Thursday, January 17, 2013

Samsung’s Galaxy SIII Mini is just mutton dressed as lamb



galaxys3 mini final 300x225 Samsung’s Galaxy SIII Mini is just mutton dressed as lamb

After a flurry of leaks and rumours over the past week Samsung have finally unveiled their latest Android handset: the Galaxy SIII Mini. Sporting a 4 inch Super AMOLED display, it’s hardly a ‘mini’ phone, but compared to its older brothers – the 4.8 inch Galaxy SIII and the 5.5 inch Galaxy Note 2 – it’s the smallest of the bunch.
The SIII Mini is obviously aimed at the budget conscious buyer looking for a new handset, the kind that might find the original Galaxy SIII a little on the pricey side, but this is far from a mini version of Samsung’s flagship phone. The mid-range Mini’s internals reflect this, with hardware more akin to the flagship Android phones from 18 months ago. The problem is, in today’s fast-paced mobile market, 18 months might as well be 18 years.
Considering the Mini is being placed alongside Samsung’s best mobile hardware to date, it does seem to dilute the quality of the lineup somewhat. The Mini is a lacklustre device not worthy of the Galaxy SIII name. The SIII Mini is basically just a re-packaged Galaxy S Advance with a software upgrade.
Inside you’ll find a dual-core 1GHz processor, 1GB RAM, five megapixel camera, 8/16 GB memory and an external SD card slot for expandability. Software wise, the Mini is running the latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system, wrapped in Samsung’s own TouchWiz skin. This is about the only feature worth getting excited about, and even that will be short lived. With hardware as dated as this, it’s unlikely that Jelly Bean will run smoothly. And as for future OS updates? You might as well forget it, this hardware will struggle – a lot.
If you’re currently on the market for a mid-range Android handset, then in my opinion you’re better off looking elsewhere. Samsung have made too many compromises this time around, which is disappointing because their latest line of Galaxy phones really have raised the bar in recent months. Even compared to the recently released iPhone 5 while HTC were forced to upgrade their  flagship One X just to keep up.
Samsung need to strip their mobile product lines down and concentrate on a few great devices, rather than dozens of handset variations that just confuse customers. They should stick with the previous generation Galaxy SII and use that as a mid-range alternative, rather than offering up this mutton dressed as lamb they’re calling the Galaxy SIII Mini.

Sprint’s iPhone 5: Projected Sales & Possible Look


It’s not official yet, but if Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5 finds a new home at Sprint (the nation’s third-largest carrier), it will prove to be a colossal success, at least according to one industry analyst.
In a recent note to investors, UBS Investment Research analyst Maynard Um speculated that if Sprint gets a green light to carry the iPhone 5, the sales could be amazing: approximately 1.2 million units. And because that estimate only covers the last few months of 2011, we’re talking about projected sales of 400,000 iPhones per month…or roughly 13,000 per day.Rumors are circulating that the upcoming iPhone 5 will be offered by three different carriers…a first for Apple.
If the Sprint deal comes to pass, it will mark a fundamental change in the way Apple does business: for the first time, the iPhone would be available for use with three different carriers. “We believe that the addition of Sprint as a carrier for iPhone is a logical extension of Apple’s strategy,” Um wrote. “The company has increasingly moved away from the exclusive-carrier model and has been using country and carrier expansion as one way to drive growth of its iPhone and iPad lines.”
Unlimited Data Deal
Sprint’s unlimited data plan would surely be a strong incentive for potential buyers/users; a recent survey of Sprint users indicated that more than half would be willing to purchase an iPhone if available with Sprint service. However, some industry voices have wondered aloud if Sprint would be able to maintain an unlimited data plan for long, because of the strong possibility that iPhone users would overload its data networks. Such has been the case for AT&T and Verizon, each of which already offers the iPhone. Both carriers have had to step away from their unlimited data plans and put tiered plans in their place.







This Chinese clone is based off leaked case designs for the iPhone 5. 
The iPhone has already proven itself to be a sales phenomenon, even in a troubled economy. During the second quarter of 2011, more than 20 million iPhones flew off store shelves. Compared with the second quarter of 2010, sales jumped almost 150 percent. Furthermore, the Q2 sales of the iPhone were almost 2 million units stronger than those of the first quarter, showing that the iPhone’s appeal is still robust and growing.


iPhone 6 features iOS 7, may not see 5S model





Although the iPhone 5 isn’t that old the rumour is Apple’s next iOS smartphone might be the iPhone 5S but as with all Apple gear that is simply speculation as no one really knows what the next iPhone will be called until the company unveils it. However despite rumours flying around that the new iPhone will be known as the iPhone 5S, another rumour points to Apple skipping straight to the iPhone 6.
As you know, Apple has historically added an ‘S’ to their devices between major generations, such as the iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4S, so one would logically think the next device to follow the iPhone 5 would be the iPhone 5S, but that might not be the case this time round.
It appears that developers are seeing new Apple hardware with an iPhone6.1 identifier with the device running Apple’s next generation operating system iOS 7. According to a report by The Next Web, the developer logs they have seen show that the apps are being tested with an IP address that originates from Apple’s Cupertino HQ in California, which suggests that the company’s software engineers and apps team are currently testing the iPhone 6 with iOS 7 aboard.
The iPhone 5 carriers the identifier iPhone5.1or iPhone5.2 depending on the LTE version and 4G bands on which it operates, so one can assume that the iPhone6.1 identifier refers to theiPhone 6 and as such it would appear that Apple might be considering delivering the iPhone 6 rather than an iPhone 5S in the middle of this year.
Unfortunately though we are not privy to any iOS 7 or iPhone 6 hardware features at this time because the developer logs didn’t reveal any so until Apple delivers the details on the next iPhone and iOS 7 it will all be speculation.
Recently the company moved their hardware release to late summer or early fall as with the iPhone 5, along with pushing their announcement in early summer to accommodate developers who attend WWDC in June.
This is not the first time a new iPhone has been shown in developer logs ahead of an official announcement of course, because the same thing happened with iOS 6 last year with references to the OS showing a month before the unveiling at WWDC.
So there you have it, it would appear that Apple is testing the iPhone 6 running iOS 7, which points to the next iPhone not being called the iPhone 5S, but as usual nothing is set in concrete when it comes to Apple devices.

