Nokia had already declared the release of its new lot of Windows Phone 7 devices by the end of the year and looks like it might just hold true to its word. The device also know as the Nokia Sun has been spotted in ad campaign materials by Pocketnow and are now floating all over the internet. Stating “Take, tag, sort and share. All in a flash.” it shows that the devices will be targeted at the socially active youth.
Its day two of shortages for Blackberry users thanks to European Server crashes. The Blackberry service users in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, India, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are facing major service outages limiting their devices to do only what they were intended to do , make calls. Are you facing any outages ?
RIM SAYS :
Media statement – October 11
Some users in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, India, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina are experiencing messaging and browsing delays. We are working to restore normal service as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
Seldom does the world come close to such an instance where things happen so fast that its almost impossible to catch upto them. Last time this year we were discussing the iPhone 4 launch in India. Throughout this year there were speculations of a Jesus Phone in the form of the iPhone 5, a slim design, bigger screen, high spec’d cameras and a lot going on under the boot.
There were several devices launched in the mean time, the Samsung Galaxy S2 being the most prominent of them all followed by the likes of Sensation, Optimus 2 and now the Galaxy Note and galaxy Nexus. But companies like Samsung and LG live in the global markets, they cater to a vast audience, with a vast range of products. That makes them impressive industry giants but that also slows them down when it comes to device support.
Apple has followed a simple less product portfolio system from the get go, whereas other companies tend to branch out and diversify. Take the notebook for example, the Apple line has been consistent since the beginning with the Macbook, Macbook Pro (earlier know as powerbook) and the recent new addition the Air. Apple has essentially also eliminated the Macbook line and only now has the Pro and the Air.
In a similar scenario Samsung has a vast variety of Notebooks, even though they are relatively new to the industry. From over 300 different models in the Indian catalogue alone, it is difficult to imagine developing bios updates and bug fixes for each individual product.
For Apple the win – win scenario lies in their simplicity, One update to rule them all! Since all their MacBooks are essentially based on the same platform, Apple is usually able to send out app and OS updates without any problems. But that does not mean they are let off easy, issues are usually tested for several months before fixes are released, sometimes causing major problems too. But its easy to tackle problems if you have only two products to worry about.
Same is the case with the iPhone, since its launch in 2007 several people have suggested year in and year out, that Apple will add a new phone to their lineup, an iPhone nano, a mini touch phone and possibly even a cheap variant of the main device. They have all been proven wrong, Apple’s strategy comes to light very simply: they have a yearly refresh cycle where they offer the last years product at a considerably lower price to see market response before they diminish stocks and stop selling the devices. This policy as we have seen is only applicable for the iPhone and not any other device.
Apple does not intend to give themselves competition by releasing two variants of the same device when their earning lie in numbers from the same device. Apple couldn’t be bothered giving os and bug fixes to previous adapters. Those who bought the iPhone 3Gs will start to hurt over the neglect that Apple will give to their updates. Its simple Apple want consumers to buy the latest products so they can continue to evolve and are able to enjoy the innovations of the company. But not everyone can afford new products yearly! Especially in India where contract systems don’t exist. Apple devices are expensive and much more than other devices, Apple includes the cost of one year of “Apple no questions asked service and repair” in their products. No other company offers you the ability to walk into a store with a defective product and walk out with a shiny new one. Other companies usually repair devices, sometimes delivering no real solution to the problem. No to mention that your precious device gets unscrewed and manhandled.
The critics and investor management companies deemed the iPhone 4s as a major failure for Apple, but the truth really lies in the numbers. Apple got over 1 Million pre-orders of the iPhone 4s in the US alone in the first 24 hours. That is actually more than the total life sales of many companies. So what makes Apple iPhones so special? The first iteration of the device made people all over the world want it, possibly because they couldn’t buy one (sales were restricted to the US). This made people want it even more, causing groups from all over the world to indulge in home brewing the device.
