Rumor: iOS 4.3 to arrive Thursday, support subscription-based apps
Magazines and newspapers are migrating to iOS devices (most notably the iPad) at a steady clip, but there's one problem: publishers don't have a way to sell subscriptions--not yet, anyway.That may change with the arrival of iOS 4.3, which is rumored to be arriving (or at least announced) as early as this Thursday, December 9.As CNET's Joe Aimonetti reported last month, this build was already in the works when Apple rolled out iOS 4.2. And despite the latter's brief delay, it appears iOS 4.3 may still arrive on schedule (at least if you believe the rumor mill's version of Apple's schedule).Unlike 4.2, which introduced a host of new features (like AirPlay and AirPrint), 4.3 will include just one major addition: subscription billing, which would allow content providers to charge weekly, monthly, or annually for subscriptions.Currently, iOS supports only single app payments, meaning you have to make a new in-app purchase every time you want the latest issue of, say, "Wired."According to eWeek Europe, "further fuel was added to the fire when The Guardian newspaper used a blog to reveal a new subscription-based app, which it said would be released soon." (Actually, the blog in question doesn't specifically mention a subscription-based app, but rather subscription pricing--not quite the same thing.)Even so, given that so many high-profile publishers have already introduced apps to convey their content (check out Richard Branson's Project), it's a no-brainer that Apple will give them the iOS tools needed to better monetize it. At this point, it's really just a matter of when.And if you believe Gadgets and Gizmos, the big day will be this Thursday, so Apple can steal a bit of thunder from whatever Sony announces that same day (possibly a PlayStation phone).What are your thoughts on iOS 4.3? Think it'll drop this week? And are you ready to start paying for digital editions of your favorite print mags? Me, I want to keep my print editions but also get the iOS versions as part of my paid subscriptions. What say you, publishers? (I'm guessing, "Er, no.")
How to manage downloads in iTunes 11
How to manage downloads in iTunes 11
Related storiesReports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloudSony rules out OLED this year, accidentally pays plasma a complimentLexus LFA requires lots of cash, coolLast week Apple released the much anticipated, and delayed, update to iTunes. iTunes 11 has a new look and feel, as well as some new features such as "Up Next." Along with the new look and feel comes new methods of interacting and accomplishing once familiar tasks in iTunes. One of those tasks, managing downloads, isn't as obvious as it used to be. When iTunes 11 was first released I had a few apps with updates available, so I started the downloads. In the previous version(s) of iTunes you could manage active downloads in the sidebar, but after revealing the sidebar in iTunes 11 I noticed that the downloads category was missing. I could see that the downloads were still active from the progress bar along the top of iTunes, but I had no way of viewing all of the downloads at once.Click to enlarge.Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETI looked through all the different menu items to no avail. Then I noticed a download icon, similar to the Download All button on the app update page, next to the search bar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETClicking on it revealed the app updates, and the traditional methods for managing them. Keep in mind the downloads icon will only appear while you have an active download. Once your downloads are finished, the icon disappears.Why the downloads section was moved -- and almost hidden -- is beyond me. It would be nice if Apple added it back to the sidebar view, or at least made it a bit more clear where it could be found.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Related storiesReports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloudSony rules out OLED this year, accidentally pays plasma a complimentLexus LFA requires lots of cash, coolLast week Apple released the much anticipated, and delayed, update to iTunes. iTunes 11 has a new look and feel, as well as some new features such as "Up Next." Along with the new look and feel comes new methods of interacting and accomplishing once familiar tasks in iTunes. One of those tasks, managing downloads, isn't as obvious as it used to be. When iTunes 11 was first released I had a few apps with updates available, so I started the downloads. In the previous version(s) of iTunes you could manage active downloads in the sidebar, but after revealing the sidebar in iTunes 11 I noticed that the downloads category was missing. I could see that the downloads were still active from the progress bar along the top of iTunes, but I had no way of viewing all of the downloads at once.Click to enlarge.Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETI looked through all the different menu items to no avail. Then I noticed a download icon, similar to the Download All button on the app update page, next to the search bar. Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNETClicking on it revealed the app updates, and the traditional methods for managing them. Keep in mind the downloads icon will only appear while you have an active download. Once your downloads are finished, the icon disappears.Why the downloads section was moved -- and almost hidden -- is beyond me. It would be nice if Apple added it back to the sidebar view, or at least made it a bit more clear where it could be found.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Steve Jobs will stay on Disney board (report)
Steve Jobs will stay on Disney board (report)