Galaxy S3 vs iPhone 6 and Key Differences




While Apple fans continue to drool over the new iPhone 5, Android enthusiasts are still enjoying the many features of the phone that is the iPhone’s major rival and that is the popular and very much-loved Samsung’s Galaxy S3. Looking at things a little closer we know that both have very different operating systems, but nevertheless in some ways both handsets have some attributes in common. We will not go too deep into this as we would not want to send you off to sleep, so here is a little take on both devices, please do have a read and let us know if you prefer the iPhone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S3.
iPhone 5
Since it was launched in September, the iPhone 5 has proved to be massively popular. The phone is lighter than previous iPhones at 112g and has a four-inch screen. It comes in white as well as black, both of which have a two-tone effect on the backplate. The iPhone 5 has a more advanced form of antenna, meaning it should be nearly impossible to lose a signal. It generally increases the power of GPS lock-on and also improves the call connection.
The headphone jack is now located on the bottom of the phone and a new Lightning port has been added, plus the phone is thinner and more compact than its predecessors. The iPhone functions over 2G, 3G and 4G networks and has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB capability. The primary camera is 8MP and the secondary 1.2MP, and the phone can record video and images simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy S3
Much admired since its release in May, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been the top selling smartphone until now, with 10 million handsets sold in less than two months. This is also a thinner and reasonably lightweight phone at 131g, however the casing has a somewhat plastic feel. Samsung Galaxy S3 has a larger screen than the iPhone at 4.8 inches. It comes in either grey or black and supports SD cards; users can output HD content to a television set via an HDMI cable.
Samsung Galaxy S3 functions over 2G, 3G and 4G networks and has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC and USB capability. The primary camera is 8MP and the secondary 1.9MP, and the phone can record video and images simultaneously.
Key differences
The iPhone 5 is lighter and slimmer than the Samsung Gallery S3, however, it has a smaller display area, although the resolution is higher quality at 326 ppi compared to Samsung’s 306 ppi. The Samsung Galaxy S3 is not as comfortable in the hand as the iPhone 5, although it has particularly good battery life with up to 16 hours talk time compared with the iPhone 5, which offers up to 8 hours talk time.
One important difference between Samsung phones and iPhones generally is that people who have bought earlier iPhone versions, such as an iPhone 4 or 4S, can use iPhone 4 unlock to search for better network deals, to save mobile roaming rates when abroad, or simply to insert a different sim card in their handset.
Fit for purpose
Both phones have natural language commands and dictation, active noise cancellation with a dedicated microphone, TV-out capacity, voice memo/dial/commands and a good selection of apps. Samsung Galaxy S3 may be particularly suitable for work use as it features Dropbox (50 GB storage), Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF), Calendar plus Google Search, Maps and Gmail. The Apple iPhone 5 may be a better bet for social networking as it has Twitterand Facebook integration and good storage capabilities via the iCloud cloud service. The iPhone 5 Maps feature, however, has failed to impress and Apple have promised a complete overhaul of the map software.
We use the iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 and we love botboth of them and cannot sit here and choose one over the other, can you?

T-Mobile iPhone release to attract USA customers




I’m sure everyone knows that over in the good old US of A T-mobile USA doesn’t currently offer the iPhone, but that is soon to change as the carrier has struck a deal with Apple to finally bring their iOS smartphone to their customers. T-Mobile did say late last year that the iPhone would be coming to their network, but the word is it will arriver sooner than later.
According to a report by Reuters, Deutsche Telekom chief exec John Legere has stated that T-Mobile USA will be offering the iPhone in roughly three to four months time to coincide with the carrier’s plan to eliminate handset subsidies.
Legere wouldn’t elaborate on the details of their agreement with Apple, but whilst at CES 2013 in Las Vegas did say that their iOS smartphone and subsidy elimination is coming in 3 to 4 months rather than 6 to 9 months time.
T-Mobile USA’s plan to get rid of handset subsidies this year is to offer customers better flexibility along with lower service prices, whilst the carrier hopes to attract customers from rivals Verizon and AT&T by combining removing subsidies and offering the iPhone that will be a first for the US wireless industry.
Legere also stated that he could possibly up the carrier’s market share by five percent or more from larger rivals that still rely on subsidising handsets giving the customer a discount for committing to a two-year agreement, and remarked that if the old industry infrastructure ignores what the carrier is doing that is a potential.
T-Mobile is currently trying to gain regulatory approval for their merger with MetroPCS, the exec has said that it might not stop there, and he might explore a partnership with Dish Network Corp or possibly with Leap Wireless International Inc.
Analysts have previously said that Leap and MetroPCS networks would go well together, whilst they have also remarked that they see T-Mobile USA or Sprint Nextel Corp as the most likely to partner Dish.
As for Leap, Legere has said that the smaller rival is one of those things that makes sense for them to look at, and although he isn’t in any talks with Dish at the moment, when he was asked if he would consider a partnership with Dish, he said yes.
So there you have it, if you are waiting for the iPhone to arrive on T-Mobile USA you still have a few more months to wait, but what do our US readers think about T-Mobile USA ditching subsidies, a good or bad idea?

