iPhone Download World

iPhone 5 Release Date Rumors & News Say September Launch Confirmed

New iPhone 5 release date rumors have been revealed today. The highly anticipated Apple iOS 6 smartphone has become very popular as the 2012 WWDC nears. Many iPhone enthusiasts are hoping the mobile device will make a surprise entry at the June event, but recent sources say otherwise.

A recent online news article states the rumored iOS 6 handset will launch in September, which is around the same time Apple unveiled their last model back in 2011. The article says Pegatron Technology is rumored to have received orders for the next iPhone “to be launched in September.”

If these reports are true, Apple lovers won’t be seeing their much-loved gadget in June after all. Of course fans are going to hold on to the idea of a June iPhone 5release date for as long as they can, but deep down it’s probably obvious to most it won’t happen. Though, obviously if it did — it would be well received.

Do you think Apple is ready to unveil the new iPhone? Do you think Apple going back to a June date for the iPhone 5 release date? Or do you think a September launch day is more likely?

Should I Upgrade to the New iPhone? Facts to Help You Make an Informed Decision

The iPhone is by far the best-selling mobile device on the market. But it does come with a hefty price tag. Sure, an iPhone is cool; it’s also pretty fast, reliable and gets great service. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need an upgrade. With Apple tending to keep to a once yearly up date of the iPhone, the differences between models can be small, and may not be worth the price if you’re on a budget. Today we’re looking at upgrading to the iPhone 5, is it worth it? Depending on your needs, your budgets, and your current phone model, you might want to go new, or to hang on to what you have. Read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages to switching to the new model…

Why You Might Want to Upgrade to the iPhone 5…

There are obviously some new features that might make an upgrade desirable. Probably the biggest difference between the new iPhone ad previous models is that we finally get a bigger screen. The four inch screen on the new model (as compared to the three and a half inch screen on previous models) means that you get a more comfortable viewing experience, whether that’s for web browsing, email reading or video watching. In fact, a key difference in the new screen is that it’s a more traditional 16:9 ratio (as opposed to the older 3:2 ratio), so it’s easier to watch videos without getting the letter box effect.

C Spire Declares 2012 as the Year of “You”; Company Looks Back on Record Year of Progress on Wireless Personalization

RIDGELAND, Miss.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As it has for nearly a quarter century, C Spire Wireless spent this year putting its customers at the center of everything and discovering new ways to enhance their wireless experience. 2012 was a banner year for the company as it continued to grow its brand and take personalized wireless services to a new level. For its efforts, C Spire was named one of the top technology innovators by InformationWeek and the company’s CEO, Hu Meena, was named one of the U.S. wireless industry’s top 25 most powerful people by Fierce Wireless.

“Personalized services from C Spire that adapt to each individual and put them at the center of everything has become the industry standard this year and will continue to evolve moving forward,” said Suzy Hays, senior vice president of Personalization and Brand Management . “Whether it’s our 4G LTE deployment, the introduction of new plans, enhanced services for businesses or our new prototype stores, 2012 was another year where we changed the wireless industry by providing first-to-market products and services customized and personalized for each customer.”

4G LTE NETWORK

Most recently, C Spire Wireless completed the eighth wave of deployment of its 4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution) high-speed mobile broadband services. The new service provides 4 out of every 10 consumers and businesses with wireless data speeds up to 10 times faster than currently available, allowing C Spire to be the first provider to make these services widely available in its footprint. The initial 37 markets receiving C Spire’s advanced 4G LTE network cover 2,700 square miles, a population of 1.2 million and 364 cell sites.

“C Spire’s amazingly-fast 4G LTE network allows for even greater personalization opportunities for our customers,” said Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for C Spire Wireless. “Our 4G LTE network and our new 4G device offerings are enhancing our personalization tools and services, making the wireless experience at C Spire second to none.”

The company introduced several 4G devices along with its network deployment, including the Samsung Galaxy S III and Motorola PHOTONQ 4G LTE touchscreen smartphones, as well as the Franklin Wireless 4G LTE 2-in-1 Smart USB modem. C Spire also continued its trend of offering some of the industry’s most iconic devices with the launch earlier this year of the iPhone 5.

SCOUT

Another 2012 milestone for C Spire and its mission of wide adoption of personalized wireless services was the enhancement of SCOUT and the launch of SCOUT 3.0. Beginning as an app recommendation and personalization tool, C Spire expanded SCOUT’s capabilities earlier this year to provide movie, entertainment, music and book recommendations. Today, SCOUT is a one-of-a-kind entertainment recommendations app that has been downloaded by more than more than 134,000 individuals using Android devices, tablets, and the iPhone.

“SCOUT gets to know each consumer in a more intimate way and offers app and entertainment recommendations that match their interests and needs – providing content that is relevant, meaningful and more personalized for each customer,” Hays said. “No other wireless carrier is taking the time to really get to know each of their customers and offering them a unique personalized experience that is truly tailored just for them.”

