With the official announcement of Samsung's Galaxy S III drawing nearer, rumors and speculation abound. Now, BGR claims information on the device's specifications and capabilities, as well as the marketing push that may accompany its launch.
Mac users expecting a spring refresh of some notebook and desktop models may have to wait a bit longer, if the latest rumors are to be believed. DigiTimes, quoting a report from China's Economic Daily News, says that supplier checks now indicate that due to late April availability of some Ivy Bridge chips, Apple plans to launched refreshed iMac and MacBook Pro models near the end of the company's fiscal second quarter, which ends in June.
A broader range of potential specifications for Canon's EOS 5D Mark III camera may have leaked ahead of schedule. Corroborating earlier rumors, a leaked spec sheet posted on Canon Rumors suggests the DSLR will be outfitted with a 22-megapixel sensor and 61-point autofocus system. Fresh details point to a new Digic 5+ image processor, rather than the company's existing Digic 5 chip, and an ISO range that tops out at 102400.
Apple is allegedly preparing to refresh its MacBook Pro notebook lineup sometime next week, unnamed sources have told 9to5Mac. Several recent reports appear to corroborate the same rumor, though the latest details suggest the launch event may be imminent.
A source allegedly involved in the filming has told AppleInsider that Apple's ad agency is now shooting ad spots for the iPhone 5 national campaign -- but the filming isn't slated to wrap up until early October, supporting rumors of a mid-October or later release. The report says filming is taking place in Los Angeles under the auspices of TBWAChiatDay, Apple's long-time ad agency. Apple has been known to film its phone commercials roughly five weeks in advance.
HTC's rumored Vigor device has reportedly resurfaced in a NenaMark benchmark, which may point to several features. The handset benchmark, which carries the same ADR6425 model number from earlier leaks, suggests the rumored device may integrate a display with 720p resolution. The results also list Verizon as the carrier, corroborating vague details from the initial rumors.
Reports earlier today of a black MacBook Air prototype -- which later raised doubts -- are "grounded in truth" but won't be appearing anytime soon, says a tipster to MacRumors. A "powder coating" process was used to make prototypes, but flaws were discovered that made the idea untenable, the source claims.
Contrary to recent rumors surrounding the name of Toshiba's upcoming tablet, the company has filed to trademark the term 'Thrive' for an upcoming device specifically described as a "tablet computer." An Engadget report also points out that the company has established a range of domain names that include the term, including ToshibaThrive.com and ThriveTablet.com.
Nikon's rumored D5100 DSLR has allegedly surfaced in a leaked image that appears to have been accidentally included in a recent PR event held in Korea. The photo, which was posted by Nikon Rumors, does not provide enough detail to spot any new features, though it does show a side-mount swivel that is said to replace the D5100's bottom-mount design.
Wirefly and yet another leaked memo appear to corroborate several existing rumors pointing to March 17 as the launch date for HTC's Thunderbolt handset. An alleged screenshot of a Verizon equipment guide, which was posted on Droid Life, shows the 17th as the carrier's launch date for the Thunderbolt sold through "all channels."
Apple's next-generation iPad continues to be the focus of new rumors, the latest of which suggests the device may be ready to ship by the end of March. The information, which was posted on 9to5Mac, clearly fits among other unconfirmed and uncorroborated details, though the timing would mimic the launch schedule for the original iPad.
Despite rumors that Apple's retail staff are set to be briefed on new MacBook Pros, separate sources suggest the employees actually will receive information regarding new services titled 'Joint Venture.' If true, the information posted by Boy Genius Report appears to confirm an expansion of Genius Bar services, which were first hinted at a year ago when Apple filed to trademark the term.
Several sources in Apple's supply chain in Taiwan have cast doubt on rumors surrounding a seven-inch iPad, as the display vendors have yet to receive inquiries or orders from Apple for seven-inch touchscreen panels, according to a DigiTimes report.
