We all know that Apple has acquired NFC technology earlier this year, but to hear that they are actually going to slap it into the functions of an upcoming smart phone is certainly news to the ears.
On one part, we are quite excited. Not only will Apple provide an impressive new convenience for everyone, but they are also going to be setting a new standard for other mobile phones to follow.
After all, when it comes to being able to unlock the car door with a phone or by simply waving a handset over a cash register to pay for the groceries would certainly be a great convenience. No more need to fiddle around with the wallet looking for a credit card or jangling around a keychain looking for one specific key.
This is the power of near field communications technology and while its current applications are minimal, we can expect that the use of NFC will grow in the coming years. The question is, is Apple on the right track?
The answer is a lot harder than one thinks. Despite the fact that the technology is truly convenient, it is also very dangerous as many people will be vulnerable to wireless attacks. The fact is that physical keys have a very important security feature; you need to be able to hold it in your hands. Wireless technology does not require that. And it is far easier to duplicate a wireless signal than to make an exact replica of a key just by sight.
It will be a while before Apple is able to sort out the issues and release the iPhone 5. Considering that it was only just a while back that the iPhone 4 got launch, it will be quite some time before we see NFC technology on a smart phone, and until then, all eyes will be on Apple.
Posts Tagged ‘Apple-iPhone-4’
Apple to Use NFC Technology
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010Weekly Mobile News: HTC Mozart, O2 iPhone 4, Dell Thunder
Monday, August 16th, 2010Several new devices are being announced (or re-announced) one after the other. All the devices have been previously revealed in both official teasers and unofficial leaks, and to help give readers a good overview of things, there is a quick round up of some of the upcoming devices.
First, on Window Phone 7 is the HTC Mozart. Now, there is actually plenty of confusion regarding the number of actual WP7 devices that the Taiwan based phone maker will be making as compared to the number of code names that we already know. So far, it is still being assumed that the HTC Mozart is a different device than the HTC Mondrian.
As for the HTC Schubert, we are still placing that name in the ever growing rumor pile. Anyway, the Mozart is expected to live up to (and slightly surpass) the type 1 chassis minimum requirements, so expect a high end device as well.
O2 UK has announced that they are now offering the antenna bugged Apple iPhone 4 to consumers through a pay as you go deal that takes away the burden and issue of handling payments each month. With just a 4 Pound difference with the Apple Store price, this is actually a great deal for anyone who wants to get a piece of the Apple action.
Lastly, Dell’s newest handset is taking a solid cue from the previously launched Dell Streak: keep a unique form factor. Now, it is pretty obvious that the Dell Thunder is not the only portrait oriented slider phone in existence, but among the Android community, it is still one of the first.
So far, it would be premature to tell if the keyboard works as good as it looks, but the initial images show a well designed four row keyboard layout that many smart phone fans will be familiar with.
Apple: Jailbreaking Issue Fixed, for Now
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Hackers will have to work hard once again in cracking open Apple’s tough security shell. The latest Apple iOS 4 update removes the security bug with PDF files that originally allowed the previous jailbreak software to access the smart phone’s content.
According to reports, the issue with the PDF reader is that it not only allowed jailbreak software to be used on the device, but it also exposed the system to a whole range of possible attacks through this exploit. In the same sense that the jailbreak software could be used to bypass the phone’s security, so could other malicious content as well.
Of course, this is a two for one combination for Apple as they are able to provide a security update and take out jailbreaking in a single, masterful stroke.
The only question now is when the next jailbreak software will be created. Considering the expensive prices of apps in the iTunes store and how Apple’s own proprietary software tends to limit users with what they can do on Apple’s devices, there is a pretty large community of people who simply want to have their iPhones on jailbreak. For some, this is as simple as not updating to the latest version of the iOS (which is version 4.0.2), and being vigilant about what files and software they use on the iPhone.
For those who have already updated, it is the start of another long wait. While it did not take long for the development of the first jailbreak software, hackers will have to start from scratch as they seek out new ways of accessing the inner workings of the iOS 4.
In other Apple iPhone 4 news, the white version of the famous smart phone has once again been announced as delayed. Many believe that the metallic glass technology is one of the reasons why production of the device is taking too long.
News Recap: LG’s Comeback to MWC, iPhone 4 Delay and HTC Ace
Friday, August 13th, 2010
It seems that there are plenty of new things happening this week, and here is a quick overview of all the big highlights for the first two weeks of August.
The big news around the block is that Korean phone maker LG is now out of recession and is confirming its attendance at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. The manufacturer made a no show at the previous MWC (which was held in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain).
