Monday, March 23, 2015

iPhone 5S and 5C each gets a new nearly identical dock

iPhone 5S and 5C each gets a new nearly identical dock
Along with its announcement today of two new phones and several differently colored new cases, Apple will soon begin selling a new dock for both the iPhone 5S and 5C.Related storiesApple launches iPhone 5S and $99 iPhone 5C with five colorsiPhone 5C First TakeiPhone 5S First TakeThe docks appear to be identical in design, each with a Lightning-in and audio-out connections on the back, with an up-facing Lightning-in connector on front.Each dock behaves as docks are wont to do, allowing you to charge, sync, play music, as well as conduct speaker phone calls while your iPhone rests in its cradle.Both audio-out and Lightning connections grace the dock's backside.AppleAccording to Apple's site, the 5S dock is compatible with the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S, while the 5C's dock is only compatible with the 5C. Not too surprising, given each phone's small dimensional differences, but really? Couldn't Apple have been made a single dock, compatible with both new phones?The docks will likely go on sale Friday, September 13; the same day the new iPhones hit the market. The docks will retail for $29.


iPhone 5S already- Possible pics leak

iPhone 5S already? Possible pics leak
It's time to start the iPhone rumor mill churning again. French Web site Nowhereelse.fr spotted alleged pictures of the next iPhone, commonly referred to as the iPhone 5S, on a forum run by iPhone5parts.net.The pictures show an iPhone that has an exterior that looks identical to the iPhone 5. The rear of the device would essentially be an iPhone 5 if not for the specific information being replaced by "x," which may indicate a prototype. A look inside shows different placement for the screws, and some minor differences from the iPhone 5. The forum has a picture that stacks the two side by side. CNET contacted Apple for a comment on the pictures, and we'll update the story when we get a response. Fresh off the launch of the iPhone 5 in late September, the speculation over the next version is already ramping up. Many believe the next will be a minor upgrade, similar to the iPhone 4S, with more internal improvements than superficial design ones. The company, however, faces stiffer competition from rivals that are willing to bring out new designs for their smartphones at least once -- and often more than once -- a year.


iPhone 5S activations more than triple those of 5C, says report

iPhone 5S activations more than triple those of 5C, says report
The iPhone 5S is more than three times as popular as the 5C, at least according to data published Monday by Localytics.Following their launch on Friday, the two new iPhones combined now account for 1.36 percent of all activated iPhones in the U.S., according to Localytics. The 5S scored 1.05 percent of those activations, leaving the 5C with just 0.31 percent. The means the 5S is already surpassing its lower-cost counterpart by a factor of 3.4.Among the major U.S. carriers, AT&T's activation rates for the two new phones have been the highest at 0.67 percent of all iPhones. Verizon Wireless came in second with 0.51 percent, followed by Sprint with 0.12 percent and T-Mobile with just 0.07 percent.LocalyticsThe 5S is also the top dog in all launch countries combined, according to Localytics, outshining the 5C by a factor of 3.7. In Japan alone, the 5S is outshining the 5C by a factor of 5. The US has accounted for most of the activations so far, more than twice as many as those in all other markets combined.Sales of the 5S and 5C kicked off on Friday in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, the UK, and the US.To compile its data, Localytics analyzed more than 20 million iPhone activations in the US and abroad from Friday through Sunday.


iPhone 5S' A7 chip is first 64-bit processor for smartphones

iPhone 5S' A7 chip is first 64-bit processor for smartphones
Apple's ad copy above appears to be right. Apple is the first to squeeze a 64-bit processor into a consumer smartphone from a top-tier vendor.It "is the world's first consumer ARM based [system-on-a-chip] with 64-bit support," wrote Anand Shimpi of chip site Anandtech. Related stories:Apple launches iPhone 5S and $99 iPhone 5C with five colorsiPhone 5S First TakeiPhone 5C First Take Apple's previous A series processors and ARM chips from other suppliers, like Qualcomm, have all been 32-bit. This could be significant if data-intensive games and apps take advantage of the wider data path. Apple said iOS 7 has "a native 64-bit kernel" and "all built-in apps have been re-engineered." Generally, 64-bit chips in the PC space can address more memory and, thus, can be better at running more demanding software. In fact, Apple referred to it as a "64-bit desktop class architecture" in its presentation Tuesday. And to demonstrate the A7's mettle, Apple brought Epic Games and its latest title, Infinity Blade 3, on stage. Graphics appearto be on par with Xbox 360 and PS3. It wouldn't be surprising to see similar silicon land in the iPad 5. The iPad 4, for example, uses a high-performance version of the A6 -- that's also used in the iPhone 5 -- called the A6X. CNET


