Mar 22
Like those electroluminescent tees that respond to sound, Strapya World will soon be releasing an iPhone 5 shell case featuring a light-up graphic EQ on the back that responds to music, conversations, even your ringtone. More »
Mar 21
The influence and cash flow Apple has right this minute may be squarely to blame for both Samsung‘s continued use of plastic to construct the GALAXY S 4 and HTC‘s trouble getting supply line at full speed for the HTC One. When you consider the vast number of products Apple creates that use large amounts of aluminum, you’ll find that the company is really rather invested in keeping their supply of this building block in order. When you consider the must-win situation HTC has with their new HTC One device, you’ll know how nervous they must be if their rumored supplier status downgrade is, indeed, a reality.
To create a massively successful device, you’ve got to be able to create enough supply to equal said device’s demand. While marketing is vastly important when it comes to creating a value proposition for prospective buyers of your product, it’s all for naught if you don’t have that product out on store shelves to sell.
Such is HTC’s dilemma right this minute.
As we’ve discussed previously, Samsung’s advertising budget (marked at $401 million in 2012 alone vs HTC’s measly $46 million) is set to play a major role in the upcoming battle between the GALAXY S 4 and the HTC One. It’s not because of a superior product that the Samsung device will be more visible in the media. HTC is currently placing a lot of hope in viral marketing and direct shout-outs at Samsung, hoping consumers will then make an informed decision based solely on device quality. Not that one device is necessarily better than the other, but HTC is likely considering this a good strategy in the face of Samsung’s continued torrential advertising downpour.
But what if I told you it was possible for Apple to (indirectly) control the components of these two devices as they go to war with one another?
Consider the amount of devices Apple sells that contain aluminum as a crucial part of their hardware. The most recent quarterly sales report has Apple shipping the following:
47.8 million iPhones
22.9 million iPads
4.1 million Macs
12.7 million iPods
=
87.5 million Apple devices that require aluminum parts in their fiscal Q1 2013
According to Strategy Analytics, Samsung shipped 15.4 million Galaxy S III units through the fourth quarter of 2012. It’s not as if Samsung is hurting for cash, and it’s important to note that this is just one of several Galaxy-branded smartphones on the market (Strategy Analytics put Apple’s iPhone 5 specifically at 27.4 million units shipped in the same quarter). But when you’re up against Apple, a company with enough cash and high enough status with suppliers to potentially buy out entire supply lines of certain components, such concerns can potentially have a very real effect on your industrial design choices.
HTC simply does not have the same status with parts suppliers that Apple does. With or without the rumor linked above being true, HTC’s financial situation (when compared to Apple’s) simply does not add up to tier-one priority for suppliers. For HTC, the problem rests squarely in their choice between two evils:
1. Making a product with choice components and possible supply troubles.
2. Creating a sub-par product with no supply problems at all.
No matter how awesome your product is, you still need the parts to build it before you can bring it to market and sell it.
Will we see the HTC One in stores soon? We sure hope so. Will it be delivered early enough to take a firm grasp of the hype created by HTC here not too long after it’s initial reveal? We shall see!
And will Samsung make an aluminum smartphone any time soon? Though this supply war certainly isn’t the only factor involved in this decision-making process, a metal phone coming from Samsung is still unlikely. Do you create a device that sells 50 million units then follow up with something all new?
Don’t count on it.
Apple’s War Chest, Samsung plastic, and HTC One supply is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 21
iKit NuCharge for iPhone 5 Review
Posted in: Today's ChiliThis week the iKit NuCharge iPhone 5 replaceable battery pack case (complete with Lightning connector) will reach its final few days of stay on Kickstarter – so we thought we’d have a go at working with one for your full preview! What you’re seeing here is the first iPhone 5 case that also works with an interchangeable 1900 mAh battery pack. It comes in a variety of colors (eventually) and offers unobstructed view of your camera, microphone, and speakers as well.
You’ll be able to work with a clear or tinted case base – that’s the part that clamps around your iPhone 5. Then you’ve got the option of working with a white or black battery pack OR any of a variety of Pantone-colored case covers. This case cover sits on the back of the case while you’re not using the battery, if you like: we’ve opted to keep the battery connected on-the-go.
