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Monday, 11 June 2012
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iPHONE 5s
Updated New iPhone 5 news, specs, features and more
By Dan Grabham
So we'll surely see a total revision of the iPhone during 2012. We've gathered together all the latest iPhone 5 rumours to give us a reasonable picture of what Apple's latest handset might be like.
You'll find all the rumours below, but why not check out our iPhone 5 rumours video first?
iPhone 5 release date
Given the pattern of Apple's iPhone launches, we're expecting the next-gen iPhone 5 release date to be mid to late 2012.
It could possibly be shown off at Apple's Worldwide Developer Event (WWDC 2012), which usually takes place in early June - even if the focus of the 2011 event was software. We are expecting iOS 6 and more on OS X Mountain Lion this time around so it could be that hardware is further down the list again.
We reported in February that the new iPhone would be launched in October, falling into line with the same release schedule from last year, and Macotakara 'sources' confirmed the Cupertino brand would be honouring the same upgrade cycle from now on.
According to analyst Shaw Wu, the Cupertino firm has reduced the number of iPhone orders by 20%-25% for the next quarter ahead of the release.
But rumours have persisted that the iPhone 5 release date is June 2012. It seems Foxconn was even gearing up for that date. Production was reported to be very close in late March 2012.
iPhone 5 form factor
Unlike the iPhone 4S, the new iPhone will be a completely new design from what has gone before, so that means an entirely new casing as we saw with the iPhone 3G and, later, the iPhone 4.Interestingly, someone who claimed to have seen a larger iPhone 5 prototype said in November 2011 that Steve Jobs canned the new size and opted for the iPhone 4S. According to Business Insider, it was feared that a new size would create a two-tier iPhone ecosystem.
Beatweek also claimed in November 2011 that the 5-inch was scrapped "because Apple wouldn't be able to do it properly" this year. However, the Daily Mail (make of that what you will) then suggested that a four-inch version was likely and that Sony has already shipped top secret demo screens to Apple.
The Taipei Times reported at the end of May 2012 that Stone Wu, senior analyst at IHS Displaybank, reckons Sony began production of in-cell touch panels back in February, as it readied stock for the next generation of iPhone.
iPhone 5 specs
Based on the roadmap of mobile chip design specialist ARM (of which Apple is a licensee), we'll see a quad-core processor debut in the new iPhone 5 - probably called the Apple A6. We've seen other quad core handsets debut in 2012, so it's not too much of a stretch to say that the iPhone 5 will be the same.We had expected some kind of help in terms of predicting the iPhone 5 CPU from the launch of the new iPad, but the announcement of a slightly tweaked A5X processor really didn't help things there.
In terms of other specs aside from the screen (more on that below), rumours are persisting that the iPhone 5 may have a new dock connector. Well, it had to happen sometime didn't it?
iPhone 5 will have 4G/LTE support
After the new iPad's launch brought 4G to an Apple device, it's widely expected that 4G will come to iPhone 5. And with many 4G handsets already announced in the US, it can't be long before the iPhone supports 4G technologies - even if we won't even have a UK spectrum auction until late this year or maybe early next.Because of the 4G fuss over the new iPad in the UK, we'd expect this to be played down in any UK handset - or the UK might get a different version entirely of course.
Steve Jobs' iPhone 5 legacy
Many sites have reported that Steve Jobs was working hard on the iPhone 5 project, which will apparently be a "radical redesign". We shall see... but the fact the iPhone 4S was so similar to the iPhone 4 suggests that Steve was working on something pretty special before
Check out this
handy iPhone 5 video detailing the latest rumours on release date,
spec and more - so check if out for a quick fix of next-gen Apple fun:
The
Wall Street Journal has previously reported that: "Apple is also
developing a new iPhone model, said people briefed on the phone. One
person familiar said the fifth-generation iPhone would be a different
form factor than those that are currently available… it was unclear how
soon that version would be available to Verizon or other carriers."This has since been backed up by reports from Engadget, which state the design will be a 'total rethink'.
iPhone 5 screen
Various sources claim the iPhone 5 will feature a larger, 4-inch screen. Digitimes quotes the source as saying that Apple is expanding the screen size "to support the tablet PC market as the vendor only has a 9.7-inch iPad in the market."
On 23 May 2011, we reported on rumours that the iPhone 5 could feature a curved glass screen. These rumours also came from Digitimes, which said that Apple has purchased between 200 and 300 special glass cutting machines because they're too costly for the manufacturers to invest in.
In March 2012, new reports suggested that the new iPhone 5 would come sporting a larger 4.6-inch retina display, while April rumours even suggested the next iPhone will use new touch technology and will be encased in something called "liquidmetal."
