iPhone 5 mystery release date elicits carrier 4G conspiracy plot

If the four major U.S. carriers haven't conspired, separately or collectively, to delay the iPhone 5 release date until later this year, then it sure as heck looks a lot like they have. While most signs point to the iPhone 5 (here's the scoop on iPhone 5 features) arriving the latest of any new iPhone generation in its respective year, no clear reason for a delay on Apple's part have surfaced. Even as Apple attempts to extend the iPhone 4 era with the white iPhone 4, the Verizon-specific iPhone 4, and whatever other iPhone 4 tricks might be up its sleeve, it's still a mystery as to why the iPhone 5 apparently isn't on track for summer 2011 release, even as customers prepare to feel the burn. For insight as to what's really going on, one might best look at those who have the most to gain from a late iPhone 5 arrival, and their primary motivation for it. The latter is clearly 4G, and the former comes in the form of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and even Sprint.

Why would all four carriers want the iPhone 5g to arrive late? They don't, per se. But what they do want is for the 4G era to officially commence in the minds of the public. Each carrier appears to believe, for various reasons, that it has the upper hand when it comes to the 4G era. Sprint already has a sizable 4G network; Verizon has the marketing lead on the faster 4G LTE variant; AT&T is acquiring T-Mobile which should give it a combination of homegrown 4G LTE combined with a broader non-LTE 4G base. The trouble is, outside of geeks and enthusiasts, few care about 4G or even understand what it is. That won't change until there's a 4G enabled iPhone. So while Apple doesn't like to adopt technology while it's still largely in the vaporware stage (4G LTE barely exists on Verizon or AT&T), Apple may nonetheless feel the pressure to make 4G happen with the iPhone 5. And oddly enough, each carrier potentially benefits from a iPhone 5 4G happening later than sooner.

First there's Verizon, which is in the process of betting its reputation on a 4G LTE network that it's barely begun building. The millions of Verizon customers who just bought the Verizon iPhone 4 when it launched earlier this year are going to be more likely to upgrade to the Verizon iPhone 5 if more time has passed since the launch of the former. Then there's AT&T, which still has almost no 4G presence at all. The carrier needs time to integrate T-Mobile's network into its own, which will allow it to offer "4G" of one kind or another in various places. Assuming the iPhone 5 includes multiple 4G variants, AT&T could be the big winner – but not until the merger is sufficiently complete; a 4G LTE iPhone 5 launch right now could do AT&T more harm than good. And then there's Sprint, which is about to become the only major U.S. carrier without the iPhone, and the smallest. Sprint is unlikely to add the iPhone to its lineup until 4G happens, so if Apple needs more time to make a 4G enabled iPhone 5 happen, then so be it. Bottom line, the carriers desperately want 4G to be accepted by the public, as it's their collective best shot at continuing to upgrade cycle of new smartphone hardware this year and next, even as speeds and capacities begin to surpass what a pocket sized device might reasonably need. And because the public will begin caring about 4G at the precise moment the iPhone gains 4G, the behind the scenes pressure on Apple to release a 4G iPhone 5 is enormous. If pulling that off takes a little longer than expected and the iPhone 5 release date is held back by a season as a result, the public may be less than thrilled but the carriers won't mind a bit. Here's more on the iPhone 5 news.

Separated iPhone 5 LED Flash Rumor Makes Little Sense

Rumor has it that the iPhone 5 is due to get an upgrade on its rear-facing camera, bumping up to an 8-megapixel design. But new purported, leaked photos of iPhone 5 parts and cases show what looks like a LED flash on the other side of the device. Where's the logic in this new design?

The tech media is currently abuzz with newly-surfaced photos of cases and backplates that seem to show an LED flash that is positioned on the other side of the supposedly new iPhone 5 design. There is a great deal of excitement and anticipation surrounding this new development, with iPhone enthusiasts anticipating a dramatic shift in the iPhone 5′s rear-facing camera array, which is already purported to be getting an 8-megapixel upgrade.

