iPhone 5S will bring back 'one more thing,' analyst says

On the heels of a Galaxy S4 release that was solid but not mind-blowing, word is that Apple is planning a killer software feature for the next iPhone.

Not wowed by the HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4? One analyst says never fear -- Apple is preparing a killer feature for the iPhone 5S that will crush the notion that smartphones are becoming a commodity product like so many soybeans traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (or smartypants similes on gadget blogs).
If you've been paying attention to the almost monthly march of big-time smartphone releases for the past year and a half, you may have noticed a pattern. Each new iPhone, Android flagship, and even the Lumia and BlackBerry, is faster, more powerful, and prettier than the last with a few gimmicky features that raise eyebrows for a few weeks, but no game-changing innovation.
For a few great glory years there, Apple was the company to count on for a great new killer feature in the form of Steve Jobs' infamous "one more thing." In fact, arguably the last time we were all abuzz with a groundbreaking new phone feature was when the iPhone 4S was introduced with Siri about a year and a half ago. And even Siri didn't end up quite catching fire and creating a nation of silly people talking to their phones all day.
But Katy Huberty -- who covers enterprise systems and PC hardware for Morgan Stanley and is a frequent Apple watcher -- says the smartphone renaissance isn't over just yet. Speaking on CNBC today, she said that while Apple (specifically its stock price) is in a bit of a funk, she predicts a comeback powered by some hot new software features on the next new iPhone:
You saw the Samsung Galaxy S4 come out last week, that shows you the innovation cards are up for grabs. What is lacking in (the S4) is a killer feature. We think that's where Apple will surprise this year. This (iPhone) 5S cycle this year will be about a killer feature that drives consumers increasingly to the platform...


OK, sounds good, but a quick reality check. If you're Apple and you're in a bit of a quiet period with a slumping stock price and your chief competitor has been bathing in headlines over its latest release for several days, it's pretty easy to simply put out the word that you're planning something non-specifically cool.
But it's also interesting that we seem to be talking about a software-based feature. Perhaps smartphone hardware is becoming more like those ubiquitous soybeans, carrying the same amount of diversity and excitement as a chunk of tofu.
Regardless, now the pressure is on Apple to dig deep and come up with something sweet. I'm rooting for some wicked smartphone karaoke software. What killer feature would you like to see in the next iPhone?

Read more

apple targets with a ring-new idea from apple developers

People are crazy about ipod, so this iRing concept I believe could be seen in the future. Using this ring, iPod fans can take control of their music player easier, not just for iPod btw, this ring is mend to control all Apple’s Product. Take a look at its stylish design and wireless Bluetooth connectivity with your iPod and iPhone, the iRing allows you to control playback and volume on any of your Apple media devices. iRing features a bright OLED status display with a touch-sensitive function strip, and a rechargeable battery life of up to 2 days.

 USB powered help you conveniently recharge your iRing. Its minimal size and unique ring-lock mechanism make it an ideal companion for charging and storing your iRing.

Read more

poor days for apple-Apple reportedly cuts iPhone screen orders on weak demand

Apple is reportedly dialing down its iPhone component orders, a possible sign that demand for the smartphone is not quite as strong as Apple expected.
Apple cut its orders last month for iPhone 5 screens for the first quarter of the 2013 calendar year by roughly half its original target, sources tell The Wall Street Journal. The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant also reportedly trimmed orders for other screen sizes as well.
CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more.

The report appears to support the forecast of at least one analyst, who predicted last month that Apple would face challenges selling its iPhone and iPad. In December, UBS analyst Steven Milunovich slashed his iPhone sales estimates for the March, June, and September 2013 quarters by 5 million units each quarter, while sales estimates for the iPad were cut by 2 million per quarter.
Milunovich also trimmed his earnings estimates for Apple for fiscal 2013 and 2014 and lowered the stock's target price to $700 from $780. Apple is expected to announce its fiscal first-quarter financial results on January 23.
Once the dominant smartphone and tablet seller, Apple has faced challenges on both fronts. The iPad's market share has been sliced by lower-priced Android tablets, while the Galaxy S lineup of smartphones recently edge out the iPhone for the smartphone market crown.

Read more

Apple Working On New TV Set

The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Apple is working with a number of Asian manufacturers in order to create a device which will change the way television is viewed in the home. The as yet unnamed device will either be a TV set itself, or an altered version of the set-top box which is already on the market. Although the project is still considered to be in its early stages of testing and manufacture, Hon Hai Industries, one of Apple’s main collaborators, is said to be designing the device, and Apple is said to be in talks with cable companies and other content providers about their future launch.

Reports about Apple’s approach into the world of television have been long-standing. The late Steve Jobs dropped many hints about the project, which he said would integrate with the iCloud service and would have the most accessible and simple user interface imaginable. But despite the near-constant rumours, the Apple TV has not yet materialised, and though the eventual launch is highly likely, it won’t be within the next few years.

This means that those considering updating their television sets or their pop up television cabinets have plenty of time to select and enjoy a new device before the new Apple TV is launched. LED and plasma screen televisions are hitting the height of their powers right now, with prices falling and technology becoming more and more advanced. Those planning to purchase a new television set will need somewhere equally advanced in which to display their device.

Motorized TV cabinets house flat-screen televisions when they are not in use, and display them expertly when they are. Aesthetically, they fit with the interior of any lounge or living space, with contemporary and traditional styles both available. Whether opting for the glossy curves of a modern unit or the ornate carvings that become a focal point of a more retro-looking room, the cabinets can house any television perfectly whilst waiting for the Apple TV to be launched.

The TV lift cabinets also feature a universal television stand, which fits the majority of existing flat-screen television sets. It can be adjusted to hold different brands and models perfectly, elevating them to a viewable height and retracting them when they are not being used. This universal display unit will also be a great aspect of the unit when the Apple TV does come onto the market; the Apple device is almost certain to be as thin as many of its newer handheld devices, and will fit the existing stand with ease. Those investing in these stands now will see a home for their television for many years to come, whether Apple eventually launch their long-awaited TV set or not.

Read more

Apple may launch another iPad in 2013

Apple may launch a fifth generation tablet next March, in keeping with its yearly Spring releases of previous models, a media report said Tuesday. According to an inside source of the tech blog Macotakara, the new iPad will look like the iPad Mini in design and the dimensions of a slightly smaller iPad 2, the Daily Mail reported.

There are currently three models of iPad: The first iPad, the iPad 2 and the iPad Retina display - all measuring the same. Apple released a faster version of the iPad Retina (also known to many as the iPad 3) this March and some people refer to this as the iPad 4. Following hot on the heels of the iPad 4 launch was the introduction of the Mini measuring a sleek 7.87 inch in height, 5.3 inch in width and 0.28 inch in depth. The new model, according to Macotakara, would feature the Retina display with the same resolution as the third and fourth generation iPads, the Mail added.-IANS

Read more