Apple iPhone 5S |

Blackberry Trade-Up: Buys Your Iphone for $550

After a painfully long term restructuring, Blackberry is back in the game with a new high tech smartphone. But is it really? The latest marketing campaign sends mixed signals. One would be that Blackberry wants to bribe iPhone users into switching to its latest device, Blackberry Passport.

The Canadian company announced the start of Trade-Up. Give them your iPhone and you will receive a sum of money. If you decide to buy Passport, Blackberry will top the initial sum with an extra $150. The offer starts on Dec. 1 and lasts until February 13.

The offer depends on your current iPhone model, memory size, and the carrier. Starting with iPhone 4S, for which you could receive up to $90, the offer goes up to iPhone 6, for which Blackberry will pay you up to $400. Counting the extra $150, Blackberry buys your iphone for $550.

Passport is now priced at $499, so you could basically trade an iPhone for the Blackberry device. The offer stands only if you buy Passport from Amazon or Blackberry’s online shop. However, it seems unlikely that the average iPhone 6 user will give up hers or his long-awaited Apple smartphone.

But Blackberry Passport is a strangely attractive device. Hardware-wise, the smartphone announced in June and released in September, is quite competitive. Among its main features, we find a quad-core 2.26 Ghz Snapdragon 801 coupled with 3 GB of RAM and an Adreno 330. It’s not exactly the latest technology, but it is close enough.

Besides its decent main specs, Passport has two special characteristics. One is represented by its square screen. The 4.5 inches display sports a 1440 X 1440 resolution, probably the only smartphone with this configuration. Blackberry claims that you will read documents more comfortably on the new device.

A second interesting characteristic is the three-row old school physical keyboard placed at the bottom. While writing, a fourth row containing punctuation marks appears on the screen. Some people may find the feature appealing.

Because of its odd display dimensions, Passport is strikingly different from most other smartphones on the market. At 5.04 inches long, it far shorter than most current flagship smartphones, but its 3.56 inches width makes it the most square shaped smartphone on the market.

Analysts are split on the matter. Most believe that Blackberry is just trying to get attention, but the strategy may provide some results, especially if owners of older iPhones decide to answer the call.

iPhone 6 Release Date Rumors Discussed, iPhone 5S Launch after iOS 7 on 20 September?

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There is a huge controversy now raging about the iPhone version Apple intends to launch in the next few months. While it’s the iPhone 5S that is almost a surety to be launched sometime in September, there are those who claim Apple might also be working towards a release of the iPhone 6 version as well. Many of the smartphone experts the world over have even come out with a tentative date for the release of the future iPhone versions. There are wild guesses doing the rounds about the new iPhone 6 release date.

For one, Stableytimes is citing the fire sale now underway at Wal Mart for the previous generation iPhone versions as an indication of the most talked about iPhone 6 to be released soon. The iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 can now be picked up from Wal Mart for as low as just $39 and $129. Many believe Wal Mart is up to clearing their existing inventory as they are expecting to get hold of the new iPhone sometime soon in the coming month and are therefore offering the old smartphones at such low prices.

Then there are those who claim the new iOS 7 operating system is almost ready for launch as has been stated by the developers testing it. Sources are also of the opinion that Apple has informed its retailers that they can expect the introduction of iPhone 6 in weeks followed by a market launch in a month. Some analysts are speculating the release date of iPhone 6 to be 27th September and have based their prediction on the fact that the iOS 6 was released exactly 100 days after it was announced in 2011. Therefore if Apple is to follow the same formula, then the iOS 7 can be expected to come out on 18th September. The iOS 7 happens to be the first major overhaul of the platform ever since its inception and there will be a hardware launch of equal importance to go with it, something that can’t be befitting to the iPhone 5S since it is a reworked version of the iPhone 5 device.