While few are questioning the voracity and reliability of the photos and sources, even fewer are scrutinizing the logic of a separated LED camera flash, and what the basis would be for Apple to shift the iPhone's camera flash so dramatically far away from the sensor itself.

The few theories on why the iPhone5 could feature a separated LED flash are seemingly logical at first glance: we all know that there were light issues with the camera sensor on the white iPhone 4, and even flash and camera issues with lighting on the original iPhone 4 back in the Summer of 2010. It would be easy enough to assume that moving the LED flash to the other side of the iPhone 5 would somehow solve the problem.

But given the lights limitations of LED flashes, this seems doubtful at best.

While LED flashes have become increasingly popular on smartphones, the light that they emit is still not as bright as other flash forms, such as a Xenon flash. As a result, the camera flash from a LED is sometimes not bright enough to fill the photo with ample light in low-lit conditions. This is why devices like the iPhone (and all other smartphones with rear-facing cameras) have positioned the LED flash in close proximity to the sensor; it's a way of maximizing the amount of light that ultimately enters the camera, as reflected off of the subject.

By definition, moving the camera flash away from the sensor on the iPhone 5 would put an already lesser-lit flash at a farther distance from the sensor — and at a greater angle to the subject being photographed. It's hard to believe that moving the LED flash could ultimately help in this regard — unless the new flash turned out to be something of the Xenon type.

Shifted LED Flash on the iPhone 5 To Eliminate Red Eye?

Another theory suggests that the moved LED flash on the iPhone 5 could be to counteract red eye. But this new design seems dubious as well.

the Nokia Astound's 8-megapixel camera sensor array with dual LED flashes.

It is true that red eye is caused by red light being bounced back off of the irises of people into the camera, which is often caused by on-camera flashes that are in close proximity to the sensor or shutter. But in order to truly eliminate red eye, the flash source would need to be sufficiently far from the optical axis of the camera, and it is doubtful that moving it a couple of inches to the right would do the trick. In order to reduce red eye, it would make more sense for Apple to further refine the use of a pre flash on the iPhone 5g, a technique that causes a person's irises to contract, thus minimizing the bounce-back of red light.

HTC's Evo 4G also has two LEDs in close proximity to the sensor.

Does An 8-Megapixel Camera Require That the LED Flash Be Farther Away?

Finally, perhaps the moved flash on the iPhone 5 has something to do with the addition of a 8-megapixel camera? That could be the case, however, to date, no other 8-megapixel smartphone sports a separated LED flash like the one that is purported in the photo. The Nokia Astound features not one, but two LED flashes right next to the sensor. The same goes for Nokia's N86.

But it isn't just Nokia that is using this camera and LED flash set-up. HTC is doing the same thing with their Evo iphone 5 4G. Like the Nokias, it features two LED flashes in close proximity to the camera sensor.

What is apparent from these other smartphones with 8-megapixel cameras is that the 8mp sensors need more light, and they need that light relatively close to the sensor in order to avoid grainy photos. If this is the case, then why would Apple continue to use just one LED flash for an 8-megapixel camera, and put it on the other end of the rear plate?

Newer iPhone 4 case designs account for the LED flash so as not to interfere with it . . .

Separated LED Flash Could Lead To a New Photo Discoloration Problem on the iPhone 5

As we have reported in another article, photo discoloration was an early problem on the iPhone 4, and more than a few theories abounded as to why this was the case. While some suggested that it was the result of a software issue in how the iPhone 4 processed yellow light, others postulated that many photo discoloration problems were caused by iPhone 4 case designs, which were too hastily retro-engineered from iPhone 3Gs designs and did not account for the LED flash. As a result, some of the cases came too close in contact with the LED flash and resulted in partially concealing the flash strobe.

Anyone who has ever accidentally had a part of their finger over the flash of a camera knows how it can discolor a photo.