Samsung's Nexus S handset may integrate a unique touchscreen panel based on a concave glass panel, unnamed sources have told Engadget. The curvature of the display may have been difficult to spot in earlier leaks, however the unique structure became apparent when the device was teased this week by Google CEO Eric Schmidt at the Web 2.0 conference.
HTC's HD7 smartphone has reportedly resurfaced in another inventory system with a launch date of October 18. The latest leak, posted by WMPoweruser, appears to show an inventory screenshot for O2's German branch.
The purported touchscreen for the next iPod nano has surfaced yet again in a new video, which also shows the alleged LCD cover for the next iPod touch. The video appears to show the same 1.7-inch touchscreen that has been linked in earlier rumors to the next-generation iPod nano or Shuffle, although the most recent reports lean toward a shrunken Nano.
Olympus may be preparing to announce a new flagship DSLR, the E-5, at the Photokina expo next month in Germany. The camera will reportedly retain the 12-megapixel sensor of the current E-3, along with the 4/3 lens mount, an unnamed source has told 4/3 Rumors. Olympus reportedly designed the E-5 to compete directly with Nikon's D300s and Canon's 7D.
Amid ongoing rumors of a Verizon-badged iPhone, Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber claims that Apple has maintained a CDMA iPhone "skunkworks" project for a long time. Gruber suggests the company may have always had a CDMA iPhone project, despite continuing an exclusive agreement with AT&T.
AT&T has allegedly barred employees from scheduling vacation time in June, likely ensuring a full staff when the next iPhone arrives on the market. Although the carrier has enforced similar policies for past iPhone launches, unnamed sources have told the Boy Genius Report that the current restriction does not extend into July.
Apple's fourth-generation iPhone may integrate a camera flash module for capturing pictures in low-light conditions. Developers reportedly noticed a variety of new camera functions contained in the framework of the iPhone 4.0 beta released earlier on Thursday, according to AppleInsider. The code includes functions labeled AVCaptureDevice.hasFlash, AVCaptureDevice.flashMode, and AVCaptureDevice.hasTorch.
A video posted by the repair company SmartPhoneMedic allegedly shows the LCD and digitizer assembly for an upcoming iPhone design. The components show a similar overall appearance to a glass facade recently obtained by a different repair company, iResQ. Side-by-side comparisons with an iPhone 3G display indicate a slightly longer design with the unconfirmed panels.
Canon is allegedly ready to launch a new Rebel DSLR, the T2i, sometime next week, according to Canon Rumors. The unconfirmed report, coming from an unnamed source who is said to have previously provided accurate information, claims the device will offer a new LCD with even higher resolution, along with selectable FPS settings for video capture.
Corroborating a number of earlier rumors, the Fox TV series 24 is reportedly set to feature an Apple tablet in one of the upcoming episodes, according to several tweets published by the show's director of photography, Rodney Charters. The device, referred to by Charters as the iSlate, will allegedly be utilized by the main character, Jack Bauer.
The Dutch photography site Fotografie.nl has listed a new book for Apple's upcoming Aperture 3 software. The book, written by J.W. Elzenga, is set for release on or after February 15th, leading to speculation that Apple will introduce the software at its media event scheduled for January 27th.
Apple stock (AAPL) on Thursday surged to a new record high amid rampant rumors surrounding the unconfirmed tablet device. Shares reached past $209 in late day trading, up approximately 10 percent in a single week. The stock has more than doubled in value since it bottomed out around $78 in January of this year.
Although Apple head Steve Jobs had been rumored to scrap earlier tablet projects, an unnamed source within the company has told The New York Times that the CEO is now satisfied with the design. Despite the wide variety of rumors and speculation surrounding the device, another recently departed Apple worker suggests consumers will be "very surprised" with how they can interact with the new interface.
Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber and "Fake Steve Jobs" blogger Dan Lyons both suggest Apple is ready to launch new products tomorrow. Lyons claims there is "something brewing" for a news announcement tomorrow, although he declined to provide specific details on the products.
