Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, debuted September 19

At a Glance

Apple recently introduced the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. Both devices launched on September 19 in the first wave of countries. The first reviews describe the units as "thin and sexy", "bigger and better", with impressive battery life.

Specs

• 4.7-inch iPhone 6 features a 1334 x 750 display
• 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus features a 1920 x 1080 display
• 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB
• $199, $299, and $399 / $299, $399, and $499

Apple has launched two new iPhones, the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. Along with larger screens and a completely new iPad-style design with an ultra thin body and rounded corners, the two new phones offer faster processors, better cameras, and Apple's new Apple Pay payment system.

Apple's new iPhones are available in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray, and are available in 16, 64, and 128 GB capacities. The iPhone 6 pricing starts at $199 on contract, while the iPhone 6 Plus pricing starts at $299.

While both models include the same 64-bit A8 chip and the same general design, there are several differences between the two phones. The iPhone 6 measures in at 6.9mm, while the iPhone 6 Plus is slightly thicker at 7.1mm. Apple's iPhone 6 Plus also has three major differentiating factors: optical image stabilization for the camera, and a longer battery life, and an iPad-style landscape mode that displays more content on the screen.

Though the iPhone 6 Plus has optical image stabilization, both phones got some major camera improvements in form of sensor upgrades, improved tone mapping, better noise reduction, and new "Focus Pixel" technology, which improves the phone's ability to select autofocus points. For videos, there's a new 240fps slo-mo option, along with support for shooting in 1080p at 60fps. The front-facing camera was also upgraded, with an f/2.2 aperture that lets in more light and new burst mode capabilities.

Both phones have an impressive new "Retina HD Display," with the iPhone 6 featuring a resolution of 1334 x 750 (326 ppi) and the iPhone 6 Plus featuring a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (401 ppi).

Design wise, the phones more closely resemble the iPad and the iPod touch than the iPhone 5s. Both models have soft, rounded corners and a curved glass screen that melds smoothly into the thin metal body of the device. The volume buttons on the left side of the device are now pill-shaped, and the power button is located on the right side of the device for easier one-handed use.

How to Buy

The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus launched on September 19 in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, and Singapore, following pre-orders that began on Friday, September 12. On Friday, September 26, Apple expanded iPhone 6 and 6 Plus availability to more than 20 additional countries, including New Zealand, Italy, Denmark, and Taiwan, and on October 17, the two devices became available in China, India and Monaco. Later in the month of October, Apple expanded availability to 33 additional countries.

Apple is selling the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus both online and in its retail stores. Though supplies were initially constrained, stock of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus appears to be improving in the United States and other countries around the world. In the U.S., new orders of both devices ship in just 1 business day for 16 and 64GB models and 3 to 5 business days for 128GB models.

In store supply of both devices is also improving, with retail stores receiving shipments on a near-daily basis. The iStockNow tracking tool can be used to see which models of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are currently in stock at a variety of stores, including Apple's retail stores.>

According to an Apple representative, response to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus was "incredible," setting a new record for pre-orders, and sales topped 10 million during the phone's launch weekend. While it remains uncertain whether consumers preferred the smaller iPhone 6 or the larger iPhone 6 Plus, early analysis suggests buyers favored the iPhone 6 3:1 over the iPhone 6 Plus.

Apple's iPhone 6 is available in 16, 64, and 128 GB capacities, priced at $199, $299, and $399, respectively, with a two-year contract. The iPhone 6 Plus is available in 16, 64, and 128 GB capacities and will be priced $100 higher at $299, $399, and $499, respectively. Both the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus are available in Space Gray, Gold, and Silver.

Issues

"Bendgate"

Shortly after the iPhone 6 Plus was released on September 19, reports of the device bending when placed in a pocket began to surface. One user, for example, reported slight bending after the iPhone was in a pocket for approximately 18 hours, and after that, several other reports trickled in.

Inspired by the reports of bending, a YouTuber created a video depicting him bending the iPhone 6 Plus with his hands, causing significant damage to the device. The video went viral, and began people worrying about bending the iPhone 6 Plus in their pockets.

It is important to note when watching the video above that the amount of pressure placed on the device is unlikely to be replicated in daily usage. While images have depicted slight bending, there has been no extreme warpage in the casing due to carrying the device in a pocket.

Affected users have reported that Apple has replaced devices that have bent. As shown in another video, the iPhone 6 Plus is less vulnerable to bending when placed in a rigid case, and users can also avoid bending the iPhone by removing it from a pocket before sitting down.

A followup bending video featuring the iPhone 6 demonstrated that the smaller-screened device is much harder to bend and therefore likely less vulnerable to bending when placed inside of a pocket.

In response to all of the media attention that the iPhone 6 Plus bending issues garnered, Apple released a statement to several different sites saying that with normal use, bending in the iPhone is "extremely rare." The company said that only nine customers had complained about a bent iPhone 6 Plus.

In addition to releasing a statement, Apple also invited several reporters to visit its the facility where the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are subjected to several different tests to ensure strength and durability. As described in reports, the iPhones go through five different tests, including pressure point cycling, three-point bend tests, torsion testing, sit tests, and real-life testing scenarios where Apple employees use the devices.

According to Apple's head engineer Dan Riccio, the iPhone 6 was "the most tested product" Apple's ever created. The company reportedly conducted 15,000 tests on the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. Apple's head of marketing Phil Schiller said that bending was extremely rare, and that the company had "designed the product to be incredibly reliable throughout all your real world use."

Consumer reports went on to test the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus after reports of bending, and found that the two devices are not quite as bendable as the media has suggested. In a three-point flexural test, the iPhone 6 Plus withstood 90 pounds of force before bending, while the iPhone 6 withstood 70 pounds of force, which is more force than the two devices are likely to be subjected to during daily use.

According to Consumer Reports, though the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are not indestructible, they "should stand up to typical use."

Crashing Issues

Some 128GB iPhone 6 and 6 Plus units have reportedly been having crashing and boot loop issues, which could potentially be a hardware issue related to the NAND flash in the devices.

Reviews

Initial impressions on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are gathered below to highlight the general release reactions to the two new devices.

Apple's two new devices are essentially identical in design aside from the difference in screen size and the battery life/optical image stabilization in the iPhone 6 Plus. One notable improvement in both devices is the longer battery life afforded by the larger batteries. The iPhone 6 Plus is said to last up to 2 days, while the iPhone 6 may last a day and a half.

Brad Molen, Engadget:

Both iPhones are thinner than their predecessor. Whereas the 5s was 7.6mm thick, the 6 comes in at 6.9mm, with the 6 Plus measuring a hair thicker at 7.1mm. I don't always subscribe to the "thinner is better" mantra, but it's a benefit in this case because larger iPhones wouldn't feel as comfortable if they had the same shape as the 5s. If I had to choose based on in-hand feel alone, I'd pick the 6 over the Plus. I can still wrap my fingers around the 6 just as easily as I could with the 5s (and its curved sides don't cut as sharply as the edges on the 5s), but the large-screened 6 Plus is... well, it's manageable.

David Pierce/Nilay Patel (iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus), The Verge:

Huge phones get to have huge batteries, and the iPhone 6 Plus is a huge phone with a huge battery: I consistently got about two days of battery life from the 6 Plus in regular daily use -- slightly more than the day and half we got from the iPhone 6, and basically the same as the Note 3.

