New iphone app adds incentives to go to the gym

SAN FRANCISCO: If a bulging waistline isn't enough of a motivator to go to the gym, a new iPhone app adds a financial incentive to provide that extra nudge.

The app called GymPact charges users a fee for every gym commitment they skip. The fee can range from $5 to $50 dollars.

"We decided to motivate people by having money on the line, rather than giving them money, which is a very radical departure from other motivational apps and programs," explained Yifan Zhang, GymPact's co-founder and CEO.

After providing a credit card, GymPact's users make a commitment for the number of times each week they will go to the gym, along with the financial penalty they will incur if they don't.

At the end of the week, the company charges users who did not meet their goals. The money collected is distributed to users who kept their commitments. People who committed to more days get a bigger portion of the pooled money.

"We really think of what you have on the line as the number of days you're committing. That's really the focus of the program - how many days can we get you to go to the gym every week," Zhang said.

The company is paying out anywhere between 50 cents $1 for each workout and keeps about 30 per cent of each payout.

Last week, each workout was worth 73 cents. To validate the time spent at the gym, users must check-in at a venue for 30 minutes for the workout to count.

Zhang developed the app from research into behavioral economics while at Harvard University, where she was investigating the relationship between financial incentives and motivation.

"One of the key concepts is loss aversion. Say you take the same amount of money and you offer it as a reward, or use it as a penalty. People are much more motivated by a loss than by gain," she explained, adding that users make it to the gym 90 per cent of the time.

WORLD’S FIRST SELF-HEALING iPhone CASE

NISSAN BRINGS AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION TO THE WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY

Nissan announces unique self-healing iPhone case – the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case
The case uses innovations from the automotive world to create a robust iPhone case, including Nissan’s pioneering self-healing paint finish
Nissan’s Scratch Shield paint is a world first in paint technology that allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves
Addition benefits such as scratch-resistant and easier-to-grip than normal glossy phone surfaces
The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case is made from ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry to create a more rigid, robust, and tighter-fitting case
Trial underway with initial batch of prototypes

iphoneRolle, Switzerland, 16 January 2012: Nissan today announced the latest piece of must-have kit for the iPhone* – a ground-breaking self-healing iPhone case.

The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case features the brand’s pioneering self-healing paint finish, a world first in paint technology developed in 2005 and already used on a number of Nissan and Infiniti models.

Now this ground-breaking technology has been applied to a product that’s prone to scratches through everyday use – the smartphone – with Nissan’s new Scratch Shield case meaning iPhone-lovers can keep their phone looking at its best for longer.

Developed by Nissan in collaboration with University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials Inc., the unique Scratch Shield paint finish was initially designed for automotive use and is available on the Nissan Murano, 370Z and X-Trail along with the Infiniti range of products. Now, thanks to Nissan’s pioneering approach, this technology is being trialled for the first time on a non-automotive product in Europe, with the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case.

The Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case has been designed using several automotive engineering innovations to deliver a more durable and long-lasting paint coat, and closely fitting, tight case. The case has three key benefits: the highly flexible and elastic properties of Scratch Shield paint technology allows fine scratches to quickly mend themselves**; its tactile gel-like rather than glossy surface is more scratch-resistant than conventional paint and provides a better grip; and the case itself is made of ABS plastic – a high grade substance widely used in the automotive industry which is more rigid and robust than other plastics. The outer ‘paint’ is made from polyrotaxane, which means that when damage occurs to the coating in the form of a fine scratch, the chemical structure is able to react to change back to its original shape and fill the gap – ‘healing’ the blemish.

An initial batch of prototypes of the innovative Scratch Shield iPhone cases has been produced by Nissan for BETA testing with selected journalists and customers, but if demand proves strong, it will look to put the cases on general sale later this year.

Bob Laishley, Overseas Programme Director Business Development for Nissan in Europe, said: “We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we’ve got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues. The Scratch Shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive technology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shifting the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product.

“We’re really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we’ve already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the Scratch Shield technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the automotive world. We’re passionate about innovations that get people excited, and that means not being restricted to one industry or genre.”

Nissan has been licensing its unique technologies for various non-automotive applications since 2004. Other technologies that have been licensed include its Miniature Thermal Imaging Sensor: initially designed to make driving at night safer by detecting the presence of people even in places not illuminated by the car’s headlights; the technology has been licensed to create a device which allows customers to monitor heat generation, or collect temperature readings via infrared sensor. Nissan will continue to research and develop breakthrough technologies that can benefit other industries, and promote these non-automotive applications globally.

