Category Archives: Smartphones

More purported iPhone 5S parts surface

Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 7.41.41 AM

BGR claims to have gotten their hands on some iPhone 5S parts. At this stage they could be anything and the parts listed conveniently don’t detail any huge changes. The nano-SIM trays above are reportedly thinner and the different color shown could add weight to the multiple color options claims.

Other parts include the vibrating motor and Wifi chip assemblies that differ slightly from the iPhone 5 design.

These leaks are similar to a previous cache of random parts shown by Nowhereelse.fr. in March (below) and it is hard to know if they are valid parts.

Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 7.47.52 AM



Apple’s product photographer interviewed

We remember Peter Belanger from pioneering iPhone photography for magazine covers in 2010. Turns out he is now doing regular photoshoots for Apple and often uses a Canon 5D Mark III with a the 24-70mm lens. He gave the Verge some insight on what its like to use the bigger camera for the most demanding clients in the world.

Belanger is the man behind some of Apple’s most iconic product images, a San Francisco-based product photographer at the top of his field. Apple is but one of his clients — he’s done work for everyone from eBay and Nike to Pixar and Square — and we sat down with Peter to talk about his work, his background, and some very, very expensive gear.



Kwikset Kēvo transforms your smartphone into your smart key of the future

In what is a breakthrough move toward my dream of a fully automated home, UniKey has built a smart door lock like something delivered by someone from the future.

We have all found ourselves with our hands full fumbling for the right key to our front door, but now the Kwikset Kēvo lock powered by UniKey allows you to unlock the front door of your home with just the tap of your finger.

UniKey President Phil Dumas was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank, a reality show featuring aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their big idea to potential investors, where he demonstrated “UniKey’s Technology” which transformed into Kwikset Kēvo.

The company’s Kēvo replaces your standard door lock with a smart lock that allows you to assign digital keys to friends and family with compatible smartphones, or assign temporary keys with specific rules to visitors and neighbors.

The Kwikset Kēvo lock powered by UniKey features and benefits include:

eKey (smartphone): Works when the smartphone is in your pocket or purse, the App is running and Bluetooth® is turned on.

eKey (keychain fob): No Smartphone? No Problem. An included fob works immediately out the box and contains the same “touch-to-open” lock and unlock eKey technology.

Send or Delete eKeys: eKeys can be sent for anytime, one-time, or limited time use to authorize for a specific amount of time and can be deleted at any time. Anytime eKey holders can be granted admin rights that allow them to send and delete keys to that particular lock. eKey notifications are received in push notifications within the UniKey App, via e-mail, and optional SMS text.

Key Recovery: Upgraded your phone? Replaced a lost phone? Simply log into the free UniKey App on another phone, and all your keys instantly transfer to the new phone and are deleted from the former phone.

Notifications and Logs: You have peace of mind and confidence that when it comes to managing access to your home, you’re conveniently in control. Events are captured in your log, but can also be received as a notification at an additional charge as a message via an in-App push announcement, optional email or SMS text. Who is accessing your home and when? Have your children arrived home? You’ll know. Has the service vendor shown up? You’ll know. Did your neighbor get in to feed your pet? You’ll know.

Battery Powered: Powered by four AA batteries for over a year with normal use, the Kwikset Kēvo lock is not reliant on your house’s power or internet. In the event of a power outage, you’re always able to get in and out of your house. A battery level indicator is in the App and notifications provide plenty of warning to change batteries.  As a last resort, you can always use an included old-fashioned key.

Visitor Lock: Now anyone leaving your home without an eKey can conveniently lock the door behind them by triple tapping the lock.

The company has yet to announce pricing and availability, but we expect to hear more in the coming months.

You can sign up now to be one of the first to pre-order the Kwikset Kēvo today.



AT&T introduces new $100 phone trade-in program

via AT&T

AT&T will roll out a new trade-in program tomorrow allowing its customers to upgrade to a new high end (i)Phone with $100 of free spending money if you give them your old phone (restrictions apply).

Beginning May 1, consumers who trade in their current smartphone to AT&T* will be eligible to receive at least $100 off the purchase of a new smartphone, including the new Samsung Galaxy® S 4, BlackBerry® Z10 or 32 GB HTC One®.  These devices are normally $199.99 with a qualifying two-year agreement** but, with this limited time promotion, they will be available for $99.99.

This promotion applies to any smartphone AT&T sells, and gives customers access to the latest devices at a fraction of the cost or, in the case of smartphones priced under $99.99**, for free.  To take advantage of this offer, customers are encouraged to visit any AT&T company-owned retail store or participating authorized dealer with their previous smartphone that is no more than three years old and in good, working condition.  In stores, upon trading in their old phone, customers will receive the $100 credit on-the-spot and can use it immediately. ***

Some trade-in phones may have a value higher than $100.  In this case, customers will receive the credit at the higher value.

You are still better off with services like Gazelle but this is easier. See our full roundup of trade-in sites.

