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What would it take for you to upgrade from your iPhone 5?

Oliver Haslam ∙ July 6, 2013

It's arguably the worst kept secret in modern technology. In fact, it's hard to really call it a secret anymore, because anyone with even a passing knowledge of smartphones will know that Apple tends to announce and release new iPhones around August/September/October time.

That's why rumors start to really heat up around now, and photos of supposed screens, random cables attachments and claimed rear covers begin cropping up with increasing frequency. It's as predictable as night turning to day, and we love it.

One of the perennial questions though is one that I'm being asked on a regular basis, and not just by techy types. The question is a simple one: what will Apple announce and will I want to buy it?

Japan’s NTT DoCoMo not getting iPhone over Apple’s volume and carrier crapware stance

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Japan's top wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo still doesn't carry the iPhone, a decision its executive Katzuto Tsubouhi defended in an interview with the Wall Street Journal by arguing that Apple's device is no longer "the god of all smartphones."

For DoCoMo, Google's Android software provides more opportunities to customize the experience by preloading the handsets with a flurry of the carrier's many services and applications, something Apple strictly prohibits.

But holding out on the iPhone has come at a price as NTT DoCoMo since the iPhone's inception lost 3.2 million users of its 60 million subscribers to rival telcos who sell the iconic smartphone. In pointing the finger of blame at Apple the carrier told Reuters that the California firm wouldn't let it put its logo on the device and preload its lifestyle apps...

iFixit’s video walkthrough details DIY iPhone 5 battery replacement process

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 4, 2013

Teardown experts over at iFixit know a thing or two about repairing consumer electronics and just yesterday they posted a nice video walkthrough explaining the process of replacing your iPhone 5's battery. So, if your battery died on you and you're eager to bring life back yourself to the device with a new one, block out your next hour, grab your screwdrivers and prying tools and arm yourself with patience and a steady hand...

Turtle Shell, a go-anywhere Bluetooth boombox

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated January 2, 2017

True to its name, the Turtle Shell is weather resistant and can take a beating. Not all Bluetooth speakers can say the same. Designed by Outdoor Technology, the dust and shock proof unit is also water-resistant for those nights by the pool or occasional rainstorm.

Producing "Stuff you probably want" is the pride and driving mantra for this group of easy going devs. The pyramid triangular design and bold colors give Turtle Shell a unique design that is modern and appealing. When using it in the office, several passersby stopped just to comment on the aesthetic and one of my office mates even took it home for a party. But, according to Outdoor Tech, inside is the last place you should be using their wireless boombox...

Apple readying sweeping changes to iPhone sales tactics to deflect Android competition

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 3, 2013

Normally, Apple would just continue pushing its iPhone using same old marketing tricks, which entail heavy advertising, the power of the Apple brand and lots of free press. But heightened competition, slowing smartphone sales and ongoing uncertainty about the economy presumably prompted Tim Cook and his leadership team to implement changes to how the firm goes about selling smartphones.

Sales tactics changes on the agenda reportedly include a trade-in program, improvements to price-matching policies internationally and promotions akin to Apple's Back to School program. Jump past the fold for the full breakdown...

Skyhook says Google bad-mouthed its Wi-Fi location tech to Apple

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 3, 2013

It's nearly unthinkable: a technology firm bad-talking a rival to a prospective customer. That's the heart of the latest claim by a location services company suing Internet giant Google for alleged patent infringement.

Skyhook Wireless is asking a court to compel Google to turn over documents showing co-founder Sergey Brin spoke badly of SkyHook's GPS location technology. As part of a recent court filing, Skyhook charges Brin told Apple co-founder Steve Jobs that the iPhone maker could do better if it went with Google...

Boston University could reap $75M in Apple patent infringement suit

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 3, 2013

Boston University (BU) could reap $75 million in a patent-infringement lawsuit filed against Apple Tuesday. The lawsuit centers on a patent filed in 1995 by a university professor which the school charges is used by the iPhone 5, iPad and MacBook Air.

The university has filed eight "identical" lawsuits against other device makers, including Samsung and Amazon. To bolster its argument that Apple should pay, the school is set to claim it is already receiving licensing fees for using the patent, according to a local report...

iOS 7 hints at growing interest in Apple pre-release software

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated February 9, 2016

Whenever Apple releases new software, consumers rush to give it a try. Now the average Apple user wants in on pre-release software once the domain only of developers and others paid to ensure everything is in order.

There has been such interest in the changes made to iOS 7 that this so-called 'beta' software is being adopted at a faster pace than test versions of iOS 6, one company noted Tuesday.

More than twice as many iPhones are online with the beta version of iOS 7 than was the case when the pre-release version of iOS 6 was made available to developers, according to a company which optimizes websites for mobile users.

Why the heightened interest in software declared not ready for mass use? How is Apple responding to this trend?

Alleged plastic iPhone shot pictures a blue variant

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 3, 2013

Last week, a usually reliable French blog found a pair of images said to depict the polycarbonate shell of Apple’s purported lower-cost iPhone. The Cupertino company has long been said to be working on a lower-cost handset to make inroads into emerging markets like China and India. If these shots are anything to go by, the budget iPhone will come in some vivid colors, like yellow, red and green.

The same blog on Wednesday re-posted another photograph that pictures a blue variant of the device, bringing the number of supposed color choices to four. More tidbits right after the break...

iOS apparently grabbed nearly 75 percent of mobile ad market in May

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated May 3, 2017

As we've noted in the past, Apple has the unique ability to have products outnumbered by Android, yet excel in areas which count - like advertising. The latest case in point is a study finding nearly 75 percent of mobile ads are served to Apple's iDevices.

By contrast, Android's share of the mobile ad market is decreasing with Samsung's Galaxy S smartphones delivering barely any ad impressions, according to figures released by a mobile ad company...

Real Racing 3 Prestige update adds Mercedes-Benz and Bentley vehicles, more

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 2, 2013

Developer Firemonkeys and publisher Electronic Arts thus far issued two major content updates to Real Racing 3, enriching the experience by adding hundreds of new events along with an assortment of new vehicles.

Today, the dynamic duo released a third tentatively named 'Prestige' update along the same lines. If you're a fan of high-speed racing games, the Prestige update should make you happy.

The content pack features some high speed cars from Mercedes-Benz and Bentley, more than 180 new events, twilight racing and the highly requested Time Trial mode. I've included more information and a video after the break...

iPhone leads customer satisfaction in Samsung’s home turf of South Korea

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 2, 2013

There's nothing like winning over your competitor's hometown audience. Apple, accustomed to topping nearly every customer satisfaction survey, must take particular pleasure in being named best by smartphone owners in South Korea, home of rival Samsung.

The survey found even a year after purchase, iPhone owners were more satisfied overall, as well as happy with the repair experience. Customer satisfaction is an often-cited metric by Apple CEO Tim Cook, a quality in which some see him well-suited...