Apple doubles storage of iPhone SE to 32GB and 128GB

Besides the new Red color iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Apple also launched new larger storage variants of the compact iPhone SE. The new 32GB and 128GB storage models will replace the current 16GB and 64GB storage. Apart from the new storage options, the rest of the specs will remain unchanged.

Surprisingly, the price will also remain same as the 16GB and 64GB storage variants. The Apple iPhone SE 32GB model is priced at $399 (Rs. 27,200 in India), while the 128GB storage model costs $499 (Rs. 39,000 in India). The new variants will be available starting March 24 through Apple authorized resellers in Silver, Gold, Space Gray and Rose Gold hues.

To refresh your memory, the iPhone SE is an upgraded version of iPhone 5s, replaced by the hardware of iPhone 6s. It features a compact 4-inch Retina display, A9 processor, 12MP iSight camera (w/ dual-tone LED flash and 4K video recording), 1.2MP front camera, TouchID fingerprint sensor and Apple Pay support. Apple touts the iPhone SE to be the most powerful 4-inch smartphone ever. 

Just few days back, Flipkart, Amazon India and Kerala based retailer ITNET Infocom started selling the iPhone SE at reduced price in India starting at Rs. 19,999 for the 16GB model.

Apple launches Red iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus

Apple has introduced a new Red color variant of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, to mark the company's 10 year partnership with (Red), which supports HIV/AIDS programs.

The new (RED) iPhone and iPhone 7 Plus sports a red aluminum finish, and is the most striking and beutiful off all the color options available. 

“The introduction of this special edition iPhone in a gorgeous red finish is our biggest (PRODUCT)RED offering to date in celebration of our partnership with (RED), and we can’t wait to get it into customers’ hands," says Apple CEO Tim Cook.

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in 128GB and 256GB models starting at $749 (Rs. 82,000) from March 24. It will be sold via Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple says that a portion of every (RED) iPhone sold will go to the Global Fund, which is a non-profit organization that helps finance HIV/AIDS grants in several countries.

For those unaware, (RED) provides access to life-saving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa, which is home to more than two thirds of the world’s HIV-positive population. Back in 2006, Apple had released the iPad Nano Special Edition in partnership with (RED) as well.

Ming-Chi Kuo says iPhone 5se, iPad 3 coming in H1 2016

A few days back it was reported that Apple's upcoming 4-inch iPhone will be called iPhone 5se which is meant to be an enhanced iPhone 5s model.It has always been rumored that Apple is holding an event in March or April to launch iPhone 5se and some other products. Now according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo Apple is likely to release iPhone 5se alongside iPad Air 3 in the first half of 2016.

In a note to investors, Kuo said that the iPhone 5se is very much on track and will feature A8 chipset, 2.5D glass, similar to the iPhone 6s and a 12-megapixel main camera unit. He cautions that Apple fans should not expect any innovation of form factor change from the 4-inch iPhone. He also mentioned that the sales of iPhone 5se won't help Apple's revenue, so the expectation are quite moderate.

Apart from iPhone 5se, Apple will also launch the a 9.7-inch Apple iPad 3 tablet in the first half of 2016. Not much is known but, earlier reports suggsted that the iPad 3 will flaunt a 4K screen and equipped with A9X processor, 8MP rear and 2.1MP front camera. The tablet will be 5mm thick and have fingerprint sensor embedded on the home button. Kuo believes that the iPhone 5se will see a small number of shipments this year, that is between 10-12 million

Speaking of iPhone 7 Kuo says that Apple is working on 'evolutionary' improvements in the chipset, camera resolution, battery life among others. However he did not add anything to the rumors that the iPhone 7 will not include a 3.5mm headphone jack or the addition of waterproof exteriors.

Lastly Kuo adds that Apple will sell fewer iPhone units in Q1 2016 due to "lacklustre iPhone 6s sales" and will largely remain same in the range of 42 to 45 millions units, which is 29 percent down, as compared to Q1 2015. However, Apple has high hopes from the MacBook lineup. "We see MacBook as a stronger candidate for becoming a theme given solid growth in the business segment, as well as a potential upgrade to hit the market in 1H16."