AT&T Offers Newest Smartphones at 50 Percent-Off with Trade-In of Current Smartphone

DallasTexasApril 30, 2013

Beginning May 1, consumers who trade in their current smartphone to AT&T* will be eligible to receive at least $100 off the purchase of a new smartphone, including the new Samsung Galaxy® S 4, BlackBerry® Z10 or 32 GB HTC One®.  These devices are normally $199.99 with a qualifying two-year agreement** but, with this limited time promotion, they will be available for $99.99.

This promotion applies to any smartphone AT&T sells, and gives customers access to the latest devices at a fraction of the cost or, in the case of smartphones priced under $99.99**, for free.  To take advantage of this offer, customers are encouraged to visit any AT&T company-owned retail store or participating authorized dealer with their previous smartphone that is no more than three years old and in good, working condition.  In stores, upon trading in their old phone, customers will receive the $100 credit on-the-spot and can use it immediately. ***

Some trade-in phones may have a value higher than $100.  In this case, customers will receive the credit at the higher value.

AT&T offers a broad variety of smartphones that run on the nation’s fastest 4G LTE**** network. AT&T 4G LTE currently covers nearly 200 million people; with plans to expand to cover 300 million people by the end of 2014.  In a report***** by independent testing organization RootMetrics, AT&T’s 4G LTE network was called “blazing fast.”  The report found AT&T’s 4G LTE network delivered the fastest pure LTE speeds in markets where AT&T provided 4G LTE.

“This offer is a great opportunity for AT&T customers to get their hands on the newest smartphones in our portfolio at an outstanding price,” said Eric Goldfeld, AVP- marketing management, AT&T.  “With graduation and Mother’s Day coming up, people can take advantage of this promotion to surprise someone – or even treat themselves – to one of our hottest smartphones.  The best part is that you’ll receive credit for your old phone instantly on-the-spot in AT&T stores.”

In AT&T company-owned retail stores, AT&T’s Trade-In Program lets customers turn in old wireless phones and receive an AT&T promotional card reflective of the device’s trade-in value and condition. Customers can use the card to offset the cost of some of the latest wireless devices or the purchase of other AT&T products and services.***  All devices, including tablets data cards and feature phones – regardless of manufacturer or date purchased – will be considered for trade-in.

Beyond seeing a little more green in their pocket, AT&T customers that use our trade in program are also doing their part to support the company’s sustainability initiatives. In 2012 AT&T customers recycled more that 3.1 million phones and broke the world record for cell phones recycled in a one-week period as certified by Guinness World Records.

Switching to a new smartphone has never been easier with AT&T Mobile Transfer, an app that syncs contacts, photos and videos from your old phone to your new phone.  Just visitwww.att.com/mobiletransfer to make sure both phones are compatible, download the app and follow the instructions to transfer.

Likewise, setting up your new smartphone is a snap with AT&T Ready2Go, a free service that helps you to easily set up and personalize your device in minutes from the comfort of your personal computer. With Ready2Go, it’s easy to set up your email accounts, import your contacts, connect to your social networks and more.



AT&T kicks off trade-in program, offers $100 or more credit for used smartphones

Thinking of upgrading to the latest smartphone? Sprint is already offering a $100 smartphone credit if you port your number to the network, but AT&T appears to be fighting back. The carrier announced a new AT&T Trade-In Program on Tuesday. Starting on May 1, you can turn in an old smartphone and get at least a $100 credit towards your next smartphone, effectively cutting in half the up-front contract price of a Samsung Galaxy S 4, entry level Apple iPhone 5 or HTC One.

HTC OneAT&T says you’ll get a minimum credit of $100 and if the phone is worth more, it will increase the credit accordingly. Once the smartphone is turned in and evaluated, customers can use the credit immediately in three ways: “towards an accessory purchase, apply it to an existing bill, or even donate it to AT&T’s charitable cause Cell Phones for Soldiers.” As long as the phone is no more than three years old and in good working condition, AT&T will accept it. (Maybe I’ll dig out my old Palm Pre!) According to an AT&T representative, it will even take phones from other carriers.

These deals reinforce that the cellular market is all about the services and ongoing revenue per user. Carriers generally don’t make money on hardware sales unless contract customers continue using their hardware after the contract period. T-Mobile is the exception to that rule, having branded itself the “uncarrier” and by separating the cost of hardware and services: Once you pay your hardware off with T-Mobile, your monthly bill is reduced to just the service plan.

I won’t say that AT&T just completely trumped Sprint’s $100 deal, but it’s likely going to take the wind of Sprint’s promotion. AT&T currently has LTE service in far more areas than Sprint. And even better — if you use AT&T’s network, that is — fallback service drops to HSPA+ which can be nearly as fast as LTE. Sprint’s fallback outside of LTE is EV-DO service, topping out around 1.5 Mbps.


Related research and analysis from GigaOM Pro:
Subscriber content. Sign up for a free trial.

    



The BodyGuardz Armor Carbon Fiber Skin: Stylish Protection For Your iPhone [Deals]

CoM - Armor

If you’re looking for solid and stylish protection for your iPhone, then this Cult of Mac Deals is going to be right up your alley. You’ve spent a lot of money on your iPhone. You owe it to yourself to protect it accordingly.

