Report: iPhone 7 will lose camera bump and antenna lines with cleaner design

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

iphone-6-camera

While reports have been circulating that Apple is considering using a rear dual-camera system on the expected iPhone 7 Plus later this year, a new report today claims that there’s another change coming to the iPhone 7 camera as well.

Citing an anonymous source with an apparently reliable history, MacRumors is reporting that the upcoming iPhone 7 will lose the rear camera bump thanks to a thinner camera module being used.

The 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel sensors found on the iPhone 6s/Plus and iPhone 6/Plus models have featured protruding camera lenses unlike previous iPhone models. Like the latest iPod touch models, the design has favored overall device thinness over featuring a flush camera, which has the side effect of not sitting flat on a surface when used without a case as well as visually standing out.

The report goes on to claim that the upcoming iPhone redesign will largely resemble the latest design minus the presence of rear antenna lines found on the iPhone 6 series.

Both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 designs used elements of glass to avoid rear antenna lines while the iPod touch and cellular iPads feature a plastic strip to allow radio waves to travel. The current iPhone 6 design features an all-metal back that is more durable than the glass-backed iPhones of previous generations at the expense of an overall cleaner look.

Of course antenna lines aren’t the only thing that could go away. More controversially, the new iPhone 7 due out this fall is expected to be the first model to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack altogether.

Benefits include even potentially thinner and lighter hardware in the future as well as further water-resistance, although audio to headphones and speakers would need to go through the Lightning port or wirelessly via Bluetooth or AirPlay which could be less convenient for traditional headphone fans.

Apple is also developing a new set of truly wireless earbuds due out this year, as we’ve previously reported. Current wireless Beats earbuds rely on a wire to connect either side as well as microUSB charging. The earbuds currently in development would instead be separate pieces and charge through a carrying case.

Other iPhone 7 rumors include the possibility of a 256GB model, up from 128GB offered now, and the possibility of Li-Fi technology.

But before we totally enter iPhone 7 season, Apple is set to debut an updated 4-inch model using the iPhone 5se name next month on March 15th alongside the iPad Air 3 and new Apple Watch bands.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: iPhone, iPhone 7

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Apple’s Irish data center faces delays as citizens raise concern over environmental impact on local wildlife

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

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Last year it was announced that Apple was planning a major new data center for County Galway in Ireland, as well as one in Denmark, both set to begin operations in 2017. According to a new report from Business Insider, however, Apple’s plans for the Irish data center have hit a speed bump. The report claims that the company’s $928 million dollar center has been put on hold due to complaints from the community.

Apple had originally hoped to start building the data center on a 500-acre site by the end of 2015, but a new decision from the Irish government now won’t come until this summer. The government is reviewing a variety of appeals made by various parties after the go-ahead was already given last September.

Apple plans to build the data center in a small town called Athenry, in the middle of the Derrydonnell Forest. The company has promised to restore native trees to Derrydonnell Forest after the process is complete, as well as to build an education place for local schools and a walking trail. The center will be powered by renewable energy.

Supporters of Apple’s Irish data center say that it would create around 300 jobs for the community, but naysayers don’t think that is worth the other trade offs. Some of the appeals filed to the Irish government say that the data center would increase noise and light pollution, flooding, and traffic. Citizens are also arguing that it would harm populations of local badgers and bats.

The report adds that Apple is still optimistic it will be able to open its Irish data center by 2017, but these delays seem to suggest otherwise at this point. The company is expected to use the center for cloud services such as Siri, iMessage, Maps, iTunes, and the App Store.

The complaints were made with An Bord Pleanála, which is an independent party in Ireland that will make the decision. The committee, made up of “10-12 experts” is expected to issue another report in mid-February. It could be as late as summer when the final decision is made, however.

Earlier this year it was reported that Apple is looking to expand its data infrastructure in the United States, as well. The company is said to be building another data center in Reno, Nevada, adjacent to the existing one that is still under construction.

Filed under: AAPL Company Tagged: Apple, Data center, icloud, Ireland

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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Logitech keyboards/mice up to 60% off, Motorola Cable Modem $45, Sony soundbar $200, more

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

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Logitech gear for Mac/PC, iPad & iPhone up to 60% off: wireless mice from $14, solar keyboards from $36, speaker $9, more

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Filed under: Tips and Tricks

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Photo of the Day: Apple Adjustable Keyboard from 1993 wired into an iPad

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

Screen Shot 2016-02-02 at 12.05.06 PM

Apple has long been trying to push the iPad into the business market, but this use case is probably something the company never expected to see. On Twitter, AfterPad.com owner Kevin shared the above image of Apple’s Adjustable Keyboard, first introduced back in 1993 for $219, connected to an iPad and working nearly flawlessly. Just for good measure, he also attached the numeric keypad Apple offered with the keyboard itself.

