Apple seeks to claim iPhone 5 domain

(Credit:
Apple)
(CNET) You can never have enough clues about what Apple might have up its sleeve for its next iPhone.

The latest tidbit comes in the form of a domain name – iphone5.com – for which Apple has filed a claim with the World Intellectual Property Organization. To date, Apple’s smartphone line has counted up only to the iPhone 4S, but the company is widely believed to be getting ready to bring an iPhone 5 into the world.

Full coverage of Apple at Tech Talk

Of course, ahead of the iPhone 4S launch last fall, a good many people expected the next model to be the iPhone 5. By way of comparison, Apple’s latest tablet was generally expected to be the iPad 3, but ended up being called just the new iPad.

While there are no specifications to be gleaned here, the WIPO filing does at least suggest that Apple is considering the iPhone 5 name for the next iteration of its market-defining device. Or perhaps it just wishes to take that domain out of play, regardless of what it calls the device.

In its current state, iPhone5.com is a forum site, created in February 2008, according to the WhoIs record. Its copyright statement clearly indicates that it is “not endorsed, sponsored, nor otherwise affiliated with Apple” and that it was created “for the sole purpose of entertainment and knowledge.”

Apparently, at least some of the denizens of the site like it just fine that way. Worried that if Apple were to take control the site would be shut down, a commenter named Morphius wrote today: “we as members here before the 4s was even released at iphone5.com should stand our ground against Apple. We have every right to be a fan of the iPhone and to talk and discuss about it. THEY WIILL NOT SHUT US DOWN!!!!!”[sic]

The bare-minimum WIPO filing page does not indicate when Apple filed its complaint, although the case number D2012-0951 does indicate that it might have been sometime this year. It does say, under the heading Decision, “Case active.”

Apple has done battle before to take possession of domain names in a quest to protect the good name of its products. After filing a complaint with the WIPO in November, Apple was able to take control of seven “iPhone” domain names, including the straightforward iphone4s.com and the more prurient iphonesex4s.com. Apple is expected to deliver the next  iPhone sometime this year.

Apple did not immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.

Article source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-57429446-501465/apple-seeks-to-claim-iphone5.com-domain/

Pre iPhone 5 and Galaxy S3 release date: Sprint reveals 3G and 4G plans

May 9th, 2012, 6:53 P.M.– Ahead of the widely anticipated launch of two popular “LTE phones,” Sprint lays out plan to enhance its networks, claiming that it will improve its 3G network, and strategically stabilize its upcoming Long-Term Evolution network.

Sprint, more likely than not, will sell the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the iPhone 5, but ahead of the upcoming launches, the company today unveils its scheduled network upgrade–mainly to improve its current 3G coverage and performance, and to maximize the potential of its upcoming Long Term Evolution network.

According to PC Magazine, Sprint laid out its plan today at the CTIA event, telling its viewers that they will launch a better 3G network, a solid LTE 4G connectivity, and the quality of its push-to-talk.

Sprint’s rivals, ATT and Verizon, offer the Long Term Evolution and 3G with tiered data plans. Sprint’s smartphone data plans, arguably, can compete with ATT’s and Verizon’s only if the network is stable enough to support the large number of subscribers who simultaneously surf the web.

Apparently, Sprint, last year, was bombarded with complaints about the poor 3G connection of the iPhone 4S. Now, it looks like the third-largest wireless carrier has learned its lesson. Sprint is currently offering the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4 with the unlimited data, allowing customers to enjoy a 24/7 internet connection using the Apple smartphone with a single monthly data fee. Sprint’s unlimited data plans are also available for Android-based smartphones.

Sprint’s network senior vice president, Bob Azzi, said that the company is now focusing on its “customers” and Sprint is confident that its network will be “really competitive.”

If Sprint, well they should, will sell the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S3, then it is highly possible that the upcoming network upgrades is a strategic move, allowing them to compete with Verizon Wireless and ATT, the top two provides in United States. Sprint, however, will launch the LTE or Long Term Evolution in six cities only, and no word yet about future areas. The iPhone 5, according to rumors, will be the first LTE phone of Apple, while the Samsung Galaxy S3, similar to the company’s Galaxy Nexus, is expected to support LTE, and likely with the help of Qualcomm’s new Krait CPU, the Snapdragon S4.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 was announced by phone giant Samsung last week in London. It ships with quad-core Exynos chip (the international variant), an 8-megapixel camera, a front-facing camera, a large 4.8-inch Super AMOLED HD screen, and Android Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box. Meanwhile, analysts believe that Apple will launch the long-rumored “iPhone 5″ before the fourth quarter of this year. The iPhone 5, rumors say, will introduce a new design, will come with a new mobile operating system version, and might ship with a larger display.

