Apple | Fone Arena

iPad mini expected to be released on Nov. 2

On October 23rd, Apple is expected to release the 7.85 inch iPad mini. Today, TechCrunch reports that the so-called iPad mini will be made available in stores and early online buyers on November 2nd. That would be just over a week after the product is expected to be announced.

Such a launch schedule is similar to other recent products, including the iPhone 5 and the third-generation iPad introduced this year.

German site iFun.de also claims that Apple has informed a major shipping logistics partner that it should be preparing for a significant boost leading up to that date.

Fingerprint sensor window patent for the iPhone filed by Apple

Apple has filed another patent and this one is based on fingerprint sensors. Apple has filed biometric based patents before but we have never really seen its use in any of their products, but we might actually see the use of this patent in the near future. Maybe in the next iPhone.

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Google Maps for iOS in Alpha Testing

In iOS 6, Apple decided to replace the Google Maps app in iOS with its own in-house solution. This decision of Apple’s brought a lot of criticism and Apple even made an apology to its customers. Since then, it has been rumored that Google has been working on releasing their own standalone version of Google Maps.

Today, App Map [iTunes Link] developer Ben Guild has posted some early details and partial screenshots from Google’s upcoming Maps application for iOS.

Guild reports that the standalone version of Google Maps for iOS is reportedly in alpha testing, but will offer some promising improvements over the old Google Maps. The report also says that the new Google Maps is vector based, has two-finger rotation to any angle, is “super fast” and supports the taller iPhone 5 screen. No word on availability has been made yet, but an early report claimed that Google may be targeting release by Christmas of this year. Meanwhile, Apple has been making improvements to their own Maps over time.

Microsoft’s Czech Unit Reportedly Confirms Office for iOS Coming in March 2013

In the past, there have been many rumors about Microsoft releasing Office for iOS. Today, The Verge reports that a Microsoft product manager confirmed that the company is working on versions of Microsoft Office for both iOS and Android, which is expected to be released in March 2013. The comments were made to Czech site IHNED.cz [Google translation] at a press event in that country.

“In addition to Windows, Office will be also available on other operating systems, Windows Phone, Windows RT, Mac OS, Android, iOS and Symbian,” says Microsoft, while separately noting that there will also be a new version of Office Web Apps too. […]

The press release also mentions that Office 2013 will be made available to businesses in December, with a consumer launch scheduled for the end of February 2013. “Office 365 services and other Office products for mobile (phones and tablets) will be released from March 2013,” says Microsoft.

The Verge also says that it saw a press release from Microsoft’s team in the Czech Republic confirming the launch plans. Back in February, The Daily claimed that it had hands-on time with a working prototype of the software but Microsoft, but the company denied the report.

iPhone 5 to Launch in India and Malaysia on Coming October 26?

BGR.in reports that Apple is planning to launch the iPhone 5 in India on October 26th. This isn’t the first time an October 26 launch in Asia has been mentioned. Last month, The Malay Mail reported that the iPhone 5 would be coming to Malaysia on that date, pending stock availability. There is no concrete word about the pricing yet but multiple sources FoneArena spoke to indicate a pricing of around Rs.48500-52500 approximately for the 16GB iPhone 5. Continue reading “iPhone 5 to Launch in India and Malaysia on Coming October 26?”

Apple’s Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter Begins Shipping

Today, MacRumors reports that Apple has sent out emails notifying a number of Australian customers that their Lightning to 30-pin Adapter orders had shipped. The orders are now in transit and are expected to be deliver on October 9th, which is almost four weeks after sales of the iPhone 5 went live in September.

Apple is selling two versions of the adapter, a $29 direct plug adapter and a $39 adapter with a short cable. These adapters allow users to connect their new Lightning-enabled devices such as the iPhone 5 and forthcoming iPod touch and iPod nano models to docks and other accessories designed for the previous 30-pin dock connector.

TomTom launches its official navigation app on the Google Play store

TomTom is one of the best dedicated navigation application out there other than Google Maps. TomTom’s services were previously available on the iPhone and also HTC had exclusively used their service for their premium devices. Now, TomTom has launched their official application to the Google Play store competing directly with Google maps.

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Motorola pulls out of the lawsuit filed against Apple in August

Motorola had filed a lawsuit against Apple over seven patents in August which if won would ban every device manufactured by Google from iPhone to the iMac. Now reports are that Google owned Motorola is taking a step back and pulling back the lawsuits which they had filed on import ban of Apple products.

