iPhone 5 News

The iPhone 5 is touted to be the biggest smartphone (in terms of features!) released till date and the rumors also point in the same direction. The latest news on the block is that Facebook is going to be integrated into the new iOS which will run on the iPhone 5. This seems like a smart move from both Facebook and Apple’s perspective. Facebook hasn’t been having such a good year and the Apple boost seems like just the pick-me-up that the networking site needs to get back into the news.

Improved User Experience

User experience is something which both Facebook and Apple pride themselves on. Ever since Facebook was introduced, constant changes are being made to ensure that the user is not only kept interested, but the usability of Facebook is also increased. There is no need of highlighting the effectiveness of the improvements. Facebook is heading towards the one billion mark, which experts believe would be reached in August.

However, the mobile app from Facebook is patchy, slow and unreliable. Users have been complaining about the eons of miles between the web version and mobile version of Facebook. Integrating Facebook into the iPhone will improve both iPhone 5 and Facebook in more ways than one.

Benefits for Apple

Facebook is THE social networking site on the internet today. Social networking is used synonymously with Facebook and a smartphone which offers Facebook integrated into its operating system is indeed a bonus. People will definitely love the concept and there have been encouraging signs on social networking sites about this news. Not that Apple needs Facebook’s help in making the iPhone 5 a hit, but the fact is that Apple is not as strong as it was expected to be.

The Galaxy SIII has exceeded all expectations. More and more smartphone enthusiasts are opting for the SIII over the existing iPhone. There is a rumor making rounds which suggests that the brilliance of the SIII has delayed iPhone 5’s release as Apple is trying to further improve the specifications to counter the challenge thrown by SIII. The integrated Facebook might just be the cherry on the top smartphone consumers are looking out for.

Benefits for Facebook

Ever since Facebook went public, market veterans are questioning the move. Some say that the company is too young to go public while others are questioning its sustainability. Overall, the going has been tough for Facebook and they are looking for something which will give it a leg up the popularity ladder. The iPhone 5 is expected to break all the previous sales records. Facebook will also be extensively used by almost all those users.

Mobile Boost for Facebook

Facebook has been struggling to update its mobile app for a while now. If it is integrated in the operating system, then it will definitely be faster, better and offer an elevated user experience. The mobile version of Facebook in iPhone will be far better than it is on any other mobile device. The combination of the best social networking site’s app and (probably) the best smartphone ever will definitely boost both parties’ reputation and finances.

iPhone 5 is probably the most anticipated mobile device of the decade and it is awaited by the entire world. The frenzy associated with owning the latest iPhone is so high that people are ready to wait in long queues for a couple of days to be the first ones to get their hands on it. Although Apple hasn’t so much as acknowledged that they are indeed manufacturing a new iPhone, people are getting excited by the rumors floating out everyday. Chinese businessmen have found a novel way of making a profit out of this craze. They have started pre-booking of the new iPhone 5 and promising the consumers that it will be delivered to them as soon as it is released.

Huge demand for Apple products in China

It is not surprising that Chinese businessmen have taken up the initiative of privately pre-booking the new iPhone. Firstly, Apple sells its products through its own chain of dealerships. So, this pre-booking is not exactly within legal realms. Secondly, Apple usually releases its phones or any other products in the United States before any other nation. So, Chinese nationals will have to wait their turn, which could be months after the US and Europe.

China is emerging as one of the new world’s superpowers and its citizens are also very tech savvy. Apple’s products are as famous as they are in the USA. So, the people are willing to do anything to get their hands on the latest products as soon as it is available anywhere in the world. Moreover, there is a limit to the number of pieces that can be imported. Smuggled Apple products are also available in China and consumers are paying exorbitant sums to own them.

Innovative marketing techniques

Chinese businessmen have employed some innovative methods to entice the buyers into pre-ordering the iPhone 5. One particular dealer listed all the possible features which could come with the new iPhone. The dealer also listed out the percentage chances of the features appearing on the iPhone 5. For example, he pointed out that there was an 18% chance of NFC technology being incorporated in the new iPhone. This did work as the dealer reportedly got a double booking from a single person. Also, he reportedly had close to half a dozen bookings.

