Apple to sell cheaper, 8GB iphone 4 within weeks
August 23, 2011
(Reuters) – Apple Inc will release a cheaper iPhone 4 within weeks, jeopardizing profit margins to win lower-end customers from rivals such as Nokia in China and other emerging markets.
Asian suppliers have begun making a lower-cost version of the hot-selling smartphone with a smaller 8-gigabyte flash drive that will arrive around the same time Apple unveils its much-anticipated iPhone 5, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The world’s most valuable technology company has long stuck to the higher end of a booming mobile device arena, but is now seeking out new markets to sustain the rip-roaring pace of growth that has enthralled Wall Street.
It is in talks with leading Chinese carriers China Mobile Ltd and China Telecom Corp Ltd, both of which are eager to carry the device that defined the smartphone market when Apple launched it in 2007.
“A lower-priced version of iPhone 4 seems to be a necessary evil at this point in the iPhone adoption cycle, especially in emerging markets where the average income of individuals is much lower,” said Channing Smith, co-manager of the Capital Advisors Growth Fund, which owns Apple shares.
Pat Becker, portfolio manager at Becker Capital Management, said Apple is looking to take a chunk of the market that is currently dominated by Finnish rival Nokia Oyj, which is widely expected to release a new phone running on Microsoft Corp’s Windows software as early as end of the year.
Nokia dominates the lower end, while Apple has so far focused only on the premium market.
“Your best defense is sometimes your offense,” he said.
A cheaper phone risks cannibalizing Apple’s premium iPhone model and pressuring margins, but the California company needs one to expand its emerging market share, analysts say.
The flash drive for the 8-GB iPhone 4 is being manufactured by a South Korean company, one of the sources said on Tuesday, declining to name the company. Apple currently sources its flash drives from Japan’s Toshiba Corp and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.
Apple, which demands high levels of secrecy and security from suppliers and employees, would not comment. Samsung also declined comment.
IPHONE 5 BY END-SEPT?
The iPhone 4 was launched June 2010 in black 16-GB and 32-GB versions, with white versions added to the lineup in April. The 8-GB version is expected within weeks, the sources said.
“Apple may want to push into the emerging market segment, where customers want to switch to low- to mid-end smartphones from high-end feature phones, which usually cost $150 to $200,” said Yuanta Securities analyst Bonnie Chang.
“But I think for an 8-GB iPhone 4, the price is hard to go below $200, so Apple will still need a completely new phone with low specifications for the emerging markets.” An iPhone 4 without contract commitments now costs over $600.
In addition to the launch of the smaller iPhone 4, Apple is targeting an end-September launch for the next-generation iPhone 5, one source said, confirming earlier reports on Apple follower blogsites and industry websites.
The new iPhone — which some call the iPhone 4S because of its largely identical appearance to the existing iPhone 4 — will have a bigger touch screen, better antenna and an 8-megapixel camera, one source said.
The iPhone 5’s two manufacturers have been told to prepare production capacity for up to 45 million units altogether, the source said. The phone will be made by Hon Hai Precision Industries Co Ltd and Pegatron Corp, the person added.
Apple sold 20.34 million iPhones in the second quarter versus an expected 17 million to 18 million, and is increasingly looking to Asia to boost future results.
Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook said in July the company is particularly optimistic about Greater China, in which Apple includes mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“I firmly believe that we are just scratching the surface right now,” Cook said about China. “I think there is an incredible opportunity for China there.”
Asia-Pacific — which accounts for about one-fifth of Apple’s total revenue — and Greater China in particular helped Apple’s revenue surge 82 percent to $28.6 billion in April-June.
Overall, Asia-Pacific revenue more than tripled to $6.3 billion in the quarter.
This article orginally appeared on Reuters.
New aluminum iPhone cases improve damage protection
August 22, 2011
Inventive Metals Introduces Solid Aluminum iPhone Cases
With nearly 50 million iPhones sold to date, there are hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of iPhone cases that have been created. However, we think the latest solid aluminum cases have raised the bar for safety and elegence combined.
Inventive Metals a US company recenntly announced a line of iPhone cases constructed from solid aluminum. These durable cases are being sold in six different powder-coated finishes with styles ranging from elegant to wacky; they are specifically designed to protect the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G/GS models.
While inside the case, the iPhone is completely functional with easy access provided to the screen, all buttons, speaker, microphone, and headphone jack. Most importantly, the cases do not interfere with mobile phone reception.
Inventive Metal’s product manager explains that the light aluminum case provide the iPhone with great drop protection; however, enclosing a phone in a metal jacket while maintaining its technical flexibility was extremely challenging.
“Most of our competitors who have tried this really haven’t put enough engineering into the signal-loss problem. We’ve studied this extensively and have tested and refined many prototypes before we were satisfied that our cases would out-perform our competitors and provide a good user-experience to our customers. Our iPhone cases are unmatched in terms of durability and signal strength.”
