Apple iPhone 7 reportedly to be 6.1mm thick; ditch headphone jack, camera bump; gain stereo speakers

Apple is reportedly making the next iPhone thinner than the previous iPhone models. It was previously reported that Apple would be ditching the 3.5mm audio jack, and make some other changes to make the iPhone 7 slimmer.

Now according to Japanese tech blog Mac Otakara, the iPhone 7 will have a design same as the iPhone 6 and 6s model, but will be thinner by almost 1mm. To recall the iPhone 6s is 7.1mm thin.

In line with previous reports, the report claims that the iPhone 7 will ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack. This also means that the lightning port will be an all-in-one port supporting both charge and headphone. Apple is also said to do away with the small camera bump at the rear, so that the rear camera stay flush with the body of the phone. Also to make the iPhone 7 slimmer, the lightning port cutout will be thin, allowing reduction in size.

The new iPhone will come with aluminum material and the same level of water resistance as the iPhone 6s. The report also mentions that the iPhone 7 will sport a dual-speaker setup and will not have the antenna lines on the back.

As usual we can expect the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus at Apple's keynote event that happens in September. But before that, on March 21, Apple will host a media event where the 4-inch iPhone (iPhone SE), 9.7-inch iPad Pro (iPad Pro Mini) and new Apple Watch bands are expected to announce.

Via

Apple's 9.7-inch iPad Pro may sport 12MP rear camera with 4K video support

Apple's upcoming tablet is said to be the mini version of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, that will have a screen size of 9.7-inch. As per new rumors the 9.7-inch iPad Pro may include camera specs that top the 12.9-inch sibling.

9to5Mac reports that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro might have a12-megapixel rear camera, with the same sensor found as iPhone 6s. To remind you, the iPad Pro (12.9-inch) has an 8-megapixel rear camera. And just like the iPhone 6s, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro's rear camera is capable of recording 4K videos.

Besides, a better camera and smaller display, the 9.7-inch will have the same hardware features of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, that includes Apple A9X SoC, a four speaker setup, Apple Pencil support, a Smart Connector

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is expected to launch alongside the 4-inch iPhone SE and new Apple Watch bands on March 21.

Via

Apple iPhone SE reportedly to launch on March 21

Apple is holding a media event in March where it is expected to launch a 4-inch iPhone, iPad Pro Mini and new Apple Watch bands. The media event was rumored to take place on March 15, but a new report from BuzzFeed suggests that the event will be on March 21.

It is worth noting that the event is one day prior to Apple's March 22 showdown with the U.S government over a motion that would compel Apple to hack an iPhone used by one of San Bernardino terrorists to help FBI and other intelligence agencies for accessing data.

Meanwhile more details related to name, pricing and specifications of the 4-inch iPhone has surfaced. The 4-inch iPhone so far has been called by many names- iPhone 6c, iPhone 7c and till now it was iPhone 5se. However, according to a new report the 4-inch iPhone will be called iPhone SE. SE stands for Special Edition.

Additionally analyst Ming Chi Kuo at KGI Securities in a research note mentioned that the iPhone SE will have a design similar to iPhone 5s, but with slightly curved edges. It will come with an A9 SoC w/ M9 co-processor, 12-megapixel rear camera, Apple Pay and 1642mAh battery.

As per Kuo the iPhone SE will be priced between $400 and $500. He claims that the iPhone 5s will get a 50 percent price cut, so it coulbe be available for around $225 off-contract. Kuo also estimates 131 percent growth in 4-inch iPhone shipments, which will be around 37 million units in 2016. 

Apple iPhone SE rumored specs

• 4-inch display
• A9 SoC w/ M9 co-processor
• 12-megapixel rear camera
• 1.3-megapixel front camera
• support for larger panorama for video recording
• Barometer for tracking elevation in the Health app
• Live Photos, no 3D Touch support
• NFC chip for Apple Pay
• Apple Pay
• 1642mAh battery
• Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold color options.

 Via

Apple is reportedly launching a 9.7-inch iPad Pro in March

Apple is reportedly hosting an event in March, to launch new products - a 4-inch iPhone, a tablet and new Apple Watch bands. The tablet was said to be the iPad Air 3, however, according a report from 9to5Mac, the tablet will not be called iPad Air 3, instead it will be a smaller variant of the 12-inch iPad Pro. The mini variant will have a 9.7-inch screen.

This means that Apple will have two models of its top of the line iPad Pro tablet - a 12.9-inch version and a 9.7-inch as well.

The report also mentioned that the 9.7-inch iPad Pro tablet will have the same features as the iPad Pro, including the A9X processor, RAM, Apple Pencil support and have smart connector. It will come with a smaller Smart Keyboard accessory.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be available in the same color options as the 12.9-inch model- Silver, Gold and Space Gray. The storage options will also be the same. It will be available in WiFi (32GB and 128GB) and WiFi + Cellular (128GB) just like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. It will also house the four speaker set up. 

