Ipod Touch/Iphone question
Posted by LS.
Come on Gav, everyone knows it's never sunny enough here to have the reflective problem! :P
10 things to expect from iPhone 4G / iPhone HD
All eyes will be on Moscone West on 7 June as the San Francisco venue hosts WWDC.
With Apple CEO Steve Jobs delivering the keynote, it's almost guaranteed the new iPhone will be officially revealed.
And since Apple's been suffering from more leaks than a wooden boat with a payload of ravenous woodworm, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the revamped device.
Here's what you can expect to see in the new iPhone…
1. A new case design
Although people were suspicious of the 'leaked' next-gen iPhone images that circulated in April, subsequent leaks have confirmed the device will have a quite different design to the iPhone 3GS. The back is flat, the sides have an iPad-like metal surround, and the volume buttons are separated rather than being combined as a rocker switch.
2. Improved camera
An update to the iPhone's camera is almost a given. As far back as December, reports were circulating that the iPhone's camera resolution would be upped to 5-megapixels. More recently, devs digging into the iPhone SDK have unearthed references to HD video recording, suggesting the video-capture capabilities of the device will rival those of the Flip HD.
3. Front-facing camera
The iPhone SDK also has icons and commands relating to video chatting, perhaps confirming the long-standing rumour that iChat will make its way to the iPhone. Recent reports also claim Sam Mendes has helmed a new iPhone advert that features a mother and daughter using iPhones for a video chat.
4. An improved screen
It's looking increasingly likely that the new iPhone screen will boast a 960-by-640-pixel resolution, blowing away existing models and providing a 'print quality' 320ppi density. This will not only leapfrog the Nexus One (252ppi) but make Apple's new iPad (132ppi) look a little rough by comparison for consuming text.
5. New iPhone price
A Screen Digest analyst recently claimed the iPhone 4G will drop in price, due to Apple aiming to expand its smartphone marketshare. There's some precedent here, given the aggressive pricing of the iPad, although with Sterling continuing to weaken against the US dollar, British customers are unlikely to benefit.
6. An Apple processor
Tear-downs of leaked iPhones have revealed an Apple-branded processor inside. Therefore, it's possible the new iPhone will have a processor similar to the one that powers the iPad. If so, expect apps on the new device to fly, due to a huge performance boost.
7. A micro-SIM slot
The iPad Wi-Fi + 3G uses a micro-SIM rather than a regular sized unit, and since Apple tends to share technology across devices where possible, the new iPhone should follow suit - a claim given extra weight by the fact the device Gizmodo 'acquired' had a micro-SIM slot.
8. A bigger battery
The new iPhone's front panel is thinner than the iPhone 3GS's, meaning there's more room for a battery - and a bigger battery means more time between charges. According to MacRumors, the next-generation iPhone's battery should see a 16% increase in capacity.
9. iPhone OS 4.0
When Steve Jobs unveiled iPhone OS 4.0 back in April, he said it would ship this summer. Unless the entire event was an elaborate practical joke, it's safe to say the new iPhone will ship with iPhone OS 4, bringing it out-of-the-box multitasking support for third-party apps, a unified Mail inbox, springboard folders, and more.
10. A new name
Having eschewed the mobile industry's penchant for giving phones bizarre, impossible-to-remember names, Apple itself came under a little criticism for the awkward 'iPhone 3GS' moniker.
Pundits are divided on whether we'll be calling the next iPhone the iPhone 4G or iPhone HD - although if Apple settles on the latter this will make for a confusing App Store, what with the rash of 'HD' apps for iPad
LS's Tip of the week
ESSENTIAL OILS aren't essential unless you're an engine, a gearbox or a twat
All eyes will be on Moscone West on 7 June as the San Francisco venue hosts WWDC.
With Apple CEO Steve Jobs delivering the keynote, it's almost guaranteed the new iPhone will be officially revealed.
And since Apple's been suffering from more leaks than a wooden boat with a payload of ravenous woodworm, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect from the revamped device.