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs will remain on the board of Walt Disney, according to a published report. Citing an unnamed source with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg reported today that Jobs' position as a board member at Disney is unchanged. What's easy to forget in all the coverage this week about Jobs resigning as CEO of Apple is that he also helped build Pixar into the mammoth animation studio it became.In May 2006, Jobs sold Pixar to Disney for $7.4 billion, giving him a 7.4 percent stake in Disney, one of the six largest Hollywood film studios. In his resignation letter Wednesday, Jobs said he's no longer able to fulfill his duties as CEO but will remain at Apple as chairman.Disney continues to list Jobs as a board member on its Web site, though it has not updated Jobs' information page to note that he is no longer Apple's chief executive.Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs will remain on the board of Walt Disney, according to a published report. Citing an unnamed source with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg reported today that Jobs' position as a board member at Disney is unchanged. What's easy to forget in all the coverage this week about Jobs resigning as CEO of Apple is that he also helped build Pixar into the mammoth animation studio it became.In May 2006, Jobs sold Pixar to Disney for $7.4 billion, giving him a 7.4 percent stake in Disney, one of the six largest Hollywood film studios. In his resignation letter Wednesday, Jobs said he's no longer able to fulfill his duties as CEO but will remain at Apple as chairman.Disney continues to list Jobs as a board member on its Web site, though it has not updated Jobs' information page to note that he is no longer Apple's chief executive.Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Steve Jobs to be interviewed at D Conference
Steve Jobs to be interviewed at D Conference
Steve Jobs doesn't submit to many interviews, so when he does, it's pretty big news.Tech blog AllThingsD on Tuesday announced that Jobs will headline the eighth annual D: All Things Digital conference, scheduled for June 1 through 3 in Palos Verdes, Calif. He is scheduled to be the main interviewee on opening night.The Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg and AllThingsD's Kara Swisher will be conducting the interview.Jobs last appeared at the D Conference in 2007, in a joint interview with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, in which the two reflected on each other's legacies in technology.While Gates is not on the D8 schedule, there's plenty for Mossberg and Swisher to discuss with Jobs. Swisher specifically mentions that she'll be asking about the iPad and about Apple's contentious relationship with Google. There's also that "4G" iPhone-Gizmodo situation, which we can't imagine wouldn't be addressed in some way.
Steve Jobs doesn't submit to many interviews, so when he does, it's pretty big news.Tech blog AllThingsD on Tuesday announced that Jobs will headline the eighth annual D: All Things Digital conference, scheduled for June 1 through 3 in Palos Verdes, Calif. He is scheduled to be the main interviewee on opening night.The Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg and AllThingsD's Kara Swisher will be conducting the interview.Jobs last appeared at the D Conference in 2007, in a joint interview with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, in which the two reflected on each other's legacies in technology.While Gates is not on the D8 schedule, there's plenty for Mossberg and Swisher to discuss with Jobs. Swisher specifically mentions that she'll be asking about the iPad and about Apple's contentious relationship with Google. There's also that "4G" iPhone-Gizmodo situation, which we can't imagine wouldn't be addressed in some way.
Apple sells 350,000 textbooks in three days, analyst says
Apple sells 350,000 textbooks in three days, analyst says
Since digital textbooks are still in their infancy, it might be tough to determine success in that market just yet. But so far, it appears Apple is doing quite well.The iPhone maker reportedly sold 350,000 digital textbooks through its iBookstore in just its first three days of availability, Global Equities Research has revealed, according to All Things Digital, which obtained the data from the analyst firm. Global Equities Research monitors textbook downloads through its own "proprietary tracking system," All Things Digital said today. The firm doesn't disclose how that system works.Last week, Apple unveiled digital textbooks for its iPad. The books, which are coming through major textbook publishers McGraw-Hill and Pearson, among others, allow for far more interactivity than physical editions. The textbooks come with video, 3D images, instant glossaries, and the ability to highlight and add notes. In addition, Apple is charging $14.99 or less for the high school textbooks available so far, making them more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Related storiesApple launches iBooks 2 digital textbooksiBooks 2 was Steve Jobs' vision, textbook publisher saysApple revamps iTunes U, makes it class portalAccording to All Things Digital, citing Global Equities Research's data, that pricewon't necessarily hurt textbook publishers, which are accustomed to a typical markup on textbooks of between33 and 35 percent, due to the number of parties that handle books throughout the supply chain to get them into classrooms. With Apple's direct-to-consumer option, the middleman and production costs are cut out of the equation, allowing publishers to sell textbooks at a discount.Moving away from the books themselves, Apple also unveiled iBooks Author at last week's event. That Mac OS X-based application is designed to make it easier for authors to publish interactive iBooks and textbooks. According to Global Equities Research, iBooks Author was downloaded 90,000 times during its first three days of availability, indicating that authors have designs on self-publishing books in the coming months.For its part, Apple hasn't divulged download figures. The company did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on the Global Equities Research findings.