Another online dealer, Alibaba.com, was quoted as saying that the news about features being present on the new iPhone was the most accurate available anywhere in the world. The representative, on the condition of anonymity, said that the boss had various sources from the ‘inside channels’ and the news was pretty accurate. We can assume that this is possible as the iPhone 5 is one the most eagerly anticipated gadgets and people would in fact pay to get some early news on it.

The Venture can be within legal realms

There is no rule or law which states that you cannot carry more than one iPhone  while traveling out of the US. So, there is a possibility that small orders can be catered to within China. All the businessmen should do is to go visit an Apple store in the US and buy the phones. They can come back to China and sell it at any price they want, garnering impressive profits.

The iPhone 5 is one of the most awaited devices of the year (assuming that it is going to be released this year). The rumor mills recently got excited about its possible release on the iPhone’s 5^th anniversary but that did not happen as expected. The latest rumor is that Apple is planning to release the iPhone 5 with the iMac 2012. This is uncharacteristic of Apple as they are known to keep their products separate from one another. That is perhaps, one of the reasons why Apple’s products are received so well worldwide.

Retina Display Being Integrated in The iMac and iPhone as Well

Apple’s famous retina display is supposedly being used in the iMac 2012 as well. There were rumors about the iPhone 5 also having the same display. This might be one of the reasons why both the devices are being released at the same time. There might be some delay in the manufacturing process of these displays, because of which Apple has moved its iPhone release to coincide with the iMac release in the late October.

iPhone and iMac Have Completely Different Markets

Some believe that by releasing both the products at the same time, Apple is hoping to boost their sales. Experts however feel that this might not be the case as the iPhone and the iMac markets are eons apart. This view was also reflected by Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook. He said that both the devices have completely independent markets and hence, there is no sense in claiming or speculating that one product will boost the sales of the other. Also, the number of iMacs sold cannot even be compared to the huge iPhone sales which increase quarter after quarter.

Battery Problems Delaying the iPhone 5 Release

There have been rumors that the China plant which is producing batteries for the new iPhone 5 is not producing enough batteries which pass Apple’s stringent quality checks. This has resulted in a lack of sufficient number of batteries to release the iPhone even in the United States. According to reports, only 25% of the batteries which are coming out of the manufacturing plant are according to the quality and performance standards of Apple. The rest are being rejected by the quality check unit of the company.

The manufacturing plant has to roll out a huge number of batteries as a mad rush for buying the iPhone 5 has been expected. If past trends are anything to go by, the sales of the iPhone 5 will exceed all its predecessors’ by a substantial margin. Apple has an excellent reputation of meeting the demand of its consumers and it can’t risk that reputation due to the lack of sufficient number of batteries.

Apple Cannot Ignore the Battery Problem Either

The battery’s performance has to be excellent if the rumors of the new iPhone are anything to go by. All the new features which are supposedly being incorporated require a lot of battery power to run efficiently. So, Apple cannot compromise on the battery’s quality at any rate. If they do, they risk making the new iPhone a failure.

The Apple team and experts were scoffing at Samsung when they attempted to take a potshot at Apple with their new Galaxy S3. Even though the Galaxy series, based on Android operating system, has been very successful, the S3 was never expected to be a serious competitor to the iPhone 5, which would soon be launched. Some even went to the length of claiming that Samsung was releasing the S3 before iPhone 5 to clock some sales. But once the S3 was available in the market, perceptions changed.

After Samsung released the S3, Apple seems to have realized that it needs to take the Galaxy newbie more seriously. They seem to have adjusted their strategy after realizing that high quality hardware will not make the phone a winner. They are now focusing on the software part of the new iPhone to introduce never-before-seen features.

Improvements Expected on The Software Side

The iOS is without doubt, one of the top mobile operating systems. But the Android Ice Cream Sandwich has given it a run for its money. The features are excellent, and the speed is as good as the iOS. Google recently launched its Jelly Bean 4.1 version as well and it looks fabulous. If that will be provided to S3 users, Apple needs an Ace up their sleeve to make the new iPhone tick with the smartphone consumer base.

New Maps, Siri and Mobile Wallet

The latest software features which can be definitely expected on the new iPhone are a new maps application, a more interactive and efficient Siri and also a NFC based mobile wallet. Although the mobile wallet feature cannot be confirmed, a new Siri and Maps app will definitely feature in the iPhone 5. Apple recently acquired a Maps provider company just for this reason and we can expect advanced navigation options, 3D maps and many other new features.

iPhone 5 to Feature a New Ultra Thin Display?