Nissan has long been an innovator when it comes to advancements in the automotive world, heralding the start of a remarkable new era in motoring when it launched the first Crossover, the Nissan Murano, followed by the hugely-successful Qashqai and recently joined by the Juke – with its innovative fusion of compact SUV and sports car styling. Nissan’s range of crossovers has since gone from strength to strength, with the Nissan Qashqai selling more than a quarter of a million models last year in Europe and the newly launched Juke having now notched-up 120 thousand sales. Built in Nissan’s manufacturing plant in the UK, these two models helped the plant break its all-time production record to build 480 thousand units in 2011.

Currently the Nissan Juke-R, another Nissan Innovation combining the transmission, drive train and engine of a Nissan GT-R with a Juke, is being put to the test on the streets of Dubai. To celebrate this event, Nissan has joined forces with Ministry of Sound, who will be hosting a pre-race party for Nissan with internationally renowned DJ Pete Tong, to release the first 100 of the Nissan Scratch Shield iPhone case prototypes.

Soul Calibur coming to iPhone January 19th

If you love fighting games, then chances are you have probably played Namco Bandai’s Soul Calibur series either on your gaming console or at the arcade. Well the good news for iPhone owners out there is that Namco Bandai is apparently porting the game over onto iOS come January 19th. According to the report, the iOS version of the game will feature all 19 fighters and several different modes. These include arcade battle, time attack, survival, extra survival, practice and museum modes.

In fact for those of you out there who are particularly competitive, time attack, survival and extra survival modes are apparently compatible with Apple’s Game Center Leader Boards. The game will be compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad. Unfortunately there is no word on pricing just yet, but if Namco Bandai sticks to the same pricing scheme that they have for their other games, we don’t expect Soul Calibur to be overly expensive. Fans of the series or arcade-style fighting games will probably want to mark this down on their calendars.

Money transfers by mobile phone in prospect

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Bank customers seeking to switch money to other people’s accounts should soon be able to do so using only the recipient’s mobile phone number as the industry shifts towards a system that would simplify transfers radically.

The Payments Council – which is tasked with speeding up UK payments – is pursuing plans that would make it easier and faster for individuals and businesses to transfer money using their mobile phones.

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After months of discussions with the industry it is expected to announce in February detailed plans for a database that would link bank customers’ mobile phone numbers to their accounts. That would allow people to transfer money to their contacts’ mobile numbers – via text message or an “app” on their handset – rather than needing to know their full account details.

The council will provide details about how expensive the system would be to set up and how long it would take to implement. It has previously suggested that such a service could be introduced within about two years.

The initiative takes place as banks scramble to catch up with online heavyweights such as Google and Paypal, which have started to launch their own mobile payment services.

To date these have centred on enabling people to pay for goods more quickly by using a mobile handset equipped with a chip that communicates wirelessly with retailers’ tills.

Analysts say banks have been slow to invest in the area of mobile payments and broader digital banking services, largely because they have had been so focused on cleaning up their balance sheets after the financial crisis.

However research suggests they may be missing out on a lucrative revenue-stream as bank customers would be willing to pay for certain digital services.

A report today by PwC finds that most consumers would be willing to pay up to £10 a month for services such as information alerts, social media notifications and a kind of “electronic wallet” that stored loyalty card points from retailers.

To charge for such services could provide the first step for banks to shift away from the controversial model of “free” banking.

Banks want to end this opaque format, whereby they extract revenue by penalty fees rather than upfront monthly charges. But customers are generally resistant to paying for basic banking.

Virgin Money, which recently acquired Northern Rock, raised eyebrows when it said it would charge for most of its current accounts when it launches them next year.

However, Matt Hobbs, retail and commercial banking partner at PwC, said there was a growing propensity among consumers to pay for additional services that would help them to manage their financial affairs.

“The mindset needs to change,” he said. “Banks need to focus on innovation and customer service rather than [on] products and sales.”
Source: www.ft.com

Analyst: Apple to release redesigned iPhone 5 in summer, just one iPad in 2012

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, in a note to investors, has laid out his predictions for Apple's calendar year 2012. In it he expects a redesigned iPhone 5 to be released in midsummer and only one version of the iPad 3, despite other rumors that Apple could release an expanded lineup of iPad models.

Munster's note, reported by AppleInsider, suggests that Apple's "base case" scenario will see it selling 142 million iPhone units through 2013, which represents an 18 percent increase in revenue from the previous year. In a "bull case" scenario Apple could sell as many as 162 million units, bumping the revenue increase to 35 percent.

