Before you buy an iPhone from Virgin Mobile, read this
Back in March, having decided that Android wasn't for me, I decided to buy an iPhone 5S from Virgin Mobile. The deal was too good to pass up: 30 percent off the phone itself and $30 per month for service -- no contract required. ("Too good" here means relative to other deals. Was the iPhone cheap? Hardly. Was it the cheapest possible way to get the model I wanted? Definitely.)The 5S itself has been great (especially compared with the 4S it replaced), and Virgin's Sprint-powered coverage has been, let's just say good enough.However, last week I dropped the phone, busting its screen (sob). My attempt to replace it myself was unsuccessful, so I decided to pony up the dough (double-sob) for an Apple Store repair. (Had this been a warranty claim, that would have been my destination as well: Apple handles all service issues for iPhones purchased from Virgin Mobile.)So I made an appointment, took the iPhone in, and got a replacement. (Apple Stores don't currently do screen repairs for the 5S, so what happens is they swap your whole phone -- same as if, say, your Wi-Fi stopped working.)That's when the trouble started.They should call it Virgin NobileVirgin MobileIn a nutshell, my Genius Bar Genius (who, I just have to say, really needed a shower) couldn't get the replacement phone activated. I'll spare you the blow-by-blow, but after a full hour of trying this and that, he got on the phone with Virgin and was told that activation was "locked." It would take 24 hours to complete the process.Nearly as exasperated as I was, he handed me the phone, said, "Good luck," and sent me on my way.That was disappointing, to say the least, but it was only the beginning. After 24 hours, my phone still hadn't been activated. I called Virgin (and reached a live, admirably apologetic human almost immediately) and was told that the Apple Store had done it wrong: They'd registered the iPhone with Sprint, not Virgin Mobile, and there was no way to switch it over. I'd have to go back to the store.Aggravating though this was, it helped explain the previous day's problems. Every time the "Genius" plugged the phone into a Mac, iTunes popped up a Sprint activation screen (one that wouldn't accept my VM number and password).The second visit seemed to go smoother. I explained what had happened, and the guy helping me grabbed the store's resident Virgin Mobile expert (self-proclaimed). They swapped the "locked" iPhone for another replacement, and this time the guy vanished to the back with it, promising to go right through to Virgin's "tier 3" support so it would get activated right away.After 35 seemingly endless minutes, he returned. This time: "It's all set, but just needs to link up with the local towers. Should be good to go within two hours."Second verse, different than the firstThat was around 5 p.m. I gave it till the next morning. Although the iPhone was activated, it wasn't getting service. I called Virgin Mobile again, and again reached someone right away. Here's where it gets even more interesting.Once again I was told that the phone was tied to Sprint, and needed to be registered with Virgin Mobile. However, this courteous and apologetic rep told me they could make the switch at their end. (Note the disparity: I'm not sure which side got it wrong the first time, Apple or Virgin.) The process would take 2 to 4 hours, after which I'd receive a call back.I waited five hours -- no call. So I called Virgin again. Got right through, apologies all around, and this time was told that the serial-number transfer was complete -- now they just needed to make a few more changes at their end. They kept me on the line all of five minutes, had me punch in a couple numbers on the dial pad, and presto! I had service.Why do you hate me, universe?It was a vexing couple days, but other than wasting a few hours, no major harm done. The price you pay for saving money, right?Turns out the replacement iPhone (my third, if you're keeping score) is defective. The rear camera doesn't work, and I can't hear callers through the earpiece. So it's back to the Apple Store, and I get to go through all of this yet again.What's the takeaway here? Several thoughts:My local Apple Store may not be too swift when it comes to dealing with Virgin Mobile, but everyone I've dealt with his been very friendly. It's still the model of retail customer service, in my opinion.Virgin Mobile may not be too swift when it comes to transferring your service from one iPhone to another, but the company has excellent customer reps. They speak in slightly accented English, but they're polite, apologetic, and seemingly very eager to help. And I never waited on hold, not once. (This was also true with a previous experience a couple months back.)If you buy an iPhone from Virgin Mobile and need to have it replaced for some reason, expect hassles and delays. As a couple different Apple Store geniuses told me, when they swap a phone on, say, AT&T or Verizon, it takes mere minutes. Couldn't be easier. With Virgin, it's a slow and, obviously, often aggravating process.Would all this stop me from buying another phone from Virgin? No, because despite all the headaches, the everyday experience is fine -- and much less expensive than with most other carriers. I sure do dread the idea of ever having to swap phones again, though.By the way, if you need to reach Virgin Mobile phone support for an activation issue, call 888-322-1122, enter your mobile phone number when prompted, then press 4, then 2, then 2 again. That's the fastest way to a live human.Have you ever had to replace a Virgin Mobile iPhone? If so, hit the comments to describe your experience with both that company and Apple. I'm curious to know if anyone had an easier (or harder) time.
