Telstra testing 4G tech with 450Mbps speeds?
While most Australians catch up to the current bare-bones 4G networks available in Australia, a new report is claiming that Telstra is currently trialling LTE-A technology that would allow for downloads speed up to 450Mbps in "certain conditions".
Although we knew that Telstra has been trialling LTE-A for its 4G network already, 450Mbps is a lot higher than what it had said about speeds on its "next generation" mobile network – which would be theoretical speeds up to 150Mbps using Cat4 devices.
The Australian Financial Review says this information comes from a strategy briefing that it had obtained, which stated that it would using carrier aggregation technology to push mobile download speeds to an astonishing 450Mbps.
Next-gen 4G
Telstra's current 4G network can give users download speeds of 40Mbps.The telco has already revealed that for its LTE-A network, the company is using carrier aggregation that basically glues two spectrums (the 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum bands) together to create a broader channel for data to travel through.
Telstra is not the only carrier in the world trialling LTE-A technology, with SK Telecom in South Korea also developing its LTE-A network.
Telstra has also previously said that it will use the 700MHz spectrum band when it frees up in 2015, and pair it with the 1800MHz band to deliver speeds "nearing 300Mbps" – which is still not quite near the 450Mbps this new report is claiming.
Of course, with the speed being achieved in "certain conditions", it may not reach these speeds for every day, real-world use any time soon – not even in 2015.
In any case, we look forward to an evolved, speedier 4G future.
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IDF 2013: Latest Lenovo notebooks hop to with Haswell, better battery
Lenovo had plenty to say at IFA 2013 earlier this month, and now the hardware producer has crossed the pond with even more goods to show during the Intel Developer Forum (IDF).
The company is sticking with notebooks, including refreshes of the T440s and T440 announced just a week ago, and gearing IDF's ThinkPad offerings towards its commercial customers.
First up are the ThinkPad T440p and T540p business 'books, powered by up to Quad Core i7 from Intel (a.k.a. Haswell). Battery can last a long 13.7 hours for the 440p and up to 12.6 for the 540p.
Nvidia GeForce GT730M fills the graphics void on certain systems, and up to 16GB SDRAM can be taxed for memory needs. SSDs and HDDs that top out at 1TB are also available for the machines.
Lenovo is throwing up a 4G/LTE connectivity option, plus mini-Display Port, VGA, four USB 3.0 ports and and an SD card reader, all to make the T440p and T540p (pictured below) hum along.
Putting in the work
Next Lenovo is out with a 15.5-inch 3K IPS panel machine, the ThinkPad W540. It's portable and powerful, according to Lenovo, and interestingly it's described as an independent software vendor (ISV) certified mobile workstation.It weighs about five and a half pounds while measuring 27mm thick, so though it's no MacBook Air, it won't break your back carrying it around. The notebook too features a Quad Core i7 Intel chip (go figure at IDF) and houses a screen home to a 2880 x 1620 resolution.
Interested parties can purchase a W540 with up to 32GB of memory. Nvidia Quadro graphics with Optimus 2D and 3D content creation come stored inside, and users have the option of up to 2TB of storage.
With a W540 Thunderbolt port, users have access to high-speed data transfer, as well as an array of ports and connectivity via 4G/LTE WWAN.
The W540 along with the T440p and T540p will be available starting in November, though Lenovo won't be ready to reveal pricing until closer to release.
Lenovo also went for a bit of alliteration with the L Series ThinkPads, the L440 and L540, an entry business brand.
The L series also feature fourth-gen Intel Core processors, plus vPro technology and easy integration into new or already up-and-running IT systems.
Users can tap into Wi-Fi, Ethernet and 4G/LTE with either tablet. The L Series features dual HD noise cancelling mics and an HD Camera. The L440 makes space for HD+ while the L540 comes equipped with Full HD.
The L440 will be available beginning next month starting at approximately $729 (about £463, AU$785), and the same price and release month goes for the L540 (seen below).
Windows 8 value
Finally, Lenovo has the ThinkPad E Series, a pair of notebooks looking to provide small businesses with some value.The E440 and E540 stack the "one of the best value full function Windows 8 notebook experiences," so be warned (or rewarded) if you're a fan of Microsoft's OS.
The E machines are thinner, lighter and more elegant than before, Lenovo noted, and feature Haswell (up to quad-core chips), optional Nvidia discrete graphics and storage up to 1TB.
Memory can clock in at up to 16GB, but there's an optical drive as well. The E440 carriers a 14-inch HD+ screen on its front, and the 15.6-inch display on the E540 is Full HD. Both have antiglare properties, and users can opt for touch screen or larger gesture trackpads.
Lenovo claimed there's improved voice over IP with the E series, and Dolby Advanced Audio could turn any quarterly report into a presentation to remember.
Rounding out the E Series specs include Lenovo's OneLink technology, which entails a single cable connection to the ThinkPad OneLink Dock. Not only does this channel power to the ThinkPads, it offers a driver-free video connection, USB 3.0, gigabit Ethernet and audio.
The E440 and E540 ThinkPads will be available in select markets starting in October, with the first priced at approximately €649 (about $860/£547/AU$926)and the second €629 (about $833/£530/AU$897).
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iPhone 5S, 5C won't support Optus and Telstra's new 700MHz band
While today is all about Apple and its new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, we've noticed one little detail that may leave you questioning whether it's worth signing up for a new 24 month contract.
Remember when the Australian government auctioned off some new wireless spectrum freed up from analog TV being switched off this year?
Remember how Optus took home two lots of 10MHz (20Mhz total) in the 700MHz band and Telstra took on a heavier slice of two lots of 20MHz in the 700MHz band during the Digital Dividend?
Now, if you look carefully at the Australia iPhone 5S and 5C specs, you'll notice that the two new iPhones have some difference, but one similarity is that with both of them, the 700MHz in band 28 is not included in any of the new iPhone variants.
Which means that if Telstra and Optus switch on their 700MHz network when it becomes available in just a little over a year from now on January 1, 2015, the iPhone 5S and 5C won't actually be able to connect to it.
A 4G evolution stumble
This is not say that you won't have access to the network or 4G services at all through Optus or Telstra.Both Telstra and Optus also use 1800MHz in spectrum bands 3 and 7 for FDD-LTE, which is supported by all iPhone 5S and 5C variants - with Apple even throwing in 4G bands compatible with Optus' multi-band TD-LTE network.
The concern lies in the fact that Telstra has plans to combine larger blocks of spectrum in the 700MHz and 1800MHz bands to enhance its new LTE-Advanced 4G network.
Meanwhile, Optus indicated that it was looking to combine the 700 MHz low-band 4G frequency for strong coverage and 2500 MHz spectrum high-band spectrum to increase network capacity after it announced the rollout of its multi-band TD-LTE network.
So while the 700MHz spectrum band is currently missing in the new line of iPhones, this doesn't mean it won't be included in next year's probable iPhone 6 launch.
But it is still a concern for those wanting a future-proof iPhone upgrade this year that will be compatible with the best of what our telcos are planning for the future of 4G networks in Australia, especially when most people will be signing up for 24 months to get their hands on the pricey phones.
- Here's a roundup of the Australian details for the iPhone 5s and 5c launch.
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iPad 5 alleged glamor shots show up on iPhone 5S, 5C launch day
Sure, all of the news out of Apple's campus today was about the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C, but the iPad 5 is expected to be close behind with a similar launch event in October.
With perfect timing, the 5th generation iPad is said to be featured in more than 100 new high-resolution photos, some of which compare the iPad 4 to its purported follow-up.
The photos, by known Apple product leaker Sonny Dickson, depict the purported iPad 5 from all angles, matching the shell design we saw in a previous video leak.
The supposed new iPad looks noticeably smaller than the current iPad 4, taking cues from the iPad mini while still maintaining the same 9.7-inch screen of a full-sized tablet.
iPad 5 fingerprint sensor?
Now that Apple has unveiled the iPhone 5S with the latest features like the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, the question is whether the new iPad is going to receive the same treatment.Dickson's current batch of photos include the casing and the front panel of the unconfirmed iPad 5, so without the new home button present, there isn't much room to speculate.
History has taught us that the new iPad doesn't always launch with the latest and greatest features contained in the iPhone.
For example, Siri made its debut with the iPhone 4S, but it wasn't until the iPhone 5 launched the next year that Apple's voice-activated assistant made its way to the iPad 3, too.
As the next Apple event, thought to be in October, draws closer and everyone's focus on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C subsides, we should find out more about the company's next tablets.
- Is it worth the upgrade? Check out our iPhone 5S vs iPhone 5 comparison.
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Hands-on review: Updated: Olympus OM-D E-M1
Introduction
The Olympus E-M1 is the latest addition to the Olympus compact system camera (CSC) line-up and it's aimed at professional and enthusiast photographers. It doesn't replace the Olympus OM-D E-M5, but sits above it. Until now the OM-D E-M5 has been largely referred to as the Olympus OM-D, but it seems we will have to get used to calling it the Olympus E-M5.Olympus hopes that the new OM-D E-M1 will address the needs of Four Thirds users as well as enthusiast Micro Four Thirds users, because it has a dual autofocus system that is designed to work well with both types of lens.
This hands on review has been updated with sample images from a full-production model camera.
Although Olympus's earlier Micro Four Thirds cameras are compatible with Four Thirds lenses, the contrast detection autofocus system is very slow with the older design of lens.
The E-M1 has Olympus's new Dual Fast AF system which combines contrast and phase detection systems. While we have seen this type of thing elsewhere, Olympus claims to use a different design from other manufacturers.
Some of the pixels on the E-M1's 16MP sensor are actually half-photosites (pixels) with no colour filter. One row has left-half sites while another has right-half receptors. These two halves match up to create a phase detection focusing system which is used when Four Thirds lenses are mounted on the camera.
Olympus uses this approach because the photosites (strictly speaking pixels don't exist on a sensor, just in an image) used for focusing don't gather any image data. This means the information needs to be interpolated - just as it would with a dead pixel on the sensor.
In addition, like other compact system cameras, the E-M1 has a contrast detection AF system that uses information from the imaging sensor. This is used to drive the focus of Micro Four Thirds lenses on the E-M1. The camera automatically detects what type of lens is mounted and uses the appropriate AF system automatically.
When Micro Four Thirds lenses are used in continuous autofocus mode, both focusing methods are used as it increases the focusing speed.
The camera uses contrast detection in movie mode whether the lens is a Four Thirds or Micro Four Thirds optic.
Features
In a first for Olympus, the 16MP Live MOS sensor in the OM-D E-M1 has no low-pass filter over it. This should enable it to record more detail than the original Olympus OM-D, the OM-D E-M5.In addition, we are told that new TruPic VII image processor has been calibrated to put the emphasis on detail visibility at the expense of a little noise.