Walt Mossberg/Lauren Goode (iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus), Re/code:

In my tests, I found the iPhone 6's Wi-Fi speeds -- both downstream and upstream -- were roughly double those of the 5s, and about 25 percent faster than those of the Samsung Galaxy S5. But I saw little difference in LTE speeds, either on Verizon or AT&T.

Jim Dalrymple, The Loop:

The 6 Plus was awkward for me to use at first--it was kind of like using a smaller version of the iPad mini, but it was a phone. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of using it on an ongoing basis, but the larger screen eventually won me over.

In More Detail

Design

Measuring in at 4.7 and 5.5-inches, the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus dwarf previous iPhone models, but at the same time, the two phones are Apple's thinnest yet, measuring in at 6.9 and 7.1mm, respectively. For comparison's sake, the iPhone 5s was 7.6mm thick.

According to Apple, the thinner profile was made possible by the company's "thinnest display yet," which is made of slightly curved glass designed to flow seamlessly into the body of the device to highlight the "Retina HD" screen of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Both devices include prominent antenna bands on the back enclosure, along with a protruding rear lens. The volume buttons are pill-shaped, much like the buttons on the iPad Air, and the power button has been relocated to the right side of the device.

The iPhone 6 measures in at 5.44 inches long and 2.64 inches wide, and weighs 4.55 ounces. The iPhone 6 measures in at 6.22 inches long and 3.06 wide, weighing 6.07 ounces. In comparison, the iPhone 5s is 4.87 inches long, 2.31 inches wide, and it weighs 3.95 ounces.

Retina HD Display

iPhone 6 rumors largely suggested Apple would use a sapphire display cover in the device, but that turned out to be false. Instead, the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus use "ion-strengthened" glass with an improved polarizer (for better outdoor viewing), a photo aligned IPS liquid crystal display, and a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.

The iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch display with a "2x" resolution of 1334 x 740 (326 ppi) while the iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch "3x" resolution of 1920 x 1080 (401 ppi). Both phones are said to offer higher contrast, better brightness, and improved white balance.

According to a test conducted by DisplayMate, the iPhone 6 Plus display is the "best smartphone LCD ever tested." The iPhone 6 display also received high marks.

Apple has implemented several "Reachability" features to improve the viewing experience on its larger devices, including Display Zoom and landscape view (iPhone 6 Plus only). Display Zoom lets users zoom in to get a closer view at their apps, while standard zoom displays more content on the screen.

Landscape view on the iPhone 6 Plus is designed to make the most of the 5.5-inch screen and to help users be more productive. When in landscape mode, the device will display apps like Mail, Calendar, and Stocks in a wider view similar to the way they're displayed on the iPad.

The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus take advantage of dual domain pixels, which improves viewing angles. AnandTech has given an in-depth overview of dual domain pixels, explaining that the technology alludes to the fact that the electrodes in the pixels are not all aligned. Instead, the pixels are "skewed when viewed from the perspective of the lines defined by the rectangular edges of the display," allowing them to compensate for uneven lighting.

Battery Life

The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus both offer improved battery life, but due to the larger size of iPhone 6 Plus, it is able to accommodate a larger battery. The iPhone 6 has an 1,810 mAh battery, while the iPhone 6 Plus has a battery capacity of 2,915 mAh.

Because it has a bigger battery, the iPhone 6 Plus has a longer battery life than the smaller iPhone 6. 3G talk time for the iPhone 6 Plus is at 24 hours, compared to just 14 hours in the iPhone 6, for example, while HD video playback is at 14 hours for the iPhone 6 Plus and 11 hours for the iPhone 6.

Reviews of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have suggested that the iPhone 6 can last up to a day and a half on average, while the iPhone 6 Plus can last up to two days on a single charge. A battery life test conducted by AnandTech showed the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus beat out many competing Android devices, lasting longer than the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8. The iPhone 6 Plus had the second longest battery life of any device tested, coming in behind the Huawei Ascend Mate 2.

Despite shipping with a 1A/5W battery, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are capable of drawing up to 2.1A/12W of power, which means that iPhone users can likely obtain a faster charging time using an iPad adapter. According to early testing, charging with a 12W iPad adapter charges the iPhone 6 Plus in approximately two hours.

A8 Chip and M8 Motion Coprocessor

Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus have a new 64-bit A8 processor built on an advanced 20-nanometer process by TSMC. Not only is the chip smaller than the A7 in the iPhone 5s, it's also able to deliver 25 percent faster CPU performance while being 50 percent more energy efficient.

The A8 takes full advantage of Metal, Apple's gaming technology that lets developers create console-style games on the iPhone. According to Apple, Metal is designed to let the GPU and CPU work together to provide detailed graphics and complex visual effects, which means gaming on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is going to be better than ever.

Alongside the A8, there's also a new M8 motion coprocessor, which is the successor to the M7 motion coprocessor introduced in the iPhone 5s. The M8 measures data from the accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope, along with a barometer, which is new to the iPhone 6.

With the addition of the barometer, the M8 motion coprocessor can measure elevation in addition to steps taken and distance traveled.

AnandTech has published an analysis of the A8 processor that points towards significant GPU enhancements and an enhanced Cyclone CPU at 1.4Ghz.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have topped CPU benchmarking tests (compared to competing Android devices and the iPhone 5s), but the iPhone 6 Plus lags slightly in graphics performance due to the device's larger screen.

Camera Improvements

The iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus continue to sport an 8-megapixel f/2.2 rear camera, but the addition of several new features will result in vastly improved picture quality. Continuing to offer improved camera capabilities has always been a priority for Apple, with the company even opting to include a protruding lens design to avoid making image quality sacrifices for the sake of the thin design of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

The first major new feature, "Focus Pixels," are designed to speed up autofocusing by providing the sensor with more information about an image, while improved auto image stabilization will compensate for slight amounts of motion blur and hand shakiness. Focus Pixels will vastly speed up autofocusing times and improve autofocusing in low light situations, as demonstrated in a review of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus cameras.

Both phones also have improved face detection capabilities and more control over exposure, and the Panorama feature now supports high-resolution panoramic photos of up to 43 megapixels.

Video options have been improved in the two devices, and it's now possible to capture 1080p HD video at 60fps. There's also a new 240fps slo-mo mode, and time-lapse video, which was introduced with iOS 8.

The iPhone 6 Plus has one slight advantage when it comes to the camera, however, as it takes advantage of the M8 motion coprocessor to offer optical image stabilization. Optical image stabilization better compensates for hand shake and slight movements in low light than standard auto image stabilization techniques. As a result, it's likely the iPhone 6 Plus will be able to deliver higher quality low-light photos than the iPhone 6.

Along with rear camera improvements, the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus have improved front-facing FaceTime HD cameras with a new sensor and an f/2.2 aperture. With these improvements, Apple says the front-facing camera can capture 81 percent more light, resulting in much better low-light photos. There's also a new burst mode for the front-facing camera, which will let users take burst mode selfies for the first time.

In the DxOMark tests from reputable camera testers DxO Labs, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus both scored an 82, overtaking the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Sony Xperia Z2 as the best smartphone cameras in both the photo and video categories.

According to the testing, both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus performed similarly, with the site noting that both had "very good, generally reliable auto-exposure" in a range of lighting conditions and fast, accurate autofocus.

The optical image stabilization in the iPhone 6 Plus, which is the differentiating factor between the two devices, resulted in better noise performance and less ghosting on HDR images, but it did create a video stabilization artifact that ultimately led to a better score for the iPhone 6 in the video category.

