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Taiwanese government approves iPhone 4S for sale
The Taiwanese National Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the iPhone 4S, paving the way for the handset to go on sale in the local market. The iPhone 4S debuted on October 14 and is now available in 29 countries worldwide. Just yesterday, Apple announced the Siri-powered handset will land in an additional 15 countries starting November 11. Taiwan was not included in this latest list, but locals are hopeful they will see the handset by the end of the year. When the iPhone 4S was announced this fall, Apple confirmed it would sell the phone in 70 countries worldwide. By November 11, the handset will have reached 44 countries, leaving 26 countries on the waiting list. Now that the handset has received approval from the NCC, there's a good chance Taiwan could be part of a third or fourth wave of international handset sales.
Google to build a trio of data centers in Asia, earmarks $200 million for expansion
IT specialists in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong better start polishing their resumes, because Google is rolling into town. Yesterday, Big G announced plans to build a brand new data center in each of the three Asian locales, as part of an expansion slated to cost at least $200 million. When completed, these complexes will represent the company's first fully owned and operated data centers in the burgeoning Asia-Pacific region -- where, according to Asia policy communications manager Taj Meadows, Google is "seeing large numbers of new users coming online every day". The facilities in Hong Kong and Taiwan are expected to cost around $100 million each, though the price tag for the Singapore branch remains a mystery. Big G hopes to finish construction in one to two years, though it didn't say when it would begin -- nor, for that matter, whether seawater tunnels would be involved.
Apple hires two camera suppliers for the iPhone 5
Apple has tapped both Largan Precision and Genius Electronic Optical to supply some lenses/camera modules for the rumored upcoming iPhone 5, according to the Taiwan Economic News. Both of the companies have worked on 5 megapixel camera modules that you can now find in the iPhone 4, so it's not too surprising that Apple has gone back to those same sources for what are supposed to be 8 megapixel kits in the next version. And while that seems like good news for Apple, it's also obviously good news for these two companies, who have both earned a 27.5 percent global market share together. If they are contracted for the next iPhone, that share will likely go even higher. Post corrected to clarify that lenses themselves do not carry a megapixel rating.
Sony Alpha A77 caught sunbathing on a beach, courtesy of mysterious YouTuber (video)
Look away now if you're desperate for a beach holiday, because the above video features a Sony camera chilling out in the sand, before some lucky fella picks it up for a quick snap of the calm sea. Now, the clip doesn't actually indicate which model this camera is, but the video uploader -- with a fresh account hosting just this one video -- simply wrote "Sony Alpha A77?" in the title, along with "Taiwan" in the description. Our gut feeling tells us that this leak comes straight out of Sony's Taiwanese PR team, who's keen to show off this mysterious camera's quick autofocus in live view mode (presumably there's a translucent mirror inside to enable this), as well as its sand-friendly body. That said, the folks should really get that Zeiss lens inspected -- as pointed out by Sony Alpha Rumors, we seriously doubt it shares the same level of protection as the body. Poor thing. Focusing on the camera again: we only get to see its back, but this alone is enough to prove that we're looking at a never-before-seen model from Sony -- while it sports a similar swivel screen as the A55's (whereas the A560 and A580 only have tilting screens), it also has a different set of buttons. In fact, said button layout is identical to that on the transparent prototype manhandled by Pocket-lint back in March! Combining these factors together, we say this A77 teaser is pretty legit. Now, how about a date and some prices for this 24 megapixel beast, Sony? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Update: The original video's been taken down, but fear not, as we've already thrown in our backup copy. You're welcome.
Erasable e-paper shown off, erased, shown off again (video)
Researchers at Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute are giving the world a peek at i2R, a new type of easily erasable e-paper. The technology uses a thermal printer and cholestric liquid crystals, letting users write and erase its contents up to 260 times. It can print different colored inks and could potentially be used for things like ID badges and signage. The sheets currently cost around $2 a piece to produce and should be available to us consumer types in about two years.