Thanks to the new processing engine, lateral chromatic aberrations are corrected and sharpness optimisation according to the lens mounted and aperture selected (for Olympus lenses). This should enable users to get the best from their camera and lens combination.
Olympus claims that the E-M1 produces the best image quality from any Olympus digital camera, with less colour saturation loss at high sensitivities. We look forward to testing this claim in the near future.
As it's a compact system camera, the Olympus E-M1 doesn't have an optical viewfinder, but there's an electronic one with 2,360,000 dots and 1.48x magnification. This magnification and dot-count should make it easier to see details than usual. Uniquely, in HDR preview mode this viewfinder is capable of showing the effect (there are two HDR modes, Natural and Artistic) as well as the image building up in Live Bulb mode.
This EVF can also use adaptive brightness technology to adjust it to the brightness of the environment and take the size of the photographer's pupil into account. In bright light the EVF is brighter, while in dark conditions it's darker. This is a default setting, but it can be switched off if users prefer.
A new feature called Colour Creator allows hue and saturation to be adjusted using a colour wheel that's visible on screen and in the viewfinder. The effect is also previewed in the EVF and on the screen.
This can be combined with the Highlight and Shadow control to tailor images to users preferences or to create a particular style. These can be saved as part of the My Mode settings for future use.
Although the E-M1 uses the same 5-axis all mechanical Image Stabilisation (IS) system as the E-P5, it makes a small improvement in performance. However, new changes to the CIPA standard mean that this is now billed as a 4-stop correction rather than 5. Consequently, the camera can be handheld at shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than without IS. That's the equivalent of dropping from 1/125sec to 1/8sec.
Those more interested in freezing movement will appreciate the E-M1's top shutter speed of 1/8000sec, just like the E-P5.
It's also possible to shoot continuously with continuous AF at 6.5fps for 50 raw files, or at 10fps with single-AF mode selected for 41 raw files. We are told that the better housing around the shutter mechanism means that the E-M1 is quieter than the E-P5 in action.
Olympus has had a lot of success with its Art Modes and the E-M1 introduces a new mode, Diorama II, which as well as allowing you to have the sharp area around the focus point, can be used with vertical format images.
It would strange for a new camera not to have Wi-Fi connectivity built-in now and the E-M1 doesn't disappoint as it has the same system as is in the E-P5. However, in a slight upgrade, this enables remote shooting via Olympus's (upgraded) smartphone app in all exposure modes with control over exposure and white balance.
In addition, the image can be seen forming on the screen of the smartphone during long exposure captured using Live Bulb mode.
Build and handling
According to Olympus, the E-M1 is not intended to be the smallest camera available, but to be a good size for serious use. It's a very similar size to the OM-D E-M5, but the front and rear grips have changed shape.The thumb grip on the back of the E-M1 is less pronounced than it is on the E-M5, but the front grip is bigger, giving a better, more comfortable hold. It feels very secure in your hand.
Sometimes big is taken to mean tough, but the diminutive E-M1 is also pretty durable. It feels nicely built and has seals to ensure that it stays dust and splash-proof. It is also guaranteed to work at temperatures down to -10C. Helpfully, all current Olympus lenses are freeze-proof.
Like the E-M5, the E-M1 has a 3-inch tilting touchscreen, but the dot-count has been boosted from 610,000 to 103,700,000 dots. It provides a very clear view with plenty of detail. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is also very impressive and with natural colours (depending upon the camera settings), good contrast and lots of detail visible.
Disappointingly, Olympus has resisted the option to make the main menu navigable by touch, so you have to use the physical controls. It would be nice to have the choice of touch or button and dial controls. Like the original OM-D and the PEN E-P5, a Super Control Panel can be used with the touchscreen to make changes to key settings, such as white balance and metering.
The control layout of the E-M1 has some significant differences from that of the E-M5. As you hold the camera for use, the mode dial is on the right of the top-plate instead of the left. Meanwhile, the left-side has two semi-circular buttons on a shallow column which looks a bit like the film rewind unit on an old film camera - without the flip-up handle. The front-most button gives access to the drive mode and HDR options, while the rear one is used to access the metering and focusing options.
When the HDR button is pressed, the up and down navigation controls scroll through the HDR options while the left and right controls run through the drive options. It's a similar arrangement with the AF and metering button, with the up/down controls scrolling through the metering options and the left/right controls navigating the focusing settings.
Pressing and holding the button immediately behind the shutter release while rotating the rear dial scrolls through the Shadow and Highlight, Colour Creator, Magnify and Image Aspect modes. Once you've selected the mode you want, pressing the button again brings up the controls or options.
We'll need to use a full production sample before we can pass final judgement, but the E-M1 seems a very comfortable camera to hold and use with everything within convenient reach.
Performance
Having only used a preproduction sample of the E-M1 we can't say for certain what the image quality is like, but the early signs are very positive. Olympus knows a thing or two about image quality and we have been very impressed with what it has achieved with its Pen series and the OM-D E-M5. It is unlikely to say that the E-M1 produces the best image quality of any Olympus digital camera without some good cause.It will be very interesting to see how much can be accomplished with the new sensor design (without an anti-aliasing filter) and improved processing engine, bearing in mind that the camera has the same pixel count as the E-M5.
We anticipate seeing more detail across the image frame and a little more noise visible in high sensitivity shots. Olympus is also promising less loss of colour saturation at the higher sensitivity settings.
Olympus's recent compact system cameras can generally be relied upon to produce images with good colour, white balance and exposure. We'll be very surprised if that changes with the E-M1, but naturally we'll test it fully when get a production sample in.
Early verdict
Olympus sees the OM-D E-M1 as the replacement to the E-5, the last high-end SLR the company made. It's hoping that it will convert diehard SLR users to switch to a lighter, more portable camera.
On the face of it, Olympus may get its way: the E-M1 has a comprehensive featureset and its handling seems well thought through. Of course we'll only know for sure once we've been able to shoot extensively with a full-production sample.
The E-M1 will be available from mid-October 2013. Prices start at £1,299 (AUD$1,599) for the body only and £1,949 (AUD$2,399) for a kit including the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40mm 1:2.8 lens announced at the same time.
Sample images
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There's plenty of detail in this ISO 200 image.
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The AF system is fast and accurate even with moving subjects (in good light). This was taken with the Olympus Micro Four Thirds 75mm f/1.8 lens, but Four Thirds lenses focus quickly as well.
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The multi-purpose ESP metering has coped pretty well with is scene.
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Colours are generally nice and vibrant straight from the camera.
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Left to its own devices, the E-M1 got this scene spot-on.
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Live Bulb mode, in which the image is seen to build on the LCD, makes painting with light much easier than normal.
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It wouldn't be an Olympus CSC with a collection of Art Filter modes.
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Sensitivity images
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ISO 100
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ISO 200
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ISO 400
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ISO 800
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ISO 1600
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ISO 3200
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ISO 6400
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ISO 12800
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ISO 25,600
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Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5
When Apple released the iPhone 4S, the masses moaned that it wasn't a significant technological leap forward from the original iPhone 4.
But is the same true of the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5? Will the internet clog with the festering opinions of disappointed Apple fans?
Apple's commitment to iterative product development suggests so. The question is: where is the 5S better? Screen? Processor? You'll find the answers in the comparison review below...
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Build
At first glance, the 5S looks identical to the old iPhone 5 and, sure enough, a quick read of the spec sheet reveals that their dimensions and weight are identical - 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm and 112g.The only physical differences are the redesigned Home button, which incorporates the new Touch ID fingerprint sensor and is surrounded by a thin stainless steel ring; and the dual LED flash (one white light, one amber light) around the back.
Where the iPhone 5 was available in two color choices - black or white, the new 5S has silver/white, 'space grey'/black and gold/white options. The gold version is either snazzy or ridiculous, depending on your point of view.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Display
The iPhone 5S and the now discontinued iPhone 5 both feature the same 4-inch Retina display with the same 640 x 1136 pixel resolution.We've seen bigger and better - the Samsung Galaxy S4 has a 5-inch 1080 x 1920 display, while the HTC One has a 4.7-inch 1080 x 1920 screen.
But the iPhone 5S/iPhone 5 panel is still good enough for gaming, video-watching and flicking through those Jonny Ive-produced iOS 7 menus.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Camera
While both phones feature an 8 Megapixel camera on the back and a 1.2 Megapixel lens on the front, that doesn't tell the whole story.Apple has made some improvements to the iPhone 5's camera, including adding image stabilisation, live photo filters and a new Burst mode that takes 10 shots per second and automatically suggests the best one.
Where the iPhone 5 had a bog-standard LED flash, the iPhone 5S has a dual LED (True Tone) flash to reduce the intensity of the light and help you take better photos.
Apple has also improved the image sensor, lens cover and f/2.4 aperture - the iPhone 5S camera has a 15 per cent larger sensor and an improved f/2.2 aperture to let in more light for brighter results.
Finally, the iPhone 5S can take better 1080p video too. The main 8MP camera now has a slow-motion video feature plus video stabilisation to reduce unwanted camera wobble.
The front-mounted iSight camera also features an improved backside illumination sensor (BIS) for better performance when FaceTiming in the gloom.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Connectivity
With the iPhone 5S heading for China Mobile and NTT Docomo, plus a range of different countries around the world, it supports more LTE bands than the iPhone 5.It's the only real difference between the 5S and its predecessor. Both include 3G/HSDPA and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO support, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.
There's also a version that supports the TD-LTE technology that's beginning to pop up around the world.
No NFC this time. Perhaps Apple is saving that for the iPhone 6...
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Processor
New iPhones, especially flagship models, typically get a speed boost and the iPhone 5S is no different.Where the iPhone 5 has an A6 processor, the 5S debuts Apple's 64-bit A7 chip - the first 64-bit processor to appear in a smartphone.
With over one billion transistors (twice as many as the A6), Apple claims that the A7 is twice as fast as the A6 and 40 times more powerful than the original iPhone.
The A7 also includes an M7 co-processor designed to monitor the data from the phone's accelerometer, compass and gyroscope.
This data will help future fitness apps more accurately track your movements. But in the short-term there are other benefits - the Maps app can switch to walking directions if it detects you aren't driving, while the M7 can reduce network activity if the sensor data tells it that your phone hasn't moved for some time.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Software
While the iPhone 5S comes with iOS 7 pre-installed, iPhone 5 owners can sleep safe in the knowledge that they can upgrade their phones to match.What they won't get is the Touch ID app, which offers fingerprint security and works with the fingerprint sensor built into the iPhone 5S Home button.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Storage
The iPhone 5S takes its capacity cues from the iPhone 5, offering the same three storage options - 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Battery Life
In terms of battery life, the spec sheets tell us that the iPhone 5S just edges out the old iPhone 5. It's rated at 10 hours of talk time on 3G, while the iPhone 5 can only muster 8 hours.Standby time is calculated to be 250 hours for the 5S and 225 hours for the iPhone 5. Average usage is much the same - 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, up to 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours of audio playback.
