How much will my new iPhone change in a year?

All the information on the iOS transformations

Today's smartphone owners are a different beast to those that shelled out for a mobile phone a decade ago. We now expect regular updates to make our phones better, faster and less buggy, and we want the updates now - and there's none more expectant than the iPhone user.

However, it's not just those who'll be in line (or online) to buy the iPhone 5S who stand to benefit when the all-new iOS launches this month,; it's also an exciting time for existing handset owners who'll have some new software to play with.

When new users take the wrappers off the iPhone 5S, it'll also see Apple feed down iOS 7 to all of the devices it still deems compatible, right down to the three-year-old iPhone 4. What's old will become new again for iPhone owners this month.

Indeed, despite Apple's desire to have everyone upgrade to the latest device in its range, it has played a fair hand in ensuring legacy device owners can have access to as many of the new features as possible.

However, once iOS 7 drops there'll also be plenty of in-version updates coming throughout the next year, bringing refinements and improvements and perhaps, (whisper it) some bug fixes, before iOS 8 comes along in 2014.

So how many times will would-be owners of the new iPhone be gifted updates? Will the iOS 7 we see drop later this month be the only new features iPhone users can expect for the next 12 months, or can we expect a slew of updates to boost iOS 7 as the year goes on?

iPhone OS – The legend begins

Number of updates: 5

iOS didn't start life as iOS, as that moniker only arrived with iOS 4 in 2010. For the first few versions, Apple simply referred to it as the iPhone OS, a mobile version of Mac OS X, the company's desktop software and the first to boast a touchscreen interface.

With a mobile version of Safari, Mail, YouTube, Google Maps, iTunes and more, it was billed as the entire web on one device.

Apple didn't rest on its laurels for a year though, as it tweaked the software throughout the next 12 months.

iPhone OS 1.0.2 brought bug fixes and improved speaker volume, but iPhone OS 1.1.1 was the first major bump.

It brought access to the iTunes music store, allowing users to buy music over Wi-Fi, a change that would further mobilise the digital music revolution. It also brought compatibility for a video out connection, while double clicking the Home button allowed users to access shortcuts.

iPhone 1.1.2 brought international keyboard support and little else, but the next major update, which arrived in January of 08 was a real big hitter.

iPhone OS 1.1.3 brought a much-improved Google Maps app, which triangulated the user's current position using Wi-Fi towers, and also debuted a new interface.

This update also focused on improving the iPhone's Home screen, allowing icon position to be customised and web pages to be saved to the home screen. Apple called them "Web Clips."

Group SMS was also a welcome addition. iTunes Movie Rentals also arrived with this update, but at this stage they weren't available for on-device purchases.

"iPhone doesn't stand still - we're making it better and better all the time," said Steve Jobs, Apple's then CEO in the company's press release. "We've delighted millions of users with this revolutionary and magical product and it's great to share these improvements with them."

Two more versions (1.1.4 and 1.1.5) brought more minor updates before iPhone OS 2.0 arrived in June 2008, but thanks to these updates the iPhone was a far superior device at the end of its first year than it was at the beginning.

iPhone OS 2.0 – Birth of an app nation

Number of updates: 5

When the iPhone 3G arrived the numerous hardware updates were partly overshadowed by the improvements to the iPhone's software. The app-dominated mobile ecosystem we see today began in earnest with the launch of the App Store and the arrival of third-party apps within iPhone OS 2.0.

That version also added Microsoft Exchange support, opening the device up to business users and introduced MobileMe, the platform that would eventually become iCloud.

Owners of the original iPhone also were also able to upgrade to the new software, a trend which has continued where possible until this very day.

In terms of updates, well iPhone OS 2.0 had plenty… mainly because plenty of fixes were required.

iPhone OS 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 brought bug fixes, before the first major update iOS 2.1 delivered answers to complaints about battery life, speed and dropped calls.

It also sought to improve third-party app download speeds, brought faster iTunes backups and faster contact loading. In terms of features, it added the Genius playlists the company introduced at an iPod event in September 2008.

iPhone OS 2.2 was a little more rich in new features bringing Google Street View to the iPhone for the first time, as well as driving directions, walking directions and public transport.

Google Maps would also show display the address of dropped pins and enable locations to be shared. Podcasts were also available to download for the first time, while Apple continued to work on eliminating dropped calls. In January of 2009 Apple made a few more fixes with iPhone OS 2.2.1.

By the end of that cycle, the second version of iPhone OS had become much more stable, but hadn't grown significantly in terms of new features. However, the arrival of third-party apps meant that didn't really matter as much, with users exposed to a new world of other options.

iPhone OS 3 – Filling in the gaps

Number of updates 4

The launch of the iPhone 3GS in the summer of 2009 saw Apple bring iPhone OS 3 in to play. It ushered in a large array of new features that improved life for iPhone owners without revolutionising it.

