Category Archives: News

You Will Be Missed. RIP Steve Jobs.

Published on October 6, 2011 by Richard Ker

Steve Jobs, has died.

The following statement was released by Apple yesterday:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

A tribute page on Apple’s website:

Steve Jobs
1955-2011
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who’ve been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve lost a dear friend and inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences, please email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

Thanks for all you do Steve. None on this page would exist without you. May your soul rest in peace.

Sample Stunning Photos Taken with iPhone 4S’ 8-Megapixel Camera, Bright F2.4 Lens

Published on October 6, 2011 by Richard Ker

Apple showcased some sample photos taken with the newly announced iPhone 4S on their website. Apple claimed that these photos have never been edited or retouched.

Here’s sample number 1.

And another.

They look absolutely stunning, aren’t they? You can download full resolution of these images from here.

You can also view the EXIF data of these photos to prove that they were actually shot with the iPhone 4S. Judging from one of the photos above, it shows that the prototype was already being tested as recent as August 30, 2011.

These brilliant photos are the results of a CMOS sensor that’s capable of supporting 3264 x 2448 pixel resolution; 60% more pixels compared to its predecessor. The CMOS backside also comes with an illuminated sensor that allows the camera to get 73% more light and makes it 1/3rd faster.

The High-end IR (infrared) filter used on iPhone 4S claimed to have greatly improved accuracy and uniformity. The bright aperture of this lens (F2.4) helps to capture wider images even in low light, and deliver a shallow depth of field.

For point-and-shoot enthusiasts, this is probably for you.

Hardware Specifications and Features of The New iPhone 4S (no iPhone 5)

Published on October 5, 2011 by Richard Ker

Since there was no live streaming of the ‘Let’s Talk iPhone’ Keynote last night, I was following the event as it unfolds on live.gdgt.com.

So it was the moment that everyone’s been waiting for, the launch of a new generation iPhone (sort of) the iPhone 4S. Some may be disappointed that Apple won’t be releasing a total redesigned of iPhone and what we’ve been speculating was pretty much right.

Here are the detailed hardware specifications and features:

  • Apple’s A5 processor: dual-core CPU, 2x as fast at CPU tasks; dual-core graphics, up to 7x faster than iPhone 4.
  • 8-megapixel camera with 3264 x 2448 pixel resolution; that’s 60% more pixels compared to its predecessor.
  • CMOS backside illuminated sensor — allows the camera sensor to get 73% more light than the iPhone 4 sensor, and 1/3rd faster.
  • High-end IR (infrared) filter for the camera for greater accuracy and uniformity.
  • Five lens elements with a wide lens of f2.4.
  • 1080p HD video enabled with real-time video image stabilization and real-time temporal noise reduction.
  • Extended battery capacity with up to 8 hours of talk time.
  • World phone that allows roaming on GSM and CDMA on a single device.
  • It can now intelligently switch between two antennas between send and receive to make better call quality.
  • Data can now download up to 2x as fast. Theoretical max performance used to be 5.8Mbps up and 7.2Mbps down — now doubles to almost 14.4Mbps down.
  • Capacity 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
  • Color Black and White.

The feature that really sets apart iPhone 4S from all other competitors is Siri. Siri assistant is an improved version of voice control. Siri covers most aspects of the device through voice alone. It will not be supported on the iPhone 4.

Finally pricing – it will be available in black and white, 16GB for $199, 32GB for $299, and 64GB for $399. 64GB is the first time in an iPhone. The iPhone 4 will now be available in black and white for just $99. The iPhone 3GS in 8GB is available for free.

Pre-orders will start on October 7th, and then launching on the 14th at USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan.

False rumor? iPhone 5 and larger screen. Apple’s saving those for the next one.

MuscleNerd Annouces New Redsn0w’s 1-click Jailbreak; IPSW Firmware Not Required

Published on September 18, 2011 by Richard Ker

MuscleNerd announced today that a major update for Redsn0w is coming soon. It works without the need to download and point IPSW firmware file.

On his Twitter yesterday:

“Will be pushing out a major redsn0w feature upgrade before my trip to Korea: http://is.gd/PMAdT1 (and look, no IPSW selection button!)”

How does this work? Well, the new Redsn0w will only download files required for jailbreaking. These files will be downloaded automatically from Apple’s servers and Redsn0w then applies the jailbreak – pretty much how the present version of redsn0w fetches the iPad baseband to unlock iPhone 3G or 3GS.

Based on the screenshots above, many other functions can be done in a single click such as boot tethered, pawn-DFU a device, recovery fix etc.

I believe the idea of 1-click jailbreak comes from comex, who brilliantly made jailbreakme.com which jailbreaks an idevice directly from the Safari browser.

Stay tuned as it’s expected to be released over the next few days!

Collection of iPhone 4S and/or iPhone 5 Leaked Photos

Published on September 9, 2011 by Richard Ker

The next generation iPhone is getting closer to its release date and of course everyone is eager to know how it looks like. I’m sure many of iPhone fans out there simply can’t wait to get hold of it.

We posted not too long ago that Apple may plan to release two variations of iPhones – the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5. I personally think there’s only going to be one model to be released this time, and it’s going to be known as the iPhone 4S. The design will be similar to the current generation iPhone 4. Well whatever it is going to be, I’m sure Apple will not disappoint all iPhone fans out there.

Here’s a compilation of leaked photos of parts, covers, design blue prints and probably prototypes.

The photo above was published by ideal-case.com allegedly show a comparison between the stainless steal band of the iPhone 5, alongside those that belong GSM and CDMA iPhone 4s.

The next three photos below show different angles of the new iPhone, on a CAD software.

It’s very similar to the iPhone 4.

Another angle.

It’s visible that the screen is slightly bigger than the iPhone 4.

Yet another photo of stainless steel bands for the new iPhone.

And here’s an engineering blueprint, showing the internal compartment of the new iPhone.

The touch screen photo which has been circulating around for quite some time now shows a larger screen as well.

They can also be found in trade shows, but probably these are just manufacturers trying to be a step ahead of their competitors.

I can’t tell any visible difference between the two icons shown below.

Watch this space as I’ll scout around for more leaked photos of the new generation iPhone.