Wednesday, August 20, 2014

After several alleged production images and rear shell photos published recently have indicated strongly that one or maybe both new iPhone models could feature an iPod touch-style protruding camera ring on the back, a purported three-dimensional render of a device that resembles the iPhone 6 has surfaced today, showing a camera lens that sticks out between 0.67 and 0.77 millimeters…

The image top of post was republished from a Chinese source Wednesday by Apple.club.tw [Google Translate] and relayed by GforGames.

It’s apparently a three-dimensional rendering of a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 that was probably created as part of the production schematic. The Moiré pattern seen on the image points to the conclusion that a source photographed the render on a computer display.

The website claims that the photo depicts a 4.7-inch device which is ostensibly just 7 millimeters thick.

The accompanying comments suggest that the first prototype had a camera ring on the back protruding 0.77 millimeters. A device named “Proto2” is mentioned as having the camera ring which sticks out some 0.67 millimeters.

The “N56” label seen on the photo is an internal code-name for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6. The 5.5-incher has been given a codename of “N61”. French blog NowhereElse.fr was first to report these code-names nearly a month ago.
 Pictured above: the protruding iPhone 6 camera ring that Russian luxury modified iPhone vendor Feld & Volk posted on its Instagram.

As for the claimed schematic, the “Proto 1” and “Proto 2” labels might point to the conclusion that both handsets — the 4.7-inch version and its 5.5-inch counterpart — feature a camera lens extending outward from the rear cover.

Alternatively, the image could mean that just one of the two new iPhones has a protruding lens, meaning “Proto 1” and “Proto 2” denote prototypes of a single model.

Another possibility: the alleged schematic could be for a sixth-generation iPod touch.

What do you say?


New photos have surfaced this afternoon, of what is said to be the rear shell of the 5.5-inch version of the upcoming iPhone 6 (referred to as the iPhone 6L by some). The part is positioned next to the shell of its 4.7-inch counterpart, giving us an idea of scale.
While component leaks for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 have been plentiful, leaks for the larger 5.5-inch model have been fairly scarce So, if they’re legit, these photos could be placed in just a small stack of evidence we’ve seen thus far that a 5.5-inch iPhone exists…
The two images were posted by website Evasi0nJailbreak.com, who says they can be sourced from deep within Apple’s supply chain. The site adds that the part is in very limited supply, suggesting that reports about the 5.5-inch model being delayed are true.
Like my coverage on the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 variation, this latest leak originated from my source deep within Apple’s supply chain in China. However, before jumping to the conclusion that today’s leak is indicative of a 5.5-inch iPhone 6 release alongside the all-but-confirmed 4.7-inch model next month, my sources have informed me that a very limited, and undisclosed, number of said 5.5-inch back housing components exist in the factory in question.
It’s obviously impossible to confirm whether the shell is real or not, particularly with so many clones floating around, but the part does look very similar to earlier leaked 4.7-inch iPhone 6 shells. Notice the thick antenna breaks, cutout Apple logo, and rounded flash.


Sunday, August 17, 2014

Apple’s short-term strategy regarding the $3 billion buy of Beats Electronics and Beats Music is starting to take shape with each passing day.
Not only is it actively advertising and selling Beats products through its brick-and-mortar locations and online retail stores, but now the California firm has shaved a cool 10 percent off all Beats by Dr. Dre headphones and assorted accessories.
This is virtually an unheard-of move — the company rarely discounts its own products by more than a meager few percents.
I’d say that it’s kinda interesting seeing the maker of overpriced gadgets — as haters usually diss Apple — actually bring the overpriced Beats by Dr. Dre headphones to more bearable levels…
As an example, the Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Over-Ear headphones that normally sell for $299.95 now retail for a more reasonable $269.95 over at the US Apple Store.
Likewise, the $599.95 Studio x Snarkitecture headphones dropped to $539.95 while the $449.95 Beats Pro Over-Ear ones are now $404.95.
The popular in-ear headphones have seen price drops, too. Case in point: the $199.95 Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats2 Wireless Headphones can now be had for $179.95.
For those wondering, other Beats products like speakers and audio accessories are now 10 percent cheaper as well. Mark Gurman has learned through a source that the price cuts are temporary as the promotion will reportedly last through this coming Saturday, August 23.
Interestingly, the $49.95 Beats Pill Dude speaker covers haven’t been discounted.