That doesn't sound impressive until you consider that, thanks to the A7 processor, the iPhone 5S is twice as fast.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5 - Early verdict
If you crave a new iPhone, then the 64-bit iPhone 5S is a decent upgrade.It may not have a better screen or more storage, nor does it have a significantly superior camera or vastly improved connectivity.
But since the announcement of the iPhone 5S and the lower-spec iPhone 5C, the original iPhone 5 has disappeared from the Apple Store, never to return.
The 5S is pricey though - on a two year contract, the 16GB model will cost $199, the 32GB model $299 and the 64GB 5S $399. Ouch.
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iPhone 5S and 5C Australian launch details revealed
It takes a lot of commitment to get up at 4am to watch a live stream of a new phone launch.
So if you decided to sleep in this morning instead of watch the Apple iPhone announcement, here's everything you need to know from the Australian perspective.
iPhone 5S
The new flagship of Apple's range, the iPhone 5S delivered pretty much everything we expected.Integrated fingerprint scanner, 64-bit A7 processor, improved iSight camera with dual LED flash - there wasn't a lot in the way of surprises.
While you can catch up on the 10 essential things you need to know, or simply read the review of the new iPhone, there are pertinent questions every Australian has to ask.
The phone is coming in three colours (gold, silver and space grey) and in three capacities (16GB, 32GB and 64GB).
The outright prices for these three phones will be $869, $999 and $1,129 respectively. Apple has confirmed that Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and "select Apple Authorised Resellers" will sell the phone from Friday September 20.
Confusingly, Apple has five different variants of the iPhone 5S launching around the world to support different network standards.
At this stage it's not clear which versions will be launching in Australia, but looking at the phone's tech specs page, it's interesting to note that the A1530 version supports both FDD-LTE and TD-LTE technologies.
That means that Optus may get a version of the iPhone 5S that supports its TD-LTE network in Canberra.
It also means that we can expect different variants of the handset for different carriers, which should make grey importing the phone slightly more confusing.
Other iterations of the handset all support the LTE bands currently used by Telstra and Vodafone, meaning there shouldn't be any issues connecting in the short term.
iPhone 5C
Just like the premium iPhone 5S, the iPhone 5C will be launching in Australia on September 20.If you need a primer on what makes the 5C different, it's worth checking out the essential 10 things you need to know, as well as our superb hands on review of the low-cost iPhone.
There are only two capacities launching for the iPhone 5C. SIM-free, you can expect to pay $739 for the 16GB and $869 for the 32GB version.
All the major telcos are getting in on the 5C action, as well, with plan pricing to be confirmed in the lead up to launch.
While the 5C bears more similarities to the iPhone 5 than the 5S, Apple has also updated the LTE band support in the newer model.
That means that like the 5S model, there are five versions for different networks around the world, with the A1529 version supporting Optus' FDD-LTE and TD-LTE 4G networks.
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IDF 2013: Intel dips into wearables, sub-$100 tablets and 22nm handsets
Amidst all the new iPhone (make that, new iPhones) madness, Intel dropped a few device beats of its own during IDF 2013, taking place in San Francisco today through Thursday.
New CEO Brian Krzanich noted the chipmaker wants to lead in "every segment of computing," though mobile in particular is the area Intel's got its lasers pointed on. It's not, however, going to be left behind when it comes to "ultra-mobile" offerings.
To that end, the company introduced Quark, a new line of tiny SoCs meant to deliver lower power and smaller size for products ranging from the "internet of things" to wearables. The tiny silicon as the bragging rights of being the smallest systems on a chip produced by Intel, amounting to one-fifth Atom's size while pulling one-tenth the power.
"Smartphones and tablets are not the end-state," Krzanich said in a statement. "The next wave of computing is still being defined. Wearable computers and sophisticated sensors and robotics are only some of the initial applications."
Intel's ticks
The Quark X1000 will get the fully synthesizable family up and running. While Intel shied away from numbers, Anandtech reported that it appears Quark will be under 10mm2 with a target power consumption of under 100mW.Though Intel won't produce its own Quark-based products, the company is showing off prototype bracelets during IDF to show what's possible with the lower-power, embeddable chips.
The timing of Quark's announcement is particularly apt as ARM-using competitor just outed its Toq smartwatch. The first shipment of Quark reference boards are expected in the fourth quarter with solutions hitting the industrial, energy and transportation segments first.
Hitting the trail and then some
As if we didn't already expect it, Krzanich confirmed we will see Bay Trail, Intel's first 22nm SoC for mobile devices during IDF.Krzanich also revealed that the company's next-gen LTE product, the XMM 7260 modem, is under development and expected to hit the market in 2014. It will bring LTE-advanced features with it.
The new boss also showed off Intel's next-gen Atom chip for smartphones and tablets, codenamed "Merrifield" and due in devices next year. According to Intel, customers can look forward to better performance, power-efficiency and battery life. You know, the usual.
He highlighted Intel's "Broadwell" system, silicon that takes advantage of the company's 14nm manufacturing process. The more power-efficient chips will start shipping by year's end, though PCs, as reported by PC World. Products running Intel's 14nm process tech aren't due to start rolling until the beginning of 2014, however, though when they come the devices should see a 30% power improvement over Haswell-level Core chips.
Users will find Broadwell hanging out in 2-in-1 (convertible tablets), fanless devices, Ultrabooks and various PCs.
Krzanich was far from done with future product talk, also showing off a fanless, Haswell Y-running Ultrabook with a TDP of 4.5W as well as a prototype handset running a 22nm SoC. The 22nm architecture gives the handset, according to Intel, a 50% jump in performance plus increased battery life.
The phone also zipped along in an LTE speed test demo and featured an LTE radio.
Finally, in a day of cheap devices, Krzanich said Atom-based tablets will hit below $100 (about £63, AU$107) this holiday season.
- Think you know all there is to know about the iPhone 5S? Think again.
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Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C
Apple launched two new phones on September 10 - the high-end iPhone 5S and the not-so-low-end iPhone 5C. How do the two models compare?
What technology do they share? Find out in in our comparison below.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Build
The two phones couldn't be more different in terms of their look and feel. The iPhone 5S retains the classic good looks of the iPhone 5 and is available in three aluminum color combos - silver/white, "space grey"/black and gold/white. It has a premium polish that the plastic iPhone 5C, with its five bright color options, obviously lacks.In terms of size and weight, the iPhone 5S is exactly the same size as the old iPhone 5 - a neat and stylish 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm. Although there are only millimeters in it, the iPhone 5C is bigger in every respect - measuring 124.4 x 59.2 x 8.97mm. There's a more noticeable difference in the weight. The iPhone 5S is a mere 112g, while the iPhone 5C (with a reinforced steel structure hidden beneath the polycarb plastic) is 132g.
You'll also notice that the classic Home button on the iPhone 5S has been redesigned to incorporate a revolutionary Touch ID fingerprint sensor. A thin stainless steel ring now encloses the button - the iconic rounded square is gone. Around the back, the iPhone 5S also features a dual LED flash. The iPhone 5C doesn't. More on this later.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Display
As expected, both new iPhones feature the same 4-inch touch-sensitive Retina display that debuted in the iPhone 5. The resolution remains unchanged at 640 x 1136 pixels and, although the pixels per inch rating of 326 means that the screen is crisp and clear (iOS 7 looks fantastic), it lags behind rival phones with bigger screens and fuller HD resolutions.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Camera
When it comes to photo prowess, iPhones have been good, but never quite as good as Nokia's Carl Zeiss-equipped Lumia handsets. Rather than bump up the raw Megapixels to 13, the iPhone 5C makes a few improvements to the Apple designed lens - notably a new camera app that auto sets white balance, exposure and creates a dynamic local tone map each time you snap a photo. There are also live filters and video stabilization to reduce camera shake. Plus an improved backside illumination sensor in the 1.2MP front iSight camera, which should compensate for any poor lighting during FaceTime calls.The iPhone 5S makes further improvements, adding a dual LED "True Tone" flash, a Sapphire crystal lens cover and 15% larger sensor (with an f/2.2 aperture) that lets more light in - the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5 have a f/2.4 aperture. Alongside the existing face detection and panoramic features, there's also a new Burst mode, which can snap 10 photos per second and intelligently pick the best one. Both phones feature 1080p video capture, but the 5S also includes a fun Slo-mo option. This shoots 720p video at 120fps so you can capture the finer detail of key moments.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Connectivity
Both new iPhones feature wider support for LTE, as well as 3G/HSDPA and CDMA2000 support. There's still no NFC in either iPhone, but wireless connectivity is well served with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Processor
Performance-wise, the iPhone 5C uses the same dual core Apple A6 CPU that appeared in the iPhone 5 that it replaces.However, the iPhone 5S debuts the new A7 processor, a revolutionary 64-bit chip that Apple says offers twice the performance of the A6. Technical details on the A7 are sketchy, but it runs OpenGL ES 3.0 for fast, detailed 3D graphics and has an M7 motion co-processor, designed to monitor the various sensors in the iPhone 5S. Expect future fitness and health apps to take full advantage of this.
Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Software
Both phones come with iOS 7, but it's worth pointing out that the 5S will run a 64-bit version of Apple's operating system and should be twice as speedy. We've already noted that there's a new camera app and iOS 7 makes Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie and iPhoto apps free of charge. The iPhone 5S also includes the Touch ID app, enabling owners to use the built-in fingerprint sensor to unlock their phone or to approve iTunes purchases with a simple press. Another revolutionary feature that's unique to Apple's new flagship handset.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Storage
As for storage, Apple hasn't chosen to venture into 128GB territory. So there's a familiar choice of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB iPhone 5S models, while the iPhone 5C is available in 16GB or 32GB capacities. Choose wisely. Unlike many rival Android phones, Apple refuses point-blank to include a microSD slot for iPhone owners to expand the default internal storage.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Battery Life
According to the specs, both phones will manage up to 10 hours of talktime, up to 250 hours on standby, up to 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, up to 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours of audio playback.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Pricing
As expected, the iPhone 5S isn't cheap. Sign your freedom away on a two-year contract and the 16GB model will cost $199, the 32GB model $299 and the 64GB 5S $399. Compare this to the iPhone 5C on a similar two year deal - the 16GB model will set you back $99, while the 32GB version costs $199.Apple iPhone 5S vs. Apple iPhone 5C: Early verdict
The iPhone 5S is easily the better of the two phones and it's no more (and no less) than we expected, considering Apple's iterative release policy.If you were hoping for a bigger, higher resolution display or NFC, you'll need to wait for the iPhone 6. For now, the 5S is a souped-up iPhone 5. It impresses with its fingerprint recognition sensor and its all-new 64-bit A7 processor, which comes with an M7 co-processor that Apple undoubtedly have big plans for. A test-bed for a body monitoring iWatch? Only time will tell.