Then there are also those who believe Apple on the other hand is thinking of releasing iPhone 5S within two days of the release of iOS 7, that is on 20th September. To ensure there is less crowd frenzy at its stores, the iPhone 6 might be released on September 27th, just a week later. According to various other reports, iPhone 5S will be having a 4.3 inch screen whereas iPhone 6 will be having 4.7 or 5 inch screen to go with the current trend of launching smartphone having a bigger display. Then there is also the issue of Apple’s plans to include a fingerprint sensor in their future iPhone version and hence things could get delayed till December to ensure they have the technology in place before embarking on the launch of the device.

iPhone 5S Release Date to Feature New Fingerprint Sensor Beneath The Screen?

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Rumor mills have it that the upcoming Apple iPhone 5S release date which is slated for this fall might come with a finger print sensor placed below its display or in its bezel. This if true will make for a path breaking feature which no doubt will enhance its appeal several times over. Such a rumor stream has been looming ever since Apple had bought the security firm, AuthenTec back in the September of 2012.

Towards this, the latest sketches obtained clearly shows how Apple intends to make its future iPhone devices more secure. At present Apple has come out with a built in finger print sensor in its display though it can also be hidden in the bezel of the iPhone 5S. This will allow Apple to continue with the same basic design theme that has come to be associated with the iPhone while imbibing far greater security feature in the device.

However, leaks show no such space for the fingerprint reader in the home screen button of iPhone 5S which has led many to believe Apple might give such a feature to the upcoming iPhone variant a miss while including it in the iPhone 6 due next year. Meanwhile, in another leaked image supposedly that of the rear of the iPhone 5S, the logic board seemed slightly narrower which means there is some room between the board and the battery for Apple to squeeze in the fingerprint bit though of course these are mere speculations at this moment.

Also, worth mentioning here, Apple is not the only company that is working on including a fingerprint sensor to their smartphone offering. We have seen something similar with an Android based smartphone from Validity earlier in the year. While such a technology will enable users to unlock their devices without having to swipe the display, the tech can also come in handy to undertake monetary transactions as well using the iPhone. This can even be tied up to the iOS 7 iCloud keychain that is capable of storing the credit card numbers and even passwords.

Apple iPhone 5S Release Date – to Surface Soon?

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While the iPhone 5S release date is assumed to be coming closer, a few iPhone 5S images have been leaked over the web. These alleged iPhone 5S images showcase its close semblance to iPhone 5.

Japanese tech website Macotakara has posted some leaked images of iPhone 5S. The images were leaked by Japan-based firm, Moumantai. Currently, Samsung has eclipsed Apple with its back-to-back Android releases, as commented by analyst Michael Hewson at an interview to IBTimes.

The leaked images display a close resemblance of iPhone 5S to iPhone 5. The shape and other specifications of iPhone 5S are almost similar to that of iPhone 5. But, Apple seems to have altered the hardware a bit. A mildly distinct curve resides at the conjunction of speaker enclosure and logic board. MacRumors also stated that iPhone 5S’ logic board may be mildly slenderer than that of iPhone 5. The primary A-series chip may be of a similar size to that of iPhone 5’s A6.

You can considerably rely on Apple in terms of budget and pricing. A new Apple product is relatively priced at a same range as that of the outgoing model. Hence, you may expect the iPhone 5S 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models at around £529, £599 and £699 respectively. And, if Apple plans to launch a 128GB iPhone 5S model, then it is likely to cost around £799.

Reports also reveal that Apple has decided a price of $99 for the cheaper phone, which makes it a lot cheaper. However, nothing has been finalized. Sources have also revealed that trial production of the cheaper variant is to be initiated in the upcoming month to abide by a launch target of September.

But, users are definitely anticipating a cheaper budget for the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5S is estimated to pack 4-inch display screen, plastic casing and 8MP camera, and is expected to be available in six different shades.

Still, Apple has given no official information about the release date or other specifications of iPhone 5S.

iPhone 5S Release Date in September with flexible display, AMD screen graphics

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Latest projections on the iPhone 5S release date hint at September. Based on comments from Avago Technologies, a wireless chipmaker for the next gen iPhone, Wells Fargo Securities gave the forecast. The projection indicates an initial transition to the iPhone 5S in September and a subsequent bigger transition in Q4 2013.

