Apple event 4th October

[Lance]

Looks like Apple will be showing off it's new iPhone on the 4th October.

Have to say, I rather like the style of the invite!

http://thisismynext.com/2011/09/27/apples-iphone-5-event/

[Rik]

Booked your place, Lance?

[Simon]

Obviously aiming for the Christmas market. 

[pctech]

The fifth coming then.

[Gary]

The fifth coming then.

Or the 4.5 coming

[Lance]

There has been so many rumours either way but my expectation is a iPhone 5. If it was just to be a 4S / 4.5 why would the update not follow the usual June timings? They've had all this extra time so I expect some bigger changes.

[Gary]

There has been so many rumours either way but my expectation is a iPhone 5. If it was just to be a 4S / 4.5 why would the update not follow the usual June timings? They've had all this extra time so I expect some bigger changes.

There is so much expectation about issues with the dual core chips overheating (Galaxy S II has this issues) Parts due to Earthquake, or simply because the global economys fecked, making it more a holiday buy would make it more tempting, I see some changes like maybe a slightly bigger screen, not a glass back but not much else (watch me eat my words) I will ditch the 4 anyway no matter what, mine just died after 14 months, now I do have applecare so a new one will arrive this morning but the fault is that people on the other end cant hear you of you break up badly and is very common and it seems to be something that happens at a year+ quite regularly.  So its a Phone 5 or an HTC or Samsung with android next. Justina's HTC Sensation is great, very tempted by that (dont like the Samsung) if nothing major happens to the iphone this year update wise.

[pctech]

Glad I went for a single core Snapdragon based phone then.

Sirprised that ARM have had an overheating issue.

[Rik]

Only when the sun is out.

[Simon]

My 3GS regularly crashes and reboots during calls.  There are hundreds of complaints of this on the Apple forums, but it seems Apple won't acknowledge the issue.  I'd think twice about immedtately upgrading to the 5, but on the other hand, I've invested quite a bit in compatible products, such as iPod docks, which does rather tie me to Apple devices. 

[pctech]

Yep, another reason I won't buy Apple as their forums bulging with unanswered posts are testamnt to the quality of their support.

[Rik]

I've invested quite a bit in compatible products, such as iPod docks, which does rather tie me to Apple devices. 

And, of course, the 'extras' market tends to cater more for Apple devices than any other, so by buying into the platform, you increase the range of accessories available to you. Vicious circle, isn't it.

[Simon]

You have to admire their marketing strategies. 

[Rik]

Just like Microsoft, you mean.

[Simon]

Microsoft offers more freedom!

[Rik]

That's true. At least I get to spec my machines to suit what I want to do with them.

[Simon]

On a different, but tenuously connected note, I have just bought a The North Face jacket, and the zip is the 'wrong' way round.  I thought there was a fault, but apparently TNF do this to stop wearers from zipping other brand fleeces into them. 

[Rik]

Now that is sneaky... Complain and tell them it breaches your human rights.

[Simon]

Find me a law that says which side a zip has to be on. 

[Rik]

Custom and practice, it's a common law precedent. You could also argue that it's sexual discrimination and, due to reduced motor skills, the reversal is indirect disability discrimination.

[Simon]

Otoh, I could just wear it. 

[Rik]

Indeed, but where's the fun in that?

[Simon]

Some of us have too much time on our hands. 

[Rik]

But I'm very creative with it.

[Gary]

Yep, another reason I won't buy Apple as their forums bulging with unanswered posts are testamnt to the quality of their support.

Sorry Mitch, Apple support is brilliant, new iPhone out in a day, although it turned out to be  a network fault. When the iMac had issues they let me keep the old one here sent a new one out without charge as well so I could transfer information. Support with Apple is excellent, better than HTC from what Glenn was saying, although it seems I will be buying the Sensation XE as I love Justina's Sensation. The forum is for members only to help each other like here, if you need help you call Apple, try and get your facts straight before more cider making 

[Gary]

Glad I went for a single core Snapdragon based phone then.

