iPhone 7 latest rumors point to 2.4GHz A10 SoC and back to black

Apple will present its new iPhone 7 next Wednesday, and although it won't have a radical new design, there are lots of improvements Apple hopes will be enough to make users go for their wallets.

Apple may launch iPhone 6S mini in April

Seems Apple is about to break yet another tradition an launch a smaller iPhone in the first half of 2016.

iPhone 6 case shows new iPhone dimensions?

It's still nothing more than a rumor (although backed by a physical case) but if this proves to be true, you might have to start preparing for a bigger iPhone. Over the years we've seen several cases of case makers (no pun intended) leaking products that showed the world how future devices were going to be. Considering we're still a long way from the next iPhone generation (unless Apple decides to go back to June/July launches instead of September/October) I'd take this with a large grain of salt.

This alleged iPhone 6 case shows us how a possible iPhone 6 with a 4.7" screen would look like, being noticeably larger than the actual iPhone 5S, and even slightly larger than a Nexus 5 though not as large as a Note 3. Considering the Nexus 5 has a 4.95", these dimensions might be explained by the fact that the iPhone needs quite a bit of space below the screen to have a Touch ID home button.

Even so, the size difference seems to be too much to be consensual... if this was going to be the "large" iPhone 6 instead of the "little" one, I'd understand. But if this is the smaller of the rumored iPhone 6 versions, then the larger 5.7" would become huge.

The case has a few other interesting tidbits. The case shows us a thinner device than a iPhone 5S, which would make such a large device even more incredible to hold (though I'd trade a few mm for a larger battery), and the power/sleep button seems to have moved from the top to the side - something I also find very suspicious.

We'll see how thing pan out when the iPhone 6 becomes a reality. But if it proves to be such a "huge" beast... what do you think about it?

First Leaked images of the iPhone 6? [Rumor]

We're still months away from the future iPhone 6 that should unveil a redesigned model to replace the current iPhone 5S, but that doesn't stop people from leaking allegedly iPhone 6 parts on the internet... that everyone should take with a large grain of salt. After all, these pieces can be completely fake, and most that will pop up from now until the actual presentation date certainly will be.

But, let's entertain the idea for a while...

Rumors say the new iPhone 6 will come in two different sizes, one keeping an identical size to the current iPhone 5S, the other will be bigger following the market appetite for the "phablet" format.

What is more interesting with these iPhone 6 images is that thanks to reduced screen margins, Apple would be able to jump from a 4" to a 4.7" screen while keeping the external dimensions virtually unchanged from the iPhone 5S.

However, this also means that the usual iPhone "proportions" are gone, and you'd easily think you're looking at a Galaxy S or LG G smartphone (if it weren't for the round home button - with Touch ID of course).

There's also one tiny tidbit I find a bit odd: the back plate seems to be solid aluminum, which would make it very hard for wireless cellular signals to be received - current iPhones have "windows" on the back, as do the celullar version of the otherwise solidly built iPads. Does this mean Apple has devised a way to bend the laws of physics and is using a new type of antenna?

In any case... if this does reflect how the future iPhone will look, what do you think about it?


Update: these images are most likely fake, as the smudge patterns shown on the images have been found to be the same as the ones already seen on some iPad photos.

Leaked Images of the Gold iPhone

Just the other day we talked about how a gold iPhone could make the gold color fashionable again, and now we have leaked photos of the alleged gold case of the new iPhone 5S - that even includes the larger flash hol, which will supposedly hold two different colored flashes for better color capture under difference lighting circumstances.

As previously said, this images show us that we won't be having an actual "glittering gold" iPhone, but one that is a lot more subtle, in a champagne color tone. A tone that seem to fall right into place alongside the existing black and white/silver models.

In fact, when placed next to the existing models, this new "gold" model makes the the silver model look kind of dull - though in the end, it will be up to each one to decide which one looks best for himself/herself.


