LG Tops Apple's Retina Display with a 440ppi Screen

Apple revolutionize the smartphone industry almost two years ago with their ultra sharp Retina display on the iPhone 4. Boasting a 960x640 resolution and a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch, the Retina display has been the top display on the market since its inception.

But LG will soon top that beloved display with a new 5" 1920x1080 full HD screen that boasts an impressive 440ppi. LG has long been Apple's supplier for the retina display, ironically, and this new display could easily be the Retina's successor.

So far, most iPhone competitors have managed to carry "higher resolution" displays simply because of a larger screen. Therefore the pixel density was nowhere near on par with the Retina display. But LG's upcoming 5" display has nearly the same resolution as the recent 24" iMac models, setting the record for the highest resolution screen to ever be created.

[iDB]

iPad 3 to Have Quad-Core CPU But No Retina

Boy Genius Report has received photographs from an undisclosed source that supposedly include details of Apple's newest up-and-coming tablet, the iPad 3. According to the report, the iPad 3 will have a quad-core CPU as well as LTE capability for both Verizon and AT&T's networks.

The quad-core CPU will work perfectly alongside LTE because it will enable the iPad 3 to render webpages and internet content much faster than before. It's safe to assume that the iPad 3 will also have more RAM to work alongside the new processor and graphics chip.

BGR doesn't specifically say that there won't be a Retina Display, but they haven't proved any past reports of the iPad 3 having a Retina Display to be correct.

According to several sources, Apple is allegedly going to announce the iPad 3 at the end of February.

[Update] This has turned out to be false, Apple will not be hosting any event in February whatsoever.

T-Mobile to Officially Support Unlocked iPhones

T-Mobile marketing chief Cole Brodman claimed that as of September 2011 there were over one million unlocked iPhone users on their network, and that T-Mobile offers a "no-compromise" iPhone experience. And even though T-Mobile has shown great interest in carrying the iPhone, they are still waiting on Apple to make that a reality.

In the meantime, however, T-Mobile will start providing official support for the iPhone starting January 30th, 2012. The carrier will provide technical support, information about the iPhone's features and specifications, and answer basic questions about the device. So even though T-Mobile is the largest carrier in the US that doesn't have the iPhone yet, it'll be more than ready to facilitate it when Apple decides to launch it on their network.

Siri on iPad & iPod Touch?

After updating to the newly released iOS 5.1 beta 3, iOS hacker Sonny Dickson uncovered an interesting reference to Siri Dictation within the Settings app on his iPad 2. As reported by 9to5Mac, a new section under the keyboard tab in the iPad’s settings, labeled as “About Privacy and Dictation,” has a legal blurb that mentions Siri dictation a number of times. The actual dictation feature is still absent in iOS 5.1 beta 3, but it could be implemented by Apple in the final release of iOS 5.1.

Alternatively, the Cupertino-based company might choose to release Siri as an exclusive feature for the iPad 3. The report also claims that the same legal statement can be found on the latest iPod touch, so it could be a case of iPhone 4S software code not being properly removed from the iPad or iPod touch versions of iOS. Regardless, let’s hope that Siri for iPad—and perhaps iPod touch, too—is inching closer to reality. That would be a real treat.

[via iFans]

Your opinion on the iPhone 4S

So what do you think about the iPhone 4S? Do you think it's a great improvement? A disappointment? Why do you think what you think?

Let me know in the comments below or in an email to compjunkies@hotmail.com

iPhone 4S New Features

On October 4th Apple unveiled their newest addition to the iPhone lineup, the iPhone 4S. Many of us, myself included, were hoping for something more than just a slightly heavier iPhone 4 with features that have already been on Android phones for the past 6ish months, so the iPhone 4S was a letdown to many. Nonetheless, I have no doubt that the iPhone 4S is a great phone and that many people will be willing to buy it, especially now that it's available on Sprint.

Here's a list of new features:

• 1080p HD Video Recording w/ stabilization
• 8MP Camera with an advanced color and IR sensor, faster shutter, & face detection
• Apple A5 Dual-Core 1GHz processor
• CDMA & GSM capable (World phone)
• Siri voice assistant
• 4G Capable
• Improved antenna for fewer dropped calls and better reception
• Longer battery life

Note: I didn't include any of the features being added in iOS 5 because they aren't iPhone 4S specific.

