band TV on the Radio premiered a new music video on MySpace, but now if you go to their MySpace page, it’s showing a Vevo-branded player for the video.

    Myspace has basically conceded to Facebook in terms of social network, choosing to become more of an entertainment hub, comparable to an MTV.com.

  • iPhone 5 Rumors: A Roundup

    iPhone 5 Rumors: A Roundup

    Update 08/19: Since the article was originally pieced together in March, there have been many rumors flying around about the device. Many of them have simply been around the release date. As of right now, it looks like it’s going to be early October, based on the latest from Boy Genius Report, who cites an AT&T Source.

    Other recent rumors include:

    Telefónica Scaling Back Stock To Make Room For iPhone 5,j a possible release with 4G LTE support, and a bigger display.

    Let me preface this by emphasizing that nothing here should be taken as fact at this point. That’s why they’re rumors. Some may be more believable or more credible than others, but a rumor is still a rumor.

    – Rumors have the iPhone 5 pegged for release sometime in the summer.

    – The iPhone 5 may not be called the iPhone 5. Michael Nace, writing for the site iPhone5NewsBlog once made some interesting points about Apple’s naming system. “First off, the ‘numbered’ iPhone models picked up their names primarily not by series, but by the network generation that they jived with,” he wrote. Think 3G/4G, etc.

    What does Apple have in store with the iPhone 5? “Second, if Apple indeed intends to release the iPhone 5 (as we euphemistically call it) too quickly in the iPhone release schedule, calling it ‘the iPhone 5’ will only further highlight how close the new iPhone will be released from the iPhone 4, thus exacerbating the perception that the iPhone 5 is a ‘make-up’ model for a flawed iPhone 4,” he wrote.

    – The iPhone 5 may not come with NFC technology. A report from the New York Times this week, says, “According to two people with knowledge of the inner workings of a coming iteration of the Apple iPhone — although not necessarily the next one — a chip made by Qualcomm for the phone’s processor will also include near-field communication technology, known as N.F.C. This technology enables short-range wireless communications between the phone and an N.F.C reader, and can be used to make mobile payments. It is unclear which version of an iPhone this technology would be built into.”

    It would seem likely that it would in fact be in the next version, but an article from The Independent recently cited “Sources at several of the largest mobile operators in the UK” as saying that Apple said in meetings that it wouldn’t include NFC in the next version of the iPhone, based on concerns about the lack of a clear standard across the industry.

    – The iPhone 5 could come to T-Mobile. Given the pending merger of AT&T and T-Mobile USA, it doesn’t seem to far-fetched that the iPhone 5 will come to T-Mobile, even if it is released for AT&T and Verizon first.

    – Recent rumors have the iPhone 5 coming with a larger screen. As we referenced in another article, The China Times reported that trial production has begun on the next iPhone, with 4 inch screens.

    – The iPhone 5 will be faster. How could this not be on the list of improvements – especially after reports of Android devices being faster? It seems fairly obvious that Apple will keep progressing in terms of speed. They did it with the iPad.

    – The iPhone 5 will be thinner and lighter. Ok, this is more speculation than rumor, based on the iPad 2 release. I don’t really have any good source of information to go on with this one, but it was certainly a major improvement for the iPad line. Why not make as similar move with the iPhone?

    – The iPhone 5 will have a built-in bumper. Apple certainly doesn’t want a repeat of antennagate. They’re going to have to do something to make sure that doesn’t happen. One way or another, the antenna issues will have to be resolved.

    – The iPhone 5 and the iPad 3 will actually be the same device, merging the two product lines into a smaller version of the iPad with a bigger screen for  iPhone users . OK, I just made that one up. Disregard.

    – Update: NowhereElse.fr has an interesting infographic of iPhone 5 rumors (via Business Insider)

    Want to spread more rumors about the iPhone 5? Feel free to do so in the comments. Sources would be helpful.

  • iPhone 5 Rumors Surface

    iPhone 5 Rumors Surface

    Speculating about unreleased Apple products can be a full time job if you want it to be.  For those who want to navigate the rumor mill, there are a couple of gems out there right now.

    According to the New York Times, information provided by unnamed insiders reveals that the next gen iPhone may in fact contain NFC technology.  Near-field Communication, as you may know, is short wave communication that allows communication between a device and a reader.  In this case, the NFC technology would allow iPhone users to swipe their phones in front of a reader, and make quick credit card payments.

    From the Times:

    One person familiar with the new Apple feature said the phone’s credit card information would be tied to information currently used on iTunes, which would make it simple for customers to set up the new mobile payment method on the iPhone. Last year, Apple hired Benjamin Vigier, an expert in the mobile payments industry who works with N.F.C. extensively. Apple has also filed patents that demonstrate how such a system would work on the iPhone.

    With some cars having iPhone apps for remote start-up, the addition of NFC could truly mean that some people could leave their house carrying nothing but an iPhone.  Apple might be rolling this out at a good time, as today NFC World confirmed that POS terminal company Verifone is building NFC into all new terminals.

    The next rumor is a bit shakier.  The China Times (translated, proceed carefully) reports today that trial production has begun on the new model iPhone, and that the test runs have 4 inch screens, a whole half an inch larger than the 3.5 inches of all previous iPhones.  If true, this might be another smart decision for Apple.  As we told you earlier today, new research confirms increased purchases of large screen phones.

  • 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. 

    Cheap iPhones Coming this summer from Apple

    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? 

  • Rumor: Google Has Eye On Local Platform SinglePlatform

    Google has reportedly been in talks with SinglePlatform, a local business content publisher network that provides hotels, restaurants, bars and PR firms with a place to manage their digital presence and gain customers.

    According to Business Insider, Google has been "sniffing around" the company, with possible (AKA: speculative) acquisition considerations. However, BI reports:

    While Google has shown interest, our source says nothing will happen until SinglePlatform is "much larger." It looks like Google wants to see SinglePlatform’s technology field tested.

    SinglePlatform’s lofty goal is to get every small business using their network. It has a few thousand signed up now and has hired sales reps nation-wide to get more.  If it succeeds, it will have a lot of information aggregated about the businesses and endless ways to use it.

    SinglePlatform in Google's sights?

    "97% of consumers now use online media when researching products or services in their local area," says SinglePlatform, explaining its purpose.  "However, only a small percentage of websites have up-to-date information. Local businesses recognize that they need to have a full digital strategy but don’t know where to start." 

    Such a product would certainly fall in line with Google’s newfound emphasis on all things local, so such an acquisition would not be entirely shocking.