Not only has the company been inactive, their actual sales performance for the first half of 2010 has been dismally poor. However, as the later months are approaching, news of LG devices are surfacing (such as the additional Optimus handsets) and the upcoming LG Panther which is a Windows Phone 7 device.
At the Apple camp in Cupertino, the folks who came up with the concept of iBranding are now rushing the development of the new white version of the Apple iPhone. Currently, the only announcement is that the device is simply being delayed by production concerns.
Consumers on the other hand are hoping that the delay means that Apple is working on a fix for the problem with the antenna before launching the white version of the OS. Others believe that the retina screen takes an unfavorably long time to manufacture properly.
Lastly, it seems that the HTC Desire HD, now known as the HTC Ace, is also being considered as the HTC Evo for UK. While it is obvious that the Ace is an offshoot of the Desire, the relation to the Evo is not as confirmed.
In any case, the phone will be packing an 8 mega pixel camera with 720 HD video recording. There are also rumors that the processor to be used in the phone will be running at a speed of over 1GHz.
Why the Torch 9800 Cannot Compete with the iPhone 4
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
There has been plenty of talk about the new BlackBerry Torch 9800 bring positioned as a rival for the Apple iPhone 4, however that is not quite as sound an idea as it seems.
Even BlackBerry users are well aware of the capabilities of the BlackBerry handset and why it would not do much when facing off against the iPhone 4. In terms of hardware, the two are pretty much alike, while the 9800 Torch has advantages in practicality (and no antenna issues) it lacks the media and app focus of the iPhone’s retina display screen.
Of course, some would point out that media playback capabilities are the next big thing about the 9800 Torch. That is true, but compared to the already polished media capabilities of other phones the Torch is still giving the world something that is ordinary.
Another advantage that Apple has is reputation, an example of this is how they were able to get away scot-free (mostly) from the issue regarding the antenna on the iPhone 4. With other devices, this might have been reason enough for sales to drop down. With the iPhone 4, despite the media backlash and apparent bad reputation that the company is gaining, there is no slowdown in the sales of the iPhone 4 handsets.
And if there is any slow down happening, it is caused by shortage of stocks and the fact that most of the buyers already bought one.
BlackBerry lacks that mass media appeal. The fact that they are known as a business handset practically brands them as a non-fun mobile phone maker, and no amount of games and fun applications could change that. Even the form factor (which is impressively efficient) has been associated with business –and worse work.
Nobody doubts that the new BlackBerry handset will be successful, but as for beating the iPhone, that is something RIM cannot achieve with the Torch.
Vodafone: iPhone 4 on Pay as You Go
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010Apple’s iPhone 4 is now available on pay as you go through Vodafone UK, so users who would prefer to get the handset outside of a two year contract now have a great alternative. The prices are pretty much on par with plan standards; the 32 GB version will set buyers back by £570 while the 16 GB version has a price tag of £480.
The phone is pretty much like the older iPhone 3G, though the unit redesign looks a little sleeker than it did before. Surprisingly, the hardware is not quite as impressive as one would have expected it to be. Putting aside the issue of the antenna (which we will get to later), the phone’s biggest claim to fame would have to be its display screen which uses Apple’s new retina technology.
In terms of resolution, the new display screen is massively powerful, but the graphical difference between this and Samsung’s super AMOLED display is practically so close that it makes more sense to stick to the Samsung hardware as the production of the Retina display is not as cheap.
Going back to the antenna issue, this is due to a part of the antenna being exposed on the lower right side of the handset. Generally, the phone works fine, but when held in such a way that the part comes into contact with human touch, the signal goes dead –though it comes back if you let go of that part.
This should not be a big deal, if the area was easy to avoid. Unfortunately, rules of ergonomics show that the area is quite likely to be touched a lot –especially when making phone calls. And this is why there was such a fuss with all the dropped calls. Apple is currently offering free iPhone 4 bumper cases to all new iPhone 4 owners.
Ads and Data Mining: Apple iOS 4
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010Apple is sitting on top of what is considered to be a future gold mine in terms of mobile advertising: the iAds program which will be fully implemented in the near future is already selling to plenty of major companies all over the world. The fact that this system will allow advertisers to instantly reach and tap into the millions of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users is certainly more than enough reason to say that the potential is outstanding.
But what does this all entail?
What many users might not be aware of is the fact that the iOS 4 terms of agreement includes a rather unique entry that is not part of the previous Apple OS terms: Apple now has the right to gather real time information from users regarding data on location. This is obviously going to be used for location based advertisements for iAds, but that does not stop some unscrupulous individuals from creating malicious applications that would actually take advantage of the data mining that the OS already does.