(Credit: Screenshot by AppleInsider)

With Munster predicting only a single iPad model for 2012, his total revenue prediction for Apple remains conservative at 14 percent. However, many rumors have been circulating that Apple could release any number of iPad models, expanding its lineup considerably.

Should Apple release a 7-inch iPad or an iPad 2S, Munster's predictions could prove to be extremely low.

So what should we make of this? First of all, this is merely a prediction. It is entirely possible that Munster has an inside track on some production plans, but more than likely it's just his best, educated guess.

It remains to be seen whether Apple's delay on releasing the iPhone 4S until fall was a calculated shift in production scheduling or simply a product management decision that resulted in a later release date. I would put my money on the former and not expect an update to the iPhone lineup until next fall.

As for the iPad rumors, I'm with Munster (which is fun to say out loud by the way). While Apple could very well release an iPad 2S alongside an iPad 3, I think it is much more likely to remain on its current trajectory of a single model upgrade. It seems as though the Retina Display will certainly make its debut on the iPad this spring, but I doubt Apple is looking to have multiple models or sizes to choose from.

While I do not profess to be a financial analyst by any stretch, Apple has a habit of crushing earnings estimates (especially conservative ones), so if you've been considering putting some money on Apple, now's as good a time as any I would think.

Should Apple wait until fall to release the iPhone 5 or bring it out next summer? Should Apple have more than one model of iPad? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

New iPhone 5 to Feature Modification in the Design

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Recent reports have revealed that Gene Munster, an analyst of Piper Jaffray, indicated that a new design for the iPhone 5 may be released by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) for next year. This was revealed through a note to investors by Munster, who anticipated the iPhone 4 to be released sometime during the summer.

Aside from the iPhone 5, Munster also indicated that the company will release only one iPhone 3 model. This comes as reports have emerged on the possibility of a number of iPad models to be released by Apple in the future.

Munster also indicated that the base scenario should result to 142 million units of iPhones sold until 2013. This is an increase of 18 percent compared to the previous year when the iPhone 5 will be released.

iPhone 5

A bull case will see an increase of around 35 percent as sales may reach 162 million units. Munster also revealed that only one model of the iPad will be released in the coming year while total earnings of Apple will increase by around 14 percent with the release of the iPhone 5.

For a number of observers, these are mainly predictions made by Munster on the possible new design of the iPhone 5. However there may be the possibility that Munster may have some knowledge about the plans of the company for the iPhone 5 although observers have indicated that it may be nothing more than an educated guess.

Some observers have also indicated that the recent release of the iPhone 4S last fall was likely a shift in the production schedule of the company and it will be very much possible for the company to release the iPhone 5 at around the same period in the coming year.

In connection to the iPad, some observers agree with the prediction of Munster that the company will release only one model of the device since it is doubtful that Apple will release different size options for the device which may feature the Retina Display. In the end, the release schedule of the iPhone 5 and the possibility of only one iPad remains uncertain until the devices are finally released into the market.

White 16GB Verizon Apple iPhone 4S - Free ESN US $520.00

Apple iPhone 4S - 16GB - Black (AT&T) Smartphone US $496.88

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Apple iPhone 4S- 64 GB WHITE **MINT** AT&T US $542.00

iPhone Case Review: iLuv Overlay Translucent Hardshell Case for iPhone 4S

iPhone Case Review: iLuv Overlay Translucent Hardshell Case for iPhone 4S

Reviewed by Tong Zhang

Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4

What's Hot: Slim and form fitting, soft touch surface, lets your iPhone 4/4S shine through the case.

What's Not: No film protector for the front.

The iLuv Overlay is a translucent hard plastic shell case for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. The case only comes in three colors, but they tastefully let the back of the iPhone 4/4S show through. The Overlay fits the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S perfectly, and has cutouts for all ports and buttons on the phone.



Design

The iLuv Overlay translucent hardshell case is a form fitting, minimalistic case. It covers the back and two vertical sides of the iPhone 4S as well as four corners. The hard plastic case has soft touch coating on both exterior and interior, and it feels nice in hand and gives the case a better grip. It's easy to put it on or take it off: just slide one side of the phone into the case and push the other side in.