Since digital textbooks are still in their infancy, it might be tough to determine success in that market just yet. But so far, it appears Apple is doing quite well.The iPhone maker reportedly sold 350,000 digital textbooks through its iBookstore in just its first three days of availability, Global Equities Research has revealed, according to All Things Digital, which obtained the data from the analyst firm. Global Equities Research monitors textbook downloads through its own "proprietary tracking system," All Things Digital said today. The firm doesn't disclose how that system works.Last week, Apple unveiled digital textbooks for its iPad. The books, which are coming through major textbook publishers McGraw-Hill and Pearson, among others, allow for far more interactivity than physical editions. The textbooks come with video, 3D images, instant glossaries, and the ability to highlight and add notes. In addition, Apple is charging $14.99 or less for the high school textbooks available so far, making them more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Related storiesApple launches iBooks 2 digital textbooksiBooks 2 was Steve Jobs' vision, textbook publisher saysApple revamps iTunes U, makes it class portalAccording to All Things Digital, citing Global Equities Research's data, that pricewon't necessarily hurt textbook publishers, which are accustomed to a typical markup on textbooks of between33 and 35 percent, due to the number of parties that handle books throughout the supply chain to get them into classrooms. With Apple's direct-to-consumer option, the middleman and production costs are cut out of the equation, allowing publishers to sell textbooks at a discount.Moving away from the books themselves, Apple also unveiled iBooks Author at last week's event. That Mac OS X-based application is designed to make it easier for authors to publish interactive iBooks and textbooks. According to Global Equities Research, iBooks Author was downloaded 90,000 times during its first three days of availability, indicating that authors have designs on self-publishing books in the coming months.For its part, Apple hasn't divulged download figures. The company did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on the Global Equities Research findings.
Apple said to be 'serious' about moving into mobile payments
Apple said to be 'serious' about moving into mobile payments
Several clues have surfaced over the past few months that point to Apple working on its own mobile payments business. We've seen patent filings, rumors of secret meetings, and analyst predictions. Now, the company appears to be hiring for two new senior electronic payments positions, according to Re/code. Citing anonymous sources, Re/code writes that Apple is looking to fill positions for head of product and head of business development."Their ambitions are very, very serious," one of the sources told Re/code.Related storiesApple looking to build mobile-payments service, report saysSquare discussing possible sale with Google, Apple -- reportApple patent filing reveals digital wallet systemApple to develop digital wallet in next year or two, says analystApple already lets hundreds of millions of users buy music, books, and apps through an iTunes account linked to their credit cards. So, expanding this payment process into a digital wallet, or some other sort of mobile payment service, could be a feasible shift for the company.In January, it was rumored that Apple was exploring a move beyond the digital realm into letting users pay for physical goods and services -- such as clothes or a taxi ride -- with an iTunes account. Reportedly, Apple has been conducting on-going meetings with industry executives to discuss the topic. Expanding into a mobile-payments business could put the company in direct competition with services like Stripe and eBay's PayPal. According to Re/code, there's the possibility that Apple could even partner with PayPal in some sort of joint payment system.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Several clues have surfaced over the past few months that point to Apple working on its own mobile payments business. We've seen patent filings, rumors of secret meetings, and analyst predictions. Now, the company appears to be hiring for two new senior electronic payments positions, according to Re/code. Citing anonymous sources, Re/code writes that Apple is looking to fill positions for head of product and head of business development."Their ambitions are very, very serious," one of the sources told Re/code.Related storiesApple looking to build mobile-payments service, report saysSquare discussing possible sale with Google, Apple -- reportApple patent filing reveals digital wallet systemApple to develop digital wallet in next year or two, says analystApple already lets hundreds of millions of users buy music, books, and apps through an iTunes account linked to their credit cards. So, expanding this payment process into a digital wallet, or some other sort of mobile payment service, could be a feasible shift for the company.In January, it was rumored that Apple was exploring a move beyond the digital realm into letting users pay for physical goods and services -- such as clothes or a taxi ride -- with an iTunes account. Reportedly, Apple has been conducting on-going meetings with industry executives to discuss the topic. Expanding into a mobile-payments business could put the company in direct competition with services like Stripe and eBay's PayPal. According to Re/code, there's the possibility that Apple could even partner with PayPal in some sort of joint payment system.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Apple iPhone enters prepaid world with Cricket
Apple iPhone enters prepaid world with Cricket
