Can the iPhone 5 give us clues about the new iPad?
Apple's new iPhone 5 isn't just a smartphone: it offers spooky glimpses into the future of the iPad from beneath an unconvincing wig.
Okay, not really, but given the very close relationship between iPhone and iPad, we can use Apple's latest invention to predict some of the key features of the iPad 4. What does the iPhone 5 reveal about the next version of the iconic iPad?
You're going to need a different dock
The iPhone 5 said goodbye to the dock connector in favour of the smaller, double-sided, expensive-cable Lightning connector, and while that means easier connections and more internal room for components it also means that existing Dock-connecting accessories will need pricey Lightning-to-Dock adaptors, pricey Lightning-to-USB cables or pricey replacements. If you're buying accessories that you intend to use with future iPads, iPhones or iPod touches, think wireless and buy accordingly.
Coming to an iPad near you: the new, thinner, pricey-adapter Lightning connector
The iPad 4 will have a better battery
The iPhone 5's battery runs at a slightly higher voltage than the iPhone 4S's: it's a 1,440mAh, 3.8-volt battery compared to the 1,432mAh, 3.7-volt battery in the 4S, delivering 5.5 watts per hour compared to the 5.25 watts per hour of its predecessor. That doesn't sound particularly interesting, but it does mean that in conjunction with improved power management, the battery delivers more power without sacrificing battery life or taking up significantly more room. For the iPad, Apple may decide that thin is very much in.
The iPad 4 will have a better, thinner screen, but probably not a bigger one
The new iPad's screen is a great thing, but the iPhone 5's is better: over at Anandtech, Chris Heinonen explains what he describes as a "quantum leap" over the iPhone 4 display. It's not the number of pixels that matters, but the contrast, light output and "astonishing" colour performance, and while the gap between iPhone 5 and new iPad isn't as big as the one between iPhones 5 and 4, the phone's display is still marginally better.
Such a display wouldn't just make the iPad 4 even nicer to look at. It would help reduce thickness and weight too, because the iPhone 5's display uses in-cell touch technology that uses embedded touch sensors rather than a separate digitiser. That means thinner displays, but it also means a headache for manufacturers: reports indicate that they're currently having problems making four-inch ones, let alone 9.7-inch ones. Adding such panels to the iPad 4, then, could be a big challenge - and by big challenge we mean enormous pain in the arse.
Could a longer iPad be in the works? Despite the rumours, we're not convinced: the current iPad and rumoured iPad mini are 4:3 devices, an aspect ratio that works really well for all kinds of content from ebooks to apps. Apple might change it, but other than watching movies - something Apple would like you to do on an Apple TV - we're struggling to think of any good reasons why they should.
The iPhone 5 screen is a
The iPad 4 will have 4G. Proper 4G, not you-can't-get-it 4G
The new iPad also offered a WiFi + 4G version, but Apple was forced to change that to "WiFi + cellular" on the grounds that (a) the UK doesn't have 4G and (b) the frequencies the new iPad expects aren't the ones the UK will end up using. The iPhone 5, however, supports the same 4G LTE that Everything Everywhere is starting to roll out, and we'd expect future models to support the UK's other LTE bands when services launch next year. A UK iPad that's 4G-friendly is inevitable.
The iPad 4 will have a different form factor
Getting shot of the Dock enabled Apple to make a much thinner iPhone, and while we don't expect the iPad mini or imminent Tweaked New iPad to change the form factor when they swap Dock for Lightning, the iPad 4 could bring in a redesign: the current one is rather reminiscent of the iPhone 3GS, and its big-bevelled back is partly to disguise its size. A thinner display, thinner Dock replacement and thinner battery could mean - you've guessed it - a thinner iPad.
It's nice, but it's more iPhone 3GS than iPhone 5. Could a new form factor be in the works?
The iPad 4's processor will be an A6, ish
The iPhone 5 comes with Apple's own A6 processor, and analysts predict a new one every two years - but the iPad's on a yearly update cycle, so it's not going to be rocking an A7. History's likely to repeat here: where the iPhone 4S and iPad 2 got an A5 processor, the new iPad got the A5X, a faster iteration of the A5 with a quad-core GPU; if an A7 isn't doable in time, expect Apple to beef up the A6's graphics performance and stick an X on the end.