As you can see in the image above, a variety of adapters and cables go into powering this set up. The Apple Adjustable Keyboard itself is connected via an ADB cable to the Griffin iMate ADB to USB adapter. From there, the USB end of the adapter is connected to Apple’s official Lightning to USB cable. The keyboard and keypad are connected via a standard ADB to ADB cable.

It’s certainly a wild setup, but the fact that it works perfectly save for a few volume keys is pretty amazing. These technologies were released some 22 years apart. Not to mention, it’s probably far more of a productive setup than the Apple Smart Keyboard. Maybe this is how Apple should push the iPad into enterprise…

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Apple Adjustable Keyboard, iPad

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TwelveSouth debuts BookBook cases for the slimmer iPad Air 2 + mini 4, teases iPad Pro edition w/ Pencil pocket

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

TwelveSouth BookBook iPad Pro

TwelveSouth, maker of stylish accessories for Apple products, is out today with new versions of its signature BookBook case fit for the slimmer iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2. In addition, TwelveSouth’s also showing off the upcoming iPad Pro version of the BookBook case. If you’re unfamiliar, TwelveSouth’s BookBook line wraps your Apple device in a vintage leather book-like case which offers equal parts protection and disguise.

TwelveSouth already has versions of the BookBook case designed for iPhones, MacBooks, and older iPads, and today’s new versions are custom fit for the even thinner iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2. (If you’ve got the iPad Air 3 in mind, the dimensions according to purported leaked blueprints are virtually the same.)

Both new BookBook sizes not only protect and conceal the iPad exterior, but also double as both typing and video viewing stands to make writing and watching movies and having video calls more comfortable.

BookBook

There’s no adhesive involved either so you can slip the iPad in or out at will if you want to take a quick photo, and all the iPad ports, buttons, and FaceTime camera are accessible when inside BookBook.

Both new BookBook versions are sold in Vintage Brown colors with the iPad mini 4 version going for $69.99 and the iPad Air 2 edition priced at $79.99. These are available from today.

BookBook

And as pictured at the top, TwelveSouth is also preparing a brand new BookBook case custom made just for the iPad Pro.

The larger case will accommodate the 12.9-inch tablet while also offering a convenient pocket to optionally stow away an Apple Pencil which otherwise has no obvious place for storage and transportation. Building on the Apple Pencil pocket, the upcoming BookBook for iPad Pro will also offer a viewing angle intended for sketching.

Pricing isn’t available yet, but TwelveSouth is taking sign-ups for iPad Pro customers interested in catching the spring launch. As an iPad Pro owner, I’m curious to see how the BookBook might enhance the Pencil and sketching experience so stay tuned for our review in the future.

Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: Apple Pencil, BookBook, iPad Air 2, ipad cases, ipad mini 4, iPad Pro, TwelveSouth

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Opinion: Could the rumored twin-lens of the iPhone 7 Plus signify the start of a real divergence between the models?

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

dual-cameras

When Apple first made the move into larger-screen phones with the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, there was only tiny difference between them in terms of features: the larger-screened model included optical image stabilization while the smaller one didn’t. This was likely driven simply by the practicality of fitting the technology into the larger device rather than any real intention to differentiate the two devices feature-wise.

But the rumors suggest that the iPhone 7 Plus may offer a dual-camera system, offering optical zoom, while the smaller iPhone 7 won’t. A fresh report today suggests that a number of camera lens makers have sent dual-lens samples to Apple for testing with the iPhone 7 Plus.

Assuming the optical image stabilization also remains exclusive to the Plus, the combination of the two features means that – for the first time – some of those who might have opted for the smaller model now have reason to consider the larger one instead. Could this suggested second step by Apple indicate that it intends to increasingly differentiate the two flagship iPhone models as time goes on … ?

Let’s start by looking at the significance of the only present difference between the iPhone 6/6s and the iPhone 6/6s Plus.

Image stabilization is designed for use when shooting in low-light. When there’s not much light available, the iPhone has to leave the sensor switched on for longer, meaning that tiny hand movements as you take the photo can result in motion-blur – which makes the photo appear out of focus. Image stabilization aims to detect this movement and compensate for it.

