Rumor: Apple testing new iPhones with 3.95-inch, 1136 x 640 displays

Reports that Apple will be finally increasing the screen size of its next-generation iPhone have certainly been piling up over the past few weeks. And today, the credible 9to5Mac is throwing its proverbial hat into the ring.

The site has just published a report that, if true, confirms a number of existing theories regarding Apple’s next handset including display size and resolution, and the oft-rumored smaller charging port. Read on for details…

According to the report, Apple is currently testing multiple new iPhone prototypes. This echoes a previous story from iMore that claimed that the company has yet to decide on a finalized design for its next smartphone.

“Right now we know of a few next-generation iPhone candidates in testing. These prototype phones are floating around Apple HQ in thick, locked shells in order to disguise the exterior design to “undisclosed” employees. We know of two next-generation iPhones in testing with a larger display: the iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2.”

The site isn’t quite sure which model will make it to retail shelves, but it says that both of the devices include new displays that measure 3.95-inches diagonally with resolutions of 1136 x 640. This matches up with the recurring 4-inch iPhone theory, which says that the display will get a bit taller but stay the same width, that has been floating around for the past month.

The report also mentions that both of the prototypes feature all-new, smaller dock connectors — another concept we have heard before.

“Apple will be bringing these dock connectors to all of their iOS devices over time, and it is note exactly a “pill-shape” as rumored. It’s basically a much narrower version of the current squared off (on the corners) dock connector. It is between the size of a Micro-USB and Mini-USB connector.”

Even with 9to5Mac’s accurate track record on the iPhone rumor front, it’s worth noting that these devices are still in the prototype phase and may never see the light of day. Not to mention that Apple has been known to float around  ”fake” prototype models to discourage leaks.

That being said, the report does line up rather nicely with several previous dispatches. And from where we’re sitting, it definitely looks like Apple will be releasing a redesigned iPhone this fall with a larger display and a new dock connector.

What do you think? 








[Via: idownloadblog]

pod2g now running iOS 5.1 untethered jailbreak on iPhone 4

Things are starting to pick up regarding the iOS 5.1 jailbreak, as we’ve just received word that pod2g has hit another major milestone in his efforts to hack the latest version of Apple’s software.

The security expert just tweeted “Heya! My iPhone 4 running iOS 5.1 is now untethered  ” This is good news, considering the only jailbreak currently available for iOS 5.1 is tethered…

The news is also exciting for a couple of other reasons. For one, it means that hackers are actively working on the 5.1 jailbreak. And two, it means that things are coming along nicely.

We still don’t, however, have any kind of ETA for when the jailbreak will be released to the public, and if/when it will work with A5(X) devices. But at least we know we’re making progress.

As always, we’ll let you know as soon as more information becomes available.

[Via: idownloadblog]

The case for a four-inch iPhone with 16:9 display

There’s no shortage of iPhone mockups these days, a tell-tale indication of the launch date drawing near (we’re looking towards a Fall launch). We already told you about one possible iPhone mockup and shared an interesting theory regarding the argument for a four-inch iPhone.

The problem is, the vast majority of artists’ renditions depict an iPhone with a blown up display that, however, features the same 4:3 aspect ratio as all prior models.

So, how about a four-incher with a 16:9 aspect ratio display?

The above mockup, credited to Dan Provost (via MacStories), depicts a 16:9 iPhone with a four-inch display.

The image above shows the current iPhone, a mockup of the alleged 16:9 phone, and a mockup with a bigger 3:2 screen at 300dpi, which measures 3.84” diagonally. I estimated that the physical size of the phone would need to increase slightly, getting taller in the 16:9 version and wider in the 3:2 version. I don’t think either of these size increases are deal breakers. The 3:2 version is actually still narrower than the iPhone 3GS.

The big issue with changing the aspect ratio: apps.