The iPad 4 will be a disaster and Apple is doomed
Cocking up Maps hasn't helped, of course, but with the iPhone 5 Apple's experienced a blizzard of bad publicity: in some cases you'd think Apple had released a phone that was just a piece of cardboard with a screen drawn on it in biro. Apple has gone from underdog to top dog, and that means a lot of people are waiting for it to fail. The original iPad created a whole new market; if the iPad 4 merely turns out to be a better version of what we've already got, expect a chorus of disappointment and disapproval.
The Sony Xperia T is continuing its roll-out to retailers across rest of Europe and the U.S., after becoming available in the UK a few days ago. Reports are coming in of the device being available in Slovenia, where it's offered by carrier Telekomu on a contract with prices starting from €229.
Germany also got access to the Sony latest flagship. The local branch of Amazon is offering the smartphone for €500, with an estimated delivery time of 3-4 days. Some other German online retailers already have the device in stock and are willing to send one your way for €499.90.
In the United States, the Sony Xperia T is currently retailing for $599.99 SIM-free. Moreover, it's only a matter of time until major US carriers pick it up and start offering it subsidized.
The Sony Xperia T packs a 4.6" screen of 720p resolution and shatter-proof, scratch-resistant glass. The chipset is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 with a dual-core Krait CPU at 1.5GHz, 1GB of RAM and Adreno 225 GPU.
Sharp has announced it has started production of a 5-inch, 1080p display, which will be coming to a mobile device near you soon.
Many of the current top-of-the-range smartphones — iPhone 5 apart — have screens with a 1280 x 768 pixel resolution or similar, which is good enough to be labelled as HD. However, just as it did with flat screen TVs, 720p is about to be replaced by 1080p — as Sharp has announced that it has started production of its own 5-inch, full-HD smartphone displays.
The new panel boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and a pixel density of 443ppi. As a comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S3’s 4.8-inch display has a resolution of 1280 x 720 and a pixel density of 306ppi, while the 4-inch iPhone 5 has 1136 x 640 pixels and 326ppi.
Sharp may say its 5-inch screen is headed for smartphones, but any device with a display that large usually gets put in the smartphone/tablet hybrid category, joining the likes of the Galaxy Note, Note 2 and the LG Optimus Vu.
The benefits of such a high resolution screen almost go without saying, but Sharp states that it’ll bring “crisp text, super clear maps and amazingly real HD images.” Sharp doesn’t mention on which devices its new super-screen will appear, but along with making its own smartphones, Sharp also supplies screens to other manufacturers too.
The mobile industry loves big numbers, as they help convince prospective buyers that one device is “better” than another, and a 1080p screen with 443ppi is about as impressive as screens can get. Questions will no doubt be raised concerning just how much difference a 1080p resolution and a 443ppi density will make on a screen this small, but answers will have to wait until the first device with such a screen goes on sale — and judging by the increase in activity from these companies, we shouldn’t have that long to wait.
Sharp’s press release notes that the screen will be displayed at the CEATEC show — a CES-style technology exhibition — in Japan, which starts on October 2 and will run to October 6.
How old is old enough when it comes to owning a smartphone? We take a look at both sides of the debate.
The first cell phone I ever purchased was the original Motorola Razr. I actually resisted the cell phone revolution until 2004 when Motorola’s super-thin phone lured me in, but I was already in my late twenties by then. These days, no one waits until their on the brink of 30 years old to get a phone. Cell phones and smartphones are becoming a must-have item on every kid’s wish list. It’s not about making phone calls; it’s about having a camera, audio player, gaming device, web browser, and the ability to access social media and send texts.
Mobile phones are an important invention for the human race. They have definitely changed the way the world communicates and they will continue to do so. Most of us own some kind of mobile phone. According to The World Bank‘s fairly conservative estimate, 75 percent of the world’s population has access to a mobile phone. So how old should a child reach — what milestone — before its okay to own a phone?
What about kids?