Sirprised that ARM have had an overheating issue.

Justinas dual core runs fine does not get hot at all. Guess its variation in quality of build. Its not surprising these phones overheat, think of a 1.5Ghz dual core running in such a small space (XE) no fans etc its bound to get hot, but 45c is a little to much.

[Gary]

My 3GS regularly crashes and reboots during calls.  There are hundreds of complaints of this on the Apple forums, but it seems Apple won't acknowledge the issue.  I'd think twice about immedtately upgrading to the 5, but on the other hand, I've invested quite a bit in compatible products, such as iPod docks, which does rather tie me to Apple devices. 

To be fair yours is jailbroken Simon, I have never had the iPhone crash in two and a half years of using either model when when making calls etc. Apps crash now and then though, but that's to be expected.

[Steve]

Must admit my 3GS  crashed when it was  jailbroken it's been fine since I reverted back to the official firmware.

[Technical Ben]

On a different, but tenuously connected note, I have just bought a The North Face jacket, and the zip is the 'wrong' way round.  I thought there was a fault, but apparently TNF do this to stop wearers from zipping other brand fleeces into them. 

I hope it's just an "other country does things the other way around" and not what you suggest. If it is to stop customers keeping warm, that's scandalous!

[Simon]

Ben, just going by what others have said.  It doesn't stop you using other TNF products.  I actually have two TNF jackets, one is just a light waterproof, and the other is this heavier fleece jacket.  Both have the zip on the 'wrong' side. 

[Simon]

Gary, from what I have read on the Apple forums, this rebooting during calls issue happens with jailbroken and non-jailbroken phones, and it's something to do with the iOS4 battery management on a 3GS, so it wouldn't affect the iPhone 4.  Apparently, the OS fails to detect the heat of the battery when a call is active, so reboots as a 'safeguard'.  People on the Apple forums have said they have had no joy from Apple, who say they can find no faults with the handsets.

I'm not convinced mine is the battery issue, as it only seems to happen while I'm at home, and suspect a flaky 3G signal as being the cause, but why would that cause a reboot?  I'm waiting to see if iOS5 cures the issue, if not, I'll be behind you in the queue for a Sensation XE. 

[pctech]

Justinas dual core runs fine does not get hot at all. Guess its variation in quality of build. Its not surprising these phones overheat, think of a 1.5Ghz dual core running in such a small space (XE) no fans etc its bound to get hot, but 45c is a little to much.

I do like the Desire S very much but think its about as wide as I want a phone to go as am constantly afraid of tapping the screen while handling it because of my motor skill difficulties.

Playing Angry Birds quite a bit is helping me get used to the screen and handling the device, well thats my excuse anyway. 

[pctech]

Gary, from what I have read on the Apple forums, this rebooting during calls issue happens with jailbroken and non-jailbroken phones, and it's something to do with the iOS4 battery management on a 3GS, so it wouldn't affect the iPhone 4.  Apparently, the OS fails to detect the heat of the battery when a call is active, so reboots as a 'safeguard'.  People on the Apple forums have said they have had no joy from Apple, who say they can find no faults with the handsets.

I'm not convinced mine is the battery issue, as it only seems to happen while I'm at home, and suspect a flaky 3G signal as being the cause, but why would that cause a reboot?  I'm waiting to see if iOS5 cures the issue, if not, I'll be behind you in the queue for a Sensation XE. 

If you are on O2 Simon it might be an idea to switch it to GSM when you are at home, thats what I've done with the Desire because the 3G signal is so bad the battery is used very quickly indeed.

Does cause a bit of a reduction in sound quality but still not that bad for a 20 year old technology.

Hopefully O2 will roll out 900 Mhz 3G very quickly.

[Simon]

I'd never remember to switch back to 2G when at home, so at the moment, I'm just leaving it with 3G off.  iOS5 is out mid-October, from what I have found on Google, so it's not long to wait to see if that fixes things (or causes more problems!).   

