Nokia Lumia 822 for Verizon emerges in live photos

Following the press photo leak from a couple of days back, the Verizon bound Nokia smartphone has emerged in live photos. Dubbed Nokia Lumia 822, the Windows Phone 8 smartphone is (just like the Nokia Lumia 810) yet another carrier specific version of the Lumia 820.

The specs of the Nokia Lumia 822 are quite similar to the 820's, save for the presence of Verizon 4G LTE bands and the matte finish. They include a dual-core CPU, WVGA display, and 8MP camera.

The Nokia Lumia 822 is expected to go official for Verizon any day now, so we'll be sure to keep a close eye on it.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_822_for_verizon_emerges_in_live_photos_-news-4928.php

Read More

Apple launches new iPod ad, lots of colors and bouncing

Apple unveiled a snappy new ad for its refreshed iPod devices on Wednesday highlighting the range of colors on offer.

As Apple begins shipping the first batch of orders for its refreshed iPod range of media players to expectant customers around the world, the tech company has launched a new ad called ‘Bounce’ featuring the new devices.

The 30-second slot, posted on YouTube on Wednesday night and set to air on TV, features a bunch of iPods (touches, nanos and shuffles) bouncing around to a funky track called Yeah Yeah by London-based singer Willy Moon. It’s pretty, slick, and quick, and you can check it out below.

Apple unveiled a new iPod touch last month, featuring a larger 4-inch screen identical in size to that of the iPhone 5. Compared to its predecessor, the updated fifth-generation device is slimmer and lighter, and sports a vastly improved 5-megapixel camera. More RAM and a faster processor make for a much zippier device compared to earlier touches, too. It also comes in six colors – no longer just black and white – a feature that forms the basis of the new ad.

The new seventh-generation iPod nano, described as the thinnest nano to date, has done away with the small square design of its predecessor and returned to the longer look of the fifth-generation nano. An extra color has been added to the range, too.

As for the shuffle, three new colors have been added to the range.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-launches-new-ipod-ad-lots-of-colors-and-bouncing/

Read More

First Chinese Lightning cable and dock available

A Chinese company managed to crack the code to copying this accessory

That didn't take long. The first Chinese company has reportedly cloned the iPhone 5's Lightning cable, despite the fact that Apple embedded a tricky authentication chip.

It took iPhone5Mod.com less than a month after the phone's Sept. 12 announcement to come up with a working, chip-included cable option.

Of course, while this knock-off Lightning cable is available to order right now, it still comes from halfway around the world.

So it'll take somewhere between seven to 20 days for delivery.

Not cheaper, but a good sign nonetheless

The Lightning Cable from iPhone5Mod.com costs $19.90, meaning it really isn't any cheaper than Apple's official Lightning to USB cable.

However, it's a good sign for froogle consumers. Because the chip was replicated rather quickly, it shouldn't be long before the internet is flooded with similar 8-pin Lightning accessories.

It also opens the door for more interesting cables designs and docks. The retailer's website says that its version of the Lightning cable is illuminated.

"You can actually see the flow of current going into your iPhone 5," reads the iPhone5Mod.com website.

The website is selling a dock that allows the iPhone 5 to sit upright while syncing and charging. This accessory, also $19.90, is something Apple doesn't sell at any price... yet.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/first-chinese-lightning-cable-and-dock-available-1103576

Read More

Microsoft Office apps for iOS and Android on their way? Perhaps not….

On Wednesday morning a Microsoft executive suggested the company was preparing to launch iOS and Android apps for its Office suite of products. A few hours later, however, another executive said the information was "not accurate," leaving us back pretty much where we started.

Every few months rumors surface claiming Microsoft is working on iOS and Android apps for its Office suite of products, followed by nothing happening. It appears we’re in the same position again today, with talk Wednesday morning of an Office app for the iPad and other mobile devices apparently quashed in the afternoon by the computer giant.

Oddly though, this time the initial claim came from a named Microsoft executive in the Czech Republic rather than the usual source “with knowledge of the issue who preferred not to be named.”

According to ZDNet, Microsoft product manager Petr Bobek “let slip” to the Czech-based tech news site IHNED that the Redmond-based company was preparing to launch iOS and Android apps for Office 2013 around the middle of next year.

The information from Bobek appeared to be rather detailed, with the Microsoft Office portfolio manager claiming the software, comprising Word, Excel and PowerPoint, would be available to large companies, as well as Microsoft partners, at the end of this year, while smaller firms and home users would have to wait until 2013.

But a few hours later Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s head of corporate communications, came along and appeared to indicatethat nothing of the sort is happening. “The information shared by our Czech Republic subsidiary is not accurate. We have nothing further to share,” Shaw tweeted. Of course, you can read Shaw’s tweet in two ways – you might interpret it to mean the release dates mentioned by Bobek are not accurate, or you could read it as an outright denial that Microsoft has any plans to release Office for iOS and Android. Either way, it doesn’t look like an Office app will be appearing any time soon.

Are you keen to see a Microsoft Office app for your iOS or Android tablet? Or have you found a decent alternative instead? For more on the matter, check out Geoff Duncan’s in-depth article here looking at the arguments for and against the computer giant making an Office app for iOS and Android devices.

[via Computerworld, The Verge]

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-office-apps-for-ios-and-android-on-their-way-perhaps-not/

Read More

LG's Nexus possibly revealed in database, called LG Nexus 4

Peekaboo (credit: SlashGear)

Carphone Warehouse, the UK and Europe's largest independent smartphone retailer, is on a roll lately.

First, a rogue database listing seemed to reveal that a 32GB Google Nexus 7 and Samsung Galaxy Nexus 2 are on their way way.

On Wednesday, another snapshot of the retailer's inventory may have revealed the name of the rumored LG Nexus device, which at one time was referred to as the LG Optimus G Nexus.

The image shows "LG NEXUS4 Black" and "LG NEXUS4 White" in Carphone's inventory, suggesting that LG's new Nexus device may in fact be called the LG Nexus 4.

What happened to LG Nexus 1, 2 and 3?

Astute readers may be wondering what happened to the LG Nexus 1, 2 and 3, but the "4" in LG Nexus 4 is likely a reference to the screen size rather than the hardware iteration.

As in the Nexus 7, which packs a 7-inch display, the LG Nexus 4's screen will likely stretch 4 inches diagonally.