During May, The Wall Street Journal cited sources as saying the device will definitely sport a 4-inch display.
iPhone 5 digital wallet - NFC
There's been some speculation that Apple might include Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in the iPhone 5, turning it into a kind of credit/debit card.However, with the tech being inside the Google Nexus S and Samsung Galaxy Nexus, as well as a host of other top smartphones, the time for NFC may finally be here.
On 24 June 2011 it was reported that the Google Wallet mobile payment platform could feature on the new iPhone. Eric Schmidt admitted that Google is looking to port the software to other manufacturers.
However, on 31 January 2012 9to5Mac claimed to have spoken with a well-connected developer who disclosed information received from Apple iOS engineers saying they are "heavily into NFC".
The developer in question has not been named, but is working on a dedicated iOS app which includes NFC reading for mobile transactions. When questioned how confident he was on the information he had received his reply was "Enough to bet the app development on".
On April 30 2012 an Apple patent filing reinforced the idea NFC in iPhone 5.
iPhone 5 camera
Sony makes the camera for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. Speaking at a live Wall Street Journal event, Sony's Sir Howard Stringer was talking about the company's camera image sensor facility in Sendai, a town that was recently ravaged by the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami.According to 9to5Mac, he said something along the lines of, "Our best sensor technology is built in one of the [tsunami] affected factories. Those go to Apple for their iPhones… or iPads. Isn't that something? They buy our best sensors from us."
Sources have also suggested the new iPhone could have an 8MP camera. Indeed, Sony announced in January 2012 that it had developed new back-illuminated stacked CMOS image sensors which are smaller in size.
iPhone 5 price
If the iPhone 5 is an evolutionary step like the move from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 4S then we'd expect the price to stay more or less the same, although in the UK higher VAT rates may well mean a higher price tag.It's pretty much nailed on that the new iPhone will cost around £500 for a 16GB / 32GB model (depending on the capacity Apple whacks in there) and unless the iPhone 5 comes with some truly next generation technology that pricing model should hold firm.
iPhone 5 review
TechRadar is renowned for its detailed phone reviews where we look at every aspect of a handset, and we'll be bringing you a full, in-depth iPhone 5 review when we get our hands on one.As for the name, well it looks like it will be called iPhone 5. Apple has certainly been trying to protect the name iPhone 5 - and has even launched a claim over the iPhone5.com domain name.
Friday, 25 May 2012
The new iPad (3) Review by john V
Introduction:
Last
year we saw a myriad of Android tablets bursting onto the scene in
hopes of stealing some glory and thunder from Apple’s pride and joy –
the iPad 2. Honestly, some of those offerings, such as the Amazon Kindle Fire and Asus Transformer Prime,
have been more memorable than others, but through it all, they all
seemed intent on breaking the iPad’s stringent grasp on the market.
Despite the onslaught of competition, the iPad 2 remained in relevancy
throughout it all, and rightfully so, it maintained itself as the
benchmark tablet for all others, mainly for its balanced offering and
notoriety.
Unlike the recent iPhone 4S,
the third generation iPad is coming onto the scene one year after its
predecessor, and boy are there some high expectations surrounding it
already, unsurprisingly. Just a little bit over a week ago, Apple
unveiled the highly-anticipated new iPad
to the awaiting public sporting a very familiar body, but with some
intriguing new internals. Indeed,there are some viable alternatives from
the current Android camp that can easily manhandle the iPad 2 in the
specs department, but with this so-called new iPad, it’s out to once again claim the throne and prove to the masses why it’s the biggest game in town.
Sticking
firm to its usual routine, this third-generation iPad follows the same
price path as its predecessors, which starts at that golden price of
$500 for a base Wi-Fi only model. More importantly, however, it’s
packing some impressive specs that will no doubt shake the ground and
firmly justify its premium offering – such as a snazzy new
high-resolution Retina display, 4G LTE connectivity, upgraded rear
camera, and faster processor. With all of the goodies in for the ride,
it begs the question if it’s enough to push and set the bar once again?
Let’s not delay the inevitable any further people, therefore, here we
go!
The package contains:
- iPad
- USB cable
- Wall Charger
- Quick Start Guide
- Product Safety & Warranty Information
Design:
Hardly a surprising decision, even more when Apple has done it in the past with the iPhone 3GS,
and most recently, the iPhone 4S, the new iPad maintains the design
characteristics of its predecessor – nearly to the tooth even. Well, to
be more specific, it looks just like the iPad 2, but it’s minutely
thicker (0.37” thick) and heavier (23 oz). Strangely, there has been a
lot of fuss surrounding the increased size, but in all honesty, it’s not
that a big of deal, even more when it’s still one streamlined device by
today’s standards, although it is not the slimmest tablet out there. In
all fairness, it’s an indistinguishable difference from the previous
model, but it would’ve been cool if the new iPad was somehow lighter –
instead, it’s heavier. When it comes to real world handling, it’s
comfortable to grasp with a single hand, though, two-handed operation is
the preferable way since fatigue can set in after an extended period of
time.
