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iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S (and old Dock Connector vs. Lightning): a photo tour
We knew the iPhone 5 was thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S, but seriously, it's thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S. By a pretty notable margin. Picking up the iPhone 5 is almost jarring -- it's barely heavy enough to feel "premium," and it'll probably make you handle it with care for free of breaking it in half with too tight a tug. The new Dock Connector -- also known as Lightning -- is most certainly smaller, and looks most at home on the new iPod nano. Without further qualifying, have a look at the comparison gallery below. %Gallery-165147% %Gallery-165148%
iPhone 4 now free on contract, iPhone 4S is $99
As expected with the announcement of the iPhone 5, Apple has lowered the in-contract prices of the iPhone 4S to $99, and the iPhone 4 will now be free. As with the iPhone 3GS last year, expect these discounted phones to be the low-end models -- 8 GB for the iPhone 4 and 16 GB for the iPhone 4S. We'll update this post once the exact specs are released.
Apple discounts iPhone 4S to $99 in the wake of the iPhone 5, iPhone 4 is now free on contract
Not sure if you want to splurge for that newfangled iPhone 5 just yet? Well, the folks in Cupertino are now offering a handsome discount on the previous model. That's right, the iPhone 4S will now set you back $99 (with a requisite agreement, of course) and the iPhone 4 is free on contract. In the midst of the all the excitement, Apple also announced that the 3GS will be discontinued. Check out our liveblog of Apple's event to get the latest news as it happens!
iOS 6 coming to iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod Touch on September 19th
We know what we're getting from iOS 6 and won't have to wait long for it. Apple's new mobile OS will land on existing phones, tablets and media players on September 19th -- a week from today. As was mentioned when we first saw iOS 6, the cut-off appears to be the iPhone 3GS, while tablets starting from the second iteration will be able to access Apple's new feature set. Check out our liveblog of Apple's event to get the latest news as it happens!
T-Mobile coaxing unlocked iPhone users to its network with Value Plan push, aggressive in-store service
If, like T-Mobile, you're one of the few major US networks that doesn't carry the iPhone, there's a few stages you have to go through. First comes the heavy-handed hints, then you pull a racy leather number from the wardrobe before declaring that you're fine without it and never wanted the thing anyway. Now it's hit stage four -- throwing caution to the wind and inviting users to bring their unlocked handset into stores and sign up for its $70-a-month (amongst others) unlimited plan anyway. From September 12th, iPhone 4S display units will be rolled out in stores, with helpful sales staff around to swap out your AT&T microSIM for one of its own. You'll also be able to get hold of network-specific apps like myAccount, Visual Voicemail and T-Mobile TV as soon as they're ready. In order to make this marvel possible, it's rolling out 1900MHz HSPA+ access to allow customers access to its "faux-G" service -- which is one way of enticing you away from upgrading to whatever's coming on Wednesday.
iPhone about prestige for smaller carriers
GigaOM talked to Pat Riordan, CEO of regional carrier Cellcom, about the iPhone and why this small wireless provider decided to add Apple's smartphone to its lineup. Cellcom is one of seven small carriers that started carrying the iPhone earlier this year. According to Riordan, selling the iPhone is not just about numbers; it's also about prestige. The iPhone is desirable to customers, who were leaving Cellcom to get the Apple handset elsewhere. Riordan said, "We know our sales had been falling between the end of the year and April, and we think not having the iPhone was the reason." While Verizon and AT&T sell millions of iPhones each quarter, Cellcom won't disclose how many iPhones it has sold, but the CEO did confirm the handset was attracting new customers who come into stores because they see an iPhone on display.
MoviePro for the iPhone 4S adds features to the built-in camera
If you do a lot of moviemaking on your iPhone, you'll probably want something with extended capabilities. There are plenty of apps to help at various price points and feature sets. Recently-released MoviePro is among the better ones. Although it runs on the iPhone 4 and the iPod touch, you don't get all the features without the more powerful iPhone 4S. MoviePro offers pause and zoom (4S only), selectable frame rates, aspect ratio, and variable audio and video quality. There is a tap-to-focus feature (additional taps set exposure), auto white balance, a timer and the ability to choose maximum record duration. The zoom feature just magnifies the pixels you already have, but some people will find a use for it. %Gallery-164264% The app will also allow you to capture a still while you are recording video. Just tap on the onscreen button and the image will be saved to your camera roll. Video can be exported to Dropbox, YouTube, Facebook or sent to your camera roll. I found the overall video and audio quality to be very good at the best settings. Help is built into the app, which is welcome. I would like to have seen the ability to extract a still from an existing video, rather than being only able to do that live. It's hard to tap the screen and capture a still without moving the phone, potentially affecting your video shoot. MoviePro is on sale for US$0.99 for a limited time. I think it is a good app for the money, and certainly adds to the standard iPhone video features. If you want more pro features and increased control I'd suggest you look at FiLMic Pro at $3.99.