Unfortunately, the image reveals little else, besides that the LG Nexus 4 could come in both black and white flavors.

All we know about the LG Nexus 4

Besides what's revealed in the database snapshot, most of what's "known" about the LG Nexus 4 is hearsay and rumors.

According to one tipster, who supposedly went hands-on with the unannounced device, the LG Nexus 4 resembles Samsung's Galaxy Nexus, though its innards are based more closely on LG's Optimus G.

Earlier in October, rumors of LG's Nexus first popped up alongside a report outing Google's Android 4.2 Jelly Bean update and claiming that Google will be loosening its grip on the Nexus brand starting in November.

The following day, more substantial rumors pegged the LG Nexus 4 with a quad-core Snapdragon S4 chip, 2GB of memory, a 1280x768 True-HD IPS display, an 8-megapixel rear camera, and onboard wireless charging (though a non-removable battery and no microSD slot soured all that good news slightly).

Is Oct. 29 the day?

The world might not have long to wait for the Nexus 4, as a French newspaper is reporting Oct. 29 will be the day of the handset's big reveal.

CNET reported last week that it spoke with someone "briefed on the matter" who confirmed a late October unveiling for the LG/Google Nexus collaboration.

While the French paper that brought the Oct. 29 date forward didn't confirm or deny a mid-November launch for the product in the U.S., it did report the Nexus 4 will turn up in France in December.

Michelle Fitzsimmons contributed to this report.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/lgs-nexus-possibly-revealed-in-database-called-lg-nexus-4-1103458

Read More

Hands on: LG Mach review

Surely you remember the days of the full QWERTY keyboard phone? Well it's no longer just a relic of the early texting days. The LG Mach is bringing back the slide-out keyboard in style, and its got a touch screen in tow, too.

At MobileCon 2012 we took the LG Mach for a spin, and our infatuation with it was more than just nostalgia. It's a handsome little handset that provided surprisingly snappy performance with Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich.

We're not sure if thumbs everywhere were aching for the return of physical keyboards, but apparently Sprint is seeing demand. It'll be the exclusive carrier for the LG Mach, which is ready to launch on Sprint's growing 4G LTE network. No word on price or release date for this device yet, though.

The LG Mach is compact, measuring 4.65 by 2.56 inches with just 0.48 inches of thickness. The screen is 4 inches with a 800x480 WVGA resolution.

For hardware, the Mach has a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. There's also a 5-megapixel camera that shoots 1080p video and a 0.3-megapixel front-facing chat camera.

LG made no mention of onboard storage, but the Mach will come with 50GB of space from cloud storage service Box. That should be a good combination with 4G LTE service, providing Sprint offers it in your area.

While the under-the-hood materials were nothing to write home about, the Mach ran ICS quite smoothly. Sliding across multiple home screens filled with T-Mobile widgets was responsive and free from stuttering.

On the physical side, we were quite taken with the look of and feel of the LG Mach. The slide-out keyboard was eye-catching with its orange highlights. The keys were risen in a bubble-like fashion and give a satisfying click with each push. At first, typing with physical buttons felt cramped, but soon we were clicking away like it was 1999.

With its QWERTY keyboard tucked away, the LG Mach feels just like a modern touch screen handset. We weren't in love with its plastic construction, but the size and weight felt appropriate.

The best part about typing on the LG Mach was how the keyboard worked in conjunction with the touch screen. As you compose a message, predictive text options pop up on the lower portion of the screen, right in convenient thumbing range. When you're not in the middle of a word, it displays punctuation and symbols, like parentheses and the ever necessary @ sign.

Just like the LG Optimus L9, the Mach runs LG's Optimus 3.0 UI and QuickMemo software. This allows it to compose speedy notes right on the home screen of your phone, then export them or view them in a gallery. It's rather fast and sloppy, but good for emergency note taking.

Early Verdict

The LG Mach is an interesting throwback device. With a touchscreen and full QWERTY-keyboard that work together nicely, it's the best of both worlds when it comes to composing text messages and emails. On the MobileCon 2012 show floor we weren't able to take the demo unit online, but we'd be interested to see how it works browsing the web.

The phone's lower-end hardware and low resolution screen are a sign that it's meant to be a mid-range device, where heavy media consumption is not a priority. Productivity fiends who miss their physical keyboards from the nineties will eat it up, but touch screen-loving power users will definitely pass it by.

It's a bit of a niche device, although a very handsome and nicely thought out one. We'd love to see a larger, more powerful touch screen and slide-out keyboard combo, something with a screen and hardware like the LG Optimus G. However, such a device will likely never come along if the market fails to embrace the LG Mach. We look forward to putting it through its paces with a full review.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/lg-mach-1103505/review

Read More

Droid Razr HD launches in Canada, US absence grows more conspicuous

The Razr name lives on with the Droid Razr HD

Canadian carrier Rogers has announced that the Droid Razr HD, there called the Razr HD LTE, is now available in the great northern frontier.

The Canadian carrier is offering the new Motorola smartphone at $99.99 with a three-year contract, though it can also be purchased standalone for $599.99.

Although the Razr HD LTE hasn't yet appeared on Rogers' website, The Verge has been assured that it's available in the carrier's physical retail locations across Canada.

The Droid Razr HD's Canadian launch comes following news in September that the new Android smartphone would arrive in Germany in October as well - making the absence of a U.S. launch date all the more conspicuous.

But where's the US launch?

U.S. Motorola diehards are beginning to get frustrated by Verizon's refusal to commit to a launch date for the Motorola Droid Razr HD.

Motorola and Verizon officially unveiled the Droid Razr HD and the Razr Maxx HD at a joint event early in September, but the carrier still hasn't announced a U.S. release date.

Nothing official has been announced by either Verizon or Motorola, though an October release could certainly still happen.

Droid Razr HD specs

Motorola's Droid Razr HD comes packing a dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor, 1.5GB of memory, and 16GB of onboard storage (with another 32GB available via microSD).

It will run Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box, though an upgrade to Jelly Bean is promised.

The Droid Razr HD's 720p Super AMOLED display measures 4.7 inches, and, of course, LTE compatibility is guaranteed.

With Canada and Germany both getting the Droid Razr HD in October, hopefully U.S. customers won't have to wait much longer.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/droid-razr-hd-launches-in-canada-us-absence-grows-more-conspicuous-1103482

Read More

Interested in Windows Phone 8? Here’s a complete roundup of upcoming devices

We give a quick and comprehensive overview of the devices set to launch alongside Microsoft's Windows Phone 8.

