Apple Unlikely to Release New 4-Inch iPhone This Year, New Low-End Model Expected in 2016
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a note to investors on Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by MacRumors, reiterating that Apple is unlikely to launch a new 4-inch iPhone this year. Kuo, who has a respectable track record at reporting on Apple’s upcoming product plans, added that Apple will instead likely release a new 4-inch iPhone with Apple Pay compatibility in 2016.
“iPhone 5S still going strong; next 4-inch likely in 2016. Shipments of 5S are still going strong at 5-7mn units every quarter, an impressive level at such a mature stage of the product cycle. Momentum is being sustained by a more affordable price and the product’s outstanding design. But we still believe it’s necessary for Apple to have a new 4-inch iPhone because: (1) it will be key to extending momentum in the 4-inch category; and (2) it could complete the Apple Pay ecosystem, assuming it is equipped with NFC. We predict a launch in 2016.”
The well-informed analyst claims that the iPhone 5c will likely reach the end of its product cycle later this year, with the iPhone 5s becoming the new entry-level device in Apple’s smartphone lineup once the so-called “iPhone 6s” and “iPhone 6s Plus” are released this September. For now, the oft-rumored “iPhone 6c,” speculated to be an iPhone 5s with plastic casing, is not planned.
Foxconn is expected to be the primary manufacturer of the 4-inch iPhone in 2016.
Android Wear companion app gets big update, ahead of new firmware
Earlier this week Google officially announced a new update for the Android Wear platform adding Wi-Fi support, always-on apps, Emoji drawings, an easier way to access AW apps, and more. While we are still waiting for this update to roll out, Google has now introduced a new version of the Android Wear companion app that will be needed in order to take advantage of some of the new firmware features heading to our watches.
First up, the interface has been drastically improved, making better use of Material Design while adding new Google Now-like cards to the main screen that bring important info front and center. The settings have also been switched up a bit. Clicking on settings will give you a list of general settings, but you’ll need to tap on “Device Settings” to go to a new screen that contains options like tilt to wake, ambient screen, and other device-specific settings.
Aside from the aesthetic changes, there’s also some pretty important feature additions as well. The biggest change is the addition of cloud sync, which will basically let you use your watch through Wi-Fi, with no need for the phone to be within range anymore, as long as you have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Of course, this feature will require the upcoming firmware update before it can be utilized. Last but not least, the update makes it easy to pair multiple Wear device and quickly switch between them without needing to go back through the repairing process. Most of us only own one Android Wear watch, but for those that like different types of watches for different settings (formal, casual, etc) — this could eventually come in handy.
The latest update is rolling out gradually to Google Play, though you can grab the APK now if you wish to avoid the wait.
Disney’s ‘Acoustruments’ can control smartphones using sounds from their own speakers
A new development out of Disney’s Research labs may one day change the way we use our mobile devices. The company has created a series of plastic mechanisms called Acoustruments that are able to control your smartphone by utilizing the mobile device’s existing audio functionality. Each Acoustrument comes with a tube that transfers sound from the speaker to the microphone, allowing users to alter the ultrasonic sound waves by blocking a series of various holes – similar to how a flute works. The video attached above explains the technology that Disney is using to create these devices.
So what’s the end goal? Disney says it’s trying to create functional applications that allow the end-user to interact with their mobile devices when access to the touchscreen is limited. For instance, the company has created a smart case that can sense when your phone is in your hand, on the table or being used for a camera. Other Acoustrument prototypes include a simple alarm clock, a stand that turns your phone into an interactive doll and even a case that allows you to play with your smartphone like a toy car.
These are very low-cost devices and require no power source, whatsoever. It might be awhile until we see fully-functional Acoustruments on the shelves, but it looks like the company is making some great progress in this field.
Win a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge courtesy of Opera
Great smartphones need great apps to truly shine, and nowhere is that more visible than when it comes to browsers. The browser you use on your Android phone is your gateway to the web, making it a crucial part of the overall user experience.
One of the highest rated Android browsers out there is Opera Mini, which recently received a big update that we’ve reviewed here. Known for its data compression feature that enables users to save data by reducing download sizes, Opera Mini can really give you an edge. But it’s not all just data savings – Opera Mini is fast, fully featured, and user friendly.