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Verizon iPhone 5 Customers Will Not Be Charged for Unintentional Cellular Data Usage Issue

Yesterday, we reported that Apple had released a carrier update for the Verizon iPhone 5. That carrier update fixed an issue that would cause Verizon Cellular Data to be used while the iPhone 5 is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Now, Verizon has issued a statement to The Loop suggesting that customers will not be charged for this data usage.

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Apple Releases Carrier Update for Verizon iPhone 5

Today, Apple has issued a Carrier Update for Verizon iPhone 5 models. This update fixes an issue where Verizon Cellular Data would be used while the iPhone 5 is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

This carrier settings update resolves an issue in which, under certain circumstances, iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Follow these instructions to install the update.

1. Tap Settings > General > About.
2. Wait for the following alert to appear: (top right)
3. Tap OK to install the update.
4. Hold the Sleep/Wake button down until you see “slide to power off”.
5. Slide to power off.
6. After the device powers off, hold the Sleep/Wake button to turn your phone back on.

Note: To finish the installation of the update, your iPhone 5 must be turned off and then on again. After your iPhone restarts, tap Settings > General > About, then scroll down to Carrier and verify that “Verizon 13.1” is displayed.

Apple describes this update as an “important new carrier update” and the update is provided via over-the-air.

iPhone 5 Launches in 22 Countries and a Number of Rural Carriers Friday

Another batch of iPhone 5 launches will occur this Friday. Apple will launch the 22 new countries and on a number of regional carriers in the U.S., one week after it went on sale in the U.S. and a number of the larger international markets. Last week during launch weekend, Apple sold over 5 million iPhone 5s.

Currently, the iPhone 5 is sold out at Apple’s online store, but it lists a 3-4 week wait-time on the U.S. store. The iPhone 5 goes on sale tomorrow in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The iPhone 5 will also go on sale at a number of U.S. regional carriers, including Cricket, C Spire, Bluegrass Cellular, Cellcom, GCI, Golden State Cellular, Nex-Tech Wireless, Pioneer Wireless, Appalachian Wireless, MTA Solutions, and nTelos.

Apple Now Taking iPhone 5 Orders for In-store Pickup

Currently, the wait time for an iPhone 5 is 3-4 weeks, but Apple today has added an option to reserve an iPhone for next-day, in-store pickup. Apple will start accepting reservations online between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time for pickup at a nearby Apple store the next day. “Buy an iPhone from the people who know it best,” according to a note on Apple’s website. 9to5Mac first reported yesterday that Apple was preparing to introduce this option.

Apple also says that “limited quantities” of the iPhone 5 might also be available in Apple stores on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apple iPhone 5 Preview

The phone that changed the world is back again with an incredibly thinner and lighter design, while adding a larger 4-inch screen, Apple has increased the screen size without compromising the build quality or one hand usability. Apple takes the iPhone even further with the iPhone 5. Overall, the iPhone 5 is the best iPhone made to date and still the best smartphone on the market. Its incredible ecosystem, frequent software updates, and amazing hardware have yet to be matched by any competitor. Continue reading “Apple iPhone 5 Preview”

Apple sells 5 million iPhone 5’s in just 3 days after launch , 100 million iOS devices already running iOS 6

Apple has just announced in a press release that they have just managed to sell 5 million iPhone 5’s in just the opening weekend.Although pre-ordering did start on September 14, the device did not land in the hands of consumers till September 21. The bigger number hidden in the press release is the fact that 100 million iOS device have already upgraded to iOS 6 which is the latest operating system for Apple iPhone , iPad and iPod Touch. The OS update was made available only on September 19th and it is amazing have so many devices have moved to the latest version of the operating system which is surrounded by controversy regarding the quality of maps. iOS 6 marks the first time , Apple has gotten rid of Google Maps in favor of it’s in-house mapping application
Continue reading “Apple sells 5 million iPhone 5’s in just 3 days after launch , 100 million iOS devices already running iOS 6”

Shipping Estimates for iPhone 5 Orders Through Apple Now 3-4 Weeks

Apple was “blown away” by the response to the iPhone 5 and the company announced over two million iPhone 5 pre-orders in the first 24 hours of sale alone. Just within hours of the iPhone 5 going on sale, shipping estimates slipped to 2-3 weeks. Now, the shipping estimates have been pushed back to 3-4 weeks as Apple continues to see strong demand for the iPhone 5.

The new 3-4 week estimates are applicable for the United States, Canada, and Australia, while several other launch markets including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany remain at 2-3 weeks for the time being. These new shipping estimates would suggest that customers may or may not receive their devices until mid-October. Apple will without a doubt have reserved a stock for launch availability on launch day, but finding one in stock may prove to be difficult. Apple is expected to sell 6-10M iPhone 5s this opening weekend alone.