Sony Ericsson's tiny Xperia Mini and Mini Pro on sale now in Taiwan and Hong Kong
They've been announced, manhandled (by us and the FCC), and now they're finally on sale... in Taiwan and Hong Kong. That's right, some of the first folks to put Sony Ericsson's latest Android phones in their pockets will be the citizens around HTC's very own turf. According to VR-Zone and our brethren over at Engadget Chinese, both the Xperia Mini and Xperia Mini Pro are on shelves now for NT$7990 / HK$2,098 (about US$270) and NT$8990 (US$310) / HK$2,198 (US$280) respectively. It probably won't be much longer now till these pair of itty-bitty, 3-inch Gingerbread phones hit the states but, if you're impatient, those two cities are only about a 13-hour flight away.
Apple allegedly approves Pegatron for iPad 3 production, but is not replacing Foxconn
According to Taiwan Economic News, Taiwan-based Pegatron has outbid Foxconn for production of Apple's next-gen iPad (or "iPad 3" until/unless Steve Jobs gives it a better name). While other news outlets such as BGR are reporting this as an exclusive contract (meaning Foxconn would no longer produce the iPad 3), our interpretation differs. Instead, it seems Apple is diversifying production of the iPad 3 across both Foxconn and Pegatron. "Hon Hai is likely to turn Apple's another contract order for iPad 3 manufacturing over the Taiwanese counterpart, as the customer has considered looking for a second iPad supplier to reduce over-dependence on Hon Hai," the Taiwanese report indicates (emphasis ours). The wording here seems to point to two factories producing the iPad 3, not just one. Spreading iPad 3 production over two contractors makes more sense than shutting Foxconn out completely. Having two contractors manufacturing the iPad 3 should theoretically go a long way toward lightening the supply constraints that have plagued the iPad line from the beginning. Apple execs have repeatedly said that iPads are being sold "as fast as we can make them," and the only thing holding the iPad back from raking in even more profits for Apple has been Foxconn's inability to churn them out fast enough to satisfy demand. Rather than abandoning Foxconn, adding Pegatron to the mix means iPad production should increase enough to satisfy the great demand for the device. Earlier reports indicated Apple was indeed looking for a second supplier for iPad 3 units, not an outright replacement for Foxconn. A later report indicated Hon Hai (owner of Foxconn) said it would be able to handle production of the iPad 3 all by itself, but if the latest report from Taiwan Economic News is accurate, Apple apparently disagrees.
Acer buys iGware, makes a $320 million bet on the cloud
There's no question that cloud computing has hit the mainstream -- even the US federal government, which isn't typically a front-runner when it comes to tech adoption, has taken the plunge. Now, Taiwanese hardware maker Acer, the world's second largest PC manufacturer, has just joined the ranks of the sky-high elite, purchasing Silicon Valley-based iGware for $320 million. Acer's acquisition of the little-known cloud computing firm will reportedly allow it to launch a cloud product next year, and is seen as a long-term strategic move for the tech giant. Despite its limited name recognition, iGware provides services that support more than 100 million consumer devices, including Nintendo gaming systems -- the two companies are reportedly in talks over potential cooperation after the acquisition is complete. iGware may be a major player in the cloud computing space, but its single-page Microsoft Publisher-designed website doesn't exactly scream nine-figure acquisition -- we hope the company at least tied a pair of mylar balloons to the mailbox before Acer came knocking at Suite 100.
Foxconn to reportedly build all iPad 3 units
Foxconn is using its production muscle to keep Apple's iPad 3 manufacturing contracts to itself. This contradicts an earlier report that claimed Apple was shopping around for a second manufacturer like Pegatron to assist with iPad 3 production. According to this new report from Digitimes, the Hon Hai subsidiary has told Apple it doesn't need any help and can handle the expected volume of iPad 3 orders. Don't feel bad for competitor Pegatron, though. It supposedly has a contract for over 10 million iPhone 5 units and is vying for the iPad 4 and 2012 notebook/desktop orders from Apple.