Via

4-inch Apple iPhone coming early 2016, iPhone 7 w/ A10 chip, 3GB RAM on track for Q3

Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable Apple analyst has shared a research note outlining his expectations for Apple's 2016 iPhone lineup. He says demand for the smaller handset is still present and the company plans to capitalize come next year.

The analyst suggests that a new 4-inch iPhone is in the works that "resembles an upgraded iPhone 5". The 4-inch iPhone is going to be different from its predecessors in many ways. Apple is likely to opt for an all-metal body, instead of the plastic body. It will be equipped with an A9 processor.

"As there is still demand for a 4-inch iPhone, we believe Apple will upgrade this product line. Because the iPhone 5s is more popular than the iPhone 5c, we think Apple is likely to launch an upgraded iPhone 5s. We predict Apple will mass-produce this new 4-inch iPhone in 1H16 with metal casings. In order to make the current iOS 9 or next-generation iOS 10 run smoothly, Apple may adopt an A9 chip for this new phone."

Kuo also believes that Apple will ditch the 3D touch  as a part of an effort to keep the 4-inch iPhone differentiated from the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Apple will launch the device in the first half of 2016 and ship between 20-30 million units by the end of the year.

When it comes to iPhone 7, Kuo expects the usual Q3 launch in 2016 release of the iPhone. As usual there will be two variants - one with 4.7-inch screen and the other 5.5-inch. Both variants will be equipped with A10 chip. Apart from display, the RAM will also be a differentiating factor on iPhone 7, the 4.7-inch will pack 2GB RAM, seen in current iPhones, while the 5.5-inch model will packs 3GB RAM for improved performance.

Foxconn is said to be the sole manufacturer of the 4-inch iPhone and TSMC will produce the A9 chip for it. TSMC will also be the sole provider of the A10 chip for the iPhone 7.  

via

iPhone 6S to sport 12MP camera with 4K video recording (plus other details)

Ahead of Apple's September 9 event, details about the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have surfaced online.

Fresh reports states that the next generation of Apple phones will sport 12-megapixel camera that has the ability to record 4K resolution videos. The current models of iPhone has 8-megapixel rear iSight camera and does not record 4K resolution videos. This is the first time since the iPhone 4s (launched in 2011), the iPhone series camera is being upgraded.

Moving on, the new iPhone will run of the A9 SoC which comes with signal processor that will result into further more cleared photos. They will also have improved FaceTime camera for higher quality videos and selfies. It is also expected to comes with a front facing flash. Other expected features are front facing panorama shots and HD resolution slow-motion video recording.

In addition, an image, alleged to show the iPhone 6's packaging was leaked. The image confirms that the base model of the new iPhone's will be 16GB. A previous leak tipped that iPhone 6s will come in 16GB, 64GB and 128GB storage variants. The image also confirms the name of Apple's 2015 phone as iPhone 6s and the box will include the handset, EarPods, Lightning USB cable. The phone will support 4G LTE (FDD & TD), WiFi, NFC and GPS connectivity. 

Apple's iPhone 6s is expected to come with lots of new features like Force Touch pressure sensitive touch-input technology seen on the new MacBook and Apple Watch. It will adopt  a reinforced design constructed with series 7000 aluminum, which is up to 60 percent stronger that the alloy used in current iPhones.

The iPhone 6s will sport a 4.7-inch display while the iPhone 6s Plus will have a bigger 5.5-inch display. Both have been tipped to include redesigned wireless system powered by Qualcomm's Cat 6. LTE chipset.These are also expected to get animated wallpapers, similar to the Apple Watch. Lastly the iPhone 6s will come in Rose Gold variant that is available for Apple Watch as well.

The Apple event kicks off at 10am Pacific Time (PT) or 10:30pm Indian Standard Time (IST) on September 9 at Bill Graham auditorium in San Francisco, California.

