“Is an electric car for me?” BMW Monday announced Evolve, a platform-agnostic smartphone app that tracks your current driving habits and distances, then tells you if you’re a candidate for an electric car with its typical 100-mile driving range. It’s out for the iPhone now and is due on Android by month’s end.
To date, we’ve heard scant few details about the next-generation iPhone, except for a rumor that it may or may not have a bigger screen, and that it almost certainly won’t pack an NFC chip. Now, one analyst is reporting the design will remain unchanged, though its innards will get a slight boost. Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities (who has been dead-on in the past) talked with sources in Apple’s supply chain to learn that the iPhone 5 will boast the same A5 processor as the iPad 2, along with an 8 megapixel rear camera, improved antenna design, and that Qualcomm baseband for both GSM and CDMA models we’ve seen bandied about (technically, the one in the current Verizon version is already GSM-capable). His sources also claim that Apple will begin mass production of its next-gen phone in September, which aligns with what we already heard about Apple moving to a fall launch — and because of the ongoing disaster in Japan, the company might not have sufficient supplies to launch a new iPod touch at the same time. Typically we take many Apple rumors with a grain of salt, but these tidbits all sound plausible. And given that Kuo has been right before, we’re especially inclined to believe him — even if the truth is more ho-hum than magical.
iPhone 5 to have 8 megapixel camera and improved antenna, same old design? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
The success of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad have made Apple a truly global. One market the company has yet to fully penetrate, however–the former republics of the Soviet Union. Apple is reportedly eyeing the opening of a store in the area, however, in a historic building in Moscow’s Red Square, right around the corner from the Kremlin.
The building first opened in 1935 as the Hotel Moskva. In more recent years, it’s been undergoing serious renovation and is set to reopen as a Four Seasons–the first in that country.
The company has yet to make a final decision on the matter. According to anonymous sources, “At the time, no lease had been signed, but a decision could be made soon.”
In spite of the lack of an official Apple Storethe iPhone has reportedly been a bit of a hit in Russia since its 2008 launch in that country.
AT&T has doubled the iPhone’s early upgrade fee by $50.00. This is on top of the end of contract fee that was already written up in the original contracts. It is safe to assume that this new fee will be in place for those who leave the contract for another phone service provider as well.
AT&T is also increasing the same amount for the Windows 7 phones. No word on if the increase will affect Android phone users. AT&T says the increase is a result of the rising cost of the smartphone market.
Via TG Daily
Hasbro is looking to break out of the kids market. The company is introducing a new line of 3D glasses for the iPhone that will be marketed towards gadget fans. While it sounds like a smart move to make it does come with one issue, the My 3D glasses are awkward to say at the least.
The black, and, blue glasses look more like a child’s toy than a new electronic accessory. However, Hasbro claims that this pair will allow users to turn an iPhone or iPod into a 3D gadget. No word on if it will work on the iPad.
The My 3D kit costs around $34.99.
Via TG Daily
Dell’s global head of marketing, Andy Lark, claims that Apple lives in its own little world.The company, he believes, doesn’t make products for enterprise.
Lark made it clear that he believes companies cannot afford to buy devices that cost close to $1,000. per unit. He also pointed out that Apple is a very closed off device. However, Lark did not name any alternative options.
This has caused a backlash for Dell, but Apple has yet to issue formal comment.
Via CIO Australia
It’s always important to note, right off the bat, that the simple act of filing a patent doesn’t mean that the thing will ever come to fruition. Apple, for one, has been particularly aggressive in its paten filings over the years, from the plausible to the downright bizarre.
Nokia is suing Apple again, over all types of patents across the entire Apple product catalog. Nokia has filed suits against Apple before, but the current one appears to be the biggest. Here is the statement that Nokia released.
(Nokia patents)that are now being used by Apple to create key features in its products in the areas of multi-tasking operating systems, data synchronization, positioning, call quality and the use of Bluetooth accessories.
Apple has yet to respond to Nokia’s accusations.
Via ZDNet
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