iPhone 4S

Google Working On Siri Clone Codenamed “Majel”

Alex Heath ∙ Updated February 6, 2016

Google is reportedly working on its own version of Siri for upcoming Android devices. The project has been given the internal codename of "Majel" (a reference to Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, the Federation Computer from Star Trek) and is meant to be an evolution of the current voice recognition technology in Android, Voice Actions.

Siri is by far the iPhone 4S's hottest feature, and Apple has used marketing to put itself in the lead once again with the rest of the industry now forced to play catch-up. Will Google's upcoming assistant be the competition that Siri needs?

O2 Launches New iPhone 4S Rental Program

Cody Lee ∙ December 13, 2011

Not everyone needs everything for an extended amount of time. That's why you can rent pretty much anything these days. Cars, houses, washing machines, furniture and the like can all be leased for short amounts of time and then returned.

Now the European-based operator O2 is looking to bring this business model to the smartphone market as it has just announced its new rental program: O2 Lease. With the service, customers will now be able to rent the iPhone 4S instead of purchasing it...

Siri’s Speak Selection Feature Reads Text Out Loud

Alex Heath ∙ December 13, 2011

Here's a nice little tip for Siri fanatics. Did you know that you can have Siri speak any selection of text out loud anywhere in iOS 5 on the iPhone 4S?

By enabling a nifty feature in Settings, a simple "Speak" option can be shown any time you select a chunk of text. Siri can then read that text out loud through your iPhone's speaker at a pre-programmed speed.

Nokia Exec Thinks iPhone is Boring and Android is Too Complicated

Oliver Haslam ∙ December 13, 2011

Nokia's got it all figured out. See, youths don't really want to buy an iPhone, it's just so boring. Android isn't quite what buyers are looking for, either. Teens just don't understand what Google has put in front of them. How could they?

Those are the views of outspoken Nokia director of Portfolio, Product Marketing & Sales Niels Munksgaard in an interview with Pocket-Lint. Apparently, he even managed to say it with a straight face!

According to Nokia's man, what do you think is the ideal platform for the youth of today? Windows Phone 7, of course!

Apple Looking to Expand Bluetooth Support in iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

Other than a handful of stereo receivers and standalone speakers, there aren't many AirPlay-compatible accessories on the market. Manufacturers haven't really adopted Apple's wireless technology like the company had hoped it would.

So it's no surprise that Macotakara, a Japanese blog known for leaking Apple information, is reporting that the company is looking to rethink wireless connectivity in iOS. The company is now apparently showing a deep interest in Bluetooth.

Radio Shack Offering $30 Off AT&T iPhone 4 and 4S

Cody Lee ∙ Updated June 25, 2017

Folks that missed out on all of the Black Friday festivities will be happy to hear that retailers aren't quite done discounting Apple products yet. Yesterday, we told you about some major iPad deals going on over at Apple.com, and now we've come across some other specials.

It appears that Radio Shack, one of America's largest electronics retailers, is discounting most of its AT&T-branded smartphones this month. The sale covers Android handsets by top manufacturers like HTC and Sony, and also includes the iPhone 4 and 4S...

Apple Gets Final Go-Ahead For iPhone 4S Release in China, Release Imminent

Oliver Haslam ∙ Updated October 25, 2016

It's all systems go for Apple in China, after the country's regulators gave the iPhone 4S the last level approval required before going on sale.

According to reports, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the required network access permit this week, removing the final stumbling block which had prevented the latest iPhone from going on sale in the country. Apple had recently confirmed that the iPhone 4S was indeed ready to be released, and that the company was simply awaiting the go-ahead from the authorities.

The move means that Apple and its wireless partners now have all they need to bring the iPhone 4S to the largest smartphone market on the planet...

Samsung’s Anti-Apple TV Ads Continue by Taking Cheap Shots at iCloud

Cody Lee ∙ December 10, 2011

Samsung has been on a warpath with its advertising team over the past few weeks. We've seen them air multiple commercials that blatantly take shots at iPhone users, and a full-blown Facebook anti-Apple campaign.

The company's latest TV ad to find its way to the air waves is called "Movies and Music." And once again it features a group of young adults waiting in line for the new iPhone, when a Galaxy S II catches their eyes...

How to Install Siri Proxy Tutorial [Video]

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated January 27, 2012

We've gone hands-on with Siri Proxy, and the things you can do with this handy tool are amazing.

But as you know, at iDB we don't like to keep all the good stuff to ourselves. For that reason, we've created this comprehensive video tutorial and guide that shows you how to run Siri Proxy on your iPhone 4S.

We show you step-by-step what's needed to try out Siri Proxy yourself...

Kevlar Tether Keeps Your iPhone On a Leash So You Can Live Like a Daredevil

Oliver Haslam ∙ December 9, 2011

If you're an adrenaline junkie or just someone that likes to spend their free time at great heights, then you're no doubt very aware of the risks carrying your gadgets. Dropping your iPhone when on a ski lift or falling from 10,000 foot surely isn't a good feeling.

One company is trying to take the worry out of such daredevil feats by offering a last line of defense, should the worst happen. Drop your iPhone while bungee jumping – no, we're not sure why you would be holding it at that particular time, either – and you're golden, all thanks to the Kenu Highline.

The Highline is a special kevlar loop which acts as a mini-bungee, meaning any accidental drops will see your iDevice safe and sound instead of smashed into tiny, tiny pieces. Awesome, if you like that kind of thing...

Our Own Video Demonstration of Siri Proxy in Action

Jeff Benjamin ∙ December 9, 2011

Late last night I set out with the goal of getting the much talked about Siri Proxy server running on my iMac and iPhone 4S. After a couple of hours of tinkering, I could finally report success.

We've all seen the videos, but actually using it yourself is a whole different experience. It's really amazing what Pete “Plamoni” Lamonica has been able to pull off with Siri Proxy.

What's even better is that there's all sorts of plugins available to take advantage of. Check inside as we go hands-on with the Twitter and IMDB plugins for this wonderful Siri enhancer...

iPhone 3GS Sales Continue to Impress

Oliver Haslam ∙ December 9, 2011

Apple's iPhone 3GS is still proving to be popular after being on the market for over two years.

New numbers coming from the notoriously questionable DigiTimes suggest that Apple could see its iPhone 3GS production top the 2 millon mark during the fourth quarter of 2011. Those are stellar figures for a handset that is not one, but two generations old.

The news comes as further reports claim Apple is set to sell around 30 million iPhones during the holiday season...