And until one see the next-generation iPhone one can only imagine what it will look and feel like. Regardless, the iPhone 5 will be a step up from the current iPhone 4 and users are indeed anticipating many upgrades.

Here’s a roundup of what rumored features we would want to see in the new iPhone 5.

A Powerful A5 Chip: This is the same chip that gives the iPad2 its power. Rumors are that Apple will likely fit an A5 chip into iPhone 5, giving its speeds of about 1.2 or 1.5 GHz with 1GB RAM.

Battery Life: Apple is known to constantly improve its products. The iPhone 4 has about 40 percent more talk time than the iPhone 3GS. Therefore, it is no wonder that it is being rumored that the new iPhone will come with a thinner, lighter battery and may provide an extra 100 hours of standby time and more than two hours of talk time.

iOS 5: Everyone will decide on whether to get the new iPhone based this. Apple’s iOS is top-notch and is bringing some stiff competition to Google’s Android. If the iOS 5 gets in the new iPhone, it will be a winner. The iOS 5 comes with 200 new features to include an improved notifications system and iMessage.

A World Phone: iPhone 5 is rumored to have about two internal antennae for CDMA and GSM compatibility.

Curved Glass Display: Apple is rumored to release an iPhone 5 with a bigger screen size that could be about 4-inch. DigiTimes reported back in May that Apple ordered glass cutting machines that are able to make curved glass covers.

iCloud: Apple’s iPhone 5 needs to have the new iCloud for operating iTunes for wireless remote access of music from any computers and mobile devices. With iCloud, iPhone users can store all their photos, apps and more.

Apple hasn’t released any details on what the new iPhone will feature, but the next-generation of Apple smartphone would be solid with those features.

What are you most looking forward to having in your new iPhone?

[Thanks: http://www.ibtimes.com]

The carrier revealed the information in a presentation given at this week’s Macworld Asia. A slide shown by the carrier, spotted by Macotakara, displays the evolution of the iPhone, from the first-generation model in 2007 onward.

Included in the slide is a blank spot for Apple’s so-called “iPhone 5,” which the company will officially unveil at an event next Tuesday. No photo or details on the iPhone 5 are provided, except for a mention that it will access HSPA+ networks, which have theoretical maximum download speeds of 21Mbps.

That compares to the 7.2Mbps maximum theoretical speed the WCDMA radio has provided in the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G. The first-generation iPhone featured EDGE data connections for 480Kbps.

In the U.S., AT&T and T-Mobile have their own HSPA+ networks which the carriers advertise as having “4G” speeds, even though they aren’t true fourth-generation technology. AT&T is currently rolling out a true LTE 4G network in the U.S., and the carrier’s proposed acquisition of T-Mobile would give it more spectrum to expand its coverage.

Rumors have maintained that this year’s iPhone upgrade will not feature a true 4G LTE radio. The China Unicom slide does indicate, however, that the next iPhone will feature an improved modem.

In April, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook indicated his company is in no rush to adopt true 4G LTE technology in its products. He admitted that Apple has explored LTE, but the company wasn’t ready to make the jump with the launch of a CDMA Verizon iPhone in February.

[Thanks: http://www.appleinsider.com]

People want the new iPhone. Those iPhone 4s and (god-forbid) iPhone 3Gs might at well be Motorola RAZRs sitting in people’s pockets.

But how much of a “game changer” will the new iPhone really be? What will the much-anticipated phone bring to the table that will position itself as a true “next-gen” device?

For many, it’s the new voice control platform called “Assistant” that everyone has been talking about for the past few days.

The leaked reports trickling out of the Apple fountain suggest that iOS 5 on the iPhone 5 is going to come with a new voice control platform that is more than just a feature – but the predominant way that users will interact with the new phone. Details about the “Assistant” system have emerged, and they sound quite interesting.

Basically, Assistant is said to be voice control that really works. Seamless appointment scheduling, text messaging and even search – simply through the power of your voice. Not only will Assistant understand what you say, but it is apparently intuitive. That’s right, according to reports, you can expect to have a little conversation with your new iPhone from time to time when it needs to specify a command that you give it. “Tell Jim I’m going to be late the meeting,” you say. Assistant might ask, “Should I notify his work or personal email?”

For more on those expected features, check here.

Could this technology be the main new thing about the iPhone 5 – the game changer? In my opinion, this voice control platform is more important than all the other rumored features – the 8 megapixel camera, faster processor, even all of the slick redesigns that people are hoping for.

Long-time Apple follower and investor Jason Schwarz says that this part of the new iPhone is “the most significant upgrade to the Apple ecosystem since the initial launch of the product back in 2007.” No wonder that the invitation to the October 4th event said “Let’s Talk iPhone.” As many across the internet pointed out, that phrase could easily be interpreted “Let’s talk, iPhone.”

