Is this what Apple's new iPhone 5 will look like?

There are many different rumors regarding Apple's next-generation iPhone (which will be introduced later this year), but all of them seem to agree on one thing: the new handset - quite possibly called iPhone 5 - will have a display of at least 4 inches. This being said, KitGuru has managed to obtain some photos which reportedly show "a pre-release test sample" of the iPhone 5. Spotted "in the Far East", this alleged new iPhone does seem to have a 4-inch display, and is slightly longer than the iPhone 4S - as you can see in the photos below. Can we expect the new iPhone to look like this? Of course we can. Is this truly what it will look like? Well, this we do not know. But more leaks are likely on their way before Apple officially announces the device (maybe in late August, or early September), so let's sit back and wait for them.

New 2012 iPhone body reportedly leaks, gives the glass front its time to shine

Remember that tall, mostly aluminum 2012 iPhone shell that appeared to have leaked? It's back. This time, KitGuru has unearthed what it claims is a “test sample” with the glass front panel roughly intact. We've seen the darker steel sides, aluminum back and new dock connector before, but the front gives us a much better sense of how the finished product (if real) will turn out. Sitting next to an iPhone 4S, it's suggested that the new model would stuff in that bigger screen more through a better use of the available area — there's much less blank space than on the iPhones we've known since 2007.

Savi People app brings 'smarter' contacts to iPhone, integrates with your favorite social networks

 If you haven't been completely content with the stock Contacts app on your renowned Cupertino handset, and were wishing there was a little more to squeeze out of it - there might just be something in the App Store waiting to meet your needs. Enter Savi People. The 99-cent application essentially brings all your address book connections into one hub, but what separates it from the Contacts you've come to know is its integration with most of your preferred social networks - you know, the likes of Twitter, Facebook and, with the latest update, Instagram. Assuming you give Savi People the credentials to get into your accounts, you'll be tweeting, sending direct messages and posting on people's walls in no time directly from the app. You can grab Savi People for a little less than a dollar right now, though that could change at any timeasit is a "special" price.

Sanwa 3D Viewer

The new Sanwa 3D Viewer is designed to work with your iPhone, allowing you to enjoy 3D YouTube content on-the-go. Measuring 40mm x 90mm x 75mm and weighing 127 grams, the gadget magnifies side-by-side yt3D YouTube movies on your iPhone. It has a slot to hold an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S. The Sanwa 3D Viewer is currently available only in Japan for 1,980 Yen or approx. $25. [Impress]

Pioneer X-CM31 Small Audio System

If you are searching for a new audio system, then check out the Pioneer X-CM31. Measuring 200mm x 250mm x 12mm, the sound system is equipped with an integrated CD player, 2x15W speakers and a built-in iPod/iPhone dock. The Pioneer X-CM31 has a USB port, allowing you to play your favorite music tracks which are stored on a thumb drive. It is compatible with both WMA and MP3 files. Available in black, white, red and brown, the Pioneer X-CM31 retails for 20,000 Yen ($250). [Akihabara]

Soundfreaq Sound Rise Clock Radio

Soundfreaq will release its new Sound Rise clock radio exclusively at Target stores this fall. Priced at just $99, the clock radio features a front-mounted dock for Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod. The Soundfreaq Sound Rise clock radio also has a front-mounted touch panel display, a digital FM radio, dual alarm clocks, a 2.1 speaker system and a USB port for charging your USB gadgets. What’s more, the gadget also supports Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming. [iLounge]

Spotify brings streaming radio to iPhone, iPad app

Spotify on Tuesday announced the addition of free mobile radio to the company's popular Spotify app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Spotify's radio features were previously only available to desktop users, however free and premium Spotify users can now stream limitless artist, song, playlist or album-based radio stations to Apple's iOS devices. "Our focus has always been on creating an amazing user experience," said Spotify VP of product, Charlie Hellman. "The radio feature we've added to our iPhone and iPad apps gives users the ability to discover, listen and save what they like on the go – all within one app – for free." Spotify's full press release follows below, and Spotify's app is available for free in the iOS App Store.

Spotify Launches Free Mobile Radio in the US

Latest update for iOS app includes radio you can save

Starting today, Spotify users in the US can play for free on iPhone and iPad.  The latest update to Spotify's iOS app includes the new radio feature, giving free users in the US access to an unlimited amount of music on the move. The update is now available for download in the App Store.

The new radio feature for iOS is seamlessly integrated into the Spotify service, creating an unmatched user experience of listening, discovering, saving and sharing music, from a catalog of more than 16 million songs.

Spotify users on iPhone and iPad can now:

• Create limitless streaming radio stations from single songs, playlists, albums or artists
• Create an unlimited number of stations and listen as long as they like
• Save tracks to Spotify playlists – any song that users "like" will be saved, so they can find the songs later
• Personalize stations in real time by "liking" tracks to hear similar music
• Browse friends' playlists and create radio stations based on their tastes
• Hear great new songs from Spotify's state-of-the-art recommendation engine, based on what millions of real people are listening to
• Access a catalog of over 16 million tracks

"Our focus has always been on creating an amazing user experience," said Charlie Hellman, VP, Product at Spotify.  "The radio feature we've added to our iPhone and iPad apps gives users the ability to discover, listen and save what they like on the go – all within one app – for free."

Premium users of the Spotify iOS app will continue to have an ad-free experience.  Free users in the US will hear advertisements from the following launch partners: Chevrolet, Durex, Heineken, Red Stag by Jim Beam, Lipton Iced Tea, Macy's, McDonalds, Progressive, Red Bull, Taco Bell, Verizon Wireless, and Warner Bros - all of which are current Spotify advertisers.

The new Spotify radio feature will also be available to Premium users outside of the United States.

Chrono iPhone Case Straps you in for a Secure Grip

Trying to design a better iPhone case ranks right up there with designing a better mouse trap. Everyone thinks they can do it, but only a rare few have. Most iPhone cases bore me because they all look relatively similar and have nothing that makes them stand out from all the other cases on the market. When people send me links to cases that they want reviewed or mentioned, my eyes usually glaze over. So when I saw a new email in my inbox that had the subject of Chrono Case – an "Insanely Great" iPhone Case, I may have actually yawned. But then I read Mike Chan's email about his Indiegogo project (similar to Kickstarter). This case is made of aluminum and features a screwless design and an adjustable strap that is built into the back side of the case. This elastic strap can be used hold items like credit cards, money or your earbuds. But it can also be used as a gripping aid by sliding your fingers under the strap. A $55 pledge gets you on the list for a black Chrono Case. Higher donations will get you other colors. What do you think? Does it have potential?

Virgin Mobile USA officially launching iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 on June 29

Today, Virgin Mobile USA has confirmed that it's going to sell Apple's iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. It will do it starting June 29, hence a bit earlier than initially rumored. Virgin Mobile will become the second US pre-paid carrier to offer the iPhone, after Cricket Wireless, which is going to launch it on June 22.

Unfortunately for Virgin customers, iPhone prices will be significantly higher than on Cricket: $649 (iPhone 4S 16GB), and $549 (iPhone 4 8GB). You'll be able to choose plans starting at $30 per month.

Virgin Mobile lets you register for further details on its iPhones here.

