Social TV app NextGuide moves to iPhone
NextGuide, the app that tells you when and where your favorite shows are on, is finally on the iPhone.Designed for iOS 7, it brings a combined view of live TV guide services with streaming services -- like Amazon Prime, iTunes, Hulu Plus, and Netflix -- to the world's most popular smartphone. It has many of the same functions as the iPad app and aims to bring together live TV and streaming videos. Users can pick their favorite shows and keep track of when, and where, the shows are available online or on TV.As more and more television has surfaced online, a handful of companies are vying to be theone-stop-shop consumers go to locate the content they're looking for. Fanhattan has long aimed to be a catch-all video search tool, and recently unveiled a Fan TV streaming box to integrate cable TV, streaming video, and DVR recordings through a single interface. M-Go, which was integrated into the popular Roku over-the-top box line earlier this week, recently added an "Also find it on" button on its Web service that will link customers to other sites that have whatever content they searched. Jeremy Toeman, chief executive of NextGuide's parent Dijit Media, said he believes NextGuide has found a place in the market, though."We first launched NextGuide a year ago on our mission to reinvent the concept of the TV Guide...we have definitely struck a chord with the modern TV fan," Toeman said in a statement. He said the iPhone app takes "a whole new approach to what the experience should be: simple, streamlined, beautiful."In addition to the NextGuide apps, the company previously launched Dijit Remote, a universal remote app linked to an infrared remote control accessory, and Miso, a social TV app that let users log what they were watching for points.
INQ Mobile intros new phones; adds Twitter
INQ Mobile intros new phones; adds Twitter
Cellphone maker INQ Mobile is launching two new low-cost cellphones optimized for social networking applications to give mobile subscribers alternatives to more expensive smartphones.INQ, which is owned by Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, launched its first low-cost, "smartphone-lite" device earlier this year. And now the company is expanding its portfolio with two new devices, one of which has a full QWERTY keypad.The phones do not run full browsers and the operating system used on the device is Java-based and not nearly as sophisticated as smartphone operating systems used on devices such as the Apple iPhone or Research in Motion's BlackBerry. But INQ has integrated many of the most popular Web services, such as Facebook and Twitter, onto their handsets to give consumers a smartphone-like experience at a much lower price point. And because the device is not considered a smartphone, subscribers can typically sign up for less expensive data plans using the INQ phones.In addition to tight integration for one-click access to Facebook, Twitter, and other Web services like Skype, the new INQ devices can also sync with unprotected music stored in iTunes and Windows Media Player.Just how cheap are the INQ phones? Well, if AT&T can sell the Apple iPhone for $99 with a two-year contract, INQ CEO Frank Meehan believes that U.S. operators could afford to offer the INQ mobile devices for anywhere between $25 and $50 with a two year wireless service contract. And in many cases operators could even offer the phones for free in exchange for a two-year service commitment.The two new phones announced this week are the INQ Chat 3G phone, which has a full-QWERTY keypad and looks like a colorful BlackBerry, and the INQ Mini, which is shaped like a candy-bar and comes with a standard cell phone keypad.The devices are expected to go on sale in six countries on Hutchison's operator 3 later this year. These countries include the U.K., Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Australia, and Hong Kong. The Mini, which will cost less than $150 without a carrier subsidy, will go on sale in September. And the INQ Chat 3G, which will retail for less than $200 without a carrier subsidy, will go on sale in October.Meehan said the company is still working on a deal with a U.S. operator. But the phones could end up on this side of the Atlantic next year.