Because Apple definitely would not reduce the iPhone 4/4S’s 326 pixel-per-inch count on a larger canvas, elongating the 4:3 inch to a 16:9 aspect ratio would increase the number of pixels, meaning all existing apps would not scale up properly to fill up the entire screen.

The easiest and the least user-friendly solution would entail letterboxing the app’s user interface.

Provost has an interesting take on the dilemma: 

I think Apple should keep the 3:2 aspect ratio and increase the physical size until it reaches the 300dpi retina boiling point, maintaining the 960×640 pixel count.

Doing this would let Apple brand a four-inch iPhone with a 16:9 display under the Retina moniker whilst keeping the existing 960-by-640 pixel resolution for app compatibility.

Bumping up the screen to a 16:9 aspect ratio and retaining a 326 pixels-per-inch density would increase total number of pixels available. Apple could use those extra pixels for additional user interface elements.

Think widgets, a souped up multitasking bar, bigger Dock icons and even – why not – touch controls like the navigation buttons found on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

Another good example are banner notifications which normally appear subtly at the top of the display, overlaid on top of the running app. The additional pixels would let Apple render banner notifications unobtrusively, right above the running app.

Those are all valid points and if Apple chooses to take the 16:9 route, they’re definitely not going to make everyone’s life harder by requiring that developers update their apps just to cater for an extra few hundred pixels.

Apple is all about simplicity. I’m convinced they’d rather keep apps running at the 960-by-480 pixel resolution and use the extra pixels to tweak the iPhone’s user interface and provide some unique software features not found on 3:2 iPhones – just like Siri has remained an iPhone 4S exclusive, even though it’s just software that we know runs well on non-A5 devices.

There seems to be a consensus out there that Apple should increase the screen size of a next-generation iPhone to a four-inch(ish) canvas.

I’m not a proponent of blowing up the iPhone’s display just because the Android camp has been doing it in the absence of any meaningful and major differentiator.

But I sure would prefer my iPhone with a 16:9 aspect ratio display.

How about you? 








[Via: idownloadblog]

Chronic: Two-minute iPhone crack valid only if passcode is 0000

Remember that two-minute passcode lock exploit we told you about last week? The one by Swedish security firm Micro Systemation behind the XRY app that can get to your data, including contacts, messages and call logs? Well, prominent hacker Chronic has proved them wrong. In an effort to set the record straight, the hacker posted a clarification on his website that pretty much debunks their claim.

Though the XYR tool taps a popular jailbreak exploit, Chronic is adamant the two minutes it takes to crack your passcode is only valid if you set your passcode to ’000′. Conspicuously, that’s the passcode the firm showed in their demo clip. Interesting enough, the original video of the exploit in action is no longer available on YouTube.

The two-minute passcode crack is a “linkbait”, explains the prominent hacker who goes by his real name Will Strafach. According to his blog post from yesterday, the Micro Systemation exploit only holds true if your passcode is set to ’0000′, adding:

The only “special” thing XRY has done is create a tool that is simple enough to be utilized by LE personnel.

Furthermore, it won’t work on the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and the new iPad.

The simpliest way to “thwart” the use of this software on your phone would be to get the latest model, because (as people who are farmilliar with jailbreaking know) the limera1n exploit is fixed in the bootrom of the A5 (iPad 2 and iPhone 4S) as well as the A5X (iPad 3) chip.

He’s also saying people unwilling to upgrade their device to the latest model can protect themselves from passcode-cracking tools such as Micro Systemation’s XYR app by setting a lengthier password.

Just open open Settings on your device, tap General, then Passcode Lock and disable the Simple Passcode toggle. This will help better secure your device as it takes “much longer than two minutes” to crack a lengthy passcode.

I must admit, I have my device protected with a simple four-digit passcode. I’m just not fond of long passwords as these take much longer to type in each time I unlock my device.

How about you? Do you use a simple passcode or a lengthier one? 