This purported iPhone 5 case — and separated LED flash — might discolor photos.

Newer iPhone 4 cases have re-designed the camera lens cutouts around the iPhone 4′s sensor and flash so as not to conceal it. However, in the recent purported photo of the iPhone 5 case, the cutout for the LED flash would be closely cropped to the flash itself, lending to the theory that photos could easily become discolored. Another unknown is what the effect of having such a expanse of colored case between the sensor and flash would cause — could it lead to further discoloration?

It is possible that Apple has a new patent for an LED camera flash that will be bright enough to be positioned on the other side of the iPhone 5. But I have combed all of the Apple patents, and I can find nothing to suggest this. I remain skeptical of all purported "leaked" photos of the iPhone 5 — and these recent ones are no exception.

Photo enthusiasts: what do you think? Can you find any evidence out there to suggest how this new camera array would make any sense for the iPhone 5 apple? We'd love to hear from you, and start a discussion on whether or not these new photos make any real sense.

Here's more on the iPhone 5 news.

iPhone 5 wait still preferable to white iPhone 4, say defiant holdouts

The iPhone 5 is worth the wait despite the arrival of the white iPhone 4 and the fact that said arrival means the iPhone 5 going to take longer to arrive than many waiters had expected. But despite our declaration that it's okay to stop waiting and go ahead and take the white iPhone 4 plunge, some defiant holdouts have spoken very loudly about the reasons that they've decided to go ahead and wait for the iPhone 5 after all.

First, there's the disappointment in the fact that things are playing out as they are:

"I'm sick that they even introduced the [white] iPhone 4 with the iPhone 5 hanging over our Verizon heads.  I've waited this long what choice do I have?"

Then of course there's the (we think) sarcastic take:

"Get an iPhone 4 and upgrade to iOS 5 when it's release … you'll only be missing the 8 mp camera, the A5 processor, and the bigger screen honestly, nothing major you know? "

At least one Beatweek reader is waiting until the iPhone 5 arrives, but may ultimately buy an iPhone 4 at that time:

"All valid points, although, for me a) white/black isn't an issue, b) not especially concerned about 4G capability either, and c) the reason I skipped the iPhone 4 is not really liking the design; the 3GS is just more comfortable to hold and talk on. I'm waiting to see if I prefer the iPhone 5 design; if so, I'll get the 5, if not I'll settle on the 4. But in that circumstance there will be one key advantage to 'holding out' – the almost certain price cut on the older model."

And then there are those still asking the same question they were asking before the white iPhone 4 launch:

"So do I upgrade from my slow 3G to a 4 now? Or keep holding on and wait for the 5…"

Here's more on the iPhone5.

iPhone 5 Features – What's Hot On the Platter?

This time, the stakes are quite higher than before. People want more from Apple especially after the iPhone 4 phenomena, and the iPhone 5 features are going to be hot topic for debate till the release.

There is no official announcement from Apple about the much talked about and much hyped iPhone 5. Yet, as with iPhone 4 and most other Apple devices, the stakes have already hit sky high. Every technological blog, website, social website is talking about it. There are leaked photos and videos of what are rumored to be the components of the iPhone5. The whole of online media is flooded with news about iPhone 5. Every day, some or the other news about iPhone 5 features comes out and it seems that the demands, expectations and the impatient wait is all hitting the threshold limit.

 

iPhone 5 Prototype

People are quite eager to eat up whatever information comes their way. Thanks to some careful observations from certain people, we have with us, some idea about what the iPhone 5 features might have in store for the users. Of course, it is surprising to see what could be more advanced than the iPhone 4 smartphone already, but here's the take: HTC HD sports a faster and greater performing processor than the usual A4 sported by the iPhone 4. Well, if there is one place where some smartphone can beat the iPhone, then there could be many more. It would only be till the iPhone 5 releases officially that one would know what it has got, but everyone wants to see it beat, like the iPhone 4, every other smartphone in the market and establish new records and benchmarks.