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Apple says app developers won't get paws on iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor
Apple has no current plans to open up its new fingerprint sensing technology to third-party app developers, the company's Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller has confirmed.
The new Touch ID tech, announced on Tuesday for the new iPhone 5S handset, enables users to unlock the handset and authenticate iTunes purchases by placing a finger on the revamped Home button.
The dual functionality has immediately led to speculation about what else the sensor could be used for, but Schiller told AllThingsD Apple has shut down the possibility, for now at least.
When pushed on whether devs could get access in the future Schiller declined to comment, potentially leaving the door open for a future roll out.
Apple CEO Tim Cook was a little more forthcoming when asked by the same site. He said: "You can probably imagine a lot of [other] uses," but wouldn't be drawn on the company's future plans.
Security concerns?
The Touch ID tech, which blends right into the new Home button, utilises a sensor that's 170 microns thin, and scans sub-epidermal skin layers using a 500ppi resolution sensor.In order to conserve battery, the sensor is only active when it knows your finger is present and has 360-degree readability so you won't have to reorient your finger every time you wish to use the device.
The company has also promised that all of your fingerprint data will be stored locally on the device and will never be uploaded to iCloud or the company's servers.
It's surely those security precautions that would prevent Apple opening the Touch ID tech up to its army of iOS developers. Naturally, users would not want that data fed back to app developers alongside email addresses, high scores and more.
Still, as Cook intimates, its fun to imagine potential users for the tech in gaming, educational and entertainment based-apps. Lend us some of your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Hands-on review: Updated: iPhone 5C
The iPhone 5C is a curious little phone… only because it's released by Apple. Were Samsung hawking this new device as its budget option then we wouldn't even bat an eyelid, but because it's Apple we're a little bit more circumspect. Can the company that prides itself on premium devices compete in this lower-cost segment?
Actually, it's a little unfair to say Apple can't compete at the lower end, as it's shown that with the iPod mini / nano that it can offer products to consumers at a lower cost without compromising too much on build quality.
Although we won't mention the original iPod shuffle…
The iPhone 5C features an all-new polycarbonate casing, with a design that's hewn from a single block of plastic with a steel cage thrust in there to help stability and improve antenna performance.
However beyond that we're really seeing a re-badged iPhone 5, which is no longer on sale thanks to being sacrificed for this new model. The CPU is an decent A6 chip, the screen is a 4-inch Retina display and the internal storage options are the standard 16GB and 32GB choices.
That said, this isn't a phone that's just made of recovered devices – it's a whole new handset. Some have wondered how Apple could ever think about making a non-premium device, but with the iPhone 5C it's made a phone that feel so different to the iPhone 5S that buyers won't feel like they're buying a rubbish version of that device.
Here's how the company made it so premium: keeping the cost higher. In the US it will be $99 and $199 for the contract options of 16GB and 32GB respectively. However, in the UK you'll be paying £479 for the privilege of a 16GB option, and £549 for the 32GB. That's more than the HTC One and Galaxy S4, depending on storage.
But beyond that, it's a very similar experience to that you'll get on the iPhone 5S, with iOS 7 running like a veritable peach, with no slow down nor issues to contend with in our early play with the phone.
The design is something that's going to divide opinion - it's plastic, and that's something that's Samsung's been criticised for years. For a company like Apple to do the same thing, one that's been built on using the best materials, is going to be hard.
It doesn't feel premium compared to the iPhone 5S at all, but while it does have an aspect of a 'toy' iPhone about it, the design, which is a single piece of plastic, does feel well-formulated.
The ability to match the wallpaper colour with the outer shell of the phone is a nifty trick and makes whole package of the phone feel so much more complete.
On top of that, the new cases are impressive in that they do give a fun sense of clashed colour, which we can see a lot of people liking. However, for $29 a pop (around £22, and more like £29 when it launches in the UK) it may be a lot to ask people to buy more than one, as Apple wishes.
In terms of the rest of the specs, there's not a lot more going on compared to the iPhone 5. The Retina display is decent enough, but doesn't have the fizz of the HTC One or LG G2, which is the same on the iPhone 5S.
The smaller 4-inch screen will impress enough people though, thanks to being a bit more compact and easier to use with a single hand. With the iPhone 5C being a slightly squatter version of an iPhone, it's even more simple than trying the same trick with the iPhone 5 or 5S.
The camera is a stock version that makes the best of the iOS 7 interface. You've got burst mode on offer, although slow motion can't be managed thanks to the lower-power chip.
Pictures look clean and clear from the device though, and the burst mode is nice throughout in terms of clarity and choosing the best picture.
Early verdict
What's better than the iPhone? A cheaper version, of course! Although let's be honest: it's only cheaper by Apple standards. However, for those that do want a phone that can give them the Apple experience without costing the Earth, this is a decent option.Yes, it's mostly the DNA of an iPhone 5, but there's so much more going on here - the colours are going to be a real selling point across the world. We can't see the specs drawing many people in – although those that just buy into the iDream without a thought for what's running under the hood will be chirpy at the thought of having to shell out less cash.
Obviously compared side by side with the iPhone 5S, it's not in the same league, but has a wholly different look compared to the larger device. Its got a slower processor and a lower-power camera, but it also has a complete collection of funky shells.
It's going to be interesting to see how the market takes to an all-new iPhone, with a new target market and an alternative way of marketing in a familiar product segment – but as we said, Apple has previous history here and it's managed to come out on top nearly every time.
With the smartphone market becoming congested at both the low and high end, the mid-range arena is quickly becoming an important battleground for the big players – so it seems Apple has missed a trick by not pricing the iPhone 5C to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini and the HTC One Mini too.
But we're fans of what Apple has tried to do here, with the emphasis on colour and design over pure spec wars. It might look a little childish to some, but the opportunity to differentiate will likely be one to win over consumers – and if a brand can get its phone in your pocket, then the battle is already won.
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Hands-on review: Updated: iPhone 5S
The new iPhone 5S is a solid upgrade of the iPhone 5, but with a few key changes: the processor is more advanced than ever, the camera has been upgraded and, most importantly, there's a fingerprint sensor.
On top of that there's the added bonus of a faster GPU (to help power all those teeny tiny pixels rolling around and changing colour in the display) as well as an uprated power pack to keep things moving.
And, as expected, the iPhone 5S is the poster boy for iOS 7, with the new display offering the best look yet at the new flatter, sleeker operating system from Apple.
In our plays with the beta version of the OS, some elements were noticeably slow or jumpy (although this was very much because we weren't on final software) but with the iPhone 5S everything just flows around as smoothly as possible.
The design of the iPhone 5S isn't a great leap forward, with the chassis remaining largely the same as the iPhone 5 in keeping with Apple's tradition of using the core model as the base for the sequel, before releasing a 'true' evolution next year.
Even though we knew this was coming, we can't say that we aren't a little disappointed as the rumours around the iPhone 6 hint at a dramatic redesign of the device as well as a new material type to make it feel even better in the hand.
There are three colours to choose from, with silver, gold and 'space grey' coming in to give another option to consumers looking to mark themselves out in the iPhone game, especially at the sharp end. If you're after colour, then the iPhone 5C is your friend - that thing comes in five different options, with cases that you can stick on top, too.
The design of the iPhone 5S is, as we said, pretty similar to what we've seen before, so colour aside you'd struggle to see if someone is packing a new or old version of the phone with the larger screen.
But let's forget about all the stuff we expected and focus more on the fact that there's a fingerprint sensor in there now - we're talking about biometrics that actually work with a phone.
The premise is simple: You turn on the phone using the home or power button, hold your finger down on the round key and you're into the phone. It's incredibly fast, very slick and makes you feel like you don't have a passcode on there at all.
Apple hasn't just made this a one-trick pony though. When setting up the sensor you're asked to guide your finger on and off the button in a variety of ways - this means that no matter how you jab at the home key to unlock your device, the iPhone 5S will be able to react correctly.
In our tests this worked incredibly well - Apple really has cracked the first step in biometrics on a phone, and when you compare it to Android's Face Unlock, it's world's apart, and shows the power when a phone company doesn't have to rely on such a wide spread of hardware.
Granted, it's only on the iPhone 5S - so an update from Android should enable the tech in phones like the Galaxy S5 and HTC One Max.
The camera on the iPhone 5S isn't new in terms of megapixels, but Apple has performed the same trick as HTC (to a degree) by increasing the sensor size but making the pixels that much larger.
This leads to a more stable photo and a better low light performance... this approach should see a sharper image but probably won't have as strong low light performance.
On top of the camera, there's also the option for burst mode to capture 10 photos a second as well as a new slow motion mode, which allows you to shoot 120 frames per second at 720p HD. You can even edit the footage to run faster and slower using just your finger.
We saw it in action, and it really seemed to work pretty well.
The last camera element that seems impressive is the new flash on offer, which is a dual LED option. The clever thing is not only does the flash chuck out both white and amber colours to improve the tone of the flash, but the iPhone 5S will calculate the situation and alter the flash accordingly.
The other change here is the new M7 chip which sits alongside the new A7 chip - which is superbly powerful graphically. The M7 chip essentially takes the place of the Fuel Band from Nike, allowing the iPhone 5S to monitor the gyrocscope, accelerometer and compass without disturbing the main chip.
This is great for fitness apps, according to Apple, and won't drain the battery just because it's constantly monitoring motion.
But the big question in the mind of many reading this is 'Should I got for the iPhone 5S or get the cheaper iPhone 5?'. Well, if you're looking to get what will likely be one of the best handsets on the market as well as future-proofing yourself (although you'll probably upgrade your phone before Apple ceases support for iOS on the iPhone 5S) then the newer model will please you no end.
However, the iPhone 5 still comes with all the bells and whistles needed to make iOS 7 run smoothly, as well as packing a decent enough camera and screen to excite enough users, who will also get the benefit of a few dollarpounds off the monthly cost of their new device.
Early verdict
The iPhone 5S isn't a market-leading device in so many ways; but then again, that's never been Apple's strategy, and that's a good thing.There are so many people out there desperate to hold onto a smaller display, finding the 5-inch behemoths too cumbersome for the pocket or the hand. That's not to say we're not fans of what LG, Samsung and HTC are doing with their devices, but there's clearly a demand for a smaller-screened handset.
And smaller definitely isn't less beautiful with the iPhone 5S, thanks to that improved camera and fingerprint scanner to really make everything pop and snap when you're doing the smartphone basics -such as opening the phone a million times a day.
The iPhone is a handset designed to give the best blend of power, sophistication and performance, and the iPhone 5S has taken that message and improved on it once more. The price will still be too high for some, but those locked into the iOS ecosystem, or just willing to take a punt and try something a bit different, will be massively pleased with the new iPhone.
