Apple enthusiast site 9 to 5 Mac reported that a source from Foxconn said that the next-generation iPhone is ready for production. The source also said that a number of sample units, each different from one another, have been made for testing.

“We received word from a reliable source at Foxconn in China that the iPhone 5, as it is currently being called, is now gearing for production,” 9 to 5 Mac’s report said.

The source said that the sample iPhones all have:

• 4+ inch display (made by LG on at least one of them).
• No teardrop-shaped devices, as rumored in the lead up to the iPhone 4S. Samples so far have been symmetrical in thickness (also longer/wider).
• Neither of the sample devices have the iPhone 4/4S form factor.
• Neither of the devices are the final versions.

John Gruber of Daring Fireball quickly debunked the rumors that the new iPhone will sport a wider and longer body, saying, “longer and wider? Sounds like bullsh*t. I can see Apple putting a bigger display on a device of the same size. I can’t see them making a bigger device.”

We can expect to hear more rumors in the upcoming months as the expected summer release date approaches.

via: Geeky Gadget

Is Apple going to release the iPhone 5 this summer? is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

For the first time ever, Apple has surpassed Hewlett Packard (HP) in both revenue and computer unit sales. It has been revealed that Apple sold more iPad tablets than the worldwide PC sales of HP.

When asked by an analyst during the earnings call, Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook noted that they have sold a record-breaking 15.4 billion iPads and that the company does not consider tablets that have limited functions and e-readers to be in the same league as the iPad. Cook believes that the reason why the iPad is such a huge success is that its ecosystem is “in a class by itself.”

“We strongly believe in optimizing applications from day one to take advantage of the larger canvas,” said Cook. “There are only a few hundred apps designed for the competition, versus more than 170,000 apps designed specifically for iPad. People who want an iPad won’t settle for a limited function tablet.”

Cook added that Apple will “continue to innovate like crazy” and that it will continue to compete with existing and new players, who, in the future, may enter the market.

via: Slash Gear

Apple topples HP’s PC sales with its iPad sales is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Apple Inc., which was ranked 17th last year, rose to 8th place as its value increased to $22.49 billion from $21.14 billion a year before. Google is also included in the top 10 that has direct interests in the telecommunications industry. The search giant stil ranks at number four, not moving since 2010. The company’s value, however, has increased to $55.31 billion from $43.55 billion. Other telecom-related companies in the list are Microsoft (3rd place), Intel (7th place) and HP (10th place).

The Cupertino tech giant has seen the biggest change in brand value with a 58 percent increase, while Microsoft’s has decreased by 3 percent. Even though Apple rose 9 places up, the biggest leap came from Amazon, who jumped 10 places to 26th place.
The report reveals that Coca Cola has retained the top spot with the company’s $71.8 billion value, followed by business services company IBM with $69.9 billion.

The surge of Apple has impressed lots of spectators and some say that it is rather unsurprising. It is interesting to find what products the company will release this year, considering the changes it had at the end of 2011. Maybe we will see the light of its revolutionary Apple TV.

via: Bloomberg

Apple now the 8th most valuable brand in the world is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Given the event’s theme, it is rather not surprising that the most people bet on “Electronic/Digital textbooks” at 1/6, with the “iPad Lite” at second with 6/1 and the “iPad 3″ at third place with 9/1.

The iMac desktop’s return is at fourth place with 14/1, while the Apple TV set, or the iTV, takes the following spot with 16/1 and the iPhone 5 on fifth place with 20/1.

“Like all tech junkies I’m awaiting the latest Apple announcement with bated breath, it looks very likely that they’re on the verge of launching electronic textbooks but I don’t think it’s beyond those geniuses at Apple to build a robot teacher,” said a spokesperson for Paddy Power.

Apple previously announced that it will hold an event in New York on Thursday, preparing for an “educational announcement.” The company has been quiet about it, but rather than releasing a new device, observers are expecting it to unveil iPad-optimized textbooks and new features on how users will interact with its content.

Paddy Power is the leading provider of gaming services and the biggest bookmaker in the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland.

Source: Casino reviewer

Betting has started for Apple’s big announcement is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The current iPad 2 was supposed to come with a higher resolution display, alas it didn’t, so the logical train of thought is that the iPad 3 will. The news agency Bloomberg has revealed that the screen will have four times more pixels than the current model, making it sharper than many high definition televisions. This supports various rumors that the iPad 3 would come complete with a retina display.

Another sure fire upgrade will come in the form of a new processor. Many feel it will sport quad core capabilities and be branded the A6, which again is fairly logical when you think about it. This will make the most of the we display, make multitasking quicker, videos more fluid and open the iPad up for even better gaming.

Other rumors suggest that the iPad 3 will use the same camera as the iPhone 4S, support Siri, could be LTE enabled and may be slightly thicker (although others, including us, feel it will be a smidgeon thinner).