There are currently three color options in the Overlay series, white, black and pink. The white version matches the white iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S very nicely, giving the milky solid white phone a translucent frost like look. It's not completely clear, just translucent enough to let the Apple logo and iPhone branding show through. The case is slim but has some thickness, and it can certainly protect the phone from scratches, nicks and bumps on the back and sides when you carry it in a backpack or purse. The case doesn't cover the display nor does it come with a film protector.



Features

The iLuv Overlay hardshell case has a similar design to the iLuv Festival Hardshell case with the top and bottom of the iPhone 4S mostly exposed, giving you easy access to ports and buttons. The bottom cutout leaves the 30-pin connector, speaker and bottom mic open; and the top cutout leaves the power button, top mic and audio jack open. The iLuv Overlay case has a long side cutout that gives you plenty of room to use the silence button and volume buttons, and it works with all versions of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.





The Overlay translucent case has a nice rear cutout for the camera and flash, giving both plenty of room to operate. The case has a nice wrap around on the vertical sides and corners to keep the display off a table when you put it face down and add more structural support should you drop the phone.



Conclusion

If you want to let the beauty of your iPhone 4S shine through, you should look at the iLuv Overlay case. The white case matches the white iPhone 4S well with a frosty look, the black version works with the black iPhone 4S well, and the pink version is eye-catching. The case is strong yet has a soft touch feel, and the price is reasonable. You will need to get yourself a screen protector if you worry about the display.

Price: $24.99
Web site: iLuv

Apple iPhone 4 Pay Monthly to Entice You All

Apple iPhone 4 is the superb device that not only allows great communication but is also lured with wide variety entertaining utilities. Users should go for the alluring device and its large supporting features.


Apple iPhone 4 is another magnificent device, lured with the high class features and stylish looks. The gadget works amazingly and is powered with 3G networking. The handset is manufactured in the attractive black and white colors.

Admirable looks

Apple iPhone 4 is featured in the dimensions of 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm and is having the weight of 137 grams only. The gadget is attached with the beautiful 3.5 inches (~330 ppi pixel density) LED-backlit IPS TFT, capacitive touch screen that exhibits the display of 16 million colors in the resolution of 640 x 960 pixels. Multi-touch, Scratch-resistant glass, scratch-resistant glass back panel and oleophobic coating are the fabulous physical availabilities in the phone.

Please visit Best iPhone 4 Pay

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Connectivity

The gadget allows you to connect through the facilities of GPRS, EDGE, Speed HSDPA, WLAN Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB. Other than that, Apple iPhone 4 also provides the opportunity to make global connections via HTML Web browser in just few clicks. Alongside, GPS provides the ease of traveling to various locations.

Imaging features

Apple iPhone 4 is installed with the efficient 5 MP camera that captures stunning pictures in the resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels. Auto focus and LED flash are the supporting properties of the phone. Touch focus and geo-tagging are the other valuable camera features to bring clarity in the pictures. Also, video recording is beautifully accessed through the device with the help of facilities like LED video light and geo-tagging. Secondary camera is also there to make video calls over Wi-Fi only.

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Other supporting features

Apple iPhone 4 is featured with the advantages of Micro SIM card support only, Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic, iCloud cloud service, Twitter integration, Audio/video player and editor, Image editor, Voice command/dial and TV-out.

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iPhone 5 - Features Most Expected in Apple's Next Generation Smartphone

iPhone 5 - Features Most Expected in Apple's Next Generation Smartphone (PHOTOS)

Apple fans are complaining about iPhone 4S' half-baked Siri, the personal, voice-controlled, intelligent assistant, prompting everyone to wonder when the technology giant will unveil iPhone 5 and what improved features it will carry.

Rumors on iPhone 5 have become viral on the Internet, especially after it was reported that Apple is going to acquire Israeli flash storage maker Anobit for about $500 million. Naturally, many people are wondering whether this is the reason why iPhone 5 launch got delayed.

Hopes of iPhone fans were dashed when iPhone 5 didn't get released in October this year and Apple watchers began predicting that iPhone 5 will debut in the middle of 2012 - pobably in late spring or early summer.

Start the slideshow to find out which features of iPhone 5 are being expected the most.

Must Read: Collapsible "iPhone 6" Boasts of Unique Applications (VIDEO)

ALSO READ: iPad 2 - Ten Reasons it's a Great Holiday Gift

source: www.ibtimes.com

iPhone 5 Rumors: Along with a Bigger Screen, Better Camera & the iCloud, Could the iPhone 5 Have Flash?

by Jeanette Mullett- It’s been a while since we’ve heard any iPhone 5 rumors, with the iPhone 5 being shelved in favor of the iPhone 4S two months ago. But now, we may have found a reason for the iPhone 5 delay, and it isn’t a new iOS: Apple (AAPL) may be looking to add Adobe’s (ADBE) Flash Player.