[Apple]

Let's Talk iPhone Roundup

So as you may have heard Apple held their "Let's Talk iPhone" event today at which several announcements were made, the most notable being about the new iPhone 4S.
Here's the official CompJunkies roundup: (The iPhone 4S is being omitted because I'm writing a separate article about it soon)

General
At the "Let's Talk iPhone" event earlier this day, Tim Cook made the announcement that Mac is the number one selling desktop and notebook in the USA.

iPods
Apple stated that there have been no hardware changes to the iPod touch, as many were hoping, but rather the availability of a white iPod touch. In addition, Apple mentioned that the iPod nano is getting some new clock skins and a Nike+ adapter.

iCloud
Coinciding with the release of iOS 5, Apple is planning to launch their could service, iCloud, on October 12th while their new service, iTunes Match, will be available at the "end of October" for $24.99 a year.

iOS 5
This is one of Apple's most significant iOS upgrades to date. They've added many new features and apps, here are just a few of them:

• News Stand - A native app designed to facilitate your newspaper and magazine reading habits.
• Improved notification system - Strikingly similar to Android's, in my opinion.
• Siri Assistant - Your iPhone is now akin to that of the Starship Enterprise's computer!
• Launch your camera app straight from the lockscreen
• Faster web browsing
• Native todo list app
• Twitter integration
• iMessage - Similar to RIM's BBM service
• Photo editing straight from the photo app
• PC/Mac free setup
• Over the Air (OTA) updates
• iCloud integration
• Family location services
• More HERE

iPhone 5 to Launch in First Week of October

An internal document from Best Buy recently leaked onto the internet points the launch date of the iPhone 5 to be within the first week of October. The memo states that pre-orders of the new iPhone will be taken during the first week of next month.

In addition, Best Buy suggests that the 5th-gen iPhone will also be coming to Sprint. While these launch dates are always subject to change, they are consistent with several iPhone 5 rumors that have come about these past few months.

[IMAGE]

Steve Jobs Resigns

As of today, Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple. He's been onleave since this January because of medical complications, although he still was the CEO. Interim CEO Tim Cook is in charge now that Jobs resigned. Steve Jobs said he wasn't leaving Apple though, he plans staying as the Chairman of the Board of Apple, Inc. from the looks of his letter.

CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug 24, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.

[Update] - Here's a copy of Steve's letter addressed to his employees and the public:

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

Steve

Rage for all iDevices Free for a Week

RAGE is currently free on the App Store for an entire week in celebration of their 100,000 "likes" on Facebook. Currently, RAGE has some of the best graphics on iOS to date. And in terms of gameplay it has been almost unanimously reviewed as one of the best games available for any mobile device.

[App Store]

LG CEO: iPad 3 to feature Retina Display

LG's CEO, Young Soo Kwon, mentioned to the Korea Times that the upcoming iPad 3 is going to feature a hi-res Retina display akin to that of the iPhone 4. There have been many rumors about this topic, and the Korea Times also reported that the next-gen iPad would have a 2048x1536 display. Additionally, there are rumors that Apple is going to create a more powerful "iPad HD" for professional users; perhaps both new models will be released at the same time at different pricing levels. (Something that would be necessary if the Retina display is too expensive to include on the standard iPad model.)

"He said more smartphone manufacturers will release new models employing LG’s “Retina Display’’ that has been used in iPhones and iPads.

Kwon’s remarks come following talks with Apple to supply picture quality-enhanced Retina Displays for the upcoming iPad 3."

[Korea Times]

iPod Touch with 3G?

Over the weekend, 9to5 received a screenshot showing a cellular data toggle switch found in the latest iOS 5 beta. Unless this was accidental, which seems highly unlikely, this means that an iPod touch with 3G could be headed our way as early as this September—and how magical that would be. The screenshots were taken on a fourth generation iPod touch running iOS 5 beta 3.

