iPhone 5 News

Most experts and consumers were of the opinion that the camera which featured in the iPhone 4S was one of the best ever that was used for a mobile phone. When you thought that there was nothing more to make it better, engineers at Apple may have gone a step further by adding HD camera to the new iPhone 5. To view images from the HD camera, a bigger screen with 16:9 aspect ratio may also be incorporated in the iPhone 5. What more, the front facing camera may also be a HD camera, offering you perfect clarity for those video chats.

Increasing the Quality of Video Calls

The iPhone 4S has a VGA resolution front facing camera. Mobile data is getting faster by the day and it is not long before 3G networks will be replaced by the 4G. The consumer is also insisting on quality. This is one aspect where Apple gets its bearings spot on. It identifies what the customers are looking for and provides them with exactly that. The HD camera which may be a part of the iPhone 5 will definitely help in high quality video calls.

Furthermore, a high quality HD front camera will help users in taking pictures of their own self. A recent survey showed that more than 18% of the pictures on social networking sites were self portraits. It does help when you can see the image that you are clicking, to make them more aesthetic and appealing.

Larger Screen to Complement the HD Camera

If the analysts are spot on with their predictions, then the iPhone will have a larger 4-inch screen. This will work both ways. On one hand, the larger screen will mean higher resolution and higher pixel density (unless Apple decides to stick with the same ppi as the 4S, which is highly unlikely) will mean higher quality videos, pictures, applications, etc. On the other hand, there is the problem of the older apps. Since they were designed keeping in mind the smaller display, these apps will run in backward compatible mode. So, they will appear in letterbox resolution. This might not be appreciated by the users. When you have a four-inch screen, you want every bit of the space to be used up.

Rear Camera to Remain a 8-Megapixel Unit

All the users who used the iPhone 4S have been extremely impressed by the camera unit. The crisp images are a treat to the eyes even on HD capable TVs and the details are very well crafted. The credit must go to the iSight software, the A5 chip, and iOS 5 operating system. The image is processed and rendered as realistically as possible.

Since Apple has received such good feedback, it is not planning on making any changes to the rear camera. But you can expect a more powerful processor and a better software suit to process your images. Also, Apple is planning to upgrade the aperture to 2.2 from the existing camera’s 2.4.

Until recently, all the rumors about the iPhone 5 revolved around the display, the camera and the screen type. However, as the release date approaches, more news is starting to come out regarding the hardware you can expect in the new iPhone. One thing that caught the patrons’ attention is the new Wi-Fi chip from Broadcom that might be included in the phone. This new chip has many advantages over the chip that is being used in the current iPhone 4S model.

Low Power Wi-Fi Chip From Broadcom

Apple has supposedly ordered the BCM4334 Wi-Fi chip from Broadcom. Among all the impressive chips that the iPhone 5 is rumored to have in its circuit board, this 40mm chip is probably the one with a multitude of capabilities. Before we talk about the different capabilities, the power consumption of this chip is probably one of its more prominent features. The chip is said to have very minimal energy requirements considering all its different capabilities.

The BCM4334 supposedly had a reduced power consumption of almost 40 to 50% compared to the Wi-Fi chip that is present in the 4S. This is a huge percentage, which might affect the standby power consumption by almost 3 times of what it takes for the current model of iPhone. This might be crucial to the overall success of the phone, considering some of the rumors that are floating around.

High Power Consuming Components

Another rumor about the iPhone5 is that it is going to use a processor that will be similar to that of the iPad. If that rumor is true, then the processor will also take a big part of the total power consumption.

If there is a 4-inch display, it will need more juice to work. So every bit of energy saved is more standby time for the device as a whole. Also, if the display is a retina display, similar to that of the iPad, then it is going to consume a lot of power.

Unless Apple boosts the battery of the new iPhone, the standby time of the device might be really low. This is where the low power consumption of the Wi-Fi chip might be crucial. It is going to give Apple a bold option to add a bigger display and a more powerful processor without reducing the standby time.

The Multiple Capabilities of BCM4334

Although the main function of the BCM4334 is to support Wi-Fi Direct and 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity, there are other special advantages that it offers. The Wi-Fi Direct will allow you to connect to any other Wi-Fi enabled device. An added advantage of this chip is it supporting Bluetooth 4.0. So there is no need of another support circuitry for the Bluetooth technology. The BCM$334 also improves the FM reception of the device. So, that will improve the quality of radio that can be played on the iPhone 5. This is probably the magic trick that Apple has up its sleeve. If this chip manages to save enough battery power that can back up the display and the other components, the iPhone 5 will definitely be a success.