Apple's iPhone will make the leap to the prepaid world through Leap Wireless's Cricket wireless service. The regional prepaid carrier plans to sell the iPhone on June 22, although its no-contract plans means a higher upfront cost. The 16GB iPhone 4S will cost $499.99, while the 8GB iPhone 4 will cost $399.99.The iPhone moving to Cricket marks the continued expansion of the availability of Apple's blockbuster device, highlighting the company's push to get the device in as many hands as possible. The iPhone is an unusual device to hit the prepaid world, since it is such an expensive product relative to other prepaid phones.The iPhone will be sold with a $55 no-contract plan that includes unlimited calling and text messages. The plan also includes 2.3GB of data, after which the carrier will throttle, or slow the connection down. Despite a hefty price tag, the iPhone's popularity should help Cricket recapture a bit of momentum lost in recent quarters. The company, as with other prepaid services, has seen growth slow as the larger carriers enter the prepaid business. "Launching iPhone is a major milestone for us and we are proud to offer iPhone customers attractive nationwide coverage, a robust 3G data network and a value-packed, no-contract plan," Leap CEO Doug Hutchison said in a statement.While prepaid carriers typically don't offer subsidies, it appears Leap is paying Apple a small subsidy to keep the iPhone somewhat reasonably priced. AT&T and Verizon Wireless lists the 16GB iPhone 4S for $649.99 without a two-year contract. Prepaid customers are required to buy an iPhone through Cricket; they are unable to bring in an iPhone from another carrier. Customer can go here to find out more information. • See CNET's review of the iPhone 4SThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple's iPhone will make the leap to the prepaid world through Leap Wireless's Cricket wireless service. The regional prepaid carrier plans to sell the iPhone on June 22, although its no-contract plans means a higher upfront cost. The 16GB iPhone 4S will cost $499.99, while the 8GB iPhone 4 will cost $399.99.The iPhone moving to Cricket marks the continued expansion of the availability of Apple's blockbuster device, highlighting the company's push to get the device in as many hands as possible. The iPhone is an unusual device to hit the prepaid world, since it is such an expensive product relative to other prepaid phones.The iPhone will be sold with a $55 no-contract plan that includes unlimited calling and text messages. The plan also includes 2.3GB of data, after which the carrier will throttle, or slow the connection down. Despite a hefty price tag, the iPhone's popularity should help Cricket recapture a bit of momentum lost in recent quarters. The company, as with other prepaid services, has seen growth slow as the larger carriers enter the prepaid business. "Launching iPhone is a major milestone for us and we are proud to offer iPhone customers attractive nationwide coverage, a robust 3G data network and a value-packed, no-contract plan," Leap CEO Doug Hutchison said in a statement.While prepaid carriers typically don't offer subsidies, it appears Leap is paying Apple a small subsidy to keep the iPhone somewhat reasonably priced. AT&T and Verizon Wireless lists the 16GB iPhone 4S for $649.99 without a two-year contract. Prepaid customers are required to buy an iPhone through Cricket; they are unable to bring in an iPhone from another carrier. Customer can go here to find out more information. • See CNET's review of the iPhone 4SThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple iPhone 6, 6 Plus get updated cameras with optical image stabilization, faster autofocus
Apple iPhone 6, 6 Plus get updated cameras with optical image stabilization, faster autofocus
As part of the announcement of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple revealed some of the new tech you'll find helping you get those perfect shots. For starters, you'll find optical image stabilization in the 6 Plus (it's just electronic for the 6), faster autofocus, and slow-motion video up to 240 frames per second, which doubles the iPhone 5S' capabilities. Carried over from the 5S, the iSight camera features an 8-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with 1.5μm pixels, an f2.2 aperture lens, and the True Tone flash that dynamically adjusts color to match lighting conditions. James Martin/CNETIt is a new image sensor, though, with phase-detection autofocus that should improve focusing speeds over the contrast AF system used for previous iPhone's. (For those keeping Android-to-Apple scorecards,Samsung's Galaxy S5 also has phase-detection AF.)Apple unveils iPhone 6, Apple WatchiPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay and the Apple Watch: Here's everything Apple just announcedApple's September 9 event: CNET's complete coverageHere's what we didn't get from Apple's iPhone eventLow-light photos should be a little cleaner thanks to the iPhone 6's A8 image signal processor. Panoramic images get a resolution bump to 43 megapixels and a new gyroscope improves stitching.Video capabilities include 1080p capture at 30fps or 60fps. It can also record slow-motion video at 120fps or 240fps, which is great for analyzing your golf swing among other things. It has continuous autofocus (which can be a blessing and a curse) and to help with camera shake, it has cinematic image stabilization. There is also a new HD FaceTime sensor that does single-shot HDR photos as well as HDR video, so no more getting lost in the shadows when you or your subject is backlit. The FaceTime camera also gets a burst mode for, what else, burst selfies. Read back through CNET's Apple live blog and see all of today's Apple news.