Schwarz continues to talk about the amazing new user interface –

At the original iPhone event in January 2007, Steve Jobs stated, ‘We are all born with the ultimate pointing device-our fingers-and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse.” Well, I would add that we’re also born with the ultimate communication tool-our voice-and iPhone is about to create the most revolutionary user interface in the history of technology. I expect that this voice assistant will quickly make its way into laptops and desktops as well. Apple’s competitive advantage is widening by the day.

If Schwarz and the details prove correct, the Siri voice “Assistant” integrated into iOS 5 could change the way people interact with mobile technology. Love Apple or hate Apple, iPhone user or not, you have to admit that this is a big deal. It might not dominate the game, but it will sure as hell change it.

What do you think about a voice-based user interface in the upcoming iPhone? Let us know in the comments.

[Thanks: http://www.webpronews.com]

Bluetooth support has been enabled for iPhone 3GS and 4 users as well as for the iPad 2 and fourth generation iPods. This opens up the opportunity to use headsets to make and receive hands-free calls.

iPhone 4 users can take advantage of the new image stabilization feature that kicks in when the rear camera is in use. This makes it more enjoyable for other parties involved in a video call to see what’s going on without having to endure sea sickness-inducing camera shake.

Another update to both the iPad and iPhone versions of the Skype app sees the introduction of advertisements. Anyone who has Skype credit available will not see ads, and the same is true for anyone with a calling or premium subscription — everyone else has to view them.

It is worth noting that to avoid potential problems such as slow contact syncing and a misreported loss of Skype credis, it is a good idea to delete your existing version of the app before installing the new one rather than simply updating in the usual way.

[Thanks: http://betanews.com]

The rumours are growing every day that Apple is about to launch not one, but two new phones in October: the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5. Here’s all you need to know about the feasibly forthcoming iPhone 4S.

It seems unlikely that Apple will launch two new phones at once, as the previous phone (in this case, the iPhone 4) is always made available at a lower price with a smaller storage capacity.

If you’re desperate to know what we think will be coming from the top end new Apple device, check out our iPhone 5: All You Need To Know video below:

But with more information emerging about a phone with ‘minor updates’ from the iPhone 4 emerging all the time, here’s what we know about the rumoured iPhone 4S:

The iPhone 4S will be a minor update to the iPhone 4

In a similar move from the iPhone 3G to the 3GS(which saw only a slight processor improvement, video camera and compass added) the iPhone 4S will only feature slight spec upgrades, according to Jefferies and Co. analyst Peter Misek:

“According to our industry checks, the device should be called iPhone 4S and include minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support,” he wrote.

These claims of ‘better cameras’ have been corroborated by leaked images of the new cameras from Apple.pro to be used in the next version of the phone - the iPhone 4S will reportedly have a separate flash from the main sensor.

The iPhone 4 has the flash built directly into the camera unit, so the new design could herald an even thinner iPhone 4S too.

iPhone 4S construction

Photos of what is supposedly the iPhone 4S were published in July showing a familiar-looking handset with a plastic casing in place of the iPhone 4’s glass finish.

It’s almost impossible to tell if these photos are the real deal; they could easily be of a regular iPhone 4 onto which an enterprising fraudster has transplanted into a plastic casing - or simply a pasted a matte cover - but it would go a long way to removing the possiblity of Antennagate again, plus would bring down the cost of building the device to help make it a truly budget iPhone.

iPhone 4S screen

Conflicting reports in August suggested the next Retina Display in the new iPhone will remain at 3.5-inches.

A leaked prototype LCD display component uncovered by the MacPost website fits exactly the same form factor as the iPhone 4.

That discovery could be interpreted in two ways. The first is that the iPhone 5 design will remain unchanged.

Secondly, it could add credence to rumours that Apple will launch a second tier ‘iPhone 4S’ that sticks to the iPhone 4 design.

The iPhone 4S is just a developer’s version of the iPhone 5

The nickname iPhone 4S could just represent a devloper’s version of the forthcoming iPhone 5, in order to stop the final hardware being leaked.

A select few games devs reportedly received a new iPhone in April, to help them prepare the best titles possible for the iPhone 5 launch.

9to5Mac reports that the new handsets feature Apple’s super-nippy A5 chip, allowing developers to create the fastest and best-looking mobile phone games yet possible.

9to5Mac’s source claims that the “iPhone 4S” is almost identical to the current iPhone 4, apart from the inclusion of the newer, faster processor.

The iPhone 4S replaces the faulty iPhone 5

Rumours of delays have dogged the upcoming iPhone 5 for months now, and rumours persist the device may be held back until early 2012.

The reason behind the hold-up, sources say, is the dual-core A5 processor that Apple is intending to use has been overheating - presumably this is a space issue in the thinner device, given the iPhone 4S is supposed to run with the same chip.

