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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Apple Unveils iPhone 4S, iOS 5, and iCloud
PR: Apple
on Tuesday announced the iPhone 4S, packed with new features including
Apple's dual-core A5 chip for faster performance and enhanced graphics;
an all new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video
recording; and Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things
done just by asking. With the launch of the iPhone 4S also comes the
launch of iOS 5, Apple's advanced mobile operating system with over 200
new features; and iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services
that work with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC to
automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it
to all your devices.
"iPhone 4S
plus iOS 5 plus iCloud is a breakthrough combination that makes the
iPhone 4S the best iPhone ever," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior
vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "While our competitors
try to imitate iPhone with a checklist of features, only iPhone can
deliver these breakthrough innovations that work seamlessly
together."
iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5, which includes over 200 new features
including Notification Center, an innovative way to easily view and
manage notifications in one place without interruption, and iMessage, a
new messaging service that lets you easily send text messages, photos,
and videos between all iOS 5 users. iOS 5 will also be available as a
free software update for iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS customers allowing
them to experience these amazing new features.*
iPhone 4S also
introduces Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things
done just by asking. Siri understands context, allowing you to speak
naturally when you ask it questions, for example, if you ask "Will I
need an umbrella this weekend?" it understands you are looking for a
weather forecast. Siri is also smart about using the personal
information you allow it to access, for example, if you tell Siri
"Remind me to call Mom when I get home" it can find "Mom" in your
address book, or ask Siri "What's the traffic like around here?" and it
can figure out where "here" is based on your current location. Siri
helps you make calls, send text messages or email, schedule meetings
and reminders, make notes, search the Internet, find local businesses,
get directions and more. You can also get answers, find facts and even
perform complex calculations just by asking.
iCloud is a
breakthrough set of free cloud services, including iTunes in the Cloud,
Photo Stream and Documents in the Cloud, that work seamlessly with your
iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly
store your content in iCloud and push it to all your devices. When
content changes on one device, all your other devices are updated
automatically and wirelessly.
The iPhone 4S includes an all new camera with the most advanced
optics of any phone. The 8 megapixel (MP) sensor has 60% more pixels so
you can take amazing high quality photos with more detail than ever.
The iPhone 4S includes a new custom lens, a larger f/2.4 aperture, and
an advanced hybrid IR filter that produce sharper, brighter, and more
accurate images. The Apple-designed image signal processor in the A5
dual-core chip is built for performance, and coupled with the features
built into iOS 5, makes the camera one of the fastest on any phone.
With iPhone 4S, the Camera app launches much faster and the shot to
shot capability is twice as fast, so you'll never miss another
shot.
New features in
the Camera and Photos apps give you instant access to the camera right
from the lock screen, and you can also use the volume-up button to
quickly snap a photo. Optional grid lines help line up your shot, and a
simple tap locks focus and exposure on one subject; and the new Photos
app lets you crop, rotate, enhance, and remove redeye, and organize
your photos into albums right on your device to share them on the go.
New iOS 5 features include built-in Twitter integration and iMessage,
so you can instantly share your photos via Twitter directly from the
Photos app and send photos via iMessage to individuals or groups. And
with iCloud's innovative new Photo Stream service, a photo you take on
your iPhone is sent to iCloud and automatically pushed to your iPad,
iPod touch, Mac, or PC. You can even view your Photo Stream album on
your Apple TV.
The iPhone 4S can
also now record video in full 1080p HD resolution and with the new
video image stabilization feature, you can take richer, smoother
videos. Other iPhone 4S video camera improvements include increased
sensitivity, sharpness, and an increased ability to capture video in
low light conditions. With the new iMessage service in iOS 5, you can
now instantly share videos with family and friends.
iPhone 4S has the same beautifully thin glass and stainless steel
design that millions of customers around the world love, while being
completely redesigned on the inside. Apple's dual-core A5 chip delivers
up to twice the processing power and up to seven times faster graphics
than the iPhone 4, all while maintaining incredible battery life - now
up to 8 hours of 3G talk time.
Improving on the innovative stainless steel external, dual-antenna
design of the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S is the first phone to
intelligently switch between two antennas to send and receive. The
iPhone 4S now supports twice the download speed (up to 14.4 Mbps) with
HSDPA, and is is a world phone, so both CDMA and GSM customers can now
roam internationally on GSM networks.1
Pricing & Availability
The iPhone 4S comes in either black or white and will be available
in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 for the 16 GB model,
$299 for the 32 GB model, and $399 for the new 64 GB model.2
The iPhone 4S will be available from the Apple Online Store, Apple's
retail stores, and through AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and
select Apple Authorized Resellers. It will be available in the US,
Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK on Friday,
October 14, and customers can preorder their iPhone 4S beginning
Friday, October 7.
The iPhone 4 will also be available for just $99, and the iPhone 3GS
will be available for free with a two year contract. Siri will be
available in beta on iPhone 4S in English (localized for US, UK, and
Australia), French, and German. iOS 5 software will be available on
October 12 as a free software update via iTunes 10.5 for iPhone, iPad,
and iPod touch customers.
iPhone 4S will roll out worldwide to 22 more countries by the end of
October including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
- Carrier roaming policies apply. HSDPA availability and network
speeds are dependent on carrier networks.
- Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year rate plan, sold
separately.
iPhone 5: Apple 4S, Pundits 0
The Register's Tony Smith observes that Hell hath no fury like a
hack spurned, noting the huge numbers of column inches being devoted to
Apple's "failure" to meet journalist expectations and announce the
iPhone 5 - and not a hint of an apology that all the breathless prose
ink-slingers devoted to iPhone 5 rumors proved to be wrong.