As part of the announcement of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, Apple revealed some of the new tech you'll find helping you get those perfect shots. For starters, you'll find optical image stabilization in the 6 Plus (it's just electronic for the 6), faster autofocus, and slow-motion video up to 240 frames per second, which doubles the iPhone 5S' capabilities. Carried over from the 5S, the iSight camera features an 8-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with 1.5μm pixels, an f2.2 aperture lens, and the True Tone flash that dynamically adjusts color to match lighting conditions. James Martin/CNETIt is a new image sensor, though, with phase-detection autofocus that should improve focusing speeds over the contrast AF system used for previous iPhone's. (For those keeping Android-to-Apple scorecards,Samsung's Galaxy S5 also has phase-detection AF.)Apple unveils iPhone 6, Apple WatchiPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay and the Apple Watch: Here's everything Apple just announcedApple's September 9 event: CNET's complete coverageHere's what we didn't get from Apple's iPhone eventLow-light photos should be a little cleaner thanks to the iPhone 6's A8 image signal processor. Panoramic images get a resolution bump to 43 megapixels and a new gyroscope improves stitching.Video capabilities include 1080p capture at 30fps or 60fps. It can also record slow-motion video at 120fps or 240fps, which is great for analyzing your golf swing among other things. It has continuous autofocus (which can be a blessing and a curse) and to help with camera shake, it has cinematic image stabilization. There is also a new HD FaceTime sensor that does single-shot HDR photos as well as HDR video, so no more getting lost in the shadows when you or your subject is backlit. The FaceTime camera also gets a burst mode for, what else, burst selfies. Read back through CNET's Apple live blog and see all of today's Apple news.
Apple iPhone 4S launching October 14, report says
Apple iPhone 4S launching October 14, report says
Even though Apple's iPhone event is just hours away, the rumor mill hasn't stopped producing possible hints into the company's plans.This morning, 9to5Mac is reporting, citing sources, that Apple will launch the rumored iPhone 4S on October 14. The blog's sources say that the company's stores will open their doors at 7 a.m. local time to accommodate what could be strong demand for the device. In addition, the blog says, Apple employees will be subject to "overnights," so they can get the stores ready for the next day.Apple will hold its iPhone event today. Although the company hasn't said what it has planned, the latest rumors suggest it will unveil both an iPhone 4S, featuring some improvements over its predecessor, as well as the iPhone 5.Related stories:• Apple's iPhone event plus Buzz Out Loud: Join us Tuesday (live blog)• Full coverage: Apple's iPhone event• Play along with CNET's iPhone event bingo!Over the last several months, rumors have been swirling over when Apple might eventually make the new iPhone (or iPhones) available for purchase. In August, 9to5Mac reported, citing sources, that Apple would launch the iPhone 5 on October 7 or October 14. That report echoed TiPb's claim that Apple would launch the iPhone 5 on October 7. Many analysts, on the other hand, haven't been so specific, deciding instead to say that Apple's new entries will launch in October some time.Luckily, all the speculation surrounding Apple's plans for its iPhone line should finally come to an end later today when the company takes the stage at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters. And when it does, CNET will be there to cover every second, so be sure to check back at 9:30 a.m. PT when pre-game coverage begins.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Even though Apple's iPhone event is just hours away, the rumor mill hasn't stopped producing possible hints into the company's plans.This morning, 9to5Mac is reporting, citing sources, that Apple will launch the rumored iPhone 4S on October 14. The blog's sources say that the company's stores will open their doors at 7 a.m. local time to accommodate what could be strong demand for the device. In addition, the blog says, Apple employees will be subject to "overnights," so they can get the stores ready for the next day.Apple will hold its iPhone event today. Although the company hasn't said what it has planned, the latest rumors suggest it will unveil both an iPhone 4S, featuring some improvements over its predecessor, as well as the iPhone 5.Related stories:• Apple's iPhone event plus Buzz Out Loud: Join us Tuesday (live blog)• Full coverage: Apple's iPhone event• Play along with CNET's iPhone event bingo!Over the last several months, rumors have been swirling over when Apple might eventually make the new iPhone (or iPhones) available for purchase. In August, 9to5Mac reported, citing sources, that Apple would launch the iPhone 5 on October 7 or October 14. That report echoed TiPb's claim that Apple would launch the iPhone 5 on October 7. Many analysts, on the other hand, haven't been so specific, deciding instead to say that Apple's new entries will launch in October some time.Luckily, all the speculation surrounding Apple's plans for its iPhone line should finally come to an end later today when the company takes the stage at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters. And when it does, CNET will be there to cover every second, so be sure to check back at 9:30 a.m. PT when pre-game coverage begins.Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Apple iPhone 4S gets benchmarked; slower than iPad 2