Digital image stabilization – as used by the smaller iPhone – attempts to do the job in software. The iPhone 6 blends together a series of short exposures into a single image, each one sharper than a single long exposure. It’s a pretty effective technique, but there’s a limit to what can be achieved.

Optical image stabilization (OIS), as used in the iPhone 6/6s Plus, is far more effective. Here, the iPhone uses a gyroscope to move the camera array to compensate for hand movement. If your hand moves the camera up and right by a tenth of a millimeter during the exposure, the gyroscope moves the camera array down and left by the same amount. The two motions cancel out and you get a sharp image.

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The OIS system used by Apple means that it works for video as well as still photos.

There’s no doubt that OIS is a nice feature to have, and for a tiny minority of those particularly keen on iPhonography, it may have influenced their choice of model. But for most people, it’s far too small a differentiator to have them buy the larger iPhone 6 Plus when they find the smaller iPhone 6 a more convenient size.

twin-cameras

But a twin-lens camera is a bigger deal. I detailed some of the potential benefits of this in a look at Apple’s patent for this technology, so I won’t repeat all that here, but will concentrate on one of them and just mention the rest.

The key one is optical zoom. Although you can digitally zoom in on any iPhone, all you are actually doing is cropping out part of the image captured by the sensor. Imagine a grid of nine squares. If you zoom in to the centre square, you are simply throwing away 8/9ths of the image captured. Your zoomed-in image therefore has a lower resolution than a non-zoomed one.

With the optical zoom used on conventional cameras, you adjust the lens to fill the sensor with a tighter field of view. As you zoom in, the lens element moves further away from the sensor. A smaller portion of the scene hits the sensor, and you continue to get full resolution as you zoom in.

The lens on a cameraphone is far too thin to allow optical zoom. One solution would be to have two completely separate camera modules, one offering a standard field of view and the other say a 3x zoom. What Apple has patented is something rather cleverer than this (see the patent for details) but gives the same end result. Technically, it’s not a zoom lens – it’s one with two different fixed focal lengths – but the net result is you can choose between a standard and telephoto view while still getting full-resolution images.

Other potential benefits include the ability to shoot video and stills simultaneously, getting maximum resolution for both; shooting normal speed and slo-mo footage simultaneously; shooting a standard photo and zoomed-in video.

Our poll suggested that this is a big enough deal to influence purchase decisions. Almost half of you simply responded ‘take my money,’ while almost a quarter more considered it very exciting. If Apple does indeed implement the technology with the kind of features described in the patent (a big ‘if,’ of course), then it will be clearly differentiating the iPhone 7 Plus from the iPhone 7 by features as well as size.

future

And this may turn out to be only the start. Bugs aside, Apple rarely does anything by accident. If it establishes clear blue water between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus via features like these, it’s likely to continue that differentiation in future models.

Which leaves me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, choice is good. Being able to choose the feature-set we want, and pay accordingly, is a positive thing. But for those of us who prefer the form-factor of the smaller iPhone, I’m less happy about the idea of being forced to choose between the phone size I want in my pocket and the features I’d like to use when removed from it.

If certain features are only available on the larger phone because physics, that’s fair enough. Apple is simply taking advantage of the greater space in the larger phone to fit in more technology. The dual-camera system – like OIS – may well fall into that category.

But if Apple instead chooses to differentiate the two models for marketing purposes, I think that will be a shame. Where physically possible, I’d like to have the choice of all the latest Apple tech in my preferred size of device.

What are your views? Would you be happy to see increasing differentiation between smaller and larger iPhone models? Or should Apple match the feature set except when this simply isn’t physically possible? Take our poll and share your views in the comments.

Bottom image: Zuma Press

Filed under: iOS Devices, Opinion Tagged: iPhone, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 plus, photography

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Soundcloud launches free ‘track stations’ on iOS following iTunes Radio shutdown

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

Soundcloud

Shortly after Apple’s decision to let free ad-supported iTunes Radio stations go away, Soundcloud today has introduced a new similar feature called Stations for free on its own music streaming platform. Users can launch a new track station based off of the current song they’re listening to and easily discover an endless stream of new music.

Soundcloud users no longer have to hunt for the next great song or worry about just playing what’s on their current Stream (Soundcloud’s equivalent of a timeline). This makes the music listening and discovery process much more smooth in general.