Many have speculated that this will see Apple waiting until the A6 chip is available, which won’t be until the beginning of next year.

If true, this could mean we will see a slightly updated iPhone 4S launch in autumn (another recurring rumour), with a more major upgrade made public after Christmas.

…or the iPhone 4S will launch with the iPhone 5

This one seems a lot more credible, with the iPhone 4S coming as an upgraded iPhone 4 to sit alongside the iPhone 5 on shop shelves.

Images have emerged of what is said to be components of the iPhone 5 as well as the insides of a re-tooled version of the iPhone 4, likely the iPhone 4S.

The images show a re-jigged A5 chip inside what is believed to be the iPhone 5, as well as a bigger battery capacity.

Alongside that are purported images of components inside something that looks like an iPhone 4 - showing off a plastic white casing and a dual core A5 chip.

Credit: MacPost

And more innocuously, Al Gore - a member of the Apple board - recently outed ‘new iPhones’ in a speech, which led to speculation of more than one model emerging.

Gore apparently told a leadership conference in South Africa: “Not to mention the new iPhones coming out next month. That was a plug.”

It remains unclear whether Gore meant that there would be multiple models or many of the same new model. The source, Stuff Magazine South Africa’s Editor Toby Shapshak, says Gore did not clarify.

Later on Twitter, Shapshak followed up by saying “I clearly heard “iPhones”. I recorded it. Double checked. Clearly plural but could be millions of one model.”

iPhone 4S release date

If an upgraded iPhone 4 does launch with the iPhone 5, then it’s highly likley the two devices, running iOS 5, will be launched at the same time, with reports of a release between the 10 and 20 October seeming the most likely at this stage.

It will be interesting to see whether Apple does indeed bring out a dual-core model of the iPhone 4 - if so, then surely the company has big plans in store for the more powerful devices, so we should probably all get pretty excited at the possibility of all new applications being able to take advantage in the huge ramp up in power.

[Thanks: http://www.techradar.com]

Analyst Mark Moskowitz with JP Morgan said on Monday that the next “iPhone 5″ will be a “world phone” with both GSM and CDMA cellular support, but no support for 4G, and a “lighter, thinner form factor.”

He also indicated the iPhone 5 would be accompanied by another device aimed at downscaled markets.

“A second device based on the current iPhone 4 but with some minor improvements could target the midrange and focus on China,” Moskowitz told clients. “As for the current iPhone 4, we expect it to subsume 3GS as the lower-end offering.”

The “research” reignites debate as to whether the consumer electronics giant will launch a new flagship and use the current iPhone 4 as the low-end offering, and create a new device.

But for Moskowitz, a new, cheaper device makes sense, as it allows it to tap into the massive China market without the premium shock.

“If penetrated, China Mobile and China Telecom with approximately 600 million and 100 million subscribers, alongside Sprint and T-Mobile USA with 52 million and 33 million subscribers, stand to have an effect tantamount to the big increase in the number of carriers exhibited in the June quarter,” he said. “We would expect such a big bang if Apple introduces two new iPhones this fall and penetrates the untapped U.S. and China carriers.”

As for the rumored iPad 3, the analyst shot that down, echoing the course of others on Wall Street that say given the current dominance of the iPad 2, there would be little reason to upgrade now.

“The other tablet entrants have stumbled,” Moskowitz wrote. “Offerings by MMI and RIM have been the latest disappointments. Also, we had the opportunity to demo Sony’s tablet before its launch. We were not impressed.”

Indeed, the same analyst noted last week that Motorola Mobility’s “Xoom” tablet had “not exhibited much in the way of meaningful market penetration” and that Research in Motion said it shipped only 200,000 “PlayBook” tablets in the August-ending fiscal Q2, fewer than analysts were expecting.

In comparison, Apple shipped over nine million tablets, and is projected to command over 60 percent of the tablet market in 2012.

[Thanks: http://www.ibtimes.com]

One picture of a back panel from a purported prototype fifth-generation iPhone shows a design essentially identical to the iPhone 4. Obtained by MacPost, it shows a white handset labeled “EVT2″ for “Engineering Verification Testing” with a date of June 7, 2011.

The early development prototype is labeled on the inside as “N94.” The iPhone 4 first released in 2010 is known as “N90,” while the CDMA iPhone 4 released earlier this year is dubbed “N92.”

As on other leaked prototype backs, the latest purported part has its model number, FCC ID and capacity information replaced with X’s, offering little indication as to what might be inside a next-generation iPhone. Apple is widely expected to add the A5 processor already found in the iPad 2.

The report noted that the camera flash is located in the same position, right next to the camera lens, potentially debunking earlier leaks that suggested the flash and lens would be separated. The report also noted the front cover “insinuates lots of internal circuitry changes.”