Connectivity Improvements

Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus both offer faster LTE with support for LTE Advanced networks, reaching speeds of up to 150 Mbps, and they offer 20 LTE bands for better connectivity when traveling. A real world speed test has shown some impressive speed gains between the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 5s when LTE Advanced is available.

The devices also include support for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) which allows users to make higher-quality phone calls over LTE. VoLTE will also allow users on CDMA networks like Verizon to use voice and data simultaneously for the first time. VoLTE requires support from both Apple and carriers, and several carriers have pledged to roll out support for the service.

In addition to cellular improvements, the iPhone 6 and the 6 Plus are the first of Apple's iOS devices to offer support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi. 802.11ac Wi-Fi is able to offer connection speeds that are up to 3 times faster than existing 802.11n networks. The speed improvements possible going from the iPhone 5s to the iPhone 6 Plus can be seen in the video below.

Finally, the iPhone 6 supports calls over Wi-Fi, which can result in higher-quality calls, especially in situations where a cellular connection is low. Calling over Wi-Fi is another feature that requires carrier support, but again, some carriers, like T-Mobile, have already pledged support.

Memory

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus teardowns have revealed that both devices continue to offer the same 1GB of RAM found in the iPhone 5s.

Other Features

Like the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus continue to offer Touch ID, Apple's fingerprint-based security system. With iOS 8, which ships on the iPhone 6/6 Plus, Touch ID will become even more powerful, thanks to third-party Touch ID integration.

Touch ID is also an integral part of Apple's new Apple Pay mobile payments initiative, as is the Near Field Communication (NFC) antenna built into every iPhone 6. Apple Pay is designed to allow users to pay for purchases at thousands of retail stores with just a fingerprint.

Operating System

The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus ship with iOS 8, Apple's newest mobile operating system. iOS 8's main goal is to improve integration between Apple devices, both mobile and desktop, through the use of "Continuity."

This article "Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, debuted September 19" is originally posted at macrumors.com and was posted by guest blogger.

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Apple iPhone 6 Rumors: Release Date In 2013, But Cheaper iPhone 5 Won't Feature A Retina Display

For months, we've been talking about two different successors to the iPhone 5, including a true sequel with all the bells and whistles -- the iPhone 5S -- and an all-new design said to aim specifically at emerging and lower-income global markets like India and China. But to build this cheaper, more affordable "iPhone 6," one analyst believes Apple (NASDAQ:APPL) will release the phone without a Retina display.

On Friday, RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani released a research note (via MacRumors) saying he believes the low-cost iPhone 6 will see its release date in June or July 2013, but the phone will not feature Apple's signature Retina display.

"Our supply-chain checks indicate that AAPL is working to launch multiple new phones in the June/July time-frame this year," Daryanani said. "Specifically, AAPL will launch the iPhone 5S and a more affordable but lower-income iPhone at the same time, in either late CYQ2 or Q3. The low-end iPhone will have the same 4" form factor as the iPhone 5 but will have plastic casing and no retina display [sic]. With a lower price-point, AAPL will be able to target a growing and important part of the Smartphone market (sub-$400 price-band)."

Several other analysts have said the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 will both be released simultaneously in 2013, but Daryanani's note about the device's Retina display conflicts with other trusted reports from analysts who have proved accurate in the past. Specifically, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who correctly predicted Apple's entire product pipeline in 2012, believes the iPhone 6 will indeed release in June or July, but will feature the same 326 ppi Retina display as the iPhone 5.

It would make little sense for Apple to introduce an inferior display in the iPhone 6. Even the iPhone 4, which is currently available for free in the U.S. (with a two-year contract), features a Retina display. If Apple wants to lower prices, reducing the screen density won't make much of a difference in overall cost. Instead, it's been reported that Apple will build the phone with different materials, opting for a "hybrid casing of fiberglass and plastic" that makes it lighter and slimmer than most plastic-encased smartphones, but certainly cheaper to make. KGI Securities' Kuo believes the iPhone 6 will still be heavier than the iPhone 5S, which will reportedly be cased in aluminum and released around the same time.

Need more reasons to believe the cheaper iPhone 6 will feature a Retina display? On Thursday, Apple officially told developers that all apps submitted to the App Store must support the Retina display resolution (326 ppi) and 4-inch screen size of the iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch starting May 1. If all developers are being forced to scale their apps to the new screen size in May, Apple will likely make a big iPhone and/or iOS-related announcement soon after -- most likely at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June.

Why Apple Should Release The iPhone 6 In 2013

Apple is facing stiffening competition from its rivals at Samsung Electronics (KRX:005935), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), and even Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT); recently, Apple got to see Samsung release its newest flagship phone, the Galaxy S4, which looks to be the biggest competition to the iPhone in 2013 -- like 2012 all over again. Apple will need all the firepower it can muster in its smartphone line-up if it hopes to maintain customer interest in a tightening marketplace.

With the advent of cheaper, smaller, and more power-efficient chipsets, Apple can certainly afford to build an entry-level smartphone in addition to its current iPhone 5 (or 5S) -- either making it larger, like the Samsung Galaxy S3, or possibly a smaller iPhone Nano -- to appeal to consumers who can’t quite afford Apple’s most popular product, including many in China.

Reports of Apple's desire to build multiple iPhone models have been echoed on Wall Street. On Jan. 2, Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White said the company will likely release its iPhone 5 successor in more colors and screen sizes, implying that Apple might sell an iPhone that's smaller or larger than the current iPhone 5 or even the previous-generation iPhone 4S or 4 units.

"Although Apple offers a 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5 and a 3.5-inch screen on the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, the company has never offered multiple screen sizes for a single model," White said. "We believe this is about to change with the next iPhone offering different screen sizes that we believe will allow Apple to better bifurcate the market and expand its reach."

China is the biggest new market for Apple at this moment: The company is reportedly trying to strike a deal in 2013 with China Mobile Ltd. (NYSE:CHL), the largest telecommunications carrier in the world with 703 million active subscribers, to build a TD-LTE version of the iPhone 5 to work on the carrier’s high-speed networks. Apple CEO Tim Cook even visited China Mobile headquarters on Jan. 10 to meet with company Chairman Xi Guohua to discuss “matters of cooperation,” but Apple needs this deal now: The Samsung Galaxy S4 will release on TD-LTE this year, which presents an enormous opportunity for Samsung if it can release its popular smartphone unopposed.

Considering Apple’s urgency to strike a deal with China Mobile, as well as the growing competition to be compatible with China's most popular carrier, it’s likely we could see Apple release both the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 this year in an attempt to dominate the growing markets in Asia.

iPhone 6 Rumors: What Features Might It Include?

iLounge editor-in-chief Jeremy Horwitz detailed in January what he called the "budget iPhone 5," which he said looks like the iPhone 5, but features several new design tweaks.

“Yes, it will be made substantially from plastic,” Horwitz wrote, echoing an earlier DigiTimes report that said the iPhone 5S or 6 would feature a hybrid chassis made of both plastic and metal. “No, it won’t just be a Retina- and Lightning-equipped refresh of the iPhone 3G or 3GS, Apple’s last plastic iPhones, nor will it look just like an all-plastic version of the iPhone 5. This new model is actually a cross between the iPhone 5, the fifth-generation iPod touch, and -- wait for it -- the iPod classic. Yes, really. It will have a 4-inch screen, like the iPhone 5, a bottom like the latest iPod touch and a shape that’s most similar to the iPod classic.”

