New iPhone 5 Concept Is One Of The Best Looking Yet

When the iPhone 4S came out, there were quite a lot of people angry at Apple. It wasn’t because the 4S wasn’t powerful or didn’t have enough upgrades; it was because it looked like all the other iPhone designs. While Apple has been sticking to its guns for the longest time with the traditional iPhone design, sources say that Apple is finally thinking of retiring the design for an entirely new one. Let’s hope that they take some inspiration from this iPhone 5 concept by ccaresedesign.com

Contoured Shape

Since its inception, the iPhone has had a flat back. The new concept images of the iPhone 5 are contoured, and it looks somewhat like Apple’s wireless mouse. Actually, the few images of it lying down are almost indistinguishable from the wireless mouse.

This shape looks like it would be more comfortable to hold, and the phone also looks much thinner than it predecessors. At the same time, the drastic change in design will probably cause a backlash among the hardcore fans that have been pleased with the general iPhone design.

Front Changes

Along with a contoured back, the corners look much rounder than earlier iPhone designs. This might also be in an effort to make the iPhone more ergonomic, but it looks like the corners would actually cause the phone to slip from one’s hand during use. At the same time, the corners may make gaming easier, as it would be more comfortable to rest your hands against the sides of the iPhone.

The screen itself looks rather normal and about the same size. Considering the demand for larger screen sizes for most smartphones, it is expected that Apple will try to increase the size at least somewhat before actually releasing the iPhone 5 as we reported here.

Conclusion

Many people are expecting big changes from the iPhone 5, and a new contoured design similar to this might be one of them. While only a few know what the actual final product will look like, it is quite likely the the new iPhone will have a markedly different design than its predecessors. Be on the lookout for other iPhone 5 concepts, as there are sure to be many coming out soon.

iPhone 5 Price – How Much Will it Cost?

When the original iPhone debuted in 2007, it was available at an unsubsidized cost of $499 and $599 for the 4GB and 8GB models, respectively. With the introduction of the iPhone 3G, the price fell substantially so that one could be had for $199. As the 3GS, 4 and 4S were released, the prices continued to stay in the $199-$399 range depending on the capacity of the device. As more details of the iPhone 5 specs are leaked and anticipation begins to mount, it’s natural to wonder what price point Apple will release it at.

As the predecessor to the new iPhone, the pricing structure of the 4S might be the best model to go off of. Currently, the iPhone 4S can be purchased at a price point that starts at $199 for the 16GB model. This goes up to $299 for the 32GB model and $399 for the 64GB model. The off-contract prices are substantially higher, but these are the prices that most consumers will purchase since most iPhones are bought on-contract. It seems like $199 is the sweet spot for iPhone pricing, and expecting Apple to maintain that status quo with the release of the new iPhone is logical.

One factor to keep in mind that might throw off this pricing structure is the capacity of the new iPhone. While the iPhone 4 started at 8GB and moved up to 32GB, the iPhone 4S started at 16GB and goes up to 64GB. If Apple changes the available capacities to start higher than 16GB or end higher than 64GB, this might impact the pricing structure. The new iPhone could then potentially start at $199 for a 32GB model if Apple eliminates the 16GB iPhone this year.

Cheap Android competitors could also influence the price of the new iPhone. While the iPhone is an iconic device, statistics show that Apple has steadily been losing ground to Android over the last two years. This was especially true in 2011, as Android sales outpaced iPhone sales more rapidly than ever. There is a larger number of quality devices available for $99, and this might push Apple to finally compete in the price area. If this has influenced Apple, the new iPhone might debut with a 16GB model at $99 or $149 in order to hold off the competition.

The final thing to keep in mind about the price of the iPhone 5 is carrier pricing. While the iPhone 4S is currently the same price on all carriers, Sprint is also desperate for growth. When the new iPhone releases, carriers might try to compete on price. This may not come in the form of discounts on the iPhone, but may happen in the form of carrier rebates or free accessories to persuade customers to switch providers.

A pricing structure closely mirroring that of the 4S seems the most likely. $199 has been a successful price point for the last few years, and it makes sense that Apple would stick to what works. No one will know until the iPhone 5 is revealed, though. Apple just might surprise everyone.