iPhone 6 with 4.8-inch Retina+ IGZO & A7 quad-core




As we near the end of one year our attention is drawn to the smartphones and tablets that will come out next year. We have already started talking about the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 and just after we told how an analyst spoke about what we might see on the iPhone 5 the same analyst has also spoken about the iPhone 6 and how different prototypes give some hints about what to expect.
Until now we have wondered whether the next iPhone will be the iPhone 5S or whether it will possibly skip to the iPhone 6 but reports over the last few days now suggest that there will indeed be both. A couple of days ago we told how well known Jefferies analyst Peter Misek had made some claims about the iPhone 5S including a return back to summer releases of iPhones. He told how it was likely to tie in with WWDC in a June or July 2013 release and also his beliefs that it may come in 6 to 8 color options and more.
Peter Misek has also spoken about the iPhone 6 and the fact that several prototypes are “floating around,” according to Business Insider. One model is described as having a 4.8-inch display, which we find interesting particularly as we recently wrote about whether Apple’sdisplay size path for the iPhone 5S or 6 will be similar to Samsung’s, with larger displays evident on each reiteration of a popular device.
After increasing from a 3.5-inch display to a 4-inch display on the iPhone 5 the fact that a prototype iPhone 6 with a 4.8-inch screen has been produced shows that Apple is at least considering increasing the display size once again. Maybe the iPhone 5S will arrive with a display between the sizes of 4-inches and 4.8-inches?
As well as this, Misek also claims that there is a Retina+ IGZO display on the same 4.8-inch display prototype as well as an Apple A7 quad-core processor. Other inclusions Misek thinks may be included are full gesture control and a new design, which we think many would like to see. There’s also the likelihood that the much-debated home button will be removed, which often divides opinion.
Of course we must stress that these are the claims of one analyst and for now we should take them lightly. However Misek is well respected and it’s not surprising that Apple is producing different prototypes for the iPhone 6, all of which are likely to be quite different. It’s interesting stuff though and leads us to ask the question of what you would like to see on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6? Do you think Misek’s claims will turn out to be accurate? What would you feel about a return to a summer release for the next iPhone? Let us know with your comments.

New 4G LTE iPhone 5 with iOS 6 from Apple


Apple today introduced the new iPhone 5, along with updated iOS 6 operating system software.  The display has been enlarged to a 4 inch screen, and of course it's the amazing Retina Display so everything on your new iPhone will look even better.  
While the new iPhone 5 display is bigger, the device itself has been made taller, instead of wider - meaning it will still be easy to select icons onscreen, and start apps and games with just one hand.

iPhone 5 now supports LTE for blazing fast downloads of up to 100 Mbps, as well as an improvement in Wi-Fi connectivity with dual-band wireless N for up to 150 Mbps so that everything; including YouTube videos, Hulu, Farmville on Facebook and of course, This tech website will help you "get your download on" even quicker.

It's thin and light, and such a sight

Just when you thought they couldn't shave any more weight off the new iPhone, Apple announces the new iPhone 5 is 20 % lighter, making it far easier to hold in your hand for those marathon phone conversations with your favorite Aunt, and 18 % thinner at a svelte 7.6 millimeters.  With the iPhone 5 - at just 112 grams - thin really is in.

No mobile phone is as beautiful as the iPhone, and the new iPhone 5 blows away all the others with a stunning new design that would make Steve Jobs proud.  Apple has done it again.

The new A6 chip

Apple didn't stop at just the display, and faster downloads - they also added a new quad-core processer: the A6, making the entire phone up to double the speed of the iPhone 4S (which was no slouch by the way) with  improved graphics to make for snappier games and apps, while also providing long battery life for the iPhone 5:

  • 8 hours browsing the web on LTE - you can now browse MacToTheFuture all day long
  • 8 hours of  talk time chatting with your friends about Kim Kardashian
  • 10 hours video playback time - you can now watch even more funny cat videos on YouTube

Bigger iPhone, at a great price

So how much will this new puppy set you back? well, it depends on the size.  Starting at $199 for the 16 GB iPhone 5, $299 for the 32 GB, and $399 for the massive 64 GB allowing you to store more movies, apps, games and even Call of Duty gameplay videos from YouTube.


Will you order the iPhone 5?

Image Credit: Apple

iPhone 5 And iOS 6 User Guide Now Available To Download Via Apple


Whenever we get a new electronic device – particularly one as exciting as the iPhone 5 – our better judgment tells us always to at least heed some of the instructions, but rarely – in fact, hardly ever – does anybody look through any of the literature accompanying their purchase. Although we’ll happily part with hundreds (or even thousands) of our hard-earned dollars in exchange for the gizmo, will we take an hour or two to read about important features, tips, and safe usage methods? No way! After all, we all know how to use an iPhone, right?
Such is the ignorance of many so-called techies (myself most certainly included), that many of us miss some of the intuitive little features and quirks of an OS or device for months and months. In fact, I’d be willing to stake big that many iOS 5 users happily trotted along without knowing about the tap + hold for song description, or swipe to delete individual songs within the Music app, and so on.
Apple may be, in part, responsible for the lack of reading carried out by users, for when one purchases a new iPhone, inside the box there’s only a simple pamphlet entitled ‘Fingertips,’ which offers a short run-through of the very basic features to get you up and running. In order to learn about your device inside out, though, you have to go digging, and often, the user guide is available to view online for those interested.
That same tactic has been deployed here, and if you want to gather a more in-depth insight toward your iPhone 5 and / or iOS 6, then you’ll be pleased to know Apple has published the user guide over on its official site, and you can view it right here.
iPhone 5 overview
I would advise most – even those having used iOS and iPhone since it was known as iPhone OS and the year 2007 – to check out the full-on guide. Even if you feel like you’re a seasoned veteran at using the iPhone, you owe it to yourself – after an expensive purchase to ensure you get the very most out of it.
You never know, you might come across one or two new features you otherwise would have missed!
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Wednesday, January 16, 2013

New iPhone (5,1) Codenamed N42 Confirms Redesigned Device, Will Launched At iPhone 4S Price Points

Next year, another new iPhone arrives from Apple, expected to to unveil on September 12th is codenamed N42 and will be released at the price same as the iPhone 4S, a redesigned iPhone as industry insiders all-but confirms. The amount of hype, rumor and speculation always seems to increase with every new release. With only five days to go until at the Yerba Buena Center, we have a relatively good thinking of what to expect, though quite a few features still remain up in the air.
Regarding to the pricing, some reports have suggested that the next iPhone will increase in price over the iPhone 4S, while 9to5Mac has suggested the upcoming Apple iOS smartphone will retail the same current price bracket as the 4S. New iPhone’s one or two basic version will sit at 32GB, which been discussed many times, with a most expensive packaging a boasting 128GB, but sources out there claims the next-gen iPhone will keep the same storage brackets as the iPhone 4S.

