What's Next for the iPhone?

The iPhone has long been a device of innovation. However, in recent times, the OS has gotten a bit outdated and stale. In order for Apple to stay on top, what should they do with the iPhone? The rumored iPhone 6 features a 4-inch 2272×1280 beyond Retina IGZO display with a pixel density of 652ppi. It's also planned to have a 12 MP camera, come in multiple colors, and support up to 128 GB of storage. There has been rumors of Apple making a cheaper, plastic iPhone in order to compete with lower-priced Android phones. The IGZO displays will also allow the iPhone to have a longer battery life and thinner design. iOS 7 is also going to have a revamp, with possibly Mission Control and Dashboard as plausible options.

iPad 5 Release Information

Considering that the 4th generation iPad was released just about 3 months ago, it seems quite unlikely but still possible for a March release of the new 5th generation iPad. However, this isn't stopping rumors from floating around about updates the next iPad will be receiving.

An October release sounds more realistic for the 5th-gen iPad, as it will likely be thinner and smaller than its predecessor. Jeremy Horwitz of iLounge, who was able to see a "supposedly accurate" physical model of the iPad 5, said that the 9.7" display has seemingly no right or left bezel and there is only enough room for the Home Button below the screen.

The 5th-gen iPad is said to look like a "stretched out iPad mini" as it is much smaller than before. Apple will likely address previous problems to ensure the new iPad sells well, such as making sure the new processor uses less power and the screen is improved without adding thickness to the device. Apple also reportedly will be relying on Sharp for new screen technology.

iPhone 4S Photos

AAPL Below $500 on Reports of Weak iPhone 5 Demand

For a moment on Monday, Apple's stock price dropped below $500 for the first time in nearly a year. That represents a large drop from Friday, where it closed at $520.30. The decline comes from reports that Apple has had to cut orders from LCD manufacturers because of lower iPhone 5 demand than expected. This is surely going to worry investors, as Apple has always performed above predictions, and not below. The company is also considering to create a cheaper iPhone in order to compete with cheap Android phones.

New iPads to Be Released in March?

Bryan White of Topeka Capital Markets released a report stating that it is likely that Apple will release a new iPad and iPad mini in March. The report said the following:

Our checks at CES indicate Apple will release the iPad 5 and the second-generation iPad mini this March. The iPad 5 is expected to be lighter and thinner than the iPad 4 that was released in October, while the form factor of the iPad mini should be similar to the first generation iPad mini that debuted in October.

Is Apple going to start 1/2 year release cycles? This might piss off some consumers. What do you think? 

Xerox CFO joining Apple as Corporate Controller

Friday, Xerox made an announcement that their Chief Financial Officer, Luca Maestri will be joining Apple as a Corporate Controller. He will replace Betsy Rafael, who retired last Fall and had served as Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer. The role of PAO was handed to CFO Peter Oppenheimer. The move will take effect February 28.

Xerox speaks about Maestri:

"Luca is a stellar finance executive whose contributions have brought great value to the transformation of Xerox into a services enterprise,” said Ursula Burns, Xerox chairman and chief executive officer. "He's helped strengthen our financial foundation, which will serve his successor, our company and our shareholders well for the long term."

Apple Lowers Thunderbolt Cable Price, Releases New Model

Apple has updated its Thunderbolt cable lineup. The price of the 2.0 meter Thunderbolt cable was dropped to $39 from $49, and a cheaper 0.5 meter model was introduced for $29. Even though there's been price decreases, Thunderbolt cables are still very expensive because it supports many protocols, working as a FireWire, PCIe, and Gigabit port. This makes Thunderbolt not only expensive, but difficult to deploy on devices. 

Low Cost iPhones Coming to Emerging Markets?

The utterly-false rumor site Digitimes reports that Apple is preparing a new design for an inexpensive iPhone that's heading to emerging markets in late 2013. The website cites sources within Apple's supply chain. The sources also say that the iPhone will have a larger display and will come with a revamped design. One part of this Digitimes story doesn't add up. If Apple makes an iPhone with a larger screen, than it will most likely increase the cost. Given of how Digitimes and these "unnamed sources" are almost always wrong, don't expect this to play out.

Google Fiber Offers Free Internet

In case you haven't heard, Google has started this new thing, titled "Google Fiber". Basically, what Google Fiber is, is free internet, that is after you pay a $300 construction fee and then it's free. But's that's not the only thing that they offer, they also offer 1 Gigabit Internet at $70 a month, or you could get 1 Gigabit internet and TV for $120 a month.

It has only, as of now, gone to a few neighborhoods (called fiberhoods) in Kansas City. But Google hopes to expand all across the United States. For me, this is probably one of the greatest things that Google has ever done. At least it's free high speed internet, which is good for everyone.

New Otterbox Crush-Proof iPhone Cases

Otterbox recently announced that they will be releasing their new Armor Series iPhone cases for iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5. These cases will probably become the best, providing ultimate protection. They are capable of lasting up to 30 minutes in a 6.6 ft. submersion in water, drop proof from resisting a drop from 10 ft. in the air because it has over-molded bumpers in each corner, dust proof, by letting no entry of debris or dust from vents and port covers made of a non-permeable membrane and protective mesh layer, and the feature I love, is crush proof, meaning they can withstand a drop of 2 tons on them. They're made with reinforced plastic, and have a soft interior foam. It's like the phone case version of Superman. This is just incredible. The cases will be available to ship starting February 22 for iPhone 4/4S, and sometime soon for iPhone 5. The only downside, it's price, which is a good 99 bucks. I don't know, might be worth it.