Apple reportedly to add another iPad 3 manufacturer
Apple may begin producing the iPad 3 soon and manufacturers needed to assemble this tablet device are being chosen. Not surprisingly, the primary manufacturer is expected to be Foxconn, a long-time manufacturer of Apple devices. A recent explosion at Foxconn's Chengdu plant has impacted Foxconn's production rate and Apple is looking for a second manufacturer to meet the expected high demand. Both Pegatron and Quanta Computers are reportedly in the running to snag this second place spot. Taiwanese sources claim Pegatron is a better position to win the contract as it is supposedly manufacturing the iPhone 5 for Apple. The sources also claim the iPad 3 is slated to launch late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter.
Steve Jobs impersonator officiates mock keynote, hawks Taiwanese tea (video)
Well, there's clearly no better way to legitimize any new product than to have a faux Steve Jobs hawking it on-stage, in front of dozens of applauding mock journalists, with a 20-foot iPad 2 projected behind. The Jobs / John Stamos hybrid dropped by to pitch a Taiwanese company's vast selection of tea, of all things, for a TV advertisement that's apparently currently airing in Taiwan. Decked out in light jeans, a black mock turtleneck and sneakers, the impersonator even matched Steve's hair color, rimless glasses, and current weight. The only thing missing was an actual Apple product -- and months of media speculation. The "keynote" even ended with "one more thing," as they often do: Tea drinkers will have a shot at winning a bonafide iPad 2 with each purchase of oolong, milk, or Apple-infused Tong Yi Cha.
Apple reportedly complies with Taipei's app refund request
We reported earlier this month that Taipei was trying to require a seven-day trial for all apps sold in that country. While we weren't sure how valid that claim was, it appears Taipei wasn't kidding around. Google has completely removed its paid app section from the Taipei version of the Android store, and reports are saying Apple is offering a seven-day refund to Taiwanese customers who buy apps but then decide they don't want them. Another report says that Google was fined for not offering the same deal sooner, which is what resulted in the Android store removal. It looks like Taipei is serious about making sure its customers have a chance to check out software before they actually buy it. This isn't anything new for Apple's international divisions; the company has a history, especially with products like the iPhone, of tailoring various business models and sales methods to the many regions it operates in. It seems like the changes to the system have mollified authorities for now, so presumably Apple can keep operating the App Store in Taiwan. We'll keep an eye out for any other changes that might have to be made.
Apple reportedly leaves Samsung for A6 production
Apple may drop Samsung and switch to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for the production of its next generation A6 chipset. The Cupertino Company is reportedly working with TSMC to move to a 28 nm ARM SoC in 2012. Rumors of this TSMC partnership surfaced earlier this year before Apple filed a trademark infringement suit against Samsung. Though the A4 and A5 are still being produced by Samsung, the Korean company may be out of the loop in future Apple hardware. This move away from Samsung may have a deleterious effect on the Korean manufacturer as Apple is reportedly one of its biggest customers. Apple has secured LCD displays, chipsets and NAND flash memory from Samsung that are used in its iOS devices. If the impending legal battle between the two companies sours the relationship, Apple may be forced to turn to costlier options for its device components, and Samsung may lose one of its biggest customers.
iPhone 5 production to begin in August
Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty claims Apple will begin production of the iPhone 5 in the second half of August and ramp up progressively through the rest of the year. Using information obtained from Taiwanese sources, Huberty also writes in a recent research note that the iPhone 5 will go on sale in September, a date that coincides with earlier leaks. The iPhone 5 will be a big seller for Apple and the Morgan Stanley analyst keeps her yearly sales estimate of 72 million units. Third quarter sales may drop due to the September arrival of the iPhone 5, but an increase in sales during the fourth quarter will make up for any third quarter lag. Huberty also believes that Apple is working on a lower-priced iPhone and an Apple-branded TV. Both of these rumors have floated around for a while and have yet to come to fruition.
ITRI touchscreen technology lets you pinch-to-zoom boob tubes of any size (video)
Turning a plain old display into a multi-touch affair isn't exactly a groundbreaking feat, but we're still drooling over the Industrial Technology Research Institute's (ITRI) latest touchscreen enabler. The Taiwan-based outfit recently showed off a new attachment that the folks over at Netbooknews claim can make displays of any size touch-friendly. We're told that the touchy-feely accessory is still in development, which means it probably won't hit our living room anytime soon, but our fingers are tingling just thinking of the possibilities. Hop on past the break to see the thing in action.