The original DigiTimes report on the low-cost iPhone 6 said the new iPhone’s internal parts could “be seen from the outside through a special design." If this rumor is accurate, the finished design for the cheap iPhone 6 might look like an iPhone 5 mixed with the plastic enclosure of the iPhone 3GS from 2009 mixed with the final design for the Bondi blue iMac in 1998, which was characterized by its brightly colored, translucent plastic casing that could let users see the innards of their desktop computers for the first time.

Horwitz believes the low-cost iPhone 6 will feature specs nearly identical to those in the iPhone 5, but will be "a half-millimeter taller and a half-millimeter wider," as well as a full millimeter thicker. While these changes are minimal, Horwitz noted the biggest design change in the iPhone 6 will be the curves.

“Apple’s budget housing looks closest to the iPod classic in shape, though not in materials,” Horwitz said. “Unlike the plastic iPhone 3G/3GS, which featured soft curves on all sides, the budget iPhone’s curves start and end at flat surfaces, so each side and the back are flat. This seems like a trivial change, until you realize that it allows Apple to use flat rather than curve-matched parts: The right side has a flat, centered SIM card tray just like the iPhone 5’s, while all of the buttons and ports are on flat rather than curved surfaces. A flat-backed iPhone won’t rock on a flat surface when it vibrates, either.”

The proportions of the iPhone 6 will resemble those of the latest-generation iPod touch, with similar locations for the camera, microphone and rear flash, according to Horwitz. The bottom microphone, headphone jack, Lightning dock, and speaker are in the same locations as in the iPhone 5, but the new iPhone 6 is said to have an extra microphone on the bottom, as well as four individual holes for the speaker grill, rather than the 26 speaker holes at the bottom of the iPhone 5.

“In summary, the budget iPhone will look a lot like an iPhone 5 from the front, an iPod classic from the side, and an iPod touch 5G on the bottom -- only made from plastic rather than glass or metal,” Horwitz concluded. “It won’t make any bold departures from past Apple designs, but then, it’s supposed to be an inexpensive iPhone and achieves that goal pretty much as expected.”

Besides the form factor, Horwitz believes the next iPhone will feature a processor bump -- possibly an Apple-built A7 chip -- as well as improvements to the camera and flash, integrating a new aperture and 13-megapixel lens.

That said, most rumors about the iPhone 6 have revolved around its display, as Apple is reportedly investing a great deal of time, energy and capital on the screen for its next-gen iPhone 5S and iPhone 6.

A Jan. 3 report by the China Times said Apple might switch to a "Touch On Display" panel currently in development at one of the company's suppliers, Taiwan-based Innolux Corp. (TPE:3481), which has reportedly licensed Sharp's proprietary IGZO display technology.

Whether or not Apple taps Innolux to make screens for the next iPhone, however, the company will most likely feature Sharp's ultrathin IGZO display technology in its next iPhone -- the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, or both.

In late December, Asymco analyst Horace Dediu and DigiTimes both mentioned Apple’s alleged investment in the ultrathin IGZO displays produced by Sharp, predicting the inclusion of the technology in Apple’s next batch of iOS devices, including iPhones and iPads. Dediu also pointed to Apple’s recent $2.3 billion investment in “product tooling, manufacturing process equipment, and infrastructure,” believing the cash was used to help bail out Sharp, which had been in financial straits last year. Sharp is reportedly going “all in” on IGZO technology, so it’s possible Apple saved Sharp to leverage its investment in the next generation of displays.

As noted by Tom's Hardware, the IGZO display is not only thin and tough, but also can handle even higher screen densities than Apple’s Retina display, which is visually stunning on its own. IGZO displays can reportedly handle display densities north of 330 ppi: In comparison, the new iPad 4 can only achieve 264 ppi.

One of the advantages of IGZO display technology is its lower power consumption. Most Apple products, from the iPhone 5 to the iPad 4, require cartoonishly big batteries to achieve just eight hours of power -- this is because current-gen Retina displays are extremely power-hungry. If Apple wanted its iPhone 6 not only to last longer during the day but also to charge faster when plugged in, IGZO seems to be the way to go for the next generation of iOS devices.

Apple sold 47.8 million iPhones and 22.9 million iPads in the company's fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 29.

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Is Apple iPhone 5C Best Than 5S ?

Now that Apple has officially announced the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C, a new question has probably come to mind for anyone in the market for a new phone: Which one should you buy? The iPhone 5S is Apple’s high-end, luxury smartphone, with the aluminum build, fingerprint sensor, and 64-bit architecture to prove it. The iPhone 5C meanwhile, comes clad in five fun plastic colors, and starts at $100 less than the iPhone 5S.

Pre-orders for both phones start on Friday, so you’ve got a little bit of time to figure out which one you want. I’ve compared some of the specs and features for each phone to help you decide which one should end up in your shopping cart.

Siblings, or at least cousins

Let’s start with the similarities, as there are quite a few. The iPhone 5C basically contains the same guts as the iPhone 5, and many of these features carry over to the iPhone 5S. Both phones, for instance, feature a 4-inch retina display. Battery life should be about equal for each device, and each phone has an 8-megapixel camera (though I’ll get to some camera differences in a bit). Also, both phones ship running iOS 7, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system.

Aluminum? Or plastic fantastic?

So what makes them different? The first, most noticeable difference between the two phones lies in the design. The iPhone 5S features the same aluminum build as the iPhone 5, though Apple is offering it in three colors this time around: gold, gray and silver. The iPhone 5C brings a completely different look to the party. Made of a hard-coated polycarbonate body with a reinforced steel frame, the iPhone 5c comes in five bright colors, which is a big change for Apple.

Compared to the industrial, steely iPhone 5S, the iPhone 5C is like a breath of fresh air. It’s also probably going to sell like hotcakes among smartphone-carrying tweens, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to bring it into the boardroom. Also note that it’s a bit heavier. While both phones measure nearly the same size, the iPhone 5c weighs 4.65 ounces compared to the 3.95-ounce iPhone 5S. It’s not a big difference, but it’s worth considering.

64-bit or bust

The next major disparity lies in the processing power of each device. Though Apple keeps the specific details of its chips under wraps, the iPhone 5S is the first smartphone in the world to be powered by a 64-bit A7 system-on-a-chip. Additionally, Apple has added an M7 motion coprocessor, which handles all of the data from the accelerometer, compass and gyroscope. This should offload some of the work from the A7 and improve power efficiency. It also opens up new doors for more advanced wearable fitness trackers. And according to Apple, these changes make for performance that’s twice as fast as the A6 chip in the iPhone 5C. So if you’re a gamer, a fitness nut, or you just want the fastest iPhone possible, the iPhone 5S represents a significant step up in power.

Two killer cameras

As I mentioned earlier, both phones have an 8-megapixel camera, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. The iPhone 5C basically uses the same camera as the iPhone 5, which is a good thing—the iPhone 5 still has one of the best smartphone cameras on the market. But the 5S takes that camera and makes it even better.

The iPhone 5S features an f/2.2 camera as opposed to the 5C’s f/2.4. It also features a larger sensor and uses bigger 1.5-micron pixels, which should make for better sensitivity and low-light performance. The iPhone 5S camera has a new burst mode, as well as the ability to record 120fps 720 slow motion videos.

But perhaps the best new feature is the True Tone flash. The 5S features two different color lights for flash—the traditional bright white along with a new amber light—and automatically combines the two to make for a more natural-looking flash. Would-be photographers, take note: the iPhone 5S is the phone to get.