The whole point of data mining is for Apple to be able to create a believable and feasible user database that would help it create demographic categories of Apple device users. The folks at Cupertino have plenty to catch up on with this department as it will have to compete with Google’s business model –which many believe is already backed by the same powerful system that AdSense also uses.
At this point, what we can all be sure of is that no consumer is excited about the new ad system, but many companies certainly are already on board with Apple’s vision. While it is argued that media owners stand to lose a bit of control, they will gain a better option for reaching more of their target market –which is a pretty good deal.
Upgrades: Changing Your Mobile Phone
Monday, August 9th, 2010
When it comes to upgrades, you can only go so far. Changing the batteries to a high capacity model, placing in a wireless charging device, downloading tools, apps and tweaks that would improve the overall performance of your handset –these are but some of the few things that people do in order to make their mobile devices better.
But when it comes to upgrading, nothing beats starting out scratch and purchasing a completely new phone –and the first step starts with disposing of the old one.
This one is actually a lot easier than most people think: simply bring your old mobile device to a recycling center so that you can be given cash reward for it. This may not yield as much as from selling the handset in an online auction or by finding a buyer for it in trade forums. But it is certainly a big step in helping save the environment.
Choosing your mobile device is the next big decision and it starts by deciding what OS and user interface suits your needs best. The general rule these days is to simply go with an Android smart phone since that actually answers most users needs –gaming, work, messaging, navigation, media and more. The Android OS is also updated often, which means that users do not need to worry about security issues or major bugs. Full updates however, are a lot slower.
The iPhone is a great choice for those who simply want to be part of the in-crowd. Just be sure to remember to avail of the free iPhone 4 Bumper if you plan on purchasing the latest release of the handset since the antenna design is so bad.
BlackBerry handsets are most recommended for users with plenty of business functions needed and more importantly messaging capabilities. The upcoming BB torch 9800 should also be bringing plenty of media functionality as well.
Apple iPhone 3G: No Game Centre Support
Friday, August 6th, 2010
Apple seems to have forgotten that the Apple iPhone and the iPod Touch are getting plenty of use thanks to gaming applications. And these apps are not the type of games that one would find the addictive hardcore gamer wanting to play, but rather a series of small applications built for enjoyment and micro-transactions that attract thousands of users.
According to Apple, the Game Centre support has been removed from the iPhone 3G and they will now be concentrating on the iPhone 4. It is a pretty bold move now that they decided to leave millions of iPhone 3G users in the air without any tech support for their applications. But if the folks at Cupertino believe that the move would entice more people switching to the newer iPhone, they are sorely mistaken. Besides, the iPhone 4 already has enough unsolved problems to begin with (such as the antenna issue and the iOS 4 problems with older iPhone devices).
Users of the iPhone are also quick to point out that for a device that primarily finds plenty of functionality through gaming applications (which, according to sales reports, sell only second to digital books); Apple lacks support for the games. One simple aspect is save files: after all, not all games can be played in one quick sitting, lengthier titles would require a form of a game save.
Sadly, this game save data is directly linked to an existing application and there is no way to back it up. If the app is deleted, so does the save file –and there is no way to restore deleted games with save data short restoring from a previous full backup. Many users have been hoping that Apple would come out with a way to save individual game files and to be able to manually restore progress from previous games that had to be uninstalled.
Three’s Plans for the iPhone 4 Revealed
Friday, July 30th, 2010
Three seems to be the last in line to get Apple’s highly popular iPhone 4. After T-Mobile has announced their own plans of releasing the device this coming July 30, Three has also spilled the beans on their own plans. The two very prominent mobile network operators will have to slice of the iPhone 4 pie when getting consumers to peruse their services.
This news came from Three’s very own sponsored blog site, namely, Mobile Buzz. Which means that this little tidbit is as confirmed as it gets. With regards to what the contracts entail and the details of the subscription, it is looking mighty tempting.
For any Apple die hard in the UK that has yet to get an iPhone 4, Three gives you choices. For a reasonable 30 GBP per month and an initial payment of 99 GBP for the actual mobile phone unit, you will get the 16 GB version of the iPhone 4 coupled with 5000 text messages, 500 minutes of non-stop talk time (Three to Three) and 1 GB of data transferred through web surfing.
The data focused mobile network carrier also has an option for consumers who would rather go for the 32 GB version of Apple’s controversial device. For a 32 GB capacity iPhone 4, it will cost about 189 GBP initially. Interestingly, there is no 35 GBP plan available for consumers.
For those who would rather forego the onetime payment of 99 GBP or 189 GBP, there is a 45 GBP per month option without an initial cost. At the very least this helps ease the purchase instead of requiring you to pay a significant amount up front.
While Omio does not have any news regarding the deals as of now, there is a way to get email alerts by signing up for the service on their site.