And if you're one of those that deserted the platform after poor battery problems or signal issues, you'll especially like the iPhone 5S, which feels like one of Apple's most stable devices to date while carrying on the tradition of a close eye on premium design.
We would like a touch more heft with the metallic chassis, as it almost feels too light the first time you hold it, but with more colours, more power and a spec list that feels like it's got the right mix of performance and precision, we can see the iPhone 5S being the top-selling device once more for the Cupertino firm.
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AppleCare+ for iPhone, iPod hits UK, accidental damage fees hiked in US
On the day it launched its iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S handsets, Apple is giving butterfingered Brits the opportunity to insure their handsets against those fatal drops and spills, for the first time.
The company has rolled out its AppleCare+ scheme to the UK (as well as Italy and France), providing additional coverage for upto two years beyond the purchase date.
For an initial payment of £79 iPhone owners will get unlimited telephone support and additional hardware cover for two incidences of accidental damage.
However, if you drop your iPhone down the toilet or run over it with your car you wont get a completely free replacement, there's a £55 excess you'll need to cover.
Price hike for American users
Stateside, where the scheme has been running for the last two years, Apple has chosen to raise the excess for accidental damage from $49 to $79. The plan itself remains at $99.As well as extending the program to Europe, Apple has also added iPods into the mix for the first time, which is a plus for those accident prone users.
Earlier this year it was rumoured that AppleCare subscriptions would be modified to cover all of a user's Apple devices, but there's no sign of that just yet.
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Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5
The "C" in the new Apple iPhone 5C stands for "Color" and its bright design is what sets this unapologetically plastic phone apart from the iPhone 5 that it replaces.
You can buy it in white, pink, yellow, blue and a garish green, with iOS 7 wallpaper to match. How much better is it than the iPhone 5? Is it actually any better than the iPhone 5? Find out below.
Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Build
Check the specs and you'll notice that the iPhone 5 is a shade slimmer at 7.6mm, compared to the 8.97mm waist of the iPhone 5C. The 5C is also wider, measuring 59.2mm to the iPhone 5's 58.6mm, and taller, although the margin (124.4mm to 123.8mm) is so slight you probably won't notice it unless you place the two phones side-by-side.There's a more obvious difference in weight - the iPhone 5C tips the scales at 132g, while the discontinued iPhone 5 weighs 112g. The 5C's extra weight is undoubtedly due to the reinforced steel structure that provides the strength behind the wraparound polycarb shell.
It's a smart-looking design, too. The entire back and sides are reportedly made from a single part, so there are no seams or joints. The various buttons - volume, sleep/wake, the ring/silent switch - neatly match the plastic color scheme.
Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Display
There aren't any improvements to speak of here. The iPhone 5C uses the same 4-inch (640 x 1136) Retina display as its predecessor. The panel crams 727,040 pixels onscreen, which works out at 326 pixels per inch. It's good, but it's still way behind smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 (440 PPI) and the Sony Xperia Z1 (440 PPI). Expect a screen upgrade when the iPhone 6 comes along next year.Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Camera
If you expected a vast improvement in the iPhone 5C's camera, you'll be disappointed. But while it uses the same five-element, 8MP lens (with an f/2.4 aperture) as the older iPhone 5, Apple has thrown in some extra goodies to keep us quiet.There's a brand new camera app for starters, which lets you shoot square images and features eight live filters so you can mess with your photos as you shoot them. The iPhone 5C matches the iPhone 5's 1080p video capture capabilities but with added video stabilization. It also improves on the 1.2MP front iSight camera. The Megapixels remain the same but there's an improved backside illumination sensor (BIS) for better performance in low lighting conditions.
Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Connectivity
At first glance, the two phones are identical - both support 3G/HSDPA and CDMA2000 networks, as well as 4G/LTE if your chosen carrier supports it. Apple does point out, however, that the iPhone 5C supports more LTE bands than the iPhone 5. Hardly surprising considering the global roll-out and the 5C's ultimate availability in far East markets such as Japan and China. In terms of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, both handsets come with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Still no NFC.Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Processor
The iPhone 5C doesn't enjoy a speed boost and is based around the same A6 processor that drives the iPhone 5. This consists of a custom-built 1.3GHz dual core ARM processor with an integrated PowerVR SGX 543MP3 GPU. It's still a fast chip, although its performance has now been surpassed by the A7 processor that features in the iPhone 5S.Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Software
The iPhone 5C comes with iOS 7 installed, which offers a love it/hate it makeover of Apple's aging mobile software. However, it doesn't give the 5C an advantage over the old iPhone 5, as iOS 7 can be installed on iPhone models ranging all the way back to the iPhone 4. The good news is that iOS 7 makes Apple's iWork suite - Pages, Numbers and Keynote - plus iMovie and iPhoto available for free.Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Storage
Apple is offering the Apple iPhone 5C with 16GB or 32GB of storage. It's one less option than the iPhone 5, which also had a top-end 64GB version. As usual, Apple hasn't chosen to break with tradition and include an expansion slot to boost the internal space.Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Battery Life
In terms of battery life, we're going on what the spec sheets tell us. Again, there's not much of a difference between the two phones. The 5C offers 10 hours of talktime on 3G; the iPhone 5 was rated at 8 hours. The 5C's battery can last for around 250 hours on standby, compared to the 225 hours for the iPhone 5. Average usage is much the same - 10 hours on LTE, up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi, up to 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours of audio playback.Apple iPhone 5C vs. Apple iPhone 5: Early verdict
Bar the vivid design overhaul, the iPhone 5C is much the same phone as the old iPhone 5. The core features - processor, screen, connectivity - are the same, while the camera only has a few extra features. The 5C is a little fatter and heavier than its predecessor. There's also no 64GB version - you'll need to trade up to an iPhone 5S for that. But the bright colors and low(ish) price point (16GB is $99, 32GB is $199 with two-year contracts), make the 5C a decent if unspectacular replacement.
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Opinion: Pass on the free iPhone 4S and get the iPhone 5C instead
With the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C announcements, bargain shoppers and deal hunters must have been salivating at the possibilities of cheaper or free iPhones. That option is here with the free iPhone 4S, but we're warning you against that route.
When Apple announces its new iPhone model each year, it usually means a previous version becomes cheaper. The older models are generally a good deal, but this time around it isn't.
Slap the word "free" onto the iPhone 4S and suddenly you have an enticing deal. It has a retina display, a nice camera and solid battery life. But alas, it also comes with only 8GB storage, which is practically nothing these days.
iPhone 5C vs. iPhone 4S: You'll want the extra memory
Think of all the photos and videos you'll shoot, or the fun apps and games you're going to be downloading. Where do you think all that stuff will go in an 8GB smartphone? Nowhere, that's where.In terms of specs, the iPhone 4S is a bit antiquated now, too. Think about it, for just $99 more you can get what's essentially an iPhone 5 with a plastic, candy-colored shell in 16GB or 32GB variants. That amount of money is worth saving you the headache of running out of space in the long run.
One lesser factor to consider is resale value: you're more likely to get more cash for an iPhone 5C down the line than you ever will for an 8GB iPhone 4S.
These days, it seems like even 16GB isn't enough storage for a smartphone. Camera resolutions are increasing, and so is video quality. That means we need more storage along with our apps and the other junk we stuff into our phones.
Few things are more irritating than finding yourself trying figure out which apps, photos and videos you keep, and which ones you should delete to save space. Sometimes you hit that wall just a few months after purchasing a new phone.
When it comes to iPhones, when you commit to a certain storage capacity, you are committed to it. Neither the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5C have expandable storage (i.e. microSD card slots for more memory). If you want an 8GB phone now just because it's free, make sure it's the same 8GB you can live with two years from now when you can upgrade again.
Perhaps we're getting a little too preachy, but if budget is your deciding factor when buying a new smartphone, give the iPhone 5C more consideration.
You're getting a newer phone with better specs and more memory for - in the grand scheme of things and the duration of your contract - hardly any money at all. Some of us spend more on coffee each month than the contract price of a phone.
Free iPhone 4S is a lose-lose situation
Between the two non-iPhone 5S smartphones that you can buy on September 20, the 5C is really your best bet. But if you don't think you're going to be downloading a ton of apps, and you never shoot photos or videos on your phone, the iPhone 4S might be a decent shot.After all, you're still getting a quality device for nothing besides a two-year contract. Let's not forget that just a little over a year ago, the 4S was Apple's flagship device.
In the end, we strongly feel that anyone who wants a smartphone isn't ever going to be content with just 8GB of storage. You may try to reason with yourself now since free stuff is hard to pass up, but your needs will change along with new trends in the industry, and you'll end up kicking yourself for it.
Oh, and one more thing: There is also a good chance that app developers won't support your phone anymore. You wouldn't want to be left behind with no memory to spare, would you?
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iOS 7 is just days away - will you be ready for it?
Apple announced the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C on September 10, and along with it will come iOS 7. The newest version of iOS is arguably the most radical in terms of design and function, but it's a welcome change to an aging platform.
Many of you might already be familiar with iOS 7 since it has been available to developers for several weeks now.
If you haven't already installed the beta version on your iPhone, perhaps you've seen all the videos and screenshots that have been flooding the web. Its icons are a little larger, rounder and "flatter" (i.e. no more 3D-like gradients).
Aside from new design elements and UI animations, Apple adds some welcome new features, too. iOS 7's Control Center, for example, is long overdue. With a quick swipe of the thumb, you get instant access to features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, Clock, AirDrop and more.
A few apps have either been refreshed or overhauled, as well. Safari, for example, has a completely new look, and tabbed browsing looks different, too.
With all the new features and tweaks, iOS 7 feels like a brand new OS - and it sort of is - but will also be very familiar to current and former iOS users. What's more, the way you interact with the OS is the same, and apps and UI features will also behave the same way as iOS 6.
The idea was to make it new enough, yet familiar enough, so that iPhone users would transition to the new platform smoothly.
But is iOS 7's new makeup and bag of tricks enough to sway someone struggling to choose between it and Android?
iOS 7 vs. Android: How will you decide?
Android had the edge over iOS for some time with its notification tray, widgets and endless customization options. In fact, iPhone users still don't get the latter two.With Android, users also get to choose from a number of smartphone form factors from several manufacturers. As of the time of this writing, iPhone users will only get to choose three: iPhone 4S, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.
Aside from having more hardware options, there is also the customizability of Android. With many Android handsets, you can choose the number of homescreens you want, select from static or animated backgrounds and add or remove live widgets from any of the homescreens.
If you really had to get picky, the choice between Android and iOS 7 gets tricky. While the latter has been updated to include a number of overdue features, Android still has the edge on customization and choice. However, iOS 7 beats Android's apps by some margin, and its performance is always consistent.