Separately, parts claiming to show a battery and logic board for Apple’s next-generation iPhone were also shared on Friday by AppleLeaks. The battery is manufactured by ATL Dongguan Amperex Technology Limited, which also made batteries for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.

The battery pictured has the same 3.7V 1430mAh capacity as the iPhone 4, though it has a different interface than the current hardware. It is model GB-510-423282-0100.

The site also has a picture that claims to show the logicboard of a next-generation iPhone. It features a different design for the power sensors and module, phone jack, and camera module.

Earlier this week, pictures of a potential fifth-generation iPhone casing suggested the device could have changes to its antenna. The pictures appear to show a unibody frame without case seams on the top or either side of the top of the handset.

Leading up to the launch of the next-generation iPhone, rumors have been scattershot, and there is a great deal of confusion as to whether the next iPhone will sport an all-new design, or have an appearance similar to the iPhone 4. This week, Reuters reported that the next-generation iPhone will look largely the same as the iPhone 4.

That’s in contrast to conflicting reports and even third-party cases suggesting the next iPhone could have angled sides and a flat back, with a design similar to the iPad 2.

[Thanks: http://www.appleinsider.com]

The new iPhone 4, according to Reuters, will have 8GB, half as much the current version. If we look back though, this isn’t actually a surprising move, since Apple did the same thing with the iPhone 3GS when the iPhone 4 was launched. The iPhone 3GS’ memory was reduced to 8GB and its price was also lower. It seems that Apple will do the same thing when the iPhone 5 takes over as Apple’s premier smartphone. If you ask me, this is a bit of a risky move, as consumers might consider it obsolete.

By releasing a cheaper iPhone 4, with cheaper materials and other possibly other slightly downgraded specs, Apple could compromise it’s premium brand image. However, with the arrival of the iCloud you could argue that smartphone memory will become a less important asset.

On the other hand, this move could “educate” Apple’s client base that you can wait for one year and get a big discount on the device you want. That is unless you are lured by the charm of the newest unit.

[Thanks: http://www.itproportal.com]

Up until now, clever iPhone users could have added a link to their home screens, but that still would have gone straight to the browser window. (Anyone who did this was also likely already a diehard Google+ addict.)

But that isn’t the case anymore. Google has released, as expected, a free app that is available immediately for iOS 3.1 and higher. The technical requirements are that this app only works for the following devices: iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4.

The mobile interface isn’t much different from the ultra-simple and clean desktop version. The app features focus on Circles for sharing particular items with the “right people,” the Huddle for group messaging, and the Stream, which is basically a news feed from all of a user’s Circles.

Naturally, there has already been a dedicated Android app for some time now, downloadable for free from the Android Market.

The Goog’s foray into social networking debuted a few weeks ago, and it is still in invite-only mode. Nevertheless, the Mountain View, Calif.-based company asserted that Google+ already retains 10 million active users.

[Thanks: http://www.zdnet.com]

According to Boy Genius Report, an anonymous source says Apple plans to launch a prepaid, contractless version of the iPhone 3GS for just $350. BGR also reports that a newer model of the iPhone will be coming out or “at least announced by the end of summer, late August-ish,” and that Apple will continue to sell the iPhone 4 alongside the newer model (likely dubbed the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5).

This is no real surprise–in the past, Apple has sold previous-generation iPhones at a reduced price alongside the latest models. This year, however, Apple may reach back two generations and continue selling the iPhone 3GS as a cheap, prepaid alternative–giving Apple the full range of devices, as BGR points out: high- (new iPhone), mid- (iPhone 4), and low-end (iPhone 3GS).

Apple has already demonstrated its willingness to be aggressive with iPhone 3GS pricing: in January, the company started selling the 3GS for just $49 with a two-year AT&T contract. Selling the 3GS for $350 with no contract would give Apple access to a prepaid market which, in the United States, is currently getting lots of love from Android, thanks to offerings such as the Samsung Intercept on Virgin Mobile ($250) and LG Thrive on AT&T ($179).

The
standard Apple rumor disclaimer applies: The latest rumor is just one report based on a single unnamed source, but we’ve heard this song and dance before. In February, the New York Times, Bloomberg, and the Wall Street Journal all reported that Apple was planning a cheaper iPhone, though they disagreed on the size of the handset. The Times speculated that Apple wanted to attack the prepaid market, particularly outside the United States, where carrier subsidies are uncommon. I’d be surprised if this rumor doesn’t pan out.

Still, don’t expect wireless carriers to make a big deal out of a prepaid iPhone 3GS, even if the rumor proves accurate. They’d much rather lock you into a two-year contract, and if you’re okay with that, I’m guessing you’d much rather pay less money up-front for better hardware.

[Thanks: http://www.pcworld.com]