Say goodbye to swipe-to-unlock

One feature that doesn’t quite fit on the spec chart is the new fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5S, which Apple calls Touch ID. This allows you to unlock your phone by simply placing your finger on the home button, rather than entering in an unlock code or swiping to unlock the phone. Better yet, it allows you to enable purchases (like in the App Store) without having to enter a password—just place your fingerprint on the home button and buy away. This makes using the iPhone easier than ever.

Pricing it out

The iPhone 5C comes in 16 or 32GB storage options, while the iPhone 5S adds a 64GB option to the equation. You’ll pay for it, though. A 64GB iPhone 5S costs a whopping $399 with a two-year contract.

But when it comes down to it, the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C are really only $100 apart. You can buy a 16GB iPhone 5C for $99 or you can get a 16GB iPhone 5S for $199 (both of those price are with a two-year contract). Similarly, an unlocked iPhone 5C will cost you $549, while an unlocked iPhone 5S costs $649.

All things considered, I think the iPhone 5S is the better buy here. Think about how much money you spend over the length of a two-year phone contract. If you just have one line, it’s probably close to something like $100. Over the course of two years that’s $2,400, and when you look at it in context, it pays to throw down an extra $100 for a boatload of new and improved features. After all you’re getting a faster processor and a better camera, as well as Touch ID.

Chances are you’ll be carrying this phone for the next two years. So unless you really love the look of brightly colored plastic, I say splurge a bit on the iPhone 5S. That way when Apple announces in the iPhone 6 in a year from now, it won’t burn quite as big a hole in your pocket, begging you to trade it in.

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Share My Top 10 iPhone Apps

About 60,000 Apple iPhone applications available till date and making the list of top 10 apps, is certainly a daunting task. Some applications are best for users who access social networking sites, while some work great for music lovers. Some work as virtual assistants to photographers and some guide students round the clock to minify their distance to academic propensity. Here is an attempt to enlist the top 10 iPhone apps for one and all.

Top 10 iPhone Apps of All Time

Pandora Radio

This list will be incomplete if Pandora Radio is not included in it. Pandora Radio creates customized radio stations and you can listen to your favorite tracks and singers without changing the radio stations every now and then.

Instapaper

If you frequently visit blog sites then you must have this iPhone application. Instapaper enables you to save the online stories and blogs and you can read them in your free time. To use this iPhone application, you have to register on Instapaper.com and create an account.

AroundMe

AroundMe is a must have application for people who roam a lot. This iPhone application provides you information about important services that are available in your surrounding, which include, coffee shops, petrol stations, bars, banks, restaurants, movie halls and hospitals.

ShoZu

ShoZu is a handy and useful application for those who frequently upload images and videos on the web. With this application you can upload videos and photographs on almost 50 sites at a time. These include, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Photobucket, WordPress, MySpace and Photoshop.

Jott

This iPhone application transcribes your voice memos into text. All you need to do is simply tap on the record button and start speaking. You can record the voice messages and save them for future use. This application is useful for saving addresses and phone numbers on the go.

Google Mobile App

With this iPhone application you can make a quick and easy search of any data in your iPhone. Whether it's searching for a contact number or finding an address, Google Mobile App scans your mobile and helps you find the required data. This application also supports Google Docs, Gmail, YouTube, Picasa and Blogger.

Tweetie

Tweetie is a must have iPhone application for active users of Twitter. With this iPhone application you can access to more than one Twitter account at a time and perform all the tasks that can be performed on a desktop. You can download this application at $2.99 at your App Store.

Meebo

With this iPhone application you can stay connected to your friends and chat them by instant messaging on Yahoo, MSN, AIM, Gtalk, etc. Using Meebo is a nice way to cut down SMS and you can chat with your friends on the go.

WritingPad

A must have iPhone app for those who send e-mails and need to type text frequently. While using this application all you need to do is drag your finger along the letters and spell out the words. Initially the application is difficult to use, but with gradual use it becomes quite easy to handle.

Facebook

Having a Facebook application is need of the time! With this free iPhone application you can stay online on your Facebook profile and go social all the time. You can chat, check your wall, upload and view photos and do many more things.

Top 10 Apps for Kids

• Mad Libs Lite
• Toddler Teasers: Shapes
• Airport Mania: First Flight Lite
• Freshwater Aquarium
• Sneezies
• Squiggles
• Weetwoo! Kid Videos
• Chuzzle
• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Old MacDonald

Top 10 Apps for Business

• ClockIn
• eBay Mobile
• Evernote
• iTerminal
• Encamp
• mbPointer
• iBank
• Analytics App
• LinkedIn
• Quickoffice Mobile Office Suite

Top 10 Free iPhone Apps

• iBooks
• GodFinger
• Windows Live Messenger
• Apple Store
• Find My iPhone
• Chop Chop Tennis
• Facebook
• Pandora Radio
• Twitter
• Skype

Top 10 Apps for Students

• BigWords
• iStudiez Pro
• EZ Read
• SimpleMind
• EverNote
• Wikipanion
• Dictionary.com
• myHomework
• PI83 Graphing Calculator
• Chegg

Top 10 Apps for Photographers

• PhotoArtista Oil
• Image Blender
• AutoStitch Panorama
• SketchMe
• Pano
• Photoshop Express
• Pro HDR
• ShakeItPhoto
• Instagram
• Iris Photo Suite

I now wrap up this piece, content, that you have digested some information on the top 10 iPhone apps. So, how about finding the best iPhone application that suits your need and getting it from the App Store... Now!

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How-To iPhone Data Recovery

iPhone being the giant star in the world of mobile telephony that it is, is prone to a number of untimely damages, both external and internal. If you're clueless about how to recover the lost photos, e-mails, messages, and other important data that were trustfully put into your iPhone, because of the fact that a wonderful information repository this device is, allow me to discuss a few easy software you need to install for successful data recovery on your iPhone. Mind you, the ones discussed here are not free of cost. However, they ensure the recovery of data of even a formatted iPhone. Let's awaken the pirates in us, and locate the lost treasures with the help of the methods discussed below.

Data Recovery Software

While the iPhone is a complicated device, loss of data is no new thing. However, without panicking, you can recover your lost data by using a popular data recovery software specially designed for Apple devices. Follow the steps given below:

1. Before downloading any software, make sure you stop uploading new music or image files into your iPhone. The moment you realize that your data is lost, you should not transfer any file from iPhone to Windows OS, and vice-versa. Chances are that they will end up being corrupted too.
2. Download a good data recovery software for your iPhone that is capable of searching for the deleted files onto your phone's hard-drive. There are many techniques and software available on the Internet, many of which are free of cost. However, paid software such as iCare Format Recovery, iPhone Data Recovery Software, and DriveSavers are brilliant picks for the recovery of all kinds of data lost from your iPhone.
3. Make sure you have 50 MB of hard-disk space available on your phone, and approx. 512 MB of memory free. The reason behind this is the fact that the software would not be able to operate properly if there is no adequate space free in the system.
4. When the software is downloaded, install and run it on your phone. It will take a while to crawl through your iPhone's hard-disk in search for all the lost data.

Tip: After a thorough crawling, the data recovery software will recover all your data back to its original place. Remember, you should go for such software only when you have never backed-up your data on your computer before. However, if you've already made a back-up of all your files on your PC with the help of iTunes, in three simple steps, you can get all your data back to your iPhone. Some more software options are lined up below:

• iPhone Backup Extractor
• Paraben's iRecovery Stick
• MiniTool Power Data Recovery
• Data Recovery Mac

Take the following method into consideration if you've created a backup of your iPhone's data into your PC/Mac with the help of iTunes.