It's true that Android apps have become more polished over time, but having reviewed hundreds of handsets over the past six years, it's still evident that iOS is just more consistent.
iOS app selection still tops Android, and when it comes to new apps and services, iOS users tend to get first dibs.
iOS 7: Learn to love the new features
For those of you who are already committed to the iPhone, be prepared for iOS 7. Many of our close friends are already dreading its release, with a handful of them promising they won't update because they just don't like it.We'll admit that it took us some time to get used to the new platform, but after a week or so we couldn't imagine going back to any previous versions of iOS.
Having quick access to notifications and oft-used features is a blessing. Many of our frustrations with iOS have been alleviated by version 7. We even prefer the new look of the icons, messaging and e-mail apps and the phone app, too. Everything is more modern, less antiquated.
One thing Apple always does well is refinement. If you look at the iPhone 5S design and compare it to the iPhone 4, you'll find that they don't appear to be all that different despite the number of years between them. Apple took a design that worked and made it better, and it does that with its OS and apps, too.
iOS 7 could stand to gain a little polish and better speed all around, but we're content with it at the moment. We can do without all the crazy and confusing apps that Samsung throws into its Galaxy smartphones, or the weird hardware features that have been in Android phones over the years (e.g. poorly functioning fingerprint scanners, 3D cameras, etc.).
Besides, if you're an iPhone user and you're planning on staying an iPhone user, you're going to have to learn to love it.
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In Depth: iPhone 5C: 10 things you need to know
So the rumors and leaks were true and Apple has split the iPhone product line into the flagship 5S and the new, multicolored 5C model.
The 5S has some nifty new tricks but the iPhone 5C is hardly "entry level" itself, using similar or even in some cases upgraded hardware from the iPhone 5 it replaces. So what are the key things to know about it?
Painting the phone many shades
This is the first time Apple has made a colored body version of the iPhone that isn't just black or white. The 5C comes in green, white, blue, pink and yellow versions, though each retains the same black fascia.They are made of hard coated polycarbonate plastic which means they should be rather more scratch-resistant than the iPhone 5 they replace. Obviously, this doesn't mean you won't still need to take care of it.
Remember, always wear protection
Apple created some of its own cases with "soft feel silicon rubber" just for the iPhone 5C. These are interesting to look at, with a series of holes in the rear surface to allow the color of the phone to show through.Since the 5C is a slightly different size and shape to the iPhone 5, existing cases almost certainly won't fit but you can expect to see a slew of new 5C cases on the market very soon.
Do bear in mind the cost though - each one will set you back £25, $29, $AU39. You do get six colors to choose from though.
It's hard as nails
The iPhone 5C may look cuddly but it's actually made of a single piece of polycarbonate plastic inside which is placed in a steel reinforced structure that provides strength and also works as the phone's antenna.On the exterior it's treated with a multiple finishing process including a hard lacquer coating, so it should be pretty good at resisting smaller knocks and scrapes.
Decent specs inside
The iPhone 5C has broadly similar internal components to the iPhone 5, using the same A6 processor and a 4-inch Retina display. That means that even though it's now Apple's more entry-level fullscreen phone, it has essentially the same power as the flagship model it has just replaced.Even though the new 5S with its new A7 chip looks like it is really quick, the A6 is still a very snappy processor and will provide a great user experience for the vast majority of people.
Better battery life
The iPhone 5C has a slightly larger battery than the iPhone 5 it replaces. This is partly because Apple doesn't necessarily feel the need to keep slimming down this particular model, guessing correctly that many people actually value better battery life over extreme thinness.This is great news for any 5C owner since it should mean more standby, talk time, browsing and general use before you have to recharge.
Feel free to snap, happy
The iPhone 5C uses the same 8MP camera as the recently discontinued iPhone 5. That's a pretty great camera, with a hybrid IR filter, backside illumination and a five element lens.The camera app in iOS 7 also has some new capabilities so the camera will continue to be one of the best you can get in this kind of price range.
Time for FaceTime
The 5C has a new FaceTime HD camera that uses a higher resolution and also supports FaceTime Audio, a new feature coming in iOS 7 that will allow audio-only calls over wireless or cellular networks.So no more video calls at funny angles unless you want them. A higher quality FaceTime camera means smoother and clearer video chats, and other software like Skype should be able to take advantage of this, too.
There's lots to connect you
4G / LTE networks are the coming, delivering faster on-the-go data connectivity.The 5C supports more LTE bands than any other smartphone, has dual band Wi-Fi and also uses low power Bluetooth 4.0 - perfect for low-power communication between devices. This could possibly include Apple's rumored Smart Watch in the future.
Faster Wi-Fi is great because it means you can use 5GHz as well as 2.4GHz networks for faster file transfer or browsing.
It's tailored to you, sort of
iOS 7, which the iPhone 5C will ship with, has been specially designed to integrate with the new phone models. So for example, the wallpaper will change to match the color of your phone's body.It will also allow all the great software features you'd have got on the iPhone 5 like AirDrop, for quickly transferring files between devices by using an ad-hoc wireless network.
When, where, how much?
The iPhone 5C will be available to pre-order on September 13 and available to buy on September 20 in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and six other territories.If you want a SIM-free iPhone 5C it'll set you back $549, £469, AU$739 for the 16GB version and $649, £549, AU$869 for the 32GB model.
Carriers will offer them for the iPhone 5C for less if you sign up for an 18- or 24-month contract, which effectively subsidizes the cost of the handset.
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In Depth: iPhone 5S: 10 things you need to know
The iPhone 5S is one of the most anticipated tech launches of the year and so it's no surprise that it was subject to months of rumor and speculation in the run up to its official unveiling.
As notoriously tight lipped as Apple is about upcoming products, a lot of information on the iPhone 5S still managed to slip through ahead of time and as it turns out a lot of it was right.
But now with the iPhone 5S officially announced and the details confirmed, here are the 10 things that you really need to know about it.
It is in fact called the iPhone 5S:
In a move that surprises absolutely no one, Apple has confirmed that the new iPhone is called the iPhone 5S. That follows the standard iPhone convention of following up a numbered model with an improved "S" version.It's a little bit colourful:
While the shape and design is the same as the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5S is available in a few new colours. Specifically silver, 'space grey' (is space grey?) and a bling-tastic gold model.It's got an improved camera:
Somewhat surprisingly Apple has stubbornly stuck with 8MP for the camera in the iPhone 5S. That's not to say it's not been improved though. It has a 15 percent larger sensor area which allows for bigger pixels and better quality pictures.It also includes a new flash called "True Tone" which aims to make colour tones look more natural and avoid clashing colour temperatures. Plus it can shoot slow motion video at 120fps and can stitch together shots to create 28MP panoramas.
It's got a fingerprint scanner:
Rumours of a fingerprint scanner have been buzzing around for a while and it turns out they were true. The iPhone 5S has a fingerprint reader built into the home button, it's called Touch ID and it gives you a new way to keep your handset secure and/or endlessly show off to all your friends who are stuck tapping out a pin to unlock their phones.It can also be used to authenticate iTunes purchases and you can operate it simply by placing your finger on the home button - you don't actually need to press it.
It will be out very soon:
Apple tends to have new products on the shelves shortly after announcing them and the iPhone 5S is no exception.It's been confirmed that the handset will be available to buy in the U.K. and U.S. on September 20, so if you want to be among the first to get your hands on it you might want to start queuing now.
It's not cheap:
The iPhone 5S is going to set you back at least £549 (US$649, AU$869 SIM-free) for 16GB of internal storage. Meanwhile the 32GB version is £629 (US$749, AUD$999) and the 64GB version is a wallet shredding £709 (US$849, AUD$1,129).It's got a shiny new A7 processor:
A processor upgrade was always likely and it's come in the form of the new A7 chip. It's a 64-bit chip, making it the first of its kind to ever grace a smartphone. It's roughly the same size as the A6 chip despite containing around twice as many transistors, the upside of all this? Both its CPU and graphics are twice as fast.It's also got a new "M7" motion co-processor which continuously measures and keeps track of motion data. Essentially it's gunning for the fitness tracker market, allowing the iPhone 5S to (in combination with apps) take on the likes of the Nike FuelBand.
It will ship with iOS 7:
We've already had a good look at iOS 7 but it's going to make its proper debut on the iPhone 5S (and the iPhone 5C). As well as adding new features it gives the interface a complete and much needed visual overhaul, freshening up an operating system that was in danger of looking stale.Its battery has been given a boost:
Battery life is the bane of most smartphones and the iPhone 5 was no exception so it's nice to see that the battery has been given a boost for the iPhone 5S.While Apple hasn't confirmed how big the iPhone 5S battery is, they have announced some stats for it. It can manage up to 250 hours of standby time, 10 hours of talk time on 3G, 10 hours of internet, 10 hours of video or 40 hours of audio. Almost all of that is up from what the iPhone 5 could manage.
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iPhone 5C release date: where can I get it?
After months of guesswork, the iPhone 5C is official and it's basically an iPhone 5 in plastic coating.
But that won't stop you (or perhaps your kids) wanting one when you see the colourful array of finishes the handset comes in - green! yellow! white! pink! etc.
The good news is that there isn't long to wait: the iPhone 5C release date is September 20 while pre-orders open on September 13. We've had a quiet word with all the networks to find out who's stocking what. Let's do this:
- But wait! First decide if the new handset is worth your money with our hands on iPhone 5C review
EE
Yes, EE will be stocking the iPhone 5C and it will be running on its 4G network. No word on contract prices yet.Vodafone
The big red network will be selling the iPhone 5C on 4G and 3G price plans: what those plans will be is currently anyone's guess.Three
You can register for more information about the iPhone 5C from Three, and it will be stocking the handset come September 20. No official word yet if the 5C will run on the 4G network when it launches in December.O2
iPhone 5C is coming to O2 as well, and it'll play nice with the network's 4G set-up despite O2 being absent from Apple's LTE rundown page.Apple
If you're ready to shell out £469 for the 16GB iPhone 5C or £549 for the 32GB model off-contract, you can buy directly from Apple.- Find out everything there is to know about the iPhone 5C and check out what the TechRadar team makes of it too
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Early View: iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2
So the iPhone 5S is finally with us, in a move that shocked absolutely no one.
Apple's latest device launches itself into a very crowded flagship market, populated by the five-star rated HTC One, as well as the incredibly popular Samsung Galaxy S4 and LG's new flagship, the LG G2.
We all know what we're hoping for from Apple, we hope for it every year, a revolutionary handset that matches the original iPhone in terms of game changes.
We know that's not going to happen, and time and time again Apple's iterations have proven that evolutions can be as popular as revolutions, and make just as much money.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Operating System
Of the four devices, the two biggest names in mobile operating systems are left to fight it out, with iOS 7 appearing on the iPhone 5S, and Android Jelly Bean on the HTC, Samsung and the LG.iOS 7 brings across a whole new unified design, albeit in the same grid pattern that we are all used to. It also packs in some really useful features, such as the Control Center for improved multi-tasking and a full screen notifications for the iPad.