Another smartphones that's reportedly going to be released by Virgin this month is the HTC One V. This runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and will be way cheaper than the iPhone: just $200.

Apple's iPhone 4 and 4S to be available from Virgin Mobile on June 29th

Virgin Mobile on Thursday formally announced the future availability of Apple's iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S smartphones. The 8GB iPhone 4 will retail for $549, while the newer 16GB Phone 4S will cost $649 with no contract. Both handsets will be eligible for Virgin Mobile's unlimited data and messaging plans that start as low as $30 per month. “This month marks Virgin Mobile USA's tenth birthday," said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. "And what better way to thank our fans for ten years of loyalty than by giving them exactly what they want: the perfect plan for the perfect phone. That is the essence of 'A Higher Calling.' " The two iPhone models will be available online and through RadioShack, Best Buy and select local retailers on June 29th. Virgin Mobile's press release follows below. Virgin Mobile USA to Offer iPhone on June 29 Plans as Low as $30 Per Month WARREN, N.J. - June 7, 2012 – Virgin Mobile USA announced today it will offer iPhone to its prepaid customers beginning Friday, June 29. Virgin Mobile will offer iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S with its Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans as low as $30 per-month on the Sprint® Nationwide Network. iPhone will be available without a contract and with no fees for activation or roaming. New and existing customers can purchase iPhone at www.virginmobileusa.com, RadioShack, Best Buy and select local retailers. iPhone 4S is the most amazing iPhone yet, packed with incredible features including Apple's dual-core A5 chip for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics; an all-new camera with advanced optics; full 1080p HD resolution video recording; and Siri, an intelligent assistant that helps you get things done just by asking. iPhone 4S comes with iOS 5.1, the world's most advanced mobile operating system, and iCloud, a breakthrough set of free cloud services that work with your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC to automatically and wirelessly store your content in iCloud and push it to all your devices. Virgin Mobile's Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans for iPhone start at $35 per month for access to Sprint's Nationwide Network, and customers can receive a $5 per-month plan discount when they register for automatic monthly payments with a credit card, debit card or PayPal account, making iPhone available for as low as $30 per month. Customers can also use their iPhone as a mobile hotspot through Virgin Mobile for an additional $15 per month. "This month marks Virgin Mobile USA's tenth birthday," said Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. "And what better way to thank our fans for ten years of loyalty than by giving them exactly what they want: the perfect plan for the perfect phone. That is the essence of 'A Higher Calling.'"

38% of recent iPhone buyers switched from Android or BlackBerry

A new survey from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners found that the number of customers switching from Android and BlackBerry handsets to the iPhone has continued to increase, Apple Insider reported. According to a previous survey, 29% of iPhone users in February had switched from an Android or BlackBerry device. The latest numbers indicate that as of April, 38% of iPhone buyers were previously Android or BlackBerry owners, and 73% purchased the iPhone 4S over an older iPhone model. The amount of users switching to Apple's smartphone is even higher than after the iPhone 4S first launched this past holiday season, when it sat at 36%. AT&T's iPhone market share has since fallen from 53% to 51% according to the study, while Sprint's share dropped from 13% to 12%. Verizon's market share among new iPhone buyers has seemingly increased from 34% to 37%.

Prepaid iPhone coming to Virgin Mobile USA

Apple's ever-popular iPhone will be coming to yet another prepaid wireless carrier this summer, according to a new Market Watch report. Citing unnamed sources, Market Watch's Thomas Gryta Tuesday reported on Tuesday that Virgin Mobile USA licensee Sprint would announce this week that Virgin Mobile subscribers will be able to use the iPhone as their device of choice for prepaid voice and data services. Gryta didn't say exactly when Virgin Mobile would start offering the prepaid iPhone but said it could start as soon as July. Earlier rumors have indicated that Sprint also plans to bring the iPhone to Boost Mobile, another of its prepaid wireless carriers. Regional carrier Cricket, owned by Leap Wireless, was the first carrier to officially offer the iPhone alongside its prepaid plans and is charging users $399.99 for the 8GB iPhone 4 and $499.99 for the 16GB iPhone 4S.

Virgin Mobile may launch the iPhone on July 1

 Interestingly, it looks like Cricket won't be the only carrier to offer the iPhone with prepaid plans in the US in the near future after all. A few days ago we told you that Cricket will be the first prepaid carrier to launch Apple's smartphone.

And according to the Wall Street Journal, Virgin Mobile is getting ready to follow suit. Sprint's prepaid arm is set to release the iPhone on July 1. That's a few days after Cricket, so that carrier won't lose the ‘first to offer the iPhone on prepaid' crown.

Pricing for the Virgin Mobile iPhone hasn't been revealed yet, and it's unclear whether Boost Mobile (Sprint's other prepaid brand) will also get to sell the Apple smartphone.

New details surrounding Apple's next iPhone emerge

If the recent flurry of rumors and reports surrounding Apple's sixth-generation iPhone add up, we can expect a top-to-bottom redesign when Apple finally unveils its next-generation smartphone later this year. Several leaked images of what is supposedly the housing for Apple's next iPhone hit the Web last week showing a taller, thinner aluminum case that could easily support a larger display. While the authenticity of the images has not been confirmed, they do support earlier claims from both The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, suggesting the next-generation iPhone will include a new display measuring at least 4 inches diagonally. Now, an analyst with a solid track record has issed a research note that paints a more complete picture of the upcoming iPhone's new display. “We expect iPhone 5 to feature a 4.08-inch in-cell IPS panel screen with a display resolution of 1,136 x 640 and 500-nit brightness,” KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo wrote on Wednesday in a note to clients. He also stated that despite the inclusion of a new larger display, Apple's upcoming iPhone will utilize a battery that is roughly the same capacity as the one found in the iPhone 4S. According to the analyst's sources within Apple's supply chain, the new iPhone display will measure 50.9 millimeters wide by 90.3 millimeters tall, and Apple has contracted Toshiba Matsushita Display, LG Display and Sharp to supply the new panels. Kuo also reaffirmed earlier reports that the next-generation iPhone will utilize in-cell touch elements in its display. Kuo notes that Apple chose not to use a larger 4.3-inch display because it would require a larger battery and it would not support comfortable single-handed operation. The analyst also says that Apple's new iPhone housing will be thinner than the glass and aluminum case utilized by the current-generation iPhone 4S and the iPhone 4. Recent reports suggest Apple's next iPhone will launch in September or October alongside a new “iPad mini,” and BGR reported last December that Apple intends to launch a completely redesigned iPhone in the fall.