Cellphone maker INQ Mobile is launching two new low-cost cellphones optimized for social networking applications to give mobile subscribers alternatives to more expensive smartphones.INQ, which is owned by Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa, launched its first low-cost, "smartphone-lite" device earlier this year. And now the company is expanding its portfolio with two new devices, one of which has a full QWERTY keypad.The phones do not run full browsers and the operating system used on the device is Java-based and not nearly as sophisticated as smartphone operating systems used on devices such as the Apple iPhone or Research in Motion's BlackBerry. But INQ has integrated many of the most popular Web services, such as Facebook and Twitter, onto their handsets to give consumers a smartphone-like experience at a much lower price point. And because the device is not considered a smartphone, subscribers can typically sign up for less expensive data plans using the INQ phones.In addition to tight integration for one-click access to Facebook, Twitter, and other Web services like Skype, the new INQ devices can also sync with unprotected music stored in iTunes and Windows Media Player.Just how cheap are the INQ phones? Well, if AT&T can sell the Apple iPhone for $99 with a two-year contract, INQ CEO Frank Meehan believes that U.S. operators could afford to offer the INQ mobile devices for anywhere between $25 and $50 with a two year wireless service contract. And in many cases operators could even offer the phones for free in exchange for a two-year service commitment.The two new phones announced this week are the INQ Chat 3G phone, which has a full-QWERTY keypad and looks like a colorful BlackBerry, and the INQ Mini, which is shaped like a candy-bar and comes with a standard cell phone keypad.The devices are expected to go on sale in six countries on Hutchison's operator 3 later this year. These countries include the U.K., Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Australia, and Hong Kong. The Mini, which will cost less than $150 without a carrier subsidy, will go on sale in September. And the INQ Chat 3G, which will retail for less than $200 without a carrier subsidy, will go on sale in October.Meehan said the company is still working on a deal with a U.S. operator. But the phones could end up on this side of the Atlantic next year.
Unlocked iPhone 5 could arrive in Apple's Web store tonight
Unlocked iPhone 5 could arrive in Apple's Web store tonight
Apple will begin selling an unlocked version of the iPhone 5 tonight through its online store in the U.S., according to a new report.Citing retail sources, 9to5Mac says Apple will quietly kick off sales of the unlocked device on its online store this evening, later doing the same at its retail stores. The news comes assupply of the iPhone 5 is easing, with new orders from Apple's online site shipping in one week, down from the nearly month-long delay shortly after the product's launch in September. By selling it unlocked, it means that users can insert nano-SIM cards from any supported carrier for use on the network, as opposed to the locked phones, which are tied to the carrier they purchased the phone from. The feature comes at a cost: unlocked buyers pick up the full price of the iPhone, which is expected to start at $649, versus what is typically the subsidized $199 entry price on contract.This would not be the first time Apple has offered an unlocked iPhone in the U.S. Apple did the same thing with last year's iPhone 4S, and with the iPhone 4 before that.Apple did not respond to CNET's request for confirmation on the rumor.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple will begin selling an unlocked version of the iPhone 5 tonight through its online store in the U.S., according to a new report.Citing retail sources, 9to5Mac says Apple will quietly kick off sales of the unlocked device on its online store this evening, later doing the same at its retail stores. The news comes assupply of the iPhone 5 is easing, with new orders from Apple's online site shipping in one week, down from the nearly month-long delay shortly after the product's launch in September. By selling it unlocked, it means that users can insert nano-SIM cards from any supported carrier for use on the network, as opposed to the locked phones, which are tied to the carrier they purchased the phone from. The feature comes at a cost: unlocked buyers pick up the full price of the iPhone, which is expected to start at $649, versus what is typically the subsidized $199 entry price on contract.This would not be the first time Apple has offered an unlocked iPhone in the U.S. Apple did the same thing with last year's iPhone 4S, and with the iPhone 4 before that.Apple did not respond to CNET's request for confirmation on the rumor.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Unlocked iPhone 4S coming in November
Unlocked iPhone 4S coming in November
Amid this morning's iPhone 4S preorder meltdown on Apple's online store, the company quietly announced that an unlocked version of the device is coming next month.Beneath the options to get the iPhone 4S on either AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon, the company teased that users can also wait until November to get an unlocked and contract-free version of the device."The unlocked iPhone works only on supported GSM networks, such as AT&T in the U.S.," Apple says in its description. "When you travel internationally, you can also use a micro-SIM card from a local GSM carrier. The unlocked iPhone 4 will not work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint."Apple began offering a similar unlocked version of the iPhone 4 in June, though made no mention of such an offering during Tuesday's unveiling.In other countries, Apple has started taking preorders for unlocked iPhone 4S phones now. In the U.K., the phones cost 499 pounds for 16GB models, 599 pounds for 32GB, and 699 pounds for 64GB. In France and Germany, those three models cost 629 euros, 739 euros, and 849 euros, respectively.Updated 1:39 a.m. PT with international pricing information..CNET News writer Stephen Shankland contributed to this story.