NFC Technology Coming to iPhone 5?

Mobile payments seem to be dominating the emerging smart phone hardware conversation as of late. The idea of cashless and cardless transactions has a lot of smart phone users excited about the possibilities. Many Android-based smart phones already feature mobile payment technology. While there are a few chips available that allow for mobile payments, the most widely used chip integrates Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. With all the rumors floating around about the iPhone 5 release date, many speculate that the latest iPhone will start to integrate an NFC chip into the smart phone’s hardware.

About NFC Technology

In a nutshell, NFC technology is used in mobile phone technology as a way of transferring data to and from a mobile phone handset. NFC technology allows you to establish a radio connection between two wireless devices within close proximity of each other. In mobile payment technology, your smart phone will communicate secure financial data to and from credit card processing machines. Smart phone application developers are actively designing payment applications that are deeply integrated with NFC technology.

Problems with NFC

While there is a lot of anticipation surrounding NFC and mobile payment integration, there are also a lot of potential problems that come with mobile payments. This could be a major factor in why Apple has been dragging their feet with integrating it into the iPhone’s hardware. One of the major push-backs against mobile payment technology has to do with efficiency. The argument is that NFC payments are not very user-friendly, and that users will opt to use their credit cards before using an Android or iPhone mobile payment application. Still, there are millions of early-adopters eager for a chance to see if Apple has developed a more intuitive option for mobile payments.

Will the iPhone 5 See NFC Technology?

Experts are actively predicting that the iPhone 5 will begin to integrate NFC technology into the popular smart phone’s new operating system, iOS. Many of the hardware and software engineers at Apple are currently devoting a significant amount of time preparing the iPhone’s hardware and iOS for mobile payment applications. In fact, large credit card companies are dropping hints that Apple is actively working on perfecting how NFC technology will be used with the new iPhone. The question isn’t, “Will the iPhone See NFC Technology?” But “When will the iPhone see NFC technology?”

iPhone 5 Release Predictions

Tech journalists and bloggers have made their careers on Apple predictions. While Apple does keep a tight rein on their product development strategies, there are signs that the iPhone 5 will be released soon. Most credible experts say that we are likely to see the new iPhone as early as April or as late as May or June. If Apple’s history proves to repeat itself, you can expect a late spring or early summer release. But the predictions don’t stop at the release date. Expert tech journalists and insiders predict NFC technology integration, a larger display, more sophisticated screen resolution, a more sleek design, an upgrade to the iPhone App Store, and an upgrade to the Siri personal assistant application.

iPhone 5 Could Be Called iPhone 4G

The 2012 version of the iPhone has mostly been referred to the iPhone 5, but the name of the new Apple device is up for debate still. The obvious step from the iPhone 4s seems to be iPhone 5, but the iPhone 4 is the only mobile device to receive a number that corresponds to it’s numerical succession. The iPhone 3G was actually only the second device even though the public referred to it incorrectly as the iPhone 3 on some occasions. The 2012 iPhone will be the sixth mobile device to come out from Apple leading some to speculate on the name of iPhone 6. Though as a marketing strategy this doesn’t seem smart, since the name iPhone 6 might confuse individuals who do not keep a regular tab on the tech market.

A recent contender that has been used in the media is the iPhone 4G. If there was ever a technically correct name for the 2012 iPhone, this would be a winner. Almost assuredly the main selling point of this years device will in fact be the 4G network availability from Apple’s global carriers. Apple’s American carriers, Sprint PCS, AT&T Wireless and Verizon all have been increasing their 4G speeds and rolling out new network coverage at a frantic pace. The marketing strategies of almost all mobile competitors have revolved around the promotion of 4G networks and devices. Apple has a huge, hungry 4G market they are ready to delve into. The name iPhone 4G fits in perfectly with the current media craze.

Though the iPhone 4G is technically correct and is in tune with current marketing promotions, the chances are they will still go with iPhone 5. Simply placing a “4″ in the name of the mobile device might lead some to believe the leap from iPhone 4S to iPhone 4G is not as significant as from the iPhone 3G to iPhone 4. Also with every form factor change, iPhone to iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G to iPhone 4, there has also been a corresponding number change. The phones with the same numbers simply has the same model of casing. If the iPhone 5 does indeed have a new form factor then the number will probably increase to 5.

iPhone 5 To Launch in Fall?