As it turns out, not very old. Nielsen research recently revealed that 58 percent of 13 to 17 year olds living in the U.S. right now have a smartphone. That’s a smartphone, an Android device or an iPhone (possibly a Windows Phone or a BlackBerry, but probably not). If we throw regular old cell phones into the mix then the figure goes up. Lookout estimates that 77 percent of 12 to 17 year olds in the U.S. have a cell phone of some kind.
You can’t blame kids for wanting one given that their peers probably have one. That “well if they jumped off a cliff would you jump too?” line is only going to work for so long. The trouble is parent’s opinions about what age is appropriate for cell phone bestowment vary wildly.
How young is too young?
Would it surprise you to learn that the Lookout report also revealed that 22 percent of parents think 10 years old is an appropriate age for kids to get their first phone? Does that sound too young to you?
Kids do mature at different rates. Before you equip your child with a smartphone, you really need to consider whether they have the understanding or the skills to use it. You might want a young child to have a basic cell phone for emergency calls, but there’s a world of difference between that and the latest iPhone.
While 10 might sound too young, most parents would agree that a teen should have their own cell phone by the time they are 16 years old. Wouldn’t they?
A lot depends on the reason behind your child getting a phone. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons.
Why your child should have a phone
Keep in touch: Some parents see mobile phones as an ideal way to keep in touch with their children. Kids can check in with their parents, phone when they need a lift, and make emergency calls if something bad should ever happen. You can even use a cell phone to track your child’s location – all the major carriers offer this service for a reasonable monthly subscription. A cell phone can provide peace of mind for an anxious parent.
Google Maps > stranger: With a smartphone, your kids won’t get lost ever again. It’s frightening when you get lost, but thanks to navigation options like Google Maps, if your kid has a smartphone they can always get directions home and they won’t have to ask a stranger.
Education: Technology is a big part of everything now and it’s important that your kids are exposed to it and learn to use it so they can reap the benefits later in life. Check out the potential for educational help with our back to school apps roundup. A cell phone can also help to teach them about budgeting and taking care of their possessions.
So he/she can socialize: Socializing is an important part of your teenage years and you want your child to be involved and feel like they are on level ground with their peers. When I was a kid we would “call round” for people by actually physically going to their house and ringing the doorbell. It was a huge waste of time and if you ever lost a friend when you were out somewhere there was no way to contact them. Cell phones are so convenient for arranging social situations, that the lack of one could leave your kid out of the loop.
Be nice: Smartphones are awesome. We adults are buying them in our droves and using them for all sorts of purposes. Don’t assume your kid will get up to no good – they probably want a smartphone for many of the same reasons you do.
Why your child shouldn’t have a phone
Kids can be data hogs: Do you trust that they have money skills or understand limits? They could run up big bills for overage charges on data or app purchases. Smartphones are also potentially very expensive.
Inappropriate content: Consider the fact that a smartphone allows them to surf the web and access all kinds of content. Not all content is good.
Stranger danger: If your kid is texting or chatting on a cell phone, you have no idea who is on the other end. Your kid could be talking to someone bad. They can also take photos and potentially share them with anyone.
Texting and driving: For older teens, texting while driving is a serious concern.
Sweep aside the cons
The good news is that you can sweep away all these concerns by choosing the right device, the right plan, and considering parental controls.
First of all, decide whether they need a smartphone or if a basic cell phone would do the trick. A nice feature phone would still allow them to text friends, track location, take photos, listen to music, and even play basic games. It’s also way cheaper and seems to make more sense for young kids. You may even want to consider something really basic for emergencies, like the OwnFone.
Check out the family plan deals and dedicated plans for kids and see what would suit you and your child best. You can set hard limits and block access to app purchases if you want to.
You can also look into your many options for parental controls. Some carriers provide services and there are many apps available. They allow you to do all sorts of things like: block specific numbers or only allow specific numbers, set times when the phone cannot be used, limit access to the web, set time limits for usage, and even remotely cut cell phone service when your teenager is driving.