According to 9to5Mac’s tipsters, the next iPhone, codenamed “N42″, will be unveiled at next week’s event on September 12th. The N42 is confirmed as having the 1136×640, 4-inch display, and interestingly, Apple was also working on a parallel iPhone 5 codenamed which packed in the NFC capabilities with over past couple of months, and now we’ve accepted will not be a feature of the N42, or the retail mversion of the next-generation iPhone.
The sources also revealed the part codes matrix at a well-known US retail company suggest the prices will remain the same as the iPhone 4S, and also suggesting the storage configurations will remain the same, and pre-orders if the device are set to begin shortly after next weel’s new iPhone announcement, as it often the case. Check that below:
Here is the part codes matrix for the new iPhone launch from a source at a well-known U.S. retail chain: N42A-USA -$199, N42B-USA-$199, N42A-USA-$299, N42B-USA-$299, N42A-USA-$399, N42B-USA-$399. A + B signify black and white.

We’ve to wait until Apple’s official announcement, but said that already prepared a glut of new accessories ready for the iPhone 5 device, though details on what this entails remain scarce.

iPhone 5 demand abates, prompts cheaper or sooner theories



It seems rather strange that only a few weeks ago we were informing readers that supplies had finally caught up with demand for the Apple iPhone 5. After being in short supply since its September release it finally became possible to order one online for immediate shipping. Now it seems not only has Apple caught up with demand for the iPhone 5 but also that the demand is abating, so much so that Apple is cutting component supplies, in some instances by approximately half. This is further prompting previous theory that a cheaper iPhone model may be on the way or that the next iPhone may be appearing sooner.
According to a new report regarding Apple’s January to March quarter, the company has reduced its orders for 4-inch iPhone 5 displays by “roughly half” while also instigating a drawdown on orders for other components. This is added to by news from Japan that fewer Apple orders means that Japanese LCD component suppliers are seeking alternative business. The current iPhone 5 Retina displays are sourced from Japan Display and Sharp as well as LG Display of South Korea.
Although it appears odd that after finally catching up with demand, it should have fallen so rapidly that iPhone 5 component orders are being halved, one theory behind the decline in demand involves rumors of a less expensive iPhone being introduced this year. It’s possible of course that consumers hearing of this speculation may have deferred their purchase of the iPhone 5 but we’re surprised that it would affect desire for the phone so much that component orders have been so drastically cut. Another possibility could be that more and more customers are turning towards smartphones using the Android platform.



We also told recently though how an
are now being strongly rumored for a March release, much earlier than many anticipated. This conjecture comes from more than one respected analyst and so maybe potential iPhone customers are now wary of purchasing the current iPhone in case a new one is just about to emerge. Although the current iPhone launch pattern is for a fall release we have recently heard that Apple could be reverting to its previous summer launches of the iPhone to tie in with WWDC. However although this means it may arrive in summer rather than fall we don’t imagine it would appear any earlier than June, although of course anything is possible.
We’d like to hear your ideas regarding the weakened demand for the iPhone 5. Do you think people are holding back to see if a cheaper iPhone will release? Maybe you feel that some consumers may be hoping for an earlier than anticipated release of the  or   Perhaps it’s simply that more consumers are turning to Android smartphones? Let us know with your comments.

iPhone 5 Rokshield v3 iP5 Case & RokDock Station



The CES 2013 event finished a few days ago and we saw a number of products from a variety of manufacturers that can enhance our smartphones or tablets PCs. These ranged from cases to other clever ideas to help us get the most out of our mobile devices. Today for owners of the Apple iPhone 5 we have the Rokshield v3 case and RokDock Station.
First up is the RokDock that can be seen below that offers users a heavyweight charging station that is manufactured from a solid piece of aircraft grade aluminium. The product weighs over 3 pounds that makes it ideal for removing your smartphone from the product using one hand without it moving.
The device is available in variety of colours and it is CNC machined and assembled by hand in the US, and other features include an adjustable rubber insert that allows the use of an iPhone 5 while being used inside almost any case. There is also anti slip grips on the bottom of the RokDock that prevents it from moving on hard services, and is available here for $99

Budget Plastic iPhone release we do not believe

There seem to be growing mutterings about the possibility of Apple bringing out a cheaper iPhone and although at first this seemed plausible the latest reports suggest such a phone may be an all- plastic iPhone release. This is something we’re beginning to find faintly ridiculous and frankly do not believe, although we may be sticking our necks on the line saying this. The idea of a lower-cost iPhone is one thing and we’ve been hearing speculation on this for many moons, but a plastic iPhone sounds simply preposterous and we here at Phones Review feel there is more chance of Apple putting an Android OS on the iPhone than this.
We have recently discussed Apple shares plunging and weakening demand for the iPhone 5 and one of the theories for this lesser demand concerned rumors being bandied about regarding a cheaper iPhone. We first heard rumblings about a cheaper iPhone last week and told how well known Taiwanese source DigiTimes and even the WSJ were reporting on this and how they stated not that it was just rumors but that Apple was indeed already working on it. While DigiTimes has a mixed record of accuracy on Apple product leaks the fact that the WSJ also backed this up comprehensively meant the news soon became widespread.
Further to this Bloomberg also corroborated these reports and so it does seem likely that a cheaper iPhone may appear at some stage. Now though, DigiTimes has come up with some further details on a budget iPhone saying that as well as considering mixed plastic and metal chassis for the phone, Apple is also toying with the idea of an all-plastic design. The story also talks of a see-through design and also that the cheaper iPhone could release in the second half of this year. While we can believe a lot of things at Phones Review we simply cannot believe that Apple will use cheap plastic for the design of ANY of its new products, let alone the iconic iPhone, whether it’s supposed to be a budget version or not.