Apple two weeks ago gave Beats by Dr. Dre products their own section on its webstore.
Similarly, the Beats Music earned its spot in the ‘Apps Made by Apple’ section on the App Store. Moreover, the firm was recently seen pushing the subscription-based music streaming service to new iOS device owners via App Store prompts while attempting to bring new customers by making annual subscriptions more affordable.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Official Samsung unveils new Galaxy Alpha

Samsung today took the wraps off a new smartphone for its Galaxy line called the ‘Galaxy Alpha.’ The company says the handset encapsulates its new design approach, featuring a “carefully constructed” compact body with a metal frame and a solid finish.
In terms of specs, there isn’t anything too crazy under the hood. The Alpha sports a 4.7” HD Super AMOLED display, an octa-core processor, 2GB of RAM and a 12MP rear camera. There’s also a fingerprint scanner on board, and a host of other sensors…
alpha 2
Here’s a rundown of the hardware: 4.7” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720), Octa Core (Quad 1.8GHz + Quad 1.3GHz) processor, 12MP (rear) and 2.1MP (front) cameras, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal memory (no SD card slot), and an 1,860 mAh battery.
The really story here is the Alpha’s all-new metal design, which some folks are saying teeters dangerously close to that of Apple’s iPhone 5/5s. The two firms have gone to court over design infringement before, although they did recently call a semi-truce.
Here’s what Samsung has to say about the new look:
Concentrating on elegant aesthetics and compact construction, Samsung has taken a fresh approach to design with the Galaxy Alpha. Created to help consumers express their unique style without sacrificing functionality, the refined Galaxy Alpha features a sophisticated design with a metal frame, elegantly curved corners and a tactile soft back cover. In addition, it is visually balanced, with the perfect contrast of both a calming, soft matte finish and an eye-catching reflection from the metal frame. At less than 7 mm thick, the Galaxy Alpha is also one of the slimmest Galaxy devices ever, and its uniquely compact construction and light weight provides consumers with maximum in-hand grip and control.
And here’s the official introduction video ‘Just Alpha’
The timing of this device is also interesting. Samsung says that the Alpha will go on sale in early September, which is right around the time Apple is expected to announce its iPhone 6, and around the same time that Samsung is believed to unveil its Note 4.
Unfortunately, there’s not much information at this time in terms of availability. Samsung hasn’t named any carrier partners for the Alpha yet, and there’s no word on pricing. We do, however, know it will come in black, white, gold, silver and blue colorways.
Thoughts?
As production for the iPhone 6 begins to ramp up ahead of next month’s unveiling, we’re starting to see more and more part leaks for the highly anticipated handset. We’ve seen several over the last few days, and this afternoon, new photos of alleged components surfaced.
This latest batch gives us a close-up look at what is said to be the front panel and display assembly for the 4.7-inch model of the iPhone 6, with its very clearly tapered edges. The photos also show the new Power button, which is expected to be relocated, and its Mute Switch…
We’ll start off by talking about the front panel, which you can see in the image above. This is obviously the inside of the component, and it looks like some pieces have been pulled apart to show off the digitizer, LCD flex cable, light sensors and the cubby for the Face Time camera.
These two photos give us a nice side view of the panel, where you can see that its edges are far more tapered than those on current models. Now imagine these edges sitting nearly flush with those from the rear shell leaks we’ve seen, and the design should be nearly seamless.
Finally, we have photos of the iPhone 6′s Power button and Mute switch, which are both covered in a nice metal finish. The consensus is that Apple has moved the Power button to the side of the handset for easier operation, and this new Mute toggle looks a bit different as well.
The photos come from luxury modified iPhone vendor Feld & Volk, courtesy of MacRumors, who has been responsible for several part leaks over the past few weeks. The firm claims it has a relationship with Apple suppliers, which enables it to get a head start on modifications.
Most of what we’ve seen thus far, in terms of leaks and reports, matches up fairly nicely. The iPhone 6 is expected to come in 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch versions with A8 processors, new sensors and more. Apple has reportedly scheduled its iPhone event for Tuesday, September 9th.