Apple announces presumed iPhone 5 launch event for September 12th; we'll be there live!
Apple has just invited members of the press to attend a San Francisco-based product launch event on September 12th, where the next generation iPhone is expected to be officially unveiled. As rumored, it seems as if the company's prior iPod-focused fall events may be split off into two. It's been reported that an October event may follow this one, with a miniaturized 7-inch iPad on the docket for that. This event, however, seems a lock for the iPhone 5 -- or "new iPhone," or whatever it ends up being coined -- and while CEO Tim Cook confessed at D10 that it would be doubling down on secrecy, leakers seem to have doubled down on tipping the world off on what's to come. The keynote kicks off at 10AM PT in SF, and you can bet we'll be there covering every second of it live. Didn't have any "lunch" plans for 9/12? Looks like you do now. September 12, 2012 10:00 AM PDT
Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity watch notifies iPhone owners without betraying their nerd status
It's hard to deny that Bluetooth watches usually lack the social graces you need when dressing to impress. Citizen doesn't want to leave you a binary choice between technology and poshness, however. The company's upcoming Eco-Drive Proximity watch has all the respectability of an analog steel timepiece, but it quietly syncs to an iPhone 4S (or newer) through Bluetooth 4.0. Miss a call, get a message or approach a meeting, and the seconds hand will point to a word on the dial indicating what needs attention -- there's no broadcasting your geek credentials to everyone in the room. The iPhone syncs its time with the watch if you're so inclined, and a search mode will ping the handset if it's lost under the couch. Expect to pay $550, or about as much as many mid-tier quartz watches, when the Proximity goes on sale in the fall. It's certainly not a trivial price next to other Bluetooth watches, but the public acceptance factor may be more than worth the premium.
Elgato releases EyeTV Mobile for iPad, iPhone
Elgato used Germany's IFA 2012 tradeshow as a springboard to announce a new version of its EyeTV Mobile product for the iPhone and iPad. The dongle connects to the dock connector and lets a user receive DVB-T broadcasts on their iOS device. Due to improved chip technology, the latest version of EyeTV Mobile is significantly smaller than previous models. EyeTV Mobile will go on sale in September for £89.95 through Elgato's online storefront and other resellers. It's compatible with the new iPad, the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4S. The companion EyeTV Mobile app is available for free from the iOS App Store. [Via Engadget] Show full PR text IFA 2012: Elgato presents mobile TV solutions for iPad, iPhone and Android Munich, August 30, 2012 – Elgato today unveiled the new EyeTV Mobile, a redesigned, even smaller model of its highly acclaimed DVB-T TV Tuner designed to fit the iPad's and iPhone's dock connector. With the IFA 2012 launch of the new EyeTV Mobile comes the announcement of EyeTV Micro, an ultra-compact DVB-T TV Tuner for Android smartphones and tablets. Also on display at this years IFA is the Game Capture HD, Elgato's solution for recording and sharing PlayStation or Xbox gameplay. Visit Elgato in Hall 12 / 113. An even smaller EyeTV Mobile Thanks to highly efficient chip technology, the new EyeTV Mobile is just half the size of any other TV tuner for the dock connector. Despite its ultra-compact enclosure, EyeTV Mobile can be used with different aerials to get the best possible reception both on the move and at home. EyeTV Mobile will be available for the new iPad (3rd generation), iPad 2, and iPhone 4S in September at a price of GBP 89.95 £ through Elgato's online shop and resellers. The EyeTV Mobile app is free and is available on the App Store. EyeTV Micro turns Androids into TVs EyeTV Micro brings powerful DVB-T reception, extreme portability, and clean design to Android. It connects to the Micro USB port which is common on many smartphones and tablets. Alternatively, EyeTV Micro can be connected to a computer using the included USB adapter cable, and Mac or PC software. EyeTV Micro ships with different aerial options to deliver the best possible reception both on the move and at home. It will be available in September for Android devices with a dual-core CPU, NEON support and Android 4.0.3 ("Ice Cream Sandwich") at a price of GBP £54.95 through Elgato's online shop and resellers. The EyeTV Micro app is free and is available on Google Play. Game Capture HD Elgato also shows the Game Capture HD a simple and stylish solution for recording and sharing PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 gameplay using a Mac or PC. With Elgato Game Capture HD, gameplay videos are easier to record, edit and share than ever before thanks to its innovative hardware design, powerful H.264 encoder, and software that is specifically tailored to gamers needs. Elgato Game Capture HD is available for EUR £179.95 .