Amid the growing rumors surrounding an Apple tablet, a patent has surfaced that involves hand gestures on a touchscreen much larger than the iPhone display. The technology, labeled as "Contact Tracking and Identification Module for Touch Sensing," appears to be an extension of the current Multi-Touch system, but integrates elements from two hands instead of several fingers.
Apple has rehired a former employee, Michael Tchao, to serve as the vice president of product marketing after a 15 year hiatus, according to the New York Times. Spokesman Steve Dowling confirmed that Tchao will report to Phil Schiller, the senior vice president of worldwide product marketing.
On the eve of Apple's music-themed event, speculation regarding potential product announcements has lead to several fresh rumors. Daring Fireball blogger John Gruber mentions several claims suggesting the iPod nano might be updated with a redesigned case featuring "some sort of top-secret new material," adding to earlier reports of a camera upgrade.
An additional image has surfaced that allegedly shows the back case of an iPhone with a matte finish. The photo, posted on MacRumors, appears to match an earlier leak indicating a new finish for an unconfirmed revision. The form factor does not appear to be changed from the existing 3G model. It is unknown if the company has chosen a different material, possibly metal, to construct the back case.
Apple is reportedly in negotiations with Verizon to bring two new consumer devices to the US market. Following recent rumors of Verizon's bid to win the flagship iPhone exclusive (when Apple's contract with AT&T expires next year), the new BusinessWeek report says that Apple has been in talks for over six months to bring two "iPhone-like" devices to the market, one of which could surface as early as this summer. Simply called the "iPhone list" by one of the publication sources, the first device is a "smaller, less expensive calling device," while the other is a media pad that "would let users listen to music, view photos, and watch high-definition videos" and allow users to place calls over a Wi-Fi connection.
Nokia is expected to use VibeTonz technology from Immersion in up to three upcoming touchscreen phones, adding evidence to rumors that the devices are set for release sometime this year, according to TheStreet. People familiar with the plan claim that the thin handsets will be available as early as this fall. The lineup might include the touch-only 'Ivalo,' a successor to the N97 but without the slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
Leaked part numbers and several rumors suggest that Apple is ready to release new iMacs and Mac minis on Tuesday. French Mac-enthusiast site MacBidouille has posted four new iMac product model numbers, with MB417 representing the 20-inch entry-level system featuring a 2.66GHz Core 2 Duo CPU and 2GB of RAM, while MB418 and MB419 designate the mid-range 24-inch systems with options for 2.66GHz or 2.93GHz Core 2 Duo processors and 4GB of RAM, and MB420 references the high-end 24-inch model with a 3.06GHz Core 2 Duo CPU and 4GB of RAM.
In response to skeptics of the recent Mac mini image leak, MacRumors member 'monthy' has provided a video of the yet-unannounced device. The clip shows the same features as the image, notably a new port layout. The updated device offers a Mini DVI and Mini Displayport connection instead of the full-size DVI connector, while the FireWire 400 port has been upgraded to a FireWire 800 jack. A fifth USB port has also been added.
Apple will likely offer a new iPhone in the first half of 2009, with a lower price-point and new baseband processor, according to analyst Craig Berger of Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. The forecast adds more fuel to the speculation of an iPhone "nano", to which Berger noted that "we believe this device is on its way." He expects the new phone to be preceded by a smaller version of the iPod shuffle that could be launched sometime in the first quarter of the year.
Amid the speculation of a possible Apple netbook, rumors suggest that the company may be working on a large form-factor iPod touch that features a seven to nine inch screen, according to TechCrunch. Three separate sources have allegedly corroborated the story, including one that claims to have handled a prototype and suggested that Apple is in the process of communicating with Asian OEMs to work out details for large-scale manufacture. If true, the anticipated production time-frame could lead to a release sometime late in 2009.
Adding to the confusion surrounding the rumors of an iPhone "nano," images have surfaced that suggest the unconfirmed devices have already been replicated by knockoff manufacturers, according to AppleInsider. The fakes are built with a smaller form-factor than the iPhone 3G and even include Apple logos on the back panel. When the devices are turned on, the menu layout is similar to the genuine interface and several icons have been directly copied.