MMS finally arrived, as did push notifications for third-party apps, the system-wide Spotlight search tool, voice control (a pre-cursor to Siri) and the option to cut, copy and paste text into other apps. In-app purchases also debuted for paid apps, while Bluetooth stereo support enabled new wireless audio options.

As well as debuting on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 2G and iPhone 3G owners also got in on this action.

In terms of updates, well, they became less plentiful as Apple settled into its yearly update cycle and started saving new features for later versions. iOS 3.1 allowed users to buy ringtones from the iTunes Store, while the Genius feature was extended to apps.

Some bugs relating to lost network connectivity and waking the device from sleep were resolved in iOS 3.1.2, while iOS 3.1.3 brought no new features beyond stability.

iOS 3.2 arrived in April 2010 to coincide with the first-gen iPad release, but brought no new features for iPhone users. They'd have to wait until iOS 4 for the iBooks Store.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/how-much-will-my-new-iphone-change-in-a-year--1179121

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5 best sites to trade in your iPhone

Trade in that old iPhone for the new one you've been waiting for

With the impending Apple iPhone launch, you're probably scrambling to get rid of your old iPhone to make sure you can get your hands on the new iPhone 5S or iPhone 5C, right?

It involves a bit of research and we know you don't have time for that, so we've created a list of the best sites to trade-in your iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 with estimates of the most recent maximum values for 64GB AT&T devices.

Since prices fluctuate according to the market and may change on you, we figured our estimates will give you a good idea of the prices you're getting.

If your phone is in great to good condition, you're bound to get a better deal - but if the phone is cracked, or has water damage the price won't be as high. Some sites may also give you better (or worse) prices depending on your carrier and model.

Hopefully we've saved you the trouble of researching the best sites for trade-in deals so you can better spend your time scouring our site for the latest iPhone news (iPhone 6, anyone?).

1. Amazon

Easy as 1, 2, 3

Being the biggest internet e-tailer out there, it's no surprise Amazon has a trade-in program for just about everything including Apple phones.

To participate, just look up your device in the Amazon search bar, then look for the "Trade in" button on the righthand side of the page, sign in to your account and provide answers about the quality of your phone.

One thing to remember is that Amazon pays in gift cards, not cash.

Amazon's recent prices:

iPhone 5 around $441 (about £280.87, AUD$477.74)

iPhone 4S around $253 (about £161.14, AUD$274.08)

2. Gazelle

They'll give you a run for your money

Gazelle is a great trade-in site that is currently offering a 30-day price lock guarantee to up to 50 days for orders placed before Sept. 10, or the day of Apple's announcement.

If you act fast, you can get today's price for your old iPhone but still keep it until the new iPhone is released, with Oct. 15 being the last day you can send in the old phone.

Simply head to the Gazelle site and select the phone you have to get an estimate. Gazelle pays with a check, Amazon gift card or PayPal.

Gazelle's recent prices:

iPhone 5 around $350 (about £222.92, AUD$379.16)

iPhone 4S around $220 (about £140.12, AUD$238.33)

3. BuyBackWorld

A world of good deals

Another site with superb prices, BuyBackWorld's trade-in process is just as easy as Gazelle.

In fact they look pretty similar but that's fine - as long as you're getting a good price for your phones, we're happy.

Search the site for you iPhone or choose the iPhone category, select your carrier and model - then figure out if your phone is in excellent condition to get the best price.

BuyBackWorld's recent prices:

iPhone 5 around $415 (about £264.31, AUD$449.57)

iPhone 4S around $250 (about £159.23, AUD$270.83)

4. Best Buy

Your best trade-in

Best Buy has a surprisingly good program for trade-ins, though the site isn't nearly as nice to look at as the other ones.

However, it gets the job done and gives you decent prices for your old, Apple phones so it's definitely worth checking out.

Type "trade in" into the Best Buy search bar, select mobile phones and look up your iPhone model and carrier.

Like Amazon, Best Buy only offers store-exclusive gift cards.

Best Buy's recent prices:

iPhone 5 around $420 (about £267.50, AUD$454.99)

iPhone 4S around $241 (about £153.49, AUD$261.08)

5. Nextworth

What's your iPhone worth?

Nextworth is another website similar the other buyback sites, and organizes its products into easy-to-find pages.

The site probably has the most efficient estimate system with only two questions you have to answer.

Nextworth pays through PayPal instantly, a mailed check, or a Target gift card. You can even get the Target gift card immediately by bringing your device into a participating Target store.