It is not clear exactly when in March, Apple is going to launch the iPhone 5se, iPad Pro mini and new Apple Watch bands. Rumors suggest that it could be on March 15 or 22. As March is fast approaching, we can expect Apple to send out an event invite soon confirming the date. 

Source

Will Samsung Galaxy S IV and iPhone 5S using Wireless Charging Technology?

After Nokia, LG Electronics and HTC, according to some industry sources say Samsung Electronics and Apple is expected to add a wireless battery charging capability (wireless charging) for their flagship smartphones�s in 2013.

Samsung is expected to adopt the Qi wireless charging technology that has been developed and implemented by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for the next model of its flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S IV.

But it looks like the Galaxy S IV might not come with embedded wireless charging capabilities. However, users are required to purchase a replacement of smartphone backcover to access the charging pad.

Unlike Apple which is likely to adopt this wireless charging technology internally, although not yet known whether this technology will be used in the iPhone 5S is built-in or with other accessories.

Adoption of Samsung to technology Qi Wireless seems to push those technology to become mainstream in smartphones, beating what is promoted by the Alliancefor Wireless Power (A4WP) and the Power Matters Alliance (PMA).

As known earlier than Samsung, the other major brands including Nokia, HTC, LG, Motorola Mobility and Sony Mobile is also a member of the WPC.

Is this technology really going to be paired on their flagship smartphone in the future? we wait for the truth at the time the product is launched later.

Will Apple use IGZO Technology on iPad Screen & Next Generation of iPhone?

According to some sources cited by DigiTimes, Apple reportedly is evaluating how much supply for IGZO panels which could be available in 2013, they planned to use on generation of iPad, mini iPad and next iPhone products.

This issue is also strengthened by the news that Apple is known to have a serious discussion with Sharp on the estimated production capacity IGZO panels for 2013. They also reportedly discussed whether AU Optronics (AUO) L5C Line can also be used to produce such technology.

In addition, Innolux Corporation (formerly Chimei Innolux, or CMI) is reported to have got the license by the Sharp to use Sharp IGZO technology in 3G and 5G line, which means that they are ready to enter the supply chain of Apple in the future.

The main advantages brought by technology IGZO (from the "in-plane-switching" / IPS technology that is now used) are lower power consumption by reducing the need backlighting, a thinner panel, and has a higher pixel density. In addition, the current flow on the screen is different than the non-IGZO screens in general.

Defeat Nokia, Samsung �Rule� the Global Mobile Phone Market

Managed to dominate the smartphone market in some time ago, on the whole Samsung has now managed to become the number one vendor in the global mobile market. Samsung achieved what it was, then make a position displaced from the throne vendor Nokia mobile phones with the most sales.

As quoted via TechRadar, globally in 2012, Samsung managed to achieve 29% market share of the mobile device, an increase than the previous year which only have 24%.

From the statistical data issued by research firm IHS iSuppli, Nokia which in 2011 managed to earn 30% market share, this year experienced a 24% decline.

Apple managed to achieve 10% market share globally, successfully pushed to third position. Interestingly, unlike other manufacturers who deliver devices with diverse segments, Apple is only present in the upper middle class through his iPhone only.

In consecutive years, ZTE and LG, respectively fourth and fifth position, which stood at market share 6% for ZTE and 4% for LG.

For the overall, global smartphone shipments are expected to rise about 35.5% this year. Smartphones also managed to obtain 47% of all mobile devices shipped this year, up from the previous year which only reached 35%.

With the enormous growth this year, I wonder if many analysts who argue that the year 2012 is the year of smartphones.

iPhone Will Bring Revolutionary Email at Beginning of Year 2013

Email may be related to many things. Social networking is now almost replaced the function. But for those who still use email or like the classic email, it would look like back in the era of 1995. For that the team who dressed Mailbox application for the iPhone wants to change that. The team has changed the email in a format that does not resemble like a desktop email application but more like a 'to-do list'.

Application called Mailbox is associated with gestures and inbox management. After the email appears, when shifted to the right a little email will open, whereas when a longer sliding to the right will delete it. If you want to read it again next time, swipe left. Mailbox does not fundamentally change the email, but it can change the perspective of the classical email.

If you spend much time with email that piled up and sometimes forget to reply to important emails or want a simple email, than the Mailbox perfect for you. Mailbox only supports Gmail accounts, while others such as Yahoo mail, Hotmail and iCloud still have to be patient. Mailbox is still in beta and will be officially launched early next year also adds capabilities such as multiple accounts and push notifications.