Smith concedes that The Reg covered the iPhone 5 speculation because
readers want to read about it, but they're not going to beat up on
Apple because it didn't do what they said it might, accurately
self-perceiving that they are the tail and not the dog.
Is the iPhone 4S a product launch fail? Smith allows that it may
prove to be, but he suspects not, noting that Android's increasing
market share being ballyhooed by many comes not a jot from technology
but solely because the OS can be found in not only pricey smartphones
but cheap ones too.
Link: iPhone 5: Apple
4S, Pundits 0
iPhone 4S Anything but Disappointing
MacTrast's J. Glenn Künzler notes that many were disappointed
at Apple's release of the iPhone 4S - not because it wasn't good
enough, fast enough, or didn't contain awesome new features, but
because it didn't come with a complete redesign and wasn't called the
iPhone 5.
Künzler thinks the iPhone 4S announcement was anything but
disappointing, observing that for all intents and purposes, the iPhone
4S is the iPhone 5 that everyone was expecting. It includes a
significantly improved 8 MP camera that can shoot 1080p video,
gains the awesome dual-core A5 processor that delivers up to 7 times
the graphics performance, and features the amazing new Siri personal
assistant technology. Künzler suggests that if you're so
disappointed that Apple didn't release a flashy new design or include a
slightly larger screen that you aren't able give credit for all the
amazing improvements that Apple did make, perhaps you should reevaluate
your reasons for buying a smartphone.
Link: Why the iPhone 4S
Is Anything but Disappointing
Upgrade to iPhone 4S Now or Wait for iPhone 5?
Macworld's Lex Friedman says that while the iPhone 4S arrives this
month, some users may hold out for the iPhone 5 release - most likely
next year.
If you're in need of a new iPhone, should you hold out for a
(still-hypothetical) iPhone 5? Friedman's short answer is "no."
At greater length, he cites three reasons not to dismiss the iPhone
4S in favor of a future iPhone 5, noting that iPhone 4S offers plenty
to get excited about.
Link: iPhone 4S:
Upgrade or Wait?
10 Top Tips for Taking the Best Bite Out of the
iPhone 4S
Jonathan Zschau, a Boston-based attorney, a consumer rights
advocate, a regular columnist for a popular Mac blog site Cult of Mac,
and author of the new book Buying and Owning a Mac: Secrets Apple
Doesn't Want You To Know, offers ten tips on how to get the
best out of the iPhone 4S buying experience.
- Be prepared to act fast. If you want the new iPhone, be
prepared to act fast on the date of release. After the announcement of
the iPhone 4, preorders sold out within a matter of hours, and those
who procrastinated got left out in the cold. Pay attention to Apple
news sources and preorder your new iPhone as early as possible.
- Avoid the lines: order online and deliver to your home.
There are going to be lines around the block for the new iPhone. Don't
let fear of expensive shipping fees or late deliveries stop you from
buying online. Apple has a great track record for getting new iPhones
delivered to customers on time, and delivery is free.
- Buy from alternative sellers. If Apple's pre-ordering system
gets bogged down, buy from Verizon or AT&T. Whenever you buy from
authorized retailers, your new iPhone will come with the same one-year
limited warranty and will be fully serviceable at Apple locations. Be
aware, however, that return policies and procedures may differ from
Apple's so you should take a moment to read the retailers return
policy.
- Sell your old iPhone. If you're upgrading from an old
iPhone, consider selling your old one for cash on eBay, Craigslist, or
other channels such as sellyourmac.com (see below for
more options). There's plenty of demand, and a used iPhone can
fetch as much as a few hundred dollars. You can also trade in your
iPhone with companies like Gazelle.com, which offers hundreds of
dollars for well-kept models.
- Buy with a credit card that offers additional protection.
Many credit card companies (such as American Express) offer additional
protection plans on purchases made with their cards. As long as you pay
off your card balance so you don't accrue interest or other fees that
offset the benefit, it may be a good idea to take advantage of this
service.
- Hold off on AppleCare. AppleCare is Apple's own service
plan, which it offers for most of its products. The iPhone AppleCare
plan currently costs $69 and can be obtained at any time for up to one
year after purchase. Apart from the additional telephone technical
support available beyond the 90-day complimentary period, there is
little benefit to buying AppleCare before the one-year limited warranty
is about to expire. Consider saving a date 11 months after you purchase
your iPhone and decide then. Its a waste of $69 if your phone gets
lost, stolen, or damaged in a way that would void coverage (for
example, by water damage).
- Invest in a good case. Whether or not to equip your iPhone
with a case is a matter of personal preference and risk assessment. If
you do decide to buy a case, take some time to read the reviews and
choose one that is both aesthetically pleasing and offers sufficient
protection for the types of environments you envision taking your
iPhone into.
- Learn iOS 5. The iPhone 4S's operating system, iOS 5, is
just as important - if not more - than the new hardware features in the
iPhone 4S. All smartphones, not just the iPhone, are capable of far
more than most users give them credit for. Take time to read up on the
capabilities of the iOS and pay particular attention to the new
features.
- Do your research and read the reviews. It's important to
research whether a new iPhone is really right for you. Online Mac sites
are a great place to start, because writers will be covering Apple's
release and sharing ideas and opinions for weeks before and after the
announcement.
- Look out for defects and be an informed consumer. Always be
on the lookout for defects and get them addressed when they first
arise. Stay informed by keeping up to date on problems, issues, bugs
and breakdowns other Mac users may be having through Mac web sites
(such as CultofMac.com).