Here's what you can expect to see in the new iPhone…
1. A new case design
Although people were suspicious of the 'leaked' next-gen iPhone images that circulated in April, subsequent leaks have confirmed the device will have a quite different design to the iPhone 3GS. The back is flat, the sides have an iPad-like metal surround, and the volume buttons are separated rather than being combined as a rocker switch.
2. Improved camera
An update to the iPhone's camera is almost a given. As far back as December, reports were circulating that the iPhone's camera resolution would be upped to 5-megapixels. More recently, devs digging into the iPhone SDK have unearthed references to HD video recording, suggesting the video-capture capabilities of the device will rival those of the Flip HD.
3. Front-facing camera
The iPhone SDK also has icons and commands relating to video chatting, perhaps confirming the long-standing rumour that iChat will make its way to the iPhone. Recent reports also claim Sam Mendes has helmed a new iPhone advert that features a mother and daughter using iPhones for a video chat.
4. An improved screen
It's looking increasingly likely that the new iPhone screen will boast a 960-by-640-pixel resolution, blowing away existing models and providing a 'print quality' 320ppi density. This will not only leapfrog the Nexus One (252ppi) but make Apple's new iPad (132ppi) look a little rough by comparison for consuming text.
5. New iPhone price
A Screen Digest analyst recently claimed the iPhone 4G will drop in price, due to Apple aiming to expand its smartphone marketshare. There's some precedent here, given the aggressive pricing of the iPad, although with Sterling continuing to weaken against the US dollar, British customers are unlikely to benefit.
6. An Apple processor
Tear-downs of leaked iPhones have revealed an Apple-branded processor inside. Therefore, it's possible the new iPhone will have a processor similar to the one that powers the iPad. If so, expect apps on the new device to fly, due to a huge performance boost.
7. A micro-SIM slot
The iPad Wi-Fi + 3G uses a micro-SIM rather than a regular sized unit, and since Apple tends to share technology across devices where possible, the new iPhone should follow suit - a claim given extra weight by the fact the device Gizmodo 'acquired' had a micro-SIM slot.
8. A bigger battery
The new iPhone's front panel is thinner than the iPhone 3GS's, meaning there's more room for a battery - and a bigger battery means more time between charges. According to MacRumors, the next-generation iPhone's battery should see a 16% increase in capacity.
9. iPhone OS 4.0
When Steve Jobs unveiled iPhone OS 4.0 back in April, he said it would ship this summer. Unless the entire event was an elaborate practical joke, it's safe to say the new iPhone will ship with iPhone OS 4, bringing it out-of-the-box multitasking support for third-party apps, a unified Mail inbox, springboard folders, and more.
10. A new name
Having eschewed the mobile industry's penchant for giving phones bizarre, impossible-to-remember names, Apple itself came under a little criticism for the awkward 'iPhone 3GS' moniker.
Pundits are divided on whether we'll be calling the next iPhone the iPhone 4G or iPhone HD - although if Apple settles on the latter this will make for a confusing App Store, what with the rash of 'HD' apps for iPad
LS's Tip of the week
ESSENTIAL OILS aren't essential unless you're an engine, a gearbox or a twat
It's likely to be called the 4G, because its rumoured that the phone will be an 3GPP LTE capable device (more capacity and speed over the mobile network), which even though this is a pre-4G mobile standard, the media have dubbed it as 4G regardless. Whether or not this will cause a massive headache for AT&T in the states remains to be seen.
OS4 doesn't have multi-tasking in terms of how you would think, more that it will keep the processes of applications running in the background rather than the application itself. Therefore, and this has been stated in the brief, things like being on IM at the same time as something else wont be possible out of the box, but the APIs are there for developers in the SDK. OS4 will not be available for the 3G at all.
OS4 doesn't have multi-tasking in terms of how you would think, more that it will keep the processes of applications running in the background rather than the application itself. Therefore, and this has been stated in the brief, things like being on IM at the same time as something else wont be possible out of the box, but the APIs are there for developers in the SDK. OS4 will not be available for the 3G at all.