Included at the bottom of the post is a video featuring iPhone 5 changes from 9to5mac

According to TechCrunch, Apple is in talks to purchase Israeli Flash chip maker Anobit for between $400 and $500 million. The TechCrunch post cites Israeli Calcalist as having the original scoop, but also makes note that there may already be an Anobit Flash chip inside the iPhone 4S.

What’s the big deal with Anobit and the iPhone 5?

For starters, many Apple enthusiasts were left in the dark when Apple rolled out the iPhone 4s instead of the iPhone 5 that they were expecting. Popular consensus was that Apple was using the iPhone 4S as the opportunity to work out the kinks in Siri, the voice-response artificial intelligence app, before taking the beta tag off of it.

Is Apple delaying the iPhone 5 until they get a fully-integrated Flash chip installed?

If TechCrunch is on with their rationale, what Apple is really interested in is the MSP powered MSP20xx embedded flash controllers, which can improve memory on both smartphones and on tablets.

What would the Flash Controller do for Apple?

Apple hasn’t seen its market share dwindle without a Flash chip in its products, but would certainly see its share grow with one. What the chip would do to the iPhone 5 specs remains to be seen; it’s already been rumored that the iPhone 5 will have a bigger screen.

Would a Flash chip change the Size of the iPhone 5?

iPhone 5 rumors so far haven’t addressed the casing size, but the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S were 26% smaller than the iPhone 3 models, so you’d think that the iPhone 5 would continue that trend.

So, about those iPhone 5 rumors:

Bigger Screen, Traditional Casing

That’s right, the iPhone 5 is going to have a bigger screen. It wasn’t Steve Jobs’ wish, but Apple has to move on at some point, and it looks like they’ll do it by giving the phone a four-inch screen, according to iphone5rumor.net.The same report indicates that Apple is likely to use the same flat edges and not the teardrop casing that had been hoped for.

New, Improved Camera

It looks like the iPhone 5 camera will be an improved 8 MP camera, which is a big step up from the 5 MP lens that the current models have.

iCloud

According to TechLabs, the iCloud will be available on the iPhone 5, allowing users to sync up their music wirelessly over all their devices. With the iPhone 5 iCloud, that oft-limited storage space on the iPhone 5 can be used purely for apps and nothing else.

4G LTE, World Compatibility

Not only will the iPhone 5 be 4G LTE compatible, the iPhone 5 will also support both CDMA and GSM networks, allowing it to be used throughout the world.

Release Date

Although many sites still point to an October 2011 release for the iPhone 5, it seems like the iPhone 5 release date will be sometime in the middle of 2012, probably late spring or early summer.

Source: bostinno.com

Samsung readying 2GHz dual-core CPU for 2012 release

Samsung is preparing to take things up a notch in 2012, having revealed its plans to release a 2GHz dual-core processor within the next year.

Speaking to Korean website Duam, an anonymous “high flyer” at Samsung has reportedly revealed the company’s plans to release a 2GHz dual-core Exynos CPU in 2012. The unnamed executive told the site that Samsung will “release a 2Ghz dual core CPU-equipped smartphone by next year” and that it “will have the data processing capacities of a regular PC”, which now arrive equipped with between 3 and 4 gigahertz of power.

While Samsung’s home-grown processor will no doubt be making an appearance on its 2012 flagship (the Galaxy S III?), the company also plans to manufacturer the chips for other phone makers. So, it looks like next year could be the year of the 2GHz dual-core smartphone, then.

The 2GHz dual-core Exynos CPU is reportedly still in development by Samsung, and its exact availability is still to be confirmed.

Samsung to release 2GHz dual-core superphone in 2012

If the Galaxy S2 struggles to quench your inner speedster, Samsung plans to ramp things up with a 2GHz dual-core superphone in 2012.

Search provider Daum quotes an unnamed “high-ranking” executive within the Korean company, who lets slip that Samsung plans to “release a 2Ghz dual core CPU-equipped smartphone by next year” that “will have the data processing capacities of a regular PC.”

Although it has been argued that building a 4GHz single-core processor would be cheaper to manufacturer, Samsung has opted to build a dual-core processor which it believes is better optimised for smartphone devices.