That is why we have teamed up with the good folks at Opera to give away a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge to one lucky winner. The contest runs for one week and there are multiple ways to get your entry tickets into the draw. Good luck everyone!
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is the phone to have if you want to stand out from a crowd of nondescript slabs. Featuring a sleek aluminum frame and a mirror-smooth glass back, the S6 Edge looks and feels truly premium. But it’s the dual sloping edges that really make this phone stand out, both in terms of looks and functionality – the edges can act as a customizable notification light when the phone is placed on its screen, or as a notification area that gives you key info at a glance.
On the inside the Galaxy S6 Edge is almost identical to the S6, offering best-in-class specs, including a 14-nm processor, 3GB of RAM, a 16MP camera, and a Quad HD AMOLED screen. Everything is packed into a compact and light body, available in four colors.
With the Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung really delivered what people have been clamoring for: a truly premium phone, with no compromise in terms of functionality.
Enter the giveaway now!
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – Opera Mini/Android Authority
Terms & Conditions
- The giveaway is an international giveaway (Except when we can not ship to your Country.)
- If we can not ship to your country, you will be compensated with an online gift card of equal MSRP value to the prize.
- We are not responsible for lost shipments.
- You must be age of majority in your Country of residence.
- We are not responsible for any duties, import taxes that you may incur.
- Only 1 entry per person, do not enter multiple email addresses. We will verify all winners and if we detect multiple email addresses by the same person you will not be eligible to win.
- We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
- The prize will ship when it is available to purchase.
Full terms & conditions and FAQ | Past giveaway winners [Gallery]
Good luck, everyone!
Deal: Pick up the new ZeroLemon Galaxy S6 Battery Case for just $20 from Amazon
It’s no secret that Samsung greatly ramped up its design language with the Galaxy S6, combining two panels of Gorilla Glass 4 with an aluminum edge that surrounds the device. But when the phone is covered in glass as opposed to plastic, you may want to take some extra precautions to keep it safe. Carrying around this phone with a case is a must, and why not add a bit of extra functionality while you’re doing it? If you’re looking to give your new Galaxy S6 some extra juice while protecting it, check out ZeroLemon’s Galaxy S6 Battery Case.
Read more: Best Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge cases
The Galaxy S6 certainly doesn’t have the best battery on the market, coming in at just 2550mAh. The ZeroLemon Battery Case will provide an extra 2800mAh of battery capacity, bringing the phone’s total to 5350mAh. You can also remove the battery from the case to use it externally, if you’d like.
Samsung Galaxy S6 videos!
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You’ll notice that the price of the case reads $29.99 (normally $59.99), but you can save even more than that. By using the coupon code NHASAPTH at checkout, you’ll save an extra $10 on the case, bringing your total to only $19.99. Before you buy, note that the case isn’t compatible with the S6 Edge. Check out the link below for more info.
Verizon to position itself as high quality service at expense of bargain shoppers
As wireless services, especially high-speed data service, increasingly become a commodity with the corresponding race to the bottom in terms of price, Verizon has largely avoided being sucked into the price wars. Despite the goading of T-Mobile’s John Legere and Sprint’s pricing moves, Verizon has resisted making wholesale changes to the way it does business. According to the latest financial report for Verizon, shared by Verizon CFO Francis Shammo today, the company lost 138,000 postpaid customers in the last quarter and they seem to be okay with that.
Shammo says Verizon is focused more on customers who value factors like the quality of the network over price,
“If the customer who is just price-sensitive and does not care about the quality of the network—or is sufficient with just paying a lower price—that’s probably the customer we’re not going to be able to keep.”
Positioning a company to be a supplier of a premium product while others target less expensive buyers is a strategic move that can pay off. One only has to look at a company like Apple which seems content to be a niche player while reaping a financial windfall. Verizon is unique in that regard as they are currently the largest wireless carrier in the U.S. and their ability to expand and improve their network is supported by the vast customer base they have.