[Via: idownloadblog]

Rumor: Foxconn said newiPhone is coming on June

Macotakara points to a report this morning from TV Tokyo’s World Business Satellite. The TV show recently conducted an interview with a Foxconn personnel recruiter who had some interesting things to say about the next iPhone.

According to the blog, the recruiter told the news program that Foxconn is in the midst of a major hiring binge to prepare itself for production of Apple’s upcoming handset — a device, that he says, will be launching in June…

Here’s an excerpt from WBS’ report courtesy of Google Translate:

“Foxconn is known in the assembly of Apple products, and has been in the recruitment of 18,000 more personnel. Personnel recruitment office says it’s recruiting for the production of iPhone 5.”

This actually lines up with a report we heard late last month that Foxconn was looking to hire in upwards of 20,000 new employees in the near future. But we’re still fairly skeptical that we’ll see Apple unveil its next smartphone this summer.

Up to this point, the rumor mill hasn’t pinpointed a launch date for the sixth-generation iPhone. But fall seems to be the more likely candidate. This would allow Apple to be certain that early iPhone 4S adopters have had the handset for a full 12 months (most carriers will allow subscribers to upgrade their phones after a year), and would set it up for another blowout holiday quarter.

When do you think Apple will unveil its next iPhone? 

[Via: idownloadblog & AppleInsider] 

Security firm break an iPhone’s passcode under 10 minutes

We all know that iOS is one of the most secure mobile platforms on the market, but it’s far from perfect. How else do you think hackers are able to find exploits in the software that allows us to jailbreak our devices?

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the folks over at Micro Systemation, a Swedish security firm, are able to bypass an iPhone’s passcode lock in under 10 minutes. Don’t believe it? Watch this video…

The security firm calls its in-house software XRY, and as you can see, it’s very effective. Utilizing exploits, similar to those used in jailbreaks, XRY can crack an iPhone’s passcode, and download private data like call logs, contacts, and messages.

It’s scary how easy they make this look. It seems that even with a passcode set, your personal data on your iPhone is never safe. Especially if you were to lose your phone. Luckily, Apple’s Find My iPhone service has a handy remote wipe button.

[Via: idownloadblog]

iPhone concept with a large display

Yesterday afternoon, a report surfaced claiming that Apple was ordering up 4.6-inch displays for its next iPhone. The news caused quite a commotion, considering the iPhone has had a mere 3.5-inch screen for the last 5 years.

Needless to say we’re a bit skeptical on the matter. While we could see Apple moving to a larger 4-inch display, as previous rumors have suggested, we can’t imagine it going with one nearly 5-inches big. Then we saw this concept…

These beautiful renderings come from the folks over at ADR Studio, the same design firm that made the iPhone SJ concept. And we have to agree with 9to5Mac here, these pictures make an iPhone with a 4.6-inch display a lot more feasible.

No, we don’t expect Apple to release a handset this far removed from previous designs. But hey, we can dream can’t we?

The truth is, if Apple does anything with the iPhone’s screen size, it would bump it up to 4-inches. Or just under that. Remember, Apple is all about user experience. And tests have shown that the average person can’t comfortably use a phone with a 4-inch+ screen with one hand.

What do you think of this iPhone concept?

[Via: idownloadblog]

Rumors: next iPhone to feature 4.6-inch display

Now that the rumors for the third-generation iPad are over, rumors regarding Apple’s next iPhone are kicking in full swing. Reporting on a rumor that’s been floating around for quite awhile, Maeil Business Newspaper (via Reuters) says that Apple’s next iPhone will feature a 4.6-inch display.

The upgraded screen size has been rumored to be featured in the iPhone for quite awhile. Many Android devices include a larger 4-inch screen, including Samsung’s popular Galaxy S II. The 4.6-inch display would be Retina quality and manufactured by Samsung and LG…

Many customers have asked for a larger screen in their iPhone, however, the iPhone 4S stayed with the iPhone 4′s form-factor. The iPhone 4/4S feature a 3.5-inch screen, that some say is too small compared to many Android devices.