Among the thrilling features, the iPhone 5S will likely sport an OLED flexible display merged with a layer of force detection sensor – based on Apple’s patent called “Embedded force measurement.” The feature will undoubtedly offer a durable screen and also increases the chances of unveiling 3D control keys. Such advancements could result in capacitive keys that safeguard the device from relapse due to constant usage.

Another much-wanted upgrade relates to graphics. Based on MacRumors reports that a good number of expert AMD specialists are relocating, Apple is well-positioned to utilize the expertise of a robust GPU team for its A7 chipset. The most attention-grabbing features of iPhone 5S are perhaps, the Retina+ display and fingerprint sensor.

Recent reports conveyed the emergence of Pegatron as Apple’s primary assembler, signaling Apple’s intent of expanding its product lines. Rumors say Pegatron is working for a lower cost compared to Foxconn, which has enjoyed monopoly as Apple’s sole supplier until now. Apple’s new partner Pegatron is also increasing its workforce by about 40 percent, meaning that Apple is well-equipped for a timely release of its next gen iPhone.

With supposed production activities ramping up with focus on quality and speed, Apple seems ready to provide the finest hardware to facilitate a September release of the iPhone 5S, with a good deal of upgrades meeting the expectations of its fans. The iOS 7’s innovation is also expected on the iPhone 5S. It is likely to be unveiled at the WWDC event on June 10^th.

New iPhone 5S Concept Video Highlights Thinner Bezels to be Featured on Release Date

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Based on rumored specs and reports on the iPhone 5S, Ran Avni has created a concept video with some remarkable highlights. Assessing the improvements of the iPhone 4S over the iPhone 4, analysts believe that the iPhone 5S will feature a moderate upgrade, so there will be no fundamental changes.

Among the key changes, the concept video shows that the iPhone 5S’ front panel will have thinner bezels. The standard Home button will be replaced by a capacitive button. The dimensions are the same as that of the iPhone 5, though the display is shown to be slightly larger at 4.87 inches.

Earlier rumors have talked of an OLED flexible display for the iPhone 5S. A force detection sensor will be fused with the display, enhancing durability and allowing the incorporation of 3D control keys. The resultant capacitive keys would protect the hardware from the wear and tear of continued use.

While hardware upgrades are not conspicuous, Apple’s upgraded iOS is likely to introduce notable changes in the user interface. The iOS 7, expected to be announced at the WWDC on June 10^th, could make it to the iPhone 5S. In that case, the device will exude the updated iOS’ UI, and provide additional features, such as Fingerprint recognition, Notification Center Widgets, etc.

Apple’s new product line is expected to debut from late Q3 2013 into next year. The iPhone 5S, expected to be the first, has grabbed much attention from analysts. Most reports point to a release of the iPhone 5S in September, with the iOS 7 platform under the hood. The iPhone 6, which is likely to launch in 2014, is expected to be an overall spec-boost of the iPhone 5. So, the iPhone 5S is likely an interim upgrade.

iPhone 5S Release Date, Features Rumor Heats up with New Video Concept

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Curious tech geeks are casting many a rumor about the much-awaited iPhone 5S even before it’s release date. The latest iPhone 5S concept video puts those rumors together to visualize what the model will look like. Outwardly, the emphasis is on a higher resolution display, but inwardly the focus is on what the iOS 7 will incorporate.

To accommodate a larger display, Apple will narrow down the bezels, as in the iPad Mini. Some even expect a bezel-less device. Regardless of the level of improvement, a better resolution is definitely expected, especially considering that the iPhone 5S is being outperformed by other phones like the HTC One.

Latest rumors from Wei Feng Network expect iPhone 5S to come with twice the pixel density of its predecessor. The calculation is based on Apple’s standard aspect ratio of 16:9, so the resolution is possibly 1600 x 900, which translates to 1.44 million (~1.5 million) pixels.

The most exciting thing is that iPhone 5S is presumed to be the first iDevice to feature the new iOS. The iOS 7 launch is expected at Apple’s World Wide Developer’s Conference, a few weeks from now. The fact that Johny Ive is leading the iOS design team to incorporate radical changes is even more exciting.