There have been rumors about the new iPhone coming with Apple’s latest display fad, the retina display. However, latest reports suggest that Apple is using a new touch screen technology which is different from the ones being used in the current Apple products: iPad, iPod and iPhone. An analyst, Brian White, noted that there was a noteworthy drop in the shipments of Wintek, Apple’s long time display supplier. He reasoned out that Apple was moving on from technology provided by Wintek to better touch screen techs like in-cell sensing technology, which we will see in the new iPhone.

The Design Rumors Reaffirms the Thin Screen News

There were rumors floating around about the new iPhone being thinner and taller. A supposed video leak which showcased the new iPhone showed that it was indeed taller and also thinner. An ultra-thin display will go a long way in reducing the thickness of the iPhone, especially if it is coupled with a thinner battery. The in-cell technology, which is probably the technology on which the new iPhone displays will be based on, will also contribute in reducing the thickness of the screen.

As the iPhone 5 release date is supposedly approaching (considering we have not yet received any significant news from Apple about the  device), the rumors have significantly gone down. The new Galaxy SIII from Samsung has been creating waves across the mobile community and it will not be surprising if the new iPhone release date will be pushed forward by a couple of months to counter those challenges from Samsung.

Rumors that the new iPhone will be released on the iPhone’s 5^th anniversary may be safely ignored now as the day is past. But the buzz hasn’t died down still and here is  the rumor round-up of the new iPhone for the last one month.

Wireless Charging

The new iPhone supposedly supports wireless charging. This might not be a fantasy considering a couple of companies have already devised ways in which gadgets can be wirelessly charged. They use the mutual induction property of metals for charging the gadgets and the manufacturing companies have already made them commercially available. All you have to do is be within the fixed range of the charging device and your mobile, or any other device for that matter, will keep getting charged.

We will have to wait and see if Apple is adopting the same technology, or has some up with a new way of wirelessly charging the new iPhone, if it features wireless charging.

NFC E-Wallet and Other Associated NFC Services

It has been predicted that the new iPhone will have a NFC (Near Field Communications) chip which will allow it to have services like the e-wallet. E-Wallet is a facility that allows you to pay at retail outlets or at restaurants by just tapping your phone with the receiver which is located with the dealer. This will minimize the usage of credit and debit cards and also add more dimensionality to the phone. The principle behind this technology is that both the transmitter and the receiver should be within a minimum range of each other for the e-transfer to take place and the UI will allow you to decide how much money you are transferring.

This service has been criticized by experts for the lack of safety and security features but the manufactures have been steadfastly defending it, claiming that it is very safe. We will have to wait and see if Apple will take the gamble and add this feature on the new iPhone or not.

The Battery Dilemma

The new iPhone will have a new and powerful battery which will give it a longer operational and standby time. However, a rumor has it that the batteries being manufactured in the new China plant are not up to standards, and only 25% of them are meeting the Apple benchmark. This is a serious issue considering the new iPhone is supposedly coming with never before seen features, which would require the backup of a strong battery. Apple’s consumers have been happy with the battery till date (ignoring the small phase they had where Apple replaced batteries having a particular serial number) and a sub standard will definitely bring down the iPhone’s reputation.

Apple has been showing off its latest version of iOS at the Worldwide Developer Conference and it seems that the iPhone 5 release date is not that far away. With the new iOS version out, rumor mills went on overdrive again. This time, a reliable source was quoted saying that the new iPhone will be equipped with a 3D camera and the ‘AirShare’ feature.

3D Camera with a Latest Camera UI

The new iPhone will supposedly be equipped with a 3D camera which is supported by an interactive new UI. The 3D camera will not only increase the clarity of the images and help in capturing 3D images, but also drastically increase the video quality.

The information on camera and the camera UI was obtained through a working prototype of the new iPhone. In the camera app, there were two modes for capturing pictures, the 3D camera mode and the Maps mode. When a picture of an object is taken using the maps mode, the relevant map results will be shown on the app. For example, if you take a picture of a mobile phone using the maps mode of the iPhone 5, then a list of all the mobile stores in the vicinity will be displayed by the camera app.