7.9mm iPhone 5 to come with 4.1' screen, 1136 x 640 resolution

A familiar rumor is back - the new confirmation coming from KGI analyst Mingchi Kuo, who is said to have sources close to Apple's supply chain. The next incarnation of the Apple iPhone could turn up with a 4.08-inch display of 1136 x 640 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio and a brightness of 500 nits (matching the iPhone 4S). This, despite not technically being HD worthy, would result in a density of good 319 pixels per inch, preserving the Retina moniker, and moving away from the familiar 3:2 aspect. Mingchi Kuo also has info on the cameras and thickness of the iPhone 5, saying that the front-facing camera will be HD-capable, making those FaceTime calls all the sweeter, and that the camera will be moved from the left side of the earpiece to the center (much like on the iPod Touch). The back camera will reportedly have 8 MP sensor and a 5 element lens similar to the 4S but with a larger aperture of f/2.2 (currently f/2.4). That would allow more light to reach the sensor and improve the low-light performance. As for the profile, Kuo claims that the next iPhone will measure the impressively thin 7.9 mm, which is a huge improvement over the iPhone 4S's 9.3 mm. The bigger display bit is probably the most persistent of all iPhone 5 rumors, only this time the said screen size isn't 3.9" but 4.08". However, altering the screen aspect ratio might lead to poor backwards compatibility with apps, which have been developed for the 3:2 aspect ratio of all iPhones to date. Still the width of the screen, if this rumor turns out true, will remain 640 pixels, which is the same as the current iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, meaning apps could run just fine with blank bars on each side until their developers get round to adapting them. The next iPhone, or iPhone 5, is rumored to arrive in the fall, in either September, or as was the case last time, October. As always there are a bunch of rumors surrounding it, one pointing at an aluminium back and larger screen. We're less than a week away from finding out what this year's WWDC conference in San Francisco and iOS 6 will bring. There might be some clues for the specs of the upcoming iPhone 5. Source | Via

Apple's new iPhone 5 could be only 7.9mm thin, HD front-facing camera rumored

A new report from Taiwanese firm KGI suggests that Apple's sixth-generation iPhone - possibly called iPhone 5 - will be significantly thinner than the previous model (iPhone 4S, released in October 2011, and measuring 9.3mm). In a table that shows the iPhone 5's cameras specifications, KGI mentions the device's thickness, too. Reportedly, that's of only 7.9 millimeters. This would make the new iPhone thinner than both the Samsung Galaxy S III, and HTC One X (which are two of its main competitors). It looks like Apple will keep the 8MP Sony sensor for the rear camera of the iPhone 5, but plans to upgrade the front-facing camera with an HD-capable sensor. According to Apple Insider, the Taiwanese firm also seems to confirm that the next iPhone will have a 4 inch display (4.08 inches, to be exact) with a 1136 x 640 pixel resolution – for a 16:9 aspect ratio. By all means, increasing the screen size and resolution of its new smartphone is an important thing for Apple to do, if it wants to keep selling tens of millions of units. We still don't know exactly when the new iPhone will be officially announced. If production starts in late Q2 / early Q3, as rumored recently, the smartphone will likely not be unveiled in the next few months. We'll let you know when new details about this appear.

Pure Contour 200i Air Speaker Dock

Pure is back with its latest product in the form of the Contour 200i Air speaker dock. Designed for Apple’s iPad, iPod and iPhone, the digital music system features Apple’s AirPlay wireless streaming technology that lets you stream music wirelessly to Contour 200i Air from a compatible iPod, iPhone or iPad or from iTunes on your computer using a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. You can also download the free Pure Lounge app, allowing you to enjoy over 16,000 internet radio stations or on-demand programs from your iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. The Pure Contour 200i Air speaker dock retails for around $310 (after conversion). [Pure]

Twig Ultra-portable Cable For iPhone

Designed by Jason Hilbourne, the Twig is an ultra-portable cable that doubles up as a tripod for your iPhone and iPod. The Twig is a short version of the dock connector. Measuring at only 4-inch long, it is perfect for anyone who is on-the-go. You just need to plug it into your AC adapter to make an instant wall charger dock. [Kickstarter]

The world's most luxurious iPhone collection launched by Swiss company Golden Dreams

Golden Dreams, a company based in Geneva, Switzerland, has announced "the world's most luxurious iPhone collection," which includes luxury iPhones dressed in leather, gold, or diamonds. These will certainly give Amosu, Gresso, GoldStriker and the others a run for their money. The new Golden Dreams collection includes three iPhone models: Desert Edition (using "carefully selected alligator leather"), Gold Edition (with "with 24ct-gold plating or with 120 grams of 18ct gold"), and Diamond Edition (which can contain up to 4,057 diamonds). Prices for the Desert Edition iPhones start at 1,990 Swiss francs (about $2,172). Gold Edition iPhones cost at least 2,150 Swiss francs ($2,346). As for the Diamond Edition ones, prices are only available on request, and we can only imagine they're exorbitant.

The Tale Of An iPhone Fanboy Who Fell In Love With The Galaxy Note

You may remember a short time ago we gave you our thorough and incredibly comprehensive review on the Samsung Galaxy Note. Well, I was cruising by our sister site, iSource today, and an article caught my eye. Apparently, one of the writers on iSource decided to do the unthinkable and review the Samsung Galaxy Note. “I know exactly how this is going to turn out,” I thought to myself. “This guy is going to talk about how awful the Note is, and how it didn't even hold a candle to the iPhone,” but boy was I wrong. Turns out the writer, Brandon, really gave the Galaxy Note a fair shot, living with the device for a full week. To his credit, he not only provided valid points on the Note's shortcomings, but also gave it praise when it was due. Mainly, the Note's S Pen and size, the device's killer features. Towards the end of his review, he actually talks about how he went back to the AT&T store to return the Note after a defect, and back to his beloved iPhone. No surprise there. It's been often said that iPhone fanboys are blinded by their love for all things Apple. But, in a stunning twist of events, after returning to his iPhone, Brandon discovered that the teeny, tiny little phone just didn't cut it anymore. The Galaxy Note spoiled him with it's huge 5.3-inch display (an entire iPhone — case and all — couldn't even match it's size) and handy stylus. He went back to the store once again, and switched back to the Galaxy Note. Bet you didn't see that one coming, huh? Now, I guess you could say Brandon isn't a true “Android convert.” He simply fell in love with the Note's hardware and will most likely be returning to iOS if/when they can slap a bigger screen on it. But after reading his review, I'm starting to wonder if maybe iOS fans don't really “hate” Android at all. It seems, for the most part, they merely prefer iOS and some of its polish over Android. Something I've noticed lately is that when it comes to Android fans, more than often we're the ones defined by our hatred of all things Apple/iOS and not necessarily our love of Android. Maybe, just maybe, if we put down the pitch forks and stop insulting iPhone users, simply encouraging them to give Android a try… Who knows. Maybe then we'd have more people who are actually willing to give Android a shot?

Panasonic KX-TG7740 and KX-TG7730 cordless phones feature Link2Cell, iPhone ringtone integration

Sure, you may have long ditched the landline, but you could still be in the market for a cordless phone. Two such rigs from Panasonic let you tap your mob for a voice connection, with Link2Cell. The KX-TG7740 and KX-TG7730 can both sync up with Bluetooth-enabled phones, letting you make calls through your smartphone as it charges in another room. You can also transfer up to 3,050 address book entries to the household system, while this year's models add an extra layer of iPhone integration, enabling ringtone matching and transfer - you'll now be able to hear that iOS jingle through any connected handset. Both models also include the standard gamut of features, including talking caller ID, call block for pre-programed numbers and a handset locator. The 7730 series ships with three handsets for $100 (TG-7733S), two handsets for $80 (7732S) or a single handset for $60 (7731S). Likewise, the 7740 adds a dial pad to the base, and is available with five handsets for $150 (7745S), three for $110 (7743S), two for $90 (7742S) or one for $70 (7741S).