The iPad as a Camera
Agenda blogger Colin Charles says that walking around Paris recently
it's becoming quite common to see the iPad being used as a camera. He's
seen tourists do the same thing in Munich as well, but not as common as
in Paris.
Charles reports that beyond just taking photos with a larger screen,
people are doing entire tours, with video and audio, noting that he's
always thought the iPad's large screen makes a perfect back for a
camera, so why does the iPad 2 come with an inadequate camera/video
camera? He expresses confidence that the iPad 3 will improve on this,
as will future revisions, and suggests that Apple simply had no idea
people would embrace using such a device as a camera.
Link: The iPad as a
Camera
Rumors of iPod classic's Death Prove
Exaggerated
The Register's Rik Myslewski notes that despite rumors to the
contrary, the venerable $249 160 GB iPod classic lives on for at least
another refresh cycle.
So does the iPod shuffle, Apple's $49, 2 GB bare-bones digital music
player. However, neither of these models received updates, which were
reserved for the iPod nano and the iPod touch.
Link: Rumors of iPod
classic's Death Prove Exaggerated
Tablet Users Bigger Online Spenders than
Conventional Computer Users
The Register's Anna Leach reports that the Wall Street Journal has
found proof that e-shoppers on tablets are more likely to buy the
things they see on their shiny touch screens than people looking at the
same sites on traditional computers.
Link: Tablet Users
Bigger Spenders Online than Conventional Computer Users
Text Messaging: The Kids Are Wearing Out Their
Thumbs
PR: A PewInternet.org survey by Aaron Smith finds that text
messaging leveled off between 2010 and 2011, but users still send or
receive more than 40 texts per day on average, tying text messaging
with taking photos as the most common non-voice applications Americans
use on their mobile phones. Some 73% of adult cell owners use the text
messaging function on their phone at least occasionally (nearly
identical to the 72% of cell owners who did so at a similar point in
2010). Text messaging users send or receive an average of 41.5 messages
per day, with the median user sending or receiving 10 texts daily. Each
of these figures is a notable increase from late 2009.
However, young adults are by far the most
prolific users of text messaging, with fully 95% of 18-29 year olds
using the text messaging feature on their phones and sending or
receiving an average of 87.7 text messages on a normal day.
The youngest adults (between the ages of 18 and 24) are even more
proficient in their texting habits, with both cell ownership and text
messaging nearly universal among 18-24 year olds, among whom 95% own a
cell phone and 97% of these cell owners use text messaging, with the
number of daily text messages this group creates averaging of 109.5 per
day or more than 3,200 messages per month.
Median 18-24 year old texters send or receive 50 texts per day (or
around 1,500 messages per month). One quarter of 18-24 year old text
messaging users (23%) report sending or receiving more than 100 texts
per day.
Just over one in ten (12%) say that they send or receive more than
200 messages on an average day - that equals 6,000 or more messages per
month.
Link: Americans and Text
Messaging: The Kids Are Wearing Out Their Thumbs
Health Canada Encourages Parents to Reduce Kids'
Cell Phone Use
PR: A new Information Update from Health Canada has
strengthened the federal agency's previous caution about cell phone
use.
The update says the number of cell phone users in Canada rose from
100,000 in 1987 to more than 24 million by the end of 2010, and with
the devices' growing popularity, questions have been raised about their
safety. Cell phones emit low-levels of radio frequency (RF) energy. The
RF electromagnetic energy given off by cell phones is a type of
non-ionizing radiation. It is similar to the type of energy used in
AM/FM radio and TV broadcast signals.
Cell phones in Canada must meet regulatory requirements that limit
human exposure to RF energy. Health Canada has developed guidelines for
safe human exposure to RF energy.
Who is affected:
The update notes that there are a small number of epidemiology
studies that have shown brain cancer rates might be elevated in
long-term/heavy cell phone users. Other epidemiology studies on cell
phone users, laboratory studies, and animal cancer studies have not
supported this association. The International Agency for Research on
Cancer's (IARC) recent classification of RF energy as "possibly
carcinogenic to humans" is an acknowledgment that limited data exists
that suggests RF energy might cause cancer. At present, Health Canada
observes that the scientific evidence is far from conclusive and more
research is required.
In the meantime Health Canada reminds cell phone users that they can
take practical measures to reduce RF exposure. The department also
encourages parents to reduce their children's RF exposure from cell
phones since children are typically more sensitive to a variety of
environmental agents. As well, there is currently a lack of scientific
information regarding the potential health impacts of cell phones on
children.
What consumers should do:
- Limit the length of cell phone calls
- Replace cell phone calls with text messages or use "handsfree"
devices
- Encourage children under the age of 18 to limit their cell phone
usage
What Health Canada is doing:
Health Canada has developed guidelines for safe human exposure to RF
energy. The limits specified in Health Canada guidelines are based on
an ongoing review of published scientific studies on the health impacts
of RF energy. Using data from these studies, Health Canada set the
general public exposure limits 50 times lower than the threshold for
potentially adverse health effects.
Health Canada scientists continually review scientific studies in
this area to ensure safety guidelines are sufficient for the protection
of the health and safety of Canadians. The guidelines were updated in
2009, and the next update is planned for 2012.
Background
The radio frequency (RF) energy given off by cell phones and cell
phone towers is a type of non-ionizing radiation. It is similar to the
type of energy used in AM/FM radio and TV broadcast signals. Unlike
ionizing radiation (as emitted by X-ray machines), RF energy from cell
phones cannot break chemical bonds in your body.