PERCS

C Spire also spent this year enhancing the nation’s only consumer engagement program that rewards customers for personalizing their wireless experience. PERCS rewards wireless users for simply interacting with the company and doing things like sharing their views on the company’s community social forum, being a loyal customer and engaging in activities on their way to personalizing their wireless experience.

Since its inception, C Spire customers have taken full advantage of PERCS’ benefits, with more than 310,000 members, including more than 50,000 non-customers, earning more than 130 million PERC reward points. To date, customers have redeemed their Status PERC points for more than 260,000 individual rewards, including accessory discounts, exclusive deals and more. In addition to status PERC benefits, customers can also redeem points for items ranging from easier upgrades to Amazon.com gift cards.

The company also expanded the rewards program this year with the launch of PERCS with a Purpose, which gives reward members a chance to support some of their favorite charities. In an October promotion tied to breast cancer awareness and research, C Spire donated $20,000 to the American Cancer Society after reward program members shared 550,000 reward points.

CIRCLE

With more than 32,000 registered users and over 2 million cumulative views, CIRCLE has become the place where C Spire customers and non-customers go to openly share ideas, opinions, participate in unique contests and educational forums and truly interact with their wireless provider – becoming active participants in shaping and developing their own experience.

Using the unique social forum CIRCLE provides, C Spire has developed consumer-engagement programs on CIRCLE, including a wireless safety program, manufacturer and device forms and the CIRCLE Blitz college football series. CIRCLE and INNER CIRCLE members also helped the company beta test its new NEWSLINK service, provided valuable input on the latest version of SCOUT and played a key role in several recent enhancements to the cspire.com corporate website.

NEWSLINK

Earlier this year, C Spire expanded its suite of personalized services with the introduction of NEWSLINK, a fully integrated and personalized news delivery service that finds the news and information that is relevant to each individual and delivers it daily to users across devices. NEWSLINK customers receive a daily e-mail message featuring premium news and information content tailored just for them, which links them to various news sources around the state and nation. The service also gives customers PERC reward points when they click, comment or share about their experience using NEWSLINK.

“With personalized services like SCOUT, PERCS, CIRCLE and NEWSLINK, we’re interacting with customers in a more intimate and meaningful way. We’re asking the right questions, listening to our customers’ answers and then designing services that directly reflect and serve their unique needs,” Hankins said. “We’ve eliminated one-size-fits-all wireless and made it personal – the way it should be.”

SHARED DATA+ PLANS

C Spire recently became the first wireless provider in the U.S. to introduce new plans that allow customers to share data across multiple devices without the worry about surprise overages. The shared data plans, which feature unlimited talk, text and picture messaging, allow customers to share a single data allowance on up to 10 devices without costly fees to monitor data usage and avoid overages. The shared data plans build on the company’s Choice plan structure, giving individuals and families the flexibility and freedom to personalize their voice and data plans to meet their unique desires and needs.

ADDITIONAL 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

C Spire Business Solutions – launched bundled wireless, HD Voice phone services and fixed-rate dedicated Internet access services for businesses. The company now provides a comprehensive suite of IP-based telecommunication services, including wireless, wired and Internet solutions to meet a wide range of business needs and challenges.
New prototype stores – opened seven new state-of-the-art stores in Starkville, Olive Branch, Southaven, Yazoo City, Clinton, Brookhaven and Grenada that showcase C Spire’s personalized wireless services and advanced devices.
Home Phone Connect – provides high-quality home phone service using the company’s personalized wireless network instead of a landline or broadband connection.

This year also marked the acceleration of smartphone adoption as consumers sought to personalize their devices, services and experiences using mobile technology, according to company officials and industry analysts.

C Spire’s focus on personalized services promises to reap even more dividends as research shows that consumers are searching for products, services and providers that are focused on their specific needs and desires. “As the wireless industry continues to consolidate and become more competitive, each carrier must find their special sauce,” said Jeff Kagan, an Atlanta-based wireless and telecommunications industry analyst. “With its brand change and focus on personalized services, C Spire is well positioned to outperform competitors.”

For more information about C Spire Wireless and its personalized wireless services, go to www.cspire.com.

About C Spire Wireless

C Spire Wireless is a diversified wireless communications company passionately committed to helping customers by personalizing wireless services designed just for them. The company is the first wireless provider in the U.S. to personalize customers’ experience by offering app, music, movie and book recommendations that fit who they are, services that anticipate their needs, and rewards for using their phone in new ways – all with seamless ease and at amazingly fast speeds. This news release and other announcements are available at cspire For more information about C Spire Wireless and its products and services, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire, Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire or Google+.

iPhone sales projections are now so low it’s ridiculous

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xco947_v-moda-remix-remote-in-ear-for-ipod_school

[More from BGR: The cost of iPhone quality control: $1.2B in faulty phones returned by Apple in 2013 alone]

Apple missed the consensus when it shipped 47.8 million iPhones during the Christmas quarter. At the end of December, Apple was still expected to sell 52 million units during the Christmas period. That disappointment combined with bad news from Apple’s contractors has not only depressed March-quarter volume expectations, but also sent June-quarter projections dropping to extreme lows.