The most significant specification change to the iPhone 4S from its predecessor is the bump to Apple’s A5 processor. Just as in the case of the iPad we should see a vast improvement in overall speed and responsiveness of the device. The iPhone 4S also bumps the resolution of its digital stills from 5 megapixels to 8 megapixels and its HD video capture resolution from 720p to 1080p this was seen in almost all cameras in higher end Android phones. But, the fact that apple continues to improve its rear illuminated sensor adding better optics and image stabilization is a mighty improvement.
The inclusion of Siri was not much of a shock because Apple had acquired the company some time ago, but the software has obviously come a long way since Apple purchased it and is integrated into core functions of the handset as well as Wolfram Alpha for getting answers directly from the internet. This personal assistant Siri was one thing that made me stop writing and start watching during launch.
Owner : How many cups in an ounce?
Siri : Let me think : Here is your answer!
Owner : Schedule my meeting for budgets at 12.
Siri : Note : You already have a meeting at 12 , would you like me to schedule it anyway?
For all those who have seen Terminator the movie, should know that this is the dawn of Skynet in the form of Siri. Jokes apart this is possibly the most advanced Ai you can think about putting in a handheld device. Forget peta flops of processing this takes a measly A5 chipset with a dual core processor.
The only reason Apple continues its success if because they not only focus on hardware but deliver the software as promised. They can always announce the iPhone 5 next year and they will, but till then Siri will rule the smartphone haven riding a 4s which houses brand new optics, a full hd 8 MP camera and a spec bumper Dual core A5 chip.
Now its only time before people start to mention the good aspects of Samsung phones and LG, i don’t deny them or dispute them. i love my Android devices, the S2 the Sensation and even the Evo 3D, my honeycomb tablets, a daily user of Blackberry and even my Windows Phones. I have used vLingo on the S2 and my tab But its no where near what Siri does. Honestly we do wish Apple paid us for what we write about them. But it does not seem that they need anymore hype than what they can already generate by themselves.
The iPad has finally joined the Facebook family with its own dedicated app. Most people have called it the only most important app missing from the iPad. The app is designed to access the power of multitouch in the iPad. Check out the PR below
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”no” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Today, Facebook announced their first app for the iPad.
Facebook for iPad not only includes popular features from the site like photos and games, but also optimizes them for the unique capabilities of the iPad.
Facebook for iPad is available today in the Apple App Store and additional information can be found in the blog post attached.
Additionally Facebook announced they are extending the Facebook Platform to mobile including the new iPad app, iPhone/iPod app and mobile web site. The Facebook Platform will allow mobile developers to take advantage of social channels for search of discovery of their apps and also the Facebook Credits payment system.
Additional details about the Facebook Platform on mobile can be found in the second blog post attached as well.[/toggle]
Did you face multiple blackberry connectivity problems in the past 24 hours? You are not alone. The Blackberry server crash caused millions of BB users to loose their data and emails. Its bad enough for RIM in the past 2 quarters, failures and outages such as these would encourage another million to switch to the apparent device of the time.
The services seems to be restored as of now.
Apple Goes on to break its previous record by selling a record 1 Million Devices in the US alone during the first 24 hours of commencement of preorder for the iPhone 4s. Those who didn’t manage to snag an order can try their luck at the already forming lines outside the Apple Stores.
These numbers will continue to rise as Apple plans a rollout in 22 other countries by Oct End 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
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Expand PR” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]
iPhone 4S Pre-Orders Top One Million in First 24 Hours
CUPERTINO, California-October 10, 2011-Apple® today announced pre-orders of its iPhone® 4S have topped one million in a single day, surpassing the previous single day pre-order record of 600,000 held by iPhone 4. iPhone 4S is the most amazing iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including Apple’s dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning 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.