The Lightning connector is made with some rather excellent and durable TPE material, being just long enough to fit down into the iPhone 5 without being obtrusive. The battery pack itself is recharged the same way you’d charge any of a number of non-Apple mobile products: with a simple microUSB cord (also included in the pack.)
Since the case bit of this amalgamation does not obstruct our view or use of any of the buttons or ports on the iPhone itself, it certainly gets a thumbs up from us there. As far as the battery itself goes – it works exactly as you’d expect it to. Charge it up, leave it on the back of your iPhone or in your pocket, and connect it when you need it.
BONUS: There’s a kickstand built-in to the battery pack. This kickstand will be a reinforced aluminum in the final model (ours is an early edition), and you’ll find a full list of changes and improvements pre-release right over at the Kickstarter page itself.
With an additional 1900 mAh of battery power at your disposal you’ll have a tough time not getting through the day with your iPhone 5 on the power you’ve got immediately handy. This case starts at a $59 price point if you’re over at Kickstater before the end of the crowdfunding venture, and final case shipments start in early April.
iKit NuCharge for iPhone 5 Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 21
![iPhone 5S Will Launch With New CPU, Camera In Q3 [Rumor]](https://i0.wp.com/cdnrss.ubergizmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/iphone-5s-release-date.jpg?resize=640%2C426 "iPhone 5S Will Launch With New CPU, Camera In Q3 [Rumor]")
The moment the iPhone 5 was announced, we’re sure rumors for the iPhone 5S started immediately after its announcement. For several months, we’ve seen possible leaks of the iPhone 5S, some of its components and Foxconn possibly already starting work building the device.
According to a Digitimes report published today citing sources from Apple’s supply chain, it seems we could expect the iPhone 5S to be released in Q3 2013 with a number of improvements over the current model, but nothing that would be considered a “major update.” The iPhone 5S instead will be an incremental bump as it’ll feature “a higher-end processor as well as higher-megapixel camera modules.” (more…)
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Hater App for iPhone Allows Haters To Come Together To Hate As One, Google Now For iOS Being Held Up By Apple, According To Schmidt, 
Mar 18
Samsung’s Galaxy S 4 won’t be enough to stem the flow of iPhone buyers, new US research suggests, with the freshly-revealed fourth-gen flagship facing waning brand loyalty. Just 15-percent of US consumers intend to buy a Samsung phone within the next six months, Yankee Group‘s March research indicates, versus 40-percent aiming to buy an iPhone. Meanwhile, Samsung faces more difficulties persuading existing owners to replace their handset with another Samsung, the research group claims, compared to Apple loyalty.
In fact, 85-percent of iPhone owners apparently said they would replace their phone with another iPhone. Only 61-percent of Samsung owners said they’d buy another Samsung. Yankee highlights that consumers aiming to buy Samsung phones within the next six months was actually down in Q1 2013, versus Q4 2012.
Although the focus of Yankee’s current report is the Galaxy S 4, in some ways the numbers illustrate a trend within the Android and iOS marketplace overall. The Android to iOS defection rate is 17-percent, the research firm claims; in the other direction, the rate of iOS users jumping ship to Android is 8-percent.
Of course, a survey of consumer intentions toward their next smartphone purchase coming right as the Galaxy S 4 is announced likely means that individual opinions on the new handset are based on rumor, rather than the content of the actual launch. Whether those opinions will change now that the full details of the phone are public remains to be seen; Yankee Group joins the clamor of people arguing that the Galaxy S 4 was really more of a “Galaxy S III S” (to borrow some of Apple’s nomenclature) than a true update.
On the flip side, of course, the phone has a bigger and higher-resolution screen, faster processor, higher-resolution camera, updated software, and accommodates a larger battery, all in a chassis that measures roughly the same as the Galaxy it replaces. There’s an argument that, if the Galaxy S 4 didn’t stick so closely to the Galaxy S III/Note II aesthetic, it would’ve been more readily acknowledged as a greater change.