Apple’s next iPhone, perhaps named the iPhone 5, has been rumored to feature an all new teardrop design. Many said it was going to launch last October, however that wasn’t the case. Many reports now say this is the year, most likely sometime this fall.

The iPhone 5 is also rumored to feature LTE — just like the new iPad that was released last week.

Would you like to see a larger screen on the iPhone?

[Via: idownloadblog]

Shocker: next iPhone expected to launch later this year with LTE

BGR passes along a report from DigiTimes this morning which claims that Apple is planning to launch a new iPhone later this year equipped with LTE technology. You don’t say?

Well, considering that Apple has released a new iPhone every year for the past 5 years, it’s safe to assume that we’ll see another one in 2012. And given the fact that the company’s latest tablet contains LTE, it’s not hard to fathom that its next handset will too…

While we consider this to be more of a common sense thing than a rumor, we do expect a lot of gossip this year regarding the upcoming iPhone. A lot of folks are anticipating this model to employ the redesign and features that were expected in last year’s iPhone including a 4-inch display and yes, an LTE radio.

Apple sold more than 37 million handsets last fall after announcing the iPhone 4S. So in order to improve on that this year, it’s going to have to step up its game. And that’s what makes this next iPhone so interesting. Will we finally see the thinner, larger-screened handset that fits in all of those cases we saw surface last year?

What do you think?

[Via: idownloadblog]

Ads are coming to Twitter for iPhone

Two years ago, Twitter introduced ’Promoted Products’, which are essentially ways for companies to advertise across the Twitter platform and gives Twitter the ability to make revenue. Companies can sign-up for Promoted Accounts, Tweets, and Trends as a way to bring notice to their service.

Today, Twitter announced that their iPhone app will start featuring Promoted Products. The advertising service was included in the latest Twitter for iOS update released last week. The Twitter crew will start sending out more Promoted Tweets, Accounts, and Trends to mobile devices over the next few weeks…

With our most recent app updates, Promoted Accounts are now in Twitter for iPhone and Twitter for Android. And in the coming weeks, we’ll begin introducing Promoted Tweets in the timeline on these mobile apps. Initially, a small number of users may see Promoted Tweets near the top of their timelines from brands they already follow. This will help ensure that people see important Tweets from the brands they care about.

Twitter’s Promoted Tweets will appear in the timeline, like any other tweet from someone you’re following. As you can see in the image above, it looks like a regular tweet and isn’t obtrusive.  As for Promoted Accounts, Twitter says these recommendations will be found in the Who to Follow section of the app.

Twitter for iPad will not feature ads for the time being, most likely because it hasn’t been gifted the recent Twitter update. On the iPhone, Twitter released an update that brought back swipe shortcuts and the ability to copy text to its iPhone app. It also featured better Direct Message handling and improved image quality. The update should roll out for the iPad soon.

You can’t blame Twitter for trying to find ways to make money. Ads being placed in apps will definitely show results, seeing as many users browse Twitter constantly on their iPhone.

Are you okay with Twitter placing ads in its mobile apps?

[Via: idownloadblog & The Next Web] 

New Mercedes Benz A-Class to feature Siri integration

Being unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, stylish car manufacturer Mercedes will reveal its new Mercedes Benz A-Class automobile. Not only having a stylish outside, the new A-Class will feature Mercedes’ new COMAND entertainment system, which will be focused around the iPhone 4S’ Siri technology, reports AutoBlog.

COMAND will use Siri so drivers can make appointments, send text messages and emails, get weather information, and control their music through Siri’s voice commands. Siri is already a great tool and looks even better when integrated with your car’s speaker system…

Mercedes’ current A-Class is priced at £16,045 (USD$21,453), which is one of Mercede’s cheapest options. Mercedes says Siri integration will be rolling into its more expensive line of vehicles, the B-, C- and E-Class models, this fall.