Nextworth's recent prices:

iPhone 5 around $410 (about £261.13, AUD$444.16)

iPhone 4S around $245 (about £156.04, AUD$265.41)

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/5-best-sites-to-trade-in-your-iphone-1179484

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Samsung shores up its internet usage lead among devices vs Apple

Samsung continues to grow in emerging markets (credit: StatCounter)

Hurry up and launch that iPhone 5C already. Samsung has extended its lead vs Apple when it comes to internet usage on their respective devices, particularly in emerging markets.

Samsung mobile devices captured 25.7 percent of global internet usage in August, leaving Apple with 23.4 percent, according to web analytics firm StatCounter.

Nokia, the former leader as of last December, has faded to third place at 21.7 percent.

The interesting thing is that while Apple still dominates in key areas like the U.S., U.K., and Australia, it's being lapped in entire continents like Asia, South America and Africa.

iPhone 5C could make all the difference

Samsung vs Apple stats breakdown

Apple is doing just fine in the U.S., maintaining its lead of 52.2 percent vs Samsung's 19 percent of internet usage among devices.

Nokia's numbers, previously propped up by feature phones, have fallen to a measly 1.5 percent in the U.S.

In the U.K., it's almost the same deal. Apple users are surfing the web at a rate of 46.8 percent compared to 21.5 percent for Samsung. Nokia is holding onto 3.7 percent.

But when it comes to emerging countries like India, Samsung is more than making up for these losses with a 26.7 percent share of internet usage.

Apple has a paltry 1 percent share of India's mobile usage, according to StatCounter.

iPhone 5C to the rescue

Apple could blunt the impact that Samsung and its Galaxy devices have had on the iPhone by launching a cheap iPhone model alongside the iPhone 5S.

"Over the past 12 months Apple has increased its share in the US and UK but globally there is an on-going battle taking place between it and Samsung," said StatCounter CEO Aodhan Cullen in a press release today.

"Should the rumors prove true, it will be fascinating to see if a less expensive iPhone will help it increase market share against lower cost competitors in global markets."

Another factor the web analytics firm pointed out was Microsoft's purchase of Nokia's handset business, bringing more weight to the third-place contender, which still leads in Asia and Africa.

• Sure enough Apple may be delivering low-cost iPhones to China Mobile

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/samsung-shores-up-its-internet-usage-lead-among-devices-vs-apple-1179473

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Best portable chargers: 14 we recommend

The best portable chargers for your smartphones, tablets, gaming devices and more

With the massive amount of email checking, texting, mobile gaming and internet surfing everyone does, a reliable, portable charger has become essential to avoid that inevitable dead battery.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, going camping or simply out of the house all day, you'll probably need something that isn't too cumbersome and has enough juice to power your mobile devices.

Based on amount of usage we were able to get, weight, size and overall functionality, we tested a variety of chargers by mixing around charge times with an iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and iPad 4 in different situations to create a list of the best portable chargers - though most of the external batteries are compatible with an assortment of phones, tablets, cameras and handheld gaming devices.

Generally, the portable chargers are on the pricey side but you'll definitely get your money's worth for large mAh capacities and moderate to heavy form factor, or decent capacities and lightweight portables.

We've also added a few chargers that even smaller making them more suitable for a day out rather than a long trip away, just in case you're just looking for a quick backup charge.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/portable-devices/other-devices/best-portable-chargers-14-we-recommend-1178873

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IFA 2013 wrap-up: what made waves at this year's show

With the latest annual IFA trade fair coming to a close, it's come time for us to wrap up our own coverage.

But before we say goodbye to Berlin for yet another year, let's take a look at all of the new mobile announcements that took place in Germany's largest trade show.

Samsung

Samsung's update of its Note line came as a surprise to no one, the updated hardware design of the new Galaxy Note 3 phablet, however, did. The Galaxy Note 3's imitation leather back panel was the talk of the town, and it really feels like the real thing. Check out our coverage of the UNPACKED announcement event here, complete with a 3-page hands-on of the Note 3.

Another surprise was the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Gear - a 1.64" smartwatch that could end up triggering a whole new market of tech devices. The Galaxy Gear is meant to be a companion device to the newly-announced Note members, and can be configured to start calls, read SMS message, and even locate your Note from a distance. Be sure to check out our Galaxy Gear hands-on.

Finally, Samsung dropped its numbered naming convention with the latest Note tablet, calling it the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition (hands-on). The largest improvement is the 2560 x 1600 display resolution for its 10.1" screen, complete with slimmer screen bezels.