[More from BGR: Google fined for illegal data collection]

As Apple’s share price has continued drifting lower, major brokerages have been moving spring-quarter iPhone volume estimates to as low as 26 million units. The overall spring consensus is still above 30 million, but it includes old estimates and is out of date at this point.

The 26 million unit volume would mean a decline of 45% between the December and June quarters. A year ago, Apple’s iPhone volume declined from 37 million in the Christmas quarter to 26 million in the June quarter of 2012. That 30% decline was partly a result of how slight an upgrade the iPhone 4S represented compared to the iPhone 4. Now Wall Street has started anticipating zero volume growth between the June quarters of 2012 and 2013… while global smartphone shipment volume soars by more than 30%.

The peculiar thing about this is that Apple has kicked off a remarkably aggressive series of promotions and price cuts to boost iPhone volumes. This seems to be having an impact. Times of India is reporting that the new cash-back strategy has boosted iPhone sales volumes in India. The British USwitch sales tracker now shows three iPhone models among the six best-selling smartphones in the U.K.— in January, the best-selling Apple model placed at No.7.

Certain recent moves (like cutting prices in Brazil by as much as 25%) were probably driven by Apple’s horror over how much iPhone sales softened at the end of 2012. The aggression seems to be reviving demand. Obviously, margins are heading south; but is it really realistic to expect that this spring, there will be zero iPhone volume growth compared to the spring of 2012?

Looking at the worst debacles in the handset industry history, Motorola’s RAZR bust stands as perhaps the best-known example of disastrous mismanagement of a brand. Motorola delivered extraordinary growth of its RAZR model range in 2005 and 2006, strip-mining the franchise and degrading the premium brand by dropping pricing too rapidly. Then followed the epic bust of 2007. Motorola shipped 40.9 million phones in the Christmas quarter of 2007, down 37.7% from Christmas of 2006.

Another spectacular blow-up happened in 2011. Nokia’s new CEO blurted out in February that he intended to phase out the Symbian OS rapidly, strongly implying that it was an uncompetitive mess. Nokia’s smartphone sales started tanking immediately, resulting in Christmas 2011 smartphone volumes coming in 31% lower than in Christmas 2010.

Those 38% and 31% volume drops over 12-month periods in 2007 and 2011 were epic. But Wall Street is now starting to believe that Apple’s iPhone volumes will drop by 43% in six months while the overall smartphone market expands at a brisk clip. The latest iPhone spring volume estimates are extraordinary in historical context, particularly considering how daring Apple’s recent marketing pushes have been in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

This article was originally published on BGR.com

Must-Have Smartphone Apps for IT Professionals

The development of viable smartphone apps has grown to a level where they are beneficial to more than general consumers. Mobile internet providers and hardware developers have put remote working tools in the palm of our hand, and now data center and IT professionals have dozens of versatile and robust apps they can use to perform their day-to-day duties without being chained to the traditional desktop or laptop computer. We have sorted through the smartphone marketplaces to bring this list of must-have smartphone apps for IT professionals.

FTP On The Go (iPhone)

FTP On The Go is one of the best FTP apps available for the iPhone. The app includes a built-in text editor that has a find and replace feature that also allows configuration of the file permissions (CHMOD). Document files on the FTP server can be viewed, as FTP On The Go supports Excel, Word, Powerpoint and PDF formats. Even image files are supported. Files can be downloaded to the iPhone or uploaded from the iPhone photo library or directly from the camera. Many other features are available that make accessing the FTP server a snap. This is definitely an iPhone app worth purchasing if you are an IT professional or even a regular user that needs server access.

MySQL Database Client (iPhone)

This iPhone app is a streamlined MySQL client that can handle basic queries. Users can browse database tables and view server content. The app works in both landscape and portrait modes and is a very easy-to-use app.

MySQL Editor Pro (iPhone)

This is a more robust MySQL editor that provides a wealth of features that IT professionals will love. It gives iPhone users the editing power that is typically found on a desktop computer. Database tables can be created, managed, viewed, and triggered directly from the app with ease.

Prompt (iPhone)

Prompt is a universal app that works on both the iPhone and iPad. The SSH client provides remote access to servers and has a number of useful features. It has customizable special keys, keyfile support, autocomplete, Bonjour server detection and much more. The app supports DSA/RSA keys and can run in the background. All in all it is a versatile app for IT professionals to have in their virtual toolbox.