Windows Phone has struggled to establish a foothold in the crowded smartphone marketplace, and the distance between Microsoft and its competitors is only growing. Microsoft hopes this will all change with the release of Windows Phone 8 and device manufacturers like Nokia, HTC, Samsung, and Huawei ready to back it up on the hardware front. 

We surfed the web for hours (seriously, it was hard) to put together a list of all the WP8 devices set to launch alongside the new OS at the end of October. And if we may be so bold, each company has put out some of its best work under the Microsoft name. Below are the first Windows Phone 8 devices.

(*Note: All devices below run on Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processors.)

Nokia Lumia 920

Screen: 4.5 inches, 1280×768 pixels, 332ppi, IPS LCD
Specs: 1.5GHz dual-core, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage
OS: Windows Phone 8
Camera: 8.7MP rear (1080p video), 1.2MP front (720p video)
Connection: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+ 
Price: TBA

Description: The Lumia 920 is posed to be Microsoft’s savior for Windows Phone 8, a White Knight on horseback ready to cut a swath through all the iPhones and Androids out there. Nokia claims the big draw for consumers comes from its superior camera technology and software innovations. Its latest line up comes with wireless charging and elements of its PureView camera. On the software front, it has its own maps and a music streaming app. Not to mention it looks gorgeous with a polycarbonate, high-gloss, unibody design.  

Nokia Lumia 820

Screen: 4.3 inches, 800×480 pixels, 217ppi, AMOLED
Specs: 1.5GHz dual-core, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage
OS: Windows Phone 8
Camera: 8MP rear (1080p video), 0.3MP front (VGA video)
Connection: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
Price: TBA

Description: The Lumia 820 may be aimed at more budget-minded consumers, but it still holds onto the wireless charging (with the right accessory) and software present in its older brother (but a lesser camera). Like the 920, the 820 comes in a bunch of bright colors but in this case, the colored backplates are interchangeable. Since it doesn’t follow a unibody design, the 820 also has a removable battery and supports microSD so you can jack up the storage up to 32GB.

 
HTC Windows Phone 8X

Screen: 4.3 inches, 1280×720 pixels, 341ppi, Super LCD 2
Specs: 1.5GHz dual-core, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage
OS: Windows Phone 8
Camera: 8MP rear (1080p video), 2.1MP front (1080p video)
Connection: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
Price: $200 with a 2-year contract 

Description: At first glance, the HTC Windows Phone 8X looks like it may just be a cheap knock-off of Nokia’s Lumias. However, once you get past the familiar form factor and dizzying color options, the 8X does hold its own. It’s crafted from the same polycarbonate that gives the Lumia its signature swagger. HTC has also included Beats Audio here, much like in its One-branded smartphones. The non-expandable 16GB storage may be a drawback, but that wholly depends on your storage needs.

 

 HTC Windows Phone 8S

Screen: 4 inches, 800×480 pixels, 233ppi, Super LCD
Specs: 1GHz dual-core, 512MB RAM, 4GB storage (32GB)
OS: Windows Phone 8
Camera: 5MP rear (720p video)
Connection: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
Price: TBA

Description: HTC’s Windows Phone 8S is the cheaper option in the company’s WP8 offerings, and it’s a fairly large step down spec-wise from its more luxurious counterpart. The two-toned coloring is pretty flattering, but the cheaper, plastic build can’t compete with the polycarbonate body of the 8X; the saving grace is that HTC opted for a matte finish. Like the Lumia 820, the 8S supports microSD for added storage. The 8S also doesn’t have a front-facing camera, a rather weird move considering Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype and it’s RAM, screen resolution, and storage are lacking. 

Samsung ATIV S

Screen: 4.8 inches, 1280×720 pixels, 306ppi, HD Super AMOLED
Specs: 1.5GHz dual-core, 1GB RAM, 16 or 32GB storage
OS: Windows Phone 8
Camera: 8MP rear, 1.9MP front
Connection: 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
Price: TBA

Description: Judging by the looks of the ATIV S, Samsung wasn’t invited to Microsoft’s neon-centric design meeting. In stark contrast to its fellow WP8 devices, the ATIV S is rocking a brushed metallic finish and only comes in a single color option. However, it’s certainly nice to see Samsung can make a device that isn’t made of plastic. The ATIV S wins in terms of storage space, supporting up to 32GB of added storage through an appropriately sized microSD. But all in all, the ATIV S isn’t as unique as what Nokia and HTC are presenting. Samsung may, literally, be phoning it in.

Huawei Ascend W1 and Ascend W2

Not a lot is known about Huawei’s rumored pair of Windows Phone 8 devices. We’re still waiting for the official unveiling, but we do know the W1 will be its flagship device and the W2 will most likely be a mid-range device.

However, if the Ascend is anything like the Android-powered P1 then the smartphone will pack a 4.3-inch screen, Super AMOLED display, and 4GB of storage. Due to Microsoft’s restrictions on Windows Phone 8 devices, we can expect the Ascend will also come with a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 and 1GB of RAM. It will also probably look a lot like the device pictured at left. 

Here’s hoping Huawei puts its best foot forward here and launches an incredible pair of smartphones. 

Any of these new devices stand out to you? Are you planning on upgrading to Windows Phone 8 when it launches? Let us know in the comments below.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/upcoming-windows-phone-8-devices/

Read More

Following a logo update, eBay unveils a Pinspired redesign

The new eBay redesign is here, and it looks a lot like Pinterest -- if Pinterest's goal was to help you spend tons of cash.

Earlier in September, eBay announced that a “new eBay” was coming, teasing the audience with a logo rebranding to reveal a slimmer, more modern take on what used to be a clunky, bulbous design. Today, eBay takes the next step in unveiling a site overhaul that shows off a Pinterest-like grid interface to help shoppers browse more comfortably and more visually.

The “old” eBay allowed shoppers to view search results in a list or grid view, with price, auction end date, and Buy It Now options either lining the right side of the screen or hidden in grid view. The new design is tailored to be more mobile friendly, allowing for larger photos and fitting more listings in one page without having to scroll through search results. The redesign is even more helpful for shop owners, as they can have a prettier place to display all the items being auctioned off while their star ratings are located promptly at the top of their profiles to offer credibility. 