Rumors continue to surround the release date of the iPhone 5, the probable next generation smartphone from Apple. While the company has not officially released any information about the phone, plenty of detail about the phone’s features is available on the net. Among the much discussed features of the phone include 3D maps and Facebook integration, along with the much talked about iOS 6. In addition to these software updates, the phone is also likely to have a kickstand, according to some reports. Here is a note on these features you could find in the next generation iPhone.

Facebook integration

One of the most exciting features that the iPhone 5 could have is Facebook integration, which many fans hope will be available. Facebook is undoubtedly the most popular social networking site and a number of people like to access it through their smart or mobile phones. Should this feature be a part of the next iPhone, users will find it easy to access the networking site. In fact, how you access Facebook and stay in touch with your friends on the site could get better and simpler with the integrated feature. Definitely, the experience of using Facebook through an integrated phone app would any day be better and richer than the experience of using a third-party app for it.

3D maps

The 3D maps feature is one of the features that the next iPhone could possibly have. This feature will use Apple’s c3 technology, which the company had acquired only last year. Apparently, the new 3D maps feature and the new iOS 6 will be introduced at the World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) that will be held on June 11.

Laser keyboard and kickstand

Earlier, there was a rumor that the iPhone 5 will have a flexible OLED display. Now, it is speculated that the smartphone will come with a laser keyboard. The phone may also have a kickstand, which even the latest iPad does not have. Other features that the much awaited phone is likely to have include a stretchable screen, which could be pulled out to double its size and 3D cameras both in the front and the rear.

Apple remains mum

The whole world, except the phone’s manufacturer Apple, seems to be interested in talking about the next iPhone. As always, Apple has chosen not to comment or even correct all the rumors surrounding the next smartphone, if there is one, it is going to release. So far, there is speculation that the next phone will be released at this month’s WWDC, and then there is a rumor that only the OS will be released.

Right now, all that iPhone fans can do is wait till the WWDC on June 11 and see what Apple has to say. For all you know, the company could release the new smartphone at the event, or simply give you a teaser about its features. Or, it may not approach the subject at all, which can be rather disappointing for those who are eagerly waiting for the phone to release.

Every time an Apple product is launched, most of the focus is on a particular feature. With iPhone 4S it was Siri, and with iPhone 4 it was the antenna design. In case of iPhone 5, the display is becoming the most talked about feature. There have been reports stating that Apple will use in-cell technology for the displays and that the resolution would be higher than iPhone 4S. However, recent reports state that iPhone 5 might have a bigger screen as well.

Screen dimensions

Apple has stuck to the 3.5 inch screen ever since the launch of the first iPhone. If the reports are to be believed, Apple is currently testing two iPhones at its headquarters in Cupertino and only one of these models will be unveiled to the public. Rumors have been suggesting a 4-inch display, but a popular Apple related blog claims that the display will actually be 3.95 inches to be precise. If you look at it in terms of numbers, the next iPhone are expected to be same as iPhone 4S in width, but the newer version is expected to be 3.484 inches tall.

The increased height will allow the phone to have a resolution of 640 x 1,136. iPhone 4S had a resolution of 640 x 960. Estimating the resolution of the display seems a bit far fetched when the company has not even announced the launch date of the phone. But, rumors of a bigger display have been present for a few months now. Only a few days back, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple is buying 4-inch screens for the new iPhone.

Benefits of a bigger screen

One of the biggest assets of a bigger screen will be that Apple will be able to make better use of the new iOS. You might see a fifth row of icons on the home screen. Also, the applications might Read more…

Customers are waiting for the iPhone 5 and the new features that will accompany it. A new processor, better camera, and a sleeker design are some of the rumored features of the new version. However, there are certain additions and upgrades that will be applied to the software as well. iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5, but it is expected that Apple will release the iOS 6 for their latest iPhone. The announcement for the new OS is expected around mid June, at the WWDC (Worldwide Developer’s Conference). This will provide the company to do sufficient testing before they release the new iPhone, which is expected in October.