Is the iPhone fragmented? iOS adoption measured against Android

The iPhone's unprecedented success stems from the combination of multiple factors, not the least of which are Apple's industry-leading design prowess and its ability to make software that appeals to enthusiasts and mass-market users alike. The culture and hype surrounding Apple products doesn't hurt either, of course. Where the overall experience is concerned, Apple wisely created a scenario that gives it control of both hardware and software, removing carriers from the equation to an extent and ensuring the end user enjoys the experience Apple envisions without any substantial impediments. Despite this ideal scenario, some industry watchers maintain that fragmentation is unavoidable to some degree, and this issue exists in the iOS ecosystem just as it does with Android. In the case of Google's mobile operating system, a number of factors cause fragmentation. For one thing, Android is open source and key partners such as Samsung, HTC and LG modify the OS in a number of ways. While proprietary OS enhancements do not necessarily have a direct impact where fragmentation is concerned, they do slow the development process at the vendor level, thus increasing the amount of time users must wait to receive updates. Industrial and graphic designer Chris Sauve recently published an in-depth analysis of Android fragmentation, and he determined that while Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was unveiled in late 2011 and Android 5.0 Jelly Bean is coming later this year, 2012 is actually the year of Gingerbread, which was unveiled 15 months ago in late 2010. Conversations surrounding whether or not iOS is fragmented date back several years and persist to this day, and Sauve revisited the issue of fragmentation in March. This time, however, he looked at the issue as it may or may not apply to Apple's mobile platform. Using data points obtained from 50 different mobile software developers, Sauve analyzed iOS version adoption over the past 21 months since iOS 3.0 was introduced. He also looked at iOS adoption relative to each version's launch to see how quickly each build was adopted by end users. Finally, this data was plotted against Sauve's earlier Android adoption data. Complaints of fragmentation in Apple's mobile ecosystem were most prominent in 2010, and iOS 3.0′s adoption rate shows us why. Since then, however, the adoption rate of Apple's major new OS builds has been remarkable. “iOS 5 captured approximately 75% of all iOS users in the same amount of time it took Gingerbread to get 4% of all Android users,” Sauve wrote in his analysis on pxldot. “Even more astounding is that 15 weeks after launch iOS 4 was at 70% and iOS 5 was at 60% while Ice Cream Sandwich got to just 1% share at the same age. If there were any question as to whether iOS had a less fragmented ecosystem than Android, the past two charts provide a fairly definitive answer.” Sauve continued, “iOS devices have, on average, reached 10% version share 300 times faster than Android versions, 30% share 19 times faster, and 50% share 7 times faster.” The adoption rate of future major iOS builds will likely be even more impressive thanks to the introduction of an over-the-air update mechanism Apple added in iOS 5. With iCloud backing up data, on-device notifications when updates become available, and the requirement of connecting to a PC to update no longer a factor, the major barriers standing between mass-market users and software updates have been eliminated. This ensures that users have access to the most current iOS features as quickly as possible, and it also means developers don't need to worry about old iOS versions as much while they shift focus to new builds.

iPhone arrives at nTelos and Alaska Communications on April 20, $50 cheaper than at the big carriers

No, the iPhone still isn't on T-Mobile. Also, current-gen models probably won't ever be, thanks to the simple fact that they wouldn't work with TMo's HSPA network (bands are to blame). That, however, didn't stop Apple's latest mobile darlings from making it all the way to nTelos and Alaska Communications. These are two regional carriers (the former operating in Virginia and the surrounding states) that you probably haven't heard of until now. Well, even they get to carry the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, following in the footsteps of small(ish) carrier C Spire. Neither nTelos nor Alaska Communications have anywhere near 1 million customers, but they're clearly trying to attract some attention with this iPhone play. Good for them. At this point, it really seems like T-Mobile is the only carrier in the entire US that doesn't have iPhones on offer, so that's a problem for the magenta network. Anyway, both nTelos and Alaska Communications have the same pricing listed for the iPhones (save for a one penny difference which we'll ignore). The iPhone 4S can be yours starting at $150 for the 16 GB model. Each bump in capacity is $100 more expensive, just as you'd expect. The iPhone 4 8 GB will be available for $50. The full details are available here for nTelos and here for Alaska Communications, in case you're interested.

iPhone app tells if building is safe as a tsunami shelter

Is your building tall enough to offer adequate shelter in a tsunami? That is a question that is worth asking, especially when you live in a country like Japan, where earthquakes are normal occurrences, and there is always a danger of a tsunami should the next big one hit. Nabla-Zero, a Japanese IT company that specializes in disaster prevention, has decided to do something about the situation by conjuring a free application for the iPhone which is capable of measuring whether a building is tall enough to deliver the right kind of shelter from a tsunami. Known as the "AR TSUNAMI-CAMERA", it will rely on the iPhone's camera as well as the power of augmented reality to transpose a virtual image of a wave up to 25-meters against the actual scenery. Majority of the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake stood anywhere from 3 to 10 meters in height. This app was developed after local governing bodies approached Nabla-Zero, and will see action in disaster prevention education programs in public schools. There are plans to roll out an Android-powered version. BlackBerry who?

iPhone 5 Coming In June, Rogers Offers HTC One X for Pre-Order & White Samsung Galaxy Note Heading to Bell

iPhone 5 Coming In June, Says Foxconn Employee According to a Foxconn recruiter, we'll see a new iPhone in June of this year. The recruiter suggested the iPhone would be headed our way this summer in an interview with TV Tokyo's "World Business Satellite" broadcast Monday. In the interview, a reporter asked the recruiter how many people the company was looking to hire, and he answered "We're looking for 18,000 employees ... for the fifth-generation phone." Mashable Rogers Offers HTC One X for Pre-Order in Canada, $170 on Contract Through April 30th You never thought that Canada would let the UK steal all of that gorgeous HTC One X limelight, did you? While Rogers can't compete with the phone's April 5th arrival at T-Mobile and Orange in the land of tea and crumpets, the Canadian carrier is currently offering HTC's flagship device for pre-order. Now through April 30th, customers may pick up the dual-core Snapdragon S4, LTE version of the handset for $170 on a three-year plan. Engadget White Samsung Galaxy Note Heading to Bell on April 10th "The Samsung Galaxy Note (4G LTE), the do-it-all superphone that gives clients the freedom to capture, create and share like never before is now available in white." The prices will stay the same - $199.99 on a 3-year and $729.99 outright - but the launch date seems to be a few days later. Bell has this scheduled to launch on April 10th. MobileSyrup European Regulators Probe Motorola Following Microsoft, Apple Complaints European regulators are investigating Motorola Mobility for allegedly overcharging Microsoft and Apple for use of its industry standard patents in their products, Reuters reported on Tuesday. Both companies filed complaints with the European Commission, which is now conducting the investigation that will look to determine whether Motorola failed to honor its "irrevocable commitments" made to standard-setting organizations. BGR

J.P. Morgan increases Q1 iPhone and iPad estimates

J.P. Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz has made “significant increases” to both his iPhone and iPad sales projections for the first quarter of 2012, raising his price target on Apple stock from $625 to $715, Apple Insider reported on Tuesday. The analyst previously estimated that Apple would ship 28.1 million iPhones in the first quarter of 2012, however he now believes shipments will reach 31.1 million units. Full-year iPhone shipments for 2012 are now expected to total 138.2 million units. Moskowitz thinks Apple's next-generation smartphone will launch in the second half of 2012 and include a “thinner body and LTE capability.” He projects iPad shipments to reach 13.8 million in the first quarter, up from his earlier estimate of 10.1 million units, and his full-year shipment estimate was raised to 69.6 million tablets, up from 59.8 million. Apple will also “refresh its MacBook portfolio, including the Air, in the next three months,” Moskowitz wrote in his note to investors. He continued by saying that the company needs to improve its specifications and features while introducing lower price points to stay ahead of the “Ultrabook crowd.”