Why would Apple, renowned for the sheer quality of its products including design and build materials, take several steps backwards to the 3G and 3GS styling and use a plastic design? It seems to us that there’s simply no way that Apple would risk its reputation for quality in this way. At a time when shares are down it would be madness for the company to do this and would only do damage to Apple. The idea of a cheap, plastic iPhone is contrary to everything that Apple stands for and frankly we find the whole idea plain silly. A less expensive iPhone…possibly, but all-plastic no.
We simply cannot contemplate an all-plastic iPhone and doubt very much that smartphone buyers would ever want that either, even if it made one more affordable. However we’re really interested to hear your views on this. Do you think a cheaper iPhone may be launched this year? If so do you imagine for one moment that it will have an all-plastic design? Would you consider purchasing a plastic iPhone? We’re intrigued to find out so let us have your comments on this.

Apple shares plunge leaving iPhone demand weakening



Apple shares have taken a drop on last years report and today we can see the shares running at $491.83, which is -9.92‎ (-1.98%) – This could all be down to weak demand after Apple slashed its iPhone 5 spare part orders, of course there could be a number of reasons but this is one that sticks out more than most.
Last year around this time Apple was way up at around $700 so to see the giant’s drop below the $500 share price drop is huge, Apple planned to do very well with the iPhone and we cannot say they haven’t but after the company’s orders for iPhone 5 screens dropped by half of what was planned could be a big factor why shares have plummeted by $200 in one year.
Is this the case of Android stepping up its game and hurting Apple? Approximate figures of around 70 to 75% for Android smartphone shipments in the three months ending in September period could be another reason why Apple is falling; in 2011 the same period saw Android shipments at around 58%.
These Number Shown Here Will Change – Last Time We Looked at Time Of Screenshot

Samsung and Google as well as the Android operating system has seen a massive increase over the last year, and with Samsung taking over Apple as one of the largest smartphone suppliers by market share has seen a 50 percent unit increase. The last time we here at Phones Review looked at figures we have seen a massive increase for Google with over 500 million Android devices activated in the last four years, Apple sold around 270 million iPhones since the end September 2011 when they started back in 2007.
Apple shares could be dropping due to the company’s iPhone releases, they went from the iPhone 4 to the 4S and then from the 4S and these were not major changes and then it went to the iPhone 5, so the next obvious release will be the 5S. We have the iPhone 5 and have had nothing but problems with WiFi even after the latest update, the chips the 5 is facing is totally rubbish and deplorable that many have spent a lot of money only to see their smartphone get damaged from no cause of their own. We have to admit we have been using the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 a lot more than the iPhone 5 when indoors.

iPhone 5 iGlaze Kameleon case with kickstand

                                                        

There are some great accessories around at the moment for the multitude of smartphones and tablets on the market and today we have some details about an iGlaze Kameleon case with kickstand for the iPhone 5 that comes in black or white color options from Moshi. This is one for those of you who like a touch of quality as it’s a premium case for the discerning iPhone user.
As you can see from these images this not only protects the device but is also very attractive and sleek-looking. The iGlaze Kameleon case is a hardshell case that enables all the necessary function buttons of the iPhone 5, as well as camera and ports to remain accessible. The user can view in either portrait or landscape mode with the integrated aluminum kickstand, always handy when you want your hands free for a while.
The iGlaze Kameleon is made from a polycarbonate frame that is highly robust and has a vegan leather backplate, shielding your iPhone 5 from the normal bumps and scrapes of everyday life. To fit the case the user needs to tilt the phone at an angle and align the left hand side of the device to fit with the opening for the phone’s buttons. Then it’s simply a case (excuse the pun!) of lowering the right hand side of the phone and applying pressure until it clicks into place.

Skinny iPhone 5 uNu DX 2300mAh battery case


There is a huge variety of cases that can be used to protect the smartphones we use today, but not everyone wants to cover up that stylish looking device. There are some cases though that offer that little bit more than just protecting a smartphone device, and today we have the skinny iPhone 5 uNu DX 2300 mAH battery case.
This new model follows on from the company’s hugely popular battery cases for the iPhone 4S, and offers owners of the iPhone 5 a true 100 percent boast in battery power. The case features a sleek design with a minimal 15mm thickness that will still protect the device when in place.
It features a useful 2,300 mAh battery unit that adds an extra 100 percent battery power to the Apple iPhone 5, which works out at an extra ten hours of talk time. The case features a redesigned charging circuit that is optimized to charge the handset at 1A/5W speed, which is double the speed of previous cases.
The case supports both charging and synchronization of the smartphone via the product, and turns the lightning port on the handset to the more commonly used microUSB port that is found on the DX case. This will allow owners to make use of their already owned charging cables and docking accessories.