Cell phones are designed to operate at the minimum power necessary
to connect and maintain a quality call. Cell phones transmit and
receive radio signals from a network of fixed, low-power, cell phone
towers. These towers are usually located on rooftops, towers and
utility poles. The RF energy exposure levels around cell phone towers
are typically well below the safety limits and are not considered a
health concern. The transmitting power of a cell phone varies,
depending on the type of network and its distance from the cell phone
tower. The phone transmitting power generally increases the further you
move away from the nearest cell phone tower.
Cell phones are regulated by Industry Canada. This Department also
oversees the licensing and placement of cell phone towers, considers
the effects on the environment and local land use before towers are
installed, and ensures that these towers comply with their regulatory
requirements. Industry Canada has adopted part of Health Canada's RF
exposure guidelines to protect the general public by ensuring that
exposures from cell phones and cell phone towers do not exceed the
specified limits.
Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about
this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line
at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
Link: Health Canada
Offers Practical Advice on Safe Cell Phone Use
Kindle, Nook, or iPad: Which Ebook Reader Should
You Buy?
CNET Crave's John Falcone has posted an update to an earlier
comparison of three e-reader devices to reflect the latest product
announcements and address upcoming rumored products.
Falcone notes that Amazon pretty much invented the mainstream ebook
market, so it's no surprise that the company's recently announced fall
product lineup has turned the market - and his buying guide - on its
head. Meanwhile, imminent new products from Sony, a big new iPad
software update, and rumored products from Barnes & Noble are
altering the landscape for the consumer ebook reader market as
well.
Link: Kindle vs. Nook
vs. iPad: Which E-book Reader Should You Buy?
TSMC Team Visits Apple for More A6 CPU Talks
DigiTimes' Cage Chao and Jessie Shen report that Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has sent a 60-member team,
which includes staff from its IC design service partner Global UniChip,
to Apple at Cupertino for more talks about its forthcoming A-series
processor, according to industry sources, with issues such as TSMC's
28nm process yields and patents to be discussed.
The visit to Apple is thought to be in aid of assuring TSMC and
Global UniChip's full support, DigiTimes' sources indicated, noting
that TSMC has a commitment to providing Apple mass production yields on
28nm for manufacturing the next-generation [presumably A6 quad-core]
mobile CPU used Apple's iOS devices, while ensuring licensed ARM IP to
prevent infringement disputes.
Chao and Shen note that previous reports quoted industry sources as
saying that Apple has signed a foundry partnership agreement with TSMC.
Global UniChip reportedly will help TSMC handle printed circuit board
designs for Apple's future processor.
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20111005PD225.html">TSMC to Visit
Apple for More Talks (subscription required)
Electronics Trade-In
iPhone Trade-ins Increased 5x in Anticipation of
iPhone 5
Forbes' Elizabeth Woyke reports that trade-ins of old iPhones
reached unprecedented levels in anticipation of Apple's anticipated
iPhone 5 announcement, which instead turned out to be the iPhone
4S.
Woyke observes that companies like BuyMyTronics and Gazelle, which buy and sell used
electronics, are a key barometer of the anticipation surrounding a new
gadget launch and typically receive an influx of gadgets prior to and
immediately following major announcements, but notes that gadget
resellers reported that the lead-up to this latest iPhone prompted far
more trade-ins than previous iPhone introductions, with BuyMyTronics
projecting possibly five times the number of old iPhone trade-ins as
with the iPhone 4 announcement in June 2010, and Gazelle also has been
processing more iPhone trade-ins than ever.
Link: iPhone Trade-ins Seen
Increasing 5x with Launch of iPhone 5
Apple Will Pay Up to $200 for Your iPhone 4
Apple offers ways to reuse and recycle electronic equipment,
including iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC computers, and displays, and you may
even get an Apple Gift Card for the value of your old equipment.
Turn that iPhone, iPad, or Mac or PC computer you're not using
anymore into something brand new. Send it to Apple, and they'll
determine if it qualifies for reuse. If it does, that means your device
has monetary value that will apply to an Apple Gift Card, which you can
use for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store.
If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC doesn't qualify for reuse, Apple will
recycle it responsibly at no cost to you.
Here's how to (possibly) get your gift card:
- Tell Apple about your device. Only iPhone, iPad, and Mac or PC
desktop and notebook computers qualify for the Apple Reuse and
Recycling Program.
- Get your estimate and ship your device. Apple contracts with
PowerON, who will estimate the fair market value of your product.
PowerON will provide convenient prepaid options to package and ship
your product to their facility for evaluation.
- Receive your Apple Gift Card.
After a short time, your Apple Gift Card will arrive in the mail.
Use it for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online
Store.
Link: Apple
Reuse and Recycle Program
But Walmart Might Give You $250
However, Walmart.com's Electronics Trade In program currently offers
customers up to $250 for 32 GB iPhone 4 models.
Walmart.com's program allows customers to trade in a variety of used
electronics &endash; including older iPhone models, mobile phones,
laptops, cameras, and more &endash; in exchange for Walmart.com
eGift cards ranging from $5 to $1,000. The program is powered by
Gazelle, a large consumer electronics reCommerce service, that focuses
on reuse and recycling to minimize the number of used electronics that
end up in landfills. So, customers get added spending credit at
Walmart.com while protecting the environment.
To trade in used electronics on Walmart.com:
- Customers visit www.walmart.gazelle.com, and the online calculator
will determine a value for each item being traded in
- Customers ship the items to Gazelle for free &endash; Gazelle
provides prepaid shipping labels online
- After Gazelle receives and inspects the items, Gazelle will email
the customer an eGift card loaded with the value of the items within 7
days
Thousands of used items are eligible for trade-in, and customers can
use their eGift cards on any purchase on Walmart.com, including the
latest HDTVs and tablets, Blu-ray disc players, toys, movies, games,
and more.