The iPhone 4S debuted in October of 2011, which broke Apple’s tradition of releasing previous iPhone models during the summer months. Previously we reported that the latest smartphone from Apple was rumored to be ready for WWDC. Now Japanese blog Macotakara has claimed that they have knowledge from an “Asian reliable source” that the iPhone 5 will debut in September or October this year. Macotakara goes on to say that this cycle of fall releases for iPhone versions will continue in following years.

This latest rumor contradicts the opinion from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster and others who have predicted the iPhone 5 would launch midsummer. The iPhone 5 is highly anticipated for its rumored features of a faster CPU, longer battery life, and support for 4G LTE, however iPhone 4S sales have been strong since October. A summer launch may be too soon for a new iPhone version, both in terms of its effect on demand as well as the time Apple needs to complete development and initial manufacturing of a new device. Whenever Apple does release the new iPhone 5, it is expected that Apple will continue making the iPhone 4 and 4S available at a reduced cost just as it currently does with the iPhone 4 and 3G.

If Apple does launch the iPhone 5 in the fall, this launch will confirm the shift that Apple has made from previous years where they have usually launched their new iPod product offerings in the fall. The iPod line had very few changes in 2011, and they account for much less revenue than in the past, according to Apple Insider, so new iPod product offerings are likely to be less important for holiday sales than new iPhone versions.

Cellular providers may welcome a later launch of an iPhone 5 offering, especially if it includes support for 4G LTE. AT&T has struggled to keep up with the demands the iPhone has placed on its 3G network, so it may benefit from having more time to build up its 4G infrastructure.

At the moment, most Apple devotees are anticipating the release of the next iPad version in early March. Most of the rumors around this next iPad version have included an upgrade camera, higher resolution retina display, a more powerful CPU, and support for 4G LTE.

Apple Settles IPhone 4 'Antennagate' Class-action Lawsuit

iPhone 4 owners in the U.S. can get a US$15 check or a "bumper" phone case from Apple in a class-action settlement that won preliminary approval from a judge on Friday.

The settlement will go up for final approval in July, but the period for consumers to make claims is scheduled to start April 30, said Ira Rothken of the Rothken Law Firm, the co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the case. The period will last 120 days. Anyone who bought an iPhone 4 in the U.S. before Friday can file a claim. A website for filing claims should be up soon at iphone4settlement.com, Rothken said.

Apple came under fire soon after the launch of the iPhone 4 in June 2010 when test results were disclosed indicating that holding the phone in certain ways degraded its reception. "Bumper" cases that covered the edge-mounted antennas seemed to solve the problem. In an episode that came to be called "Antennagate," critics blamed the problem on a new antenna design introduced with the redesigned phone. At a press event the following month, Apple said the problem wasn't unique to its phone and offered free bumper cases through September of that year. It also modified the way coverage bars were displayed on the phones.

The class action is a consolidation of 18 different cases, which were brought together before Judge Ronald Whyte of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, in San Jose. Rothken estimated there are more than 25 million potential members of the class in the suit.

A final approval hearing is set for July 13. If the settlement wins final approval, buyers who have filed claims should get their bumper cases or $15 checks soon after that hearing, Rothken said.

Apple was not immediately available for comment.

Stephen Lawson covers mobile, storage and networking technologies for The IDG News Service. Follow Stephen on Twitter at @sdlawsonmedia. Stephen's e-mail address isstephen_lawson@idg.com

iPhone 4 iOS 5 Security Flaw Allows Access to Photos

As if there weren’t enough security issues in need of patching in iOS 5, a new vulnerability has been discovered as of late. The iPhone 4 is the only confirmed iPhone model to be affected by this issue.

A little experiment carried out by the people at iPatch has revealed that if you remove the battery for a split second on the iPhone 4, you can then access the camera roll as it reboots without a SIM card.

The device is tricked into launching the Camera Roll from the Camera application. A user can access it even from a passcode-locked device. When the battery is removed, the phone somehow forgets to re-enable the security measures set in place to prevent access to the Camera Roll from the Camera application, when the device is passcode-locked.