Recovering Lost Data: iTunes

Just a single sync, and you have all your data backed up in iTunes. If you're convinced you backed up all the data on your iPhone before any data was lost, iTunes can very well help you out in recovering it. Here's how:

1. The first step is to connect your iPhone with your PC in the very normal way you sync both.

2. Look for the back-up of your files on your computer. You'll find it in the C drive of your computer, unless you have saved it manually somewhere else. Here go the paths:

For Windows XP or Vista: C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup

For Mac: Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup

3. When you're successful in following the path, you will see a filename that has an .mdbackup extension. This is your back-up. Click on it.

4. Select the option that says Restore, and your files will be sent to the phone from your PC. Note that, restoring contacts is difficult in this case, and you have to get them in a file, and manually feed them. However, it's much better than losing 'em all mysteriously.

Method Two is always advisable for the DIY kinds, and is definitely the very first option (cheapest too) for iPhone users. However, for those who know their lost files don't exist in the iTunes backup folder, Method One is highly recommended. Some of them might cost a bomb, but the results are satisfactory. As the last bit of advice, always create a backup of your data in your iTunes folder to avoid all kinds of data loss.

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Samsung Galaxy S3 Vs Apple iPhone5 Vs LG Optimus G

The iPhone 5 has failed to make as big a mark as its predecessors, and there’s possibly worse news in store for Apple. 2013 has seen a host of brand new smartphones being launched, even though the year has barely begun. The LG Optimus G, LG’s latest flagship phone, is one such device that could also steal away some of the iPhone 5’s spotlight. So we decided to pit the Optimus G against the iPhone 5 and the current favorite flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S3, to see if it stood a chance in the market.

From the outside: The iPhone 5’s design might get a tad boring, considering it’s been the same since iPhone 4. At first glance, you might not even notice anything different – with its familiar brushed aluminum casing. But, we have to agree, it does give the iPhone a classy and expensive look. We love the Galaxy S3’s rounded pebble-like exterior – it gives it a different look. On the other hand, the Optimus G manages to make its mark even though it doesn’t look as classy as the iPhone – we especially love its Crystal Reflection rear panel.

The iPhone 5 has a 4-inch Retina LCD display with a resolution of 1136X640 pixels. We’ve obviously found the screen size far too small, especially in the age of 5-inch phablets. The Optimus G has a larger 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 768X1280 pixels. The Galaxy S3 has the largest 4.8-inch display among these three, but it has the least resolution of just 306 ppi, which negates the beauty of the large screen. LG seems to have struck a good balance between screen size and resolution on the Optimus G.

On the inside: The iPhone 5 is powered by a 1.3 GHz dual-core Apple A6 processor and 1 GB of RAM. The Galaxy S3 has a slightly more powerful 1.4 GHz processor but only 1 GB of RAM. The Optimus G’s got more power, with its 1.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor and 2 GB of RAM. Both the Galaxy S3 and Optimus G have 32 GB of internal storage as well as a microSD card slot for those who need more storage space – a big disappointment in the iPhone 5.

The OS: We can’t say anything bad about the iOS 6 that’s running the iPhone 5, which has the largest number of apps to choose from. Samsung’s Galaxy S3 runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is a massive improvement over the previous ICS version. A major disappointment with the Optimus G is that it runs on Android 4.0. We wonder why LG couldn’t put in the Jelly Bean version instead.

Camera: In terms of front-facing cameras, there isn’t much difference between the iPhone 5 and the Optimus G – the iPhone 5 has a 1.2 MP camera while the Optimus G has a 1.3 MP camera. But the Galaxy S3 has a 1.9 MP front-facing camera, the best among these three. When it comes to the main camera, we love the Optimus G’s13 MP camera over the iPhone 5’s and the Galaxy S3’s 8 MP offering.

Battery: The iPhone 5 has a 1440 mAh camera which gives it a talktime of about 8 hours. The Optimus G and the Galaxy S3 are the winners in this category with their 2100 mAh battery and 15 hours of talktime.

Connectivity: All these phones offering LTE as well as 3G connectivity. The Optimus G and the Galaxy S3, in addition to WiFi and Bluetooth, also have NFC capabilities – an important feature missing in the iPhone 5. - source

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iPhone 5 vs Nokia Lumi 920

It’s that time again; consumers worldwide are going to have to make a concrete decision as to which of the new smartphone behemoths to buy. It is true to say that the world of smartphones is expanding; what once was a market ruled by Apple, in 2012 other companies have wedged their foot firmly in the door. The Android phones and Samsung Galaxy S III are all firm competitors that the common consumer may be well acquainted with…but what about the Nokia Lumia 920? This well-timed new release from Nokia could be the wild card of the deck; but will it trump the iPhone 5? Read on to find out.

Design

Apple has always prided themselves in the visual aspect of their products; utilising ‘less is more’, beauty in simplicity. The iPhone’s design exudes class and chic without being showy; and the iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest to date. iPhone coined (and invented according to their website) round rectangular edges and now has a 4” screen – claiming if you expand the screen too much for the sake of it; the end product is oversized and makes it awkward and difficult to use.

The Nokia Lumia 920 is made out a mixture of glass & polycarbonate and visually looks like a serious contender when placed next to the iPhone. Compared to the iPhone 5’s black and white, the Nokia deals with quirky, vibrant colours – possibly attracting a new range of consumers. However, the iPhone is actually smaller and lighter than the Nokia. Have a look at these stats:

iPhone 5 (Height, Width, Depth) 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 Weight – 3.95 ounces

Lumia 920 (Height, Width, Depth) 5.12 x 2.78 x 0.42 Weight – 6.52 ounces

The size of the Nokia Lumia screen is 4.5” compared with the iPhones 4”. This means that Nokia have managed to obtain a higher resolution, but not by much. What it really comes down to is which of the phones will sit more comfortably in your hand?

Technical

The new chip which Apple are using is called the ‘A6 chip’, which apparently is twice as fast the A5 in the iPhone 4S. The Nokia Lumia has utilized the use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 chip. The Samsung Galaxy S III uses the very same chip; and the Samsung Galaxy S III is super-duper speedy.

Camera-wise, the iPhone still uses an eight mega-pixel camera (which is to slight dismay of the general public). However, the camera is forty percent faster and performs far better in lower light than its predecessors. All the iPhone camera’s inner workings can also be used to create seamless panorama photos also.

The Lumia 920 has an 8.7 megapixel camera which features Nokia’s PureView technology. Nokia claim that the camera can capture up to ten times the amount of light surrounding the lens through ‘floating lens technology’. Although Nokia ended up upsetting many people with a certain advert which was apparently showing the camera in all its glory…but got caught out faking the shot with a professional camera. Spot the cameraman/lights.

Other Spec

The overall spec of the phones are pretty similar, where iPhone has Siri, Nokia has TellMe; and both phones sport seemingly good battery life, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & storage space. A big calamity the iPhone 5 may face though is through the controversy surrounding iOS 6, which was released on September 19. Many people have suffered problems with their iPhones running iOS 6; especially with the new iOS 6 Apple Maps (Apple’s attempt to replace Google Maps), which are already renowned for being absolutely terrible and problem-ridden. The Nokia Lumia will operate using Windows 8, which will be released on October 26th – time will only tell how well it runs.

Conclusion

It basically boils down to if you can wait until the Nokia Lumia 920 comes out to make your decision. Yes, the iPhone 5 boasts a world of a billion apps and is an improvement on the phone we all have grown to love….but do we yearn for more? Has the iPhone done enough to keep the public content? The Nokia be the next smartphone you didn’t actually know you were looking for; but it could easily find its way into your pocket.