Ah, cheers for the correction.
Also assuming that multitasking will be available for the iPad, given that it has plenty of power to do so. Also, everyone should get an iPad; they are amazing.
gav Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The iPad is brilliant.
>
> Jobs said it was between the iPhone and Macbook.
>
> All the good things about a laptop/netbook are
> missing (it has no ports, expansion, Flash,
> multitasking, it has an iPhone-based OS) while it
> retains all the bad things (obviously size - it's
> nearly A4 size).
>
> All the good things about an iPhone are missing
> (no erm, phone, camera, webcam... or anything
> really).
>
> It can't be used as an ereader as it has a
> standard reflective LCD screen (so you might as
> well stay in the library, as it can't be used
> outside until it gets dark). Proper ereaders have
> 'electronic paper' screens which actually work
> better the stronger the light.
>
> I've got no idea where this is pitched. Nobody
> does. Not even Steve Jobs suggested a plausible
> real-world use. It seems they've taken an idea
> from about 5 years back, then made it way, way
> worse. :\
Agreed. To me, it sounds like a step back towards these guys:
:-/
And I can't believe they're charging ~£400 for it either. Like Morbid says, an excellent piece of marketing.
-------------------------------------------------------
> The iPad is brilliant.
>
> Jobs said it was between the iPhone and Macbook.
>
> All the good things about a laptop/netbook are
> missing (it has no ports, expansion, Flash,
> multitasking, it has an iPhone-based OS) while it
> retains all the bad things (obviously size - it's
> nearly A4 size).
>
> All the good things about an iPhone are missing
> (no erm, phone, camera, webcam... or anything
> really).
>
> It can't be used as an ereader as it has a
> standard reflective LCD screen (so you might as
> well stay in the library, as it can't be used
> outside until it gets dark). Proper ereaders have
> 'electronic paper' screens which actually work
> better the stronger the light.
>
> I've got no idea where this is pitched. Nobody
> does. Not even Steve Jobs suggested a plausible
> real-world use. It seems they've taken an idea
> from about 5 years back, then made it way, way
> worse. :\
Agreed. To me, it sounds like a step back towards these guys:
:-/
And I can't believe they're charging ~£400 for it either. Like Morbid says, an excellent piece of marketing.
The majority of people who have tried one want one, simply because it's about small touches, it's about ease of use and it's about making something that maybe isn't at the cutting edge of technology but which is just done exceptionally well.
Which is something that is seemingly incredibly rare in personal technology these days.
Which is something that is seemingly incredibly rare in personal technology these days.
Apple announcing the new iPhone 4 was hardly the shock of the century, but Steve Jobs still offered up a few little extra morsels to keep all the hordes of Apple upgraders happy.
Here's the run down of all the key information, so if you want to find out whether this is the new phone for you, then check out all you need to know about the new iPhone 4:
1. HD video recording - and iMovie too
If you were looking for the iPhone to get a better camera, look no further than the recent iPhone 4 announcement - it's got HD video recording at a slick 30fps.
You can tap to focus, share with one click and use the built in video light to make sure you get better movies even if recording at night. We're worried this may mean the end of the 'special' ambience in Paris Hilton's 'special' videos.
You can also edit and manipulate the movies directly from the device, with iMovie now developed for the iPhone OS as well, designed to mimic the desktop version.
However, the new app isn't free - you'll likely have to pay around £3.50 for the privilege.
2. New 5MP camera with LED flash
The iPhone has always has a poor camera and almost wore it proudly as a badge of honour - no more, as the new iPhone 4 is packing a 5MP sensor with LED flash too (although sadly it's the same one as used on the video recorder.
While it's not as headline-grabbing as the ability to record HD video, Apple has put a lot of effort into the iPhone 4's snapping capabilities, keeping the pixel size the same as a 3.2MP camera without skimping on the specs.
This means more photons onto each pixel, which in turn makes a better picture. Has Apple finally cracked what it means to be a mo-pho? (MObile PHOtographer)
3. Retina display - not an eye scanner
The iPhone has traditionally had the same specs year in, year out, and the screen has suffered because of it. The 3.5-inch HVGA display used to be lovely - but now it's ageing as WVGA screens career past it.