Wealthy smartphone users more likely to own an iPhone, study finds

Wealthy smartphone users are more likely to own an Apple iPhone and less likely to play games or post on Twitter than average users. According to research from The Luxury Institute, 62% of U.S. consumers earning at least $150,000 per year own a smartphone. 45% of people falling to that category own an iPhone, 35% use an Android-powered device and 25% have a BlackBerry. More than 80% of wealthy smartphone owners download mobile apps, with the most popular categories being weather (63%), news (51%), travel (42%), business/finance (39%) and sports (34%). Facebook, Angry Birds and Words With Friends are the most popular apps, however higher-income consumers use far less entertainment apps than the average smartphone user. “As you get older and have family and significant others, aging parents, and a lot more assets and investments, you're going to need apps for far more relevant things than playing games and chatting with your peers,” The Luxury Institute CEO Milton Pedraza noted.

iPhone 4S remains best-selling U.S. smartphone in March, Samsung gains share

Apple's wildly popular iPhone 4S retained its position atop the smartphone ranks in the United States last month according to new data analyst data. Checks performed by Canaccord Genuity analyst Mike Walkley and his team found that Apple's latest iPhone was the best-selling smartphone at Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint in March, continuing a trend that began when the device first launched last October. “Our March channel checks indicated stronger sell-through trends versus February levels with sales rebounding after a slow start to 2012,” Walkley wrote in his report. “During March, our checks indicated the iPhone 4S remained the top smartphone in the U.S. market and Samsung gained share as smartphone penetration grows in U.S. prepaid channels.” Samsung's Galaxy S II smartphone was ranked No.2 at AT&T and Sprint once again, and the device was the best-selling smartphone at T-Mobile, which still doesn't offer Apple's popular phone. Motorola's DROID RAZR and DROID RAZR MAXX took the No.2 spot at Verizon, and the HTC Amaze was No.2 at T-Mobile. A table outlining Canaccord's numbers follows below.

iPhone again takes top spot in J.D. Power satisfaction survey

For the seventh consecutive time, Apple has ranked highest among smartphone manufacturers in customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The Cupertino-based company achieved a rating of 839 out of 1,000 possible points; the iPhone's ease of use, features, physical design and battery life propelled the handset to the top spot. HTC, again, followed Apple with a score of 798, with Samsung (769) and Motorola (758) falling in the No.3 and No.4 spots, respectively. According to the survey, smartphone users who were more satisfied with the battery performance of their device were more likely to repurchase the same brand compared to owners who were less satisfied. “Both carriers and manufacturers recognize the fact that battery life needs to be improved,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. “However, the study uncovers the need for a greater sense of urgency–short battery life can result in perceived phone problems, higher rates of merchandise returns and customer defections.” Read on for J.D. Power and Associates' press release. J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Smartphone Battery Life has Become a Significant Drain on Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Apple Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Smartphone Manufacturers, While LG and Sanyo Rank Highest in a Tie among Traditional Mobile Phone Manufacturers WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 15 March 2012 — As smartphone users place increasingly complex demands on the functionality of their devices, satisfaction with battery performance is becoming a critical factor in overall satisfaction as well as brand loyalty, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction StudySM–Volume 1 and the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Wireless Traditional Mobile Phone Satisfaction StudySM–Volume 1, both released today. Satisfaction with smartphones is greatly impacted by battery performance, particularly the length of battery life before recharging is required. In addition, the study finds that satisfaction with battery performance is by far the least satisfying aspect of smartphones, and satisfaction in this area is one of only a few attributes that have declined significantly, compared with Volume 2 of the 2011 study (6.7 in 2012, compared with 6.9 in September 2011). Satisfaction levels with battery performance differ widely between owners of 3G- and 4G-enabled smartphones. Among owners of 4G-enabled smartphones, battery performance ratings average 6.1 on a 10-point scale–considerably lower than satisfaction among owners of 3G smartphones (6.7). Part of this difference stems from the fact that new 4G smartphones use substantial battery life searching for next-generation network signals, which tend to be scarcer than 3G signals. In addition, owners of 4G-enabled smartphones use their device more extensively–they talk, text, email, and surf the Web more often than do customers with 3G smartphones or traditional handsets–which puts a significantly higher demand on the battery. “Both carriers and manufacturers recognize the fact that battery life needs to be improved,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless services at J.D. Power and Associates. “However, the study uncovers the need for a greater sense of urgency–short battery life can result in perceived phone problems, higher rates of merchandise returns and customer defections.” According to Parsons, smartphone owners who are highly satisfied with their device's battery life are more likely to repurchase the same brand of smartphone, compared with owners who are less satisfied. Approximately 25 percent of 4G-enabled smartphone owners are highly satisfied with their battery (ratings of 10 on a 10-point scale) and say they “definitely will” repurchase a device from the same manufacturer. In comparison, among owners who are less satisfied with their battery (ratings of 7-9 on a 10-point scale), only 13 percent say the same. The two studies measure customer satisfaction with traditional wireless handsets and smartphones among owners who have used their current mobile device for less than one year. Satisfaction is measured in several key factors. In order of importance, the key factors of overall satisfaction with traditional wireless handsets are: performance (31%); ease of operation (24%); physical design (24%); and features (20%). For smartphones, the key factors are: performance (35%); ease of operation (24%); features (21%); and physical design (20%). For a seventh consecutive time, Apple ranks highest among manufacturers of smartphones in customer satisfaction. Apple achieves a score of 839 on a 1,000-point scale and performs well in all factors, particularly in ease of operation and features. HTC (798) follows Apple in the smartphone rankings. LG and Sanyo rank highest in overall customer satisfaction with traditional handsets, in a tie (716 each). LG performs well in all four factors, while Sanyo performs particularly well in ease of operation. Sony Ericsson (712) and Samsung (703) follow in the traditional handset rankings. The studies also find the following key wireless handset usage patterns: The price of a traditional wireless mobile phone continues to decline and averaged $66 between July and December 2011, compared with an average of $81 during the same time period in 2010. The decline is primarily due to discounts provided by handset providers and wireless service carriers to incentivize sales. Currently, 44 percent of owners report having received a free mobile phone when subscribing to a wireless service. Mobile applications continue to enhance the smartphone user experience. Seventy percent of smartphone owners say they have accessed social networking sites using their device. Nearly three in four (72%) say they have the ability to download and/or view video and movies, while 59 percent indicate having voice recognition and/or command dialing applications. This indicates that smartphone owners are continuing to integrate their device usage into both their business and personal lives. Two in 10 current smartphone owners report experiencing a software or device malfunction (21%). These problems have an impact on overall satisfaction, as there is a satisfaction gap of 77 points between customers who experience software malfunctions and those who do not. Satisfaction among customers who indicate their device's software crashes at least once a week averages only 691. The 2012 U.S. Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study–Volume 1 and the 2012 U.S. Wireless Traditional Mobile Phone Satisfaction Study–Volume 1 are based on experiences reported by 7,080 smartphone owners and 8,335 traditional mobile phone owners. Both studies were fielded between July and December 2011.

