Smartphone holiday gift guide

It's that time of year. All of the new devices are hitting shelves in hopes of making it under a Christmas tree and into your hands. From the iPhone to the Razr M, check out our favorite phones this holiday season.

The last three months of the year are always packed with new smartphone releases. It’s when manufacturers roll out the biggest and best devices they’ve got (and we put the emphasis squarely on “biggest” this year) and people like you and I groan that our wireless contracts ended in the summer. For the last couple years, we’ve been able to point to a couple devices that are “must haves” and stand above the crowd, but this year is different. For the first time, nearly every major phone manufacturer – Apple, HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung – have a flagship phone worth talking about, and every major operating system – Android, iOS, and Windows Phone – is accounted for. In fact, there are a number of great devices we haven’t included here. Unless you’re hoping to get a free phone, it’s almost hard to go wrong this holiday season. 

And so, without further adieu, here is our smartphone gift guide for the 2012 holidays.

Samsung Galaxy S3, $200 w/2-yr contract AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Ting For five years, the iPhone has been the undisputed champion of the smartphone game. Phones like the Motorola Droid and HTC EVO have come and gone, but with the Galaxy S3, Samsung took its game to a new level. The S3 is the first phone to rival the iPhone in sales and buzz. After nearly half a year on the market, the S3 is still one of the top phones to have. We still wouldn’t say that the design and user interface of the Galaxy S3 are able to match the fluidity of the iPhone 5, but Samsung’s phone has many technical advantages over the new iPhone 5, including near-field communication sharing, a larger screen, expandable memory, better maps (Google Maps), a removable (replaceable) battery, and Android itself, which boasts some technical prowess over Apple’s OS in the area of communication and notifications. Whether you’re a die-hard iPhone user, a renewer, or someone new to smartphones, we recommend you check out Samsung’s smartphone this holiday season.

Apple iPhone 5, $200 w/2-yr contract AT&T, Sprint, Verizon It’s the new iPhone. What more is there to say? Actually, a lot. With the iPhone 5, Apple has taken its hardware design to a new level, outputting one of the thinnest, most durable smartphones on the market. It will take a ding, but in a number of drop tests against the Galaxy S3 and other rivals, the iPhone survived longer. The phone also sports a slightly longer 4-inch screen and an upgraded version of iOS (6.0.2). The overall design of iOS is beginning to look aged, but for smartphone users who just want things to work and don’t want to worry about managing things like background processes, the iPhone is still the champ. This is the smartphone both you and your parents might use. With a heap of competent rivals hitting the market, the iPhone is losing its place as the supreme leader of all smartphones, but that doesn’t mean much. The iPhone is still arguably the best smartphone choice for the widest variety of users. If you’re debating between this and the GS3, check out our in-depth iPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S3 comparison.

HTC Windows Phone 8X, $200 w/2-yr contract AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon The Galaxy S3 was the first non-iPhone smartphone to go multi-carrier, but it wasn’t the last. With the 8X, HTC has delivered the first flagship Windows Phone 8 device. If you are up for renewal and happen to use AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon (sorry Sprint subscribers), you should check out the 8X. We’ve been recommending you try out Windows Phone for years, but this time, we mean it. Microsoft’s mobile OS has a different look and feel to it than Android or iPhone, and with an upgraded homescreen that allows Live Tiles (widgets/icons) of different sizes and shapes, Windows Phone 8 is finally displaying the flexibility it promised when it debuted two years ago. There are a few big apps still missing from Microsoft’s app store, but most people should have few problems adapting to the world of Windows Phone, especially if you like music and podcasts. Windows Phone has decent built-in solutions for both.

LG Optimus G / Nexus 4, $200 w/2-yr contract AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile (Nexus 4), Unlocked (Nexus 4) LG was (and still is) one of the biggest names in basic phones (flip phones), but the transition to smartphones has been rough. However, with the Optimus G, LG has finally taken a strong step toward regaining its image, and maybe some market share. The G is one of the best smartphones on the market. And though LG wasn’t able to blanket the market with the G, it has done everything in it could to make the phone available, in some form, to almost everyone. Sprint owners can enjoy the Optimus G that we love most, with its refined design and detailed edging; AT&T users get the same basic phone, though made to blend in with the carrier’s phone lineup; and anyone on T-Mobile can purchase the Google Nexus 4, which may not bear the LG name, but is most definitely an Optimus G on the inside. The only downside of the Nexus 4 is its lack of 4G LTE connectivity, though that shouldn’t bother T-Mobile users. We recommend you buy the Nexus 4 through the Google Play Store. There, you can pick it up for $300 with no contract. To give you an idea of how good a deal that is, most smartphones retail for $600 – $700 unless you lock yourself into a two-year contract with a carrier.