Furthermore, eBay users can view a feed of watched items, featured, recently viewed, or “My Feed,” which showcases a grid of things you’ve chosen to curate under your profile. This way, even if you aren’t selling the item yourself, you can promote your customers to a list of products they might like based off purchases they’ve made from your store before.

“The future of commerce is personal, driven by data. Search results and recommendations are no longer enough,” eBay President Devin Wenig writes in an announcement post. “Consumers want insight. And they want personal, curated selection that is relevant to them, controlled by them.”

EBay joins Facebook in revealing a Pinterest-ified e-commerce element this week. The social network recently unveiled its Collections feature, a brand-facing tool that gives retailers a visual, pinboard-formatted way to show off their goods. The mechanism also introduced “Collect” and “Want” actions to Facebook, giving users the ability to create wishlists and show off their purchases, as well as click-through buying power. And, of course, it all looks incredibly similar to the site that really ignited the social shopping craze — Pinterest. The hype about its profit-turning power has been enough to get e-commerce hopefuls mimicking its design. 

The more contemporary, clean eBay interface is slated for launch in the upcoming weeks stateside, while a global launch should be anticipated by the year’s end. It’s definitely eBay’s answer to being more intuitive, and making shoppers spend money faster in an Amazon-like fashion. If you’re already an avid eBayer, the redesign might make it that much more appealing for you to keep auctioning the things you want and want to sell, but it’s still going to be a tough to compete with the hoards of loyal Amazon users. 

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/following-a-logo-update-ebay-unveils-a-pinspired-redesign/

Read More

Hands on: Nokia Lumia 810 review

Here at MobileCon 2012, we got to put our hands on T-Mobile's exclusive Windows phone, the upcoming Nokia Lumia 810. Unfortunately, holding this handsome new handset was about all we were allowed to do. The smartphone version of the Windows 8 OS is still very hush-hush, and demo units we saw wouldn't even turn on.

Still, there was a lot to be gleaned from playing with the device, and we know it will launch ready for T-Mobile's HSPA+ 42 network. While T-Mobile wouldn't talk price or release date, we'd be surprised if didn't show up in time for the holiday rush.

While we couldn't mess with the OS, we did learn the specs. Internally, the Lumia 810 packs a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor and 1GB of RAM. There's 8GB of onboard storage, with room for an additional 32GB via MicroSD. The antenna is a quad-band 3G UMTS/HSPA, and the battery is an 1800 mAh Lithium ion.

Holding the Lumia 810, its 5 ounce (145 gram) weight was pleasing in the hand. The phone's design felt a little boxy, at least compared with the sleeker Lumia 920.

Lets talk dimensions, the Lumia 810 measures 17.8 x 68.4 x 11.2 mm, with an OLED screen providing 4.3 inches of visual real estate, and a resolution of 800x480. When Windows 8 is actually loaded on the device, it will features the customizable Live Tiles that have come to represent Microsoft's new mobile OS.

The most distinct aspect of the Lumia 810 is that colorful plastic backing, which can be removed and swapped out. There were two colors on display at MobileCon 2012, a bright cyan blue and a plain black. Removing the back casing was a little tough, not as easy as pulling a rubber casing off an iPhone 5.

We were left wondering if there would be more colors eventually available, perhaps by third-parties. We've really enjoyed the colorfulness of devices like the Windows Phone 8X and Windows Phone 8S. We'd like to see more than just two colors.

The Lumia 810 is very photography-friendly. Like all Windows phones, it has a dedicated hardware camera button which brings you right into picture taking mode. That camera takes 8-megapixel snaps, and can also shoot 1080p video. In the front there's a 1.2-megapixel chat cam. Nokia is calling it Skype-certified. We're not sure what that means, but 1.2-Mp should make for good quality video calling.

Finally, as both a Windows and Nokia device, the Lumia 810 will come packed with apps from both companies. From Microsoft there will be tie-ins with Xbox Live, and Nokia will provide its two navigation services, the turn-by-turn Nokia Drive and the augmented reality app Nokia City Lens. Media suites will include an ESPN app and music streamer Slacker Radio. T-Mobile is getting in on it too, offering T-Mobile TV, its app for streaming all kinds of TV to your phone. Music fans will be happy to know the phones supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, MPEG4 and WAV.

Early Verdict

Even more so than usual with a hands-on assessment, it's way too early to call it with the Nokia Lumia 810. We didn't get to play with the OS, and that's half the battle with a Windows 8 device.

After seeing the bright and attractive Windows Phone 8X and 8S lineup, as well as the Lumia 920, we were disappointed to see only two color options for the Lumia 810. However, this could change before the phone's release, either by Nokia itself or from third-party accessory intervention.

We also weren't in love with the phone's boxy design, but it was pleasant to hold, and with its reasonable size, we think it will be easy to operate one-handed, something we're losing as smartphones grow larger.

Ultimately, we have greater anticipation for the Windows 8 smartphone OS than we do for any single Windows phone. Still, we think T-Mobile customers and Microsoft fans could have a lot to look forward to with the Nokia Lumia 810.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/nokia-lumia-810-1103450/review

Read More

Microsoft Points are out on Windows 8, here to stay on Xbox 360

In clarifying the future of its virtual currency, Microsoft confirms that Microsoft Points will be used on Xbox 360 but not Windows 8.

It’s always surprising when a massive corporation decides to introduce consumer friendly policies. Obviously Sony wants people to buy more PS Vitas, but it’s still impressive that it’s just giving away Vita versions of games like Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time with PS3 versions that are going to be sold for $60 regardless. On Monday, it appeared that Microsoft would finally reconsider some of the more byzantine and vicious monetization policies in its entertainment business. It would still charge people to play together online through Xbox Live, but it would finally stop using Microsoft Points, its virtual currency, for downloadable purchases. The reasoning was sound: The Windows 8 platform would unify all Microsofts platforms—PC, Windows Phone, and the still unannounced Xbox 720—and digital shopping transparency would speed adoption of the platform.

Turns out that Microsoft won’t be engaging in any consumer friendly activity after all, as the company confirmed on Wednesday that it was not just keeping Microsoft Points, it would further confuse its audience by using real money prices on other platforms.

“Microsoft Points continue to be the currency for purchasing content for the Xbox 360 console,” a Microsoft spokesman told The Verge. When it releases on Oct. 26, though, Windows 8 will let users purchase goods, even through Xbox Live, using local currency or Microsoft points. “Current Xbox Live customers may also make a purchase using points.”