Amid this morning's iPhone 4S preorder meltdown on Apple's online store, the company quietly announced that an unlocked version of the device is coming next month.Beneath the options to get the iPhone 4S on either AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon, the company teased that users can also wait until November to get an unlocked and contract-free version of the device."The unlocked iPhone works only on supported GSM networks, such as AT&T in the U.S.," Apple says in its description. "When you travel internationally, you can also use a micro-SIM card from a local GSM carrier. The unlocked iPhone 4 will not work with CDMA carriers such as Verizon Wireless or Sprint."Apple began offering a similar unlocked version of the iPhone 4 in June, though made no mention of such an offering during Tuesday's unveiling.In other countries, Apple has started taking preorders for unlocked iPhone 4S phones now. In the U.K., the phones cost 499 pounds for 16GB models, 599 pounds for 32GB, and 699 pounds for 64GB. In France and Germany, those three models cost 629 euros, 739 euros, and 849 euros, respectively.Updated 1:39 a.m. PT with international pricing information..CNET News writer Stephen Shankland contributed to this story.
Bing brings visual search to iPhone apps
Bing brings visual search to iPhone apps
There's a new way to search for iPhone apps, and it comes from the unlikeliest of sources: Microsoft.The new Bing Visual Search engine, announced yesterday, includes a special gallery section that spotlights iPhone apps.The Silverlight-powered collection definitely lives up to its "visual search" name, relying solely on oversize application icons. When you mouse over one, its name appears in the search field with a brief description below: developer, price, category, rank, and release date.A click of that same icon produces Bing's standard Web-search results. What you don't get anywhere is a link to the app's App Store page. That's kind of a bummer.On the other hand, Bing's search filters are really cool. You can look at the full collection of apps (about 500 altogether), the top 10 freebies, the top 10 paid, the newest, the most expensive, and so on.Within each of those views, you can sort the listings by popularity, price, release date, and name. (Say, Apple: Why can't iTunes do that?)Meanwhile, Bing also lets you narrow the search by category, price, and even publisher. So, for example, if you want to quickly cull the photography apps from any given batch, just click Category and choose Photography from the fly-out menu.Bing's presentation is very slick, with icons that drop out and fly around as you modify your search preferences. It's really a fun way to browse and search.However, with just 500 apps on display, you're getting only a fraction of what's available in the App Store. Granted, these are the "top apps," not the whole library, but it's a little frustrating when you drill into the Business category and find only two items.In any case, it's interesting to see Microsoft putting any kind of spotlight on the iPhone. And it would be more interesting still if this gallery ramped up to, say, 5,000 apps. Then it would be more than just a fun diversion; it would have some bona fide practical value.How about it, Redmond?
There's a new way to search for iPhone apps, and it comes from the unlikeliest of sources: Microsoft.The new Bing Visual Search engine, announced yesterday, includes a special gallery section that spotlights iPhone apps.The Silverlight-powered collection definitely lives up to its "visual search" name, relying solely on oversize application icons. When you mouse over one, its name appears in the search field with a brief description below: developer, price, category, rank, and release date.A click of that same icon produces Bing's standard Web-search results. What you don't get anywhere is a link to the app's App Store page. That's kind of a bummer.On the other hand, Bing's search filters are really cool. You can look at the full collection of apps (about 500 altogether), the top 10 freebies, the top 10 paid, the newest, the most expensive, and so on.Within each of those views, you can sort the listings by popularity, price, release date, and name. (Say, Apple: Why can't iTunes do that?)Meanwhile, Bing also lets you narrow the search by category, price, and even publisher. So, for example, if you want to quickly cull the photography apps from any given batch, just click Category and choose Photography from the fly-out menu.Bing's presentation is very slick, with icons that drop out and fly around as you modify your search preferences. It's really a fun way to browse and search.However, with just 500 apps on display, you're getting only a fraction of what's available in the App Store. Granted, these are the "top apps," not the whole library, but it's a little frustrating when you drill into the Business category and find only two items.In any case, it's interesting to see Microsoft putting any kind of spotlight on the iPhone. And it would be more interesting still if this gallery ramped up to, say, 5,000 apps. Then it would be more than just a fun diversion; it would have some bona fide practical value.How about it, Redmond?
