Concept Drawings of Alleged 4.7-Inch and 5.7-Inch iPhone 6c Models Surface [iOS Blog]
Long-running Japanese magazine MacFan has published alleged drawings of what appear to be 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch iPhone 6c models in its latest issue, reports Mac Otakara [Google Translate]. The images appear to show a flat, bezel-free device with rectangle-shaped volume controls like those found on the current iPhone 5c, as well as a Touch ID home button on the front of the device and a camera with a single LED-flash on the rear.
While the validity of the drawings are unknown, iPhone 6 rumors have suggested that Apple will continue with the dual iPhone strategy, producing the iPhone 6 in two different sizes. The most recent report from Japanese newspaper Nikkei said that the iPhone 6 could launch “as early as September” in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch sizes. Other reports have suggested that Apple will cease the production of a plastic iPhone in favor of using metal casings for both phones.
Ultimately, it is unlikely that a lower-end 5.7-inch iPhone 6c would be released alongside a higher-end 5.5-inch iPhone 6. However, having two iPhone lines and two sizes would allow for Apple to continue with its current pricing strategy, offering a full-priced flagship device, a mid-tier lower-cost device, and an older device at an even lower cost. Mac Otakara also published a report [Google Translate] last month on the possibility of an expanded iPhone 5c line-up with 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch models.
Apple is expected to unveil the next-generation iPhone sometime in Fall, which is likely to incorporate a durable sapphire display along with expected processor and camera upgrades.
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Office Mobile is now completely free to use on Android and iPhone
Today’s Office news isn’t all about the iPad. Microsoft now lets you use Office Mobile completely for free on both Android and the iPhone; if you’re a home customer, you can both edit and read documents without paying for an Office 365 subscription. The gratis apps are ultimately meant to encourage use of the desktop and iPad clients, where you do need to pay for full access. Even so, it’s hard to object to having another free tool for tweaking company reports while on the move.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft
Via: Android Central, Office Mobility Blog
Source: Google Play
Roku’s revamped mobile apps bring content search and a fresh look
Roku’s mobile software just got a long overdue coat of fresh paint. The remote control apps for both Android and iOS now have a minimalist (and very purple) interface, as well as search that lets you track down content based on actors, directors and similar minutiae. It’s now easier to control most any Roku device on the network, too. You don’t have to use an account for most functions, and a single sign-in will automatically log in to every device linked to your credentials. There’s still no iPad-optimized app — really, Roku? — but what’s here is definitely worth grabbing from the App Store or Google Play.
Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Mobile
Source: App Store, Google Play
LG’s first smart light bulb flashes when you get a phone call
LG isn’t about to let household heavyweights like Philips corner the connected lighting space — it just unveiled the Smart Lamp, its first take on the concept. The 10W LED bulb gives Android and iOS users a familiar level of control over their illumination, including a light-based alarm clock and a security mode that pretends you’re at home. There are a couple of noteworthy tricks in this initial offering, however. The light connects through both Bluetooth and WiFi, letting it pull the sync-based stunts we’ve seen in a few other bulbs: it can flash when you get a phone call, or (with Android) pulse to the beat of the music. The Smart Lamp is more expensive than ordinary LEDs at 35,000 won ($32) in LG’s native Korea, but it could be a good deal if you don’t need the many-colored lighting of Hue and similar systems. Unfortunately, there’s no word on whether or not it’s coming to the US.
Via: Android Central
Source: LG (translated)
Medium’s new iPhone app helps you read (but not write) long articles
We can’t say we know all that many people who routinely digest articles posted through Medium’s social publishing platform. However, the readership is bound to go up now that the service has released an iPhone app. The mobile client is more of a story curation tool than anything else. It automatically fetches stories from both your Twitter friends and any collections you follow, optimizing the reading interface beyond what you’d normally get in your web browser. You won’t want to plan on writing any diatribes, though, since the iOS app has no editing tools — you’ll have to retreat to a PC when inspiration strikes. If you don’t mind that limitation, Medium’s client is ready and waiting in the App Store.
Filed under: Cellphones, Internet, Mobile
Via: Medium
Source: App Store
Apple may improve your iPhone’s battery life by understanding your habits
Battery-saving software on a phone tends to have all the subtlety of a sledgehammer — it either waits until you’re low on power to do anything, or limits functionality at all times. Apple may eventually take a smarter approach, if a newly published patent application is any indication. The technique would optimize your mobile device’s power consumption based on both your daily activities and charging patterns. If your iPhone doesn’t get much use during working hours, for instance, it could automatically throttle down for that period. The technology also adjusts power for specific events; check into a long flight and your phone will conserve battery while you’re in the air. We don’t know if Apple will ever use this energy-saving technology, but the patent is grounded more firmly in reality than others we’ve seen.