Inventive Metal’s iPhone cases can be purchased online at inventive metals.com and cost approximately $69 each.
There are already a limited number of aluminum and leather cases suitable for iPhone 4 and 3G for sale from amazon.co.uk. (visit the Amazon UK website) selling from £25. However, the latest offer from Inventive Metals would appear to offer a marked improvement re design and signal clarity.For a real alternative, try our sponsored link on your right, Ion’s Stealth Predator, for a luxury iPhone case designed only for iPhone 4. The Predator Zero uniquely built from carbon fibre promises not only zero signal interruption but also zero flashlight interference – it is an exquisite accessory selling at $69.99.
New headset for iPhones
February 17, 2011
Steelseries introduce a new headset for the iPod, iPhone and iPad.
The Award-Winning Siberia Neckband Headset is Now Available in a Refreshed Design for Music, Mobile, and Gaming
SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of premium audio peripherals and accessories, today is introducing the award-winning and unique design of the SteelSeries Siberia Neckband headset to music lovers and mobile gamers to use with their iPod, iPhone and iPad. This headset version has been designed to fully support iPod, iPhone and iPad devices, which features a single 3.5mm jack for combined audio and voice and an inline remote that powers audio and call controls. The Neckband features thick, cloth covered foam earcups, an optimized soundscape, and a retractable microphone system to be used while answering calls or stored in the left earcup while just listening to music.
“We believe that gamers are some of the most demanding consumers and as competitors they require well designed peripherals that reproduce high-quality sound and clear voice communication, which ultimately can mean the difference between a tournament prize purse and going home empty handed,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “We knew that if our audio products can meet and exceed expectations for gamers, that our designs would also be appealing to a broader music and entertainment audience. Now iPod, iPhone and iPad users who want an audio solution for entertainment on their mobile device have a new, high-quality headset option.”
Featured throughout international music videos, the Siberia Neckband is considered one of SteelSeries’ most unique designs. The headset rests behind the head on the user’s neck while providing excellent sound reproduction that has been fine-tuned with the help of professional musicians, DJ’s and audiophiles. It can be adjusted to fit all head sizes through its retracting neckband, while the unidirectional, retractable microphone can be stored in the left earcup and can be easily pulled out when answering calls. Its optimized soundscape emphasizes crisp highs, and deep balanced bass levels for music and movies.
The SteelSeries Siberia Neckband is $79.99 / €79.99 MSRP. Details regarding product availability, retail locations, and new additions to this music and mobile audio line-up will be announced soon. Be sure to check out SteelSeries’ Facebook and Twitter pages to gain access to these details and updates first.
iPad released on Three
December 6, 2010
Three (3) -the mobile phone network – is now stocking the iPad. They have entered the market with a cracking deal that not only matches the contract pricing being offered by Orange and T-mobile but beats them in the amount of inclusive data downloads.
Three have followed Orange and T-mobile in offering a cheaper way to buy the iPad…. if you go with a 2 year contract – the 16GB iPad will cost you an upfront fee of £199, the 32GB iPad costs £249 and the 64GB iPad will set you back £349. To get this discounted initial price you will have to sign-up to a 2-year data contract. The monthly plan for the Three Apple iPad is £25 per month (for 15GB of data downloads per month) based on a 2 year contract.
Buy the iPad from the following online retailers…
- Visit the Three website
- Visit the Orange website
- Visit the T-mobile website
- Visit the iPad page on the Tesco website
- Visit the iPad page on the Amazon website
The iPad costs from £529 if you want wi-Fi and 3g connectivity and £429 if you can make do with just Wi-Fi connections.
iPhone 4 still in stock
November 23, 2010
As the iPhone sales continue to outstrip supply (Tesco online are currently out of stock) it is good to know that a few online retailers still have stock. The iPhone 4 is still in stock on the Vodafone network so take our advice and get in there while stocks last. If you are looking to buy someone an iPhone for Christmas – “Please don’t leave your shopping until the last minute” – because stock levels are really tight.
iPhone stock update
(current @ 23rd November 2010)
Vodafone
- Vodafone have pay as you go iPhone 4s – in stock. Visit the Vodafone website for more information.
- Vodafone do not currently have iPhone 3GS on pay as you go – out of stock
T-mobile
- You can not currently get the iPhone 4 on pay as you go on the T-mobile
- T-mobile have the iPhone 3GS (8GB and 16GB) in black and white. Visit the T-mobile website for more information.
Orange
- Orange do not currently have iPhone 4 on pay as you go – out of stock
- Orange have the iPhone 3GS (8GB) in black and white. Visit the Orange website for more information.
O2
- O2 have pay as you go iPhone 4s (16GB and 32GB) – in stock. Visit the o2 website for more information.
- O2 have the iPhone 3GS (8GB) in stock. Visit the o2 website for more information.
