Lightning: Apple’s new, smaller dock connector for iPhone 5 and iOS devices

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, USB,

During today's iPhone 5 event, Apple unveiled its new Lightning dock connector that will ship on the new iPhone 5. The company is switching its iOS devices from the familiar 30-pin dock connector, to the smaller 8-pin design. Nothing was said about the speed, but based on the name, we are assuming that the Lightning connector is compatible with USB 3.0 speeds. The connector is also reversible, making it easier to use. For those with accessories that rely on the 30-pin connector, Apple is also releasing an adapter to make the transition easier.

Be sure to check out our iPhone 5 event live coverage for more!

Live from Apple’s iPhone 5 event!

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Features, Software,

Apple is set to take the stage in just about an hour to reveal its iPhone 5 smartphone to the world. We also expect updated iPod touch and iPod nano devices, as well as the announcement of iTunes 11, thanks to Apple's search engine leaking the details. It's an exciting day, and we will be covering all of the news as it happens, live. Jump past the break and follow along with us this morning. We are getting started right now!

Click to continue reading Live from Apple’s iPhone 5 event!

Apple search page reveals iPhone 5, LTE, iTunes 11, updated iPod touch and nano

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds, Software,

Alright, we know Apple pretty much confirmed the iPhone 5 name with its event invite, but further proof comes this morning by way of Apple's site search engine. Using the search, you are able to find links that mention the iPhone 5 by name that will undoubtedly go live later today, after the announcement. Additionally, the search also reveals iPhone 5 LTE compatibility, new iPod touch and iPod nano models, and iTunes 11 all being announced today as well. Be sure to follow our live iPhone 5 coverage today to get all the news as it happens!

Read More | 9to5Mac

iOS 6 to be released on September 19

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors, Software,

We just received a fairly obvious tip that makes perfect sense to us--Apple is set to release iOS 6 to the general public on September 19th. That would put its release two days before the rumored launch date of the iPhone 5, which is in line with all iOS software release ever since iPhone OS 2.0 launched a couple of days prior to the release of the iPhone 3G back in July of 2008. We expect that Apple will release a Golden Master version of iOS 6 tomorrow after the iPhone 5 event.

iOS 6 brings new features like Passbook, shared Photo Streams, expanded Siri functionality, Apple Maps, and more, and will be compatible with the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, ipod touch (fourth generation,) and all iPads.

Will FaceTime HD come to the iPhone 5 by way of a high definition front camera?

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

Disclaimer: this is pure speculation based on rumors, track record, and wishful thinking. So, no hurt feelings if it doesn't come to pass.

The way we see it, Apple methodically has been updating its entire Mac lineup with HD front facing cameras. The first to receive it was the iMac in mid-2011, quickly followed by last year's Macbook Pro lineup and subsequently the newly refreshed generation of MacBook Pros and Macbook Air; the lineup includes the 11-, 13-, and 15-inch as well as the flagship Macbook Pro with Retina display. The result is 720p high-definition video chat. The missing ingredient is the inclusion of HD FaceTime chat for iOS devices. Sure, the back of an iPhone 4/4S, iPad 2, and new iPad are technically HD cameras, and one could switch to that camera with a quick toggle, but it's still not ideal for most video chat interactions. I'm postulating that Apple could potentially introduce its first HD front-facing camera for iOS devices with the iPhone 5.

Click to continue reading Will FaceTime HD come to the iPhone 5 by way of a high definition front camera?

Check out Nokia’s first Lumia 920 promo video

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Microsoft, Videos,

We're looking forward to getting our hands on the Nokia Lumia 920 later this year. The hardware looks to be as beautiful as it is powerful (that yellow is definitely striking!) and pack in a ton of nice features. Nokia is definitely proud of its upcoming flagship device, so much so that its put together a video showing off all the things that set it apart from the competition. Check it out after the break.

Click to continue reading Check out Nokia’s first Lumia 920 promo video

WSJ: The iPhone 5 will support 4G LTE in multiple areas worldwide

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors, Wireless / WiFi,

This afternoon, the WSJ is reporting that Apple's iPhone 5 will indeed support LTE. There's additional good news for frequent travelers:  it will support more LTE bands for global coverage throughout the United States, Europe, and Asian markets. Currently, Apple offers two flavors of LTE for the third generation iPad, which also runs on both Verizon and AT&T networks.

Click to continue reading WSJ: The iPhone 5 will support 4G LTE in multiple areas worldwide

Read More | WSJ

Fatboy Recharge Pillow wireless charger for Lumia 920, 820

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Design,

We're looking forward to the arrival of the Nokia Lumia 920, and one of the main reason is its wireless charging feature (and in case you missed it, we've listed the five reasons you should be excited about the Lumia 920.) The Lumia 920 packs in Qi charging technology, which means you don't have to deal with proprietary chargers. Our favorite, though, is the Fatboy Recharge Pillow. You simply place your Windows Phone 8-powered Lumia on the pillow, and you maintain a charge. No pricing has been announced just yet.

Is wireless charging a feature you're looking forward to in your next smartphone?

Read More | Nokia

How iMessage phone number merging will work in OS X 10.8.2

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Software,

Aside from built-in Facebook integration, another major feature coming to OS X 10.8.2 is iMessage phone number merging. This functionality will allow you to receive any iMessages sent to your iPhone phone number on any approved iOS devices or Mac of your choice. In other words, if someone has your phone number and sends you an iMessage to that number (rather than your Apple ID email address,) Mountain Lion 10.8.2 will be able to receive and display them in the Messages app, and you'll be able to respond to them from there as well. It's the final missing piece in making iMessage device agnostic (well, as long as it's an Apple device.)

To merge your phone number with your Apple ID after you update to OS X 10.8.2, simply launch Messages and log in to iMessage. You'll then get a prompt that asks if you'd like to associate your phone number with your Apple ID. If so, just select Yes, and you're done! OS X 10.8.2 is set to be released this fall.

5 features that make the Nokia Lumia 920 shine

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones, Features, Handhelds, Microsoft,

Yesterday Nokia announced its new Lumia 920 Windows Phone 8 smartphone. If you're in the market for a new device, this is one you'll want to take a look at. While there was no specific launch date named, there were a few features that definitely caught our eye. In fact, we've compiled the top five Nokia Lumia 920 features for you after the break.

Click to continue reading 5 features that make the Nokia Lumia 920 shine