The Android toting HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S4 and LG G2 both come with Android 4.2, though each OEM has skinned the OS with their own user interfaces.
HTC Sense on the One brings BlinkFeed, a mish-mash of content from varying social feeds, whereas Samsung's TouchWiz feels a little more android-y. Both have the ability to populate home screens with widgets, have access to Jelly Bean's superb notifications bar that encompasses access to quick and full settings.
The LG G2 also has an custom UI based on Android 4.2 but we have yet to see a name for it.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Processor
Apple is really pushing the boat out with the iPhone 5S processor, popping in a 64-Bit A7 chip. According to Apple, this is 40 times faster than original iPhone.Beneath the hood of the HTC One is Qualcomm's quad-core 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 chip, backed up with 2GB of RAM to help move things along. Similarly, underneath the Galaxy S4 sits 2GB of RAM, this time with a 1.9GHz quad-core chip (although a few markets have the 1.6GHz octa-core).
There is also a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip inside the G2, although this is the newer Snapdragon 800 chip, giving the LG a whole 2.26GHz of quad-core goodness. This is all backed up with 2GB of RAM.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Screen
Screen technology is a hot topic when it comes to the modern smartphone, and the Retina display on the front of the iPhone 5S is testament to that - providing a 1136 x640 resolution that's 326ppi more than 4 inches.For the Android phones it's a Full HD experience, with 4.7 inches at 468ppi on the HTC One, 5 inches of Super AMOLED at 441ppi on the Galaxy S4, and a whole 5.2 inches at about 424ppi on the LG G2. All the devices were very impressive, but we must recommend checking out the Galaxy S4 screen page here.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Storage
If you think that the iPhone 5S is going to support microSD, you'd be very wrong. That would have been a really impressive "One More Thing," but was never going to happen.What you do get is 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of storage backed up with iCloud. HTC's One is another device that doesn't come with microSD support, disappointingly so as it's very much supported by Android. What you do get, is 32GB or 64GB of internal. Even the LG comes without expandable storage, leaving only 16GB or 32GB of internal storage.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S4 does come with microSD support - up to 64GB - to sit alongside the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB offerings, meaning up to a potential 128GB of storage is available.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Camera
Smartphone cameras are growing increasingly popular, so all four smartphones have had some level of special attention paid to them. The iPhone 5S comes with an upgraded 8MP camera, with an f/2.2 aperture, True Tone flash and a 15% larger sensor area than the iPhone 5. According to Phil Schiller, bigger pixels make for a better picture.Bigger pixels, better picture. Sounds like HTC's UltraPixel sensor. The HTC One comes with a diminutive sensor measured at "only" 4MP. That's where the UltraPixels come in, with each pixel being larger, allowing more light in. It also records Full 1080p HD video, and has HTC Zoe on board to bring your gallery to life. The 2.1MP front sensor is also no slouch.
Samsung's offering brings a 13MP sensor on the back, with a 2MP sensor on the front. Amongst the Galaxy S4's camera features are Dual Shot, Sound and Shot, Animated Photo and Drama shot. The Samsung also records Full HD video.
Completing the group, the LG G2 also comes equipped with a whole 13MP. It matches the HTC on the front sensor count, at a whole 2.1MP.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Dimensions
Being an iterative update, the footprint of the iPhone 5S is identical to that of the iPhone 5. Measuring in at 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm and at 112g, the 5S is by no means a heavy being.The HTC One is the heaviest of the four, weighing in at 143g. It's also considerably larger than the iPhone, at 137.4 x 68.2 x 9.3mm.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is 13g lighter at 130g. It's also shorter and thinner, at 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm. The LG G2 measures in at 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm, putting it around the same size as the other Android handsets.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Build and Colours
When it comes to build quality, Samsung has often been criticized for their plastic chassis, something that has made it across to the Samsung Galaxy S4. The LG G2 is also built out of plastic, matching its Korean brother. The G2 only comes in black, with the S4 being available in black and white, as well as blue.Both the HTC One and the iPhone 5S come built out of aluminium, with the HTC available in Black, Silver, Red and Blue. The iPhone 5S comes in gold, silver and "space grey."
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Battery
In sheer size, the biggest battery is in the LG G2, clocking in at 3000mAh. It's also removable, like the Samsung Galaxy S4, which has the second largest juice pack at 2600mAh.The HTC One comes in third, 300mAh smaller at 2300mAh. True to iPhone tradition, the battery size hasn't been officially confirmed, however 10 hours of 3G call time, and 10 hours of LTE browsing don't smack of something low key.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Connectivity
Being flagship handsets, all four devices come packed with Wi-Fi and 4G for web browsing, Bluetooth 4.0 and A-GPS and GLONASS for location systems. DLNA streaming is available on all handsets, barring the iPhone, which comes with an AirPlay app.NFC is also unavailable on the iPhone 5S, but is available on the Galaxy S4, One and G2.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Extra Features
Apple, keen to take an initiative before it kicks off elsewhere (perhaps the HTC One Max), has fitted the iPhone 5S with a finger print scanner. Thankfully, Apple doesn't back the data up to its servers or iCloud. It does, however, mean that the you can unlock and make iTunes purchases using your fingers.Apple has also got a new M7 chip in the iPhone 5S, which is a motion coprocessor that continually manages data from the accelerometer, gyroscope and compass. This will lead it to creating a whole load of health apps, with Nike announcing the Nike + Move app.
Health apps have long been around, with Samsung having the S Health app. Samsung has also created a range of smart covers, something that LG has copied.
HTC's killer features on the One are the dual frontal Boom Sound speakers, and the Ultra Pixel technology in the camera coupled with its Zoe image capture.
iPhone 5S vs HTC One vs Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG G2: Early verdict
It takes a bold man, or a crazy man to say that the iPhone 5S will fail. That is purely because it won't. Apple have a knack when it comes to releasing new devices, a knack to make them so appealing.Yes its charm has worn off a little, with certain communities becoming a little disillusioned that the iPhone isn't a TARDIS or a working alchemy kit. What the iPhone 5S is, is a fantastic bit of tech that builds further on the iPhone brand.
As for the competition provided by the new iPhone 5C, we shall have to see what happens there. A cheaper iPhone will always sell. Apple will have a fight on its hands, given that the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 have already established themselves, but to many, September 20, 2013 is a day that will be marked and heavily ringed on the calendar.
The iPhone 5S will sell in droves, but whether it will get the five stars that the HTC One got is another matter, you'll have to check out our upcoming iPhone 5S review. While you wait, why not check out how the Galaxy S4 managed 4.5 stars, how the HTC One went one better, or our early look at the LG G2.
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Reaction: TechRadar Reacts: iPhone 5S
The cat's out the bag - Apple has revealed the iPhone 5S to the world, complete with dual LED flash and that much-rumoured fingerprint scanner in the form of Touch ID.
So what does the TechRadar team think of Apple's souped-up flagship? Does that S stand for Super or do we think that Cupertino's dished up disappointment? Well you're about to find out, complete with our knee-jerk scores out of five.
Want to know more about the iPhone 5S? Follow us this way, please
Kate - News Editor (UK)
Struggling to get excited about this, to be honest. I like the iPhone 5S just fine. A better camera is always nice, the fingerprint scanner is a cool addition although I can totally live without it. The A7 64-bit processing power is cool but since I don't play video games and I'm not that into streaming stuff on my phone, it's not going to bother me not to have all that grunt. I'm more excited about getting iOS 7 back on my iPhone 5. Also, a gold iPhone? How gauche.Knee-jerk score: 3.5
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Patrick - Editor in Chief (UK)
Well it's not changed everything...again, but the iPhone 5S looks pretty cool to me. It's not like Apple has been able to sneak anything big past the rumor mill for a few years now so obviously we're not blown away by everything - but that doesn't mean this isn't a fine phone. Camera improvements are welcome, but I'm really regretting having my fingerprints burned off.Knee-jerk score: 4.5
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Hugh - Staff Writer (UK)
Having reported on endless fingerprint sensor rumours for months it's nice to see that it wasn't all in vain. For me, the Touch ID is most interesting thing here as it's a whole new feature that Apple is trying out. As an iPhone 5 owner I won't be in any rush to upgrade (although apparently I've just been phased out anyway - thanks Apple) but as is the usual way, this is really aimed at owners of the phone two iterations before it - the 4S in this case. And with that 64-bit A7 chip it's looking pretty powerful. As a whole, a good package, but there's nothing but the Touch ID that really stands out for me.Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Hugh on Twitter
Marc F - Mobile Devices Editor (US)
There are no surprises here. It seems like Apple can't keep a lid on its secrets anymore. We knew the A7 chip was coming, the fingerprint sensor was expected and event he camera module and flash didn't hold any surprises. However, Apple managed to give a solid presentation on what seems to be a solid smartphone.I'm tempted to upgrade from my iPhone 5 for the better camera, the better security and faster performance. Apple says that graphics performance is remarkably better than the iPhone 5, and that battery life manages to do better, too.
Knee-jerk score: 4
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John - Phones and Tablets writer (UK)
We knew the iPhone 5S wasn't going to blow us away with a barrage of new features, but I'll be honest, I'm pretty disappointed with what it does offer. A slightly bumped up camera and a couple of new colours. Wow Apple, you're really out doing yourself here. Yeah it's got a new processor, no surprise, but the same screen, same body and it'll run iOS 7 just like the now defunct iPhone 5.Its one saving grace however is that fingerprint scanner. We've questioned Apple on its lack of innovation during the past couple of years, but with Touch ID we're once again seeing the genius that it has locked away.
Knee-jerk score: 3.5
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Michelle - News Editor (US)
While there was little surprise with the iPhone 5S announcement, the phone is a worthy replacement for the iPhone 5. It's loaded with tech that would actually make me consider buying an iPhone (I've never owned one), which is saying something. Apple's not doing a whole lot new, and I'm making no argument (yet) that this is the innovation Apple needed to score a big win over Android, but all in all this looks like a really nice device that I want to play with at the Apple Store. I'm intrigued by Touch ID, though I wonder how much of a gimmick it will turn out to be.Knee-jerk score: 4
Follow Michelle on Twitter
Lily - Assistant Editor (US)
The iPhone 5S is like the sophisticated, cigar smoking, older brother to the iPhone's angst-ridden 5C. It's also definitely an upgrade on the iPhone 5 but I'm still not completely sold. I've never really liked fingerprint sensors on my laptops so I'm wondering if I'll like them on my phone - though I am curious to see how well it will work.I guess I'm most interested in what the 5S camera can do since the normal iPhone 5 camera is really simplistic. To sum it up, I didn't get the 4S because I wanted to wait for the 5, so I'll probably stick around and wait for the iPhone 6.