What we would really like to see if for Apple - or any other manufacturer - to come up with a new kind of material that could change its colors at will, so we could personalize it at the touch of a button whenever we felt like like it: or even use it as a notification warning: for instance turning it red if there are some urgent calls or messages we have to read, or black when its battery level drops below 15%. That would be something really talking about! :)

The new iPhone is Coming

So, the day has finally arrived: today we'll get to know to new Apple iPhone. A device that has changed the world (something that even it's haters cannot deny), and ha become a huge - huge - success for Apple, and has been responsible for shifting the focus on computing, from desktops to mobile devices. (Even the latest desktop operating systemas are now taking hints and following the "mobile" concepts.)

So... what can we expect for the new iPhone?

On the hardware side, it seems we can count on stretched iPhone, with a new design, and larger screen. A screen that is expected to jump from a 3:2 aspect ratio to a 16:9 one, giving more vertical space for Apps.

The CPU should be an enhanced version of the 4S, slightly faster but not yet a quad-core CPU like those popping on high-end android device (and even "low-cost" one, like the Nexus 7 with its Tegra 3 quad-core SoC). As for RAM, the iPhone 5 is expected to double the amount on the previous models, to 1GB.

The new iPhone is also exepected to have 4G/LTE... and there may be some surprised there, as it is said that it will be a global 4G/LTE phone, working on most countries around the world - something that would be a big improvement over the latest iPad 4G... that was only compatible with US carriers.


As for the software... iOS is great and simpe... but it also starting to get a bit "old". The balance between efficiency, simplicity, and versatility is never easy to achieve: lots of users are left craving for more power-user settings and tweaks. With iOS6, Apple also cuts its ties to Google, ditching its YouTube App and stops using its Map services - let's see how that pans out - which in the end might be a good thing... as Google will finally be free to launch and update its IOS Apps without being restricted by Apple's grasp. We also expect to have much friendlier and powerful Siri - it's quite annoying you can't use it for things as simple as sending a tweet, or even browsing to a web page and read it back to you when you're on the move.


So... new design, bigger screen, 4G, tweaked iOS,... nice things, but no real "revolutionary" inovation like so many people would like to hear. Apple has been playing it cool and the 4S launch has also received in a "mildly disappoint" feeling... but that soon sunk in, and made it the most successful ever. So... it would be expected the new iPhone 5 to follow the same path.

In any case... maybe this year we'll really get a "one more thing", presenting us with something completely unexpected that will fill that "void" of wanting "something more".

iPhone 5 and Mini-iPad Samples?

We're still a long time away from getting to know the new iPhone, but that doesn't stop the rumor mill from turning new "leaks", over and over again. This time, we're facing alleged engineering samples that show us mock-ups of what these devices can look like... eventually.

The stretched iPhone 5 seems to be gaining traction, and although it may look kind of odd now, I suspect that if/when it gets out, it will make the "old iPhones" look odd in comparison, and become the "way an iPhone is supposed to look".

As for the mini-iPad... and although I've been stating that the time will come when we buy our tablets, smartphones, tv screens based purely by size alone (all other specs being equal/equivalent), and - for that alone - I wouldn't rule out having a 1,2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11... inch screen devices. I can't really say that a 8" iPad would seem appealing to me... But of course, I guess the missing part of the question is: how much would such an iPad cost?

I see it more as an anti-Nexus 7/Kindle Fire 2 "weapon" than an actual device Apple needs right now.

iPhone 5 Parts Reveal Upcoming Changes?

It's no secret that Apple keeps its upcoming devices under tight wraps and away from public knowledge. But that's just serves to make it even more enticing to try and find out how they'll be. Now, these alleged iPhone 5 parts might serve as an indication of what's to come.

Although this kind if thing must be taken with a (very large) grain of salt, one might have a glimpse of certain things that will be used (or at least may be under consideration by Apple) for the next generation of the iPhone.

The back cover now has a large metallic piece, that is supposed to be part of a new antenna system - and that might also provide some tiny (but valuable) extra space for the internal components/battery, by being thinner than a glass cover.