Link: Walmart Electronics
Trade In Program
The Competition
Whatever Happened to the iPad Challengers of
2010?
Technologizer's Harry McCracken documents how the ditches of the
touchscreen computer road that's been hogged by Apple's iPad for going
on two years are littered with the carcasses of most of the 32 early
"iPadversaries" in an article updating a story he posted in August 2010
briefly profiling all of 32.
He notes that some of the products he wrote about shipped in more or
less the form he'd described. Others evolved further or failed to show
up at all, and two of the most interesting rumors of August 2011 - a
webOS tablet and a BlackBerry one - turned into the two highest-profile
flops to date.
His verbatim profiles from the original piece are cited, including
whatever image McCracken could procure back then, with a "whatever
happened to" update on each one.
Makes cautionary reading for would-be iPad challengers.
Link: Whatever
Happened to the iPad Challengers of 2010?
Do Consumers Want to Play with (Kindle) Fire?
SodaHead.com has announced the results of a consumer poll detailing
the public's thoughts on the latest entrant into the tablet wars - the
Amazon Kindle Fire. Overall, the results indicate that some segments of
the population are eager for a new/cheaper device, while others are
still devoted to the iPad.
With the Kindle Fire announcement last week, there was significant
marketplace buzz that the device may be the first tablet to have a
serious chance of threatening the dominance of Apple's iPad. However,
the SodaHead poll found that 61% of respondents believe that the iPad
will maintain its leadership position, while only 39% think that the
new device from Amazon will catch "fire" and become the tablet of
choice.
SodaHead iPad vs. Kindle Fire Poll Results
The SodaHead-sponsored poll also revealed some surprising results
based on consumers' age and income level. Specifically, those aged 45
and below favor the iPad over the Kindle Fire by a 66% to 34% ratio,
while respondents who are over 45 believe the Kindle Fire may be the
device for them by a 51% to 49% ratio. This indicates that the Kindle
Fire's low price point of $199 may be appealing to those who are on a
tighter budget as they get older.
Where income levels are concerned, the poll indicates that those
making over $100,000 per year are not even considering the Kindle Fire.
In a landslide, 94% making more than $100K still want an iPad, while
only 6% in that high income bracket want a Kindle Fire. On the other
end of the income spectrum, for those making $25K or less per year, 73%
want an iPad, and 37% prefer the Kindle Fire. For those in the middle
income range of $25K to $100K - which encompasses the majority of the
nation - the results were much closer with only 54% still wanting the
iPad while 46% are ready to try the new, and less expensive, Kindle
Fire.
SodaHead.com is currently
asking whether Apple should make a gaming console, with roughly a
60/40 majority for those why say no.
Link:
Public Opinion Picks the iPad Over the Kindle Fire
RIM Slashes BlackBerry PlayBook Price to $299
It looks like the Amazon Kindle Fire announcement (see last week's iNews Review) will
oblige the Research In Motion folks to finally blink and face the
reality that their PlayBook tablet is a market flop. While they haven't
announced a fire sale like HP did a month ago with its ill-fated
TouchPad product, CNN Money Tech's Julianne Pepitone reports that a few
hours after Amazon unveiled its Kindle Fire tablet for $199, Best Buy
slashed its BlackBerry PlayBook price by $200 - the 16 GB PlayBook
dropping precipitously to $299 from $499.
Pepitone notes that Office Depot and Staples also began offering
their own PlayBook discounts this week, dropping prices by $100, and
observes that the PlayBook may be following the TouchPad's trajectory
to oblivion, which the reality so far being that when offered a choice
between an Apple iPad for $499 or another tablet for the same price,
93% of consumers are choosing the iPad, and now Amazon is attacking the
low end of the market with the $199 Kindle Fire.
Link: RIM Slashes BlackBerry
PlayBook Price to $299
Samsung Reveals 5" Galaxy Note
Tablet/Smartphone
The Register's Caleb Cox reports that Samsung on Monday announced
its new 5" tablet-phone thingamajig, the Galaxy Note, a sort of hybrid
smartphone cum mini-tablet with a 1.4 GHz dual-core CPU running Android
2.3 Gingerbread, a 5.3" 1280 x 800 display, an 8 MP camera, and
choice between 16 GB and 32 GB versions.
Link: Samsung Reveals Release for 5in
Tablet
5.3" Samsung Galaxy Note: Bigger than a
Smartphone, Smaller than a Tablet
The Register's Tony Smith spent some time with the Galaxy Note and
report:
"...the Note is too big for a phone and too small for a tablet. The
Note's 5.3in OLED screen runs to 1280 x 800, and it is wonderfully
crisp."
Link:
Hands on With the Samsung Galaxy Note
I-slate Designers Prep for Early Adoption of
Low-cost Educational Tablet
PR: The US- and Singapore-based creators of the low-cost
I-slate electronic tablet are preparing for full-scale production now
that a yearlong series of tests has shown that the device is an
effective learning tool for Indian children.
The I-slate, an electronic version of the handheld blackboard
slates used by millions of Indian children, will eventually be
solar-powered for use in classrooms that lack electricity. It is being
developed by researchers at the Institute for Sustainable and Applied
Infodynamics (ISAID), a joint program of Rice University in Houston and
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. When
mass-produced, the solar-powered I-slate is expected to cost less than
$50 (64 Singapore dollars).