Apple to hold an event on September 9 in San Francisco

Apple has sent out invites for its traditional fall event on September 9, taking place in San Francisco at the Bill Graham Civic auditorium. The invite reads "Hey Siri give us a hint"

When we say that to Siri, it wittingly states the launch date in some of the cheesiest way- "You'll have to wait until September 9. I bet you were one of those kids snuck downstairs to open presents early, weren't you?" one of Siri's responses read. "The only hint I can give you right now is a hint of lime. And that there's a big announcement on September 9," the second one noted.

At the event, the company is likely to announced the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.We can also expect next-generation iPads and Apple TV set-top box at the event alongside update on the launch dates of iOS 9 and WatchOS2.

As per reports, Apple's 2015 phones will offer a reinforced design constructed with series 7000 aluminum, which is up to 60 percent stronger that the alloy used in current iPhones. It will also comes with Force Touch display technology that allows for force-sensitive touch feedbacks. Apple iPhone's is said to be equipped with A9 processors, 2GBRAM, 12-megapixel cameras and Touch ID fingerprint sensors. The iPhone 6s will sport a 4.7-inch display while the iPhone 6s Plus will have a bigger 5.5-inch display. These are also expected to get animated wallpapers, similar to the Apple Watch.

The next-gen Apple TV is expected to have a redesigned chassis, an A8 processor, higher internal memory, new remote control, redesigned interface with Siri support and all-new App store for Apple TV. The iPad Pro with a large screen might also be introduced at the event,

Apple's event will start at 10:00AM Pacific Time (PT) (10:30 PM IST) on September 9 at Bill Graham auditorium in San Francisco, California. Apple will also offer live stream for the event. 

Apple also confirmed that Windows users will also be able to watch Apple's September 9th event streamed live. The new Edge browser in Windows 10 supports the same HTTP Live Streaming technology, which is found in Apple's QuickTime software, or the Safari browser.

Apple iOS 9, OS X El Capitan public betas released

Apple has released beta version of its iOS 9 mobile OS and OS X El Capitan for the general public using eligible iOS devices. Users need to join the Apple Beta Software Program with their Apple ID to download the software. Once you have registered for the public beta, a built-in feedback assistant app appears on the Home screen of your iOS device and Dock on your Mac.

The iOS 9 beta is more polished than the version that was available for developers last month. The new update brings a number of new features and improvements like intelligent search with Siri, Split-screen multitasking on iPad, improved built in Map, News & Note apps, improved Apple Pay, Battery optimization and enhanced security features.

Some of the changes in OS X El Capitan include visual enhancements, system level font which is now San Francisco, Split-view feature, Notes app, improved Safari browser & photos app and more.

As the OS is in its initial stage and unfinished it is not going to be a smooth ride and there are high chances you will encounter bugs and face issues. If you are ok with it, hit the source link to get started.

Source : Apple

It's raining deals and discounts with Flipkart's Big App Shopping Days Sale

Flipkart is offering various deals on smartphone from June 22 to 24 as a part of Big App shopping Days sale. Note that the deals are only available via the Flipkart app available for Android, iOS and Windows Phone.

Flipkarts's Big App Shopping days will mark the debut of the flagship killer OnePlus One on the e-commerce site. The 64GB Sandstone Black OnePlus One will be available for Rs. 19,998. The phone will also be sold on the website as well.

Mi Band which was sold exclusively on Mi.com is now available on Flipkart for Rs. 999 via open sale. The Xiomi Mi 4 is available for Rs. 13,999 via open sales.

The Lenovo A6000 Plus and A7000 will be available without any registration along with a free Airtel 4G SIM.  The Lenovo A6000 Plus will be available for a discounted price of Rs. 6,999. Flipkart is also running an exchange offer of up to Rs. 4,000 on Lenovo 4G devices.

Motorola's Moto E 2nd gen 4G LTE is available for Rs. 6,999, the Moto G 2nd-gen is available for Rs. 9,999 and Moto X 2nd-gen for Rs. 21,999. There is also a Rs. 1,500 exchange offer on Moro E 1st-gen.