[pctech]

Time to make more Cider.

Apple would rather you go out and buy their slightly modified phone than upgrade your existing one.

'Make the old hardware work like a dog with the new software and they'll get so fed up they'll buy a new one.' 

[Simon]

Same as Windows, then. 

[pctech]

In the past yes,

[Simon]

Surely still true?  I doubt Windows 7 would run too well on a 10 year old machine.

[pctech]

Yes I think you'd be pushing it to run on a Pentium 3 but might on a P4.

[Technical Ben]

Well looks like we all might have to buy Apple Iphones now. Allt he competition will be legally blocked from using touch screens or motion detection...

http://www.tomsguide.com/us/apple-pen-computer-patent-iphone-5,news-12699.html

[Simon]

Wouldn't that be classed as unfair competition, or something similar?

[Technical Ben]

Um, when has that ever stopped a patent enforcement?

The "prior art/usage" thing should slap this patent out altogether. But I guess the Judges live in a technology and sanity bubble.

[pctech]

I guess we'll have to go back to using keypads then.

[Steve]

Well something will be out today as the store is being updated http://store.apple.com/uk/

[pctech]

I must admit I'll be interested to see what cosmetic changes they've made if any.

[Steve]

I probably more interested in IOS5 than iPhone 4S

[pctech]

I may yet defect to iPhone if lots more security flaws come to light as its neigh on impossible now to get a dumb phone that supports 3G.

[Steve]

The 3GS may still be around as the entry level for a while yet.

[pctech]

I did look just out of interest and they are still selling them for over 400 quid.

[Steve]

That could well change in an hour or so,

[pctech]

I gather you are poised to hit the buy button Steve?

[Simon]

It's like waiting for Santa to arrive! 

[Steve]

I'm really not sure at all, I think I might give this version a miss as well,it's a lot to pay for a phone when the one I've got is working perfectly well and it will accept the new IOS5.

[pctech]

Well if it ain't broke as they say.

[Rik]

We can send the heavies round... 

[pctech]

 

[Steve]

IOS 5 release date is October 12th

[Simon]

[pctech]

So you'll have to wait longer for iPhone 5 then.

[Simon]

IOS 5 release date is October 12th

Is that from an online source, Steve?  I'd like to keep track later on.

[Steve]

I was looking on here, iCloud out the same day

http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/04/live-coverage-of-apples-lets-talk-iphone-event/

[Simon]

The 4S actually looks pretty impressive:

- iPhone 4S. Outside the same, inside all different. A5 chip inside, dual-core graphics up to 7x faster than iPhone 4.
- Mike Capps from Epic Games on stage for demo. Showing off Infinity Blade 2.
- Phil back on stage. iPhone 4S battery has 8 hours of 3G talk time, 6 hours 3G browsing.
- Wireless system updated. Stainless steel band with two antennas, switch intelligently between them.
- Data speed twice as fast...14.4 Mbps HSDPA. It's what competitors call 4G.
- World phone...both CDMA and GSM in one phone.
- New camera system. iPhone 4 is top camera on Flickr. We wanted to make the 4S better than point and shoot.
- Eight megapixels...3264x2448. Backside illuminated sensor...73% more light per pixel than iPhone 4. 33% faster capture. Hybrid IR filter, better color accuracy and uniformity. Five element lens, 30% more sharpness, f/2.4 aperture. Face detection, better white balance, and fast photos.
- Time to first photo: 1.1 seconds. Half a second for next shot.
- Schiller demoing photos taken with iPhone 4S. 1080p HD video recording, video image stabilization, noise reduction. Wrapping up camera discussion.
- AirPlay mirroring. Gaming on the TV screen...wired or wireless.
- Phil recapping iPhone 4S specs..."entirely new" on the inside.
- Most amazing iPhone yet, but Phil left out one thing...all about our voice.
- We've long wished devices could really understand us.
- Demo time for Siri, the personal assistant.