iPhone 5C sales stall in China, report says

iPhone 5C sales stall in China, report says
Apple's iPhone 5C is in some deep trouble in China, it appears.Unlike the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S, which have watched sales soar since their launch last year, the iPhone 5C has had trouble getting off the ground, new data from China-based analytics company Umeng shows. The iPhone 5 is actually the most popular Apple smartphone in China at the moment, accounting for about 15 percent of Umeng's network. The iPhone 5S comes in at 12 percent, while the iPhone 5C can only muster 2 percent.According to South China Morning Post, which earlier reported on the data, Umeng's data is based on usage across its network of 75,000 developers and 210,000 apps. So, while Umeng's data might not exactly translate to China-wide usage, it does offer a broad sample that might indicate trends in the country.That the iPhone 5C isn't selling so well in China is perhaps no surprise. Although Apple doesn't announce unit sales itself, the company's iPhone 5C is believed to be its least-popular handset and has failed to capture the attention of those on a budget. The iPhone 5S, meanwhile, appears to be selling somewhat well.(Via Cult of Mac)


iPhone 5C preorders to start 12-01 a.m. PT on Friday

iPhone 5C preorders to start 12:01 a.m. PT on Friday
US consumers aiming to preorder Apple's new iPhone 5C will have their chance starting 12:01 a.m. PT tomorrow.Verizon and Sprint have both set up Web pages announcing the preorders and the starting time. A spokesperson for AT&T told CNET that the carrier's preorders will begin at 12:01 am. PT as well. To keep up with the rest of the pack, T-Mobile will also likely kickstart its 5C preorders first thing Friday.Preorders for the iPhone 5c will also begin Friday for consumers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and the UK. Both the 5C and 5S go on sale starting September 20. Only the 5C is available for preorder. Early adopters of the 5S will have to wait until the end of next week for the opportunity to pick one up.(Via MacRumors)Updated 10:30 a.m. PT: AT&T's preorders will also start at 12:01 a.m. PT.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play


Sir Christopher Lee launches new album about Don Quixote

Sir Christopher Lee launches new album about Don Quixote
A year after he wrapped up his Charlemagne metal project, nonagenarian actor and musician Sir Christopher Lee -- the world's oldest metal performer in history -- has launched a new mini-album, just in time for his birthday on 27 May.Related articleChristopher Lee launches new epic metal albumBased on the character of Don Quixote from the 17th-century Miguel de Cervantes novel of the same name, the album, called Metal Knight, features seven songs performed by Sir Lee and Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire.The album features two songs from Don Quixote musical Man of La Mancha, "I, Don Quixote" and "The Impossible Dream", as well as covers of "The Toreador March" from the opera "Carmen" and Paul Anka's "My Way"."As far as I am concerned, Don Quixote is the most metal fictional character that I know," Sir Lee said. "Single handed, he is trying to change the world, regardless of any personal consequences. It is a wonderful character to sing."Check out the video below for a sampling of the music and to hear Sir Lee's thoughts on the tracks. You can also pick up the album from iTunes for AU$11.99 (US$6.99 | £4.99).