Paul McCartney releases five albums as extra-packed apps
Paul McCartney releases five albums as extra-packed apps
Paul McCartney has released five of his earliest post-Beatles albums as bonus-packed apps, complete with a look behind-the-scenes of the LPS recorded on his own and with Wings.The former Beatle and proponent of the thumbs-up has released "Band on the Run", "McCartney", "McCartney II", "Ram", and "Wings Over America" as iPad apps packed with extras.The apps include all the original artwork, interviews with Paul and other band members, a history of each album, and rare behind-the-scenes photos and videos taken by those who were there including Clive Arrowsmith and McCartney's wife Linda. iTunesBy buying the albums in app form from the App Store, you're also saving yourself a few quid: the apps are £5.49, while the remastered albums in iTunes range in price from £7.99 to £10.99. If you already have any of the albums in audio form you can select and play it within iTunes and then return to the app with the music still playing in the background.Albums that are also appsBjork's Biophilia is the first app in MoMA's collectionJay-Z Magna Carta Holy Grail lands today for Samsung Galaxy ownersBrian Eno and Karl Hyde: How many shapes can dance on a record?The Beatles remasteredBeatles on iTunes: Goo-goo g'JobsChristopher Lee launches new epic metal albumThe apps include Macca's first solo album, "McCartney", released in 1970 after the Beatles split up, and his second LP, "Ram", recorded with Linda and released the following year.From the back catalogue of Wings, the band he formed with Linda and a revolving line-up of other musicians, comes 1973's "Band on the Run." The app includes behind-the-scenes videos of the cover shot featuring legendary actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee as well as British chat show host Michael Parkinson. Also recorded under the auspices of Wings -- memorably hailed by Alan Partridge as "Only the band the Beatles could have been" -- is live triple album "Wings Over America" recorded during the band's 1976 tour.The line-up is rounded out by Macca's second solo album "McCartney II", released in 1980. For a long time the surviving Beatles held out from making their music available in digital form. Aside from odd experiments like a £200 apple-shaped USB stick and a Fab Four-focused 2009 spin-off from video game "Rock Band", if you wanted the Beatles on your iPod you had to buy a CD and rip it. The mop-topped 60s stars finally came to iTunes in 2010, which remains the only online outlet for the band's back catalogue.Some of McCartney's later work, including "Band on the Run", is available online from services such as Spotify.The redoubtable Macca is still playing live, having resumed his "Out There" tour in New York this month following postponement because of illness.
Paul McCartney has released five of his earliest post-Beatles albums as bonus-packed apps, complete with a look behind-the-scenes of the LPS recorded on his own and with Wings.The former Beatle and proponent of the thumbs-up has released "Band on the Run", "McCartney", "McCartney II", "Ram", and "Wings Over America" as iPad apps packed with extras.The apps include all the original artwork, interviews with Paul and other band members, a history of each album, and rare behind-the-scenes photos and videos taken by those who were there including Clive Arrowsmith and McCartney's wife Linda. iTunesBy buying the albums in app form from the App Store, you're also saving yourself a few quid: the apps are £5.49, while the remastered albums in iTunes range in price from £7.99 to £10.99. If you already have any of the albums in audio form you can select and play it within iTunes and then return to the app with the music still playing in the background.Albums that are also appsBjork's Biophilia is the first app in MoMA's collectionJay-Z Magna Carta Holy Grail lands today for Samsung Galaxy ownersBrian Eno and Karl Hyde: How many shapes can dance on a record?The Beatles remasteredBeatles on iTunes: Goo-goo g'JobsChristopher Lee launches new epic metal albumThe apps include Macca's first solo album, "McCartney", released in 1970 after the Beatles split up, and his second LP, "Ram", recorded with Linda and released the following year.From the back catalogue of Wings, the band he formed with Linda and a revolving line-up of other musicians, comes 1973's "Band on the Run." The app includes behind-the-scenes videos of the cover shot featuring legendary actors James Coburn and Christopher Lee as well as British chat show host Michael Parkinson. Also recorded under the auspices of Wings -- memorably hailed by Alan Partridge as "Only the band the Beatles could have been" -- is live triple album "Wings Over America" recorded during the band's 1976 tour.The line-up is rounded out by Macca's second solo album "McCartney II", released in 1980. For a long time the surviving Beatles held out from making their music available in digital form. Aside from odd experiments like a £200 apple-shaped USB stick and a Fab Four-focused 2009 spin-off from video game "Rock Band", if you wanted the Beatles on your iPod you had to buy a CD and rip it. The mop-topped 60s stars finally came to iTunes in 2010, which remains the only online outlet for the band's back catalogue.Some of McCartney's later work, including "Band on the Run", is available online from services such as Spotify.The redoubtable Macca is still playing live, having resumed his "Out There" tour in New York this month following postponement because of illness.
