Hardmac has come up with a snapshot of the next generation iPod touch in an acrylic case, claiming they’ve got an unnamed reliable source. Having a pretty good track record after exposing last year’s iPod nano cam, I’m crossing my fingers that this is the actual iPod touch we’ll be seeing in the not-too-distant future.
Posts in news
The iPod touch 4 Exposed?
Covent Garden Apple Store Looks Fantastic, iPad Boosts Retail Revenue
Before we start talking about boring old numbers again, Apple Store openings are always fun to peek at. The Electricpig has gone cameras on with Apple’s latest façade, where they reveal an awesome Apple sign, the long interior, and a Magic TrackPad spotting or two.
European Union Commission Ousts BlackBerry in Favor of iPhone, HTC
Reuters reports that the European Union Commission have canned the idea of toting BlackBerries upon security concerns that governments can’t monitor the traffic: RIM deploys their own servers which handle encrypted messages that keep communications secured. The strongest selling point of the BlackBerry is starting to become a major problem.
British bank Standard Chartered said earlier this year it was giving its staff the option to replace the BlackBerry with the iPhone, a move that could eventually result in thousands of bankers switching.
And many top French government ministers have been issued specially encrypted smartphones after a French security agency recommended that cabinet ministers and President Nicolas Sarkozy stop using BlackBerries due to security concerns.
RIM’s Chief Technology Officer David Yach retorted that the importance of the BlackBerry via the use from state officials would keep their mobile phone in the hands of the government, though I imagine RIM is particularly beside themselves as corporations begin adopting and deploying other devices such as the iPhone.
[via Reuters]
iPhone 4 Droppin’ Less Calls, Pickin’ Up More Dates
The iPhone 4 survey pool is quite small: ChangeWave Research only managed to round up 213 willing participants, but they found iPhone 3GS owners managed to drop 6.3% of all calls, while only 5.2% calls were dropped on the iPhone 4. The survey also noted that 73% of those surveyed were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied at Apple’s response to the iPhone 4 criticism. 64% stated the iPhone’s antenna hasn’t been an issue in daily use. Though a similar survey conducted in August 2009 revealed that 89% of owners were more satisfied with their handset when compared to iPhone 4’s satisfaction rate, which is surprising considering the advancements via the Retina Display and iOS 4.
The end result: of this small test group, the iPhone 4 dropped less calls, which is guaranteed to salvage relationships (or make breaking up old ones easier) thanks to the better antenna.
[via AppleInsider]
iPad One Step Closer for Sale in China
Selling product in China must be like pulling teeth. Chinese regulators have given Apple’s miraculous tablet an a-okay via the China Compulsory Certification, which is a huge hurdle to surpass for companies who’d like to sell product there. Apple’s iPad will still have to pass the scrutiny of the Telecommunications Equipment and Certification Center, but if successful, Apple’s top tier device will likely deliver the same impact as it has in the rest of the world. Analysis International analyst Fang Li notes, “The Chinese market and the overseas markets are the same. People get excited about these new devices.” While Apple hasn’t publicly announced sales in China, it’s an important market as manufacturers begin to challenge the iPad with their own takes on tablet computing.
[Network World via 9 to 5 Mac]
BBC Testing iPad Internally
I think of Steve Ballmer every time these articles come out. Oh, the iPad can’t do any work! People struggle to take notes on the virtual keyboard! These aren’t direct quotes of course, but the big man in Redmond has to realize that the iPad is more than a tool for consumption. Another big player, BBC, is internally testing the iPad and its value to journalists, producers, and related support positions.
BBC CIO John Linwood provides an example, “If a support engineer gets called into a studio, it would be handy to have a device where you could look up circuit diagrams or software help files.” The idea is to see a reduction in the use of desktop machines. Linwood also notes the benefits and cost effectiveness of a paper free office:
“On the west coast of the US, paperless meeting are the norm. If you brought paper to a meeting, they’d look at you strangely. If you actually handed paper out, they’d get upset.”
The iPad isn’t the only device Linwood is interested in, but sure it makes for a good benchmark as industries decide on whether tablets are functional enough to do real work. Though I think you already know the answer to that one.
[ITP via 9 to 5 Mac]
The Google Search History Link Makes Life Awesome
As if Google didn’t need to know any more information about me based on my search queries and the links I click, I pretty give them free reign when it comes to recording the sites I visit. Yes, I’m an pretty avid Google history fan, and their latest enhancement to the Google Mobile page gives me quick access to the things I’ve looked at on the desktop from an iPhone. With a Google history link now available to those logged into their Google accounts, you’ll be able to get a quick reminder of the sites you visited and starred items with a nifty list view.
You’ll have to visit Google’s Mobile Blog for more information, but keep an eye out for the new feature if you’re always connected to the Googleplex.
We Need More Details on This Wireless Music Station
When I saw The Wireless Streaming Music Centre on Gizmodo, I thought it was okay. But they point out something that I cannot find proof of anywhere: apparently this Bluelarix Designworks seats your iPhone or iPod in such a way that it appears to be floating. Consider my curiosity piqued. So I squinted my eyes and noted that the contraption they’re looking at isn’t an iPhone or an iPod, but the included touch remote (which appears to attach magnetically). So does this thing dock a floating iPhone or not? I mean, that’s a big deal.
More Details on Foxconn’s Latest Zhengzhou Factory
We’ve talked about the new iPhone plant before, but a few more details wouldn’t hurt right? Soon to begin production in one year, Foxconn’s latest factory will churn out 200,000 iPhones a day, producing an estimating $13 Billion in export. The factory will employ 200,000 employees; 500 employees are currently employed at a temporary facility. Some speculate that as the factory begins construction on Aug. 20th, Foxconn will be using their temporary facility to test equipment and refine the manufacturing process for possibly new iPhone models (a la Verizon) to arrive in the future.