However, Jobs announced the new Retina Display at the unveiling of the new iPhone 4, which has a whopping 960 x 640 display resolution, and is handily four times the pixel density (326ppi), meaning easy scaling of applications.
One sad thing is it's 'only' an LCD rather than a gorgeous OLED powering the display, although Jobs things that his IPS technology offers superb colour reproduction and a wide viewing angle that's better than OLED.
The overall message though: this screen is so high-res that it's 'beyond the sweet spot', meaning Apple thinks it can't get much sharper on a screen this size.
4. Video calling makes a comeback with FaceTime
Steve Jobs might need reminding what year it is, with the new addition of FaceTime meaning video calling is seen as his 'One More Thing'.
Yes it's cool to be able to talk to your friends, and cooler to do it via the front or back camera. But we mean it was cool circa 2003, when the technology was already out there over 3G.
Actually, that's another thing: Apple won't be letting you talk on FaceTime when you're out and about, rather only when connected to WiFi can you start chatting with pictures.
This isn't going to change in the near future, at least not until 2011, so we're not sure how popular this feature is actually going to be, especially as it's limited to iPhone 4's only.
5. iPhone 4 release date - UK gets 24 June
The new iPhone 4 is going to be rolled out faster that ever before, with the new handset given a 24 June UK release date.
The iPhone 4 is actually going to be released in five countries at the same time: The UK, US, Japan, Germany and France.
Pre-ordering goes live on 15 June, but The Carphone Warehouse has jumped the gun a little bit and put pre-registration for pre-ordering live from today - perhaps a bit excessive.
AT&T in the US is offering the chance to upgrade early to the iPhone 4 is you're due an upgrade this year, and O2 is 'preparing offers for in-contract customers'... with Vodafone announcing availability too, we're hoping this might be a treat for certain customers.
6. Thinnest smartphone ever
Yes, you heard that right - Apple has managed to make its iPhone so thin its parents are starting to get worried.
At 9.6mm thin, it's certainly pocket-friendly, and that's not where the redesign ends either - it's all glass and stainless steel here now.
The glass is apparently to help combat scratches and improve optical clarity, and the stainless steel makes it extra tough - impressive in such a thin frame.
It has integrated antennas that are "part of the primary structural elements of the phone" which means less space, more stuff in there
7. Popping in a gyroscope
With the new iPhone 4, Apple has added in something called 3-axis gyro.
This, coupled with the accelerometer and the compass, makes the iPhone a real virtual gaming machine, adding motion sensitivity to make it a rival to the PS3 controller.
To show off the technology, Steve Jobs played a virtual Jenga-like game on the device, slightly moving the iPhone 4 to knock out individual blocks.
We're sure there will be better games than this on the way, but the iPhone has clearly arrived as a new style gaming machine - although waving the iPhone 4 around like you just don't care may not appeal to all.
8. 40% better battery life
One of the main criticisms of the iPhone is the poor battery life - well, one way to improve that is to make it nearly half as much better again.
OK, it would be better if it lasted three days or something, but this is a pretty significant upgrade, and offers a number of improved elements.
3G talk time is now rated at seven hours, browsing over 3G is six hours (10 over WiFi), with video 10 hours and music 40 hours.
However, if you just want to leave your iPhone 4 doing nothing, then you'll be pleased to know you can do that for over 12 days - 300 hours of standby is nothing to be sniffed at.
9. Apple adds in its own processor
Steve Jobs announced the new Apple-manufactured A4 processor in the iPad, and it's repeated the trick with the iPhone 4 as well.
We're still not sure on the official specs of the processor... the iPad was running at 1GHz and Apple made a big deal about that, but Steve Jobs conspicuously didn't give any specs about the new chip this time around - this could hint it's clocked a little lower.
However, the new iPhone 4 will need some grunt to handle editing 720p video, so fingers crossed it's not too far off the iPad.