Brass knuckles iPhone case concept looks dangerous

We've seen some pretty interesting iPhone cases in the past, and if you enjoy the idea of being able to turn your iPhone case into a weapon, you might be interested in checking out this particular rendering of an iPhone case that looks like it could double up as a set of brass knuckles, although in this case it looks more like stainless steel rather than brass, but we think you get the drift. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) this brass knuckles iPhone case appears to be merely a concept at this point in time. After all, brass knuckles alone look like they could do a number on you, and if those spikes were to add to that damage, let's just say that the end results would not be pleasant. In any case, we're not sure how well one could equip a set of brass knuckles with an iPhone in hand anyway. How many of you guys out there wouldn't mind owning a set of these anyway?

T-Mobile to launch 10 LTE devices and iPhone-compatible 4G in 2013

T-Mobile will have 10 LTE devices available by the end of 2013, and it will also roll out “4G” service that is compatible with Apple's iPhone. The carrier's 4G LTE network will span across 50 markets and utilize the 10MHz spectrum to support speeds up to 72Mbps, according to SlashGear. “Our 4G network will be compatible with a broader range of devices, including the iPhone" CTO Neville Ray said on Thursday, although he wasn't clear on whether he was referring to HSPA+ “4G,” which might be compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and future iPhone handsets, or 4G LTE. The carrier will be shifting its HSPA+ network to the 1900MHz bands, however, which should increase compatibility with HSPA+ devices used on AT&T's network including the iPhone. T-Mobile reported earnings for the fourth quarter on Thursday, during which the carrier shed 802,000 contract customers, a stat the carrier blamed on Apple's iPhone.

iConfess: Why an Android fan recommends the iPhone

Just over five years ago, Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone, a device that would change the world forever. The Conference & Expo keynote in 2007 is one that will go down in history. With its announcement, Apple reinvented the and put converged handsets on mainstream consumers' radar. The iPhone seamlessly integrated music, email, a phone, a camera and Internet access all into one great device. I personally never had an interest in  until the announcement, and countless others can likely make the same claim. There was just one problem, however… Apple partnered exclusively with in the U.S. for the release of the iPhone. At the time, Cingular was the biggest carrier in the U.S. with 58 million customers   - to show how rapidly the market has grown in recent years, the nation's largest carrier Verizon reported having 108.7 million subscribers at the end of 2011  - but I was in no way interested in moving to a new carrier and therefore I was forced to pass on the iPhone. the DROID. In October, the three companies teased upcoming the device with . To this day, the commercial is as iconic to me as the 1984 Mac commercial is to Apple fans… it was the beginning of a new era. Not only was the DROID an immediate hit for Verizon, I believe it is the sole reason Android is what it is today. After the lackluster Android devices that came before it, Google bet it all on Motorola's flagship phone and that bet paid off. of the DROID wasn't for me but with a Verizon iPhone nowhere in sight, I knew an Android device was in my future. Once the DROID X was released I snapped it up and quickly became an “Android .” With Google's platform, the user is in control. He or she has the option to have a keyboard, a full touchscreen, a massive display, or whatever else his or her heart may desire. As a self-described nerd, I soon plunged into the world of rooting and custom , which is an endless adventure thanks to the incredible Android developer community. or tablet as “Android.” When a user inevitably receives one of these $99 “Android” tablets for Christmas, his or her experience will be less than stellar to say the least. Most of these cheap devices don't even include the Android Market due to Google's restrictions, leaving consumers with virtually no quality applications and further tarnishing the experience. Even mainstream manufacturers make buying an Android device a hassle. Motorola released the DROID BIONIC in September, the DROID RAZR in November, and the DROID RAZR Maxx in January. To make matters worse, the company announced not long ago. A new Android device is released almost every month from major manufacturers, often leaving consumers with severe cases of buyer's remorse. Some manufacturers have at least promised to slow down in the future, but mobile technology advances too quickly to sit idle for very long. Lastly, each carrier and manufacturer is looking to out-do the competition. Rather than marketing devices and services with competitive pricing, these companies fill handsets with unnecessary bloatware and custom user interface skins. The skins are supposed to “enhance” a user's experience but more often then not, they lead to incompatibilities, error messages, forced closures, poor battery performance and lag. Switching between a Motorola device and an HTC device will give the consumer a completely different experience. Android itself has no consistent flow, although Google hopes to change that with the release of Ice Cream Sandwich. When Apple announces a device, the company also announces a release date. The carriers don't tell Apple when to release a product, Apple tells the carriers when it will release a product. Google might be well-served to find a way to gain some of this assertiveness; the company's latest flagship device, the Galaxy Nexus, was announced in October. During the event, Google announced European release date but no firm details regarding a North American launch were provided. The company said it was “coming soon” - the two most dreaded words in all of technology. Verizon then delayed the handset's launch for unknown reasons until it was released nearly two months after its unveiling. This would never happen with an Apple product. When you power on an iPhone it works, plain and simple. The iPhone has no carrier branding whatsoever, nor does it have any bloatware. In addition, it has access to the most incredible App Store in the mobile world, hands down. The device is slick, clean and stylish, which is exactly in line with Apple's image. I have seen kids as young as six to adults as old as 80 using the device… it is that simple. , , or whatever else you want, but when push comes to shove, 99% of consumers don't care about rooting, or the concept of being “open.” They just want a sleek with a wide selection of great apps that can browse the Web, check email, text and make phone calls. In this regard, the iPhone is the clear choice.