The rear camera of the device will likely feature a 12-13MP sensor and dual-LED flash, pairing up with iOS 7’s dual-shot feature, which can use both cameras simultaneously. The fingerprint reader is also an expected feature based on Apple’s acquisition of AuthenTec in 2012 to enhance security technology.

A larger retina display, improved camera, and a more powerful processor are definitely going to impress Apple fans. Apple has announced a new product this Fall, prompting analysts to forecast the iPhone 5S release this September. The iPad Mini 2 is expected in Q4 2013.

Apple iPad 5 Release Date may follow iPhone 5S

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While many are pondering over rumors pointing to a delayed iPhone 5S release, more rumors have sprouted about the iPad 5 launch. They come from Japanese blog Macotakara, which says that the next iPad will come shortly after the iPhone 5S release in September. At its annual earnings conference, Apple revealed that iPhone 5 will be followed by a tablet, which will come out before the close of the year.

The source also has some cues on the special features of the fifth gen iPad. The device will have a rear microphone positioned next to the camera, resembling the iPhone 5’s design. Some older rumors have suggested that the next iPad will have thinner side bezels similar to the iPad mini.

Coming to the form factor, the new iPad will have a slimmer profile with a light brushed metal appearance. The looks will likely match the iPhone 5 and iPad mini as evident from leaked prototypes. Despite trimming down, the display will remain 9.7 inches.

Among the special features, the new iPad 5 is expected to come with a cellular compatible standard SIM port, meaning that it can make and receive phone calls. The processor will be faster possibly running on the iOS 7 expected at the WWDC 2013.

The iPhone 5S is expected to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4, which is one of the fastest selling smartphones right now. It will probably make its first impression with its color because it is likely to come in gold, grey and navy blue.

Reports say that Apple has reserved its big hardware launches for late 2013. Analysts forecast that the iPhone 5S will not feature major upgrades, meaning that it will be an interim upgrade. The iPhone 6 is expected to be a major overhaul over its predecessor.

iPhone 6, iPhone 5S updated release date and Specs with iPad Mini 2

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There has been ample confusions about iPhone 5S and iPhone 6. iPhone 5S was supposed to release this summer, but probably Apple has decided to postpone its launch to autumn this year. Tim Cook indirectly stated that a new series of Apple gadgets will not hit the market until Fall this year. Possibly, iPhone 5S and iPad Mini 2 will hit the shelves this autumn around October.

Rumors highly direct to the fact that iPhone 6 will feature iOS 7. Formerly, sources also revealed that Steve Jobs dropped some instructions for the iPhone 6 that makes the sixth gen iPhone the last gadget from Apple Inc., in which Jobs was involved. Rumors reveal that iPhone 6 will be dynamically dissimilar to its predecessors and Apple is going to make it really special honoring late founder, Steve Jobs as his last memoir.

Sources reveal that iPhone 6 will possess a larger display of about 4.8 inches. The major anticipation among fans regarding sixth-gen iPhone is a larger screen, which also combines High Definition Retina display. The gadget is also rumored to feature an advanced fingerprint detector for enhanced security, 4G, NFC and 802.11 ac wireless networking.

Gesture controls and missing home button have also been a part of rumors regarding iPhone 6. There have been rumors about Apple using a secondary display in order to initiate a new series of illumined indicators, which would be efficient to morph into different controls for play and work. Productivity controls and illumined gaming may be facilitated on the front side of the bezel or on specific hind portions of iPhone 6.

A more interesting fact about iPhone6 is that it would be released in four different models including the 128GB variant, considering the fact that Apple already possesses a 128GB chip that it has implemented in its iPad. According to sources, Apple is set to unveil the iPhone 6 at WWDC 2014 around June.

iPhone 5S, Galaxy S4, Galaxy Mega, Galaxy Note 3, Motorola X, etc Smartphones in the offing for 2013

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The year 2013 has kicked off a golden period for the smartphone industry. The first quarter of the year witnessed the release of some impressive devices, such as Sony Xperia Z, Samsung Galaxy S3, HTC One, BlackBerry Z10 and iPhone 5. Well, the rest of the year has another line of impressive devices, including new arrivals and successors of best-sellers. Some of the much-talked-of devices are discussed below.