Article source: http://www.popherald.com/sprint-lte-3g-strategy-17174/

iPhone 5 release date rumor claims September launch

By Jonny Evans

The latest Digitimes-driven claim from inside the Apple [AAPL] iPhone 5 supply chain seems to confirm a September launch for the new smartphone.

[ABOVE: One of the recent batch of iPhone 5 concept videos that's doing the rounds at present.]

Pegatron secures new iPhone orders

The report states Pegatron has secured manufacturing orders for the iPhone 5, adding that the product is expected to be launched “in September”. The report also claims Pegatron will be manufacturing a 10-inch iPad, also to be launched in Q4.

These claims don’t come from Pegatron, but from Digitimes’ shadowy world of “Taiwan-based supply chain makers” — in itself a demographic to conjure with, do people make supply chains?

Crucially, Digitimes adds: “Pegatron has already finished expanding its equipment and labor force for Apple’s orders.” Does this mean Apple’s manufacturing partners have almost finished assembling new production lines for the next crop of iDevices?

7-inch iPad too?

Wait, there’s more. The report adds: “A 7-inch iPad, which reportedly will be released in August, will be manufactured by Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry).“

If correct — and with Digitimes it seems best to remain skeptical until the 11th hour — the report suggests a new iPhone in September, accompanied potentially by a new iPad configuration. It also posits a 7-inch iPad model (which I’d argue might potentially be marketed as an eBook reader for education) scheduled for introduction in August.

Troubles with 4G

I’d warn this speculated-upon “new” 10-inch iPad configuration could turn out to be nothing more than an upgraded version of the existing model.

I’d guess this could be a version which might deliver support for 4G networks in Asia Pacific, Australia/Oceania and Europe. The existing model only supports 4G networks in North America.

It’s pretty clear Apple’s US-first approach to 4G has angered some consumers and regulators, so there’s some pressure for the company to do something to get on top of the fragmented nature of 4G/LTE.

The claims of an iPhone 5 release in September sits well with some previous reports and the general consensus that we won’t see an iPhone 5 release at WWDC next month.

Digitimes last week claimed iPhone 4S display manufacturers, were expecting a decline in orders from Apple as the company begins transition to a new model, which will use in-cell displays from Japanese manufacturers, including Sharp.

Apple has been expected to introduce the new iPhone in Fall. The two recent Digitimes reports now favor a September launch, indicating the importance of the iPod range may be deprecated, with all focus now on the new Apple smartphone, which is expected to take on Samsung’s devices for dominance of the global industry.

Keep up with further iPhone 5 coverage here:

• Apple’s iPhone 5 release date: Q3 launch?
• Liquidmetal iPhone 5? Not this year, inventor claims
  
• iPhone 5: Make or break for Apple vs. Samsung?
• 3 reasons Apple won’t reveal iPhone 5 in June
• iPhone 5: Thinner, lighter, faster — and poured?
• Collected: Apple’s ‘unibody’ iPhone 5 ships fall, claims

Got a story? Drop me a line via Twitter or in comments below and let me know. I’d like it if you chose to follow me on Twitter so I can let you know when these items are published here first on Computerworld.   

Article source: http://blogs.computerworld.com/20145/iphone_5_release_date_rumor_claims_september_launch

T-Mobile Embarking Upon Key 4G LTE Initiative – A Prelude to iPhone 5 Adoption?

T-Mobile looks to be furthering its arsenal to compete against the likes of ATT, Sprint and Verizon Wireless, as reports suggest the carrier will be announcing its own iPhone 5 release date in the not-so distant future.

The news comes amidst rumors that T-Mobile is joining forces with Nokia-Siemens and Ericsson to carve out a hugely lucrative 4G LTE initiative.

According to those in the know, the enormous overhaul the network is planning will be largely similar to that of ATT, though will first concentrate on the frequency band.

