iPad rumor mill hits high gear, as do Apple's plans for China

The Apple rumor mill went into high gear this week, with reports of multiple iPads, giant televisions, and mystery events later in the month.




One tidbit of official news is that the company is planning to bring the iPhone 4S to China and 21 other countries next week. The move, which was expected, should give the 4S a healthy sales boost considering that China has become a top market for smartphones. In Apple's most recently reported quarterly earnings, Greater China came in second (behind North America) on the company's list of top revenue-generation regions.
You can read more about these stories and others--along with the usual dose of rumors--below.
Apple Talk Weekly rounds up of some of the top Apple-related news and rumors. It appears every Saturday morning and is curated by CNET's Apple reporter, Josh Lowensohn.

iPhone 4S First Take

As expected, Apple introduced the iPhone 4S at its "Let's Talk iPhone" event on October 4.
The news was underwhelming and disappointing to many who were also expecting an iPhone 5. There's also the fact that the iPhone 4S looks almost identical to the iPhone 4. However, there's more than meets the eye, as Apple made a number of changes under the hood to improve on performance, including a faster processor, a more advanced camera, and a new antenna design. In addition, Apple expanded its family to include Sprint and a 64GB model (finally!).


Offering more choice will certainly help Apple's cause, but is there enough to persuade iPhone 4 owners to upgrade? Read on for more about the iPhone 4S and our initial hands-on impressions--we took a Sprint handset for a brief spin just after the event--and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section below.





Processor and battery life 
The iPhone 4S features Apple's A5 dual-core 1GHz processor along with a dual-core GPU. Apple says the new chipset will make the iPhone 4S twice as fast and offer graphics performance that is seven times faster than the iPhone 4's. Despite the more powerful processor, the company claims the smartphone will be able to provide 8 hours of talk time over 3G, 14 hours over 2G, 6 hours of browsing over 3G, 9 hours via Wi-Fi, 10 hours of video playback, and 40 hours of music playback.
The performance upgrades are indeed welcome. We're never ones to pass up more speed in a mobile device, and if Apple can make that happen without hampering battery life, then all the better. The promised times are impressive, but manufacturer promises can be just that. Though the Samsung Epic Touch 4G and Motorola Droid Bionic had rated talk times of 8 hours and 10.8 hours, respectively, they actually lasted a less stellar 7 hours each in CNET's lab tests.
During our brief demonstration of the iPhone 4S, the handset did operate smoothly and speedily. We weren't able to test it against the iPhone 4 in a side-by-side comparison to notice exactly how much of a boost the new A5 chip offers, but a change for the better is definitely there.



Siri 
The feature that Apple touted most during the event was the new voice assistant called Siri. It doesn't completely replace the current Voice Control feature, but it certainly does a whole lot more. Basically, Siri is designed to deliver information or follow commands that you give it. For example, you can check the weather, ask for a contact's address, set up a reminder, get directions, and ask for obscure trivia like the height of Mount Everest. You speak to a robotic female voice (you can't change her identity) and access the feature by holding down the Home button.
We used it a few minutes and asked for, among other things, the next day's weather, the mileage between Cupertino, Calif., and Seattle, a reminder to book air tickets to Chicago, and information about the capital of Canada. It responded to most of our questions and commands quickly, but it flaked on finding that Ottawa is the capital of our neighbors to the north (according to Siri, she "didn't have enough information"). We're not sure why that was a problem for her; Siri uses Wikipedia to check facts, and we know that Wikipedia has an article on Ottawa.