You might remember that Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs’ automobile of choice was a silver Mercedes SL55 AMG. I’m sure he would have loved to see his Siri technology embedded into his favorite whip.

Mercedes’ implementation of Siri sounds closely related to Ford’s Sync technology, which is developed by Microsoft. It’s great to see technology that gets the phone out of people’s hands, so they can pay attention to the road.

Mercedes’ is also set to reveal a new Digital DriveStyle app to the iTunes App Store that will stream Europe’s Pandora equivalent AUPEO! radio, connect with Facebook and Twitter to post statuses and read them allowed, and Garmin navigation system technology that will provide directions. All of which will be streamed out loud through the Mercedes’ speakers.

The new A-Class will first be launched in the UK. However, we expect Mercedes’ new COMAND entertainment to make its way to at least some automobiles in the US around fall.

[Via: idownloadblog & iPhone in Canada]

Top 3 smartphones sold in 2011

The iPhone has seen an enormous amount of success worldwide. Apple announced during its fiscal Q1 2012 earnings report that the iPhone sold a total of 37 million units in one quarter. Ranked the third phone manufacturer in the world, Apple is continuing to sell an abundance of iPhones.

When it comes to iPhone sales in the US, Apple sold the top three smartphones in 2011,according to a new report released by ComScore. The iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4S found their way into the most hands of consumers…

So why isn’t the iPhone 4S ranked first? Remember the iPhone 4S launched October 14th, 2011, only giving the handset three months to rack up sales. In that three month period, the iPhone 4S earned an impressive spot at third most sold phone in the US.

The iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS are obvious for the one and two spot, being on the market during 2011 for a total of nine months. Being priced at $99, people saw the iPhone 3GS as a cheaper alternative to the iPhone 4.

Once the iPhone 4S was launched in October, people saw the iPhone 4 as a cheaper alternative, also at $99. For those who weren’t looking to spend too much, they could also choose from the iPhone 3GS for $50.

It’s interesting to see RIM’s BlackBerry Curve, most likely popular in the corporate world, earning the fourth ranked spot. Only one Android phone was found to be in the top five, the first 4G device — Sprint’s EVO 4G.

Yesterday, research group in US NDP released numbers indicating that Apple’s iPad was also the top tablet in the US. Amazon’s Kindle Fire trailed in second place. What about Malaysia & Singapore ? I think iPad2 will take Place.

For now, it appears Apple will remain king with device sales in the US. With the iPad 3 coming next month and rumored iPhone 5 coming in the summer, expect Apple to have another impressive year.

[Via: idownloadblog & MacRumors]

Samsung Galaxy Note is so much better than the iPhone [Video]

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Note is so much better than the iPhone! Because, you know, you can crop your head and stitch it on a basketball player’s head, all that with a very handy stylus.








[Via: idownloadblog]

Awesome iPhone-Compatible iWatch Concept

Digital wrist-wear has come a long way since calculator watches. Now there are products like the I’m Watch and multiple wearable cases that turn the iPod Shuffle into a high-tech ticker.

But if none of the current offerings are doing it for you, maybe this one will. The iWatch 2 is an iOS-compatible wristwatch that has enough features to make James Bond himself jealous…

As the name suggests, the iWatch 2 is ADR Studio‘s second iteration of the product. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because these are the same guys behind the SJ iPhone concept we showed you earlier this year.

If its sharp looks don’t impress you, then maybe its feature set will. Not only does the iWatch 2 wirelessly connect to your iPhone or iPad, but it also has a built-in front-facing camera, a mini LCD projector, and a 32GB hard drive to store your media.

Keep in mind that the iWatch 2 is only in the concept phase, and there’s no word on if it will ever materialize. But we would love to see someone take this idea and turn it into a real product. They just might want to rethink the whole “slide to unlock” thing. We hear Apple owns the rights to that or something.

If available, would you buy an iWatch 2?

[Via: idownloadblog]