Motorola Photon Q, $200 w/2-yr contract Sprint Fans of physical keyboards, we feel your pain. Even fewer top phones come with a QWERTY slide-out keyboard than a year ago, and a year from now, we can’t guarantee there will be any at all. But for now, you can cling tight to the Photon Q. Sadly, the Q is only available on Sprint, but if you love keyboards, it’s worth the jump. The Q runs a relatively clean version of Android 4.0, is incredibly comfortable to hold, and has the same 5-row QWERTY keyboard that made the Droid 4 one of our favorite Verizon phones last year. The only downside to the Q is its battery life. If you happen to be in an area served by Sprint 4G LTE, that’s another good reason to consider the Q. Did we mention that each key on the phone is individually backlit? Yep.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2, $300+ w/2-yr contract AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular I stand by my review of the first Galaxy Note. To me, the Galaxy Note and Note 2 are just too large to make for effective phones. But the people have spoken, and big is in. Due to strong sales of the original, the Galaxy Note 2 is available on almost every major carrier, but it will cost you at least $300 with a two-year contract, making the Note 2 one of the most expensive devices on the market this year. If you really want a 5.3-inch super screen, crave a pop-out stylus, and really want to block half of your face when you make a phone call, the Galaxy Note 2 is the device for you. Outside of its size, this is a solid phone, with most of the benefits of the Galaxy S3 with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) to boot. Our advice: hold an iPhone, then hold a Galaxy S3, then pick up the Galaxy Note 2. Whichever one fits your hands best, go for it.

Motorola Droid Razr M, $100 w/2-yr contract Verizon We have nothing bad to say about the Droid Razr HD and Razr Maxx HD. They are both great Verizon handsets (though the Maxx is your best bet due to battery life). So why the Razr M? We feel it might be the best-sized and most comfortable phone on the market. In a market dominated by phones made for giant hands, the Razr M, like the iPhone 5, is sized for all. Though it has roughly the same dimensions as Apple’s new iPhone, the Razr M packs in a more spacious 4.3-inch screen, which is just wide enough that you won’t continuously mistype all of your emails and texts (sorry iPhoners, you know it to be true). The placement of key buttons like the volume and power are also better than the iPhone. If you’re hesitant to move toward the giant 4.7- to 5-inch smartphone range, then the Razr M is a solid choice.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/smartphone-holiday-gift-guide/

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Man develops iPhone case that shoots pepper spray

Potentially a useful way to stop an attacker from hurting someone, a new iPhone case includes a blast of pepper spray for personal protection.

Designed as a personal protection device, an Arizona man has created a case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S that includes a built-in pepper spray canister. Located in Scottsdale, Spraytect founder Scott McPherson thought up the idea when he was concerned about this daughter’s safety after she left for college. On the back of the Spraytect iPhone case, a user slides the custom pepper spray canister canister along a rail positioned horizontally when looking at the phone in a vertical position. Since the pepper spray canister significantly protrudes from the case, it may be difficult to store in a pocket. However, the canister does act as a “kickstand” when the phone is positioned vertically or horizontally and can help the iPhone user view the screen.

After the canister has been installed and locked into place, the user must pull a safety clip off the canister to start the activation process. The safety clip is designed to keep the canister locked and unable to fire. After the clip is removed, the user rotates the actuator knob into the down position.

When the bright yellow color is completely visible, the canister is ready to be fired. If the user needs to spray an assailant, they rotate the case horizontally and spray the attacker as if they were taking their picture with the iPhone camera.

Spraytect recommends using short bursts lasting approximately half a second and spraying from ear to ear across the face. Similar to other types of pepper spray, Spraytect also recommends moving in the opposite direction after releasing the spray. The spray takes a few seconds to kick in and disable an attacker.

In order to help the user feel more comfortable with using pepper spray, Spraytect includes a test cartridge without any active pepper spray to practice installing, activating and firing the spray from the canister. According to Spraytect, the pepper spray mixture includes habanero pepper. Usually the hottest pepper at your local grocery store, habaneros typically rate between 200,000 and 300,000 Scoville units. The blend is similar to what’s used by police officers, members of the U.S. military, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security.  

Since the canister is detachable, the user can choose the right time to utilize the protection. For instance, a college student likely wouldn’t need it during class, but it could be useful when going out with friends at night.

Users also have the option of rotating the actuator knob back into the locked position once they feel safe. The canister would have to be removed before passing through airport security, but the TSA does allow one 4-ounce container of mace or pepper spray included in checked baggage. 

Split into two pieces, the simple iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S case doesn’t obstruct the smartphone’s built-in, rear camera. The case comes in four different colors including black, white, aqua blue and pink. McPherson is currently selling the pepper spray iPhone case for a price of approximately $40 on the Spraytect site. Besides the case, the Spraytect case owner will also get one pepper spray cartridge and one test cartridge. Replacement pepper spray cartridges cost approximately $18 each and they can be color matched to the case.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/company-develops-iphone-case-that-shoots-pepper-spray/

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iOS 7: 12 things we want to see

What will Apple introduce in iOS 7?