10. Bing comes into search
Grumpy with Google? Yawning at Yahoo? Well, you can get Bored of Bing now too on the iPhone 4, as Apple has announced the chance to search in a different way.
Although Google is offered up as the official search engine by default, the new iPhone 4 will offer up the Microsoft search engine to give its users, you know, a bit of choice.
Steve Jobs even had some kind words to say about Ballmer's Brigade: "Microsoft has done a great job on this. Check it out, it's kinda cool."
Praise indeed.
11. iPhone OS 4.0 has gone
OK, we tricked you there. It hasn't really gone... it's just been re-badged. The iPhone OS has been re-named simply: iOS, as the iPad is seen as an equally important device.
Another cool thing about this change is it hints at more iOS devices in the future - Apple TV coming with an iPhone-a-like interface, anyone?
12. iBooks gets an overhaul
OK, we know - we don't even have iBooks in the UK as yet, so technically there's not overhaul to be had.
The main highlight is a PDF viewer built right into the application, and you can also add in bookmarks and throw in a few notes here and there too.
The new enhancements for iBooks will also be available to iPad users - and while the new features aren't exactly game-changing, it is good to see that Apple is tweaking apps for the device so soon after launch.
LS's Tip of the week
ESSENTIAL OILS aren't essential unless you're an engine, a gearbox or a twat
Here's the run down of all the key information, so if you want to find out whether this is the new phone for you, then check out all you need to know about the new iPhone 4:
1. HD video recording - and iMovie too
If you were looking for the iPhone to get a better camera, look no further than the recent iPhone 4 announcement - it's got HD video recording at a slick 30fps.
You can tap to focus, share with one click and use the built in video light to make sure you get better movies even if recording at night. We're worried this may mean the end of the 'special' ambience in Paris Hilton's 'special' videos.
You can also edit and manipulate the movies directly from the device, with iMovie now developed for the iPhone OS as well, designed to mimic the desktop version.
However, the new app isn't free - you'll likely have to pay around £3.50 for the privilege.
2. New 5MP camera with LED flash
The iPhone has always has a poor camera and almost wore it proudly as a badge of honour - no more, as the new iPhone 4 is packing a 5MP sensor with LED flash too (although sadly it's the same one as used on the video recorder.
While it's not as headline-grabbing as the ability to record HD video, Apple has put a lot of effort into the iPhone 4's snapping capabilities, keeping the pixel size the same as a 3.2MP camera without skimping on the specs.
This means more photons onto each pixel, which in turn makes a better picture. Has Apple finally cracked what it means to be a mo-pho? (MObile PHOtographer)
3. Retina display - not an eye scanner
The iPhone has traditionally had the same specs year in, year out, and the screen has suffered because of it. The 3.5-inch HVGA display used to be lovely - but now it's ageing as WVGA screens career past it.
However, Jobs announced the new Retina Display at the unveiling of the new iPhone 4, which has a whopping 960 x 640 display resolution, and is handily four times the pixel density (326ppi), meaning easy scaling of applications.
One sad thing is it's 'only' an LCD rather than a gorgeous OLED powering the display, although Jobs things that his IPS technology offers superb colour reproduction and a wide viewing angle that's better than OLED.
The overall message though: this screen is so high-res that it's 'beyond the sweet spot', meaning Apple thinks it can't get much sharper on a screen this size.
4. Video calling makes a comeback with FaceTime
Steve Jobs might need reminding what year it is, with the new addition of FaceTime meaning video calling is seen as his 'One More Thing'.
Yes it's cool to be able to talk to your friends, and cooler to do it via the front or back camera. But we mean it was cool circa 2003, when the technology was already out there over 3G.
Actually, that's another thing: Apple won't be letting you talk on FaceTime when you're out and about, rather only when connected to WiFi can you start chatting with pictures.
This isn't going to change in the near future, at least not until 2011, so we're not sure how popular this feature is actually going to be, especially as it's limited to iPhone 4's only.