Mentioned below are some of the features that customers hope will be a part of the latest iOS release.

New widgets

If you have ever used an Android phone before, you will realize the importance of widgets. However, iPhone has never been very dependent on widgets. In fact, the notification center in iPhone has only two widgets. Many people might like the idea of having more widgets on the home screen, but you will mostly see the additional widgets in the notifications area. Also, there will be a cap on the number of widgets that can be placed in the notifications area.

Accessing settings in the notifications center

Some people might consider addition of a settings tool in the notifications area to be a more important change than additional widgets. Read more…

The whole world is probably waiting for the release of the next generation Apple phone, the iPhone 5. While the next iPhone may have several benefits for the individual user, a study has revealed that the global mobile market would immensely benefit from its release. According to a study by  Gartner, the sales of the mobile market in the first quarter this year have reduced by 2% over the first quarter in 2011. However, the study also reveals that this trend could change in the coming quarters, when the iPhone 5 is expected to be launched.

Mobile phone sales in Q1

The Gartner report revealed that the sales of mobile phones across the world reached 419.1 million euros, which is a decline of around 2% from the sales figure in Q1 2011. When compared to last year, the market share of companies like Nokia, RIM, Motorola, HTC and LG had declined more than estimated. According to Anshul Gupta, analyst at Gartner, this was because of a drop in demand from Asia Pacific regions.
Read more…

It has already been reported that Samsung will produce flexible OLED displays sometime in late 2012. However, there have been rumors floating around that Apple might be one of Samsung’s clients for the flexible display technology, which could be used for the iPhone 5. Kwon Oh-hyun, Vice Chairman of Samsung, recently stated that mass production of the flexible displays will start in the second half of 2012 and there is significant demand from clients.

Samsung hesitant in naming clients

While Kwon did not directly mention Apple while talking about demands from the clients, the secrecy behind naming the clients is taken as an indication that Apple might be one of them. Korea Times also quoted a US analyst (who was not named), stating that Apple has always been the trend setter in the smartphone industry. If Samsung has something as innovative as the flexible display, it is more than possible that Apple would implement it in its future iPhones. In fact, Korea Times also reported that some sources are calling the next iPhone as ‘iPhone Yoga’.

Too early for the concept of flexible displays

The idea of a flexible iPhone indeed sounds appealing, but most of the experts think that it might be a bit too early to expect such changes in the next iPhone. The next iPhone – which will be the 6^th generation of iPhones – is being referred to as iPhone 5. Realistically speaking, the major upgrades can be expected for the processor, display, memory, camera and the software of this phone. If you talk about the long-term changes, then you can expect Apple to move away from the traditional design which has become so popular. But for the immediate future, the design is likely to remain the same.

OLED flexible displays have gathered a lot of attention, but September 2012 (expected launch date for iPhone 5) is not very far. This leaves Apple with very little time for to incorporate the new technology in its phone. In fact, there are more chances of Apple going for the in-cell technology than the flexible display. The reason here is that the in-cell display will help in reducing the phone thickness and the display quality. The flexible display may sound good, but does not offer any such benefit.

Features that would certainly get an upgrade

The processor of the next iPhone will most certainly be an upgraded version of the existing A5. It is expected that Apple will announce the new OS, iOS 6, at the WWDC in June. As far as the applications are concerned, it would be difficult to replicate something as powerful as Siri. But you might get Siri 2.0 which would be more accurate and capable of performing better functions.

The only major change in design was with the iPhone 4, which had flat edges instead of rounded ones in 3GS. There is a reason why Apple changes design and the outlook for its products so rarely. First reason being that customers like the form factor, and the second one being that it’s a lot cheaper to manufacture old designs. The new iPhone will definitely have something great to offer to the customers. But, as of now we can only guess what it would be.

If the survey conducted by PCWorld has any weight, then the new iPhone might be a he hit if it features the 4G/LTE technology. As per the survey, a lot of people want to upgrade to the new iPhone if it comes with the 4G/LTE wireless technology. iPhone’s main rival Samsung S3 had to downgrade to a dual core processor for being compatible with LTE in the US, and this can be really helpful for the new iPhone.

How many planning to buy the new iPhone?