The latest major update for Apple's mobile devices, the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, was mostly hit, but with a Maps-shaped miss.

Lots of people were rightly angry about Apple ditching Google data, but beyond that mis-step there were things to like: a more useful Siri (App launching plus the recognition that a world exists outside of the USA), shared Photo Streams, handy Phone app controls such as 'send to voicemail', and major improvements to Mail, Safari, accessibility and the Camera app.

But regardless of what Apple achieves, it's never really enough. As soon as you've sat there playing with the latest iOS, ideas pop into your head regarding what you'd like to see next. This article explores a dozen of the features we're clamouring to see in iOS 7. (And by 'clamouring', we of course mean 'asking really nicely'. C'mon, Mr Cook - pretty please?)

1. Hide Apple apps

Pretty much everyone we know with an Apple device has a folder entitled 'Apple'. This isn't filled with must-have apps from the geniuses at Cupertino, but all the junk Apple installs that you can't get rid off. To be fair, what each individual considers junk is different, and these apps—Compass, Stocks, Voice Memos, Passbook, and so on—have their fans; but is it too much to ask for a switch in Settings that will hide those we don't use?

2. Better app management

Change for change's sake is rarely a good thing. Recognition is key to satisfying experiences with technology. That's why we're not yelling at Apple to change how iOS home screens work. What we would like to see is improvements to app management: more screens; by default saving app data on delete; and an alphabetical list of installed apps, perhaps accessible from Spotlight.

3. Change app defaults

We're pretty certain this request would be met with wide-eyes from Apple CEO Tim Cook, swiftly followed by a full twenty minutes of belly laughing, but we want the ability to use non-default apps for important things like email and calendaring. Apple's own apps would remain the defaults, but you should also be able to pick your own in Settings.

4. Provide a guest account

It's extremely unlikely that Apple's ever going to enable multiple user accounts on iOS devices—they are, after all, designed as extremely personal computers. What is perhaps more realistic is some kind of guest account you could switch to when handing your device over to someone for a short while; something similar already exists on the Mac in OS X.

5. Change Siri's voice

OS X is blessed with dozens of high-quality voices that witter away to you in various dulcet tones. By contrast, Siri is Siri. In the US, you get a slightly robotic woman; in the UK, Siri's that bloke who did The Weakest Link for a decade. It'd be great if you could choose the voice your device uses to speak. (Possible exception: Yoda voice.)

6. Provide App Store demos

Apps and games might be cheap, but that doesn't figure cheapskates into the equation. Too often, people are unwilling to risk 69p on the latest release, forcing devs into irritating freemium models or making them clutter up the App Store with 'lite' versions of their output. Apple should just allow demos: 24 hours from first launch and then you buy or the app won't run. Boom.

7. Power up 'Do Not Disturb'

Fed up of getting woken up in the middle of the night by the marketing efforts of [redacted, but quite possibly a well-known mobile network] or Game Center fanfares? Do Not Disturb is a great feature that enables you to time when your phone will quit bugging you. But you can define only a single schedule, and we want to see alternative options for weekends.

8. Make locking location-aware

Locking is a great thing on iOS devices, making it at least a little harder for some scallywag to get at your data if they pinch your shiny Apple joy. But it could be more intelligent, locking on a location-aware basis, and not when you're, say, happily sitting at home on the sofa.

9. Improve the lock screen

There's something to be said for Apple's minimalism regarding the iOS lock screen, and it's mostly that it's too minimal. We're not sure we want to see Android-style widgets sprayed everywhere, but a little more functionality wouldn't go amiss. For example, artwork from a currently playing song is displayed on the lock screen, but there are no controls for pausing or skipping to the next track, until you double-press Home, which isn't hugely discoverable. And beyond notifications, nothing else shows up there at all.

10 Cut all iTunes ties

In recent years, Apple's made great leaps away from iTunes, and you can technically get away with never using the monstrous jukebox. However, there's still no way to easily get your existing music collection nor your photographs on to your device, and there should be. (Alas, with Apple wanting to push iTunes Match and the iTunes Store, there almost certainly never will be for the first of those.)

11. Make more icons dynamic

We're hesitant at arguing Apple's home screen icons should be more like Windows 8 tiles, but there's something to be said for dynamic updates when such things work well. With iOS, you get update badges and a live calendar. It'd be nice at the least if Apple made its own Clock and Weather icons dynamic.

12. Enable cross-platform installs

On a device, you now often see iOS-style banners on websites that when tapped take you right to the equivalent App Store app. But if you're browsing elsewhere, you have to email yourself a reminder and then install later. How good would it be if you were surfing on your PC, saw a great app and could install it across your devices without going near them, nor even to iTunes?