Better know an airport with iOS and Airport Guide
Better know an airport with iOS and Airport Guide
I used the app on my iPhone, and before I jump into what the app does, let me clear up a source of potential confusion. The app is listed as Airport Guide in iTunes, but it shows up on your phone as TravelNerd. (The developer is NerdWallet.)Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETThe app provides maps of the more popular airports, including international destinations. I was disappointed to find that my nearest airport in Manchester, N.H., is listed as "coming soon." It's a tiny airport, however, and easily navigated without aid. Thankfully, the more troublesome Logan Airport in Boston is included. Not only does the app provide a map of the airport and each of its terminals -- complete with a legend -- but it also features information from ground transportation and parking to restaurants and shopping to amenities such as free Wi-Fi. Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETYou can tap to view a map in full screen and then you can pinch to zoom. The lists of restaurants and shopping are particularly useful because you can search by terminal or alphabetically, and though each eatery and shop isn't listed on the app's terminal maps, the app does tell you which gate an established is nearest to and its hours of operation.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETIn poking around the app this afternoon, I also discovered that the app provides travel updates. I was looking at the SFO terminal map and a notification popped up on the bottom of the screen, alerting me to a general delay due to low ceilings.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETBefore heading home for the holidays, I would advise you to have Airport Guide at the ready for the inevitable layover that lasts longer than expected.
I used the app on my iPhone, and before I jump into what the app does, let me clear up a source of potential confusion. The app is listed as Airport Guide in iTunes, but it shows up on your phone as TravelNerd. (The developer is NerdWallet.)Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETThe app provides maps of the more popular airports, including international destinations. I was disappointed to find that my nearest airport in Manchester, N.H., is listed as "coming soon." It's a tiny airport, however, and easily navigated without aid. Thankfully, the more troublesome Logan Airport in Boston is included. Not only does the app provide a map of the airport and each of its terminals -- complete with a legend -- but it also features information from ground transportation and parking to restaurants and shopping to amenities such as free Wi-Fi. Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETYou can tap to view a map in full screen and then you can pinch to zoom. The lists of restaurants and shopping are particularly useful because you can search by terminal or alphabetically, and though each eatery and shop isn't listed on the app's terminal maps, the app does tell you which gate an established is nearest to and its hours of operation.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETIn poking around the app this afternoon, I also discovered that the app provides travel updates. I was looking at the SFO terminal map and a notification popped up on the bottom of the screen, alerting me to a general delay due to low ceilings.Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNETBefore heading home for the holidays, I would advise you to have Airport Guide at the ready for the inevitable layover that lasts longer than expected.
Apple reportedly to sell iPhone 5 cases later this month
Apple reportedly to sell iPhone 5 cases later this month
iPhone 5 owners looking for cases at their local Apple store may finally see some in the next couple of weeks.Apple-approved third-party cases could reach store shelves the week of October 22, multiple sources reportedly told 9to5Mac. Though that time frame could change, the cases should at least appear by the end of October.Best iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 cases (pictu...See full gallery1 - 4 / 93NextPrevThe iPhone 5 hit stores almost three weeks ago, but Apple has been slow in stocking cases, screen covers, and other accessories.Why the delay? Apple has to certify and approve every product sold in its stores, including those from third parties. And that process can be a lengthy one.A salesman at my local Apple store told me last week that he expects cases to arrive within the next two or three weeks. He also explained Apple's need to ensure that every product sold in its stores meets a certain standard and level of quality.Related storiesiPhone 5 case roundup from A-ZNew iPhone 5 case offers to fix purple flaresThe most obnoxious iPhone 5 case?Finally, the iPhone we've always wanted Of course, plenty of other retailers have been carrying cases for the iPhone 5.I bought a case for the new phone at a third-party store. It serves the purpose of protecting the phone's new aluminum siding from scuff marks, a complaint among many iPhone 5 owners. But I usually find a more varied and higher-quality collection of cases at the Apple store.And though I can always buy one online, I prefer to shop in a brick-and-mortar outlet where I can try out the cases to find the right one.Apple's retail stores are also behind in carrying Lightning adapters and other products compatible with the new interface. Apple has reportedly just started shipping the new Lighting to 30-pin adapters to people who ordered them online. The company's Web site now lists the ship date for the new adapter as two to three weeks.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