Author: Alfie Davenport works in the technology department at Ladbrokes Roulette. He has owned Nokia, Apple, and Android smartphones over the past 6 years and is currently a huge fan of his HTC One X.- source

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Tepid Chinese response to new iPhone highlights Apple's challenge ahead

BEIJING -- The iPhone's magic as China's must-have smartphone is eroding.

Last year, eager buyers in Beijing waited overnight in freezing weather to buy the iPhone 4S. Pressure to get it -- and the profit to be made by reselling scarce phones -- prompted some to pelt the store with eggs when Apple, worried about the size of the crowd, postponed opening.

Just 18 months later, many Chinese gadget lovers responded with a shrug this week when Apple Inc. unveiled two new versions of the iPhone 5. Today's market is glutted with alternatives from Samsung to bargain-priced local brands.

"There was no big change, no surprise at all," said Gu Lanjun, a 29-year-old employee at a Shanghai bank. Having bought the three most recent iPhone models as soon as they were released, she said, "I won't update this time."

That lacklustre reception suggests Apple faces a struggle in defending its shrinking share of China's crowded, increasingly competitive smartphone market and its premium prices.

That matters, because China is a key part of Apple's growth plans. CEO Tim Cook told the official Xinhua News Agency in January he expects this country to pass the United States as its biggest market.

"Apple's market position in China has stagnated," said telecommunications analyst Jan Dawson of the research firm Ovum, in an email.

One problem, he said, might be that Apple's high price limits it to targeting the top market tier, and customers in that segment who want an iPhone already have one.

The two models unveiled this week "will largely be sold to existing subscribers and won't win many converts," Dawson said.

Earlier iPhones became status symbols in China even before they were formally sold here.

Buyers paid hundreds of dollars for handsets brought in from Hong Kong and modified to work on China's phone network. Companies treated them as luxury goods, buying hundreds at a time to give to important customers as Chinese New Year's gifts.

Now, Apple faces increasing competition. Samsung has made inroads into its premium market segment. For the mass market in a country with an average annual income of only about $4,000 per person, less than one-tenth the U.S. level, newcomers such as China's Xiaomi offer smartphones that run Google Inc.'s Android system for as little as 799 yuan ($125).

The rapid growth of the lower segments where Apple doesn't compete has helped to shrink its share of the overall market even as its sales grow.

Apple's share of China's smartphone market fell by nearly half, from 9.1 per cent to 4.8 per cent, over the past year, according to research firm Canalys.

Apple appeared to be trying to capture some of that lower-tier market with this week's announcement of the lower-priced 5C. But the company's website said it will start at 4,488 yuan ($712) in China, well above analysts' expectations of as little as 2,500 yuan ($400).

"People were expecting a much cheaper version to expand the market to the mid-tier segment. But that didn't happen," said analyst C.K. Lu of Gartner Inc. "We don't see much is going on in the China market with this new product launch."

Investors gave Apple's two new iPhones a similarly lukewarm reception.

Shares fell 6 per cent in U.S. trading on Wednesday following the announcement. Apple stock has fallen nearly 30 per cent since peaking at $705.07 when the last iPhone came out.

Apple also disappointed observers by failing to announce an agreement with China Mobile Ltd., the world's biggest phone company by number of subscribers, though Apple had promised no deal.

After this week's announcement that Japan's biggest mobile carrier, NTT DoCoMo, would support the new iPhone lineup, China Mobile is the last major holdout. A tie-up would require Apple to create an iPhone that runs on China's homegrown mobile standard but would give it a partner with 750 million subscribers.

The latest iPhone release also marks an upgrading of Apple's marketing in China. For the first time, the new model will be released in China at the same time as it debuts on Sept. 20 in the United States and other major markets such as Britain, Japan and France. In more than 100 other countries, it will not go on sale until December.

But advance orders for the iPhone 5S and 5C have been "much lower" than for previous models, according to Zhang Xue, a saleswoman for China Telecom Ltd., one of two Chinese carriers that support the iPhone.

"Customers are much calmer when they face the new iPhone lineup," Zhang said.

Apple still has plenty of fervent admirers in China, but some complained the latest iPhones offer too few technical advances.

Liu Guanlin, a junior at the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy, said he traded up from Samsung Galaxy to an iPhone because Apple's operating system seemed more stable. But he said the 5C didn't look like it would be worth the money.

"I have lots of Apple products, yet my complaint about the iPhone is it lacks innovation," said Liu. "I can't see major breakthroughs in the latest models, which is disappointing."

Others complained Apple failed to live up to its stylish design standards.

"The covers look garish. It will take people back to 10 years ago," said Gu, the Shanghai bank employee. "I would rather wait for the iPhone 6 and if there still is not much change, I will think about switching to another brand." - source

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Apples Lifting The Ban On VoIP Over 3G

A new iPhone developer SDK is bringing us VoIP over cellular networks. Few iPhone applications have that feature built in, but will the iPad get it as well?

Apple Lifts 3G VoIP Restrictions, iCall with 3G Support Available Immediately

iCall VoIP services for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch are now available for use over 3G networks such as AT&T wireless.

GREENWICH, Conn., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Apple Computer, Inc. has updated the iPhone developer SDK to allow VoIP over cellular networks. iCall is the first and only VoIP application that functions on the iPhone and iPod Touch over cellular 3G networks.

iCall is a market leader in desktop and mobile-based desktop calling platforms, including its highly popular version for the Apple iPhone. Until today, restrictions imposed on developers prohibited VoIP functionality on any 3G network.

VoIP on the iPhone has been the source of many debates with companies such as Google being denied access to the platform and the FCC inquiring as to the restrictions in the Apple App Store; iCall is one of the few VoIP applications that has been permitted by Apple to operate on the iPhone platform.

With the latest revisions Apple has made to the iPhone developer agreement and Software Development Kit, iCall for the iPhone and iPod Touch now enabled unrestricted free local and long distance calling over 3G data networks. iCall with support for VoIP over 3G networks is now available in the App Store for download. iCall is the first and only VoIP application available for the iPhone platform that allows use over 3G networks. iCall for the iPhone and iPod Touch may now be downloaded from the App Store here.

iCall CEO Arlo Gilbert is quoted as saying, "I applaud Apple's decision to allow iCall to extend its functionality beyond Wi-Fi and onto the 3G networks. This heralds a new era for VoIP applications on mobile platforms, especially for iCall and our free calling model. I hope that now more developers will begin using our VoIP as a platform to integrate VoIP into their applications."

About iCall, Inc.:
iCall is a privately held company providing a free and low-cost VoIP calling platform that is currently available for your desktop PC, iPhone and iPod Touch. iCall saves consumers money on phone calling through ad-supported calling.

iCall was founded in 2005 by Arlo Gilbert and Andy Muldowney with the goal of providing low and no-cost calling services to consumers. In January 2006, iCall first released its iCall Free Calling desktop application. iCall's free calling network now boasts over more than 4 million unique downloads.

In addition to consumer products, iCall offers wholesale VoIP solutions and a developer platform through iCall Carrier Services. iCall's private network carries over 350 million minutes of voice traffic per month to destinations around the globe. - source

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RecBoot: Put Your iPhone in Recovery Mode With Single Click

RecBoot is a free utility for Windows and Mac users which allow you to put your iPhone / iPod Touch in recovery mode easily. Its a great utility for for those iPhone users who's iPhone Home or Sleep/Wake button is not fully functional. Moreover this utility saves you from learning the 3-4 steps of putting your iPhone into recovery mode manually. Normally you need to put your iPhone into recovery mode when your want to do a firmware restore.