Whatever the truth, Yankee Group warns that Samsung has some homework to do if it wants to see the Galaxy S 4 claw market share from Apple. “Unless Samsung works very hard to change consumers’ minds in the next six months, we actually see Apple gaining ownership share on Samsung in the U.S. in 2013 rather than the other way around” Yankee Group analyst Carl Howe concludes.
Galaxy S 4 won’t stop iPhone research warns is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 18
Samsung finally unveiled its long-awaited Galaxy S4 late last week with many mobile phone users seriously considering the device. Apple knows this and has decided to remind these potential Galaxy S4 adopters why people love the iPhone.
Apple’s iPhone 5 landing pages having been updated to read “Loving it is easy. That’s why so many people do,” which then leads to a number of reasons why the device is still considered to be quite popular. “iPhone owners love their iPhone,” the page contunes. “And not just because of the Retina display. Or the amazing camera. Or the long battery life. It’s all those things plus the fact that iPhone is just so easy to use.” (more…)
By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Flickr Rolls Out Hashtag Support For iOS App, Pearltrees Launches its Boticelli Version with Visual Enhancements,
Mar 15
Love your iPhone 5′s design? Well, then you probably hate how most cases make it look less attractive. Not this case. This Iron Man case makes your iPhone look even better as far as I’m concerned. It’s based on the Mark VII suit and yes that is a glowing, battery-powered arc reactor there in the middle.
As if that wasn’t cool enough, there’s also a little piece of armor that slides aside to reveal the camera lens.
You can pre-order it now and it will be available in April. It’s only $49(USD) from Brando. While it might not protect you from an attack by Whiplash or The Mandarin, it is the cheapest Iron Man suit you can buy.
Mar 15
If you’ve seen the Samsung GALAXY S 4 and have decided that you’re not all about it, feeling more like an iPhone 5 this upcoming summer, you may be in some budget-friendly luck. A next-generation slightly less expensive model of the iPhone 5 has been predicted by the historically surprisingly accurate analyst prediction skills of Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, complete with 4-inch Retina display. This device has, according to Kuo, been on the books since 2011, before the iPhone 5 was even shown for the first time.
This new model will appeal to the iPhone prospective buyers of all types with a cost that’s well below the regular top-tier for the iPhone 5 – or the model that’ll be released right alongside the new budget unit. The top-tier unit will likely be named iPhone 5S per the release trend followed by Apple over the past several years with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 3GS. This top-tier release will have many of the same specifications that the iPhone 5 had, with some boosts to place space between it and the iPhone 5 – and the budget iPhone 5 model too.
Kuo also mentioned the possibility of a “super-thin plastic casing mixed with glass fiber” for a unique take on the plastic-backed universe out there today. With the new Samsung GALAXY S 4 release continuing to roll out with a plastic similar to the Samsung Galaxy S III, Apple may be keen to capitalize on buyers willingness to purchase smartphones with less-than-metal backs.
While Kuo doesn’t predict the actual cost of the device that’ll be revealed later this year, he does suggest that this iPhone 5 follow-up will come in a variety of colors. Could it be time to create an iPod touch-like iPhone at last? Rainbow-colors for all!
[via Apple Insider]
iPhone “budget” model tipped with plastic and 4-inch Retina display is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 14
Samsung GALAXY S 4 vs iPhone 5
Posted in: Today's ChiliThis week the Samsung GALAXY S 4 has been revealed complete with a hardware design that’ll have the Apple-loving world baffled: it looks, at first, to be the same device as last year. With the Samsung Galaxy S III we had a device that introduced the nature-themed aesthetics of the Samsung universe still being used today on smartphones, tablets, and everything in-between. Now with the GALAXY S 4, we’re seeing that the company isn’t messing around with its winning design.
As far as specifications go for the hardware on the GALAXY S 4 as it compares the the iPhone 5, there really couldn’t be two more different devices. With the GALAXY S 4 you’ve got Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean (the newest Android on the block) and the company’s own TouchWiz user interface working alongside and within. The iPhone, on the other hand, has iOS – the only version of the software that exists for the newest wave of Apple mobile devices.