Any customers looking for parity between their Xbox Music and Xbox Video accounts between their Xbox 360 in the living room and, for example, a Windows 8 laptop taken on the road will be out of luck.

Microsoft’s confirmation that Microsoft Points are here to stay on the Xbox 360 does not mean that its policy won’t change when the next console arrives. The Xbox 720, sometimes called Durango, will run on the Windows 8 operating system according to Microsoft’s Brian Hall, so it’s reasonable to expect that by the time it releases in 2013/2014, Microsoft will finally stop charging consumers for virtual currency packs that leave them with credit they can’t spend.

The time for Microsoft to begin changing its policies is now though. If Windows 8 is going to be successful as a core for the company’s growing entertainment businesses, it needs parity across all platforms. Restricting options on the Xbox 360, and continuing to charge for services like online play as part of Xbox Gold, is only going to alienate consumers increasingly accustomed to free play and real money pricing on platforms like iOS.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/microsoft-points-are-out-on-windows-8-here-to-stay-on-xbox-360/

Read More

Groupon’s turning its Breadcrumb acquisition into an iPad point-of-sale system

Groupon unveiled its latest play in assert the company as a commerce platform with the iPad-based point-of-sale system for merchants.

Groupon acquired iPad point-of-sale solution Breadcrumb just a few months ago and today the daily deals giant has accordingly unveiled its own POS system for local businesses to use on the iPad. While Groupon has offered a Square-like card reader to its clients, the new service is a fully-featured cash register replacement. Given Groupon’s recent launch of its payment system, Groupon Payments, the physical POS system is a natural next step. 

With Groupon Payments, Groupon hopes to reassure shareholders that have been disappointment by the company’s performance since its initial IPO price at $20 per share tanked and settled into single digits. At the moment, based on Yahoo Finance, Groupon’s stock is priced at $5.31. Still, that number is up since September, when it was at its lowest at $4.15 per share.

According to Groupon’s blog post, Breadcrumb’s General Manager Seth Harris explains that the company will be purposed with the hospitality industry in mind. “We started Breadcrumb to provide the hospitality industry with the best POS experience it has ever had,” says Harris. Breadcrumb is a fairly robust point-of-sale system: Servers can search for menu items and rearrange tables within the iPad-based software, take and place orders, split checks, process payments, and access analytics to track sales and performance.

Breadcrumb for Groupon will run strictly on iPads for a recurring monthly rental fee of $99, and this cost includes 24/7 support from Groupon’s hospitality focused customer service representatives. Breadcrumb will likely have multiple payment plans depending on the number of terminals that a business is interested in renting. All plans include the iPad compatible Breadcrumb software for rent, unlimited users, and free updates. But for $399 per month, merchants can use Breadcrumb on as many as 10 iPads, according to Breadcrumb’s site. Although, for that cost, the hardware (iPads, printers, and cash drawers) isn’t included.

Groupon Payments will likely serve as the payment system running on top of Breadcrumb’s platform. We’ve reached out to Groupon to clarify this.

When we last talked to Groupon, we learned exclusively that the company is working on developing a brick-and-mortar point-of-sale terminal for local mom-and-pop type shops, which should be introduced within the next month. According to a Groupon rep, not all small retail owners are tech savvy and interested in evolving into iPad POS services. 

With Groupon’s stock price slowly climbing, the company may have found a way to crawl out of the daily deals black hole.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/groupon-post-acquisition-of-breadcrumb-serves-up-ipad-point-of-sale-system/

Read More

Complimentary iPad use in McDonald’s will be the greasiest iPad of all

McDonald's is installing iPads for use in one of its Virginia Beach location. Cool idea, or Contagion-in-real-life in the making?

In an attempt to digitize its dining experience, a newly-opened McDonald’s in Hampton Roads, Virginia will now offer customers complimentary use of Apple iPads installed at various booths of its retail store. The iPads will be held up on white stands, one of which holds two devices back-to-back, so diners can check their Facebook profiles, play games, and even shop online while they’re munching away at their favorite fast food item. 

“It’s a great idea to stay relevant, especially to a new generation,” Hugh Fard, the iPad-equipped McDonald’s owner who opened the new location last week, told The Virginian-Pilot.  ”People like to multitask, so why not provide that element for them?”

Fard said he found the inspiration to add iPads to his restaurant from a recent McDonald’s convention in Florida, and found that McDonald’s stores in Europe had iPad offerings developed and installed by a French-based company. After months waiting for an approval from the American-based headquarters, Fard was able to successfully lease five iPads from the French company so in case the devices are stolen or damaged, the company will replace the tablets.

It’s an interesting way to keep customers in the store longer (despite the fast food nature of the restaurant), but American McDonald’s has yet to warm up to the idea on a national basis. Depending on how the iPad installation is received, it could be possible for McD’s to begin expanding the feature to other retailers across the states. If so, it could be certain McDonald’s will begin installing its own Web limitations on the iPad so customers are restricted to using family-friendly websites and apps while you’re under the golden arches.

But still, as if it isn’t gross enough to touch public bathroom door knobs, touchscreen ticket booths, and escalator handrails, swiping your hand all over an iPad that’s been fondled by fries-covered, McDouble-d fingertips may just change your mentality about tablets forever. 

What do you think of free iPad use in McDonald’s? A fun idea, or totally unnecessary?

Image Credit: The Virginia-Pilot

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/free-ipad-use-in-virginia-mcdonalds/

Read More

Office for iOS and Android coming March 2013?

Office goes mobile

Mobile workers rejoice, it looks as though Microsoft Office 2013 is making its way to iOS and Android in native app form in early 2013.

Not only did Microsoft product manager Petr Bobek let slip the news to a Czech tech site, The Verge has also seen a Microsoft press release to that effect.

According to the site's translators, the Czech release reads, "In addition to Windows, Office will be also available on other operating systems, Windows Phone, Windows RT, Mac OS, Android, iOS and Symbian.

"Office 365 services and other Office products for mobile (phones and tablets) will be released from March 2013."

Office worker

It goes on to add that Office 2013 will be available to businesses in December, while consumers will have to hang on until February next year.

Office for iPad first popped up late last year, with The Daily claiming to have seen the app in action; since then, there have been rumours of Office making its way to iPad and Android in November 2012 as well, but nothing has materialised yet.