Go Apple or go home? T-Mobile continues to flounder without the iPhone

T-Mobile USA on Thursday reported a rough holiday quarter during which the company lost a net 802,000 contract subscribers. In its earnings release, T-Mobile mentions Apple's iPhone - a device is does not sell - a total of seven times, repeatedly blaming its poor fourth-quarter performance on the absence of Apple's smartphone from its store shelves. “The sequential and year-on-year increase in customer losses is a result of intense competitive pressure from the launch of the iPhone 4S by three nationwide competitors in the fourth quarter of 2011,” the carrier said in its press release. Looking beyond the fourth quarter, however, T-Mobile said in a separate press release that it now has a “reinvigorated challenger strategy focused on making amazing 4G services affordable.” This doesn't bode well - according to T-Mobile's own statements, 4G networks and affordable service are the least of the carrier's concerns. Read on for more. T-Mobile USA CEO Phillip Humm made T-Mobile's position very clear. “Not carrying the iPhone led to a significant increase in contract deactivations in the fourth quarter of 2011,” the chief executive said in a statement. In fact, the very first line of T-Mobile's earnings release reads as follows: “Strong adjusted OIBDA and prepaid performance; contract business negatively impacted in the fourth quarter of 2011 by iPhone 4S launches by three nationwide competitors.” In a separate release, however, Humm sang a different tune. ”We want to be known for delivering the best value in wireless because of the advanced technology we deliver at an affordable price," Humm said. “Over the next two years, we're prioritizing and investing in initiatives designed to get T-Mobile back to growth in the years ahead - beginning with the transformation of our network." But wait. T-Mobile is already known as the most affordable nationwide carrier and the company just publicly stated - seven times - that the iPhone is the problem. Not 4G service and not the affordability of its plans. The iPhone. Shouldn't the company be “prioritizing and investing in initiatives designed to get” the iPhone? T-Mobile sat in limbo for the better part of the second half last year as AT&T's acquisition bid took center stage. That plan failed. Miserably. T-Mobile was sent away from the table with some new spectrum and $4 billion in its pocket, but that $4 billion will only take the carrier so far. Hate it though they may, Apple's iPhone is a carrier's best friend in the U.S. right now. Without it, they lose over 800,000 post-paid subscribers. With it, they activate 7.6 million smartphones in a single quarter. Sprint saw that, and while it will take some time for the carrier's massive iPhone bet to pay off, Sprint was willing to bank $15.5 billion on Apple's smartphones T-Mobile might not be in a position to make a similar play for the iPhone, but from the look of things, the carrier would be well-served to devote as much time and resources as possible to adding Apple's iPhone to its smartphone lineup.

“iPhone 5 testers” SMS scam now targeting Android users

Apple's iPhone 5 is one of this year's most anticipated mobile devices, so it's not surprising that some want to take unfair advantage of that. There's an iPhone 5 testers SMS scam that's been reported by iPhone users since early February (there's even a thread over at Apple Support Communities about this), and now it's targeting Android users, too. As you can see in the screenshot below (taken on a Samsung Galaxy Nexus in Canada), the SMS reads: "Apple is looking for iPhone 5 testers! The first 1000 users that go to [scam website] and enter a code will get to test & keep a new iPhone 5." Needless to say, if you get this kind of message don't reply to it, and don't click on any link it may include. Because you will certainly not get any iPhone 5 to test and keep.

Google+ iPhone app updated with Instant Upload and What's Hot stream

Google has updated the official Google+ app for iPhone to version 1.0.9.4278. The refreshed app brings features that are already available in the Android app, as well as on the Google+ mobile website, including: Instant Upload, What's Hot stream, and the ability to see who +1d a post The app is (of course) free, and works on devices with iOS 4.0 or later. You can download it here via App Store. The Google+ app was first released for iPhone in July 2011, and is currently available in more than 40 languages.

Your iPhone is Nasty, Clean it with a Coin. Do What?

The WipeCoin case is a specially designed iPhone 4x4S case with a built in cleaning disk that can be used to clean the gunk off your phone's display. The coin stores in the lower right corner of the case, but when you need to use it, it slides out so that you can rub the antimicrobial microfiber cloth attached to the bottom of disk all over the display. When you're done, snap it back in place. The WipeCoin is made in Germany and sells for $19.99. I think I'll save 20 bucks and stick with my tried and true cleaning method – rubbing it on my pants leg.

Apple may bring 3D gaming and eye-tracking to the iPhone, iMac

The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple on Thursday that reveals a 3D eye-tracking-based interface that could be used for gaming, digital photography and videography in future iOS and iMac devices, reports PatentlyApple. The new features could work in conjunction with Apple's current 3D head tracking and ambient light technologies. The solution would utilize a variety of sensors such as an accelerometer and compass in combination with eye-tracking technology to alter the perspective of 3D graphics displayed on an iPhone. The result would be a 3D experience that constantly adjusts to the user's position and a device's position, creating a unique experience far more advanced and precise than current solutions. The patent application was originally filed in the third quarter of 2010 and it is unclear if Apple is currently experimenting with the technology.

Government agency ditches BlackBerry for iPhone, iPad

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency within the United States Department of Commerce, will stop using BlackBerry phones later this year and instead supply workers with Apple's mobile devices. In a memo relayed by Loop Insight, NOAA's Chief Information Officer and Director for High Performance Computing and Communications said that support for BlackBerry phones will cease in May of this year. Apple's iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S will replace the agency's BlackBerry handsets, and NOAA plans to adopt current and future generations of Apple's iPad tablet as well. Research In Motion's BlackBerry smartphones have been the U.S. government's go-to solution for wireless devices due to their enhanced security and robust messaging capabilities. Loop Insight's report did not indicate that the NOAA memo provided an explanation for the agency's decision.

PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield Kit for iPhone 4x4S Review

We all know that a screen protector will help keep your iPhone's display as pristine as the day you bought it. But installing one can be a huge pain in the butt. First you have to make sure the screen is clean so you don't install the protector over dust particles. That's actually the easy part. The difficult part is getting it lined up correctly and bubble free. There are many screen protector brands on the market. Some require water to install and some are dry apply. But none of them are as easy to apply as the PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield Kit for iPhone 4x4S. Their install method is pure genius. Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view. First of all, this is how my iPhone 4S looked before I installed the PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield. You will notice that I have a screen protector installed (I don't recall the brand – it probably came with a case I reviewed), but there are bubbles. Those dreaded bubbles. Argh… No matter how careful you are it's almost impossible to avoid them. With the PureGear protector, bubbles are a thing of the past. The packaging is actually a fixture that has been designed to align your iPhone and the screen protector for perfect installation. Just tear the paper tab on the back and pull off the outer cover / instructions. What you're left with is a plastic tray that has the screen protector attached to it. Also included is a microfiber cloth to polish the phone's screen and a special roller. The protector lifts up to reveal a tray that holds an iPhone 4x4S. PureGear also offers versions of this kit for the Motorola Droid 4 and Motorola Droid Razr. Included with the kit is a dual roller that you use to install the protector. If you've ever installed other screen protectors, you have probably used a credit card to smooth out the protector. I like this roller a lot better. With the iPhone's screen wiped off with the microfiber cloth and firmly seated in the holder, the protector can flop back over the phone as shown above. Then all you have to do is place the special roller between the “rails” and roll it down the length of the phone. As you guide the roller, it separates the top layer as it sticks the protector to the phone. The trick is to roll it slowly without stopping. I know this because I screwed up 2 protectors in the process of writing this review. With my first try, I didn't roll it without stopping. I rolled it a few inches, snapped some pictures for the review, rolled it a bit further, took some more pictures, etc. I ended up with a protector that had several bubbles that would not go away. I knew the problem was completely my fault, so I pulled off the protector and installed a 2nd one that PureGear sent me. This time I rolled it in one continuous motion. I thought it had installed perfectly till I looked closely and noticed that t was not lined up correctly with the home button. Darn it! I emailed PureGear to tell them about my experiences and they agreed to send me another one. That is a concern that you only get one shot to get the protector installed correctly. You won't be able to peel it up and reseat it. As they say, 3rd time is the charm. My last try was a complete success. When you're done, you're left with a piece of plastic that you have to peel off. You might notice that the dual roller looks different in this picture when compared to the earlier pictures. I think the new design may be based on the fact that people were having some issues with the protector not lining up correctly like I did on my 2nd try. This 3rd time it lined up just fine though. Here is the finished product. No bubbles and perfectly lined up with the home button and the speaker at the top.The protector is slightly smaller than the display, meaning that it should work great with bummer cases. If you click the image to zoom in, you might notice a couple spots along the very top edge. They disappeared after 24hrs leaving me with a perfectly protected display. The protector is made of an industrial strength film that has self healing technology. It feels smooth and looks clear. Installing the PureGear PureTek Roll-On Screen Shield is easier and faster than any protector I've ever installed. As long as you pay attention to what you're doing and don't go too fast, you should end up with great results.