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The new iPad maintains the design characteristics of its predecessor
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Certainly,
some people will dwell endlessly about it, but moving beyond that,
we’re still grateful to find the new iPad to exhibit all of the lovable
qualities of a top-notch tablet. Specifically, it’s donning the same
exact sturdy construction that we’re so fond of seeing with Apple’s
portfolio – and to tell you the truth, it’s a comforting sight!
Instilling a sense of durability, thanks primarily to its milled
aluminum casing and glass-covered display, this is exactly what a solid
tablet is all about. Frankly, it’s not something that’s necessarily
regarded as a fresh look, but it doesn’t need to be – well, that’s
because it employs an established iconic look.
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Part of its iconic appearance, the only indentation found on its display is the recognizable home button we’re
all so familiar with. Exhibiting that expected springy response,
there’s no accidental presses whatsoever with it. On the complete
opposite end, is the same exact VGA camera from before perched above the display, which will handle all of our FaceTime needs. More on its quality later on.
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Home button
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Front camera
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Everything else around the sides are
identical to the tooth, meaning, we’re again greeted with a dedicated
power button, mute switch, volume control, 3.5mm headset jack, 30-pin
dock connection port, and microphone.
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Power button
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Volume control
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Around the rear,
shutterbugs will be extremely happy to find a respectable 5-megapixel
auto-focus camera sans flash – now dubbed the iSight camera. Instead of
that despicable camera from before, this one is already shaping out to
be a welcome replacement because its sensor features backside
illumination and a F2.4 aperture lens. In fact, this is exactly what’s
found with its iPhone 4S sibling (save for the 8MP sensor), so yeah,
it’s a nice improvement – though, there is still some awkwardness
snapping photos with a tablet in public.
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Back
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The 5-megapixel iSight camera
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Lastly,
it doesn’t get much notoriety amongst other things, but the same micro
dots line the lower left corner of the milled aluminum casing, thus,
shielding the iPad’s internal speaker.
Display:
From
a cursory look, there are hardly any recognizable differences to the
eye between this and its predecessor, but that seemingly changes the
moment we turn on its 9.7-inch IPS LCD display,
and tune our attention to its wicked high resolution. Mind-boggling to
say the least, it’s downright crazy to even fathom how they managed to
produce such a panel, especially when it has double the resolution of
the iPad 2 at 2048 x 1536. Very recently, we’ve been tickled about
seeing some upcoming tablets sporting 1080p displays, but Apple simply
blindsided everyone with the iPad’s triumphant Retina display. Even more
impressive is the fact that we haven’t seen the commercial launch of
1080p displays on tablets.
So how detailed is
this thing? It’s remarkable like nothing else before we’ve seen on a
tablet! To put it into perspective, the iPad has the ubiquitous title of
having the highest resolution display on any mobile device on the
market, though technically, it’s not close to taking the coveted title
of having the highest pixel density (264 ppi). Still, for a tablet, it’s
one impressive feat! Walking the walk, it’s higher than most PC
displays and high-definition televisions – so yes, it’s a bold statement
on its own. Honestly, you can’t even distinguish a single pixel on this
display, and in the end, it’s undeniably one of the sharpest displays
our eyes have been fortunate to ever see. Everything seems to jump at
us, draw our attention, and ultimately, we’re overjoyed with the
results.
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Viewing angles
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Closeups- the new iPad vs iPad 2 display pixel density
Detail
aside, the IPS LCD panel delivers the same results that we’re accustomed
to seeing at this point. Being complementary, it radiates wholesomely
thanks to the accurate looking colors it’s
able to produce, essentially giving our eyes yet another thing to drool
over. In fact, Apple makes the bold claim of it being 40% more
saturated with its tones, and right on the dot, our eyes justify that
remark as it’s visibly evident that it’s punchier. Rounding out its
prowess, it sports the same lovable wide viewing angles and high
contrast to maintain its clarity even with demanding situations when
using it outdoors under the sun.
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The IPS LCD panel is able to produce accurate looking colors
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So
where does this rank amongst all other things? Actually, it’s a
benchmark like no other, seemingly blowing off the covers of what we
believed to be impossible not too long ago. No longer are we going to
fancy over devices gearing up to offer 1080p displays, but rather, the
iPad establishes what it means to have a snazzy looking display.
Therefore, whether it’s reading or watching videos, the Retina display
of the iPad is a bundle of joy that’s sure to keep the competition at
bay. Yup, it’s in a league of its own.
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