Despite the omission, it's a fun and useful feature that we imagine many people will like. The challenge for Apple will be to fully integrate hands-free technology. You will be able to activate Siri with a Bluetooth headset (no word on if you can do it with a wired headset), but we understand that car integration is "coming." Given the abundance of hands-free driving laws, Apple will need to make Siri fully accessible to drivers while they keep both hands on the wheel. Siri will be in beta mode when it launches and will support English, French, and German. More languages will come later.
Camera 
The iPhone 4's 5-megapixel camera was already great, but it's about to get better. The iPhone 4S has an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, f/2.4 aperture lens, and a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows 73 percent more light than the previous sensor and should deliver better low-light performance. A hybrid IR filter is also onboard for better color accuracy. Apple also claims the new camera performs 33 percent faster than the iPhone 4's camera, and the A5 processor has a built-in image processor that adds face detection and 26 percent better auto white balance.
We tried a few indoor shots with the camera and definitely noticed a change from the iPhone 4. In addition to the sharper details, most colors were brighter. We'll have to save our final opinion until we can gauge the camera under several conditions (a sunny day, with a flash, and so on), but we like what we see so far.
Videos also get a boost with the ability to shoot 1080p HD video clips at 30 frames per second and with video stabilization. Yet, even with all the improvements, CNET digital imaging editor Lori Grunin is quick to note that while the iPhone might have a killer camera, it's no camera killer.
New carrier
Though it received very little attention during Apple's presentation, the addition of Sprint is one of the day's high points. Over the past few weeks, it was pretty obvious the iPhone family would expand, but that doesn't take away from the fact that millions of new people can now join the iOS family without switching carriers. What's more, Sprint is promising that it will keep its unlimited data plans, at least for now. That alone is a big point in the carrier's favor over AT&T and Verizon Wireless. On the other hand, we'll have to see just how the increase in data-hungry users will test Sprint's network and how the carrier's strong Android lineup will withstand the new competition.
Once we get iPhone 4 review devices we'll do a close comparison of how the Sprint models stack up against the AT&T and Verizon versions in both data speed and call quality. But at the very least, we're always glad to see more customer choice.



Connectivity 
As widely reported, the iPhone 4S is a dual-band world phone, meaning it supports both GSM and CDMA. This is more significant for Verizon and Sprint customers, as it will allow them to use the iPhone even if they travel overseas. What's yet to be determined is whether the carriers will unlock the preloaded SIM card, so users can swap it out for a prepaid international SIM card at their destination. We also don't know if the CDMA models will offer simultaneous voice and data over the CDMA network. At present, that's a significant limitation of the Verizon iPhone 4.
Meanwhile, for GSM customers, the iPhone 4S now supports HSDPA 14.4, so the smartphone is capable of reaching theoretical download speeds of 14.4Mbps down, 5.8Mbps up, which is double the speed of the iPhone 4. Note that AT&T has taken some liberties with its marketing by saying it will be the only first U.S. carrier to offer an HSPA+ connection, but to be classified as HSPA+, the handset would technically need to be capable of reaching theoretical download speeds of 21Mbps, such as the Samsung Galaxy S II for AT&T.
Of course, the lack of "real" 4G support for LTE on Verizon or WiMax on Sprint is troubling. Apple has its reasons, no doubt. Battery life remains an issue for high-speed phones and Apple must have decided that, at this point, it couldn't offer its optimal customer experience on a 4G handset (remember that customer experience is really what Apple is all about). Secondly, Apple never jumps on a technology that is still growing, and it must think that 4G doesn't cover enough people quite yet.
Design
As we noted earlier, the iPhone 4S' design is nearly identical to the iPhone 4's. Aside from being 0.1 ounce heavier, the iPhone 4S is exactly the same size as its predecessor. It also features the same 3.5-inch, 960x640-pixel Retina Display with a glass back and front. One thing Apple did redesign, however, is the antenna system. The new design will hopefully prevent another Antennagate situation and Apple says to expect even better call quality.
Pricing and availability 
The iPhone 4S will be available for preorder on October 7; it goes on sale October 14 from AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint in the U.S. It will come in black and white and pricing starts at $199 for the 16GB version, $299 for 32GB, and $399 for 64GB.
iOS 5 
The iPhone 4S will debut with all the features of iOS 5, which is Apple's latest version of its operating system. We tackle that analysis in our separate iOS 5 First Take, so be sure to check it out. In short, it's not a huge upgrade, but we welcome the new features like the advanced notifications and "PC Free."
So should you buy it? 
There's no question that the iPhone 4S offers several attractive new features. Granted, some gadget enthusiasts who've spent months watching the "iPhone 5" rumor mill spin out of control will be disappointed. And in a way, we sympathize. Indeed, the lack of highly anticipated features like 4G and a revamped design can be hard to swallow. But as long as the "antennagate" problems that we saw on the iPhone 4 don't return, we can live without a new design. A bigger display would be nice, but we don't see a real need for a thinner phone. Waiting for 4G is more troubling, but it fits Apple's pattern of staying behind bleeding-edge technology. Android fans may gloat, but Apple fans shouldn't be surprised.
In the end, the decision to buy an iPhone 4S will depend on your current carrier contract. If you aren't eligible for an upgrade with a rebate, then we don't think the new features are worth paying full price. On the other hand, if you can upgrade or if you're a Sprint customer waiting to get your hands on the iPhone for the very first time, then you should consider it. Sure, there's the chance that a better "iPhone 5" will come next June, but that's a long time to wait. What's more, there's no guarantee that Apple will even stick to that schedule. So go ahead and take the chance because in the cell phone world, something better is always around the corner.