Rules and reasons
Most important of all, sit down with your child and explain what they should and shouldn’t do in detail. Give them reasons and make sure they know that their new phone is a privilege. Ultimately, if you want to ensure that your kids use technology responsibly and safely you have to make them aware of the dangers. It also helps if you are at least a bit tech savvy yourself.
There’s no right answer to the question of how old kids should be to own a smartphone. The truth is it depends on your kid and it depends on you. We’d love to hear your opinions though, so please post a comment and weigh in on the debate. If you’re a parent, what are your concerns? Have you given your kid a cell phone or smartphone? How did it work out? Any tips for other parents? If you’re a teen or even younger do you want a phone? If so why? What would you use it for?
Nine months after launch, the CloudMobile goes on sale
Acer's CloudMobile S500 smartphone, unveiled way back at MWC in February, has finally gone on sale in the UK.
The 4.3-inch Android Ice Cream Sandwich handset is now in stock at online retailer Expansys for the rather modest SIM-free price of £290.
The device, initially slated for launch by the store on September 5, features a 1280 x 720 HD IPS display, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB of on-board storage.
There's also an 8-megapixel camera on board, capable of shooting full HD video.
Take it to the Cloud
The device is somewhat skewed towards business users as the AcerCloud app makes it easier to sync-up their data with other Acer devices, like a laptop or tablet.
The 9mm thick device seemed like a solid mid-range player when it was announced over 7 months ago in Barcelona. Does it still have what it takes to match up with the competition?
RIM is completely renovating its BlackBerry OS in its BB10 release and its new gesture-based UI. The Canadians also developed hardware that should stands up to BB OS 10’s biggest competitor, Windows Phone 8.
A leaked specs sheet details the BlackBerry Laguna for Verizon, an L-series device (those are the touch-only ones) that seems to be the CDMA version of the oft-leaked BlackBerry London.
According to this sheet, the Laguna will pack a 4.2” screen with the non-standard 1280 x 768 resolution (only the dev units and the London are supposed to use this one instead of 720p). The pixel density works out to the impressive 355ppi.
The phone will be powered by a dual-core Krait CPU and feature 1GB RAM (Qualcomm MSM8960 chipset), the same that powers the upcoming crop of WP8 flagship devices. Other specs on the BlackBerry Laguna include LTE (with GSM 2G and 3G for roaming), dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n with mobile hot-spot and Wi-Fi direct, NFC and microHDMI port.
Then there’s an 8MP camera capable of shooting 1080p video, 16GB of built-in storage and a hot-swappable microSD card. An 1800mAh battery is set to power the whole thing.
We’ve already had a look at what BlackBerry OS 10 is like from the Beta 3 demos, but these leaked tutorials give even more detail on the new touch gestures.
Get the best new job you can with our ace work apps
Finding a job can be a tough task at the best of times. Right now, it's harder than ever - job cuts, lay-offs and mass redundancies mean the job market is more competitive and has more candidates, too.
We may all be in it together when it comes to the financial crisis, but when it comes to job hunting, you're on your own.
The process of finding employment can generally be separated into three stages: find a position, apply for it, and then perform at the interview. In many cases, simply finding vacancies is the hardest part of the job hunt.
Tracking down the perfect position is, in all likelihood, the most time-consuming and dullest part of the process. Once you've found the perfect job with a dream salary at a company you like the look of, you need to create the perfect curriculum vitae; a document that impresses both visually and through its content is essential if you're to make it to the interview.
Happily, your iPad or your iPhone can help you at all three stages of the job hunt. There are apps to help you find the right position, and apps to design the best CV too. If the interview stage isn't your strong point, however, there are even apps available to help you build up your confidence.
In short, there's every possible app to help you along the path to a new or more exciting career, and we've structured our tips in this chronological order to help you with the process.
1. Jobcentreplus
Access nationwide job listings, all for free, with this official app
Price: Free Works with: iPhone, iPod touch
Finding out what positions are out there is step one in the job-hunting process, and where better to start than the Job Centre?
The Jobcentreplus app allows you to search all the vacancies at every Job Centre nationwide, giving you access to a huge number of positions.
There are three main ways to search for a vacancy. First, you can use a search term and define a place - so, if you're looking for sales jobs in Bath, enter those details and tap on Search.