Of the various iPhone 5 features, one of the first features that have been somewhat confirmed are the highly streamlined, simplistic, minimal, unique design with a unibody enclosure. Everyone loves a metallic unibody design quite obviously as has been proved by many previous smartphones from legends like HTC. The design seems to involve a more streamlined structure than the iPhone 4, but the curves are not going to be here, like the iPhone 4, it is going to be a more professional look.

When it comes to performance, iPhone 5 features are expected to contain some development on the A4. Especially with more developers developing higher-end games, applications and more, the performance of the iPhone is going to depend on how much the processor can support. As Android gets more and more focus from developers and programmers, Apple needs a faster processor and a stronger one in order to get more developers working on rich applications for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 features are also rumored to have the much-awaited NFC Technology that allows near-field communications possible, like bar-code reading, payment processing and more.

Rapture postponed over iPhone 5; God says he's waiting for the upgrade

God has announced that the Rapture has been postponed from tomorrow until at least the summer or possibly the fall, as he's waiting to get his hands on the new iPhone 5 before proceeding any further. The news comes as a disappointment to millions who were expecting to be swept up tomorrow, but could be seen as good news for those who have high hopes for Apple's fifth generation device. John Meisterman, analyst for tech research firm Punter Johnston, pointed out that the almighty's willingness to wait for the iPhone 5, coupled with his apparent clairvoyance, could be a sign that the upcoming phone's feature list is impressive enough and worth bypassing the current white iPhone 4 in favor of waiting.In a conference call with journalists, God confirmed that he switched to the iPhone after it was released on Verizon ("AT&T's reception up here isn't so great"), and admitted off the record that the whole "rapture" thing was something he made up and was just his way of killing time while waiting for Apple to finally get the iPhone5 to market. Asked whether his iPhone suffers from the supposed "iPhone 4 antenna issue," God made clear that there is no such issue, and that the entire antenna thing and was a hoax was perpetrated by the devil himself, who apparently works for Gizmodo. Asked why Apple is taking so long to bring the iPhone 5g to market, God had no comment. Off in the distance, William Shatner could be heard asking, "What would God need with a cellphone?"Here's more on the iPhone 5 news.

iPhone 5 September Release 2011

Hot new data is now in via Piper Jaffray and Apple Company Data mentioning a few details about the new iOS 5 announcements and the iPhone 5 being announced in August with a September (2011) release.

Apple Insider has some great information covering Gene Munster with PiperJaffray on Friday reporting that the Apple iPhone 5 WILL go on sale in September. The exact days are as follows: At the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) on June 6th the new iOS 5 will be announced, the iPhone 5 smartphone will be announced August 24th with it shipping September 13th.

According to Munster if we look at averages there is around 79 days between an iOS software event and the iPhone hardware announcement, plus around 99 days between the software event and the release/Shipping of the new Apple iPhone.

There is a lot to think about when it comes to the new iPhone 5 (4S), will it have a bigger screen? According to the source above it will have a 4-inch display even though this could come in 2012 but more than likely and fingers crossed could come in 2011.

Looking at the dates above is of course all speculation in our eyes, until we hear official announcements we will always have a balance of mixed feeling. Yesterday iPhone Rumors reported on the Foxconn explosion and fire leaving two dead and 16 injured, could this indeed stop production of iPad 2 review and iPhone's, if this is the case then the iPhone 5g will not be releasing in September.