Apple iOS 5 announced – Makes your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch PC free !

Apple has announced the new iOS 5 operating system for its iOS devices – Apple iPad , iPhone , and iPod touch . There are many new features/functionality addition in the new version of the OS like the new Notification Center, iMessage and Newsstand . Apple has also announced the iCloud which will make the iOS device PC independent , that is no need of a PC to activate,update,or backup (sync) your iOS device as it will be done on Apple’s iCloud wirelessly and remotely . iCloud is the replacement of MobileMe , will be free !

What is New in iOS 5 :



Notification Center - easily view and manage notifications in one place without interruption
iMessage – new messaging service that lets you easily send text messages, photos and videos between all iOS devices
Newsstand - new way to purchase and organize your newspaper and magazine subscriptions
PC Free (iCloud) - iOS 5 users can activate and set up their iOS device right out of the box and get software updates over the air with no computer required


Apple iOS 5 is compatible with:


iPhone 4
iPhone 3GS
iPad
iPad 2
iPod touch 3rd generation
iPod touch 4th generation

Apple loses bid for ban on Samsung

Judge denies Apple request for U.S. ban on Samsung gadgets

In the ongoing global patent battle between Apple and Samsung over smartphones and tablets, a U.S. judge has denied Apple a preliminary injunction that would have temporarily prevented Samsung from selling four of its devices in the United States.


In a ruling issued late Friday, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh decided that allowing Samsung's Galaxy S 4G, Infuse 4G, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1 devices to remain on sale would not harm Apple enough to justify the injunction. She also said such an injunction would likely benefit other gadget makers at Samsung's expense.


In an around-the-world-in-80-lawsuits scenario, Apple has been arguing that Samsung's products infringe its design patents and copy the iPhone and the iPad. Samsung, meanwhile, has fired back with its own patent-related claims against Apple. In addition to the U.S., the battle has touched down in Australia; the Netherlands; Germany; parts of Asia, and France and Italy; among other places.
In a statement about Friday's ruling, reported by PCMag.com, Samsung said Koh's decision on the preliminary injunction "confirms our long-held view that Apple's arguments lack merit. In particular, the court has recognized that Samsung has raised substantial questions about the validity of certain Apple design patents. We are confident that we can demonstrate the distinctiveness of Samsung's mobile devices when the case goes to trial next year. We will continue to assert our intellectual property rights and defend against Apple's claims to ensure our continued ability to provide innovative mobile products to consumers."


As noted by PCMag, Koh didn't buy all of Apple's design complaints. For example, she said in respect to smartphones that "a size that can be handheld, a screen that encompasses a large portion of the front face of the smartphone, and a speaker on the upper portion of the front face of the product" are not necessarily aesthetic features but functional ones that would make sense, and be legally allowable, on phones from Apple competitors.


Despite Friday's ruling, Apple could still win the overall lawsuit. Samsung, though, might be able to tweak its gadgets to sidestep the patent issues and continue selling its devices--a strategy the company is currently trying in Germany.


So far, it doesn't appear that Apple has issued an official statement on Koh's refusal to grant the preliminary injunction. Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet referred Reuters to previous Apple statements about the case and told the news agency that Samsung's "blatant copying is wrong."


Buy Samsung tabs on

Apple TV With Siri Feature To be Launched By The Year 2013 – Report Says

We are already informed about the Steve Job’s Biography written by the famous writer Walter Isaacson. There was an interview video by CBS on Walter Isaacson talking about Steve Jobs.

 It interestingly unveils Steve Jobs intentions and a strong desire to launch an Apple TV in future.




Now the interesting part is , according to the new report from NY Times it is believed that Apple TV will be launched by the year 2013 and it might come with the Siri feature integrated in it !As we all know that Siri is a voice-recognition assistant and considered to be one of the 10 best features of iPhone 4S.So as the reports states us, there must be a launch of Siri Powered Apple TV by the year 2013.I think it would really helpful operating your Apple TV without even needing a remote control that always hangs in your hand. This will really modify alot of your preferences for viewing Apple TV.