"Our study clearly shows the I-slate is an effective learning tool
for all students, regardless of their learning ability," says computer
scientist and I-slate creator Krishna Palem, director of ISAID. "The
first production I-slates will be preloaded with lessons for
mathematics, science, and social studies."
Palem, a Nanyang Visiting Professor at NTU and Rice's Ken and
Audrey Kennedy Professor of Computing, first conceived the power-saving
educational tablet in early 2009. Late last summer, Palem's Rice-NTU
team began working with the Indian nonprofit Villages for Development
and Learning Foundation (ViDAL) to test I-slate prototypes in a class
of 10- to 13-year-olds at Mohd Hussainpalli village, about 70 miles
southwest of Hyderabad.
In March, the researchers examined whether the I-slate helped
students' improve in mathematics. Students use a stylus to tap and
write out mathematics problems on the I-slate. They get immediate
feedback about correct and incorrect answers. When answers are
incorrect, the machine gives hints and tips about how to correct
mistakes.
Using a series of sophisticated measures, the ISAID team analyzed
each student's performance and improvement. Students were also surveyed
about the features of the I-slate that were most and least useful.
Palem said the tests and surveys confirmed the I-slate was effective
and provided the ISAID team with valuable information needed to
finalize the I-slate's design.
"We know more than 90% of what we need to know at this point," Palem
says. "We've settled the hardware questions, and that is central to the
manner in which the lessons are taught and the manner in which the
students interact with the I-slate."
The hardware and graphic content for the I-slate must be developed
in tandem, because they will ultimately use a revolutionary new
low-power computer chip - another of Palem's inventions. The new chip
will cut the power requirements for the I-slate in half and allow the
device to run on solar power from small panels similar to those found
on handheld calculators. The current I-slate hardware, which uses
conventional chips, was designed by ISAID's Vincent Mooney, associate
professor of electrical and computer engineering at Georgia Institute
of Technology.
ISAID team members in Switzerland, Singapore, and the US are
developing the first production version of the low-power computer chip.
Solar-powered I-slates containing the new chips are due for production
in mid-2012.
Palem said a Los Angeles-based consortium of media and content
developers headed by Marc Mertens is putting the finishing touches on
the math, science, and social studies curriculum. Both the content and
the finalized I-slate design will be rolled out with traditional chips
this fall. About 50 students in Mohd Hussainpalli and other nearby
villages will receive battery-powered versions of these slates for a
six-month trial.
"Working with Marc, we're planning to bundle a social-networking
element into the software that will allow the students to work
collaboratively on writing assignments," says Palem.
"We are at an exciting stage and based on rigorous testing, we have
achieved quite a few firsts in this early phase of adoption," says
Rajeswari Pingali, ViDAL founding chairperson. "Soon students will be
able to take the slates home for use and improving their learning
outcomes. We spoke to all parents of the children; they too are equally
excited about the I-slate. We are particularly happy about the
potential benefits for young girls, who otherwise might be married away
at a very early age."
Link: Low-cost
Electronic Tablet Proves Worth in Indian Classroom (video)
Apps & Services
Dragon Go!, a Siri Alternative for the Rest of
Us
PR: Nuance Communications, Inc. has announced that its Dragon
Go! app for iPhone and iPod touch now features the ability to launch
popular movie and TV streaming services; get direct access to more of
the most popular names in mobile content, like Spotify; get answers to
the toughest of questions from Wolfram|Alpha and Ask.com; and, find
friends on Google+.
The company says that since its release in July, Dragon Go! has
continued to rapidly evolve and revolutionize the way consumers access
and experience mobile content taking them directly to the mobile
destinations they know and trust - just by using their voice.
"The response to Dragon Go! has been nothing short of amazing,
proving that consumers demand a fast, easy way to find and experience
mobile content via the best destinations and sources available not a
list of preferential properties owned and controlled by one company,"
says Nuance Mobile senior vice president and general manager Michael
Thompson. "With these latest enhancements, were giving people open
direct access to streamed movies and shows, more music, more social
networks, and the ability to ask a question and quickly have it
answered."
Dragon Go! is built on Nuances innovative language
understanding technology that not only hears what people are searching
for, but understands what they want. The result is a revolutionary app
that gives direct access to relevant results from nearly 200 of the
most trusted and reliable content providers, including AccuWeather,
Bing, ESPN, Facebook, Fandango, iTunes, Last.fm, LiveNation, Milo.com,
OpenTable, Pandora internet radio, Rotten Tomatoes, Twitter, Wikipedia,
Yelp, YouTube, Yahoo! and now Spotify, Wolfram|Alpha, Ask.com,
Dictionary.com, Google+ and others. Users can forget endless scrolling
through pages of blue links and now just speak a query, and the app
automatically determines and then delivers the best content
destinations on the Dragon Carousel.
With these latest Dragon Go! content enhancements, people can simply
say:
- Play Give Me Everything if you're a mobile Spotify Premium
user to listen to Pitbulls hit instantly and on-demand, as well as pull
up the video on the Media tab.
- Watch Mad Men to instantly launch and stream the show from one of
the most popular TV show and movie streaming services available,
with the ability to scroll along the Carousel to see show reviews and
actor profiles.
- Find John Smith on Google+ and be taken to John Smith's
Google+ profile quickly and easily.
Additionally, Dragon Go!'s new question and answer feature lets
people ask virtually anything, such as:
- What is the square-root of 10? to instantly compute the
answer using Wolfram|Alpha's vast knowledge in thousands of subject
areas.
- Who is the highest paid actor in Hollywood? and instantly
get the answer from Ask.com.