While this will no doubt equip Samsung-branded smartphones with faster multitasking and whizzy apps, the company also plans to sell the CPUs, which will be launched under Samsung’s Exynos brand, separately to other phone makers. Still, The 2GHz dual-core chip is still in development by Samsung, with an exact release date still to be announced.

In the mean time, we’ll just have to “make do” with the Samsung Galaxy S II, which packs a duo of 1.2GHz chips under the hood. Set to land on May 1st, the super-skinny flagship also features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) OS, an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with 1080p HD video capture, a front-facing webcam, HSDPA and WiFi speeds, integrated NFC smarts, and either 16GB or 32GB of storage.

Apple iPad 3 production begins ahead of Q1 2012 release

The Apple iPad 3 has entered production ahead of the its release in Q1 2012, industry analyst Jeff Fidacaro is claiming.

Speaking to AllThingsD, the Susquehanna Financial analyst let-slip that third-gen iPad device has entered production in China, with Apple ramping up its Q4 iPad builds to between 12 and 14 million – from between 11 million and 13 million.

“Since our last month supply chain checks we are now seeing 600,000 to one million iPad 3 builds showing up on the plan for the fourth quarter of calendar 2011, ” said Fidacaro. “Our previous estimate did not include any iPad 3s.”

So, what can we expect from the so-called iPad 3? Many are expecting Apple‘s next-gen tablet to sport a revamped form-factor, housing a 9.7-inch (2048 x 1536) Retina Display. There’s also whispers of a dual-core A6 processor, and it’ll no doubt land running iOS 5.

The slate’s official release date is still to be confirmed, although it’s expected to hit shelves in March 2012.

Nokia to Release Windows Tablet in 2012

Nokia plans to launch a Windows tablet next summer, as the handset maker banks on the newest iteration of Microsoft's OS to revive its struggling brand.

"In June 2012, we will have a tablet that runs on Windows 8," Paul Amsellem, Nokia France head, told French newspaper Les Echos.

His remarks were not the first time the Finnish phone maker has mentioned a possible foray into the tablet market. Last month, CEO Stephen Elop told interviewers the company's Windows phones are just one small example of planned Nokia products featuring Microsoft's interface and operating system.

Nokia is still one of the world's largest cell phone makers, mostly due to its numerous low-end feature phones. However, as the iPhone and high-end Android handsets grabbed customers over the past few years, Nokia's position in the market has steadily dropped.

Nokia's new line of smartphones, Lumia, was unveiled in Europe this month, but won't be available in the U.S. until next year. These represent the first Nokia products running the Windows OS, and Nokia is likely relying on them to help regain some cell phone market share.

Nokis is also eyeing the increasingly hot tablet market to revitalize its brand. If the company indeed launches a Windows 8 tablet next year, it is expected to go head-to-head against the iPad and Android tablets such as the Kindle Fire and the Nook, as well as other Windows tablets, including possible offerings from Hewlett-Packard and Dell.

The iPad is currently the dominant tablet, but Android models from companies like Amazon and Barnes & Noble are starting to draw in consumers with lower-priced models that may appeal to people looking to use a tablet mostly for reading magazines and books. As competing tablet makers fight for position, Nokia will likely define its own appeal. If the company can offer tablets to PC users who are longstanding Windows customers, it may open its own spot in the crowded field.

Nokia's Windows 8 tablet is still in the rumor stage, with company spokespeople rushing to say the company has no specific plans to unveil such a device. All eyes will likely be on the Finnish company next year, waiting for a more definitive announcement.

Apple iPhone 5 and iPad 3 set for 2012 releases?

Apple fans might wish to prepare to sell their mobiles in 2012 to make way for either the new iPhone 5 or the iPad 3, if one source is to be believed.

The Japanese blog Macotakara, quoting a Nikkei Business article, has suggested releases of both of the highly-anticipated models are likely next year, reported 9to5 Mac.

Should the iPhone 5 be brought to the market, it is believed it will offer a 4G connection.

Apple may be planning to continue its tradition of leaving approximately a year between releases of iPhones, with the 4S model hitting the shelves two months ago, possibly making a further launch next autumn a likely option.

The news source noted that there were rumours of an imminent release, but Apple has downplayed these due to some concerns over the mobile's power consumption.

CNET recently told how the iPad 3 is edging closer as work has started on the high-resolution display it will feature.

Coolest latest gadgets – Touchscreen Mobile Phone Watch

If you’re looking for Touchscreen Mobile Phone Watch pictures, information or photos we get them here for using. We already gather the high-level quality Touchscreen Mobile Phone Watch pics, information or reviews for our users to use. Our staff and users daily supply new best or coolest gadgets info.