Elgato outs smaller EyeTV Mobile for iPhones and iPads, EyeTV Micro for Android
It was at the last IFA we got some time with Elgato's EyeTV Mobile for the iPad, and this year they're at it again with a redesigned iDongle and a brand new model for Android gear. The smaller EyeTV Mobile will have you watching DVB-T broadcasts on your iPhone 4S or iPad (2 or new), while the EyeTV Micro swaps Apple's dock connector for, you guessed it, microUSB. Not all Android devices support the Micro -- you'll need a dual-core CPU, Neon support and at least the 4.0.3 build of ICS. That said, the Micro's a generous little chap, as you can use the included USB cable to hook it up to your PC or Mac and get your TV fix on bigger screens, too. Both peripherals can be used with myriad aerials to meet your reception needs, provided you're in Europe, of course. The Mobile and Micro will be available in September for £89.95 and £54.95 (around $143 and $87), respectively, and we hope to see one on the show floor before IFA 2012 is done, so stay tuned.
Griffin announces Survivor Custom: Military-grade iPhone protection in a broad spectrum of colors
Accessory manufacturer Griffin announced today that they've joined the likes of OtterBox and LifeProof in the military-grade iPhone 4/4S case market. The new Survivor Custom (US$49.99) is a three-part rugged case, which purchasers can customize by mixing or matching the colors of the silicone wrap, polycarbonate inner shell, and the belt clip. The Survivor Custom is designed to meet or exceed US Department of Defense standards for protection in extreme conditions. The silicone wrap comes in black, blaze orange, pool blue, hunter camo, pink, red, and olive; the polycarbonate inner shell is available in black, white, blaze orange, pool blue, pink, red, and olive; the belt clip (detachable) comes in black, white, pool blue, pink, red and olive. TUAW will be doing a full review of the Survivor Custom in the near future; until then, head out to the website and have fun designing your perfect case. After all, you have 294 color combos to choose from...
Mophie Outride ruggedized action case for iPhone hands-on
Sure, you've been tempted to strap your iPhone to that ski helmet for a homemade action cam solution, but ultimately, you respect Apple's warranty, as limited as it may be. Mophie's new Outride ruggedized case equips your fragile smartphone with a ruggedized shell, protecting the device while also serving as a helmet / bicycle / flat-surface mount. The thick plastic case includes a raised lens module, and is available in both water-resistant and above ground flavors. That first version is still undergoing testing, according to Mophie reps, so we don't know just how far it can dunk with letting down its guard to condensation, but we do know that it will retail for $149. A land-only version will also be available for $129, and unlike the sealed model, your iPhone's display will still be exposed, giving you full access to the device. Both cases include a dedicated shutter release, which works in camera mode, letting you snap away under the sea. They also ship with a trio of mounts for your helmet, handle bars or a flat surface. Catch a closer look at Outride in the gallery below.%Gallery-163898%
Apple partners with PowerON to offer iPhone 4S trade-ins
Are you an iPhone 4S owner? Looking to swap up for the next new phone? Bryan Wolfe over at App Advice writes about Apple's iPhone trade-in options. Fulfilled through its PowerON partner ("Apple is not involved in the transaction between PowerON and the Reuse & Recycling service customers."), the Reuse and Recycling program offers up to $345 for top-of-the-line 4S's in perfect condition. The site quoted $280 for my middle-range, lightly-used 32 GB 4S, regardless of whether I ship back the power cord or not. That's an estimate, likely an upper bound, which allows PowerON to evaluate the unit upon receipt. You provide your contact details, agree to the terms and conditions, and affirm that the unit is not stolen. PowerON supplies you with prepaid options for packaging and shipping. After your unit is received and inspected, you'll receive an Apple gift card. Prices are, of course, subject to change as the demand for your unit changes over time. Wolfe points out that Gazelle, the iOS buyback powerhouse, is offering an iPhone price lock, good until October 1st. You can lock in today's price now, and keep your phone until the new one ships. They're offering $275 for the same 32 GB 4S unit as PowerON, i.e. almost identically valued. Whatever option you decide on, make sure to wipe your unit before shipping it. Use Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
TechBASIC 2.3 links iOS to world of sensors through Bluetooth, no pesky computers in the way (video)
If a Bluetooth sensor doesn't already have iOS support, pairing it up will often involve a patient wait for an official app or some not-quite-official tweaking, at best -- Apple won't allow just any old unauthenticated device through the gates. Byte Works' TechBASIC 2.3 update takes those barriers down. The mobile app lets those of us with a new iPad or iPhone 4S create programs that talk to, and read from, a wide range of Bluetooth LE devices without having to write any Objective C code on a Mac. Only a TI key fob has a fully ready example program, but large swaths of devices will communicate with help from intrepid programmers -- whether they're heart rate monitors, home theater gear or seemingly anything in between. Existing TechBASIC owners can add the Bluetooth LE support through a free update; it's a relatively pricey $15 to buy the app if you're new to Byte Works' world, although it may be worthwhile to give any unused sensors a new reason for being.