“We are blown away with the incredible customer response to iPhone 4S,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “The first day pre-orders for iPhone 4S have been the most for any new product that Apple has ever launched and we are thrilled that customers love iPhone 4S as much as we do.”
iPhone 4S will be available at all 245 Apple retail stores in the US beginning at 8 a.m. local time on Friday, October 14. Every customer who buys an iPhone 4S at an Apple retail store will be offered free Personal Setup service, helping them customize their iPhone 4S by setting up email, showing them new apps from the App Store™ and more, so they’ll be up and running with their new iPhone before they leave the store.
iPhone 4S includes iOS 5, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features, and iCloud®, a breakthrough set of free cloud services 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.
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 4S comes in either black or white and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the new 64GB model.* iPhone 4S will be available from the Apple Online Store, Apple’s retail stores and through AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and select Best Buy, Target and Walmart stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iPhone 4 is available for just $99 (US) and iPhone 3GS is available for free with a two year contract.
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.
*Qualified customers only. Requires a new two year rate plan, sold separately.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.
[/toggle]
Apple iPhone 4s left a lot of hearts disappointed, including ours for a bit. But, looks like a trend has actually emerged from the depths of Apple , iPhone 3G gives 3Gs and iPhone 4 gives 4s.
Anyway more about that later, the topic of the moment is that people are disappointed by the release of the iPhone 4s not being close to expectations, but Apple numbers speak otherwise. In the US alone Apple received orders for over 600,000 units in the first 12 hours. This does not account for other countries where the device was released. Expect the number to be in several millions.
The device is already sold out on all online stores and delivery is now pushed back to several weeks. Still dislike the iPhone 4s upgrade? Apple says Cha-ching !
A full fist of Android Ice Cream Sandwich screenshots have made it to the leaks section today. Making it even more and more difficult for the world to hold on for the devices launch.
Check em out flavored like Honeycomb:
Google and Samsung were all set to launch their prized possession at their “unpacked event”, until Steve Jobs passed away. The company has decided to pay homage to the Technology Titans death by postponing the launch of the supposed Samsung Galaxy Device.
Samsung and Google decide to postpone the new product announcement at CTIA Fall. We agree that it is just not the right time to announce a new product. New date and venue will be shortly announced.
–Samsung
A Spokesperson from Google later commented:
We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs’s passing,”
Okay now that the event is not happening, does not mean that some eager individual lacking voice cannot post a sneak peek of the device (Galaxy Nexus)
Sony has decided to take some action about its current global standing in the top cellphone vendors list. Currently at 6th place , Sony has decided to finalize the deal between Sony and Ericsson that will give total control of the mobility division to sony and hence all future devices will be known as “Sony Mobiles” and not “Sony Ericsson”. Ericsson currently roughly $1.3 to $1.7 billion worth of mobile technology patents are the main reason for the partnership buyout.
HTC has just launched the new HTC Sensation XL with Beats audio. The device features a real bump in terms of screen size and media capabilities. The fact of the matter remains, how do you choose your device between the Sensation , the Sensation XE and the Sensation XL.
Specs of this device include
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]TC UNLEASHES THE HTC SENSATION™ XL WITH BEATS AUDIO™
Beats integration, combined with amazing 4.7-inch display, introduces powerful entertainment experience
LONDON – October 6, 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global designer of mobile devices, today unveiled the HTC Sensation™ XL with Beats Audio™ integration. This latest innovation is the result of the new partnership between HTC and Beats announced in August and takes mobile entertainment to a new level with an amazing 4.7-inch screen and a specifically optimized audio experience. The HTC Sensation XL joins the HTC Sensation XE to provide customers with a strong line-up of HTC smartphones integrated with Beats Audio.
“With Beats Audio, the HTC Sensation XL continues HTC’s commitment of delivering the best audio possible on your phone whether you’re listening to music, watching a movie or playing a game,” said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC Corporation. “This is an amazing example of why our partnership with Beats makes so much sense for customers today and into the future.”
“HTC is an incredible partner and has completely embraced our desire to make the music experience on the mobile phone as powerful and as rich as it can be,” said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Beats by Dr. Dre.