Touchscreen gadgets are certainly becoming more common, and we have the iPhone to thank for that, the latest offering from the guys over at Chinavasion is a Touchscreen Mobile Phone Watch.

This tri-band mobile phone watch features a built in touchscreen as well as a full numeric keypad.

It also has built in Bluetooth, and a Mic, and will work with GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 networks, as well as that there is a built in camera, which can take photos and video.

Here’s the specs.

Main function: Digital Cell Phone Watch

Additional functions: Portable Media Player
Display: 1.4 inch polarized TFT LCD Touchscreen, 160 x 128 pixels with 65K colors
Memory: 512MB TF/microSD Card included (expandable to 2GB)
Color: Black band and face
GSM Compatibility: Tri-band 900 / 1800 / 1900
GPRS Support: YES
Bluetooth: YES – version 1.2
Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, Handsfree, Headset, SPP, DUN, OPP, FTP, SAP, FAX, HID
Trans-Flash Card Slot: YES – 1
SIM Card Slot: YES – 1
Call Settings: call waiting, call divert, call barring (if supported by your network carrier)
Built-In MIC: YES
Messaging: SMS, MMS, Voicemail
Mobile internet: Yes – WAP (if supported by your network carrier)
Languages: English, Russian, French, Arabic, Thai, Turkish, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese
System: Windows 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / Vista, Mac OS 9.x and later, Linux 2.4 and up
Power Source: Built in Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Battery Life:
- Talk Time: Up to 2.5 hours
- Stand By: Up to 150 hours
Dimensions: Watch Face Only – 47mm x 60mm x 21mm (L x W x D); Strap – Adjustable one-size-fits-all

The Touchscreen Mobile Phone Watch is available to buy online from Chinavasion, although there are no pricing details available at the moment.

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Cell phones soon will produce more-nuanced vibrations

November 15th, 2011 - Cell-phone addicts can be so attuned to their digital companions that they are able to feel the difference between a short vibration –signaling, say, a text message - and a longer one for a phone call.

Starting next year, they will have a new class of vibrations to get familiar with.

Apple, for example, began letting iPhone users with the latest version of its software assign customized vibrations to different contacts.

Other smartphone makers are preparing to deploy the latest hardware technology from Immersion, a San Jose, California, company that researches and licenses electronic vibration tools, company vice-president Dennis Sheehan said in an interview at a conference here.

Source: Companies that currently use Immersion's tech in their products include LG Electronics, Nokia and Samsung. Microsoft and Sony, since settling their lawsuits over the vibration tech used in video-game controllers, are now Immersion licensees, too.

Sheehan declined to say which companies would be the first to use the new sensor, but he said it would come to mobile phones first.

The field of vibration in electronics that Immersion specializes in is called haptic. With Immersion's recent haptic breakthrough, phones can produce taps, some types of rolling movements and vibrations in various strengths, depending on the software developer's preference.

"You can communicate more information using haptics," Sheehan said. As a utility, an app can give subtle clues about scrolling through menus allowing the user to tap away on a touchscreen without looking down.

Having more nuanced vibrations in phones can be positioned as an advantage over competitors' devices, Sheehan said. In many cases, basic aesthetics, processor speed and random-access memory specifications are no longer the deciding factor for someone looking to buy a new phone.

"The differentiation is not in the industrial design," he said. "They're all black rectangles."

The sensor Immersion has designed and is promoting to partners is called piezoelectric. Apple's iPhone 4 and Samsung's Galaxy phones use a vibrating motor called a linear-resonant actuator, Sheehan said. Nokia typically uses an eccentric-rotating mass, he said. The piezoelectric, which is a type of ceramic, is different because it applies an electric-field jolt that bends a mechanism to facilitate various types of vibrations.

For a glimpse at where this might come into play, Apple's experiment with assigning custom vibrations, instead of ringtones, to contacts is worth testing out. Users can tap a sequence on the touchscreen to be executed when a friend calls. Apple offers some samples of its own, such as S.O.S. and the slightly creepy heartbeat.

NOKIA 2012Nokia prepared 40 models’ latest mobile

Of the 40 models we plan to launch, about 30% of which is a type of smartphone To be sure, as already stated CEO Nokia Stephen Elop , from a series of mobile phones in 2011 is newer, there is still no Nokia phones that carry the Windows Phone 7 , mobile phone collaboration between Nokia and Microsoft are planned will be present in 2012. That is, Nokia still rely on the Symbian platform in 2011 as this.