Apple iPhone 5S

The iPhone 5S is expected to feature the same 4-inch display as its predecessor, but its enhanced camera capability, processor and fingerprint sensor will make it stand out. The next iteration is likely to retain much of the design features of iPhone 5, such as the 4-inch display, aluminum back and 4G LTE capability.

Samsung Galaxy S4

The Galaxy S4 shows off a 4.99-inch Super AMOLED display featuring a resolution of 1920 x1080 and an amazing pixel density of 441 ppi. Running on the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean platform, S4 flaunts a 13 MP rear camera and a 2.1 MP front camera. Galaxy S4 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 along with Krait 300 Cores and Power VR SGX 544 MP3 GPU. The high-end device features 2GB RAM and will be available in 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB versions with expandable memory via a microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy Mega

The Samsung Galaxy Mega range, poised to launch this year, includes the Mega 5.8 and Mega 6.3. The former will be part of the dual-sim range with a 5.8-inch qHD display having a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. Powered by a 1.4 GHz processor and 1.5 GB RAM, Mega 5.8 features an 8 MP rear camera, 2 MP front camera and 2,600 mAh battery. Mega 6.3 features a 6.3-inch PLS screen, with the same camera and RAM specifications as Mega 5.8. It is powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core processor and has an impressive 3,200 mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

With Samsung Galaxy Note 2 still retaining its peak demand for its Android OS, huge HD display and S Pen stylus, the Korean company is poised to release the Galaxy Note 3 around September. The new device is expected to feature a 5.99-inch 1080p Full HD screen, 13 MP camera and Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa eight-core processor. Some fans are looking forward to a flexible unbreakable display as well.

HTC First (FB Phone)

HTC First, HTC’s Facebook phone, will come with new home screen – the Facebook Home – and a dedicated user interface. While the FB integration is its most-touted feature, other specifications seem to be standard. The phone features a 4.3-innch 1280 x 720 HD display, a 5 MP rear camera, a 1.6 MP front camera, 1 GB RAM, and 2,000 mAh battery. It is powered by a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 dual core processor and Adreno 305 GPU.

Motorola X

Set to debut via Google’s sister concern Motorola, the X phone will flaunt a 4.7-inch Full HD display, 16 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera. Powered by a 2.3 GHz Nvidia 4i multi-core processor, the Motorola X will feature an Eye Scroll feature resembling Galaxy S4. There are strong expectations that the new device will run on Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, the next iteration of Android OS. There are talks that Motorola X will come in more than 20 colors under the codename Ghost and will launch across all major U.S carriers. It might even replace Motorola’s Droid range.

BlackBerry Q10

Following the release of the all-touch BlackBerry Z10, RIM is set to release the BlackBerry Q10 featuring the classic QWERTY keypad. Sturdy and durable, the phone is powered by a dual core 1.5 GHz processor and 2 GB RAM. Highlights include the BlackBerry Balance, BBM, Remember, Hub and Peek facilitated by the BB10 platform.

Google Nexus 5

Google Nexus 5, the successor of LG Nexus 4, will feature a 5.2-inch full HD display, Nikon camera, and a 2.3 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. The announcement of Nexus 5 is expected at Google I/O when the Internet giant will unveil the Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. The OS is likely to be Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.

Nokia Lumia Catwalk

Nokia Lumia Catwalk will succeed Lumia 920, one of the best phones running on Windows Phone 8 OS. It is expected to feature a 4.5-inch HD display, 8.7 MP rear camera, 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM and 16 GB internal storage.

HTC Butterfly 2

HTC Butterfly 2, the successor of HTC Butterfly, is expected to feature a larger 1080p screen, an Ultrapixel camera, Sense 5, and a metal design. It may debut as the Droid DNA 2.

LG Optimus G2

Optimus G2, the successor of LG optimus G, features a 5.5-inch 1080p display, Qualcomm 800 processor and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. It may not have any physical buttons.

Microsoft Surface

Building on the Surface tablet range, Microsoft’s Surface phone is currently in the test phase. It is expected to feature a 4.7 to 5-inch display and the Windows Phone 8 platform.