So when will the iPad 3 be released? Again no official release date has been given but insiders have reported that the tablet has already gone into production. This will be ramped up throughout February in preparation for a March 2012 release date which fits in with the firms regular annual schedules.

iPad 3 to Sport HD Display, Quad Core and LTE is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Horwitz reported that the new iPad is not that different from its predecessor, the iPad 2. From a distance, it’s hard to tell them apart, and it is like comparing the iPad 3 and from the iPhone 4S and 4. However, he said that he spotted some things that suggest the tablet’s new features. The iPad 3′s camera is about the same size of that on the iPhone 4S, which is bigger than what’s installed in the iPad 2.

Despite rumors of having a slightly smaller screen, the iPad 3 is said to have the same size screen. Horwitz said that he expects the device to have a Retina display, which will explain the additional 1 mm thickness.

The iLounge editor noted that the model he saw is not fresh from the factory, estimating it to be at least six months old. This is not surprising because companies need time to tweak a device. This also means that the iPad 3 he saw may not be like what Apple will launch to the public.

It seems like Apple is now focusing on changing its devices’ guts rather than its looks. The new iPad 3 may likely sport a Retina display, faster processor (probably an A6) and Siri.

via: Geek.com

Slightly thicker iPad 3 spotted at CES 2012 is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

According to 9 to 5 Mac, a hidden panel within the code of the beta reveals the processors the iOS 5.1 can handle. The code referenced a “/cores/core.3″ device, which means that its processor has four cores.

“While not quite confirming that a quad-core processor will power Apple’s third-generation iPad, we have obtained evidence that suggests Apple is currently working on quad-core iOS devices,” said Mark Gurman of 9 to 5 Mac on Friday.

In iOS, “/cores/core.0″ indicates a single-core processor. The iOS has referenced “/cores/core.1″ for a two-core device, such as the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4S, each using Apple’s A5 processor. No mention of a triple core chipset was found in the latest beta.

It is said that Apple is using the iOS 5.1 beta to test its new iPad 3 tablet, which is slated to arrive in the first quarter, as well as an unreleased “iPhone 5,1.” Rumors claim that the iPad 3 will have a bigger resolution display, which runs at 2048 x 1536, and a larger battery.

Apple is also said to release a fourth-generation iPad before the year ends to challenge new Windows 8-based tablets.

It seems that Apple will release an iOS device running on four cores, as it can help these devices bring higher resolution screens and power advanced software like the rumored iOS version of Final Cut Pro.

via: Phone Dog

Quad-core processor support seen in iOS 5.1 beta code is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

Apple is also said to be negotiating deals with content providers. One of the reported roadblocks is providers are unwilling to cut a deal with Apple for the company to offer first-tier programs on iTunes. Many are speculating that these providers fear that Apple might take control of the TV sector as it did with the smartphone market. CBS President and CEO Les Moonves even said that he declined a deal for the Apple iTV.

Even Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, said that he anticipates the company to jump into the TV business. “I do expect Apple to make an attempt, since I expect the living room to remain a center for family entertainment, and that touches on all areas of consumer products that Apple is already making,” he said.

Apple is reported to be prototyping a TV set based on Siri and iOS. It is said to be compatible with Airplay and iCloud, and also provides DVR functionality.

Earlier this week, word of an Apple Media event in New York got out and some speculate that it could be some kind of announcement for iCloud and iTunes. Will they also announce the new iTV then?

via: Cnet

Is Apple going to launch a 50-inch iTV soon? is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The phone prototype sadly never made it into production, but was reportedly designed by Harmtut Esslinger. Esslinger was the man behind the design of the Apple IIc, which was Apple’s first attempt to make a portable computer. According to Wikipedia, Esslinger, founder of Frogdesign, has a $1 million a year contract with Apple to design some of their products.

“Setting up shop in California for the first time, Esslinger and Frogdesign created the “Snow White design language” which was applied to all Apple product lines from 1984 to 1990, commencing with the Apple IIc and including the Macintosh computer,” according to the site.

The prototype gives us a very interesting look at how the iPhone came to be. The phone features a telephone with a built-in screen. A photo shows what seems to be a check-writing app, where you can pay bills using a modem.

Tech site Mashable pointed out that this is not the first time the photos were revealed. Interest in old prototypes, however, has been renewed because of a stockpile of Apple documents at the Stanford University. These were donated in 1997 when Steve Jobs returned to Apple after being forced out.

via: Mashable

Apple phone prototype from 1983 revealed is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos

The ITC ruled that HTC violated an Apple patent for a “system and method for performing an action on a structure in computer generated data.” The patent is for when a user taps a phone number located in an email to make a call.

Even though the ruling of the ITC is in favor of Apple, the Taiwanese smartphone company described the decision as a victory for them.

“Since the infringing elements identified by the ITC involve and impact only a very minimal part of the user interface, we will remove it as soon as possible and sell non-infringing products,” HTC said in a statement.

The US ITC said that HTC has until April 19, 2012 to comply with its ruling, and its smartphones will be banned from importation to the country.

The ITC’s ruling is the latest in a number of patent issues between Apple and manufacturers of Android-powered handsets. Apple is also in a legal war against Samsung in Europe, the US and Australia over its Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

Apple has accused HTC of infringing 10 of its patents. Six of these patents were dropped from the case.

via: Venture Beat

Apple wins patent battle against HTC is a post from: Gadgets and gizmos