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/ios-7-12-things-we-want-to-see-1111123

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Apple drops out of Top 5 in China, Galaxy S III tops iPhone 4S in Q3

The iPhone is the most common smartphone almost everywhere in the world... almost. According to analysts at Canalys, in the third quarter this year Apple dropped out of the Top 5 smartphone makers in the Chinese market.

And it's an important market - according to Canalys again, China became a bigger market than the US earlier this year.

Samsung maintains a tentative lead in China holding 14% of the market, with local maker Lenovo breathing down its neck with 13%.

To rub salt in the wound, Samsung's Galaxy S III took the title of "World's best-selling smartphone in Q3 2012," according to Strategy Analytics. There were 18 million Galaxy S III units sold and "only" 16.2 million iPhone 4S phones. Of course, iPhone 4S sales were down in Q3 because everyone was waiting for the iPhone 5 to launch.

Anyway, back to China. The third place there is surprising - it's held by Yulong, who are not known outside of China, but managed to score partnerships with the country's to major carriers - China Telecom and China Mobile.

Two better known brands round up the Top 5 - ZTE and Huawei. The last three companies have around 10% market share each. Apple is currently sixth with 8% (it had 9% in Q2).

In Q3 this year, there were around 50 million smartphones shipped in China, which is over a third of all smartphones shipped in the whole world for the three month period.

The growth in China comes primarily from cheap models ($70-$120) and the iPhone 4S can't compete with its price of $713 (the iPhone 5 is yet to launch in China, probably in December).

Source 1 • Source 2

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_drops_out_of_top_5_in_china_galaxy_s_iii_tops_iphone_4s_in_q3-news-5058.php

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The Galaxy S3 is the world’s best selling smartphone, but for how long?

According to the latest research, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has become the world's most popular smartphone, after it outsold the Apple iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 between July and September 2012.

Research into global smartphone sales for the July to September period of 2012 has revealed that the world’s number one smartphone was the Samsung Galaxy S3, knocking the Apple iPhone 4S into second position.

The report comes from research firm Strategy Analytics, and it puts the Galaxy S3 in first place with 18 million devices sold globally, and the iPhone 4S trailing with 16.2 million sold. In third place it’s the iPhone 5 with 6 million sales.

So, its a fanfare for Samsung, a company well on its way to beating Apple in the battle for smartphone supremacy. But is it? Well, as a headline, it is indeed good news for Samsung, but the sales from the third quarter of 2012 tell only a percentage of the story.

Samsung released the Galaxy S3 at the beginning of May 2012, spreading it to as many networks and countries as possible. In the slightly truncated second quarter results, it shifted 5.4 million phones.

But take a look at the iPhone 4S’s performance. The 4S went on sale in October 2011, and still sold 19.4 million in the second quarter, and then 16.2 this quarter. Not bad for a phone that was a fairly unremarkable evolution of the previous model, that has been on sale for, now at least, more than a year.

These past couple of months have also been filled with anticipation over the iPhone 5, which then arrived at the tail end of September, and it still managed to sell more than the Galaxy S3 did in its opening weeks, and in a shorter time too.

Many potential iPhone 4S buyers decided to wait for the iPhone 5 in the run up to its release, which explains the drop off in 4S sales, and in effect, allowed Samsung to swoop in and grab the “world’s best selling smartphone” crown.

The question is, can it retain its crown in the all-important Christmas period between October and December? Strategy Analytics doesn’t think so, and expects Apple to “soon reclaim the title.”

The Galaxy S3 unquestionably deserves to top the charts, but the figures also highlight the struggle it faces to maintain that position over a longer period of time.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-s3-becomes-the-worlds-most-popular-smartphone/

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Foxconn chairman admits it is ‘falling short’ of iPhone 5 demand

iPhone 5 manufacturer Foxconn admitted Wednesday that assembling the lighter, thinner device is "not easy" and as a result the company is having a serious problem keeping up with demand.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we can safely assume that demand for the new iPhone 5 will surge to some degree, though even now it appears that Foxconn, the company charged with assembling the device, is feeling the pressure.

Speaking to reporters after a business forum on Wednesday, Foxconn boss Terry Gou said, “It’s not easy to make the iPhones. We are falling short of meeting the huge demand.”

Gou’s comments appear to back up a number of recent reports regarding the production of the latest iteration of Apple’s popular smartphone. Last month an official at the Taiwan-based manufacturer told the Wall Street Journal that the handset was “the most difficult device that Foxconn has ever assembled,” largely because its lighter, thinner design called for more precision from factory workers when putting it together. “It takes time to learn how to make this new device. Practice makes perfect. Our productivity has been improving day by day,” the official added.

Another issue facing the production line is the phone’s susceptibility to damage, with its relatively soft aluminum casing more prone to scuffs and scratches compared to the glass back found on the iPhone 4S. Shortly after the phone launched in September, a number of disgruntled customers took to forums to complain that their new handset had arrived damaged. Following this, reports emerged that Apple executives had ordered a quality-control crackdown at Foxconn in an effort to reduce the number of less-than-perfect handsets leaving plants.