NOKIA 2012 Nokia, now is the middle of the spotlight of the mobile industry analysts. Because, according to IDC analyst institution they considered overwhelmed, especially in the smart phone sector, which is filled by the strong player sorts Apple iPhone, BlackBerry RIM, and Android phones range from various vendors. In addition, in some countries, Nokia has also been challenged no less powerful than the mobile-phone invasion of China and local brands.

One in Four U.S. Cell Phones Is a Samsung

Americans loved their Android-based Samsung phones last quarter, based on comScore MobiLens data captured between April and June.

Samsung led phone manufacturers with 25.3 percent of the cell phone market (which includes feature phones), followed closely by LG (20.9 percent), Motorola (15.8 percent), RIM (8.4 percent), and Apple (7.9 percent). However, iPhone adoption grew the most among the manufacturers, rising 1 percent, even though Apple missed its usual June iPhone launch and is rumored to be announcing a next-generation iPhone in September or October.

Motorola lost the most interest last quarter, with subscriber figures falling 1.3 percent, but its fortunes could change with the imminent release of the dual-core, 4G-ready Motorola Droid Bionic .

As for mobile platforms, Google Android was both the most popular (40.1 percent) and the fastest growing (up 5.4 percent). Runner-up Apple iOS was found in 26.6 percent of all smartphones, up 1.1 percent from the previous quarter.

The number of smartphones running RIM's BlackBerry, Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 and Mobile, and Nokia's Symbian OS fell last quarter. RIM, the third-largest platform by volume, suffered the biggest drop, falling 3.7 percent to capture 23.4 percent of the market. Microsoft devices lost 1.7 percent of its subscribers to take 5.8 percent of the pie, while Nokia's Symbian platform fell 0.3 percent and was visible on only 2 percent of all U.S. smartphones. In June, Samsung launched the Samsung Exhibit 4G and Samsung Gravity SMART, though its Galaxy range continues to be its bread and butter. LG launched the Thrill 4G, a glasses-free 3D smartphone, and the LG 200 on Virgin Mobile.

ComScore's June results don't vary much from data reported in early July, but things could change by the end of the year. Phone manufacturers have announced the release of new devices shipping with revamped mobile operating systems, notably Nokia's first Windows phone and other phones equipped with Windows Phone 7.5, or "Mango." This week RIM launched two smartphones with the new BlackBerry 7 OS. Apple is also expected to launch a next-generation iPhone when it releases iOS 5 this fall. And a device running Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich is due at the end of the year. There's plenty of time to pass those batons.

Survey: Third of Americans Rather Have Phones Than Sex

14 Aug 2011 - If given a choice between sex and their mobile phones for a week, many Americans would rather keep the phone.

That is among findings of a survey commissioned by mobile GPS company TeleNav Inc. The survey finds smartphone users, especially iPhone users, are the most attached to their phones.

The Huffington Post reported that TeleNav surveyed more than 500 American adults to track how attached they are to their phones. They were asked if they would rather give up their phones versus a number of other things for a week.

About 33 percent would rather give up sex, compared to 22 percent who would rather not use a toothbrush, 55 percent who would give up caffeine, and 74 percent who would give up alcohol.

A TeleNav press release stated that 70 percent of those willing to forgo sex were women.

Partners of BlackBerry users may want to be the most concerned. The survey stated that 23 percent of BlackBerry users responding stated they would rather go a week without seeing their significant other than go without their phone. Android users followed close behind with 21 percent compared to 18 percent for iPhone users.

That bodes well for the 83 percent of iPhone users who thought other iPhone users would make the best romantic partners. Taking a bite out of that is the finding that 40 percent of iPhone users would rather give up a toothbrush than their phone for a week.

Another "love story" shared by TeleNav is that 66 percent of smartphone users said they sleep with their phone next to them.

For those looking for a partner with manners they may want to steer towards a feature phone users. About 31 percent of smartphone users said they check their phone for messages or email while at the movies compared to 7 percent of feature phone users.

Also 18 percent of smartphone users had ended a relationship using technology such as voice mail, text messages, email, Facebook update or Twitter post compared to 7 percent of feature phone users.

Another finding, shared by Mashable , shows that 26 percent of smartphone users frequently check their phone at the dinner table compared to 6 percent of feature phone users.

When broken down by smartphone type that number jumps to more than a third for iPhone users compared to 21 percent of Android users and 15 percent of BlackBerry users.