- What is the definition of nuance? to see the definition,
origin, and synonyms of the word nuance from Dictionary.com.
"Dragon Go! understands users spoken questions, and Ask.com has the
answers," says Dave Amato, Director of Business Development and
Partnerships, Ask.com, a Dragon Go! partner. "The new Dragon Go! app
provides mobile users even faster access to the information they want
while on the go, whether they are looking for an answer around the best
steakhouse in San Francisco, or how to fix a tire on the side of the
road. By layering voice recognition on top of rich content and expert
answers, Dragon Go! helps Ask.com leapfrog just blue links to deliver
direct access to great content in a matter of seconds."
"Wolfram|Alpha is pleased to bring precise, computed answers
from data curated by experts to the latest version of the Dragon Go!
app," says Wolfram|Alpha Executive Director Luc Barthelet. "We are
excited to explore how Wolfram|Alpha can further integrate with voice
recognition technologies in the future."
Dragon Go! has also taken the Yelp experience to the next level,
with a new topdown Map View feature that makes it quicker and easier to
view relevant Yelp listings near them. And Dragon Go! has added Google+
sharing capabilities to its popup toolbar.
"People love being able to just simply speak and watch Dragon Go!
give them the content they are looking for right away it hears,
understands and delivers, says Nuance chief technology officer Vlad
Sejnoha. "We're deeply invested in continuing to evolve Dragon Go! with
new features, more content providers and richer app integration, and
ultimately opening new doors for the consumer mobile destination
experience. This is another step towards the mobile semantic web, and
we've just gotten started."
Dragon Go! combines Nuance's Dragon voice recognition technology
with natural language understanding, unique analytical tools, and
elements of artificial intelligence. Dragon Go! understands the intent
of a query, and what a person wants to do be it getting restaurant
reviews, buying movie tickets, shopping, finding directions, listening
to their favorite music, and more. Dragon Go! always puts the most
relevant pages front and center, and additional content from related
providers is easily accessible on the Carousel with just a simple flick
of the finger. Dynamic results are provided center and to the right,
with additional results from Google, Bing or Yahoo!, Wikipedia, Twitter
and YouTube available to the left.
Dragon Go! is available on the Apple App Store in the US in US
English.
Link:
Dragon Go!
iDevelopersLab Introduces Camera DSLR for iPad 2
and iPhone 4
PR: iDevelopersLab introduces Camera DSLR for iPad 2 and
iPhone 4 1.0. Camera DSLR contains all of the features you may ever
need for making photos with your iPad 2 and iPhone 4. Featuring an
easy-to-use interface, Camera DSLR offers ultra fast shot taking, just
like a true DSLR and able to take advantage of the maximum resolution
of the iPad 2's integrated camera. The user can apply unlimited effects
simply by combining professional filters in various combinations.
Camera DSLR
contains all of the features you may ever need for making photos with
your iPad 2 and iPhone 4.
To use Camera DSLR simply:
- Select. Take a new photo from inside the app or choose one from
your library.
- Filter. Create unlimited effects by combining professional filters
in various combinations.
- Save your photo to Photo Album
- Share. Sharing your photos: Twitter, Facebook, Email and other web
services.
Features:
- Simple user interface
- Full compatibility with iPad 2 and iPhone 4
- Ultra fast shot taking
- Take picture or choose from device photos gallery
- Use of maximum resolution. This app is able to use the maximum
resolution of the integrated camera
- Amazing Filters
- Undo function
- Unlimited effects (by combining professional filters in various
combinations)
- Save your photos with the highest quality possible
- Photos can be rotated to match the screen aspect ratio ensuring
that they fill the screen to the fullest extent
- You can share photos with your iPad 2 and iPhone 4: Twitter,
Facebook, Email and other web services
- And many more
Made by professionals, with stylish and very handy interface it will
certainly become the only app you will use for making photos with your
iPad 2 and iPhone 4.
Device Requirements:
- Compatible with iPad and iPad 2/iPhone 4
- Requires iPhone OS 4.0 or later
- 3.1 MB
Camera DSLR for iPad 2/iPhone 4 v1.0 is $2.99 (or equivalent amount
in other currencies) and available worldwide exclusively through the
App Store in the Photography category.
Link:
Camera DSLR for iPad 2
Link:
Camera DSLR for iPhone 4
Accessories
Logitech Speaker Stand for iPad: Audio on a
Pedestal
PR: Listen to music while you cook. Watch a movie in
bed. Your Logitech Speaker Stand moves easily around the house and lets
you enjoy full, stereo sound.
More than a speaker, more than a stand, you've got a filling station
for your iPad when its low on power. You can even dock and charge when
the speakers are turned off.
What's your angle?
The versatile stand can be adjusted for comfortable viewing or to
avoid screen glare. From flat to fully upright. Portrait or
landscape.
Control what you hear
Power and volume controls are up front, right where you need them.
And around back is a 3.5 mm aux input for MP3 players and other audio
sources.
Made for iPad
This product has been certified to meet Apple performance
standards so you can be sure it will work with your iPad.
System Requirements
Tablets, smartphones, music players and other audio sources with 3.5
mm out (audio playback only)
1-year limited hardware warranty
$69.99
Link: Logitech Speaker Stand for
iPad (currently available for $58.59 from Amazon.com
with free super saver shipping)
Motorcycle/Bicycle Handlebar Mount for iPhone
4
PR: You love your iPhone - you even want to keep
it in sight when you are riding a motorbike? Or your bicycle's
handlebar is extra big so that you need a mount for larger handlebar
tube? No matter which reason, here is the way!