Sources have noted that Verizon will have to do some work to ensure consumer’s consider them a premium brand worth the extra cost. One part of this strategy involves deployment of a new wireless video service the carrier hopes to roll out this summer. Verizon is currently working on securing content from a variety of sources. The big question that remains though is how plans will be structured. T-Mobile’s Legere has criticized carriers for penalizing customers who take advantage of services made available and has specifically called out Verizon for asking customers to access NFL content then turning around and charging overage fees when customers do that.
source: Bloomberg
Come comment on this article: Verizon to position itself as high quality service at expense of bargain shoppers
Rooting your Galaxy S6 will disable one of its most useful features
If you’re considering rooting your Galaxy S6, you may want to listen up, as it has been brought to our attention that doing so will disable Samsung Pay — a service you may not think you use, but probably do.
For those unaware, Samsung Pay allows customers to authorise payments through their smartphone using their fingerprint. This not only applies to Play Store purchases, but PayPal transactions, too.
However, that’s not its only use.
Thanks to the South Korean company’s recent acquisition of LoopPay, Galaxy S6 owners can now use their smartphone’s integrated MST chip to pay in retail stores. When users tap their handset on the side of a card reader, their debit card details are transferred, and all they have to do is enter their PIN.
So if you want to start or continue taking advantage of this feature, we’d recommend that you don’t root your device.
Come comment on this article: Rooting your Galaxy S6 will disable one of its most useful features
Google wireless MVNO service could be announced as soon as today
We’ve reported earlier that Google’s MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) codename “Nova” has been in the planning stages for awhile. As some might recall an application was discovered, essentially detailing how the network was going to operate. In short, customers may be charged only for data they consume, and the possibility of refunds issued for unused data had been discussed.
According to new reports from the Wall Street Journal the long awaited Google Wireless network may be announced as early as today, April 22. Reportedly, Google is in final preparation for an announcement.
It’s alleged that the network will use coverage from both Sprint and T-Mobile, depending on which one has the best signal at the moment. Reports also indicated that at the beginning of operations, the Nexus 6 will be the only phone to operate on the new network.
It’s worth noting that Google isn’t looking to come out and disrupt the entire industry. At least not at first. If they can apply pressure to other carriers to follow suit, then that’s good for us consumers. Think of how they’ve handled Google Fiber and pushed others to react accordingly.
If this WSJ report is accurate, the next few days could be exciting.
Source: Wall Street Journal
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LG G4 screen to have slight curve
A new report out of Korea ahead of next week’s LG G4 release says the forthcoming smartphone will have a slightly curved screen to go with the rest of the hardware packed in to the new device. According to the report, the LG G4 will have a 3000-mm curve to the screen. This level of curvature is also present in other LG devices like the LG Magna and LG Spirit, so the company is not exactly breaking new ground.
For comparison, the LG G Flex 2 comes with a 700-mm curvature for a much more dramatic effect. Even the Samsung Galaxy Round, which curves along the x-axis, is a 400-mm radius.
The curvature present in the LG G4 may not be very noticeable to users and is probably so slight as to not offer much in the way of improved usability or features. However, the slight curve may help it survive drops since it will not fall flat.
While the curved screen will give LG some novelty points to play up when trying to sell the phone, expect more emphasis to be placed on features like the cameras and the removable back giving access to the battery. In particular, the G4’s f/1.8 sensor should give LG a noticeable edge over competitor devices like the Samsung Galaxy S6. LG is also packing in an 8MP front-facing camera for some seriously high-quality selfies.
source: BusinessKorea
via: phoneArena
Come comment on this article: LG G4 screen to have slight curve
Huawei Smartwatch Giveaway
Sure, the Apple watch is a big deal right now and drawing a lot of attention to the smartwatch community. To that, we say bravo! Anything that raises awareness about developing technology and progresses the wearable lifestyle is terrific. It’s important to remember, however, that Apple isn’t the only shooter in the West. In fact, there had already been a handful of successful smartwatches on the wrists of Android folk worldwide before the Apple watch was even a rumor on your Grandpa’s Facebook wall. In fact, we’re giving away one of those watches — the Huawei Smartwatch — for FREE!
That’s right! We’re drawing one lucky reader to be the new owner of this luxurious and sophisticated timepiece from Huawei. There’s no purchase necessary and sharing the giveaway on social media only increases your chances of taking this beauty home. So what are you waiting for? Enter now!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
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AIVAnet 