Asus Zenfones will be available with an exchange offer. The ZenFone 6, ZenFone 2 and ZenFone 5 will be available with an exchange offers of Rs. 6,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 4,000 respectively. The Asus ZenFone C is available for Rs. 4,999.

HTC's Desire 626G Plus, Desire 816G, 526G Plus, 826 are available for Rs. 13,499 | 18,990 | 8,899 and 21, 749 respectively.

The Apple 16GB and 64GB variant of Apple iPhone 6 Plus is available for Rs. 52,999 and Rs. 65,999. Apple iPhone 6 is available at a discounted price of Rs. 42,999. It is available with an exchange offer of up to Rs. 15,000 as well. The iPhone 5s and iPhone 4s are available with an exchange offer of Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 4000 respectively.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra will be available for Rs. 13,990, Xperia Z2 for Rs. 31,007, Xperia C3 for Rs. 17,795, Xperia M2 Dual for Rs. 12,019 and Xperia T3 for Rs. 14,797.

The Honor 6 and Honor 6 Plus will be available at an exchange offer of Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively. The Honor Bee is available for Rs. 4,499.

 The Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 is available for Rs. 15,999 and 22,999. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is priced Rs. 38,499.

The Google Nexus 6 and Moto Turbo is available with an exchange offer of Rs. 15,000. Microsoft's Lumia 535 is now up for grabs at Rs. 5,898.

Added :
Google Nexus 6 32GB and 64GB now offered at discounted price of Rs. 39,999 and 34,999 (Rs. 9,000 off).
Lenovo Vibe X2 available for Rs. 14,999 (Rs. 3000 off).

SBI credit and debit card holders can avail an extra 10 percent discount during the sale. The above mentioned deals, discounts and exchange offers are available for Flipkart's mobile app which lasts until Wednesday, June 24.

Apple iPhone 6s and 6s Plus to feature A9 chip, 2GB RAM and 12-megapixel camera

We have been hearing rumors about the Apple's new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus for quite some time now. Now more details regarding this have surfaced online. It comes for KGI securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who has provided many accurate leaks and predictions about Apple's devices.

According to KGI Securities Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will come with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display respectively. The 5.5-inch model will come with Sapphire glass display.

Both models will come with Force touch feature on the screen. This technology is already being used in Apple Watch and the new 12-inch MacBook. It allows the display to measure how hard the user is pressing it. A deep press allows users to perform different action. On Apple Watch it can open a list of options, while on MacBook it is used simulate a traditional mouse click.

Apple's iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be powered by Apple's new A9 processor and come with 2GB LPDDR4 RAM. For the first time since the release of iPhone 4s, Apple will increase the camera resolution. The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will feature 12-megapixel rear camera.  

KGI also said the Apple will not be releasing the 4-inch version of iPhone 6s. It also added that Apple will add a rose gold color variant similar to the $17,000 Apple Watch Edition. The report also mentions that in order to promote Apple Pay, the Touch ID has been improved on the phones.

Apple is also trying to prevent the bend-gate by using the Series 7000 aluminum which is 60% stronger than the currently used metal. It was used in the Apple watch.

The new iPhones will enter mass production in late August and Apple is expecting to sell 80 to 90 million units with 4.7-inch model outnumbering the 5.5-inch model by 2 to 1 margin.

Apple to launch three new iPhones later this year

Citing industry insiders, Digitimes suggests that Apple will release three new iPhones in the second half of 2015. These include iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and a 4-inch device currently being referred to as iPhone 6c.

The three upcoming iPhones will feature LTPS panels. The display panels for iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 6c will come from Japan Display, Sharp and LG display. For iPhone 6s the display panels will come from Japan and LG display.

Processor wise, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s plus will be powered by Apple's new A9 chip, while the iPhone 6c will be powered by A8 chips. All the devices will come equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass, NFC and fingerprint scanning technology.

Apple is expected to partner Wistron to assemble the iPhone 6c, while Foxconn electronics and Pegatron will most likely manufacture the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

Earlier a report from Wall Street stated that Apple was testing a new pink color version for the new iPhone, plus it is also testing a Force Touch function for its display screen. The report further stated that Apple will retain the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen sizes and similar resolutions (1080 x 1920 pixels).  The mass production for the 2015 iPhones will start in May. 