Perhaps we'll hear more about the app at Microsoft's Windows 8 launch, scheduled for October 26.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/office-for-ios-and-android-coming-march-2013-1103420

Read More

Nokia Belle FP2 update is now fixed, reseeded to users

Finally, the issues have been ironed out and Nokia has restarted the rollout of the Nokia Belle Feature Pack 2 firmware update.

The update is headed for Nokia OS devices including the Nokia 808 PureView, 701, 700 and 603. The PureView will also get some extra imaging and gallery features.

As for other changes - the user interface will get a new swipe to unlock, the camera UI will get a refresh, while the navigation bar, widgets and transition effects all get minor tweaks. The keyboard will now offer word completion and predictive text input. The web browser is also updated and comes with an improved JavaScript engine for better performance.

The update is available through Nokia Suite and owners of the eligible devices should be getting the update notification any moment now.

Via
Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_belle_fp2_update_is_now_fixed_heads_towards_users-news-4927.php

Read More

Galaxy S III mini specs and photo leak - dual-core CPU and JB

Well that was fast - the Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini leaked in full before tomorrow's official announcement. These specs are not official so they might be inaccurate, but they look right for a 4" Samsung Galaxy S III mini device.

The screen is 4" big (which we already knew) and it's a Super AMOLED unit of WVGA resolution (so likely the same screen as on the original Galaxy S). The phone is powered by a ST-Ericsson U8420 chipset with a dual-core CPU clocked at 1GHz and 1GB RAM.

The Samsung Galaxy S III mini will launch with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean with Samsung's traditional TouchWiz customizations on top. The main camera will be a 5MP unit with LED flash and there will be a front-facing VGA camera, though there's no info on the video recording (fingers crossed for 1080p, but it might be 720p too).

Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini next to the Galaxy Note II

On the connectivity side we have quad-band 2G and tri-band 3G with 14.4Mbps HSDPA and 5.76 HSUPA, dual-band Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, DLNA, Bluetooth 4.0, optional NFC and a microUSB port. The built-in storage is set at 16GB, expandable with a microSD card.

The Galaxy S III mini will measure 121.6 x 63 x 9.9 mm and will have a plastic exterior that looks like the Galaxy S Duos (a small S III/Note II lookalike). The weight was not included in the leaked specs. The battery inside it will have 1500mAh capacity.

The pricing info puts the Samsung Galaxy S III mini at €400 ($515), which isn't much less than a full-sized Galaxy S III. We'll wait for the official pricing info during tomorrow's official unveiling.

Source (in German) | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s_iii_mini_specs_leak_packs_dualcore_cpu_jelly_bean-news-4926.php

Read More

How BlackBerry 10 avoids Android's security issues

Marineau: "The model with Android is one of microforking"

Google's problem with Android is both the Linux and Java components it's built with and the way it's implemented by multiple handset makers. That's according to Sebastien Marineau, the senior vice president of BlackBerry OS.

TechRadar at the BlackBerry Jam conference. That causes security headaches and ultimately limits what Android can do.

"I call it architectural integrity; maintaining integrity of the architecture and for that you need to deeply understand that architecture. The model with Android is one of microforking, from handset manufacturer to handset manufacturer and even between handsets."

BlackBerry 10 and QNX partition what different apps and processes are allowed to do very strictly, but the design of Android is quite different. "It's much harder to partition in Android because it's a distributed architecture. It's a distributed object model throughout all the Java components and processes and it's far more difficult to partition that."

Plus there is a lot of Android to understand, compared to the small but powerful QNX kernel that powers PlayBook and BlackBerry 10. "If you look at the microkernel architecture, the microkernel is the only trusted component in the system," he explains. "It's the one thing that can never fail and it gets to control access."

Sebastien Marineau-Mes Senior VP for BlackBerry OS

"In the case of our microkernel it's about 100,000 lines of code, give or take ten thousand and that's the core code that has to be absolutely bullet proof. If you look at something like Linux, I don't know what it's up to today but it was up to 14 million lines six months ago. That code all runs in privileged space and one line in that can take down the whole system or be the vulnerability that people exploit. It's very difficult to test to prove that that amount of code is secure and bug free."

A mature kernel

But the QNX kernel is very stable and the QNX team knows it inside out. "We didn't rewrite the QNX operating system for BB10," he points out. "We took that platform and we took the operating system and we're building an entirely new mobile stack on top of it but the core of it, QNX, has stood the test of time. The version we're building on first released in 1999 to 2000. When you look at the heart of an operating system it usually takes a decade to mature."

Quad-core phones

Samsung Galaxy S3 review
HTC One X review
LG Optimus 4X HD review
Huawei Ascend D Quad review

Do we really care how secure or efficient our phones are providing we can get online and play games? We will, Marineau predicts.

"A day of reckoning will come. Because as more and more of our lives migrate from desktops and laptops to mobile devices, we will have to solve the problems around security, privacy, anonymity, access to data. If we want this true seamlessness between devices, it means that the underlying plumbing has to share all this data and the only way to do it is going to be to actually solve these hard problems. I am sure there will be some spectacular security breaches - and then people will wake up."

One LTE phone everywhere

Better security is just one of the advantages from QNX, Marineau believes. Not having an LTE phone this year really hurt BlackBerry sales but as he points out, "LTE devices today have really poor battery life." It's an area where he thinks BlackBerry 10 can shine with the way it squeezes out more battery life by using the efficient connection to the RIM network for saving power when you're getting email or social network updates.

"When you use services like Facebook and Twitter they're typically polled services. We can turn them into push or do clever things in how we align all these services and when they're polling in order to save battery life."

Explained

4G and LTE: everything you need to know

Plus LTE phones today only work in one country. "The challenge of LTE is there are so many bands and every country is different. The complexity of building an LTE world phone is huge."

But in a few years' time, RIM will have software switched antennas (developed by a company it bought called Paratech) that could work with all the different LTE frequencies around the world, so RIM could make a single phone and sell it everywhere – or you could take your UK LTE phone and use in the US when you travel.

Plus the OS and even apps could behave differently depending on how you're connected and where you are. That's something Marineau says the Android architecture won't support.

"It's one of the benefits of actually owning the stack. You're basically able to change anything in the stack to globally optimise when you have a hard problem to solve, which is something that iOS can do but Android is limited in what they can change.