Also try the following websites – they also sell iPhone stock:
- Visit the Amazon UK website, Ebay UK website, mobiles.co.uk website, Dialaphone website and Phones4U website
iPhone pay as you go in-stock on T-mobile
November 11, 2010
As unbelievable as it may sound the iPhone is so popular that the big stores keep on running out of stock. The tesco website is showing very little iPhone stock at the moment. So it is great news to hear today that T-mobile have iPhones back in stock and are therefore able to sell iPhone 3G and iPhone 4 handsets on pay as you go contracts.
If you are looking to buy an iPhone before Xmas you better get cracking and buy one now because it won’t be long before the online stocks of phones will soon be depleted again.
Visit the T-mobile website to get hold of a phone before the Xmas rush sees them sold out again. Good luck!
Changes in pricing of iPhone on Three
November 5, 2010
Here is a snippet from the new product pricing of the iPhone on the Three mobile phone network…
“Three would like to inform you of changes to the iPhone pricing structure, the following changes will come into effect today Friday the 5th November.
iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 3GS 8GB – Internet Texter 500 £30 a month – £49 upfront charge
iPhone 4
- iPhone 4 32GB – Internet Texter 500 £30 a month – £239 upfront charge
- iPhone 4 32GB – Internet Texter 500 £35 a month – £159 upfront charge
- iPhone 4 32GB – Internet Texter 900 £35 a month – £209 upfront charge
Refurbished iPhone 4
- iPhone 4 16GB Refreshed – Internet Texter 500 £30 – £149 upfront charge
- iPhone 4 16GB Refreshed – Internet Texter 500 £35 – £69 upfront charge
- iPhone 4 16GB Refreshed – Internet Texter 900 £35 – £119 upfront charge”
For more information or to purchase the iPhone on Three visit the Three website.
Reconditioned iPhone 4 on Three
October 27, 2010
You can now get the iPhone 4 for significantly less money on the Three network. As of this morning Three are stocking the iPhone 4 in a refurbished condition.
Find out more by visiting the Three website
From three:
“Three is pleased to announce that it has got its hands on the ‘Refreshed’ stock of the wildly popular 16GB iPhone 4.
This model will be live on 3Store from around 10am this morning and is available on each of the four iPhone tariffs from Three.
What does ‘Refreshed’ mean?
- These units have passed both cosmetic standards as well as functional standards by Apple, however some devices ‘may’ have minor marks from use
- All previous customer data has been removed/deleted from the device
- All accessories that come with a Refreshed version are new
- Packaging for iPhone will be cleaned and repackaged in a Three box
- All customers must be made aware that the device they’re receiving is a repackaged product
- Customers will get 12 month warranty on this product
The Refreshed 16GB iPhone 4 is available on four of three’s tariffs:
- Internet Texter 500
- Internet Texter 900
- The One Plan
- The One Plan
To confirm, the pricing is in line with the original 16GB iPhone 4.”
More information – Guide to finding a reconditioned iPhone.
Get Flash to work on the iPhone 4
August 10, 2010
All those iPhone owners keen to get Flash working on their handset can now rest easier. Well, a little. Renowned coding whizz Comex (he of the Jailbreakme tool) has managed to get the alpha version of Flash, called Frash, working on an unlocked iPhone 4.
“… once Frash is installed the iPhone user is able to tap on (reasonably basic) Flash animations in a web page to see them rendered in all their animated glory. Most of those embedded animations are advertisements of course, so you might be happier missing them. But enabling Flash is, for many people, about choice rather than utility, not to mention shutting up all the whining from those people who don’t have an iPhone.”
See the tech article on the BBC
Apple iPhone boss leaves
August 10, 2010
The Apple executive who oversaw development of the troubled iPhone 4 is leaving the company.
Mark Papermaster has been head of Apple’s iPhone and iPod hardware engineering department since 2009 when he joined the company from IBM.
His departure is widely believed to be linked to the problems with the antenna on the iPhone 4.
Apple would not comment on the reasons for his departure or whether he resigned or was fired.
Soon after the iPhone 4 was released in late June many owners began reporting that it dropped calls. Evidence emerged that signal strength faded when the phone was held in a particular way.
The problem was traced to the iPhone’s use of its metal casing to house its antennas. Bridging the short gap between two antennas on the lower left-hand side of the case caused signal strength to leak away.
An investigation by the influential Consumer Reports organisation confirmed the problem and led to it declaring that it could not recommend the product.
Initially, Apple downplayed the problems but the continuing furore led it to offer free cases to all iPhone 4 owners as these stop the gap being bridged. Mr Papermaster was not present at the press conference where the offer to iPhone 4 owners was unveiled.
An Apple spokesman said Mr Papermaster’s responsibilities would be assumed by Bob Mansfield who currently oversees engineering efforts for the company’s Macintosh products.
He also has a role in guiding development of some of the components for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Mr Papermaster worked at IBM for 25 years before joining Apple. Although hired in 2008 he did not start work at Apple until mid 2009 because IBM filed a lawsuit saying his taking up the post breached terms of his contract.#
See the original article on the BBC