No doubt Apple CEO Tim Cook will be more than a little perturbed by the fact that more than six weeks after the iPhone 5 launched, shipping time on its online store is still showing at between three and four weeks. Demand for the new phone may be healthy, but Cook will want Foxconn to find a way of cranking them out at a faster rate – a solution which could involve the Taiwan-based company outsourcing some of the orders to other manufacturers to help cope with demand.

[via Reuters]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/foxconn-chairman-admits-it-is-falling-short-of-iphone-5-demand/

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Hands on: Grove iPhone 5 bamboo case adds a touch of handmade beauty

We get our hands on the Grove bamboo case for iPhone 5, an expensive, premium case. Is it worth the extra cash? Read on to find out.

So much for that early October shipment date Grove teased us back in September! But no complaints here; we finally got our hands on the latest handcrafted case for the iPhone 5 and it’s already gearing up to be one of the more unique cases available out there. But is it worth the $80 price tag? Here’s your first look at the finished product.

Look and feel

Based in Portland, Grove is known for creating handmade, organic products while maintaining a low carbon footprint – down to the recycled cardboard packaging. When we popped the case out of its wrapper, we immediately clamored on the quality feel and artfully designed structure. The Grove iPhone 5 bamboo case breaks into two pieces, a lower and upper component, so you can slide your phone within the case. The inside of the case has a nice padding to keep your phone’s metal back scratch-proof.

With the case on, the iPhone 5 gains about one-third inches in width, which makes it almost as wide as a Samsung Galaxy S3. The phone also gets an added weight that feels more secure, because the iPhone 5 is so strangely light that we thought it was going to fly off our hands if we’re not careful.

One thing we enjoy is the limited branding on the side of the case. We’ve seen phone cases with obnoxiously large logos slapped on the back, and it’s nice for Grove to monetize on being one of the premiere brands to use wood, and stick the little logo where it’s still seen but not in-your-face.

Utility

Although wood is certainly a sturdy material, small portions tend to make for a rather brittle phone case. Thankfully, with the padding inside Grove’s iPhone 5 case, the product is tough against scratches and light drops. But even the company admits the bamboo cases are not drop proof, and strong impact will damage the case. If you’re choosing to buy Grove’s case, you probably value look a bit more than protection, or want a happy compromise on both.

One cool design component is the bamboo Sleep/Wake button that sits right on top of the iPhone’s original placement. It’s a neat way to make your case look cohesive, while protecting the button from dust and grime. The wooden overlay is supremely responsive despite the extra width, which is always appreciated.

While the Grove bamboo case adds a stylish and rustic touch to your iPhone 5, it does come with small complications. For one, the two-component design makes it prone for the case to slip off when you pull the phone out of your skinny jeans (sorry for being so fashionable here, guys). Secondly, while the design does boast Lightning access, kiss goodbye to your 30-pin adapters. Those babies are blockaded entirely, so unless you already have a new speaker dock with Lightning pins, you’ll have to remove the case before attachment. Removing the case only takes three seconds, but shortcuts would have been nice.

Bottom Line

Again, at $80 (or $130 for graphical ones) apiece, the Grove iPhone 5 bamboo case is a luxury item targeted for those who don’t mind paying for uniqueness. If you have the cash, the case is a beautiful investment in a function-meets-fashion accessory – all while supporting a green cause. All Grove products are also handmade in the company’s own workshop, so remember take that into the pricing consideration.

Yes, there are issues with pieces sliding apart and Lightning-to-Thunderbolt adapters, but if these aren’t problems you see yourself facing then by all means, look into the Grove bamboo case. The product is available now, with shipment dates ranging between now to end-of-year if you order today.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/hands-on-grove-iphone-5-bamboo-case-adds-a-touch-of-handmade-beauty/

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Microsoft Office 'confirmed' for iOS and Android next year

But will Clippy be on board?

Microsoft Office is coming to the iPhone, iPad, and Android next year, according to sources.

A mobile version of Office has been spotted running on the iPad before, but Microsoft has stayed quiet on the matter. Now anonymous sources have confirmed to The Verge that Office for mobile devices is real, and will be out on Android and iOS in early 2013.

Office Mobile will be free for both iOS and Android, and will let you view documents on your device. It'll be compatible with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents, and if you subscribe to Office 365, you'll be able to edit them too.

You'll be able to subscribe to Office 365 from within the apps.

The in-app editing will be "basic" according to the report. So not a patch on using the full version of Office on a desktop or laptop.

Previous spots

A press release from Microsoft's Czech arm previously revealed Office Mobile apps for Android and iOS would be available in March 2013. According to The Verge, the iOS version will be out in late February or early March, with Office for Android coming later, around May time.

A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge: "Office will work across Windows Phone, iOS and Android."

A mobile version of Office was first spotted running on an iPad back in May, and since then the rumour mill has gone into overdrive.

