The Official iPhone 5 Announcement Scheduled for Sept 12th

Apple‘s long-awaited new iPhone will be announced on Sept. 12, according to a report.

The blog iMore reports that Apple will announce the new iPhone — possibly called the iPhone 5 — plus a new iPod Nano via a special announcement on that data. The products will then hit retail on Sept. 21.

There is also a possibility that Apple will announce the iPad Mini on the same day.

Apple reps could not be reached for comment. During a call with analysts last week, though, the company repeatedly referred to a mysterious “fall event.”

The iMore report comes after The Guardian also reported last week that the new iPhone would be released in “mid-September.” The Guardian also reported that “the device will introduce a new 19-pin power and control connector on its base, dumping the 30-pin connector first introduced with the third-generation iPod in April 2003.”

Apple’s last iPhone release was the iPhone 4S on Oct. 4.

(Source: mashable )

(Shameless self Promotion)

Thoughts on Google Handwrite. Are you going to use it?

Google has launched a feature called Handwrite for Google search which enables you to search via a finger scribble or a stylus on the search page. Cool Idea, but how long will it actually remain to be cool. Aside from last night, I doubt I’ll actually use this feature again. I can’t see the longevity or the usefulness of this add on.

I understand Google’s standpoint that it’s not always convenient to open up the virtual keyboard and type with one hand, but I find the tablet screen sensitivity a challenge and hinders the ability to properly draw or type. (I’m presently using the Asus Transformer running ICS)

Google is definitely not making this as an alt for a not taking app, but rather an easier/quicker way of entering search queries, whilst on the go. 

To enable the handwrite option on your tablet or smartphone, hit the settings tab, scroll to Handwrite, hit enable and you’re set.  This will work on Android 2.3.3+ phone, an iOS 5+ iPhone or iPad, or an Android 4.0+ tablet. Sorry BlackBerry, you’re out of luck with thing one :) 

(Source: Google )
(Shameless self Promotion)

Are you ready for FBOS? Facebook Smartphone coming soon!

Back in April there was an overseas report in DigiTimes that suggested Facebook and HTC were developing a “customized smartphone” that would launch sometime “in the third quarter of 2012 at the earliest.” Then a month later the New York Times echoed the same partnership, but stated Facebook would launch their own smartphone in 2013, plus hired over 12 software and hardware engineers from Apple.

Today, it’s Bloomberg that has hopped on the Facebook/HTC train and declared their “people with knowledge of the matter” say we’ll see a joint smartphone be released “as soon as mid-2013.” The report also reiterated the same inclusion of former Apple employees, but this time brought a few names forward: Greg Novick, Tim Omernick and Chris Tremblay and Scott Goodson – all people who helped design popular parts of the UI experience in the iPhone. In addition to Apple employees, Facebook has reportedly hired a number of “key staffers who worked on the Palm operating system for mobile phones.”

As for the OS that will power this rumoured Facebook phone, Bloomberg notes that they “could use a modified version of Android for its smartphone,” but there was no confirmation… Perhaps there’ll be a mix of Android and webOS in the works, potentially called FBOS.

Source:  http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/07/25/facebook-branded-smartphone-reportedly-coming-mid-2013/

Leaked Renders of BBM for BlackBerry 10

BBM is RIM’s special sauce in the quest to stay relevant. With over 50 million active users, it’s hard to say the private messaging network is in decline. Though the PlayBook never received native BBM support, it’s clear that RIM had to focus on making the experience as perfect and seamless as possible in BlackBerry 10. Now with a few months of breathing room, BBM for BB10 is coming along nicely according to some demonstration slides leaked to N4BB.

The crux is that BBM will not appear all that different on BlackBerry 10; the familiar profiles, messaging boxes and themes are all there. What we don’t get is a hint of whether BBM will be video-enabled as previously stated by RIM CEO Thorsten Heins.

BBM will be optimized for both touch-only and QWERTY-enabled BB10 devices, with familiar shortcuts such as C, T, N and S working the same as they did previously. We’re assuming that the PIN situation will be identical, and that there will be cross-over between BB10 and previous versions of BlackBerry.

Source: http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/07/25/bbm10-for-blackberry-10-shown-off-in-leaked-renders/

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 unboxed!

Since being announced way back at MWC, Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 has seen a steady stream of leaks and design tweaks, and now it appears to have landed in the hands of one new owner. The Brave Post claims to have gotten its hands on the white version of the device, and has an array of unboxing photographs to go along with it. While we've already seen many of the Galaxy Note 10.1's specs — a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 5MP rear-facing camera, HSPA+ support, and a slot for its S Pen — several items stand out here. Namely, the device is listed as having 2GB of RAM versus the 1GB we'd previously seen, and the tablet is also said to be able to act as a companion to your phone — serving as a speakerphone and allowing users to send and receive messages with it as well. It's not clear just what technology fuels the latter feature, but we saw something similar with the TouchPad's use of the Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP), which allowed owners to send and receive SMS messages directly from HP's tablet.

What we don't get with the information is a firm release date. However, with information flowing steadily now — and Samsung hosting a Galaxy-related event on August 15th — we imagine the Note 10.1 is finally about to start making its way to store shelves.

Specs at a glance:

• 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos processor
• 2GB RAM
• 5MP rear shooter
• GPS, IR Smart Remote
• HSPA+ support
• 7000mAh battery
• Android 4.0.x

This is going to be a beast!

(Source:  http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/23/3178619/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-unboxed-2gb-of-ram-phone-messaging )

IPStore: A new beginning!

What do VoIP, Gadgets and Electronics all have in common? ME! 

Check out my reviews and commentary on the latest and greatest VoIP accessories, the Coolest Gadgets and the must get Electronics; OUT RIGHT NOW! 

I'll be posting pics, vids and write ups on everything I'm lucky enough to get my hands on. If there is something you'd like me to talk about, just ask! I'm happy to oblige. I'm now switching the focus on what is available on the IPStores website. I would like to bring a bigger mix of products into the fold. From Tablets and Laptops to Smartphones and accessories. Don't worry, we'll still have all the Business VoIP Product line too.

 A new site design is underway. Stay tuned for a brand new look, feel and community section. 

See you soon!

Jason Stephen Ali

Ps. Check out the www.ipstore.com for all your VoIP Accessory needs :)

(Sorry for the Shameless self promotion but, I now run it!)