There's also a tiny orifice between the LED flash and the camera lens, which might indicate a repositioned second "noise-reduction" microphone, that could also be used to improve sound capture during video recordings.


But there are more drastic changes: with a smaller dock connector and speaker and microphone grills, Apple has now decided to put the headphone jack at the bottom of the iPhone instead of on top.
(As I don't regularly use headphones, I can't really say if I'd prefer it one way or the other... How about you?)

And, although that back cover might prompt us to think of a symmetric front design - with the much touted "borderless design" screen, it doesn't seem to be the case. The screen indeed seems to be the stretched 4" screen we're hearing about... but it seems to keep the same lateral borders as the current model.

We also get the same physical home button, while on top the FaceTime camera now gets a center position.

Once again, it seems we have reached the end of the "revolutionary" innovations, and we're about to face a simpler "evolutionary" new iPhone, with small changes that try to improve it just slightly further (and there's nothing wrong about it.)

This also means, that from now on... most "revolutionary" changes will actually be up to the software side of the question. Apple already did it with Siri on the iPhone 4S, and even Samsung used the same approach with its new Galaxy S3 - filled with software features that will try to attract buyers over the competing "plain" Android devices.

In that matter, there's a lot Apple can/needs to do with the iOS 6 and iCloud. There are lots of thing that need urgent improving: what to say of iClouds Photo Stream, that doesn't even allow us to see our photos on the web?
And what about connecting your iPhone to a PC via USB to transfer your latest photos and videos, just to face a bunch of cryptic named folders, forcing us to play a "guessing game" in order to find which holds the desired photos?

So... let's hope all this - and much more - gets sorted out with the upcoming iOS 6, and turns it into a rejuvenated mobile OS that can keep making users happy for the coming years.

iPad 2 coming in February?

Kevin Rose (Digg's founder) says he has credible info that Apple will announce the iPad 2 in the next few weeks, possibly in the beginning of February.

Well, iPad 2 cases are popping up everywhere, and they all "match" which seems to indicate the iPad 2 is really close to completion. And some say Apple needs to start creating momentum for its launch, which might also happen sooner than expected.

As for what the iPad 2 will have: you can count on a new speedier CPU, more RAM memory, gyroscope, and its LCD screen should also get increased resolution mimicking the iPhone 4 retina display.

Whether it will actualy be a "Retina Display" or just a small resolution increase remains to be seen.Doubling the current iPad's resolution would be a monumental task, taking its current 9.7" LCD screen fom 1024x768 to a "hard-to-believe" 2048x1536!

But, if Apple settles for an intermediate resolution, then developers will have to handle yet this new screen format - unless Apple comes up with a way to create truly resolution independent Apps.

You might also find a microUSB port, for charging, as dictated by the latest EU regulations, and the last mystery will be the price.

Will they keep the "old" iPad around, at reduced prices? Will they sell the new iPad at even cheaper prices that might blow the competitors out of the water?
We've seen that other manufacturers have been having trouble creating affordable Tablets that can compete with the iPad... Let's see if the iPad 2 will make it even harder.

White iPhone 4 is No more?

Maybe it's true, maybe it isn't. But the fact remains, the illusive white iPhone 4 remains to be seen, and officially it has been delayed once again to Spring 2011.

Now... with the yearly iPhone cycle restarting soon after... with a new iPhone 5 coming up - does this mean Apple simply intends to delay the white iPhone into oblivion?

Some say the issue is the white color not matching the white button; others say the white case allows light leaking in (which I find odd to believe, as image sensors are usually covered by the lens assembly.)

We'll have to wait and see... but I wouldn't put up too much faith in getting a white iPhone in the upcoming months.

iPad with Camera and cheap eBooks? [Rumor]

The rumor that the iPad might have a camera has gained traction once again, after some people decided to dig deep into Apple's iPad ad video shown during the Oscars cerimony.

In one frame one can see "something" in the place you'd expect it to have a camera - though it might be only a light sensor, or something else.