"They can't really change Linux that much; and they get standard drivers from vendors and it's difficult for them to change them. If you look at where they're innovating, they're innovating in the Java layer at the top but they're constrained in what they can do lower down the stack."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/how-blackberry-10-avoids-androids-security-issues-1103381

Read More

Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini launching tomorrow

I will call him... Mini Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini launch event has been confirmed as tomorrow, when the 4-inch handset will take to the stage in Germany.

We first reported that we may see a slimmed down version of the popular, but rather large Samsung Galaxy S3 last week after an invite to the German event showed up online.

JK Shin, Samsung's head of communications has now confirmed that the Korean firm will indeed release the Galaxy S3 Mini on October 11.

Expect big power in a smaller package

Shin also said that Samsung fans shouldn't be concerned about the specifications of the Galaxy S3 Mini, as the handset won't be found wanting in that department, and would have a "full form factor".

It's unclear if the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini will sport exactly the same quad-core processor and 8MP camera as found in the S3 - although that would be pretty fantastic, we also reckon it's highly unlikely.

Our money is on a punchy dual-core chip and potentially toned-down camera – however this would mean the Galaxy S3 Mini would be similar, if not slightly less featured packed than the still excellent, but now reasonably priced Samsung Galaxy S2.

The 4-inch display means the Galaxy S3 Mini could turn out to be a direct rival to the new iPhone 5, which sports, for the first time on an Apple smartphone, a bigger display.

The Galaxy S3 Mini could also come running Android 4.1, which would be the first handset in Samsung's core range (ignoring the Galaxy Nexus) to sport the Jelly Bean software.

Luckily we've not got long to wait, with all our questions being answered tomorrow. We spoke to Samsung, and a spokeperson for the company said: "The Galaxy S III Mini will come with a 4" display and we are going to unveil the product tomorrow (Oct 11th)."

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-s3-mini-launching-tomorrow-1103366

Read More

Samsung boss confirms the Galaxy S3 Mini is coming on October 11

According to Samsung's JK Shin, the company will announce the Galaxy S3 Mini at an event in Frankfurt on October 11.

Last week, an invitation to a special Samsung event did the rounds, but rather than the company’s usual Unpacked logo and glitzy location, it was written in German and the event itself was to be held in Samsung’s own store in Frankfurt. The slogan across the top of the document was translated into English, and found to say “ So big can be small. And so small can be big,” or words to that effect, plus there was a familiar “S” logo in the background too.

This was all taken to be proof of a Galaxy S3 Mini device, and that Samsung was preparing it for launch at the October 11 event. Now, with a day to go until the mysterious event, Samsung’s Mobile Communications boss, JK Shin, has spilled the beans in a chat with the Korean press.

He appears to have confirmed that the event is indeed for a Galaxy S3 Mini, with TheVerge.com translating the article and finding these words “We’ll be launching a 4-inch Galaxy S3 on the 11th in Germany,” and adding that “there’s a lot of demand for a 4-inch screen device in Europe. Some call it an entry-level device, but we call it ‘mini.’”

You can read the Korean report here, but Google Translate doesn’t do as good a job as whoever translated for TheVerge.com.

Leaked specs recall the Galaxy S Advance

This isn’t the first we’re hearing of the Galaxy S3 Mini though, as it has previously been leaked after it was spotted in T-Mobile Netherlands computer system, where it was listed as having a 4-inch screen with an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, a 5-megapixel camera and a 1GHz, dual-core processor. Sammobile.com also repeated these specs in its own leak, and added a possible 250 euro/$320 price tag for good measure.

While this spec list is a considerable step down from the Galaxy S3 we’re already familiar with, that low-end price tag is less than half the cost of the full-size model, potentially pitting the S3 Mini up against Apple’s cheaper iPhone 4S, and leaving the iPhone 5 to its big brother.

The only thing is, the above specification is almost identical to the Galaxy S Advance, a re-worked version of the original Galaxy S which was released earlier this year. Could Samsung be taking the S Advance’s internals and popping them inside an S3-style body, purely to pull the range together and make it easier for the marketing folk? If so, that could explain why it’s not making a big deal over the S3 Mini’s release.

Whatever happens, we’ll find out tomorrow, October 11, when Samsung unveils something small in Frankfurt.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-confirms-galaxy-s3-mini-for-october-11/

Read More

iPhone 5 production slows down due to stricter quality control

Apple is experiencing a slowdown in the iPhone 5 production as the company is trying to enforce a tighter control over the manufacturing process. The company is working with Foxconn to lower down the number of devices shipped with nicks and scratches.

According to an anonymous source who spoke to Bloomberg, the build quality issues and chips of the iPhone 5 are due to the special aluminum Apple has decided to use for the smartphone, which allows the construction of the thinner and lighter body.

That's why senior Apple managers have forced stricter quality control policies on Foxconn's manufacturing locations. The implementation of the new benchmarks has even resulted in idle factories, which in turn should lead to iPhone 5 shortages in the near future.

According to Bloomberg supply concerns have already cost Apple about $60 billion in market cap since the iPhone 5 debut.

This report gives some credibility to the story about Foxconn Zhengzhou workers going on strike. We'll see if Apple manages to take the scratching problems of its premium flagship smartphone under control.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/iphone_5_production_slows_down_due_to_stricter_aluminum_quality_control-news-4925.php

Read More

Samsung to unveil 4-inch Galaxy S III mini tomorrow in Germany

The rumors were true, the Samsung Galaxy S family is about to get a new member. No, not a Galaxy S IV, but a Galaxy S III mini. The news comes straight from JK Shin, Samsung's president, and the phone will be launching as soon as tomorrow.

JK Shin holding the big Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S III mini is going to have a 4" screen and according to Shin it has been driven by an increased interest in smaller high-end phones in Europe (current high-end droid have 4.5+ inch screens).

The type and resolution of the screen was kept a secret, but it will probably be a 4" WVGA Super AMOLED like the first gen Galaxy S or a 4" WVGA TFT like the Galaxy S Duos.

The Galaxy S III mini will have a model number I8190 according to the rumor mill and German site AllAboutSamsung has found photos on Picasa from a phone with just that model number. The photos are shot at 3MP, but the site suggests the camera will actually have a 5MP sensor. Shin's announcement to the Korean press doesn’t mention any camera specs, so we'll have to wait another day to find out.

The resolution of the video captured with the Samsung Galaxy S III mini camera is not known and will probably depend on the chipset in use, which is another unknown. An Exynos 4412 Quad like its big bro and the Note II or a dual-core (this is a mini after all, the battery might not have enough juice for a quad core).