Knee-jerk score: 3.5
Follow Lily on Twitter
Total knee-jerk score out of five: 3.9
What else has been deemed worth of a TechRadar reaction? Well, the iPhone 5C for one thing.- iPhone 5C - a colourful success?
- Samsung's Galaxy Gear: perfect or pointless?
- Was Nokia a mug to sell out to Microsoft?
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Reaction: TechRadar Reacts: iPhone 5C
After months of rumour, leaks, speculation and down right making stuff up, Apple has finally lifted the lid on its first cheap-ish phone.
Yes, the iPhone 5C is here in all its rainbow-hued glory - but has Apple, the golden child of mobile, succeeded where most other manufacturers have failed: has it made a cheap phone that doesn't suck?
Let's find out what the team thinks, complete with knee-jerk scores out of five. Take it away, team:
- For more in-depth thoughts on the handset, check out our hands on iPhone 5C review
Kate - News Editor (UK)
I have a perfectly good iPhone 5, but now I sort of want an iPhone 5C and I don't know why. Because they're basically the same handset. I have that handset. But I do not have that handset in yellow. Why do I want it in yellow? I don't know. Have I been brainwashed by subliminal Apple marketing? Probably. Luckily, my reluctance to pay that much (£469/$549) for a kind of out-dated plastic phone is going to win out this time. Nice try, Apple.Knee-jerk score: 3.5
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Marc F - Mobile Devices Editor (US)
Apple tends to wait on features and products without rushing anything, and it looks like the wait for the iPhone 5C might have been worth it. The variety of colors in 16GB and 32GB options gives a nice range of options for picky buyers, and the fact that its parts and performance are comparable to the iPhone 5 make it a solid buy without serious compromise.I think the iPhone 5C is going to sell well, especially to those who have always wanted to buy an iPhone without spending too much money on one. With that said, would I buy one? Well, I'm not exactly the target crowd for this particular iPhone model.
Knee-jerk score: 4
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Hugh - Staff Writer (UK)
Firstly I'd like to point out that, despite the haters and doubters, I've been a strong believer in the 5C name since it first appeared in that blurry picture. The more you think about it the more it makes sense and I'm loving the way its colours blend with the new iOS 7. OK, we knew what the deal was thanks to all the leaks, but this was always going to be the more interesting proposition. Let's hope it helps Apple to widen the net. I'm growing fonder of those colourful cases too…Knee-jerk score: 4
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John - Phones and Tablets Writer (UK)
Out of the two new iPhones Apple has announced the iPhone 5C has piqued my interest the most. There was still a question mark over whether Apple would go down the cut-price route, and it means fanboys won't be able to point and laugh at the plastic Samsung's quite so much.The key thing here is the price. An iPhone which is pretty much the same as the iPhone 5 yet with a lower price while still retaining the new iOS 7 operating system and decent Apple engineering. Sure it's plastic, but that hasn't put us off in the past. Paint us interested.
Knee-jerk score: 4.5
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Michelle - News Editor (US)
I'm confused by the iPhone 5C. On the one hand, it's specs are respectable, especially when paired with a $99/$199 price tag. It's almost a really nice smartphone, but misses. On the other, it's not quite "cheap" enough – especially off contract – to convince me that it's going to successfully target the audience Apple wants it to. Apple just didn't go low enough or bring its specs high enough for me to be smitten with what it has to offer. Like a Porsche Panamera, I see why it exists but don't buy into it.Knee-jerk score: 2.5
Follow Michelle on Twitter
Patrick - Editor in Chief (UK)
It's interesting to see Nokia take a sly dig at the 5C so quickly, because this has the power to be a big new competitor in the upper middle market of phones. Owning an Apple product could well prove a powerful alternative to the Android and Windows Phone offerings out there and the range of funky new hues is definitely going to prove attractive to a certain market. I do think that Apple has missed a trick by not getting the price even lower.Knee-jerk score: 4
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Lily - Assistant Editor (US)
The $99 price point is probably the most appealing aspect of the iPhone 5C, because honestly, it's about time Apple. I also don't mind the fact that it's "cheap" because it's plastic as long as its innards are decent enough, plus the colors definitely scream Nokia so it's nothing to jump up and down about.Other than that, it's basically a "cool" phone parents can get for their whiny Disney teens without worrying about shelling out another hundred backs if (when) they smash the phone - so either way, it just means more dollar bills for Apple's pockets.
Knee-jerk score: 3
Follow Lily on Twitter
Total knee-jerk score out of five: 3.6
What else has been deemed worth of a TechRadar reaction?- Is the iPhone 5S a hit or a swing and a miss?
- Samsung's Galaxy Gear: perfect or pointless?
- Was Nokia a mug to sell out to Microsoft?
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Opinion: Is the iPhone 5S the final nail in the coffin for compact cameras?
The rise of smartphones has seen some ringing the death knell of compact cameras for, well, years now.
Despite the fact the iPhone is neither the world's biggest selling smartphone, nor the best camera phone (by some stretch), it's always the launch of the new iPhone that gets us questioning if there really is any point in the compact camera anymore. (And by "us", that I mean both we at TechRadar and we the general tech-interested population)
The Apple iPhone seems to be the smartphone of choice for those who consider themselves photographers. Flickr's most popular "cameras" are the iPhone 5, iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. Compact cameras don't even get a look in. Nor do other phone manufacturers.
But what is interesting is that if we exclude cameraphones from the equation (and that's not to say that Flickr is by any means a definitive measuring stick, especially not these days), we can see that the most popular "point and shoots" are highly specced, advanced premium compacts. The Sony RX100 tops the charts, followed by the Canon G12 and the Canon S95. These are cameras with full manual control and a high price point.
Meanwhile, sales of low-end compact cameras are definitely on the wane. Why carry an extra device when you phone can easily match picture quality and has the added advantage instant sharing to Instagram (other social networks are available)? We've even seen some camera manufacturers, such as Olympus, announce that it will be concentrating its energy on the higher end of the market - probably a smart move.
Tru What?
As we might have expected, the iPhone 5S has taken a decent leap in terms of quality and specs - at least on paper. Apple is sticking with its trusted 8 million pixel resolution, but it has made the sensor 15% larger than the one found on the iPhone 5.It's also got some other interesting specs that you probably won't find on the average point-and-shoot - namely 10fps shooting, and a panorama mode which captures 28 million pixel images and adjusts exposure as you're panning. Nifty.
With everybody banging on about low light, it's only natural that Apple has not only made the sensor size and pixels bigger (they're now 1.5 microns), but it's also included what it's dubbing TrueTone flash. That's two LED flashes, one amber, one white - supposedly for more accurate colours.
Even bearing those new specs in mind, smartphones don't offer everything that a dedicated imaging device does. It's in this realm that the latest batch of devices are desperately trying to compete. So far, there's nothing that truly meets that mark and makes the camera dispensable.
We've seen headline grabbers such as the Nokia Lumia 1020 (with its "41 million pixel" sensor) and the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom (with it's unwieldy 10x optical zoom - it's basically a camera that can make calls). The Nokia Lumia 925's advertising strategy went all out to highlight its low light capability.
On the other hand, Sony's camera sector is being incredibly innovative. This month saw the launch of the Sony Xperia Z1, with a 1/1.7 inch 20.2 million-pixel sensor. That's the same size sensor as you might find in a decent compact camera, and much larger than those found in the standard smartphone. It's also an Exmor R, which means it's backlit and should be pretty able to deal with low light conditions.
Not only that, but the Sony QX100 and QX10 have just been announced - fully featured compact cameras that don't have a screen... that's what your smartphone is for. That's an example of a company attempting to fight the smartphone onslaught by working with them.
Putting aside any of these specs, which are undoubtedly improving, one pretty crucial area where smartphones struggle is battery life. Having an amazing camera is only as good as the battery life that allows you to use it, after all.
Last shot for compacts?
So does the 5S finally end the case for compacts? Not quite, though it's there's little hope that the lower end of the compact camera market will do anything but dwindle further in the next few years.That said, there are still some people (though we don't know any of them) who don't have smartphones, and for those people, the budget compact camera market is still a pretty interesting. It's also true that the dodgy battery life and the zero optical zoom of the average smartphone puts the kibosh on using it as a decent holiday snapper, so that market also still remains firm.
What is likely is that compact cameras (or at least, what we think of as compact cameras) will start to change, offering more and more than your smartphone can't. We're talking high zooms, large sensors, low light capability, a decent battery life and more. This mid-range and above seems safe ... for now at least.
Join us for the next iPhone launch when we'll no doubt ask this question all over again.
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iPhone 5S features Touch ID fingerprint sensor
Apple announced that its new iPhone 5S features a fingerprint sensor called Touch ID, calling it "the most secure phone" on the market.
The fingerprint sensor allows users to unlock the iPhone 5S thanks to biometrics without having to type in that annoying four-digit passcode.
Yes, it looks like the Cupertino company is finally making use of its $356 million (about £226, AU$382) AuthenTec purchase, and it's doing it in style.
The fingerprint sensor has a 500ppi resolution on scanner and 360-degree readability, according to Apple, so you don't have to orient your finger every time.
The new home button sensor itself is 170 microns thin and it scans Scans sub-epidermal skin layers. It blends right into the now-blank home button.
Even more interesting is that the stainless steel detection ring of the fingerprint sensor knows your finger is there - meaning you don't have to actually press down on the button anymore.
Make purchases through fingerprint sensor
Beyond unlocking the iPhone 5S, users can make iTunes purchases through the phone's fingerprint sensor.The latest iOS software may be required, as Apple said the sensor is deeply integrated with iOS 7.
Apple didn't discuss whether or not other app developers in its App Store will include ways to bypass passwords using the fingerprint sensor in the future.
There's also the question of how the fingerprint sensor is going to work with third-party accessories such as cases that would normally cover the iPhone 55 home button.
Who's got a live blog of Apple's event? TechRadar, that's who.
More to follow...
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Nokia quick to suggest IPhone 5C is an 'imitation' of Lumia range
Nokia UK were quick to joke on Twitter about the latest iPhone 5C being an 'imitation' of its bright Lumia phones.
Within minutes of the announcement of the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S, Nokia UK's official Twitter feed posted a cheeky message aimed squarely at the Cupertino company.
The message, accompanied by a picture of its Nokia Lumia Windows Phone range and the phrase 'imitation is the best form of flattery' simply added 'Thanks, #Apple ;)'
Timing
Obviously the tweet was timed to pick up some free publicity from the stream of Apple tweets as its launch event took place - and given that we've written about it, it's clearly worked.Nokia's mobile arm was recently snapped up by Microsoft, with chief executive Stephen Elop moving back under the Microsoft umbrella.
Apple's iPhone 5C is a plastic version of the iPhone 5, aimed at the more budget end of the market and it is likely to be a competitor with many of the Lumia range.
Good natured rivalry or real fear of competition? Whatever the case, there's no denying that a real rivalry has already brewed and is now going public.
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