Second, you can use the location capabilities of your iPhone to simply search for jobs in your current vicinity. Finally, you can browse jobs by category; if you really want to be a butcher, for example, tap on the job title and search for all the positions near you.
If you're not fussy about your role, you can just search for every job close by, but naturally this returns far too many results to be wholly useful. We really liked the favourites function that allows you to quickly collect a number of job ads to read in more detail at your leisure.
Also, the number of preferences and options available that enable you to refine your job search and really dig out your perfect role impressed us, too. In short, using this official app is generally much less stress than visiting a real Job Centre, yet with all the same opportunities on offer.
2. Pocket CV
Build and distribute a stunning résumé with this simple tool
Making a résumé that really sells you and your talents can be both tricky and tedious. You need to make sure that you've put everything a prospective employer would need to know in an easy-to-follow layout, preferably on no more than two sides of A4.
Pocket CV is designed to help you do just that; it splits your CV into seven sections, and you simply fill in each one. Then tap Preview to see what your new CV looks like. It really couldn't be easier.
Although this is a universal app, it's notably easier to use it effectively with the iPad's larger screen. If you have a LinkedIn account, you can import all the data from that to help build your CV, too.
Obviously, the more information you have on your LinkedIn profile, the better your CV will look, but even if you just use the bare data, it's an excellent starting point. You can build as many different résumés as you choose, and there are eight different design formats to choose from. They're not the most contemporary of layouts, but neither are they offensively ugly.
Once everything's designed and you're ready to roll, you can email a CV directly from the app, or copy it to Dropbox for further editing on a computer if needed.
3. Monster Jobs for iPad
A job search tool from one of the largest and best-known job sites
Price: Free Works with: iPad
The Monster website has been going for many years now, and is one of the most popular job search tools in the UK. You could, naturally, use Safari on your iPad to look for jobs on the site directly, but as with many specialist apps, the Monster Jobs iPad app gives you a more polished and simpler method of looking through its listings.
The search tool enables you to look for roles by keyword and location, and you can also change countries if you're after a job somewhere else in the world. You can save jobs to view at a later date, and see all the positions you've already applied for.
There are a number of filters to help you narrow down your choices and you can store your regular searches. If you think you may have found the perfect role for someone else, you can share it using email from within the app, too.
If you have a Monster account set up, you can log in and get access to all your CVs and covering letters, so that you can apply directly from the app. While you can't create a CV in the app, you can get started on a covering letter.
4. CV-Library HD
Search for jobs and create a CV quickly, all from one app
Price: Free Works with: iPad
CV-Library HD claims to have more than 50,000 real-time jobs available to search and apply for when you're on the go. There are over 4.7 million registered users, the service offers a free CV review when you register, and it has a selection of featured recruiters from more than 70 industries.
When we ran our searches there were more than 5,000 IT jobs, over 2,000 management positions and just shy of 3,000 admin vacancies waiting to be filled. CV-Library HD gives you instant access to all these positions. In addition, you can link the iPad app to the company's website and use it to apply for jobs, save your most popular searches and share job adverts with your friends.
The app uses the iPad screen real estate very well, with jobs to the left in an easy-to-scroll column, and role information (such as location, salary and description) given plenty of space to the right. That might sound like a small thing, but some of the other job search apps, presenting much the same information, aren't as clear.
The design of the app really does make it easier to trawl through a large number of results to find the perfect job, especially with other features.
5. ResuM8
Build a professional and outstanding CV with this easy five-step plan
Price: Free Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Creating your own CV can be a bit of a pain. How do you describe what you're good at? How do you say it without sounding pretentious and putting potential employers off? Well, ResuM8 is here to help.
This app helps you to put together a CV in stages. Though ResuM8 is free, it doesn't really function properly without buying the database of headlines as an In-App Purchase. For £1.99 you get access to 400 bulleted 'Strengths' that you can use in your C.V. This is great if you struggle to sum up ways to describe what you do, and what you're good at.
Inevitably, some of the Strengths are a touch corny, though you can change them if you prefer. The app could do with a bit of spit and polish in the design department too, but it's perfectly accomplished for creating a quick-fire CV.
