Month: September 2012

The iPhone 5 goes on sale, are you ready for it?

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

As expected, Apple's sixth-generation iPhone is today on sale in the United States and eight international markets (Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore). The handset comes in 16/32/64GB flavors, priced at $199/$299/$399 with a two-year contract with your wireless operator.

In addition to AT&T, Verizon and Sprint, regional U.S. telcos C Spire and Alaska’s GCI and Appalachian Wireless announced plans to carry the iPhone 5, in addition to prepaid carrier Cricket Wireless.

As was the case with past launches, contract-free versions are expected to be available at a later stage in the U.S., unlike some international markets where carriers either choose or are mandated by law to provide contract-free alongside subsidized units. Here are some nice launch day photos...

iPhone 5 LTE Speedtest

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 21, 2012

Is LTE really all it's cracked up to be on the iPhone 5? Take a look at our speed test, as we test Verizon's LTE, and compare it to Verizon's own 3G offering. I think the results speak for themselves, don't you?

iPhone 5 white & black unboxing

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 21, 2012

Just a few minutes ago, I got my hands on two 32GB iPhone 5's — one black, and one white. Join me, as I unbox both on video.

Which one do you think looks better? Did you get yours yet?

How you can help make the new Maps app better

Cody Lee ∙ September 21, 2012

As you've probably noticed, Apple has been taking a lot of criticism over the new Maps application in iOS 6. Google Maps has been replaced in the software, in favor of Apple's own in-house mapping solution. And for most people it's just not up to snuff.

The company commented on the criticism yesterday, telling AllThingsD that because it's a cloud-based solution, Maps will get better as more people use it. But if you aren't buying that, or just want to speed the process along, here's what to do...

iFixit gives the iPhone 5 the teardown treatment

Cody Lee ∙ September 20, 2012

Though we've still got a good 8 hours or so before the iPhone 5 officially goes on sale here in the US, due to the time difference, the handset has already launched in Australia.

And wouldn't you know it, the i-teardown experts over at iFixit were on hand to pick one up and have already started ripping it apart. More on their findings inside the fold...

And the winner of our iPhone 5 giveaway is…

Sébastien Page ∙ September 20, 2012

Let me tell you that picking a winner for our awesome iPhone 5 giveaway wasn't easy. But we did it. Over 5,000 of you retweeted our giveaway, 2,500 liked the post on Facebook, and 4,000 left a comment. Talk about being overwhelmed!

I just spent the last few hours of my life browsing through the entries to pick a winner, so without further ado, let's find out who the lucky person is...

Apple updates iCloud for Windows to version 2.0

Oliver Haslam ∙ September 20, 2012

A fan of Apple's iCloud but happen to be tied to Microsoft's Windows? No problem, because Apple has just updated its iCloud for Windows app to version 2.0, just in time for the iPhone 5.

With iCloud offering syncing capabilities across iOS devices as well as Macs, Windows users need not be left in the cold thanks to Apple's software which seeks to bring the iCloud features to those not sporting a Mac.

The release, bringing iCloud for Windows up to version 2.0, brings iOS 6 compatibility to the game just in time for the next generation iPhone to be unleashed upon the masses...

Nokia infographic tells why its Lumia 920 is better than the iPhone 5

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 20, 2012

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer may have hurt Nokia's feelings at a presser yesterday by calling HTC's flagship phones, the 8X and 8S, truly Windows Phone hero products. Returning the favor, Nokia likened the new HTC devices to a "tactical re-branding".

Better yet, the ailing Finish cell phone maker thinks that the recently unveiled Lumia 920, its inaugural Windows Phone 8 device, is a far better proposition compared to the industry's golden benchmark by which all smartphones are measured, Apple's iPhone.

To prove its point, Nokia chose to play the specs game and published an interesting graphics on Facebook comparing the Lumia 920 to the iPhone 5...

24 hours later, iOS 6 is on 15 percent of devices

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated August 24, 2016

It is no secret that prior iOS releases were deployed fairly quickly across the vast majority of iOS devices in active use. This year's iOS iteration, iOS 6, is no exception. According to one mobile ads provider, just a day after its public release iOS 6 peaked at more than fifteen percent of all web traffic on its mobile ad network.

More importantly, traffic has remained at that level since. Another non-scientific survey shows a huge spike in iTunes traffic during the hours iOS 6 went live. With more than 400 million iOS devices sold to date, iOS 6 is poised to become Apple's fastest-growing iOS release to date...

Apple responds to criticism regarding new Maps app

Cody Lee ∙ September 20, 2012

Since iOS 6 went live yesterday morning, there has been a lot of commotion regarding Apple's new Maps application. As most of you know, Apple replaced Google's mapping software with its own in-house solution this year.

And people hate it. Reports over the last 24 hours have berated the app for not having transit information, being inaccurate, and just flat out not being as good as its predecessor. Well, Apple responded to the criticism this afternoon...

Apple to reportedly replace broken iPhone 5 screens in-store

Cody Lee ∙ September 20, 2012

With its new unibody design and metal backing, the iPhone 5 is built to be a bit more durable than its glass-backed predecessor. And it looks like it could be more repairable as well.

According to a new report this afternoon, Apple may be providing its retail employees with the tools needed to fix broken iPhone 5 displays in-store, a stark departure from previous policy...

Apple buys 200 acres in North Carolina for second solar farm

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

According to a new report today, Apple just laid out $3 million to purchase 200 acres of land in North Carolina near its Maiden data center for a second major solar farm.

As you may recall, Apple is nearing completion of its first 20-megawatt solar farm just across the street from its North Carolina campus, which is the largest of its kind...