In initial testing, it appears that stations use a mix of your likes and previous listens to play other music you might like. A similar feature has existed on the web platform for a few months now, although not specifically titled as such. This is a solid competitive advantage that they should have introduced on all platforms months ago really, but as a frequent Soundcloud user I’m delighted to know there is a more consistent method to discover new favorites going forward.

Here’s how the new feature looks:

A close up screenshot showing Soundcloud on iOS' 'Start track station' feature

Bringing Stations to the Soundcloud mobile platform allows users to spend more time listening to new music instead of jumping between different streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. I personally use Soundcloud to find and stream all the electronic music I listen to since Pandora and Apple-related services (iTunes, iTunes Radio, iTunes Stations, and Beats 1) never seem to be as up-to-date with the latest in the genre, especially remixes.

Soundcloud is available for free from the App Store and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

Filed under: Apps Tagged: Apple watch, Beats 1, iOS, itunes radio, iTunes Stations, SoundCloud

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Apple eyes March 15 event for iPhone 5se, iPad Air 3 & Apple Watch updates

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

Apple is currently aiming to unveil the new 4-inch the iPhone 5se, the iPad Air 3, and new Apple Watch band options at an event on Tuesday, March 15th, according to sources. We previously reported that Apple was on track to launch the new products during the week of March 14th. As the scheduled event is still a month-and-a-half away, the date could conceivably still shift or turn into an online announcement. The media event would be Apple’s first since September, and much like the fall event, is planned to touch on three major product categories for the company.

As we revealed last month, Apple is planning to reinvigorate the 4-inch iPhone screen size by relaunching replacing the iPhone 5s with an iPhone 5se that includes an A9 chip, improved cameras, support for taking Live Photos, and Apple Pay. While the internals are revamped, the 5se’s externals nearly mirror the 5s’s save for “less shiny” and possibly slightly curved edges. The 5se will be priced the same as the 5s, according to sources, starting at $450 for 16GB. A 64GB model will also be offered.

The launch of the new iPad Air will mark the first significant upgrade to Apple’s 9.7-inch tablet line since the Air 2 debuted in October 2014. The Air 3 is expected to include iPad Pro features like enhanced speakers and a Smart Connector, which could mean that a smaller Smart Keyboard is on the way. Unconfirmed drawings from case maker sources of the new iPad model also indicate the possibility of a rear-LED flash, and this addition would be a first for any iPad model.

Following up on September’s Apple Watch updates, this spring’s Apple Watch refresh will focus on new bands and software, according to sources. The new band lines will include multiple new colors for the rubberized Sport Bands, new Hermes bands, a Space Black version of the Milanese Loop, and an entirely new band line made of a new material. Supply chain sources indicate that Apple has been testing a series of “high-quality” NATO-style nylon bands for the Apple Watch, but we have not confirmed that this is indeed the new line launching in March.

Image via Getty Images

Filed under: iOS Devices

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Apple granted patent for detecting touch-free gestures at close-range, building on multi-touch

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

proximity

Apple was today granted a patent for detecting touch-free gestures at close range, the patent language suggesting that the approach could build on the capabilities of multi-touch and 3D touch to respond to fingers hovering close to an iPhone or iPad display, as well as use on keyboards and trackpads.

The patent describes using sensors similar to the proximity detectors used to disable accidental touch input on the iPhone screen when you’re holding the phone to your face during a call. Unlike longer-range gesture technologies like Kinect, the system would detect ‘hover events’ just above the surface of the screen …

In addition to detection of touching events, the detection of fingers, palms or other objects hovering near the touch panel is desirable because it can enable the computing system to perform certain functions without necessitating actual contact with the touch panel.

Apple notes that some functions could be activated by proximity alone, while others could act on a combination of touch and proximity – effectively expanding the capabilities of a multi-touch screen to include non-touch gestures.

The patent notes that the proximity sensors could offer the same pixel-level coverage as touch sensors, or the display could alternate touch sensor rows with proximity-detection rows. Alternatively, it could be employed more selectively, covering only part of the display.

The patent doesn’t limit itself to touchscreen devices: it also describes ways of using the technology for things like creating a virtual keyboard on a trackpad. Part of the patent also describes more mundane uses, such as replacing the existing proximity detector in today’s iPhones.

As always, we note that Apple patents literally thousands of things that never make their way into products, and its patents for touch-free technology date back many years. In this case, though, the company does at least have a demonstrated interest in gesture interfaces, acquiring Primesense – the company behind the gesture-detection technology used in Microsoft’s Kinect – back in 2013.