T-Mobile USA & iPhone, only if price is right

In the smartphone industry one of the most glaring omissions is that T-Mobile is not a carrier of the Apple iPhone in the US. It has been long-debated whether T-Mobile will one day join the other major US carriers, AT&T Verizon and Sprint in offering the iPhone and the latest news is that T-Mobile still covets the iPhone, but only if the price is right. For now it seems that T-Mobile will have to continue to rely on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S3, the Galaxy Note 2 and Google Nexus 4 in a bid to stay in the game.
Many readers will know that AT&T originally had exclusivity of the iPhone and then in 2011 Verizon joined the fun with a CDMA version of the iPhone 4. Following that in late 2011 Sprint made a huge four-year $15.5 billion deal with Apple to also carry the iPhone and although the carrier hopes this will eventually pay off, it has already acknowledged that it’s device subsidy costs have been significantly driven up. It seems that T-Mobile is keen to avoid the same kind of deal, whilst at the same time acknowledging that is has been harmed by not carrying the iPhone. Back in October we reported on speculation that T-Mobile may begin offering the iPhone 5 in early 2013 but news today makes that seem less plausible.
At the Morgan Stanley 12th Annual Technology, Media and Telecoms Conference in Barcelona, T-Mobile USA COO Jim Alling said that although they would love to offer the iPhone, “we want the economies to be right for us,” according to FierceWireless. Although Alling did not directly mention Sprint he did refer to a competitor that recently signed a deal with Apple and would not see a profit from it until 2015, saying that T-Mobile USA would not be signing a similar deal. Acknowledging T-Mobile’s lack of the iPhone though, Alling also conceded, “we recognize that it has been a point of churn for us.”


Alling and other T-Mobile executives also acknowledged that the arrival of the LTE iPhone 5 in September had a negative impact on its business for the third quarter and was likely to also do some damage for the fourth quarter of 2012. However, it was also detailed that around 1.5 million unlocked iPhones now use the T-Mobile network and its SIM-only Value Plans and it’s anticipated that this number will rise with developments to fully utilize HSPA+ at 1900 MHz under its network modernization plans.
T-Mobile USA has made it clear then that although it’s still very keen to carry the iPhone it won’t make what it feels to be unnecessary sacrifices in order to do so. It will be interesting to see what happens next with this but it certainly feels like something that could drag on for some time yet. We’d like to know what readers think about this. Do you think T-Mobile should make almost any necessary investment to carry the iPhone? Maybe you think that the carrier is right to hold back for a deal at the right price? Let us have your comments on this.

Apple iphone 5 Price in USA | Features and Specifications

Apple iPhone 5 Apple iphone 5 Price in USA | Features and Specifications
 
Mobile Phone: Apple iphone 5
iphone 5 Features:
Apple’s iPhone 5 will support HSPA+ mobile broadband technology, which could let it reach download speeds of up to 21 Mbps. Apple does not reveal the exact specifications and features until the device is officially unveiled, we could dictate some of the main features that are expected.
  • Here are some of the other features that we can expect from the iPhone 5:
  • · Face Recognition Security
  • · 4G/LTE support – According the AT&T documents leaked by LulzSec, the Apple iPhone 5 will offer 4G and will be LTE (Long Term Evolution) network compatible. LTE is a project of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and is the latest standard in the mobile network technology.
  • · A new, sleeker body design
  • · OLED screen
  • · Scratch proof and shatter proof screen
  • · Wireless sync with iTunes
  • · Extended battery life
  • · Flash support
  • · SIM-Less Phone – According to International Business Times, it is rumoured that the iPhone 5 will feature a new SIM-less design with 2 to 3 internal antennas for CDMA and GSM compatibility, which will make it a “worldphone”.
  • · Physical Keyboard
  • · Increased Ram (from 512MB to 1GB)
  • · New Multi-tasking Look
  • · HD Audio
  • · Built In GPS
 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Google Nexus 10 Vs Apple IPad 4

nexus 10 vs ipad 4

Ever since Apple introduced the original iPad back in 2010, the Android ecosystem has been constantly attempting to imitate its success. However, despite the enthusiasm with which Android manufacturers have announced tablet devices of their own in 2010 (at the time, the entire industry seemed to be affected by a tablet frenzy virus of some sort), only a few of them have managed to escape the “failure” stigma. 2011 was not a great year for Android tablets either, despite the fact that Google had launched its first tablet version of Android 3.0 Honeycomb. (The Motorola Xoom has Nexus status when it comes to new OS updates from Google.)

Fortunately for Android fans though, 2012 has been a great year for Android tablets: first there was the avalanche of Nvidia Tegra 3 Android 4.0 tablets (the first Android version to unify both the tablet and the smartphone version of our favorite OS) that launched in the first part of the current year (the ASUS Transformer Prime gets a noteworthy mention here). This was the first batch of Android tablets that did not suck big time.
Fast forward to July 2012 and we reach a crucial point for the Android tablet market: the launch of the first Google Nexus tablet, the Nexus 7. To date, the Nexus 7 is the most successful Android tablet to have ever reached the market. ASUS says that Nexus 7 units are currently shipping at a rate of roughly 1 million per month – not exactly a number that can take on the iPad, but definitely a sign that consumers are now willing to buy Android tablets as long as they are priced aggressively.
But despite the commercial success of the Nexus 7 tablet, Apple’s iPads were not threatened at all, since the Nexus 7 is a budget 7-inch tablet, while the iPad aims for the top-end segment of the market. Fast forward a few extra months and now we witness the launch of the Google Nexus 10, the most powerful Android tablet to have ever reached the market, and a genuine Apple iPad competitor.
But is this Android tablet able to take on the latest version of the iPad (4) on the latter’s home ground? Read on and find out!