More interestingly and "real" are the prices for the eBooks, making Kindle's life after the iPad launch even harder.
In onde example, a book costing $23 in hardcover and $19.25 for Kindle was available for a much more appealing $14.95 on the iPad.

I think that would prove to be a very big blow to Kindle's user base.

Apple iTablet [Rumour]

By this time tomorrow the entire world will know what Apple has been secretly (kind of) preparing for the last couple of years. The much awaited iTablet is expected to finally show its face in the upcoming Apple event everyone is anxiously waiting.

Until then, just a few final predictions based on some rumors that I feel might actually be real.
It's highly likely Apple's iTablet will have video based gesture recognition. We've already seen it in several devices, from TVs to game consoles (as Microsoft's Natal) and it would just make sense to have it in there.

For those that argue about being just a "big iPhone", Apple might hold a very big surprise, offering the possibility to work with the Tablet in several modes: an "iPhone-alike" App Store mode, as well as an advanced full OS X "you have full control" mode.

Last but not least, a matching centralized content storage service, allowing you to stream your data wherever you are - tied to an unlimited access plan from a cell operator.


According to those rumors you'll be able to get an Apple iTablet for $1199 with two years unlimited data plan; for $699 with a 2 year contract; or $699 for a Tablet without 3G wireless (just WiFi and bluetooth.)

We'll soon know how off this info is! :)

Apple Denies iPhone Nano

If you've been delaying buying an iPhone waiting for the rumoured iPhone nano, you might have a long wait ahead.

According to Tim Cook (Apple's COO) it makes no sense to split the successful iPhone App Store market by creating unecessary product segmentation. He says Apple's goal is to keep making the best smartphone out there, not the cheapest or the smallest.

Software is the key ingredient, and we believe that we are years ahead of our competitors. Having different screen sizes, different input methods, and different hardware makes things difficult for developers.

(That's what I've been telling my friends...)

But, as he mentions software, I do take this oportunity to remind him there's still a lot to be done to fix some urgent iPhone issues: not only the infamous copy-paste, but also a better SMS management (why can't we delete a single SMS message?), and a better system to organize apps - try and find the one you want in the middle of 7 or 8 screens filled with icons... (folders, maybe?)


As for an eventual Apple netbook, he also denies it - at least for now.
I think it would make more sense to launch a netbook-shell, something you could dock your iPhone into and have a keyboard, larger LCD, maybe even an extra battery. That's something they could certainly provide at the same cost of a regular netbook and still attract lots of users wanting to type larger documents in their iPhones. At any moment you would just pop it up and place it in your pocket and keep going... True mobility with none of the hassle of having to deal with syncing, extra wireless internet access plans, etc.

Eee PC gets WiMAX and Bigger LCD with 1280x768?

The rumors about the Asus Eee PC keep going strong, but this time some info comes from Asus itself.

Join ASUS, Intel and Sprint to learn about the state of WiMAX technology, preview next-generation mobile solutions (including the next generation EeePC) and immerse yourself in tomorrow’s wireless protocol.

So, a WiMAX enabled Eee PC is almost certain - and I'm sure thousands of users will gladly take it.

As for the bigger LCD - since it's the thing I've been "complaining" about since I first reviewed it - according to China Times:

Asustek also Eee PC, the new specifications will be listed in addition to the screen some of the current seven inches, will join the 8.9-inch screen.
(...) understood that Eee PC 7-inch panel prices about 40 US dollars, 8.9-inch panel prices about 55 to 60 US dollars to Eee PC

As you can read for yourself, 15 or 20 USD... that's all it takes to have a bigger 8.9" LCD screen (hopefully 1280x600 or 1280x720) - I just can't understand why they didn't select it right from the start..

We'll have to wait until Jan 7th to see if the WiMAX Eee PC will have this new 8.9" LCD - I hope it does; but considering the success they've been having with the current model, I wouldn't be surprised if they delayed this new model for as long as possible.

Edit: I've been digging around to find which 8.9" LCD they could use, and I found these 8.9" 1280x768. Wouldn't that be just perfect? :)