Motorola's latest ITC complaint against Apple targets newer iOS devices and Macs, messaging and sync
Motorola filed its most recent ITC complaint against Apple so late into last week that the court system couldn't immediately provide more details; we're only just seeing documents now that the weekend is over. As it stands, the case involves seven patents that mostly touch on staple technologies of the modern mobile world, such as syncing messages between devices and bookmarking media playback on one device to resume on another. Does that last technique sound familiar? You might recall it being a cornerstone of the movie and podcast support that Apple has implemented since 2005. Despite reaching that far back into history, Motorola is just as eager to modernize the targeted hardware list to keep its complaints relevant -- the current iPad, the iPhone 4S and other devices are at risk of a trade ban, posing more of a threat to Apple's bottom line than the dust-covered (and near-finished) initial legal challenge from October 2010. Before coming to any conclusions, though, remember that the newer complaint isn't likely to have any speedy resolution of its own. Past ITC cases have usually taken a year and a half to complete, which could leave most or all of today's technology as another distant memory.
Apple responds to iPhone text message spoofing, reminds us how secure iMessage is
If you're a frequent texter, and the iPhone is your weapon of choice, there's a good chance you've been a wee bit concerned since yesterday's report that the device is vulnerable to a certain SMS spoofing attack. Basically, it's possible for a malicious individual to send a message and specify a reply-to number that is not their own, appearing as if they are someone else. We got in touch with an Apple representative and here's what we were told: Apple takes security very seriously. When using iMessage instead of SMS, addresses are verified which protects against these kinds of spoofing attacks. One of the limitations of SMS is that it allows messages to be sent with spoofed addresses to any phone, so we urge customers to be extremely careful if they're directed to an unknown website or address over SMS. Even if you aren't on an iPhone, we'd like to remind you to be careful when texting. There are numerous services out there that let you send a message that appears to be from anybody you like -- regardless of what model, OS or even carrier the recipient is using. All the more reason to think twice before filing that loan application over SMS.
Apple reportedly price matching iPhone discounts from carriers and other retailers
According to a leaked screengrab hosted up at MacRumors, Apple retail shops now have the authority to price match carrier and rival retail discounts on iPhone. Specifically, the note informs employees that prices from Best Buy, "carriers," Radio Shack and Target can be matched, with $49.01 seeming to be the savings across the board. Curiously, places like Wirefly, Amazon, Negri Electronics and even Walmart aren't mentioned, so we wouldn't recommend trying to work the price down based on ads seen from any of those. The note also mentions the iPhone 4 and 4S exclusively, and we're fairly sure this sort of goodwill won't ever been applied to iPad, Mac hardware or pretty much any other Apple kit. Of course, crazier things have happened. We've reached out to Apple for comment, and will update this article should it choose to reply.
Sprint slashes iPhone 4S price to $149 with contract
We may not know exactly when the next iPhone is set to debut, but a deal's a deal: Sprint is already offering a bargain price on the soon-to-be-surpassed iPhone 4S. All Things D's Ina Fried reports that Sprint has cut the price of the iPhone 4S to $149 and is waiving its activation fee for online purchases. Fried says it's a Sprint promotion done with Apple's blessing. It's no surprise that this move is happening. Sharp's CEO reportedly admitted last week that the Japanese company is preparing to ship screens for the next-generation iPhone, and rumors call for an Apple media event in early September to launch new iOS devices.
Engadget's back to school guide 2012: smartphones
Welcome to Engadget's back to school guide! The end of summer vacation isn't nearly as much fun as the weeks that come before, but a chance to update your tech tools likely helps to ease the pain. Today, we're tapping away on our brand-new smartphones -- and you can head to the back to school hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of August we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- you can hit up the hub page right here! It's a good time to be a student. Last year, there were some solid picks, but it was still very clear that those willing to scrimp and save a little longer had a much better experience. This year, it's a people's revolution. Thanks to cutthroat competition, there are some exceptional phones out there, even for those of you hoping to avoid eating ramen noodles for a month. Software has taken a leap forward too, with many phones now offering a vital way to remember when that term paper is due... or to procrastinate at the pub. We have nine choices of phones in our shortlist, spread out across three categories to serve everyone from the I-just-need-a-phone freshman to the overloaded doctoral candidate. While you're eying the selection, don't forget to enter our giveaway and potentially ease the burden -- who knows, you may get a phone you want rather than the one dictated by your student loan.