Via The Verge

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/microsoft-office-confirmed-for-ios-and-android-next-year-1110835

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Foxconn chief admits it can't meet iPhone production demands

Foxconn can't keep up with the demand

If you're wondering why the iPhone 5 won't be dispatched for three to four weeks, here's your reason. Manufacturer Foxconn can't make them fast enough, according to its chairman Terry Gou.

"It's not easy to make the iPhones," Gou told reporters. "We are falling short of meeting the huge demand."

He didn't specify which model is proving particularly tricky, but it's thought he was referring to the latest incarnation.

Last month, an unidentified Foxconn worker said that making the iPhone 5 was "very complicated", hence the supply issues. They described the handset as "the most difficult device that Foxconn has ever assembled."

Tricky design

The iPhone 5 is taller and slimmer than the iPhone 4S, with a larger 4-inch screen. It also has a smaller dock connector.

"It takes time to learn how to make this new device," the unnamed worker told the Wall Street Journal. "Practice makes perfect. Our productivity has been improving day by day."

Between 3,000 and 4,000 Foxconn workers were also reported to have gone on strike last month, though the company denied it. The workers said unfair demands were being placed on them. The company also allegedly provided inadequate training for those putting together the new device.

It was also claimed workers were made to work over a national holiday, though Foxconn said any who did were paid extra, in line with national labour laws.

The iPhone 4S and 4 are in stock at Apple's online store, so should be dispatched as soon as you order.

Via CNET

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/foxconn-chief-admits-it-cant-meet-iphone-production-demands-1110805

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Windows Phone 8X vs. Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5: spec showdown

The biggest representatives of every operating system go head-to-head-.to head. The iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, and HTC Windows Phone 8X square off in a Spec Showdown. Which phone best meets your needs? Take a look at our comparison and make your call.

Since Apple makes its own products, it’s latest product is the default market leader for iOS. For Android and Windows Phone handsets, however, the field is wide open. The market defines the front runners with their wallets, and there’s the media darlings that manage to snag the hearts of reviewers. The Samsung Galaxy S3 has become Android’s model phone, in part because of an aggressive and enjoyable ad campaign, and because it’s just a darn good handset. With Windows Phone 8 just becoming available, we can’t be certain what the mobile operating system’s chief representative will be. What we can say with confidence, though, is that HTC’s Windows Phone 8X can make quite a case for itself. How do these three heavyweights of the handset world stack up against one another? Take a look at the stat sheet and draw your own conclusions.

Read our full reviews for the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, and HTC Windows Phone 8X for our extended take on each option. 

	iPhone 5	Galaxy S3	Windows Phone 8X
Size	123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 (mm)	136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 (mm)	132.3 x 66.2 x 10.1 (mm)
Weight	112g	133g	130g
Screen	4.0-inch LCD	4.8-inch Super AMOLED	4.3-inch Super LCD 2
Resolution	1136×640 pixels	1280×720 pixels	1280×720 pixels
OS	iOS 6.0.1	Android 4.0 with TouchWiz UI	Windows Phone 8
Storage	16/32/64GB	16/32GB	16GB
SD Card Slot	No	Yes	No
Processor	Dual-core A6X	Dual-core Snapdragon S4 (US)	Dual-core Snapdragon S4
RAM	1GB	2GB	1GB
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+	Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+
Camera	Front 1.2MP, Rear 8MP	Front 1.9MP, Rear 8MP	Front 2MP, Rear 8MP
Bluetooth	Yes, version 4.0	Yes, version 4.0	Yes, version 3.1
Battery	1440mAh	2100mAh	1800mAh
Charger	Lightning connector	Micro USB	Micro USB
Marketplace	Apple App Store	Google Play Store	Windows Phone Store
Price	$200+	$200+	$100+
Availability	AT&T, Sprint, Verizon	AT&T, Sprint, T-Mob, Verizon	AT&T, T-Mob, Verizon

What it means: You can sit and compare the processing power and pixel-per-inch count on each device and come to a conclusion about which phone is most technically sound. That said, the biggest and most glaring difference between these three handsets is in one category: the operating system. Apple’s iOS is streamlined and smooth, like everything Apple; Google’s Android OS is in a seemingly constant state of upgrade, but rarely are the changes met with complaints; Windows Phone 8 brings the complete implementation of Live Tiles, and we’ve already started to see that Microsoft may be on to something. The deciding factor may come down to your other devices and computer. If you own a Mac, sticking with the Apple theme may be best for the purposes of continuity. PC users that sprung for Windows 8 should consider snagging the Windows Phone 8X to get the full functionality of the OS. Android devices can work with Mac, Windows, or even Linux, and the NFC features like S Beam make the Galaxy S3 appealing if your friends of co-workers also own the device. Luckily, if you are making your choice from this group, it’s hard to pick wrong.