Report- iTunes costs Apple $1.3 billion a year to run

Report: iTunes costs Apple $1.3 billion a year to run
Apple spends approximately $1.3 billion per year, or $113 million each month, to run iTunes and its App Store, according to data compiled by Horace Dediu of market research firm Asymco.Analyzing numbers provided at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference last week, Dediu factored in the average price of songs and apps, the split between the company and its developers, and word from Apple that it runs the store at or slightly above the breakeven point.Much of the money that Apple spends on the store goes toward serving content and payment processing as well as support. But Dediu said he believes the company still has a lot left over to invest in increasing capacity, including the new data center that recently popped up in North Carolina.Other analysts have pointed out that the App Store has never been a huge profit source for Apple. In a report issued about a year ago, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster confirmed that Apple just more than slightly breaks even on the App Store. At the time, Munster calculated that the store has added only around $189 million to Apple's total gross profit since its launch.


O, yes- Philips shows new Apple AirPlay speakers

O, yes: Philips shows new Apple AirPlay speakers
The CEA had its yearly line show earlier this week and we spent a little time in the Philips booth checking out several new audio products the company intends to release this year, including a handful of AirPlay-enabled speakers. In case you don't know what AirPlay is, it's a wireless-streaming feature found on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or any Mac or Windows PC running iTunes (see "10 things you need to know about AirPlay" for more info). Right now you can only stream video to your TV using Apple TV but lots of AirPlay-enabled speakers are headed to the market for streaming audio.Apple AirPlay products roundup (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 24NextPrevPhilips is about to release the $800 Fidelio SoundSphere DS9800W (see video below), which will also come in a more affordable $500 version this holiday season, the DS6800W. But perhaps the most striking new model is the AirPlay-enabled DS3881W, which is shaped like a doughnut, is portable (yes, it has a rechargeable battery), and features a "360-degree surround sound effect."Philips says the 16-watt circular speaker is due out this holiday season for $329 MRSP. Check out editor Scott Stein's report in the video below.


iPhone app shows real-time traffic images

iPhone app shows real-time traffic images
Now drivers can view traffic camera images in real-time with a new application for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.TrafficJamCam, from Visteon, lets users see current traffic conditions on highways and major roadways of their choosing, faster and more accurately than typical radio updates or other traffic reports. This allows drivers to plan or change their driving routes based on current traffic or road conditions.TrafficJamCam is available in separate applications for viewing traffic in 17 metropolitan areas: Atlanta; Boston; Chicago/Indiana; Charlotte, N.C.; Denver; Detroit; Jacksonville, Fla.; Las Vegas; Memphis, Tenn.; Minneapolis/St. Paul; New York City; Ohio/Northern Kentucky; Orlando, Fla.; Phoenix; Riverside, Calif.; Seattle; and Washington, D.C. The apps are available on the iTunes online store for $2.99 each."Our research shows that consumers continue to rely on mobile electronic devices and want to use them to stay connected while driving," said T.C. Wingrove, Visteon's senior manager for electronics innovation. "It's not a huge technical leap to adapt this application from a phone to an in-vehicle infotainment system. The feedback we can glean from consumers will help us refine the system, and will enable an enhanced solution by the time automakers are ready to launch an in-vehicle application."Consumers can provide input on the application through iTunes, as well as Visteon's Web site, visteon.com.


How to update the iPhone 5 to iOS 6.0.1

How to update the iPhone 5 to iOS 6.0.1
Apple just released the first update to iOS 6, set to fix a few bugs and improve performance. iOS 6.0.1 is available through the usual methods, over-the-air (OTA) or iTunes. But, if you use an iPhone 5, you will be presented with the screen above when you attempt to update using the OTA method. To begin the process, launch the Settings app, tap on General, and then Software Update. Once you do that, you'll see the above message. Tap on Learn More to begin the process of fixing a bug that prevents your iPhone 5 from updating over the air. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETYou first must download and install an iOS Updater app. Tap on Download and Install. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETA new app icon will appear on your device. But before you go tapping on it, you might need to restart your phone. To do that, you can either hold in the power button and turn it off, then back on, or hold in the power and home button at the same time and wait for it to reboot. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETAfter you've rebooted your phone, tap on the iOS Updater icon and then tap OK on the dialog. From here, the update process on your iPhone 5 is business as usual. Of course, if you would've rather skipped installing the app, then the update, you could've used iTunes. But who wants to track down the only Lightning cable around just to update some software? I know I don't.