- Scott Forstall on stage for Siri demo. "What is the weather like today?" iPhone answers "Here is the forecast for today..."
- "Wake me up tomorrow at 6am." iPhone sets alarm and confirms.
- "How's the NASDAQ doing today". iPhone brings up stock chart.
- "Find me a Greek restaurant in Palo Alto." iPhone brings up options.
- "Give me directions to Hoover Tower" iPhone brings up map and directions.
- Siri can read text messages aloud, check appointment calendar, and take down dictated response.
- "Remind me to call my wife when I leave work." iPhone sets up a geofence to alert Scott when he leaves the campus.
- "Search Wikipedia for Neil Armstrong." Info page pops up.
- "Define 'mitosis'." iPhone checks WolframAlpha. Same for currency conversions.
- Siri includes lists of example requests to help users learn.

- Phil Schiller back on stage. Showing off dictation capabilities in Mail. Works out of the box, but improves as it learns your voice.
- Works in English (US, UK, Australia), French, and German. Beta to start, with more languages and services coming.

[Steve]

I think for 3GS owners it is,however having noted the comments re the larger screen requirement perhaps I should stick with what I've got as for me a phone should not be too big otherwise it's no longer a phone unless a full width screen was the hoped for improvement

[Simon]

It sounds like the 4S is what the 4 should have been.

[Gary]

It sounds like the 4S is what the 4 should have been.

No its the typical inbetween update like the 3GS I think its a good phone, but at the prices Apple charge its a waste of money tbh.

[Simon]

It probably is for an existing 4 user, but it's quite a significant upgrade from the 3GS.

[Gary]

It probably is for an existing 4 user, but it's quite a significant upgrade from the 3GS.

True but at the price I am seeing Apple is not worth the cash compared with other devices, they I think have cut their throats with the same size screen. Also at a guess £599 for the 32GB version...that's a lot of money, that's how much the 4 cost and Apple does not drop prices much.

[Simon]

I wouldn't pay that much for a phone. 

[pctech]

You could get a desktop PC for that much money.

[Simon]

Indeed.

[Gary]

You could get a desktop PC for that much money.

Sensation XE is £499 Mitch. They are computers now not phones. iPhone has 1GB ram over the 768 of the Sensation.

[Simon]

My 3GS cost me just over £300, buying it as an unwanted upgrade on eBay.  New, I believe they were around £549 at the time.

[Simon]

Actually, that's a lie.  It was just over £300 on eBay, but the 4 had just come out. 

[Steve]

It looks like there will be three offerings available 3GS 8GB £319,4 8GB £429  and 4S 16-64GB from£499

[Simon]

Hmm... so a 16Gb 4S would be comparable in price to a top end HTC.

[Gary]

Hmm... so a 16Gb 4S would be comparable in price to a top end HTC.

I have 20GB of data on my phone already so I need 32Gb, it fills up quick 

[Simon]

My 3GS is a 16Gb, and it's just under two thirds full, with 822 songs and about 300 photos on it.  If I can get over 1000 songs on, that will do me fine, as I can swap them as I get bored listening to them.

[Gary]

I have films, videos, music vids, Podcasts and music one its on there it tends to stay, I also have quite alot of apps now.

[Simon]

I can't find any more apps to get!

[Gary]

I can't find any more apps to get!

I use a diary thats great, conversion apps, Oo tonnes of funky ones. No games though, well bejewelled which I love   

[Technical Ben]

Hmmm. I find it hard to get excited when I can get 8gb sticks for £20... and fill it in a jiffy.

[Simon]

They usually arrive in a jiffy too. 

[Rik]

 

Followed by one of those blister packs which required major surgery to open.

[Simon]

Or major surgery after opening, to stitch a thumb back on. 

[Rik]

Indeed. I loathe those packs...

[pctech]

A pair of these http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.829022.cm_scid.KeywordSearch and they are a problem no more