BodyGuardz Armor™ Carbon Fiber is the ultimate in expression and protection. Each carbon fiber skin (Note: This is not a case) is custom designed to fit your device and will provide tough scratch protection. As a bonus, each skin also includes a screen protector. And Cult of Mac Deals has it at a 50% discount – just $9.99 – for a limited time!

The big features of the BodyGuardz Armor™ Carbon Fiber are as follows:

  • It boasts a strong PVC-based, carbon fiber textured film. Carbon Fiber Armor is tough and durable, yet so sleek and stylish that it only adds to the look of your phone without adding extra bulk.
  • It’s easy to apply and remove. Tired of the way your device looks? It is fast and easy to install Armor Carbon Fiber, and just as easy to remove.

With this BodyGuardz exclusive you’ll also be able to select either the black or white skin for either your iPhone 4, 4S, or iPhone 5. (Note: You can view all of the other important reminders surrounding this offer at the Deals page.)

This offer from BodyGuardz won’t last long. Get it for only $9.99 over at the Cult of Mac Deals now before this deal slips away!

[subscribebutton]deals[/subscribebutton]

    



The BodyGuardz Armor Carbon Fiber Skin: Stylish Protection For Your iPhone [Deals]

CoM - Armor

If you’re looking for solid and stylish protection for your iPhone, then this Cult of Mac Deals is going to be right up your alley. You’ve spent a lot of money on your iPhone. You owe it to yourself to protect it accordingly.

BodyGuardz Armor™ Carbon Fiber is the ultimate in expression and protection. Each carbon fiber skin (Note: This is not a case) is custom designed to fit your device and will provide tough scratch protection. As a bonus, each skin also includes a screen protector. And Cult of Mac Deals has it at a 50% discount – just $9.99 – for a limited time!

The big features of the BodyGuardz Armor™ Carbon Fiber are as follows:

  • It boasts a strong PVC-based, carbon fiber textured film. Carbon Fiber Armor is tough and durable, yet so sleek and stylish that it only adds to the look of your phone without adding extra bulk.
  • It’s easy to apply and remove. Tired of the way your device looks? It is fast and easy to install Armor Carbon Fiber, and just as easy to remove.

With this BodyGuardz exclusive you’ll also be able to select either the black or white skin for either your iPhone 4, 4S, or iPhone 5. (Note: You can view all of the other important reminders surrounding this offer at the Deals page.)

This offer from BodyGuardz won’t last long. Get it for only $9.99 over at the Cult of Mac Deals now before this deal slips away!

[subscribebutton]deals[/subscribebutton]

    



Cricket lowers iPhone plan rates, rolls out family bundles

difference-between-homeless-guy-and-hipster

Though T-Mobile probably has more name recognition than no-contract carrier Cricket, the latter carrier is speaking up about its competitive iPhone plans.

Cricket is making its iPhone plans more affordable starting today, lowing its unlimited calling, messaging, and 1 GB data plan to $50, which has been standard for other devices. Customers can opt for 2.5 GB or 5 GB of data at $60 and $70, respectively.

Customers with two smartphones on a family plan can save $10 for each line at $40 per line for the standard plan.

It appears that Cricket isn’t going to sit back and watch T-Mobile and Virgin run away with pre-paid iPhone sales.



Verizon bids for spectrum from Clearwire while Dish attempts merger with Sprint

Verizon Wireless, which recently teamed up with telecommunications giant Comcast Corporation, is reportedly offering Clearwire Corp $1.5 billion in an effort to lease spectrum from the wireless communications company, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Meanwhile, Dish Network has motioned toward a $25.5 billion bid to merge with Sprint, which is notable as Dish and Sprint both competed toward buying out Clearwire in January.

It seems all three major telecommunications companies are moving toward owning expanded space in mobile broadband as well as home services like cable and voice, much like AT&T’s unified package.



BlackBerry 10 launch by the numbers: Over 50% returns, 71% of people don’t want under any circumstances, 83% of Americans unaware it even launched (Updated)

via theapplelounge.com

via theapplelounge.com

Six years after Apple took the smartphone industry by surprise with its release of the iPhone, former market leader BlackBerry Limited, or RIM as it called itself until just recently, launched what some consider to be a true iPhone competitor.

The problem is that almost no one has seemed to notice. A recent poll by MKM Partners reveals that an overwhelming 83% of Americans do not know that BlackBerry has launched their new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone or  new Blackberry 10 platform.

The company’s trouble does not just include marketing woes. The Wall Street Journal reports that over 50% of customers have returned their BlackBerry smartphones after trying out the platform.

That is not to say that BlackBerry hasn’t reached the top of any list. We learned today that BlackBerry is the most undesirable smart phone, learning that 71% of people would not consider the BlackBerry under any circumstances.

All this is not to say that BlackBerry is without its loyalists. Just last month we learned that Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt still prefers his BlackBerry for its QWERTY keyboard, something the BlackBerry Z10 discarded.

With iOS and Android dominating the market, it seems BlackBerry could be in its last round of a losing battle.

UPDATE: BlackBerry has issued a statement denying reports of excessively high return rates. The vendor says Z10 returns to date have been in line with other premium smartphones, and have even been better than expected in some regions.