Sony

Despite the countless number of leaks it had prior to the show, the new Xperia Z1 aka "Honami" flagship from Sony still had many people talking about its slick design and IP58 water and dust-repelling certification. We were able to get our hands on it, and even snap a few photos and videos with its impressive 20MP camera. Check them all out here.

Sony also outed a pair of camera lens attachments that enable you to get a capable lens and sensor for your smartphone. Take a look at the QX100 and QX10 here.

Finally, Sony also showcased its own SmartWatch 2 companion device, which attaches to smartphones via NFC and Bluetooth, enabling you to see notifications and incoming messages without having to pull out your phone or phablet. Take a look our hands-on.

LG

Although it was revealed before IFA officially went underway, LG gave the G Pad 8.3 an official announcement at the show. Although the 8.3-inches may sound like a lot, the tablet handles comfortably in a single hand, and has great build quality thanks to an aluminum unibody and an impressive 1920 x 1200 display. Go here for more on the G Pad 8.3.

Acer

Acer was among the first manufacturers to get the IFA festivities under way with its new Liquid S2 flagship. Outed as the first smartphone with 4K video recording, the great build quality and impressive specs sheet marks Acer's entry as a serious player into high-end smartphones. Go here for our hands-on.

Asus

Asus made its presence felt with updates to its tablet ranges across the board. Go here for our full coverage on the 10.1" Transformer Pad TF701T, 8-inch and 10-inch variants of the MeMO Pad refresh, and the Fonepad 7 and Fonepad Note 6.

Lenovo

Lenovo announced several nice-looking devices at this year's IFA. The Vibe X is a very slick smartphone, with a slim 6.9mm waistline, stylish glossy metallic accent running along the perimeter, and 5" 1080p display.

The S5000 is a 7" tablet made after the Vibe X, featuring similar design elements. It's not as thin as the Vibe X, and features a lower-resolution WXGA screen, which is also quite reflective.

Finally, the Yoga 2 Pro convertible ultrabook was also debuted at IFA, featuring the same 360-degree hinge while coming in lighter and thinner than its predecessor.

More info on all three devices can be found in our Lenovo IFA hands-on.

Archos

Several new tablets were introduced by Archos - the 10.1" Archos 101 XS 2, 9.7" Archos ChefPad, and 8" Archos 80 Xenon. For a look at all three, go here.

Alcatel

The One Touch Idol Alpha was Alcatel's most notable offering, with its curved aluminum unibody, 7.5mm frame and transparent LED strip below the display.

Panasonic

Last but not least, Panasonic outed a massive 20" Windows 8 tablet, boasting an impressive 4K screen resolution of 3840 x 2560, complete with Anoto Live Pen stylus support. Check out the hands-on here.

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/ifa_2013_wrapup_what_made_waves_at_this_years_show-news-6754.php

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WP8 GDR3 update caught on Nokia Lumia 920 Dev Edition

Some guy that chose to remain anonymous, claims he has bought the AT&T's Developer Edition of Nokia Lumia 920 from Craig's List and it was running on the upcoming WP8 GDR3 Bittersweet Shimmer update.

He shot a video of the new features, while wearing a PSY mask with a hateful message to Apple. Anyway, the new features he found so far include the added notifications on the Glance screen (the one that always shows the clock on AMOLED Lumia phones).

The next major features is the option to close apps in the task switching interface.

Other major update supposed to come with the GDR3 firmware is the support for quad-core processors and 1080p displays.

Here is the video:

The Bittersweet Shimmer update is supposed to hit the compatible WP8 Lumia smartphones by the end of the year. Let's hope Microsoft will speed those updates a little bit after the Nokia acquisition.

Source | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/wp8_gdr3_update_caught_in_nokia_lumia_920_dev_edition-news-6755.php

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Samsung Galaxy Note sales pass the 38 million mark

We doubt that when Samsung took gamble with Galaxy Note phablet back in 2011, it imagined it will become quite the success it is today. In fact, the company has managed to sell more than 38 million Galaxy Note I and II devices already, making the once nice product the supreme ruler of what is now a huge market.

The announcement of the remarkable achievement comes from Samsung Mobile Communications chief JK Shin, who also reckons that the recently announced Galaxy Note 3 will "surpass its predecessors". Shin expects the Galaxy Note 3 to sell well over 10 million units, but he didn't specify how long will it take for the target to be reached.

The Samsung executive didn't break down the sales between the two devices. As a reference, the Samsung Galaxy Note II needed just two months to hit 5 million sales. Samsung's successful market performance is certainly in no smart part due to the wide availability of its devices. For example, the Galaxy Note II is available in 128 countries and the Note 3 will certainly match that, if not better it.

Source | Via
Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_and_note_ii_sales_pass_the_38_million_mark-news-6753.php

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