Apple iPhone 4S gets benchmarked; slower than iPad 2
Apple's iPhone 4S smartphone isn't even on store shelves yet, but benchmarks have leaked out on the Web, suggesting the device holds up quite well against most products, except the iPad 2.According to benchmark data obtained by Anandtech from a host of sources, Apple's iPhone 4S beats out all devices, except for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 in a JavaScript benchmark, but easily bests that tablet (and all other Android-based devices) in a Rightware BrowserMark benchmark. However, when the smartphone is pitted against the iPad 2, it falls short in processor integer performance and in a 720p-frames-per-second test, according to Anandtech.That data makes Anandtech believe that theiPhone 4S comes with an 800MHz A5 dual-core processor, and not the same 1GHz A5 dual-core processor found in the iPad 2. Geekbench, which provided some benchmark information, says the processor frequency is about 716MHz.Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S last week at a special event in its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. The company touted the iPhone 4S' dual-core processor, but stopped short of providing detailed information on the chip. That said, the company did say that the processor in the iPhone 4S will easily overshadow the A4 chip found in the iPhone 4.Related stories:• Apple spending $203 for each iPhone 4S, report says• iPhone 4S First Take• Apple unveils iPhone 4SBased on the data published by Anandtech, that appears to be the case. In nearly every benchmark, the iPhone 4S doubled the performance of its predecessor.Still, it's worth noting that the iPhone 4S has yet to launch, and there is no way to prove the validity of the benchmarks. So, while they might be accurate, for now, it's advised to take them with a grain of salt.Apple's iPhone 4S launches later this week on Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint networks. The device starts at $199 for 16GB of storage, and goes up to $299 and $399 for 32GB and 64GB of storage, respectively. So far, the smartphone has proven successful, setting a new preorder record of 1 million sales in its first day of availability.
Apple's iPhone 4S smartphone isn't even on store shelves yet, but benchmarks have leaked out on the Web, suggesting the device holds up quite well against most products, except the iPad 2.According to benchmark data obtained by Anandtech from a host of sources, Apple's iPhone 4S beats out all devices, except for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 in a JavaScript benchmark, but easily bests that tablet (and all other Android-based devices) in a Rightware BrowserMark benchmark. However, when the smartphone is pitted against the iPad 2, it falls short in processor integer performance and in a 720p-frames-per-second test, according to Anandtech.That data makes Anandtech believe that theiPhone 4S comes with an 800MHz A5 dual-core processor, and not the same 1GHz A5 dual-core processor found in the iPad 2. Geekbench, which provided some benchmark information, says the processor frequency is about 716MHz.Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S last week at a special event in its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. The company touted the iPhone 4S' dual-core processor, but stopped short of providing detailed information on the chip. That said, the company did say that the processor in the iPhone 4S will easily overshadow the A4 chip found in the iPhone 4.Related stories:• Apple spending $203 for each iPhone 4S, report says• iPhone 4S First Take• Apple unveils iPhone 4SBased on the data published by Anandtech, that appears to be the case. In nearly every benchmark, the iPhone 4S doubled the performance of its predecessor.Still, it's worth noting that the iPhone 4S has yet to launch, and there is no way to prove the validity of the benchmarks. So, while they might be accurate, for now, it's advised to take them with a grain of salt.Apple's iPhone 4S launches later this week on Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint networks. The device starts at $199 for 16GB of storage, and goes up to $299 and $399 for 32GB and 64GB of storage, respectively. So far, the smartphone has proven successful, setting a new preorder record of 1 million sales in its first day of availability.
