Apple working on iOS 6.0.1 bug fix update

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors, Software,

BGR reported this morning that their sources have indicated that Apple is internally testing iOS 6.0.1 with numerous carriers, and this one looks to be focused on fixing a few nagging issues. There have been complaints of the camera flash not firing when expected, bad Wi-Fi connections, and horizontal lines appearing on the display, and iOS 6.0.1 should address these concerns, and more. In addition, there is an Exchange Invite bug that deletes the entire calendar event if any invited party declines. Furthermore, a Passbook update will prevent all the details from your cards from being accessed from the lock screen without your PIN code.

It's also reported that Apple is working on iOS 6.1, which should bring with it a new feature or two, within the confines of its Cupertino labs, but that isn't expected until after the 2012 holiday season. BGR has been somewhat hit or miss with Apple predictions as of late, so this can all be taken with a grain of salt. That said, it would be hard to imagine that Apple didn't have both iOS 6.0.1 and iOS 6.1 in the pipeline.

Read More | BGR

Google sets the table for an October 29th Android Event

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Corporate News, Google, Rumors, Software,

The rumor of the Google Nexus event on October 29th is all but confirmed. The search giant has sent out invitations to the press for the event being held in New York City. The invite details are limited to time, date, and place but there's some additional written text in the search field. Could it mean an open API for Google Now?

With a high degree of certainty, the event will centered around the LG Nexus 4. However, there might be additional hardware announcements, like the one that appeared on the photo sharing site, Picasa, of the Sony Nexus X smartphone, and possibly a revamped Nexus Q. Perhaps some chatter of Google TV; we doubt it though. Could Google be planning to release yet another version of Android? Key Lime Pie anyone? The event will be live streamed on Youtube.

Click to continue reading Google sets the table for an October 29th Android Event

Mysterious images of Sony Nexus X smartphone pop up in Piscasa

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds, Rumors,

Rumor has it that Google may release two new Nexus devices: one made by LG, and the other by Sony. Two photos have popped up on the Piscasa photo sharing site, and they seemingly reveal an angled image of a device with Sony and Google branding on the back. This could be a hoax, but from a competitive perspective, two Nexus devices are better than one. The idea could propel the Nexus brand from a niche market to the mainstream; much like what Samsung did with the Galaxy line. Also, the image details shows that it was taken with a Samsung Galaxy Nexus. We caught a  screenshot of it before the author decided to remove that piece of important detail. More images after the break.

Click to continue reading Mysterious images of Sony Nexus X smartphone pop up in Piscasa

Read More | Mutul Yeter

LG Nexus 4 announcement coming October 29th?

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds, Rumors,

It appears that the next Google Nexus smartphone iteration is set to be announced on October 29th, according to French newspaper Le Figaro. The Nexus 4 is being manufactured by LG, a switch from Samsung and HTC, which have built past Nexus devices for Google. A quick run down of the specs: the Nexus 4 sports a whopping 4.7-inch IPS720p  display, 8GB or 16GB of storage space (What? No 32GB or 64GB version?), 2GB RAM, 8-megapixel rear camera, and NFC, all powered by a Snapdragon S4 quad-core processor. Since this a "pure Google experience" device, it will ship with the latest version of Android, Jelly Bean.

Read More | Le Figaro

The ever-shrinking SIM card

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Editorial, Features,

What you see in the image above is the evolution of mobile phone SIM card design over the past four years. The largest in the image, known as the mini-SIM, was used for quite a while as the standard in GSM cell phones. However, as smartphones began to rise in popularity, drop is cost, and brought increased functionality, it was determined that the mini-SIM just wasn't mini enough. It took up too much of the precious real estate that mobile phone manufacturers needed for other things. Thing like a GPS radio, Wi-Fi, larger batteries, dock connectors, graphics chips, and more. And so began the start of the shrinking SIM card.

Click to continue reading The ever-shrinking SIM card

Samsung announces Galaxy S III mini with 4-inch Super AMOLED display

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds,

We knew that the Samsung Galaxy S III mini was coming, and now it's official. The 4-inch smartphone was announced earlier today in Frankfurt, Germany, sporting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, 1GB RAM, and a 1GHz dual-core processor. Other specs include the ability to choose between an 8GB and 16GB model (both are expandable with an extra 32Gb microSD card,) 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 5-magapixel rear camera, VGA front camera, and a bunch of wireless support (802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radio, and NFC. Aside from pricing and availability, which is nowhere to be found just yet, we're wondering--when did 4-inch smartphones became referred to as "mini"?

Apple granted patent that can disable your iPhone 1984-style

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News,

Apple is not shy about submitting patents on its creations, but this one is a little different. This particular filing attempts to patent the essence of 1984, and would give the Cupertino-based company the sole right to disable a user's iPhone camera app in restricted areas, such as at a concert venue or movie theater. However, it appears that the now-granted patent may disable far more than just your ability to take snapshots.

Click to continue reading Apple granted patent that can disable your iPhone 1984-style

Read More | Business Insider

Samsung Galaxy S III mini: Jelly Bean goodness for the budget minded

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Google, Handhelds, Rumors,

The Samsung Galaxy S III is a fantastic device (seriously, check our Galaxy S III review,) but if you're like us, you wish it were just a tad smaller. Well, Samsung has heard your cries, as the company is reportedly set to unveil a new Galaxy S III "mini" smartphone. The smaller handset will feature a 4-inch display, and should be announced in Germany on October 11. Word comes directly from Samsung's Head of Mobile Communications, JK Shin. Don't expect it to match all the high-end specs of its bigger brother, though. For example, expect a 5.0-megapixel camera an 800x480 Super AMOLED PenTile display, and a dual-core (instead of quad-core) processor, three notable differences. Still, those more budget-minded consumers who want in on some Samsung goodness can rest easy knowing that the Jelly Bean-powered mid-range handset will arrive soon.

Read More | MobileGeeks

AppleCare+ not active for many iPhone 5 pre-order purchasers

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds,

It appears that something slipped under the cracks in the hoopla of the iPhone 5 release (see our iPhone 5 review.) As many people do when buying oftentimes unpredictable electronics, I bought additional warranty coverage: Apple's AppleCare+. In my case, it turned out to be AppleCare-, as I realized after purchase that my iPhone 5 didn't have the warranty attached to it, despite my bank account being charged.

A quick search on my support profile page indicated no AppleCare+ coverage, which prompted me to call Apple's 1-800-MY-APPLE for support. At first, an Apple rep informed me that no AppleCare+ was associated with my device. It was only after providing my order number that they acknowledged the situation. They then stated that they were swamped with pre-orders, and the warranty had not kicked in yet and was instructed to give it 3-5 business days.

Click to continue reading AppleCare+ not active for many iPhone 5 pre-order purchasers

Was your iPhone 5 damaged out of the box?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Design, Handhelds,

When we picked up our pair of iPhone 5 units on launch day, one black iPhone 5 and one white iPhone 5, the black unit was damaged right out of the box. It was subtle enough that I didn't notice it at first, and I definitely didn't make mention of it during our iPhone 5 unboxing episode. Luckily, Taylor caught it, showed it to Apple Store staff, and they replaced it with a new model immediately. Later that day, we got reports from other buyers who had a similar experience. So, our question today goes out to those who didn't purchase on launch day. Are people out there still getting black iPhone 5 models that have chipped or faded anodized aluminum?

Be sure to check out our iPhone 5 review!