5. iPhone 4 release date - UK gets 24 June
The new iPhone 4 is going to be rolled out faster that ever before, with the new handset given a 24 June UK release date.
The iPhone 4 is actually going to be released in five countries at the same time: The UK, US, Japan, Germany and France.
Pre-ordering goes live on 15 June, but The Carphone Warehouse has jumped the gun a little bit and put pre-registration for pre-ordering live from today - perhaps a bit excessive.
AT&T in the US is offering the chance to upgrade early to the iPhone 4 is you're due an upgrade this year, and O2 is 'preparing offers for in-contract customers'... with Vodafone announcing availability too, we're hoping this might be a treat for certain customers.
6. Thinnest smartphone ever
Yes, you heard that right - Apple has managed to make its iPhone so thin its parents are starting to get worried.
At 9.6mm thin, it's certainly pocket-friendly, and that's not where the redesign ends either - it's all glass and stainless steel here now.
The glass is apparently to help combat scratches and improve optical clarity, and the stainless steel makes it extra tough - impressive in such a thin frame.
It has integrated antennas that are "part of the primary structural elements of the phone" which means less space, more stuff in there
7. Popping in a gyroscope
With the new iPhone 4, Apple has added in something called 3-axis gyro.
This, coupled with the accelerometer and the compass, makes the iPhone a real virtual gaming machine, adding motion sensitivity to make it a rival to the PS3 controller.
To show off the technology, Steve Jobs played a virtual Jenga-like game on the device, slightly moving the iPhone 4 to knock out individual blocks.
We're sure there will be better games than this on the way, but the iPhone has clearly arrived as a new style gaming machine - although waving the iPhone 4 around like you just don't care may not appeal to all.
8. 40% better battery life
One of the main criticisms of the iPhone is the poor battery life - well, one way to improve that is to make it nearly half as much better again.
OK, it would be better if it lasted three days or something, but this is a pretty significant upgrade, and offers a number of improved elements.
3G talk time is now rated at seven hours, browsing over 3G is six hours (10 over WiFi), with video 10 hours and music 40 hours.
However, if you just want to leave your iPhone 4 doing nothing, then you'll be pleased to know you can do that for over 12 days - 300 hours of standby is nothing to be sniffed at.
9. Apple adds in its own processor
Steve Jobs announced the new Apple-manufactured A4 processor in the iPad, and it's repeated the trick with the iPhone 4 as well.
We're still not sure on the official specs of the processor... the iPad was running at 1GHz and Apple made a big deal about that, but Steve Jobs conspicuously didn't give any specs about the new chip this time around - this could hint it's clocked a little lower.
However, the new iPhone 4 will need some grunt to handle editing 720p video, so fingers crossed it's not too far off the iPad.
10. Bing comes into search
Grumpy with Google? Yawning at Yahoo? Well, you can get Bored of Bing now too on the iPhone 4, as Apple has announced the chance to search in a different way.
Although Google is offered up as the official search engine by default, the new iPhone 4 will offer up the Microsoft search engine to give its users, you know, a bit of choice.
Steve Jobs even had some kind words to say about Ballmer's Brigade: "Microsoft has done a great job on this. Check it out, it's kinda cool."
Praise indeed.
11. iPhone OS 4.0 has gone
OK, we tricked you there. It hasn't really gone... it's just been re-badged. The iPhone OS has been re-named simply: iOS, as the iPad is seen as an equally important device.
Another cool thing about this change is it hints at more iOS devices in the future - Apple TV coming with an iPhone-a-like interface, anyone?
12. iBooks gets an overhaul
OK, we know - we don't even have iBooks in the UK as yet, so technically there's not overhaul to be had.
The main highlight is a PDF viewer built right into the application, and you can also add in bookmarks and throw in a few notes here and there too.
The new enhancements for iBooks will also be available to iPad users - and while the new features aren't exactly game-changing, it is good to see that Apple is tweaking apps for the device so soon after launch.
LS's Tip of the week
ESSENTIAL OILS aren't essential unless you're an engine, a gearbox or a twat
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