Design, Performance and Stunning Audio
With the 4.7” screen, slim 9.9mm design and Beats Audio integration, the HTC Sensation XL was specifically created to deliver the best entertainment experience with stunning audio and visuals for music, movies and games. The HTC Sensation XL features unique audio tuning by Beats that ensures customers will hear their music as the artist intended.
Unique to HTC phones, the HTC Sensation XL includes new lightweight urBeats™ headphones, created exclusively to integrate with the Beats’ audio profile on the device. The built-in microphone makes hands-free calling easy and the on-cable remote control allows customers to pause, advance or rewind, and to answer a call mid-track.
Customers can also send music recommendations and track information to friends over SMS, email or through their Facebook profile. To allocate the perfect audio alert to an incoming call or message from friends and family, use the ringtone trimmer to edit a music track and add it to a friend’s contact profile.
HTC Watch
HTC Sensation XL integrates HTC Watch, an application and service that puts an entire library of the latest premium movies and TV shows right at your fingertips, letting people discover the latest video content in an easy and visually engaging way. HTC Watch uses progressive download technology that makes it possible to watch videos without waiting for a huge file to finish downloading. HTC Watch offers the choice of renting or buying videos, and, if purchased, lets customers watch them on up to five different HTC devices.
Capture the moment
The HTC Sensation XL boasts an 8MP camera, featuring a f/2.2, 28mm wide-angle lens with BSI sensor to fit more of the scene into every shot and for better low-light performance. In video mode, the HTC Sensation XL enables customers to record a perfect moment with stunning clarity and incredible stereo sound – perfect for sharing on YouTube, Facebook or a TV.
Availability
HTC Sensation XL will be available across EMEA and Asia Pacific from early November. In EMEA, HTC will also be offering a limited edition bundle that includes special edition Beats Solo headphones. [/toggle]
The big phone of the year after the supposed big phone of the year, is about to be launched and it looks like the specs are out before the device shows off its real face.
The specs of this true marvel from Samsung include
The pricing for the new iPhone 4s is out
Apple has officially announced that it will bring the new voice control features to the iOS called SIRI:
More developing ….
Apple has launched the all new iPhone 4s, with the same retina display, the same design, but with a faster chipset – the A5 .
On the back is also a new camera that sports an 8-megapixel camera with a backside illuminated CMOS sensor for better low-light performance.
The lens also now packs an IR filter and a new assembly for apertures down to f/2.4.
The 4S can record 1080p video and has a new image signal processor for image stabilization and facial recognition.
Battery Life :
These are all contract prices we are trying to get sim free prices from UK
more developing on our live blog here.
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Apple Launches iPhone 4S, iOS 5 & iCloud
iPhone 4S Features Dual-Core A5 Chip, All New Camera, Full 1080p HD Video Recording & Introduces Siri
CUPERTINO, California-October 4, 2011-Apple® today announced iPhone® 4S, the most amazing iPhone yet, packed with incredible new features including Apple’s dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning 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 iPhone 4S also comes the launch of iOS 5, the world’s most 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, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, 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.
iPhone 4S includes an all new camera with the most advanced optics of any phone. The 8 megapixel sensor has 60 percent more pixels so you can take amazing high quality photos with more detail than ever. 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 red-eye, 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®.
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 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 iPhone 4, iPhone 4S is the first phone to intelligently switch between two antennas to send and receive. iPhone 4S now supports twice the download speed with HSDPA of up to 14.4 Mbps and iPhone 4S is a world phone, so both CDMA and GSM customers can now roam internationally on GSM networks.**
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 4S comes in either black or white and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model and $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the new 64GB model.*** 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. iPhone 4S will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the UK on Friday, October 14 and customers can pre-order their iPhone 4S beginning Friday, October 7. iPhone 4 will also be available for just $99 (US) and 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.
*Some features may not be available on all products.
**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.[/toggle]