RecBoot has very simple interface, only two buttons i-e "Enter Recovery Mode" which puts your iPhone to recovery mode and "Exit Recovery Mode" which takes your iPhone out of recovery mode option. The program requires LibUSB utility whos setup is included in the zip package.

Manual method to put your iPhone into recovery includes the following steps:

• Connect your iPhone to iTunes.
• Press and hold the "Home" and "Sleep/Wake" button at the same time.
• As soon as your iPhone screen goes black, release the "Sleep/Wake" button and continue pressing the "Home" button until you see a popup on your computer screen saying "iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode".

To download RecBoot application for Windows click from here and RecBoot application for Mac from here.

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GooApple Already Planning Quad-core iPhone 5 Clone!

Regular readers of Gizchina will already know Chinese iPhone clone makers GooApple for their amazing GooApple V5 iPhone 4S clone with retina display! Well reports suggest that GooApple are already preparing a quad-core iPhone 5 clone!

GooApple have announced that their all new iPhone 5 clone will be hitting stores in a few months, no much later than the real iPhone 5 launch from Apple!

Chances are that GooApple’s iPhone 5 clone will be based on the various leaked iPhone 5 parts photos which have been circling the web, and there may even be a chance that the Chinese based iPhone knock-off makers could have even rented the rear casing of the new iPhone 5 much like Chinese journalists have been doing for $8000!

GooApple have even gone on to say that the new iPhone 5 knock off will feature a Quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU, 1GB RAM and a 4 inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720, which if true is more than the rumored iPhone 5′s resolution which is said to be just 1136 x 640!

We can also expect to say a very convincing Android operating system with authentic looking iOS UI based on either Android ICS or Android 4.1 Jelly Bean!

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Samsung Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5

If you’ve ever found yourself in the middle of the impossible decision of choosing between iOS and Android for the first time, you see just how exciting a time it is for the mobile industry. Samsung and Apple seem to be the heavyweights right now, and the new Galaxy S4 is more than enough to give Apple something to worry about.

Apple and Samsung both have phones that exist on nearly every network in the world, but for the purposes of this comparison we’re going to be looking at the Verizon Wireless variant of the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 just to make sure things are as fair as possible. These two LTE superphones are easily the best of their breed, but which of the two offers the best overall experience?

Are you case sensitive?

We’ve reached a point where smartphone manufacturers are unable to sell a smartphone solely using its spec sheet. The experience offered by the operating system, the app ecosystem, and whatever exclusive features are what drives competition today. That doesn’t mean that specs don’t matter at all, especially when you are looking for a phone to perform well throughout a whole day, offer superior functionality on a WiFi or mobile network, or be able to function with the current and next generation of accessories. Out of context, a spec sheet isn’t helpful anymore. When you compare phones that are able to offer similar features, however, the spec sheet could be what acts as the final push to choose one over the other.

If you are looking for the best phone to fit in your pocket (or in your hand if you’ve got small hands) the iPhone 5 is undoubtedly better than the Galaxy S4. It’s lighter, thinner, and the display just over an inch smaller overall on the diagonal. The iPhone 5 was the first 4-inch phone Apple released, even though the rest of the mobile industry has been leaning towards larger and larger phones. The Galaxy S4′s 4.99-inch screen makes the whole phone noticeably larger than the iPhone 5, but it is also just slightly thicker.

The Apple’s case features an aluminum body with a slightly textured coating, while Samsung’s is a glossy plastic, again with a slight texture. These handsets both look and feel very different — Apple’s glass-and-metal mix vs. Samsung’s high-tech polycarbonate.

Specs absolutely matter

Under the hood, Samsung and Apple are nothing alike. Apple’s dual-core A6 processor clocked at 1.2GHz certainly feels like more than enough for the handheld computer, but Samsung’s 1.9GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 is an incredibly powerful chip capable of much more. Samsung also includes twice the RAM as the iPhone, while the GPUs offer a comparable experience in daily usage. Both of these phones also offer the highest quality mobile radios, capable of a diverse collection of network types. Their Bluetooth and storage options are identical, though the Galaxy S4 allows for an additional 64GB of storage.

The only other area on the spec sheet Samsung and Apple differ is the inclusion of an IR blaster and the availability of 802.11AC for the S4.

More than Retina, for what it’s worth

The screen is typically the most important part of a smartphone, and in this area Samsung and Apple have always been different. Apple’s LED-backlit IPS LCD and Samsung’s Super AMOLED displays each offer an amazing experience, but nothing ever really looks exactly the same on these displays. Apple’s LCD technology washes out in direct sunlight, but offers an unparalleled experience in terms of viewing angles. Samsung’s screens are amazing in direct sunlight, and their rich colors and deep blacks offer a great viewing experience, but their use of the PenTile display matrix is often off-putting for many.

Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5

Whatever your thoughts on the screen technology, there’s no arguing which is the more impressive experience. The iPhone 5′s 1136 x 640 resolution Retina display offers 326 ppi. On that 4-inch screen, Apple’s software makes everything look amazing despite the low resolution. Samsung’s latest display is 1920×1080 (that’s 1080p) at 441 ppi, which is a significant increase over any display currently being used by Apple. The Super AMOLED display in the Galaxy S4 is the first of its kind, and stands proud next to the iPhone 5′s smaller display.

The more powerful processor, and larger screen size undoubtedly takes its toll when it comes to battery life. Apple’s phones aren’t exactly known for being able to get you through a whole day without the need to charge, the iPhone 5′s 1440mAh battery is more capable than most. Samsung’s 2600mAh battery is a bump from last year’s model, but there’s still a lot going on that can drain the battery. Fortunately for S4 owners the battery is removable, and a larger battery can be installed. In contrast, Apple’s phones are sealed, which helps the design, but means you’re on your own when the battery gets low.

Ecosystem and Apps: It’s all about preference

Access to apps is incredibly important, but we’ve pretty much reached a point where Apple and Google are able to offer the same app experience. Both of their stores are growing at an exponential rate, and most companies release apps for both platforms on the same day. There are a few outliers, and depending on what you do that may make all the difference in the world, but most people can pick up either an Android phone or an iPhone and get by pretty easily.

What makes both the iPhone and the Galaxy S4 unique are the experiences that only they offer. Apple’s exclusives are pretty well known. If you get roped into iTunes, iCloud, Siri, or any of Apple’s exclusive apps, you’ll have a hard time finding anything like them on another platform. Samsung’s exclusives are pretty new, and not really all that well known. The Dual Camera modes offer one of a kind photography and video experience, making it possible to use both the front and the rear camera simultaneously. If you’ve got multiple people using Galaxy S4s, you can link them all together and play the same song simultaneously. All these small features might not sound like much on their own, but in combination Samsung has built a powerful array of software into this smartphone.

Both phones offer a wireless streaming system, and while Miracast and Allshare are more functional than Airplay, Samsung can’t compete with how easy it is to set up Apple’s offering.

In the end, the experience you create on these phones is all about choice. Samsung’s Galaxy S4 is clearly the more powerful phone, and the hardware is clearly designed to remain relevant for quite a while. The iPhone 5 is just barely 6 months old, and Apple is already far behind in the hardware game — Samsung’s previous model, the Galaxy S3 , was enough to compete with the iPhone 5. As long as you aren’t tied to the Apple ecosystem already, the Galaxy S4 will be able to offer you much more than the iPhone is capable of.

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