Here's more on the iPhone 5 news.

iPhone 5 myths abound: five concocted reasons to avoid next gen party

The iPhone 5 is no different than the previous four in that detractors will have no difficulty in coming up with reasons not to buy one, ranging from irrelevant to imaginary. "Don't buy the first iPhone," say said, "because it's not 3G." Nevermind that AT&T's 3G network barely existed in 2007. "Don't buy the iPhone," they said in 2007, "because there are no third party apps." Then they turned around in 2008, after third party apps had been launched in a big way, and said "Don't buy the iPhone 3G because third party apps aren't 'open' enough." Nevermind that what they really meant was that the iPhone wasn't enough of a geek-leaning tinker toy. Then came the iPhone 3GS. "Don't buy it either," they warned, "because it's just like the previous one." Nevermind that the hardware specs of the 3GS outshines that of the 3G in every category. So heading into the iPhone5, what will the geeks and other detractors come up with this time by way of trying to talk you out of the iPhone you want and into the Android-based geekphone they're desperate for you to buy instead? A look back at all the reasons they told you not to buy the iPhone 4 is a good start.

First it was the supposed iPhone 4 antenna issue, which turned out to have been completely fabricated on the part of geeks and never existed – but not before a good chunk of the population had been irrevocably convinced otherwise. Apple even had to hand out free iPhone 4 cases just to get the geekholes who created the controversy to shut up, knowing that they'd "won" and gotten a free case as a trophy. Then it was the fact that the iPhone 4 wasn't a 4G phone; nevermind that 4G AT&T's 4G network literally didn't exist back then and still basically doesn't to this day. Then they made up the imaginary "scratching" controversy, which unlike with the imaginary antenna controversy, relatively few fell for. And then later Apple released the Verizon iPhone 4, which the geeks attempted to create another phone antenna controversy around before finally settling on the mantra that it wasn't 4G (still largely irrelevant) and, humorously enough, that it wasn't the iPhone 5 4G. So now that the iPhone 5 is only a season away from arriving, here's what the geeks will point to this time as to why you shouldn't buy one. The validity of their reasoning doesn't matter; keep in mind that geeks get out of bed in the morning in the hopes of being able to convince the non-geek majority to buy geek-leaning products, and Apple's products are the least geeky on the planet. So here's a sampling of the anti-iPhone 5 nonsense they'll come up with, if they haven't already.

1) If the iPhone 5g doesn't have 4G, they'll label it as being outdated. If it does have 4G, they'll say it's the wrong kind; if it's 4G LTE a la Verizon and AT&T, they'll point out that the 4G offerings from Sprint and T-Mobile are more widespread. But if the iPhone 5 instead offers the kind of 4G which Sprint and T-Mobile are using, the geeks will say that it's not "real" 4G because it's slower. And if the iPhone 5 pulls a hat trick and offers every kind of 4G under the sun, the geeks will warn that it might be too much drain on battery life. No matter what Apple does regarding 4G, the anti-Apple geeks will be able to spin it into some kind of negative you should fear. And that's a trend that'll continue down the list.

2) If the iPhone 5 uses the same glass material for its body as the iPhone 4 did, the geeks will say that it's too fragile; nevermind that the iPhone 4 has been the most bulletproof iPhone design yet. And if the iPhone 5 moves to something else, the geeks will say that Apple should have stuck with the bulletproof glass.

3) If the iPhone 5 gets thinner, the geeks will claim that it's too thin and therefore perhaps too fragile.

4) If the iPhone 5 body style remains the same as the iPhone 4, the geeks will claim that it's last year's model, regardless of how improved the specs are (see the iPhone 3G / 3GS era).

5) If the iPhone 5 screen gets bigger, geeks will claim that its edge to edge design will be too difficult to use; if the iPhone 5 screen size remains the same as the iPhone 4, those same geeks will say that it's too small.

If you see a pattern here, you're not the only one. No matter what Apple does with the iPhone 5, those geeks whose entire sense of self worth comes from steering people away from Apple products and toward geekier products will find a way to spin it into a negative. They'll misrepresent the facts, misplace the relevance, and if it comes down to it, flat out make things up; they've done it all before with previous iPhone generations. Your job, then, is to tune these lunatics out and make your own decision. If you want an iPhone, get an iPhone. It's as simple as that, anti-iPhone geek wanking be damned. Here's more on the iPhone 5 news.