Production

Proposed Next-gen iPhone Components Reveal Similar Design to Current Model

Cody Lee ∙ May 14, 2011

We've said it before. With so little known about the unreleased iPhone this year, expect to see non-stop speculation regarding Apple's next smartphone. While last year, we knew almost everything about the device, we're not even totally positive there is going to be one this year.

The latest bit of gossip comes from ModMyi, who have posted a photograph of an iPhone 5 component. The snapshot comes from an Italian blog which, thanks to Google Translate, claims they have actual photos of parts used in the next iPhone...

iKeyboard Promises Touch-Typing on Your iPad

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2011

One of the biggest downfalls of tablet PCs is the virtual keyboard. Folks who rely on their portable computers for heavy data input have avoided the new trend, due to the lack of a proper keyboard. Up until now, touch-typing on tablets has been a pipe-dream, but Cliff Thier is looking to change that with his invention, the iKeyboard.

This slip on accessory is guaranteed to make you type faster by eliminating the need for "hunt and peck" typing. iKeyboard slips over your iPad 2 in landscape mode, and outlines your virtual keyboard.

Not only does this make finding keys easier, it adds a layer of material on top of your iPad so you can rest your fingers on the keys without typing. This also provides for a similar tactile experience as a normal keyboard.

You can't pick one of these up at the local Best Buy just yet. Cliff Thier started a Kickstarter project for his iKeyboard and it is expected to be funded June 28. Though he has already reach his goal, feel free to pledge $30 or more to grab one of these before they hit the selves. My mouth's watering just thinking about typing with one of these things.

What about you?

Labor and Materials Shortages Could Impact iPhone 4 Shipments

Cody Lee ∙ May 12, 2011

If you are currently sporting an iPhone 3GS or older model and are thinking you might not be able to hold out for the next product refresh, you may want to grab an iPhone 4 while it's still available.

DigiTimes is reporting that Taiwan-based manufacturing firm Foxconn is facing a shortage of both labor and materials at its China plants. This will likely affect shipments of Apple's new iPad 2 tablet and the popular iPhone 4...

Foxconn Employees Still Treated Poorly?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

This is one of the saddest stories in Apple's epic saga. They continue to do business with large manufacturing companies that just can't figure out how to treat their employees. It seems like we are always hearing about employees of Apple's suppliers being poisoned or working in insufferable conditions.

To be fair, Apple is one of largest electronic manufacturers in the world. That kind of notoriety would put a target on anyone's back. But it is concerning that Apple still pays Foxconn money, even with the ongoing reports of their lack of compassion for their employee's well-being...

White iPhone 4 is Thicker than Black

Guest Author ∙ Updated November 13, 2019

Apple's white iPhone 4 officially went on sale yesterday. While Apple claimed that the white model was exactly the same as the black version, it seems there is a slight difference between the two color options.

White iPhone 4 owners are reporting that the new handset is slightly thicker than its black counterpart. Yesterday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and SVP Phil Schiller opened up regarding the challenges faced when bringing the elusive white iPhone 4 to the market.

Foxconn Employees Arrested for Leaking iPad 2 Information

Cody Lee ∙ April 28, 2011

Have you ever wondered how case designers and analysts always seem to know information about Apple products before they hit masses? It seems like every solid piece of evidence we get about upcoming devices are from accessory makers or market analysts that have sources inside Apple's supply chain.

Being one of these "tipsters" could make for a really good side job, as long as you are compensated well and you don't get caught. Well, it looks like a couple of Foxconn employees missed the memo, as they were recently arrested on related charges.

For those who don't know, Foxconn manufactures electronics and components for many large tech companies including HP, Sony, and obviously, Apple. Many of the company's iDevices are constructed at Foxconn's factory in Shenzhen, China. You may recall all the negative attention the plant received last year after a string of work-related employee suicides.

Digitimes has translated a report from Chinese-langague sznews.com that tells the latest story. Apparently several online retailers in China had iPad 2 protective cases available to sell, well before the device was announced. This led Foxconn to believe that there were employees leaking information on Apple's latest tablet, and they reported it to the police.

After a brief investigation, local law enforcement arrested three suspects on December 26th of last year. Since then, the police have gathered enough evidence to officially charge the three former Foxconn employees for violating the company's trade secrets. The charges were filed at the end of last month, and the three defendants are currently awaiting trial.