Via Patently Apple

Filed under: iOS Devices, Mac Tagged: 3D Touch, force touch, iPad, iPhone, keyboard, Kinect, Mac, Magic Trackpad, Microsoft, multi-touch, Patent, Proximity sensor, Trackpad

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Poll: What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most?

by | Feb 2, 2016 |

MacBook 12" iPhone 6s Plus Apple Watch 16-9

If early indications are anything to go by, 2016 looks to be a relatively big year for Apple. After an ‘s’ year of iPhone upgrades, no new iPad Air model, and the original Apple Watch hardware going on two years of age, there is huge potential for the company to impress users and investors alike. We’ve already seen a handful of leaks and rumors pointing to possible releases for Apple this year, which makes us wonder: What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most?

The first product to come in 2016 will likely be the iPhone 5se. Mark Gurman reported last month that the iPhone 5se will likely feature Apple’s A9 processor, M9 chip for always-on Siri, updated cameras, Live Photos support, NFC support, and a 4-inch display. As far as the design goes, the device is said to closely resemble the iPhone 5/5s, which 60 percent of iPhone customers are said to still be using. The iPhone 5se, however, is said to feature “softer curves” like the ones on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s. The iPhone 5se will likely be debuted in March.

Furthermore in March, Apple is expected to unveil an updated iPad Air 3. Apple surprisingly did not update its traditional 9.7-inch iPad line in 2015, rather introducing the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and a nearly unchanged iPad Mini 4. Leaked design schematics and case images have suggested that the iPad Air 3 will feature four speakers, support for Smart Connector, and rear-facing flash support. We also reported that Apple has been testing versions of the iPad Air 3 that support Apple Pencil.

space-black-milanese

Finally in March, Apple will likely introduce new Apple Watch models. While the actual hardware of the Apple Watch will likely remain unchanged, Apple is expected to introduce multiple new colors for the rubber sport bands, new colors for the Hermes bands, a black version of the Milanese Loop, and an additional band line made out of a new material.

Heading further into 2016, we can likely expect Apple to introduce new MacBooks. Ben Lovejoy did an excellent job of breaking down what potentially could be in store for Apple’s various MacBook lines in 2016. He suggested changes such as incorporating Intel’s Skylake processors, improving battery life, adding Touch ID, and closing the design gap between the 12-inch MacBook and other larger models. KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo even went as far to suggest that the new MacBooks could help Apple offset lower iPhone sales.

One idea that has been rumored for what feels like ages is that Apple will launch its own streaming bundle of TV channels for Apple TV users. Apple has reportedly had trouble negotiating the networks to meet the $30-$40 price tier it has in mind, but could 2016 finally be the year that Apple is able to launch the service? Doing so would truly help the fourth-gen Apple TV standout from the competition.

At Apple’s annual World Wide Developer Conference in June, we’ll likely see Apple introduce iOS 10 to developers, with a public launch occurring later this year. It’s unclear as to what Apple has up itself for iOS 10, especially with iOS 9.3 being a surprisingly feature-rich update. Nevertheless, we can certainly expect a handful of changes to come with the release of iOS 10.

Last but certainly not least, Apple will likely announce the iPhone 7 this fall. With many analysts suggesting that Apple has reached “peak iPhone,” there’s a lot riding on the iPhone 7 and what Apple can bring to the table. There are a variety of rumors circulating concerning what the iPhone 7 will feature. Perhaps the rumor with the most traction is that Apple will ditch the 3.5mm headphone jack in an effort to make the device even thinner. Rumors have also suggested that the iPhone 7 will be waterproof, feature a new casing material, and much more. Last month, we ran a poll and 24 percent of our readers stated that they were most excited about the possibility of the iPhone 7 being waterproof.

12-inch-macbook-deal

Personally, I’m most excited about Apple continuing to innovate with its MacBook lineup. Back in December, I wrote that the 12-inch MacBook was the 2015 Apple product that most excited me for the company’s future. I explained that in a time when many were skeptical of Apple’s design choices, the 12-inch MacBook showed that Apple still could innovate. I love my Retina MacBook, especially the ultra-light and thin design that it features. One thing I would love to see, however, is a 13-inch Retina MacBook with the same ultra-thin design and stunning display, but with a slightly larger display.

What rumored 2016 Apple product excites you the most? Let us know in the comments and by voting in the poll above!

Filed under: iOS Devices, Mac, Opinion Tagged: 2016, Apple, Apple watch, iPhone 7, MacBook

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