iPhone 5 owners looking for cases at their local Apple store may finally see some in the next couple of weeks.Apple-approved third-party cases could reach store shelves the week of October 22, multiple sources reportedly told 9to5Mac. Though that time frame could change, the cases should at least appear by the end of October.Best iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 cases (pictu...See full gallery1 - 4 / 93NextPrevThe iPhone 5 hit stores almost three weeks ago, but Apple has been slow in stocking cases, screen covers, and other accessories.Why the delay? Apple has to certify and approve every product sold in its stores, including those from third parties. And that process can be a lengthy one.A salesman at my local Apple store told me last week that he expects cases to arrive within the next two or three weeks. He also explained Apple's need to ensure that every product sold in its stores meets a certain standard and level of quality.Related storiesiPhone 5 case roundup from A-ZNew iPhone 5 case offers to fix purple flaresThe most obnoxious iPhone 5 case?Finally, the iPhone we've always wanted Of course, plenty of other retailers have been carrying cases for the iPhone 5.I bought a case for the new phone at a third-party store. It serves the purpose of protecting the phone's new aluminum siding from scuff marks, a complaint among many iPhone 5 owners. But I usually find a more varied and higher-quality collection of cases at the Apple store.And though I can always buy one online, I prefer to shop in a brick-and-mortar outlet where I can try out the cases to find the right one.Apple's retail stores are also behind in carrying Lightning adapters and other products compatible with the new interface. Apple has reportedly just started shipping the new Lighting to 30-pin adapters to people who ordered them online. The company's Web site now lists the ship date for the new adapter as two to three weeks.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple reportedly taps Pegatron to make new low-cost iPhone
Apple reportedly taps Pegatron to make new low-cost iPhone
Apple is reportedly reducing its dependence on electronics manufacturer Foxconn by throwing more business to Foxconn competitor and Apple partner Pegatron.Pegatron, which already makes some iPhones and iPad Minis, has been chosen to be the primary assembler of a low-cost iPhone expected to be unveiled later this year, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Despite Apple's longtime business relationship with Foxconn, CEO Tim Cook wants to achieve greater balance in the company's supply chain by shifting more work to Pegatron, the Journal reported.The shift is also reportedly due in part to Foxconn's production troubles with the iPhone 5, which is thinner and taller than its immediate predecessor, the iPhone 4S. One unidentified Foxconn executive told the Journal last year that producing the iPhone 5 is "very complicated," causing supply issues. The official went on to say that the handset is "the most difficult device that Foxconn has ever assembled."CNET has contacted Apple and Foxconn for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Pegatron is reportedly going on a hiring spree, with plans to beef up its workforce in China by up to 40 percent during the second half of the year, leading to suspicion that the company is equipping its factories to produce the much-rumored low-cost iPhone.Charles Lin, Pegatron's chief financial officer, declined to comment to Reuters earlier this month as to whether the company would produce a low-cost iPhone this year. But Lin did say that 60 percent of Pegatron's 2013 revenue is expected to come during the second half of 2013.Analyst Gene Munster is eyeing a September release of a $300 nonsubsidized iPhone, which could bring in unit sales of 75 million next year. The cheaper iPhone is reportedly expected to go into trial production as soon as next month, but some sources speculate it won't come out until the fourth quarter.
Apple is reportedly reducing its dependence on electronics manufacturer Foxconn by throwing more business to Foxconn competitor and Apple partner Pegatron.Pegatron, which already makes some iPhones and iPad Minis, has been chosen to be the primary assembler of a low-cost iPhone expected to be unveiled later this year, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Despite Apple's longtime business relationship with Foxconn, CEO Tim Cook wants to achieve greater balance in the company's supply chain by shifting more work to Pegatron, the Journal reported.The shift is also reportedly due in part to Foxconn's production troubles with the iPhone 5, which is thinner and taller than its immediate predecessor, the iPhone 4S. One unidentified Foxconn executive told the Journal last year that producing the iPhone 5 is "very complicated," causing supply issues. The official went on to say that the handset is "the most difficult device that Foxconn has ever assembled."CNET has contacted Apple and Foxconn for comment and will update this report when we learn more.Pegatron is reportedly going on a hiring spree, with plans to beef up its workforce in China by up to 40 percent during the second half of the year, leading to suspicion that the company is equipping its factories to produce the much-rumored low-cost iPhone.Charles Lin, Pegatron's chief financial officer, declined to comment to Reuters earlier this month as to whether the company would produce a low-cost iPhone this year. But Lin did say that 60 percent of Pegatron's 2013 revenue is expected to come during the second half of 2013.Analyst Gene Munster is eyeing a September release of a $300 nonsubsidized iPhone, which could bring in unit sales of 75 million next year. The cheaper iPhone is reportedly expected to go into trial production as soon as next month, but some sources speculate it won't come out until the fourth quarter.