Samsung GALAXY S 4
Display: 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED 1920 x 1080 pixel display at 441 PPI
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.9 GHz Quad-Core Processor / Samsung Exynos 1.6 GHz Octa-Core Processor – depending on market
Cameras: 2 megapixel front-facing, 13 megapixel back-facing
Dimensions: 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm, 130g
Storage: 16 / 32 / 64 GB internal storage, 64GB expansion microSD slot
Battery: 2600 mAh
iPhone 5
Display: 4-inch Retina 640 x 1136 pixel display at 306 PPI
Processor: A6
Cameras: 1.2 megapixel front-facing, 8 megapixel back-facing
Dimensions: 123.8mm x 58.6mm x 7.6mm, 112g
Storage: 16 / 32 / 64 GB internal storage
Battery: 1440 mAh
When you have a peek at our iPhone 5 full review, you’ll find that it’s an entirely different user experience than the Samsung GALAXY S 4 is shaping up to be. With the GALAXY S 4 you’ll be working with Samsung’s newest-in-new user experience as outlined in their four user experience pillars of greatness – you’ll see these in the timeline below as well. Android runs here as well with all the connections that operating system implies while Apple’s OS is in an entirely different arena.
Both devices are, on the other hand, connected to the major apps across the board – Facebook, Twitter, all your social networking goodness, and more apps to send messages back and forth between any device than you’ll be able to ever experience. What this decision will come down to, for you, is whether you’re going to pick up a device with a massive display and Samsung’s brand on its back, or if you’re going to go with the other most popular smartphone in the world, Apple’s iPhone.
Have a peek at the timeline below for more information on the brand new Samsung GALAXY S 4 and remember to check the full iPhone 5 review out for just about as close-up a look as you’re going to get without purchasing the device for yourself – and let us know what you choose!
Samsung GALAXY S 4 vs iPhone 5 is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
Mar 13
V-MODA has unveiled its incredible eye-candy VAMP VERZA audio amplifier and Metallo case, both of which can be combined to create an awesome portable audio system sure to appeal to the audiophiles among us. The Metallo case is currently available for the Samsung Galaxy S III, but a case for the Galaxy S IV, which will be launched tomorrow in NYC, will be available soon. We have a gallery after the break.
The VAMP VERZA amp received its beautiful design in Italy, and was constructed in Japan. The device is compatible with the VERZADOCK, and is a Hi-Fi 150mW x2 (USB Mode) and 130mW x2 (iOS Mode) amplifier with a 2200mAh battery, which gives users up to 7 hours of playback. There are 2 dedicated DACs, 6-layer PCB, 3 enhancement modes, a bass enhancer, pure audio, optical audio output, a variable gain switch, and a rotary volume control.
The Metallo case, meanwhile, is made of V-ANGLE lightweight machined metal, and offers substantial protection for your handset. It has an interchangeable VERZADOCK plate, as well as a sliding lock mechanism. The case is compatible with the VERZA amplifier, allowing the use to create a portable audio powerhouse.
Says V-MODA’s Chief Visionary Office Val Kolton, “For the avid audiophile, VAMP VERZA supplements the poor audio quality produced by smartphones and delivers the purest fidelity imaginable. We shrank the analog-age component spirit into a sleek, spy-like multifunction gadget that is portable enough to use anytime, anywhere. When you combine VAMP VERZA, Metallo, M-100, and the new Samsung Galaxy S III/S IV, Note or iPhone 5, you achieve the ultimate technology trifecta that truly stands apart from the crowd.”
The amp can be used independently or in conjunction with the Metallo case. The case will be available for the Galaxy S III, Galaxy S IV, Samsung Note II, and iPhone 5 for $101. The VAMP VERZA, meanwhile, will be available in matte black, Shadow (red and black brushed metal), and white with orange accents for $598. They’re available for pre-order now from V-MODA.
V-MODA unveils VAMP VERZA amp and Metallo smartphone case for audiophiles is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
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