Ping A Majig (iPhone)

For IT professionals that need an app to check the ping status of their hostnames, Ping A Majig is the app to have. Multiple hostnames can be checked at the same time and its use as monitoring tool puts it well above the other apps that offer a ping status feature.

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Should You Purchase an Unlocked iPhone 4?

Confirming earlier rumors Apple is beginning sales for an unlocked version of the iPhone 4 starting at $649.99 for the 16gb version. If you’re considering buying one then maybe you should ask yourself "is now the right time to be buying this?".

Apple has plans to upgrade their iOS platform to version 5 and with that may follow a new phone. While nothing has been confirmed it’s likely that Apple will want to launch new hardware with the fresh OS, or at least soon after.

If you are not concerned about the future and want to purchase an unlocked iPhone 4 you should also note that using data through T-Mobile will only allow access to the EDGE network. Meaning no access to 3g, or HSPA+. I don’t know about you, but if I’m not on 3G I pretty much stick to just phone calls at that point.

Using the phone outside the U.S is not a problem as it supports any GSM network that uses micro-SIM cards. However don’t expect to use this on a CDMA network like Verizon.

This is not intended to discourage those who want to purchase an unlocked iPhone 4, but instead provide awareness before purchasing something without thinking about the better experience ahead.

Source: Read Write Web

Gmail app gets updated for iPhone 5′s wide display

Following on the heels of Netflix (NFLX), Google (GOOG) has updated yet another key iOS app to fit onto the iPhone 5′s larger four-inch screen. As MacRumors writes, the latest version of Gmail released onto the App Store on Friday has been “optimized for the iPhone 5,” although Google doesn’t say whether this optimization involves anything other than adjusting for new screen size. Although smaller app developers have griped about not having enough time to adjust their apps to the iPhone 5′s larger screen, the big players so far have had no problem updating their apps in a timely fashion.

Read

Related stories U.S. regional carriers undercut major carries with iPhone 5 discounts Apple’s music streaming service reportedly hit a road block over licensing fees iPhone 5 supply might finally catch up to demand

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What Happened to the iPhone 5?

When Apple CEO took center stage, everyone was expecting the unveiling of the iPhone 5. Instead of getting this highly anticipated smartphone, we got the 4S. Not only was this a surprise, it did not come with the totally different design everyone expected. To everyone’s disappointment, it was a mirror-image of the 4th generation iPhone.

Don’t be totally discouraged about the 4S. It is still a monster of a smartphone. It comes packed with an A5 dual-core processor under the hood. This is the same processor packed within the iPad 2. Aside from the powerful chip within, it also sports a ton of new features. With the iOS 5 pre-installed, it offers Twitter integration. This will allow you to tweet on the go. Previously, only Android users were able to enjoy better notifications. Now, Apple’s users can enjoy notifications as well. Another new feature is the Cards app. With this app, you can create greeting cards. After creating the cards, the Cupertino form will handle printing and shipping for a minimal price. Siri is also onboard. This is Apple’s new voice control service. It is totally different and smarter compared to other voice control services. It also has a sense of humor. There are more features for you to explore. The 4S may look exactly like Apple’s 4th generation handset. However, it does have more to offer.

So what happened to the iPhone 5? Although we do not claim to know what is going on within the walls of the Cupertino firm, we can take a look at the clues.

Since the 4th generation smartphone comes with a 3.5 inch Retina Display, getting the same resolution on a 4 inch touch screen may have been a problem. It is possible that producing panels for the 5th refresh would only be available until 2012.

This goes the same for the rumored A6 chip that powers the iPhone 5. According to reports, the Cupertino-based technology giant has hired a new chip manufacturer tasked to create the chipset. It is said that the new manufacturer was successful in creating the A6 chip. However, it will only be available next year. The chipset is rumored to have not two but four cores. This means superior performance.

Since the smartphone’s components will not be ready until 2012, it is most likely that we will get to see this highly anticipated handset by the time its parts are ready. Since 2012 is just a few months away, you might just see the iPhone 5 by next year.

How to Use QR Codes

QR codes have been appearing everywhere recently and although not something new, they have been quietly creeping into posters, newspapers, namecards, and even in restaurant menus. If you are wondering what these pixellated squares are and how to use them, this guide will take you through the basics of a QR code, examples of these codes, the tools and apps available for you to scan these codes, what QR codes are used for, how to make one yourself, and some interesting uses of QR codes.

QR Codes For Dummies

Amazon Price: $9.99 $4.90 Buy Now

(price as of Mar 30, 2013) Don’t be misled by the For Dummies title, this book about QR Codes is comprehensive and does not just introduce the basics. You will also find out how to use QR codes with your business, how to plan QR code campaigns, how to track them and much more.