Since Apple thrives on the secrecy of upcoming products, I can assume they are looking to prosecute to the full extent of the law. The fact that a Foxconn employee reportedly committed suicide 2 years ago after losing an iPhone, suggests that most folks would rather not cross the Cupertino company.

What do you think?

The Ultimate iPad Stand

Cody Lee ∙ April 22, 2011

Have you ever tried looking at a recipe application on your iPad while trying to cook? Or tried to learn how to play the guitar via an iPad app? These things would be so much easier if you had someone or something to hold your tablet for you.

Enter the Kickstarter project by designer Seth Quest. It looks like him and his partner just recently raised enough money to fund production of their prototype, the Hanfree.

The iPad accessory is designed to hold your iPad for you, leaving your hands free to do other things. The Hanfree is essentially a case attached to a wide base, with a steel neck and a ball and socket joint.

This setup allows for 360 degree rotation of the iPad, so it can easily be switched from landscape to portrait mode. The see-through case securely grips your iPad as you're using it, and the stainless steel neck pivots so you can swing the device out of the way when you're not.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9VkOTONWaM

I think the design is fairly brilliant given the options of iPad stands currently available. Apparently others think so too. The Kickstarter project has exceeded its $15,000 goal and is set to be funded early next month.

Even though they've already collected enough to start production, they are still taking donations. If you pledge $50 or more, you get a Hanfree once they start shipping. Not a bad deal considering the product will retail for $79.99.

What do you think?

iPhone 5 to Sport A5 Processor and 8 MP Camera?

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 24, 2016

It might seem like the rumor mill is working over time on Apple's next smartphone, but it's really nothing new. Up and coming Apple products typically garner a lot of attention.

There is a ton of speculation about the next iPhone flying around the internet, but none of it has been confirmed. Without an official announcement from Apple, all the tech junkies and investors have to go on are the rumors...

A Closer Look At The Life Of The Foxconn Worker

Alex Heath ∙ Updated September 17, 2017

Foxconn, the Chinese industrial giant, has been under the spotlight recently due to a string of suicides supposedly linked to the factory's awful working conditions. Foxconn is Apple's main supplier for product manufacturing; it's the place where our iPhones get made.

A french journalist and photographer, Jordan Pouille, recently revisited a large Foxconn facorty in Longhua, China. His visit was in tandem with a highly publicized pay raise for the factory's 300,000+ Chinese workers.

While it seems that the living conditions of these young workers (mostly teenagers or young 20-somethings) has improved since Foxconn's dehumanizing treatment of its employees was brought into the light, something still doesn't feel right about the way that our gadgets are being made...

5 iPhones Were Made in the Time it Took You to Read This

Sébastien Page ∙ September 15, 2010

Yes, by the time you finished reading the title of this post, Foxconn produced about 5 iPhones. Now I let you imagine how many iPhones are made in the time it's going to take you to read the rest of this post.

Last week we shared with you an article about where the iPhone is made, in which the CEO of Foxconn said his company makes 137,000 iPhones per day. If you do the math, that's almost 1.6 iPhone per second...

The iPad is Shipping Faster and Faster

Sébastien Page ∙ August 19, 2010

About a month ago we reported that there was production delays for the iPad, pushing the shipping time to about 7-10 days. Apple's website now shows shipping times of about 3-5 days, which is basically twice as fast as it used to be. In the meantime, it looks like the iPhone 4 production is accelerating too as shortages are expected to be a thing of the past soon.

Are you still waiting for an iPad or an iPhone 4?

[TUAW]

iPhone 4 Production Finally Catching up With Demand

Guest Author ∙ August 19, 2010

Rodman and Renshaw analyst Ashok Kumar tells GigaOm that waiting for an iPhone 4 will become noticeably easier by the end of September. If the production of devices finally gets on par with their demand, Kumar says the iPhone 4 should sell 14 million units in the 3rd quarter and 15 million in the 4th. What's unbelievable is that those predictions are actually feasible and not ridiculous.

Without a "big" delay in supply Kumar believes that Apple can lynch off the flow of supply enough to stay well ahead of their expectations. I would say he's right given the record numbers thus far.

It's worth mentioning that the mentioned analyst cites that LG is pumping out more 9.7 displays for the iPad's production as well. His predictions are that the popular handheld should be able to achieve 5 to 6 million units this quarter. Not bad for being a big iPod Touch.

What has your experience been lately? Have any of you tried waltzing into an Apple (or other retailer) and been able to walk out with an iPhone 4? Let us know how your luck has been in obtaining the new iDevice in the comment section.