It’s more than a personal TV watching experience because there will be an erosion of the limits between the Internet and Television programming almost integrating each other by powering a television with Siri.According to Nick Bilton from NYTimes, he says that he had heard Apple’s plans to launch the new Apple TV about a year back. He also expects it to be launched by the end of 2012 or in the beginning of 2013 with a fully-fledged,revolutionized technology and ofcourse prices can touch the sky.

Apple files patent for a tie-clip iPhone loudspeaker

The loudspeaker design is based on Apple's iPod Shuffle (Image: Jonathan Banks/Rex Features)


Remember the first iteration of the diminutive iPod Shuffle, which attached like a tie pin to your clothing? Now Apple is patenting a similarly sized clip-on device - but rather than being a solid-state media player this one is a small piezoelectric loudspeaker for plugging into iPods, iPhones and iPads. 


While a number of third party suppliers make clunkier add-on loudspeakers for iDevices, one aim of Apple's US patent application, which was filed today, is to provide an on-the-move sound source with an "aesthetically-pleasing appearance".


What's actually being patented here is not the piezoelectric speaker, however - because that's not a new idea. (Piezoelectric crystals like lead zirconate titanate, PZT, vibrate when a voltage is applied across them - and this is used to generate sound.) Rather, Apple is claiming novelty in the way the speaker and its drive electronics are housed and connected in both sides of the spring-loaded clip mechanism. 


I guess this could be useful when you want better sound than, say, the built-in iPhone speaker on its own can deliver but don't have access to an iPod dock. Of course such a mobile loudspeaker could also prove pretty irritating for anyone nearby, too.


Either way, Apple never comments on patents (out of court, at least), so there's no saying when, or if, this gadget will ever see the light of day.

Production starts for iPad 3 QXGA display: Analyst

Production has started on the high-resolution displays destined for the next-generation iPad, while Apple eyes a 7.85-inch iPad further down the road, an analyst told CNET today.
"It's happening--QXGA, 2048x1536. Panel production has started [for the next-generation iPad]. There's three suppliers," Richard Shim, an analyst at DisplaySearch, said in an interview today. Shim confirmed other reports that cite three companies, Samsung, Sharp, and LGD.
That Apple is sourcing the display from three suppliers underscores the challenges of manufacturing a 10-inch-class QXGA screen in high volume. "I would imagine there would be concerns about [adequate] supply given the resolution of the display but you've got three different suppliers at this point. They should have enough to launch the product," Shim said.
Indeed, the 2048x1536 screen will be the centerpiece the of next-generation iPad, or so-called iPad 3. That resolution is a quantum leap over iPad 2 which uses a more pedestrian 1024-by-768 display.
"It takes a couple of weeks for the production to go to the ODMs (the manufacturers). Then the manufacturer puts them in the housing. Then, that goes off to shipment. We could start seeing finished devices produced in December. And then being ready to be shipped in January. With volumes gearing up in February and March," he said.

Shim said the iPad 3's display is not an not an AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) display, but rather uses IPS (in-plane switching) technology like current Apple products.
Apple is also expressing interest in making a mini-iPad based on a 7.85-inch screen, according to Shim. That would come later in 2012, possibly in the second half sometime, he said.
"If there's demand there. There's no reason they wouldn't build a 7.85-inch iPad," Shim said.
Amazon's 7-inch Kindle Fire may stir up demand in smaller tablets in the wake of the strong consumer response to that device. Shim said last week that Amazon is on track to make 6 million Kindle Fire tablets in the current quarter.

Apple plays tribute to Steve Jobs

Last wednesday, Apple's company has wide celebration of the life of steve jobs.The entire crew of apple's staff in cupertino was crammed into its outdoor amphitheater.

This is one of the few decades best events with the presence of boast headliners like Tim cook,Norah jones, Jonathan Ive, Al gore and "Cold play". During this event the entire apple store shut and the employees were watched alive.

The apple family's event was fairly insular one and the outsiders were not allowed into the tribute to his fallen leader.Company revealed that on monday the company gonna make it public the streaming replay of the event online. The online streaming event video is of 84 minutes.

For the people who are pressed with time can look at the peruse of slideshow which has the event's best quotes and performances.