One of the biggest thorns in the side of T-Mobile has always been the iPhone – or more accurately the distinct lack thereof. Analysts and consumers alike are becoming increasingly convinced that without offering the iPhone 5 upon its release date later this year, T-Mobile stands to lose an epic number of current customers – including many of its more dedicated and long-term subscribers.

It appears to be a typical case of T-Mobile adopting the “Better late than never” ideology, having shared their plans about network upgrades, frequently discussing Apple products and assuring customers that the network will support 3G and 4G iPhones before the close of 2012.

As such, while the device has not been specifically mentioned by name, it appears as though T-Mobile’s plans for the iPhone 5 following its expected Q3 launch couldn’t be clearer.

However, some in the industry have suggested that given the timeframe available, a T-Mobile iPhone 5 release this year may in fact carry 3G connectivity only – the LTE variant to follow next year. If true, this may once again peg T-Mobile slightly behind its rivals in the proverbial pecking-order.

That being said, it is also worth bearing in mind that no word has yet been issued as to whether or not the iPhone 5 will indeed feature LTE technology, though the likelihood seems a rather foregone conclusion to put it mildly.

You may also be interested in:

Article source: http://worldnewsresource.com/t-mobile-embarking-upon-key-4g-lte-initiative-a-prelude-to-iphone-5-adoption/912/frank-little

Pictured: iPhone 5 LM Concept with virtual home button

Before you get all excited, this is just a fan-made render. However, this LiquidMetal concept isn’t without a touch of real-world problem solving.

Much has been made of how Apple can up the size of its screen to fend off attacks from the likes of HTC’s One X or Samsung’s Galaxy S3 without upsetting the millions of devs who’ve created apps in the iPhone’s 3:2 aspect ratio. And this 4.5in design, courtesy of NAK Studio, has a neat solution.

The home button becomes virtual, allowing devs to create widescreen apps (see Angry Birds, above) but meaning Apple doesn’t have to redesign or fragment its precious iOS. Apps that aren’t updated can run in their previous aspect ratio, keeping the home button handily displayed.

NAS doesn’t explain how users leave the app, but a gesture or shake could easily replace that cumbersome home button. Or it could slide up from the base of the screen in the way the iOS notifications panel slides down. We say bring it on – the iPhone’s screen is starting to look embarrassingly small.

Article source: http://www.pcauthority.com.au/News/299980,pictured-iphone-5-lm-concept-with-virtual-home-button.aspx

New iPhone 5 Release Date Rumors, Along With New Specs

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The new generation of iPhone 5. Everybody waits it, and any rumor is in the attention of potential customers, or simply in the attention of the market. After all the iPhone is one of the biggest players on the phone market.

Starting from an unnamed source, Apple is now cutting its orders of iPhone touch panels. It might be the way to tell us, by the 15 to 20 percent decrease in shipments of the touch panel components that the transition to a the new technology has begun.

The new technology called in-cell touch will be in the final stage, according to the source and iPhone will be the latest technology itself. This will help to achieve one of the greatest and useful things, a reduced size of the iPhone, and an easier with fewer steps during the manufacturing process, so everybody comes in advantage.  Later this year Apple will be using thinner in-cell technology for multi-touch display in its next-generation iPhone, so the future is close with the wind of change. The provider for this new technology remains unknown for the moment, for the reason that the DigiTimes report shows that TPK i Wintek will not be the ones responsible providing the in-cell touch panels.

For the new features an iPhone 5, rumors say that the display will come with better way to be used, thinner, and brighter. With this new in-cell touch, the iPhone eliminates the need for more layers of glass and sensors, and by this, another series of advantages appears and many other benefits. After all this, imagine that the next rumor will make you dream about the new iPhone 5, a larger display (4-inch) launched with 4G LTE support. Fewer pins with 30-pin port, means a new Dock connector will be one more new thing.

The iPhone 5 might use Gorilla Glass 2, for a better resistance from scratches and other shocks in daily uses, and used partially, while the rest to be made of a Liquidmetal alloy, but again these are just rumors, nothing official.

Nothing official about the release date on the market, even some people say June is the month, but expert reports show its more likely October. One thing we know for sure, everybody expects Apple, to shock the world with a new device, capable to take over the markets all over the world, and putting the base of the new generation technologies, the biggest expectation from the biggest player of futuristic technologies.

Article source: http://www.tech.sc/new-iphone-5-release-date-rumors-along-with-new-specs/