At any rate we won't have to wait long to find out, the official announcement of the S III mini is slated for tomorrow, October 11, in Germany.

Source 1 (in Korean) | Via • Source 2 (in German) (thanks Rajkumar for the tip!)

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_to_unveil_4inch_galaxy_s_iii_mini_tomorrow_in_germany-news-4924.php

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 takes a top five place in best mobile phones

Samsung Galaxy Note 2

There's a been a key new entry in TechRadar's famed top 20 best mobile phones list – with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 making a top five entry.

TechRadar's list has become one of the most viewed parts of the site - and changes at the top indicate big shifts in what the experts and the public are saying.

The Note 2 has landed just a single place behind the Apple iPhone 5 to take fourth spot, with the Samsung Galaxy S3 still holding top place from the HTC One X in second.

Even since the first Samsung Galaxy Note the big screen has always been divisive with some feeling that the extra room is exactly what they want from a phone, and others suggesting that a handset should be more pocket-friendly.

Niche to know you

"Ultimately, there's no getting away from the fact that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a niche device," suggests Phil Lavelle in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 review.

"But it does almost everything it sets out to do perfectly, with grace, class and maximum functionality."

That explains the four-and-a-half stars the phone was awarded – a key score in an increasingly competitive phone market.

With the HTC One X+ incoming, HTC's Windows Phone 8X and the widely mooted LG Nexus phone on the horizon and the iPhone 5 selling like hot cakes – phones are the most fascinating market in tech right now.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-2-takes-a-top-five-place-in-best-mobile-phones-1103336

Read More

The QWERTY is back with the LG Mach

Sprint has announced the LG Mach, a new QWERTY slider Android smartphone that sits just below the Motorola Photon Q in the network's range.

The QWERTY slider form factor still has its fans, and Sprint wants to make sure they’re well catered for on its network, so it has introduced the new LG Mach. Now, with a name like that, you’re probably expecting incredible performance, but while the Mach isn’t a basic phone, it’s not quite up there with the range-toppers of today.

What we’ve got is a 4-inch touchscreen with an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, which slides to the side to reveal a big QWERTY keyboard, providing users with the best of both worlds. You’ll have to be prepared to compromise on size and weight when comparing it to its touch-only peers though, as the LG Mach is a chunky beast at 12mm thick and 168 grams.

Deep inside the phone is a 1.2GHz, dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, while the operating system is Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Although LG doesn’t talk about it in the press release, CNet.com says the Mach will be upgradeable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, but doesn’t offer any timescale.

There is a 5-megapixel camera on the rear of the phone, which can also shoot 1080p video, plus a basic 0.3 megapixel forward-facing video call lens above the screen. LG makes a point of highlighting the Mach’s eco-friendliness, saying it’s 56-percent recyclable, and has been given the seal of approval by a couple of environmental foundations too.

The Mach will connect to Sprint’s 4G LTE network and other features include Bluetooth 4.0, a 1700mAh battery, 8GB of internal storage memory, GPS, a microSD card slot and NFC.

As unusual as the LG Mach’s form factor may be these days, it’s not alone on the market, and one of its closest rivals is also offered through Sprint. The Motorola Photon Q has a slightly larger screen at 4.3-inches, an 8-megapixel camera and a 1.5GHz, dual-core processor, so the LG Mach will likely come in at a slightly lower price. It does win over in one key area though, as the Mach is ever-so slightly lighter and slimmer than the Photon Q.

Sprint hasn’t provided any release information or pricing structure at all, so if you’re interested in the phone, you’ll need a little patience.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/sprint-announces-the-qwerty-lg-mach/

Read More

Quality-control crackdown causing iPhone 5 supply issues, Apple shares knocked

There are no worries about consumer demand for the new iPhone 5 – Apple is selling millions of them. The problem, thanks to its popularity, is on the supply side. However, quality-control issues and component shortages are not helping the situation.

When the new iPhone 5 started landing in people’s hands last month, it didn’t take long before forums started to fill with comments from disgruntled customers complaining that their handset was delivered with scuffs and scratches on its anodized aluminum back.

Its predecessor, the 4S, had a glass back so didn’t suffer from the same problem. The new aluminum design has enabled Apple to make its popular smartphone thinner and lighter than any earlier iteration, but it seems the soft material also makes it more susceptible to damage.

Quality control

It appears the issue has caused something of a stir behind the scenes at Apple, with a Bloomberg report Wednesday suggesting the supply shortage of the new handset is in part down to a quality-control crackdown by the phone’s manufacturer, Foxconn.

Foxconn is reportedly working hard to limit the number of Apple smartphones leaving its plants with scuffs and scratches, with Bloomberg citing “a person familiar with the matter” as its source.

“Senior Apple managers told executives at Foxconn near the end of September to tighten production standards,” the report claims.

A shortage of iPhone 5 components is also proving to be a problem for the Cupertino company, contributing to manufacturing challenges. As a result, RBC Capital Markets analysts have reevaluated their iPhone 5 sales forecast for the December quarter, cutting it to 49 million units from 57 million.

Share price drop

Worries about supply appear to have been a contributory factor in Apple’s falling share price, with $60 billion wiped off the company’s market value since the handset’s launch. On Tuesday shares closed at $635.85, significantly down from the record $700+ value they reached only a couple of weeks ago.

Demand for the iPhone 5 has admittedly been incredibly strong, with Apple announcing a record five million orders in its first three days of sales. Although a wait is always expected if you order an iPhone online soon after launch (currently 3-4 weeks), it seems the supply problems are being compounded by the quality-control issue and component shortages.

Scuffs

Handsets turning up with scuffs and marks were reported right from the start with the iPhone 5. One unhappy owner fired off an email to Apple’s marketing chief, Phil Schiller, and received the following response:

“Any aluminum product may scratch or chip with use, exposing its natural silver color. That is normal,” Schiller wrote. Trouble is, some of the devices have been arriving damaged.

Until the initial rush to buy the new handset dies down and Apple gets on top of the current supply issues, a certain degree of patience is required if you’re thinking about ordering an iPhone 5 anytime soon. As for Apple’s share value, no doubt that’ll bounce back once (if) it unveils the iPad Mini later this month.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/quality-control-crackdown-causing-iphone-5-supply-issues/

Read More