The Macworld edition of the magazine asked its readers if they were planning on buying the new iPhone. 70% of them replied positively and 48% said that they will pre-order the device. PCWorld readers were not as enthusiastic as only 15% agreed to being sold on the new iPhone. However, 40% of all the mobile users surveyed said that they will buy the iPhone 5. The LTE technology was cited as an important reason for buying the new phone.

The survey was conducted in March on 1,248 people, out of which 592 were PCWorld reader, 271 were Macworld readers, and 385 were smartphone users who did not read either of the magazines.

Which carrier is being preferred?

The AT&T version seemed to be the popular choice as 41% of the people who took the survey said that they wood go for the AT&T version. Only 29% were keen on the Verizon version.  For Macworld readers, 62% stated that they were going for the AT&T version, while 36% of the PCWorld readers were bent towards the Verizon version.

If you look at the readers from both the magazines, only 10% said that they would change their carriers in the coming year. However, amongst smartphone users who do not read these magazines, 30% said that they would change their carrier service. The group of people who switch carriers are referred to as ‘churn’.  Companies like Verizon, AT&T and Sprint send a huge amount of money on grabbing these users with the launch of a new phone. The carriers spend most of their effort in offering the best possible LTE technology to capture this segment of users.

Reason for switching carriers

When people were asked about the most important reason for switching carriers, saving money was the topmost answer. The second most important reason was the service provided by the network. It seems that the network with the highest data speed might get the upper hand in the battle for grabbing most customers. AT&T seems to be wining this race as of now because it has a LTE service which is much faster than Verizon’s (even though it covers lesser area as of now).

When it comes to deciding the best carrier for the new iPhone, AT&T and Verizon are the two main contenders, with very few users saying that they will switch to T-mobile or Sprint. iPhone 5 which has a huge list of rumored specs is one of the most anticipated device launches of all time. If it comes with the LTE/4G support, it is highly likely that it will crush all its rivals.

Samsung was one of the first companies to challenge Apple’s dominance over the smartphone market with its Galaxy S2 phone. As a result, the Galaxy S3 was expected to be an equivalent or even better than the current iPhone. Now, S3 has been launched and it seems that the  iPhone 5, expected to be unveiled in October 2012, will be better than it.

Here is a comparison between the two phones based on different aspects like the design, screen quality and hardware specifications.

Design

The design of the phone is the first thing which grabs a customer’s attention. The design of the S3 is its biggest drawback and iPhone’s design is its biggest strength. The body of S3 is made of plastic, which has a cheap look and feel to it. The iPhone on the other hand, is made of glass and it is possible that the new release will utilize liquid metal in the design of the body, which means it would look even better.

The display

The rumored specs for the Galaxy S3 have turned out to be quite true, but many users felt a bit let down. The screen was one of the main reasons for this disappointment. Samsung users were hoping for a Super AMOLED Plus HD display but had to be content with super AMOLED HD. The next iPhone is rumored to have in-cell technology, which when combined with the retina display is bound to be better than the S3. Not only that, it is also expected that Apple will increase the standard 3.5 inch screen to 4 inches or even bigger.

Camera

The camera was another aspect which was expected to improve in the S3. Many were expecting a 12 MP camera in Samsung’s latest offering. However, the S3 comes with an 8 MP rear camera which is the same as the as camera in S2. iPhone 4S already has an 8 MP camera, which utilizes 5 element lens technology to provide higher quality images. You can expect to see further improvements in the camera of the next iPhone.

Voice recognition app

The Galaxy S3 also comes with a voice recognition application called S Voice. The application is very similar to the Siri voice app in iPhone 4S, but users feel that it was added as a novelty factor to rival the iPhone. Siri, which has been functional for a longer period, will come with a lot of improvements with the release of the  iPhone 5 and is expected to outperform the S voice.

Processor

The Exynos quad-core processor has been the biggest improvement in S3, and has received a lot of acclaim for its performance. However, US customers have to be content with the dual core version of the processor because the quad-core is not compatible with LTE. Apple on the other hand released the iPhone 4S with A5 chip and the next iPhone might be released with the A5X chip (which has a quad-core GPU) or with A6. Both A5 and A5X have LTE support.

Samsung’s Galaxy S3 is a decent phone but many  feel that the price is not worth the upgrade. In fact, most will prefer to wait for the release for the next iPhone, which as of now seems to be much better than the S3.