(Specs by Jeffrey Van Camp)

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/spec-showdown-windows-phone-8x-vs-galaxy-s3-vs-iphone-5/

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US pricing of unlocked iPhone 5 shows up on Apple's website

Pricing of the factory unlocked Apple iPhone 5 in the US has surfaced on the company's website.

While not officially announced, AppleInsider has discovered that entering the search query "iPhone 5 factory unlocked" reveals the pricing of the device. Contract-free the 16 GB iPhone 5 will set you back $649, while the 32 GB and 64 GB will retail for $749 and $849, respectively.

Prices haven't changed at all compared to the way Apple priced the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S in the US.

In Europe, however, it's a different story. In the UK in particular, a factory unlocked 16 GB iPhone 5 retails for £529, whereas the 16GB version of the iPhone 4S started at £499. Prices for the 32 GB and 64 GB variants remain the same as last year.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/us_pricing_of_factory_unlocked_iphone_5_shows_up_on_apples_website-news-5044.php

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The LG Nexus 4 was lost in a bar a month ago

Well, we had to look at a calendar to make sure it’s not April 1. The upcoming LG Nexus 4 was lost in a bar, just like the Apple iPhone 4 was. And this wasn’t a recent event (now that the Nexus successor was reviewed and put on pre-order), no this happened back in late September, when details of the device were much more scarce.

The phone was found in a San Francisco bar and the bartender that found it didn’t know what to make of it first. He showed it to a tech-savvy bar patron who instantly recognized the device.

The LG Optimus 4 that was lost in a San Franciso bar

Unlike the iPhone story, the two decided to talk straight to Google to return the lost phone. Even so, they didn’t avoid the unpleasantness of dealing with a big company trying to protect its secrets.

You can read the whole story over at Wired who talked to the bartender. The story pretty quickly turns into something that could make a decent movie with an unrelated incident causing a riot an attack at a local police station as the Google security guy and a lawyer representing the bartender were inside.

As you know, there's a Google event this Monday and we'll be there. The LG Nexus 4 smartphone is expected to be officially announced, but also a 10" Nexus tablet by Samsung and updated Nexus 7 with 32GB storage and 3G.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/the_lg_nexus_4_was_lost_in_a_bar_a_month_ago-news-5005.php

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‘Don’t underestimate BB10,’ RIM boss says during demo of upcoming BlackBerry OS [video]

As the iPhone 5 flies off the shelves and Samsung reports record profits, the boss of the firm that once ruled the smartphone roost has said in an interview that BlackBerry 10 – set for launch early next year – should not be underestimated.

With so many product launches taking place in the tech world this month, it’s not hard to think Research In Motion should be in the mix too, rolling out its new BB10 phones and next-generation mobile operating system. But, of course, it’s not. For RIM’s new offerings we still have to wait at least several more months.

The company is trying to keep itself in the picture though – lest it be completely forgotten by consumers playing with their newly acquired iPhone or Samsung device – with RIM boss Thorsten Heins giving an interview to the BBC this week, offering a glimpse of the new OS while answering a few questions about the company’s current state of affairs.

The demo – given on a Dev Alpha B device similar to the one handed out to developers earlier this year – involves a good deal of touching and swiping, as well as a little bit of ‘blending’ (check out the demo below to learn more), with Heins describing the theme of BB10 as “the integration of various applications into what we in BB10 call the BlackBerry flow…..[so there’ll be no] application grid.”

BB10 is about real-time multi-tasking, Heins said, enabling the user “to live in the multi-taking space,” making it simple to jump between running applications. He also mentioned the BlackBerry Hub, which acts as a kind of notification system that pulls in information from various apps and programs.

Too late?

Heins, it has to be said, didn’t look particularly pleased when Cellan-Jones suggested it was all coming too late, staring straight back at the BBC man with an expression that suggested he was momentarily imagining a scenario involving the interviewer, the Dev Alpha B device and a painful surgical procedure, but overall Heins was cheerful and enthusiastic throughout. And by the way, in response to the accusation that RIM has missed the boat, Heins said, “Don’t underestimate the dynamic this platform is going to create in the market.”

Interestingly, when asked about the recent NY Times article which featured people claiming to be embarrassed about getting their BlackBerry phone out in public, Heins said, “Without going into detail, I would kind of question the sources that were used for that article,” adding that, according to what he sees in markets outside the US, there’s “huge growth and huge commitment to BlackBerry.”

You can check out the interview below.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/dont-underestimate-bb10-rim-boss-says-during-demo-of-upcoming-blackberry-os-video/

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Best iPhone 5 case: 15 to choose from

Protect your iPhone 5 with one of these recommended cases

So you bought an iPhone 5. That's at least £500 worth of tech in your back pocket; £700 if you plumped for maximum capacity. Not exactly cheap, then.

Now imagine dropping it. Apple's new baby stands up to knocks fairly well, but even a scuff or a scratch on a half-grand device is going to grate. Isn't it time you put a case on it? Here's our pick of the best iPhone 5 cases available now.