Apple iPad 'Mini' rumors heat up; launch seen by year's end
Apple iPad 'Mini' rumors heat up; launch seen by year's end
The Wall Street Journal's two sources --- who asked not to be named --- claim the new tablet will "likely come with a screen smaller than 8-inches," compared to the iPad's 9.7-inch screen. Since its launch in 2010, the iPad has not seen a screen size change, though the iPad 3 boasts a high-definition, pixel-packed Retina display.Apple is said to be working with LG Display for the "iPad Mini" screens, according to one of the sources, while the other said Apple had signaled to manufacturing partners to prepare for mass production on the smaller tablet.It follows earlier reports that the so-called "iPad Mini" would arrive in the third-quarter in time for the Christmas holiday, and corroborating recent rumblings that the technology giant is preparing to launch the production lines for the highly-anticipated device.NPD DisplaySearch's Richard Shim told CNET on Tuesday that there was a "business plan" for a 7.85-inch iPad. He also noted how supply chain companies -- firms that make the components and build the end-product -- were gearing up the production lines, but noted that "plans can be altered."Bloomberg reports the long-awaited "smaller, cheaper iPad" may be announced by October, but will lack the high-definition Retina display that the iPad 3 boasts.Sterne Agee & Leache analyst Shaw Wu said the "iPad mini" will likely sell at a similar price tag to that of the Amazon's Kindle Fire and Google's Nexus 7 tablet.Last week, Google debuted the 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet, selling at $199 -- the same price as the Android-powered Kindle Fire -- and will likely end up serving as the prime competition to Apple's anticipated 7-inch iPad. Microsoft's Windows-powered Surface tablet, announced in June, has a larger 10.6-inch display, but pricing has yet to be announced. Windows division president Steven Sinofsky said the device will be "priced like comparable tablets." Surface is also expected to debut on store shelves this fall in time for Christmas.Apple declined to comment to CNET.
The Wall Street Journal's two sources --- who asked not to be named --- claim the new tablet will "likely come with a screen smaller than 8-inches," compared to the iPad's 9.7-inch screen. Since its launch in 2010, the iPad has not seen a screen size change, though the iPad 3 boasts a high-definition, pixel-packed Retina display.Apple is said to be working with LG Display for the "iPad Mini" screens, according to one of the sources, while the other said Apple had signaled to manufacturing partners to prepare for mass production on the smaller tablet.It follows earlier reports that the so-called "iPad Mini" would arrive in the third-quarter in time for the Christmas holiday, and corroborating recent rumblings that the technology giant is preparing to launch the production lines for the highly-anticipated device.NPD DisplaySearch's Richard Shim told CNET on Tuesday that there was a "business plan" for a 7.85-inch iPad. He also noted how supply chain companies -- firms that make the components and build the end-product -- were gearing up the production lines, but noted that "plans can be altered."Bloomberg reports the long-awaited "smaller, cheaper iPad" may be announced by October, but will lack the high-definition Retina display that the iPad 3 boasts.Sterne Agee & Leache analyst Shaw Wu said the "iPad mini" will likely sell at a similar price tag to that of the Amazon's Kindle Fire and Google's Nexus 7 tablet.Last week, Google debuted the 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet, selling at $199 -- the same price as the Android-powered Kindle Fire -- and will likely end up serving as the prime competition to Apple's anticipated 7-inch iPad. Microsoft's Windows-powered Surface tablet, announced in June, has a larger 10.6-inch display, but pricing has yet to be announced. Windows division president Steven Sinofsky said the device will be "priced like comparable tablets." Surface is also expected to debut on store shelves this fall in time for Christmas.Apple declined to comment to CNET.
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