Change in Processor also Expected

If the 3D camera rumor is true, then Apple will have to beef up the processor of the iPhone 5. The 3D camera will require a more powerful image processor for rendering the images, and also for processing the images. This is because 3D images will be quite large in size and less capable processors may slow the speed of the phone.

AirShare

Apple is supposedly incorporating an app in the new iPhone that allows users to stream media from their phone to computer and other gadgets with the flick of a finger. Air Sharing is a popular streaming app that is already available on the app store. Either Apple has acquired that app company and is using the same in its phone (just like Facebook acquiring Instagram) or it has developed its own Air Sharing app to use  in the new iPhone. It remains to be seen how this app will perform in real-time, but going by Apple’s reputation, you can expect it to do just well.

New Dock Connector

Apple seems to have ditched its old dock connector for a new 19-pin connector. The new connector will be similar to the one currently used in the Air and Pro laptops of the MacBook line. However, this new addition might not be well received, considering the plethora of accessories which have been purchased by the consumers for their iPhone.

Now, they will have to replace every one of them with a newer model, which can be fitted to the new dock connector. The only solution available for Apple to make this work is to provide an adapter for the new connector with the new iPhone, so that the old gadgets will not be rendered useless.

Rumors about the iPhone 5 are getting more rampant by the day and yet, Apple is not even acknowledging that an iPhone 5 will hit the stores soon. There were some recent rumors, in the form of a video, about a leaked chassis design of the iPhone. That confirmed all the other rumors like a larger screen, a centrally placed front camera, the smaller connector dock, etc. However, the speculators have gone a step further and claimed that the iPhone 5 will feature a detachable camera.

Competition from Galaxy SIII and HTC One

If Apple has to succeed with the new iPhone, they will have to go up against the heavy duty and sensor loaded features of the Samsung Galaxy SIII. The other opponent facing Apple is the less formidable, but the no less  HTC one, with excellent photographic capabilities. A 12-megapixel camera for the iPhone 5 seems to be the order of the day with other attractive features to take on the Galaxy SIII.

Removable Lenses for Serious Photography

For someone who is considering serious photography, removable lenses seem to be the only option considering camera lenses can be equipped with very little optical zoom and other photographic features. Sony Ericsson probably has the best camera phones till the HTC One was introduced and if Apple has to be a notch above that, some serious photography gear seems to be the only option left for it.

Patent for a New Camera

A reliable source on the iPhone5 quoted that Apple has filed for patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a mobile camera that had an option of replacing lenses. If this is true, then photography enthusiasts will have something to look forward to.

The patent included a schematic for an iPhone like device which has options for a camera with different lens options. Although the back panel was removed, the insides of the phone were still distinguishable.

Lens to Be Coupled with the Back Cover

According to the patent application, the authorization was being applied for a back panel that could be removed and replaced as easily as you do with a phone. This back panel was not connected to the imaging subsystem. It is supposed to hold the lens in a definitive place, similar to a SLR camera where you can remove and replace the lenses.

Not So Simple as It Sounds

According to experts, this is very difficult to implement, especially in mobile phones. The imaging subsystem is enclosed within the case, preventing direct access to the imaging system and the primary lens. So, the supplementary enhancing lens must be accurately aligned in order to perform up to standards. It should be in line with the image sensor, or risk producing low quality images.

Raising the Bar without Compromising on Functionality

At the end of the day, the iPhone 5 is a phone and should be able to function as a phone. There is no point in compromising this aspect of the device to incorporate new and advanced features into it. So, it will be interesting to see how Apple’s engineers incorporate the removable lens feature, without affecting its overall functionality as a smartphone.

Rumors about the features and design of the yet to be released iPhone 5 are coming out on a daily basis as the release date approaches. The latest is a video grab of the supposed chassis of the iPhone 5. The handler has claimed to be an employee of a parts reseller company and the video shows the overall view of the chassis of the iPhone 5. One thing that seems to be consistent with this iPhone chassis on display is that it satisfies all the other rumors which have been floating around ever since there was a report about a new model of iPhone.