1. Griffin Protector - $19.99 (£12.50)

The Griffin Protector case acts as a middle ground for those wanting increased protection without the military-spec and bulk of the Griffin Survivor. The reinforced silicone boasts extra thickness at the edges, providing added assurance that your device is safe from mid-grade knocks, while the matte finish ensures a decent grip.

2. QDOS Smoothies - £19.99

This more elegant option marries a lush fascia with a clear polycarbonate, bevel-edged surround that offers decent covering for the edges of your phone. The QDOS case feels rigid enough to stand up to at least mild abuse, but steers well clear of the camera lens and doesn't impede access to buttons.

3. Griffin Survivor - $50 (£31)

Griffin's über-protective technology is already renowned for its Defense Standard specification, and this iPhone 5 version doesn't buck the trend. Shatter-resistant polycarbonate as well as hinged button and dock plugs cloak the phone, while a built-in screen protector seals in your device, keeping it safe from dirt, sand, rain, shock – pretty much anything the world can throw at it. The equivalent of wrapping your phone in cotton wool.

4. Scosche rawHIDE g6 - $30 (£19)

Suave yet simple, the rawHIDE is cut from hard black polycarbonate and wrapped in a layer of genuine leather. The case shell is stiff enough, but those wanting added protection with a little give on the rim and corners may want to look elsewhere.

5. Speck PixelSkin HD - $30 (£19)

Soft and durable grippiness defines the PixelSkin HD. Its rubbery, flexible casing pops on and off with ease, but only when you need it to. The raised bevel protects the front panel well, and shields the buttons from dings without impeding access.

6. Griffin Reveal - $20 (£12.50)

If you've got it, flaunt it. Griffin's Reveal stays true to the maxim with what at first appears to be a classic bumper. Closer inspection, though, reveals a transparent polycarbonate shell lined with a rubberised edge, providing fair-to-middling protection without veiling the machined beauty of your superior tech.

7. Proporta Leather Style - £24.95

If toughness isn't your thing and you can live with faux-leather then this Proporta case is a decent enough take on the 'c-clip' style cover. It's lightweight, soft to the touch and covers the front and rear completely without interfering with button access or camera operability.

8. Proporta Quiksilver - Blue Checks - £19.95

This snug-fitting hard case from Proporta really looks the part without smothering the iPhone's sleek aesthetic. The logo of outdoor sports fashion brand Quiksilver sits front and centre in its blue check design, although the protection on offer can't be said to match such ideals. It'll keep knocks and scratches at bay no problem, just keep it far from the surf.

9. Scosche kickBACK sport g6 - $30 (£19)

Scosche doubles down on protection with its latest sports cover, combining a textured polycarbonate outer case with a rubberized interior to absorb shock. The open design ensures connections and controls remain accessible, while an integrated kickstand only adds to the slick feel. The screen and chamfer do feel a little over-exposed for active lifestyles though.

10. Griffin Animal Parade - $20 (£12.50)

If you're looking for a cute and crazy option you could do a lot worse than this Griffin series. Thick silicone encases the handset, while a lovely round rim envelopes the display, which also serves to protect the screen from falls. The goofy design is perfect for kids – if you can trust them with a £500+ device…

11. Piel Frama iMagnum2 - 85 Euros (£69)

If you're willing to spend a little more to protect your phone then definitely check out this offering from Piel Frama. The Spanish company's handmade cases only use the highest quality cow skin leather, and it really shows. The inner lining is as luxuriant as the outer cover, which folds over the screen and stays there, secured by hidden magnets. It even comes with a removable belt clip.

12. Cygnett UrbanShield - £24.99

The close-fit and smooth bevelled edges of the UrbanShield emphasize the solid protection it gives your phone against keys and coins in your pocket. Meanwhile the rubber rim around the front panel protects the glass from falls, and dips into a nice carbon weave detail on the aluminium rear. A screen protector seals the look.

13. Otterbox Defender - £39.99

The Otterbox weds industrial protection with style in its multi-layer defence against heavy knocks and falls. A candy-coloured polycarbonate skeleton houses a solid inner shell with built-in screen protector, and a large belt clip holsters the entire unit for a third layer of protection. Not too slim then, but very secure.

14. X-Doria Dash - $34.99 (£21.60)

Rocking an oblong rear window and polka-dot fabric, X-Doria's Dash looks straight off the haute couture fashion line. It's not delicate either, thanks to its hard polycarbonate shell and rimmed edges, offering good resistance against everyday impacts.

15. Snugg Squared - £14.99

The Snugg Squared is made of rubberized silicone that stands up well against drops and shocks and feels grippy in the hand. The rounded rim puts ample space between the display and the floor to protect the glass and limit impact shock. Mould size has been known to vary on this range, so try before you buy if possible.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/best-iphone-5-case-15-to-choose-from-1107270

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