Once you've created one, you can send it as a PDF or RTF file and can attach a covering letter, too. There's a short introduction explaining the reasoning behind the ResuM8 method, which is worth a quick read, and you can create a CV without a paying a penny if you really want to - so at least you can check the app out for free.
6. Jobsite Jobs
An appropriately named app for searching though vacancies
Price: Free Works with: iPhone, iPod touch
Jobsite Jobs is a handy iPhone frontend to the many thousands of roles available on jobsite.co.uk. You can search by keyword and place, as well as using location services to let you see what vacancies are nearby. You can narrow your search to include jobs advertised in the last few hours, or widen it to all roles posted in the last seven days. You can also set the search distance up to a 50 mile radius.
Finally, you can choose to exclude temporary, part-time or contract jobs - or search only for those types if you like. Results can be ordered by relevance to your search terms, date posted, or salary, and searches can be saved to make it easier to re-run the query at a later date.
Although there are promoted jobs within the app, the one we clicked on was outof- date, somwhat annoyingly. If you have a Jobsite account, you can create a shortlist of roles for later. Once you've uploaded your CV, you can also quickly apply for any role.
7. Interview Questions Pro
No need to be fearful about the nerve-jangling interview process…
Price: 69p / 99¢ Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Once you've found a job and created a compelling CV that has employers clambering over each other to see you in person, you still need to perfect your interview skills if you want that coveted position. Interview Questions Pro splits practice questions into sections, covering critical thinking, work history, behavioural aspects, and you - the candidate.
There's also a selection of suggested questions for you to ask a potential employer. Simply tap on a section to get started with the sample questions. You can begin at question number one and work your way though, or simply pick out the questions at random.
Tap on the question to flip the flash card to reveal the sort of thing you're supposed to be saying. The app doesn't give you a word-for-word answer, of course, but instead points you in the general direction. You can add your own questions for more personalised interview practice too, if you want.
8. Resume Designer
A simple template tool for creating the perfect CV on the go
Price: £1.99 / $2.99 Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
Resume Designer is a basic app that lets you make your own CV very easily. All you have to do is type the relevant information into a template to create a document.
There are five default résumé sections on the basic template, such as Objectives and Work Experience. All you have to do is tap on a section and fill in the details. A persistent preview below each entry shows you exactly what your changes look like as they happen.
If the sections don't suit or you need to add another, you can, including Skills and Volunteer Experience, or you can create a custom section. In addition, you can add an events section to make a list of significant events to be shown in order.
Once you've finished, you can email or print the CV from the app. There's no control over the fonts or colours, but this is still a great app for creating a good-looking document quickly.
9. Interview Skills
An app designed to demystify the interview process
Price: Free Works with: iPhone, iPod touch
The Interview Skills app from Barclays Capital is ostensibly designed to help candidates prepare for an interview solely with Barclays, but its useful advice and videos make it great for any candidate. This app revolves around three fictional candidates and their answers to four interview questions - motivation, business awareness, competency and role. You listen to their answers and decide which one is strongest.
This is handy as it puts you in the position of interviewer and allows you to decide first-hand which answers are most suitable. Rating the interview answers is a fun way to pick out the pitfalls when in an interview.
As well as this useful game, there's a whole section of hints and tips to help you answer interview questions, including videos of helpful advice from the people who devise and run interviews at Barclays.
10. LinkedIn
The business social network that lets you hunt down your next position
Price: Free Works with: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad
With LinkedIn you can build a virtual CV, but also, just like Facebook, keep in touch with ex-work colleagues. Once you've created a profile and made contacts, you can request recommendations from others you may have worked for or with, and search out the movers and shakers.
On the iPad, the app has the useful feature of being able to see who has looked at your profile recently too. Additionally, you can see updates from people in your industry, and join LinkedIn groups to keep up on the latest news or job openings.
Of course, you can add your own updates. You can use the Updates section to see what everyone is doing, or use the People You May Know to help your business profile grow.
See which of your contacts has been promoted or joined another company, or use it to do research on a company you feel you might want to join.