Samsung Canada Giving Away 5 Galaxy Notes, iPhone 4S Launch Sent Apple Store Sales Skyrocketing & Nokia Accidentally Reveals White Lumia 900

Samsung Canada Giving Away 5 Galaxy Notes Samsung is gearing up for the big Canadian Galaxy Note launch on February 14th - the beast of a phone/tablet will be available from TELUS, Bell and Rogers. To celebrate this momentous occasion Samsung has decided to throw a contest together and giveaway 5 Notes. MobileSyrup Nokia Accidentally Reveals White Lumia 900 Nokia accidentally revealed a white Lumia 900. The picture was soon lifted from Nokia's Conversations blog, but it remains on its Facebook page, flashing an exposed micro-USB port and front-facing camera that identifies this snow-white slab as the Lumia 900 kind. Engadget iPhone 4S Launch Sent Apple Store Sales Skyrocketing Apple Stores are often busy and with the release of new iPhones and iPads, Apple's retail locations become bombarded with waves of excited customers. According to Needham & Company analyst Charlie Wolf, the launch of the iPhone 4S sent Apple Store sales to record heights during the holiday quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2011, revenue per store reached $17.08 million, a 42.6% increase over the same quarter in 2010. BGR Halliburton Dumps RIM, Chooses iPhones For 4,500 Employees To say that RIM has had a tough time these past few months is an understatement, and today's news probably won't help raise the morale around Waterloo. According to AppleInsider, oilfield services giant Halliburton will soon be migrating their BlackBerry-toting workforce to run exclusively on a new fleet of iPhones. TechCrunch

Cellhelmet Protects Your iPhone and Insures It, Too

This is another Kickstarter project.  The cellhelmet case for iPhone 4x4S (US & Canada versions) from cellpig.com is a TPU case with a difference.  This case comes complete with a one-year insurance policy from Global Warranty Group, “one of the nation's largest and most recognized iPhone insurance administrators”, to repair or replace your iPhone if it is accidentally damaged while in the cellhelmet case.  (Water damage is excluded.)  Each case comes with two colored inserts to give your iPhone a little personality.  You'll need to pledge a minimum of $40 to get a case.  They met about 84% of their funding as of today, and they have 32 more days in the funding period – still time to get one of these cases for yourself.

Vonage brings free calling and messaging to iPhone, Android

Vonage on Wednesday unveiled a new mobile app for the iPhone and Android smartphones that affords free calling and messaging along with cheap international calling rates. Vonage Mobile allows users to make free “high-definition” voice over IP calls among each other over Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G data connections, and low-cost calls can also be placed through the app to any landline or cell phone globally. The New Jersey-based Telco says its international calling rates are 70% lower than rates from major carriers and 30% lower than Skype. ”Vonage Mobile consolidates the best features of our prior applications, while adding important functionality, better value and improved ease of use,” Vonage CEO Marc Lefar said in a statement. “It combines the best of free high-def voice and messaging along with incredible value for traditional international calls, all while using the existing mobile number and address book for unsurpassed ease of use.” Vonage's full press release follows below. Vonage Launches New Mobile App Providing Free Calling and Texting to Other App Users around the World Savings of more than 70 percent on international calls to those without the app HOLMDEL, N.J., February 8, 2012 - Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG) announced the launch of Vonage Mobile When calling those who have not yet downloaded the app, Vonage Mobile provides ultra low-cost international calling with per-minute rates that are on average 70 percent less than major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype™2. Users can instantly add calling credit directly from the app through iTunes Vonage Mobile uses the phone's existing mobile number and contact list, eliminating the need for unique user names and duplicate identities for contacts. Users can instantly build a free global calling and texting network using the app's multi-invite system from their existing contacts. "Vonage Mobile consolidates the best features of our prior applications, while adding important functionality, better value and improved ease of use," said Marc Lefar, CEO of Vonage. "It combines the best of free high-def voice and messaging along with incredible value for traditional international calls, all while using the existing mobile number and address book for unsurpassed ease of use." In addition, calls to any phone in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico from anywhere in the world will be free for a limited time3. Users do NOT need to be a Vonage customer to use the app. However, as an added benefit to all app users, calls to Vonage home or business lines are also free. The Vonage Mobile app can be downloaded to any iPhone or Android device for free; and it also works on the iPad®, iPod Touch® and Android™ Tablets. For more information on Vonage Mobile, please go to iTunes, Android Market or www.vonagemobile.com.

Carriers hate the iPhone

Apple's iPhone is the most profitable product offered by the most valuable company in the world. With only three iPhone models in its lineup, the Cupertino-based technology giant shipped more smartphones last quarter than any other vendor in the world. Carriers that sell Apple's sought-after smartphone enjoy huge activation figures each quarter as a result, but activations and unit sales don't necessarily paint a complete picture. In fact, according to some industry watchers, carriers hate the iPhone. Read on for more. Wireless carriers trip over themselves to offer Apple's iPhone, especially in the United States. Sprint wanted the handset so badly it was willing to guarantee Apple $15.5 billion over four years for the privilege of selling its sleek smartphone, and it certainly didn't help matters much in the fourth quarter when Sprint posted a $1.3 billion loss. T-Mobile is still sour over failed negotiations with Apple, and the carrier has resorted to offering up free microSIM cards to iPhone users willing to come aboard and forgo 3G data speeds. “A logical conclusion is that the iPhone is not good for wireless carriers,” Nomura Securities analyst Mike McCormack told CNNMoney. “When we look at the direct and indirect economics that Apple has managed to extract from the carriers, the carrier-level value destruction is quite evident.” The site notes that Verizon Wireless's EBITDA service margin has dropped from an average of 46.4% per quarter to 42.2% since the carrier added the iPhone to its lineup one year ago. But the iPhone is a necessary evil for carriers that some expect to pay off in the long run. Sprint on Wednesday reported its best quarter in more than six years for net subscriber additions thanks to the 720,000 new postpaid subscribers who came to the carrier for the iPhone. Some analysts also believe carriers will eventually raise their price points on the iPhone; despite the handset's high cost to Apple's partners, the iPhone 4S currently starts at $199 on contract to the end user while the iPhone 4 is available for $99 and the iPhone 3GS is free on contract from AT&T. Regardless of what the iPhone is doing to carriers' bottom lines, it remains the best-selling smartphone in the world and it likely will for some time. Apple is expected to launch a completely redesigned iPhone later this year that will reportedly feature a unibody aluminum case, a 4-inch display and 4G LTE connectivity.