[9to5]

Spotify coming to the US on Thursday

Spotify has announced that they will finally be bringing their streaming music service to the states tomorrow, July 14th. Invitations are available from Spotify, but there is no word on how quickly they will roll out the service to new users. The European version has 3 tiers of service, ranging from a free, ad supported model, to a premium option with offline mode and mobile streaming (£9.99/month). We expect stateside features to be the same, though it’s possible that some music will not be available due to licensing issues—which have been the bane of Spotify’s U.S. existence.

The service is very highly regarded across the pond, so it will be interesting to see how Americans respond. Streaming music radio sites like Pandora and Last.fm are popular, but Spotify has a familiar iTunes-like desktop client, and is able to stream specific songs and integrate with existing libraries.

via iFans

Apple WWDC '11 Keynote

The Apple WWDC '11 Keynote presentation is now live on Apple's website: http://goo.gl/PCF9w

[Apple]

Google Music Beta

Google has released their cloud-based music service for Android dubbed "Google Music". Google Music is very similar to Amazon's Cloud Player in that users can upload their media to Google using Google's music managing sync application. (Which is able to connect to your iTunes libraries) Once uploaded, music can be listened to over the air via Google's webapp or an Android device, this is convenient (Especially for older Android devices with little internal storage) because no local storage is required; all your music will be held on Google's servers. Fortunately, Google's music player stores cached copies of recent songs in the even that you lose your connection while listening to your music. Another great feature is that users can manually select songs and albums to be downloaded to their device for offline listening. Another cool feature is the "Instant Mix" that allows for iTunes' Genius-like music mixing.
 

Playlists are automatically synced across all platforms so no wires are needed. At the moment there is no iOS app, but Apple should be releasing their streaming service sometime soon. But with both Amazon and Google's cloud-based music services, Apple needs to get a move on it to keep up.

[Google]

iPod Touch 4g Specs

iPod Touch 4th Generation Hardware Technical Specifications

• 960x640 Retina Display at 326 ppi
• Apple’s A4 Processor
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• HD Video Recording (720p) 30fps max
• VGA Quality Photos (960x720) Back Camera 
• 40 Hours Audio Playback, 7 Hours Video
• Thinner Design

(We’ll have comparative photos of the iPod Touch 4g, iPhone 4, and a standard DSLR camera as soon as we can get our hands on an iPod Touch 4g)

iTunes 10 Tweak

Relocate Window Controls (Mac only)

The traffic light controls on iTunes 10 have been flipped vertically in order to save space and make the program more streamlined, but many users don’t like this change. Luckily, there is a quick fix to put them back to where they belong.

Just type the following into the Terminal and hit enter.

defaults write com.apple.iTunes full-window -boolean YES

If you want to change it back, trade “YES” for “NO”.

via CNET

iOS4 App Section in iTunes

iTunes now has an iOS4 section for featured apps that take advantage of iOS4’s new capabilities. Check it out! Apps include Canabalt, Instapaper, Articles, and a ton more.

[iTunes]

iPhone may be coming to Sprint

An anonymous Best Buy employee has confirmed that the iPhone will be moving to other carriers, most notably that of Sprint. The employee noted that there has been no news of an iPhone built to use Verizon’s network, though Apple’s revolutionary smart phone may very well be moving away from AT&T. While there is no hard evidence that the claim is valid, the amount of information (and products) leaking out of the typically locked down Apple may be an indicator that this is true.

A formal announcement of the migration to other carriers could come at the upcoming WWDC 2010, the developers conference from the 7th to 11th of June. Steve Jobs has been confirmed to be keynote presenter.

Next-gen iPod Touch photos leaked

Once again, an iDevice prototype has been leaked. This time, an iPod touch – with a camera. It’s not known how it was acquired, but it’s clear that Apple needs to do something about all these leaks.

Tinh Tế, to whom we owe thanks for the second iPhone 4G leak, have gotten hold of a prototype next-generation iPod touch, now sporting the long-awaited camera.

The serial number of the Camera part indicates 2.0 megapixels, but this could easily change as newer models are developed. Running a diagnostic mode, no internal specs are known as of yet.

It’s fairly safe to say that we’ll be seeing Camera-equipped iPod touches in the near future! As before, we’ve got a video in action, and more images after the jump.

The back, showing some hardware details.

via iPodTouchFans