Display

When Apple introduced the iPad 3 with a Retina display, plenty agreed that the new (now old) iPad featured the best tablet display ever, with the iPad 2 display coming in at a distant second. The slight update that Apple names “the iPad 4” comes with that same display: a 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS TFT panel working to power 2048 x 1536 pixels at a 264 PPI (Pixel Per Inch) density.
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As the resolution clearly denotes, the Apple iPad 4 uses the same 4:3 aspect ratio as all the other members in the iPad family, a sort of trademark for the Apple iPad line. Although only crazy people can claim that the display on the iPad 4 is not absolutely wonderful, there’s a new boss in town!
Yep, we’re talking about the Google Samsung Nexus 10 and its 10.055-inch display running a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution. Simple math gives us a PPI ratio of 299. Now, given that Apple heavily markets the Retina iPad display as the crispest display around, it is very pleasant to see that the Nexus 10 features a display that offers an even higher PPI ratio than its direct competitor, as it will surely instigate other Android tablet manufacturers to equip their high-end tablets with displays of higher quality.
Although there are other things to praise about the Nexus 10, the extra high resolution display is probably its best selling point. As expected, one of Google’s marketing efforts for the Nexus 10 aims to prove that the display on the Nexus 10 is actually so crisp that it offers print-like quality when reading magazines.
Early reports claim that the actual difference when reading text is not easily distinguishable between the Nexus 10 and the Nexus 7, although there are some who give credit to the Nexus 10. Now, we’re unable to judge before we get the Nexus 10 in our hands, but it should be mentioned that some early reviewers claim that the iPad 4 has better contrast, black levels and viewing angles than the Nexus 10, while the latter has the advantage in the (few) games that have been updated to make use of the high resolution display. The number of apps that are optimized for such high tablet display resolutions will be discussed later in this article since it has nothing really to do with the display itself.
Verdict: Draw – The Nexus 10 might have a crisper display, but the iPad 4 has better contrast and wider viewing angles.
nexus-10

Build Quality & Design

When it comes to the design of our two contenders, things really leave the impression that they could not have been any different than they are right now. The Apple iPad 4 and the Google Nexus 10 look to be designed with different philosophies in mind. While the unibody aluminum frame of the iPad 4 gives the Apple tablet some sort of shiny, classy look, much like a very expensive watch, the Nexus 10 is designed to look and feel like a toy (remember that Google markets Android apps and content in a “Play Store”), a gadget that you can pass around the house for everyone to take their shots at besting your record in Fruit Ninja.
ipad-4-5316
As far as build quality is concerned, the iPad 4 isn’t the sturdiest tablet out there (but not too easy to break either) as the aluminum will easily scratch after some time of intense (or sloppy) usage, while the Nexus 10 looks like it can sustain a bit of damage without manifesting unpleasant exterior signs. The rubbery material that Samsung has used is obviously reminiscent of the rubbery back of the Nexus 7. Bezel width doesn’t seem to be important in the Google tablet design philosophy, although I’m sure some prefer the narrower bezel on the iPad 4.
On to exact dimensions, the Google Nexus 10 measures 263.8 x 177.8 x 8.9 mm (10.39 x 7.00 x 0.35 in) and weighs 603g (1.33lb), while the Apple iPad 4 measures 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm (9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37 in) and weighs in at 662g (1.46lb). Due to the difference in screen size as well as that of aspect ratios between the two contenders, the Nexus 10 is considerably taller but a little narrower.
nexus 10
The difference in weight – 60 grams might seem negligible, but some argue that 600 grams is already too much to comfortably use for a long period of time (as in watching movies or reading). The 0.5mm in thickness should be neglected as it will not affect the overall experience at all.

Hardware

As most iPad 3 fans already know (just in case you missed it, that was a burn) the iPad 4 features the spanking new Apple A6X SoC, one that packages together a 1.4GHz dual-core (Swift) processor and a quad-core PowerVR SGX 554MP4 GPU from Imagination Technologies. Apple has been cheap and has equipped the iPad 4 with 1GB of RAM although the current standard for high-end devices points towards 2GB of RAM. In all fairness though, you probably won’t know the difference.
When it comes to raw computing power, the iPad line has always featured the best CPU and GPU at the time of its launch. Just to give this segment a bit of context, you should remember that the iPad 3 featured a CPU and GPU that still trashes (in benchmarks) the entire Android ecosystem. When Apple announced that the only major improvement that the fourth generation iPad brings is a CPU / GPU combination that offers twice the raw power of the previous platform (the iPad 3 used the Apple A5X SoC), Apple seemed to distance itself even further. However, the Samsung Exynos 5 Dual SoC seems to be a real competitor for the newly released Apple A6X.
If you want a detailed analysis, go and read this article here from Anandtech, but what you should know in short is that the Exynos 5 Dual packages together a 1.7GHz dual-core ARM A15 processor and ARM’s new Mali-T604 (the 2012 Samsung Chromebook is also based on this SoC). Benchmarks scores show that the Nexus 10 has the fastest processor and GPU available on any Android device, ever. CPU benchmarks place the Nexus 10 right next to the iPad 4. GPU benchmarks prove that while the ARM Mali T604 is better than what the Android world know this far, no mobile graphical unit can rival the PowerVR SGX 554MP4 GPU so far.
ipad 4 nexus 10 benchmark
Regarding the amount of RAM memory available on these two tabs, the iPad 4 features 1GB, while the Nexus 10 comes equipped with 2GB of RAM.
The Apple iPad 4 comes in three models depending on the amount of internal storage: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, with no option to expand this storage via a microSD card slot. The Samsung/Google Nexus 10 comes in 32GB and 64GB variants, also lacking a microSD expansion slot.
One area where the Apple iPad 4 has a clear advantage over the Nexus 10 is the connectivity segment: while the Google Nexus 10 comes only in Wi-Fi only versions, Apple’s latest tab features 3G and LTE support. Like with the Nexus 7, Google will probably add a 3G version in the following months, but for the moment, the lack of a Nexus 10 with 3G connectivity is considered a minus by plenty of people.
As far as cameras go, the Apple iPad 4 uses a 5MP primary camera and a 1.2MP secondary camera, while the Google Nexus 10 uses a combo of 5MP and 1.9 MP cameras. Do not expect image quality to be extraordinary, but just enough for your basic point and shoot needs.
Probably a needed feature thanks to its ultra high resolution, the Google Nexus 10 is the only tablet than gets close to the huge battery capacity inside the Apple iPad 4. The Nexus 10 uses a 9,000mAh battery, while the Apple iPad 4 uses a 11,560mAh battery. Expect both these tablets to make it trough an entire day of moderate usage.
Image credit: HotHardware
Pricing is hardly an internal component, but it’s important to know the price difference between these two tabs. The Google Nexus 10 costs $399 in its 16GB variant and $449 in its 32GB variant. As mentioned earlier, both versions are Wi-Fi only. On the other hand, the Wi-Fi only versions of the Apple iPad 4 cost $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. LTE connectivity costs an extra $130 for each version, meaning that the 16GB LTE-capable iPad 4 costs $629, and so on.
Verdict: The Nexus 10 gets close to the iPad 4, but the latter is the tablet with the best internal hardware out there