Reaffirms All the Previous Rumors

Before judging the authenticity of this video leak, let us look at the design features of the supposed chassis of the new iPhone. To describe the design and appearance, one word can be used – awesome! Apple had to pull out all stops to ensure that this model of the iPhone had to be the best ever that was released. If we can judge through looks, then Apple surely has a winner on its hands.

The unibody metal chassis appears thinner and taller than the existing iPhone. One of the main rumors about the iPhone 5 was a larger screen with 16:9 aspect ratio. This chassis seems to have exactly that. The slot for the screen appears as if it is a 4-inch window, consistent with the rumors of a 4-inch screen. But we have to wait and see if the 16:9 aspect ratio will be maintained or not.

Change in Headphone Jack and Dock Connector

Apple supposedly will change the location of the headphone jack from top to the bottom of the phone. The chassis also shows an inlet for the headphone jack at the bottom right corner. It was also said that Apple would reduce the size of the dock connector on the iPhone 5. The dock connector is visibly smaller compared to other models of the iPhone. Other than that, the chassis features an Aluminum back plate and metallic finishing, just as expected.

No Word Form Apple

Apple has remained mum about this whole issue and is nether confirming, nor denying the latest leak. That is expected as Apple has never even acknowledged that  a new iPhone will hit the shelves later this year. The Samsung Galaxy S III, which was released recently, has impressed the critics and the consumers equally. Apple has to be spot on in all the departments to beat the Galaxy S III or it will be another round in favor of Android and hence, Google.

The latest official announcement of Apple about the tie-up with navigational solutions company Tom Tom has roused the patrons who were tired of waiting for the iPhone 5. If you consider all the rumors, the one in which iPhone 5 will feature an improved navigation app seems to be the only one that is confirmed, courtesy the official announcement of the tie up from Apple.

The leaked video contains either an extremely well made fake model of the chassis or it is definitely the real deal. The latter seems more likely as Apple has not raised its voice, considering this leak has the ability to make or break the new iPhone’s marketing campaign.

Apple has severed ties with Google as its official navigation app and maps provider for the iPhone 5, and roped in Tom Tom in its place. Ever since Google came up with Android, Apple’s iPhone has found a fierce competitor in Android powered mobile devices. Tensions between the two giants are at the peak, especially considering that the Galaxy S III has been creating waves among the smartphone-savvy public. Experts believe that this move from Apple is aimed at dissociating itself completely from Google, in view of the Android’s rise to fame.

Rise in Tom Tom’s Share Prices

After the official statement that Tom Tom would be the new navigational app provider for the iPhone 5, the company’s shares prices escalated by 12%. This is expected considering Apple is pulling out all stops to make its iPhone 5 the best smart phone till date. If Apple is ditching Google and linking up with Tom Tom, we can expect that Tom Tom has come up with something special that Google’s Maps do not provide.

Investors don’t want to miss this Ace that Tom Tom has up its sleeve and that is the reason why the share prices have escalated. Market experts suggested that there might be a further increase in the prices after the release of the iPhone 5, provided the app receives a positive response from the consumers. Also, close to $625 million is generated on mobile device advertisements that are related to maps.

A Brief Introduction of Tom Tom and Its App

Tom Tom is a navigational solutions company based in Amsterdam. They create maps which are stretched over 200 countries and close to thirty five million kilometers.  Apple chose Tom Tom  as it is developing a maps application, in association with Apple, that is more suitable to the iPhone’s hardware and the iOS.

Tom Tom has said in a statement that they are ‘Applyfying’ the new app so that it will run smoother and faster in the new iPhone 5. Although Google Maps was amazing, both Apple and Tom Tom Claim that the user experience in the new app will be much better.

Maps Application to be Integrated in iOS6

In view of the latest partnership between Tom Tom and Apple, the latest version of the iOS, the iOS 6, will have the maps application integrated into it. This cannot be possible for the iPhone 5 but Apple has assured its patrons that the next iOS update will feature the navigational app from Tom Tom. So, all  users who are still using the 3G and 4 versions of the iPhone can look forward to this new app with the latest software update.

What is New in the Latest Navigational App?

The speed and the user interface is something that will be different in the new app. Considering Google and Tom Tom use different methodologies to map a specific area, we can expect more attention to detail in the new app. Also, the voice navigation system from Tom Tom will help you reach the destination without having to look at the mobile screen while driving.