Free for All: Fairyland 2 weirds me out at E3 (in a good way)
Imagine taking MTV and turning it into a physical place and mixing in the internet and the circus -- the biggest, noisiest (and surprisingly non-smelly) one of all -- then throw in millions of dollars in hardware, and you have a good idea about E3. I don't like noise much anymore, especially after playing drums as hard as my stick arms could let me for nearly 24 years. My ears are tired. My eyes need rest. I can walk forever, but information overload can drain me. So I designated each of the two major show floors as "noisy" and "less noisy." Still, it wasn't as though I was being forced to walk on fire or to stab needles into my eyes. Let's be honest: This was the greatest assignment any game writer could ask for. Still, I wanted to find the games that no one was talking about. The booths that were tucked somewhere near the bathrooms. And find one I did. It was a cool little booth that represented games from Taiwan. As soon as I saw that, I pounced. Granted, one of the games was not an MMORPG, but they were all intriguing. I walked around the entire collection of publishers and asked questions. I found some pretty neat stuff, too. Click past the cut and I'll tell you what I found.
iPad rigged up with 3D screen in Taiwan
Display Taiwan 2011 is going on in Taiwan this week, and at a booth for a company called CPT, there's a device on display that looks very much like an iPad (though with the actual Apple logos and identifying information covered up) that's been Frankenstein-ed together with what appears to be a 3D display. You can see the device in the video below thanks to YouTubers minipcpro. They call this an iPad 3 prototype, but I don't think it's that -- my guess is that this Taiwanese company just either opened up an actual iPad, or came across some iPad parts, and inserted their own display in the device. It's more a proof of concept than anything else. All you see running is that photo app, not a full version of iOS. Plus, it seems unlikely that we'd ever see 3D like this implemented in an Apple device, much less something that required glasses like that. Still, it's wild to see a completely different display show up in an iPad wrapping like this. [via BGR]
New MacBook Air models to arrive late June?
A report from Taiwan's Economic Daily newspaper claims Apple is preparing to ship 380,000 new MacBook Air units along with 80,000 old models this month. The report cites industry sources with knowledge of Apple's production plans. This echoes an earlier report from Wall Street analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. For good measure, the same article also claims Apple is working on an iPad 3 with a high-resolution display that is six times higher than the iPad's current display. This latter claim is unlikely to happen as that is a huge jump in display technology. Earlier rumors hint at a high-resolution display iPad, but the specs will probably fall closer to the 2560 x 1600 tablet display recently announced by Samsung.
iPad 2 panel shipments could break 10.5m this summer
This summer Apple iPad shipments may reach 10.5 million according to a report from Digitimes. Apple has reportedly tapped Chimei Innolux to boost their supply of panels for the iPad 2. CMI is is expected to produce up to 500,000 panels in June and may ramp up production to over one million in July. Between CMI, TPK Holding and Wintek, Apple should have an ample supply of panels to ship over 10.5 million iPads in the summer quarter. [Via Electronista]
SSI's rugged Spark S9T brings triple-screen computing to power-hungry road warriors (hands-on)
A portable desktop tower with three LCDs mounted on its side, you say? Why yes, there is such a thing. At Computex, we spotted SSI's camouflaged booth demoing this eccentric Spark S9T rig: a rugged ATX case sporting a handle, a keyboard with a touchpad, plus three 17.3-inch 1920 x 1080 LCD panels. As you've probably already guessed, the keyboard and the screens can be folded up for storage convenience. Let's be clear, though: you'll still need to find a wall socket to power this beastly machine, but such all-in-one solution should still appeal to video editors, military personnel, or even gamers that are regularly on the road. Alas, we couldn't get a price for single purchases, but feel free to check out the full detail over at SSI's website -- maybe a nice postcard will get you a deal. %Gallery-125379%