OS And Ecosystem

In the Android corner, the Google Nexus 10 uses the latest version of the Android OS 4.2 Jelly Bean. In the Apple corner, the iPad 4 runs on iOS 6.
Android 4.2 comes with plenty of features that are especially interesting on a tablet (multiple users being a personal favorite of mine), the thing to remember is that the featured capabilities of the operating system are just one half of the overall user experience pie. And, although I prefer Android 4.2 Jelly Bean over iOS 6 as a tablet operating system, Apple’s iPad 4 and App Store present a very polished experience for consumers and a huge variety of tablet-optimized apps.
The number and quality of Android apps that work well on a tablet is currently increasing exponentially (probably given the success of the Nexus 7), and it looks like Google is seriously trying to entice Android developers into designing better Android apps. Unfortunately for us Android fans, the Apple iPad 4 still offers way more tablet-optimized apps.
Verdict: I love Android, but the iPad 4 has a very mature app ecosystem with many more apps optimized for usage on the iPad.
ipad-4-5324



Conclusion

Android is not ready to dethrone the iPad, but the Nexus 10 is more than just a consumer-oriented tablet. While the iPad 4 perfects the Apple recipe, the Nexus 10 feels like Google’s way of saying “developers, what are you waiting for?”. Android now has the hardware and the global reach to offer an experience that’s at least on par with that of the iPad’s, and with Google expected to sell loads of Nexus 10 tablets during this holiday season, it is starting to gain enough inertia to entice developers into developing Android tablet apps.
If you’re looking for the best Android tablet out there (and a decently priced one at that), the Google Nexus 10 is the only way to go. On the other hand, if you don’t prefer Android’s open source nature over Apple’s walled garden approach and all you really want is the best overall tablet out there, the Apple iPad 4 is the tablet you should buy. It never got this close, but the pricier iPad 4 wins this battle!
And how about you? Is it going to be the Nexus 10 or Apple’s latest iPad?

Apple iPad 4 (late 2013) review

 Apple iPad 4 (late 2012). Tablets, iPad, Apple 4


Nope there isn't. Which is why if you look at the Pocket-lint Award nominations for tablets and smartphones, Apple is nominated once in each category.
Best tablet: Nexus 7, iPad mini, Microsoft Surface RT, Asus Transformer Pad Infinity, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Best mobile phone: iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One X+, Nokia Lumia 820, Samsung Galaxy Note 2
If we were so Apple bias, we would have surely put the iPad 3 and the iPad 4 in the best tablet category, and left out the Nokia 820 for Best phone.

iPad 4: Das neue iPad mit Retina-Display im Unboxing


Das neue iPad 4 ist gerade einmal etwa ein halbes Jahr nach der Vorstellung des Vorgängers auf den Markt gekommen – Besitzer eines iPad 3 dürfte das übel aufgestoßen sein. Äußerlich hat sich aber fast nichts getan, technisch ist da schon mehr zu bemerken. Wir haben das Gerät ausgepackt und präsentieren es in einem Unboxing.

iPad 4 and iPad Mini Available Now with LTE Data Plans from Sprint and AT&T [PHOTOS]


Proud owners of the 4th generation iPad (iPad 4) and iPad Mini can now connect to the internet without any available Wi-Fi; with a data plan, that is. As promised, Apple’s latest tablets are now available for purchase with LTE connectivity and will ship to buyers for free in two weeks if bought from Apple’s website. If you don’t feel like waiting, however, don’t worry. Sprint and AT&T both announced this morning that the two carriers will have the iPad 4 and iPad Mini SKUs available in stores today.
Those interested in purchasing either iPad today should hurry. Sprint stressed that supplies are extremely limited and likely will be at AT&T as well.
iPad Mini Pics
 
                            
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iPad Mini
Sprint’s data plans are available with no contract allowing users to opt out whenever they want. Conversely, AT&T’s packages come in month-to-month or a 2-year deals.
The burning question for the Apple faithful is how much LTE is going to cost. Both iPads already cost a pretty penny and, at first glance, look severely overpriced when  to Google’s comparable and cheaper Nexus 7 tablet.
Sprint is offering four data plans. For $14.99/month, users get 300MB of data; for 3GB goes for $34.99/month; 6GB for $49.99/month; and 12GB for $79.99/month. AT&T is currently only offering three plans at similar cost. 250MB goes for $14.99/month; 3GB for $30/month; and 5GB for $50/month.
iPad 4 Pics
         
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iPad 4 available with LTE
Early reviews indicated that both iPads would be a smash hit, especially for those already loyal to Apple. The only qualms were in regards to pricing, which was not only undercut by Google’s flagship tablet but also by Barnes & Noble’s Nook HD and Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD all three of which were promoting their respective tablets as the best and most affordable.
If you’re lucky enough to grab an iPad 4 or iPad Mini with LTE connectivity, be sure to let us know how well (or not) it performs. Will it be worth the extra cash? Give us all the details in the comments section below.