Apple reportedly signs Samsung for next-gen iPhone chips
Apple reportedly signs Samsung for next-gen iPhone chips
Apple and Samsung's relationship is apparently not so strained as to prevent the South Korean electronics giant from providing the chips that will power future iPhones, a recent report claimed.Samsung will supply Apple with A9 chips based on a 14-nanometer process node starting in 2015, the Korea Economic Daily reported Monday. The chip would go into production in 2015 and power an iPhone, theoretically called the iPhone 7, which could be released in the latter half of that year, according to the report. The report comes a few weeks after another news agency reported that Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company had reached a three-year deal for developing Apple's A series chips, extending all the way to silicon called the A9. CNET has contacted Apple and Samsung for comment and will update this report when we learn more.To date, Samsung has been the exclusive manufacturer of Apple's A series processors for its iOS devices -- including the current A6 chip. But Apple reportedly has been reducing its chip orders to the South Korean electronics giant for its next-generation iPhone as it tries to diversify supply lines and reduce its dependence on its legal foe and competitor. Apple reportedly tried to secure exclusive access to TSMC smartphone chips by making an investment offer to the custom chipmaker in excess of $1 billion. The cash would have assured Apple that production would have been reserved for its products, but TSMC rejected the bid -- along with a similar one from Qualcomm, Bloomberg reported last month.Apple reportedly is exploring a possible deal with chipmaker Globalfoundries to produce future chips, giving the company the kind of control over both design and chip manufacturing that Intel has. However, a semiconductor industry source told CNET that Apple and Globalfoundries were "kicking the tires," but that "by no means" is any firm deal imminent at this point.
Apple and Samsung's relationship is apparently not so strained as to prevent the South Korean electronics giant from providing the chips that will power future iPhones, a recent report claimed.Samsung will supply Apple with A9 chips based on a 14-nanometer process node starting in 2015, the Korea Economic Daily reported Monday. The chip would go into production in 2015 and power an iPhone, theoretically called the iPhone 7, which could be released in the latter half of that year, according to the report. The report comes a few weeks after another news agency reported that Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company had reached a three-year deal for developing Apple's A series chips, extending all the way to silicon called the A9. CNET has contacted Apple and Samsung for comment and will update this report when we learn more.To date, Samsung has been the exclusive manufacturer of Apple's A series processors for its iOS devices -- including the current A6 chip. But Apple reportedly has been reducing its chip orders to the South Korean electronics giant for its next-generation iPhone as it tries to diversify supply lines and reduce its dependence on its legal foe and competitor. Apple reportedly tried to secure exclusive access to TSMC smartphone chips by making an investment offer to the custom chipmaker in excess of $1 billion. The cash would have assured Apple that production would have been reserved for its products, but TSMC rejected the bid -- along with a similar one from Qualcomm, Bloomberg reported last month.Apple reportedly is exploring a possible deal with chipmaker Globalfoundries to produce future chips, giving the company the kind of control over both design and chip manufacturing that Intel has. However, a semiconductor industry source told CNET that Apple and Globalfoundries were "kicking the tires," but that "by no means" is any firm deal imminent at this point.