This robust threaded mount is specially designed for motorcycle (and
also bike with large handlebar). It is tightened by a stainless steel
thread that the clamp a handlebar up to 40mm (or 1.5").
No modifications needed to use this heavy duty mount,
just mount it to your handler bar and put your iPhone to the cradle
(see notes below), then you can go with your iPhone.
Features:
- Mount firmly on your bicycle/motorcycle handlebar
- Custom fit for your iPhone 4
- Specially designed so you can set your iPhone to any angle that
fits (horizontally 180° or left to right adjustable).
- Suitable for iPhone 4
- Suitable for handlebar sizes: 16-40mm (or 1-1/2") max.
N
otes:
- to make it more safe, it is suggested to use a rubber band
(included)
- It is not suggested to watch any type of movie/picture during
cycling/driving
- This is also suitable for mountain Bikes with large handlebar.
- This mount is not designed to use with aggressive or extreme
bicycle riding/Motorcycle driving.
- The manufacturer assumes no responsible of liability for the
Camera/Video Recorder or operator of the Motorcycle/bicycle if the
device is used while cycling/driving.
$19.99
Link: Motorcycle Handlebar Mount for
iPhone 4
Presentation & Protection
WaterField Designs Launches Leather iPhone Wallets
with Window to View iPhone 4S
PR: WaterField Designs, a boutique San Francisco manufacturer
of custom laptop sleeves, bags and cases for digital gear, introduces
the iPhone Wallet - a leather wallet with an innovative window to see
and hear the Apple iPhone 4S, plus pockets for credit cards and cash -
and the iPhone Hint - a slim leather sleeve also with a clear iPhone
window and a pocket for credit cards. Both iPhone Cases are customized
to fit the iPhone 4S in brown or black, naturally-tanned leather.
"Whenever I head out, I always need my iPhone and my wallet,"
says Gary Waterfield, company founder. "Rather than having to take two
separate items, now I just put my iPhone into my wallet, and I'm off.
As a bonus, I can see who is texting, calling, or e-mailing through the
iPhone window. Life just got simpler."
The iPhone Wallet
- Naturally tanned, US-produced, supple black or brown leather
- Front iPhone window for view and use of the Apple iPhone
- Rigid, Ultrasuede-lined divider separates iPhone from cash and
cards
- Internal pockets to hold bills, credit cards and receipts
- Self-locking, quality, YKK zipper to keep contents safe and
secure
- Available in custom-fitted case size for the Apple iPhone 4S, 4
with or without bumper, or 3
The iPhone
Hint
- Naturally tanned, US-produced, supple black or brown, slim leather
iPhone sleeve
- Front iPhone window for view and use of Apple iPhone
- Stretchy back pocket to hold cash, credit cards and/or earbuds
- Protective, Ultrasuede, scratch-free liner can be used to help
clean iPhone
- Available in custom-fitted size for the Apple iPhone 4S or iPhone
4
The iPhone Wallet:
- Price: $39
- One size: iPhone 4S or 4 or 3.
- Black or brown leather.
- Available now for preorder at WaterField Designs online store.
- Shipping by October 31, 2011.
The iPhone Hint:
- Price: $24.
- One size: iPhone 4S or 4 (without Bumper Case).
- Black or brown leather.
- Available for preorder at WaterField Designs online store.
- Shipping by October 31, 2011.
Link: iPhone
Wallet
Link: iPhone
Hint
Brikk Launches $3,000+ Pure Titanium Cases for
iPhone 4
PR: Brikk have announced the launch
of their limited edition product line of high-end, pure titanium cases
for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. Themed Altruistic Precision,
the collection launches with the Trim a case for iPhone 4 and
iPhone 5, crafted from titanium for the luxury market. The Trim is
a super precision case for the iPhone 4 and 5, and is available in
genuine Gold, Platinum, Black DLC, and Gray Stealth finishes ranging in
price from $3,000-$4,500. Each Trim sold will fund one metric ton of
rice distributed by various NGOs to populations around the world
suffering from hunger.
Targeted to the consumer seeking premium, luxury mobile phone
accessories, the Trim is available in Los Angeles exclusively at
Roseark locations. Additional
product rollout in New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo will follow.
With the impending release of the
iPhone 5 by Apple, Brikk is offering a trade-in to the Trim for iPhone
5, for all purchases of the Trim before the end of 2011.
Brikk's profit for philanthropy model funnels proceeds to assist
populations around the world suffering from hunger. For each product
sold, a specific amount of rice is allocated and distributed to those
in need through select NGOs to areas in need such as Somalia and the
Horn of Africa. Brikk's dream is simple; for other luxury brands to
adopt a permanent profit for philanthropy model.
Brikk designs and manufactures jewelry and products for the
technology, lifestyle, and fashion industries. Items are composed
primarily of titanium and other exotic alloys and accented with
precious materials including gold, platinum, DLC and sapphire. The
metals and processes utilized are more commonly applied to scientific
purposes such as space travel and exploration. Rarely, if ever, have
they been used for the consumer market. Products coming later this year
include the Heptagon (ring), Self (mirror), and Band (belt).
A percentage of the proceeds from
each sale of a Brikk product are directly given to humanitarian aid in
the form of rice. A vision of CEO Cyrus Blacksmith, a designer of
ruggedized computer systems and hi-tech media installations, Brikk's
team consists of elite experts in Industrial Design, Engineering,
Physics, Marketing and Distribution. Brikk is headquartered in Los
Angeles where all products are currently manufactured, with offices in
Germany and future plans to manufacture in Europe.
Link: Brikk