Filed under: Cellphones, Laptops, Tablets, Mobile, Apple
Via: BGR
Source: USPTO
Apple’s new 8GB iPhone 5c now available worldwide
The rumors are true, Apple is launching an 8GB version of the iPhone 5c. After internal documents from German carrier O2 clued us into a new variant of Apple’s mid-tier phone, carriers across Europe have now begun taking orders for it. UK operator O2 and French provider SFR are offering the handset for free and one euro respectively on multi-year contracts, discounting it by more than £50 ($83) to tempt new customers. Apple has also added the new model to many of its online stores worldwide, pricing unlocked models at £429 ($714), which means you’ll need to pay an extra £40 ($67) to double your storage. While the 8GB variant is available in China, it remains conspicuous in its absence from the company’s US store. Apple has remained quiet regarding sales of its multi-colored iPhone, but today’s price drop could certainly indicate sales didn’t meet expectations.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple
Via: 9to5mac
Source: O2 Shop, SFR Store, Apple Store (UK)
Daily Roundup: 8GB iPhone 5c rumor, Microsoft OneNote goes free, and more
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours — all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Apple reportedly launching a cheaper 8GB iPhone 5c on March 18th
Rumor has it that Apple’s cheaper and more colorful iPhone 5c hasn’t sold quite as well as the 5s. That might soon change, though. According to leaked documents unearthed by O2 Germany, Apple’s releasing a cheaper 8GB version of the 5c overseas on March 18th.
Apple’s Jony Ive: ‘We’re surrounded by anonymous, poorly made objects’
During a rare interview, Apple’s Jonathan Ive offers some insight into his own design process and how Apple products graduate from the drawing board. Every detail is given incredible thought, and for Jony, “It’s not just about aesthetics… Our success is a victory for purity, integrity – for giving a damn.”
Microsoft’s OneNote goes completely free, launches for Macs
OneNote, Microsoft’s productivity tool and Evernote competitor, has been available to Windows users for a long while, but now it’s finally arrived for those running OS X. Starting today, Mac users can download the full desktop version from the App Store for the wonderful price of $0.
Microsoft intros an LTE version of the Surface 2, arrives tomorrow for $679
We knew a cellular version of Microsoft’s slate was coming, but now the company’s made it official. The $679 LTE Surface 2 comes in a 64GB flavor, packing the same battery life as its less-connected counterpart. You can pick one up from Microsoft and Best Buy starting tomorrow.
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Larger iPhone 6 May Cause Massive Spike in Upgrades, Lure Android Users
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6 is widely rumored to include a larger display, which could encourage a significant number of users to upgrade in 2014, according to analyst Brian Marshall of ISI Group, who released a note to investors today.
Echoing past iPhone 6 rumors, Marshall suggests Apple will release two versions of the phone, one with a 4.7-inch screen and one with a 5.5-inch screen. The launch of two phones, both of which offer a total redesign of the existing 4-inch iPhone 5s, could spark a massive upgrade cycle.
Apple’s current installed base is estimated to be at 260 million users, and ISI Group calculates that half of today’s iPhone purchases are made by upgraders, users who are upgrading their iPhones from an existing iPhone to a new version of the product.
ISI indicates that while the upgrade rate (percentage of installed base upgrading devices in a given quarter) was at 10 to 11 percent in 2011–2012, it has now dropped to approximately 9 percent because users have fewer reasons to upgrade with the iPhone 5c and 5s not introducing any significant design changes.
Peak quarters have seen upgrade rates of 12 to 14 percent, and ISI expects a similar upgrade rate during the second half of 2014 when the iPhone 6 is launched, resulting in a higher number of sales. An iPhone 6 with an increased screen size may also lure customers who have switched to Android from the iPhone because of the latter’s lack of a large display.
“Large-screen envy” is prevalent among the iPhone installed base and we believe a ~5” form-factor iPhone would spark a massive upgrade cycle as well as many “Android switchers” returning back to the iPhone (we refer to this as the “mother lode” of all Apple upgrade cycles).
Citing both “large-screen envy” and “pent-up demand” ISI Group suggests the new iPhone 6 models could result in an extra $3.00 earnings per share following release in the second half of 2014.
Higher demand for an iPhone during a redesign year is not unreasonable, as it has now been two years since the 2012 introduction of the iPhone 5. While the iPhone 5s included multiple internal improvements and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, it retained the same 4-inch display and design of the iPhone 5, as did the iPhone 5c, which was just a repackaging of the existing model.
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Apple reportedly launching a cheaper 8GB iPhone 5c on March 18th (updated)
Apple doesn’t talk about how many iPhone 5c devices it sells, but the rumors are that it’s not doing as well as its two siblings. According to leaked documents from O2 Germany, Cupertino is looking to boost its middle child by launching an 8GB version that’ll retail for 60 euros less than the current 16GB model. What does this spell for the “bottom tier” iPhone 4S, which is currently offered to customers for free on two-year deals? We couldn’t possibly speculate, but if this trimmed-down hardware is appearing in Germany, it’s probably going to launch everywhere else in the world, too.
Update: A reader sent in a photo (below) of the 8GB 5c’s packaging, confirming that the device is in hand.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple
Source: Caschy’s Blog (Translated)
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