Amidst the rumors of a $99 4GB iPhone that might be sold after the holidays at Wal-Mart, analyst firm Kaufman Brothers has reported that a $99 device is inevitable. The exact timing of the discount remains unclear, although Apple could be developing a strategy to expand the range of iPhone products to include a low-end, mid-range, and high-end device. The new products are likely to offer feature differences beyond the current availability of several flash storage capacities.
Apple may have as many as ten different iPod nano variants ready for an update next week, says a person with access to the inventory system of French retailer Darty. The store lists 10 new entries for iPods and lists the current iPod nano as out of stock, with resupply not expected until the September 9th timeframe widely rumored as Apple's official launch date for its yearly iPod refresh. Details of the new iPods themselves are unknown, though the timing suggests the 10 listings are different color and capacity levels for a new iPod nano rather than different models altogether.
Forum roundup: Rumors about upgrades to the iPod lineup are a recent topic of interest in the MacNN forums where members seem to think that we will see new models by the end of the year. Advice on how to make ringtones for use with the iPhone 3G can be found in this thread started by jorgem4.
Rumors are swirling about new MacBooks and MacBook Pros, with recent reports of increased notebook circuit board orders and limited shipments to Best Buy over the next two weeks. Intel's introduction Monday of its new Centrino 2 platform has been considered the last hurdle in the race to new MacBooks, which were rumored for a possible WWDC introduction in June before Intel delayed the Centrino 2 launch.
Yahoo's top executive, CEO Jerry Yang, could resign to avoid a forced departure ahead of a decisive shareholders meeting on August 1st, according to new rumors. Yang and one of Yahoo's most influential shareholders, Gordy Crawford, butted heads at a recent meeting, sources say, with the latter and his top analysts questioning Yang's arguments and demanding an update on Yahoo's near-term strategy. Crawford has expressed interest in Carl Icahn's proxy takeover for Yahoo, which would likely lead to Microsoft taking over the company.
As the impending 3G iPhone release approaches, rumors of its potential design, specifications, and features are abound, but some theorize that people are confusing multiple devices which could indicate an "iPhone nano". iLounge writes that select launch partners have supposedly received design templates that point to a 3.5-inch screen on the new version, countering observations that put the screen size at 2.8-inches.
Rumors had circulated that rap star Jay-Z and Apple would together launch a record label, but a new report from the Boy Genius Report "just about" confirms a deal. Citing a "high-up" source attached to Jay-Z, the deal is said be a go. Jay-Z is allegedly happy with the business model and wants to go ahead with the plan. The implications of Apple forging its own music label would likely send tension thundering through the already-tenuous relationships between the Cupertino-based company and its music label partners selling tracks via the iTunes Store.
Apple's widely rumored subnotebook is close enough to release that the company has priced it, CNBC show host Jim Goldman has said in a financial TV report broadcast today and observed by AppleInsider. The presenter refers to alleged sources close to Apple's manufacturing plants in southeast Asia who have seen the 12-inch notebook and appear to confirm earlier details of the computer, which include a design half as thin as today's systems and the use of slimmer, more efficient flash memory for storage. The device is scheduled for an announcement at Macworld San Francisco in January and will be priced at $1,500, matching the cost of the top-end 13-inch MacBook, according to Goldman. [updated]
Apple may be preparing a significant update for the iPhone as early as this weekend that will have some heavily requested features, according to a claim from CNET France. The site points to multiple reports that a 1.1.3 upgrade for the iPhone will appear by Saturday which adds both a disk mode for storing general data on the device and a voice recording mode for capturing lectures or voice memos. The disk feature behaves like the equivalent for iPods and will still block users from simply dragging and dropping content to load the phone with playable music, CNET says. Enabling disk mode should still allow knowledgeable users to browse the content on the phone, though this is not expected to be of any use to the hacking community, which has already gained access to the phone's software.