Last year, the company launched two iPhone devices - iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. Both the handsets received good response from buyer and critics around the world.

Hong Kong Man Busted For Smuggling 94 iPhones Into China

A man was arrested by Chinese custom officials at China's border when he tried to smuggle 94 iPhones into China by strapping them to his body. The act was foiled when custom officers noticed his weird walking posture.

After finding nothing suspicious in his two shopping bags, officials asked the man to pass through a metal detector — and the alarm went off loud and clear. The images show the man covered with dozens of handsets, held together under his outer clothes with clingfilm and tape.

Custom officers discovered both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S models and estimated the total value of the devices to exceed 300,000 yuan ($49,000 ; Rs. 30,87,000).

The smuggler, a Hong Kong citizen, was arrested at Futian post, an immigration port of entry in Shenzhen on the border between China and Hong Kong. Under Hong Kong law smuggling can warrant a seven-year prison time and a fine of $2 million. The "mobile armor' is a fairly common tactic for phone smugglers.

The man was mocked by netizen after pictures of his "iPhone armour" went viral. On China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo labelled the man 'Apple Man', using a Marvel's Iron Man Chinese character. "I just keep thinking this guy is trying to imitate Iron Man," one commented

The Apple iPhone 6 are made in China under contract before being shipped to countries around the world but purchasing one in the country is a challenge as it is very expensive than those sold in neighboring regions.  Even after the handset is available in China, many people smuggle foreign electronics to evade import taxes before reselling them for profit.

Source : Business Standard

iOS 8.1.2 Update released by Apple to fix ringtone issues

Apple released iOS 8.1.2 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users running iOS 8. The release “addresses a problem where ringtones purchases through the iTunes Store may have been removed from your device.”

In addition, Apple set up a recovery page for the lost ringtones,  itunes.com/restore-tones. Those who faced the issue can visit the link to bring back lost ringtones to the device.

The update package is 28.2MB. It will take a few minutes to update your Apple devices.

You can check the update for your device by going to Settings> General > Software Update and then your phone will search for the update. If the method via OTA does not work, just go to iTunes , click on your device tab and "Check for Update" or "Update" .

Is Apple Turning To Foxconn For Sapphire Display?

According to a report by China Economic Weekly, Foxconn Technology Group, Apple's main iPhone assembly partner, is apparently gearing up to produce sapphire displays for Apple's next generation of mobile devices. The “sapphire glass” is an intensely durable material that could revolutionize the way we handle our Apple gadgets.

Presently, though iPhone 5s display is made of a Gorilla Glass, two of its most precious parts are surprisingly encased in sapphire glass: its 8-megapixel camera and the Home button’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Scratch or smashed camera cover could affect the photos, to prevent this it gets this special treatment. And when it comes to the sensor, it’s also important that its enclosed in a scratch-free, crystal clear surface.

Foxconn, Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturing company, has reportedly reached an agreement to build a display factory on an over 300-acre plot of land adjacent to an iPhone 6 assembly plant in the Chinese city of Zhengzhou.

The report said that Foxxconn has already planned of setting a display factory adjacent to the iPhone 6 assembly plant. It is expected to manufacture sapphire displays for the next generation of the Apple devices. And to bring this to effect it has signed an agreement with the Zhengzhou city government in Henan Province, central China, to set up a display factory on a 133-hectare plot of land.

Apple had considered to use sapphire displays on few models of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, but apparently due to some production difficulties it couldn’t move any further with this idea. The main reason for this being bankruptcy filed by Apple’s sapphire partner, GT Advanced Technologies which led to collapse of the partnership between the two companies.

As per the new reports, Apple is still considering to develop next generation smartphones with sapphire displays. The market researchers believe that Apple is working carefully on the feasibility of introducing iPhone models with sapphire displays and also is working on measures to avoid shortages.

Via: FocusTaiwan