Apple reportedly settles iPhone warranty suit for $53M
Apple reportedly settles iPhone warranty suit for $53M
Anyone who got into it with Apple over botched early versions of the iPhone and iPod Touch may be in the running to get some extra cash.The hardware giant has agreed to shell out $53 million to settle a class action lawsuit originally filed against the company in 2010, according to Wired. The suit involved Apple vs. user warranty disputes.Apparently, thousands of owners of the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, or the first three generations of the iPod Touch who unsuccessfully haggled with Apple to get their defective device replaced or repaired under warranty can submit claims in the suit. Payouts could be around $200 depending on how many people submit claims, according to Wired. For these devices, Apple had one-year standard and two-year extended warranties but in many cases the company claimed it was the users who damaged their iPhones and iPod Touches. According to Wired, if an indicator placed inside the device had changed from white to pink or red, it proved there was water damage. However, 3M, which made the indicators, later said that heat could also cause color change.According to Wired, the settlement will be filed in San Francisco federal court in the next few weeks. Originally there were dozens of cases involving this issue but they were all combined into one class action suit. In agreeing to settle, Apple does not have to admit wrongdoing.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Anyone who got into it with Apple over botched early versions of the iPhone and iPod Touch may be in the running to get some extra cash.The hardware giant has agreed to shell out $53 million to settle a class action lawsuit originally filed against the company in 2010, according to Wired. The suit involved Apple vs. user warranty disputes.Apparently, thousands of owners of the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, or the first three generations of the iPod Touch who unsuccessfully haggled with Apple to get their defective device replaced or repaired under warranty can submit claims in the suit. Payouts could be around $200 depending on how many people submit claims, according to Wired. For these devices, Apple had one-year standard and two-year extended warranties but in many cases the company claimed it was the users who damaged their iPhones and iPod Touches. According to Wired, if an indicator placed inside the device had changed from white to pink or red, it proved there was water damage. However, 3M, which made the indicators, later said that heat could also cause color change.According to Wired, the settlement will be filed in San Francisco federal court in the next few weeks. Originally there were dozens of cases involving this issue but they were all combined into one class action suit. In agreeing to settle, Apple does not have to admit wrongdoing.CNET contacted Apple for comment. We'll update the story when we get more information.
Apple reportedly reaches deal with TSMC for next-gen chips
Apple reportedly reaches deal with TSMC for next-gen chips
Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company have reportedly reached a deal on next-gen Apple chips, extending all the way to silicon called the A9. TSMC and its chip-design partner have secured a 3-year deal for Apple's A series chips, according to report on Monday at Digitimes. "A deal whereby TSMC replaces or supplements Samsung, the incumbent supplier of Apple processors," the report said.TSMC would be used for Apple's future A8, A9, and A9X chips, Digitimes said.There is no mention in the article of the expected A7 chip (Apple's latest is the A6/A6X, now used in the iPhone 5 and iPad 4, respectively). The A7 is rumored to be used in the iPhone 5S and future iPads.That may, or may not, imply that Samsung will make the A7 series of chips.Only future teardowns of Apple products will reveal which company is manufacturing which chips. The timing of the A8 seems early.Digitimes claims that chip will be used in an iPhone slated for release in "early 2014."That leaves precious little time between a rumored A7 and its expected successor the A8.Typically, there is at least 12 months between processor generations. But note that production of a new chip begins at least several months (often longer) before a product is actually delivered with the chip.The A9 and A9X are set for production in late 2014, the report claims. CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more. [Via EE Times ]
Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company have reportedly reached a deal on next-gen Apple chips, extending all the way to silicon called the A9. TSMC and its chip-design partner have secured a 3-year deal for Apple's A series chips, according to report on Monday at Digitimes. "A deal whereby TSMC replaces or supplements Samsung, the incumbent supplier of Apple processors," the report said.TSMC would be used for Apple's future A8, A9, and A9X chips, Digitimes said.There is no mention in the article of the expected A7 chip (Apple's latest is the A6/A6X, now used in the iPhone 5 and iPad 4, respectively). The A7 is rumored to be used in the iPhone 5S and future iPads.That may, or may not, imply that Samsung will make the A7 series of chips.Only future teardowns of Apple products will reveal which company is manufacturing which chips. The timing of the A8 seems early.Digitimes claims that chip will be used in an iPhone slated for release in "early 2014."That leaves precious little time between a rumored A7 and its expected successor the A8.Typically, there is at least 12 months between processor generations. But note that production of a new chip begins at least several months (often longer) before a product is actually delivered with the chip.The A9 and A9X are set for production in late 2014, the report claims. CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update this report when we learn more. [Via EE Times ]
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