Cyber Security Alliance chief- We're all connected (podcast)
Cyber Security Alliance chief: We're all connected (podcast)
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month -- a time when the tech industry, government, businesses, and consumers focus on staying safe online.I admit that there are lots of of days, weeks, and months on the calendar to recognize just about anything laudable, but October is as good a time as any to put some thought into how we can keep the Internet more secure. Whether it's government and large companies fending off major hack attacks from nation states or individuals protecting their devices against malicious software, we can all do something, starting with securing our own networks and devices.Do you have a PIN to keep unauthorized people from using your mobile phone or tablet?How strong are your passwords? If you're using "password" or the name of your dog, you might want to take a look at these "Tips for Strong, Secure Passwords" that I posted on ConnectSafely.org, the nonprofit Internet safety organization where I serve as co-director. Parents' guide to cybersecurityAnd what about devices at home?In observance of Cyber Security Awareness Month, ConnectSafely just posted "A Parents' Guide to Cybersecurity" (PDF) to help families with kids be sure that everyoneis doing what they can. As it says in the free booklet, "Security is one of those topics that are pretty easy to talk with kids about, because, just like adults, they don't want to be exploited, tricked or ripped off either."Stop, Think, ConnectNCSA Executive Director Michael KaiserNational Cyber Security AllianceIn an interview (scroll down to listen), National Cyber Security Alliance Executive Director Michael Kaiser said that his organization's ongoing theme, "Stop Think Connect," is a "simple way for people to stay safe and secure online." He suggested that people "stop and make sure you've taken the safety security precautions you should have, think about the consequences of your actions and behaviors to protect you against phishing or posting inappropriate content, and connect and enjoy the Internet."Kaiser acknowledged that there's no such thing as perfect security -- "perfection is probably not the goal at the end of the day" -- but that's true in other aspects of life. "We haven't prevented all car accidents." While he said we shouldn't strive for perfection, "we should strive for some baseline understanding and action by everyone because it does make people safer even if it's not perfect."Some of the security precautions Kaiser suggests include updating your operating system, browser, and other software; use long, strong, and unique passwords; use anti-malware software; use PINs or fingerprints for mobile devices; and "be thoughtful about what we post about each other, where we are, and where we're going."For more, click below to listen to this 10-minute audio interview: Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month -- a time when the tech industry, government, businesses, and consumers focus on staying safe online.I admit that there are lots of of days, weeks, and months on the calendar to recognize just about anything laudable, but October is as good a time as any to put some thought into how we can keep the Internet more secure. Whether it's government and large companies fending off major hack attacks from nation states or individuals protecting their devices against malicious software, we can all do something, starting with securing our own networks and devices.Do you have a PIN to keep unauthorized people from using your mobile phone or tablet?How strong are your passwords? If you're using "password" or the name of your dog, you might want to take a look at these "Tips for Strong, Secure Passwords" that I posted on ConnectSafely.org, the nonprofit Internet safety organization where I serve as co-director. Parents' guide to cybersecurityAnd what about devices at home?In observance of Cyber Security Awareness Month, ConnectSafely just posted "A Parents' Guide to Cybersecurity" (PDF) to help families with kids be sure that everyoneis doing what they can. As it says in the free booklet, "Security is one of those topics that are pretty easy to talk with kids about, because, just like adults, they don't want to be exploited, tricked or ripped off either."Stop, Think, ConnectNCSA Executive Director Michael KaiserNational Cyber Security AllianceIn an interview (scroll down to listen), National Cyber Security Alliance Executive Director Michael Kaiser said that his organization's ongoing theme, "Stop Think Connect," is a "simple way for people to stay safe and secure online." He suggested that people "stop and make sure you've taken the safety security precautions you should have, think about the consequences of your actions and behaviors to protect you against phishing or posting inappropriate content, and connect and enjoy the Internet."Kaiser acknowledged that there's no such thing as perfect security -- "perfection is probably not the goal at the end of the day" -- but that's true in other aspects of life. "We haven't prevented all car accidents." While he said we shouldn't strive for perfection, "we should strive for some baseline understanding and action by everyone because it does make people safer even if it's not perfect."Some of the security precautions Kaiser suggests include updating your operating system, browser, and other software; use long, strong, and unique passwords; use anti-malware software; use PINs or fingerprints for mobile devices; and "be thoughtful about what we post about each other, where we are, and where we're going."For more, click below to listen to this 10-minute audio interview: Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element.Subscribe now:iTunes (audio) |RSS (audio)
The 404 551- Where Natali and Justin have an Apple iPad battle (podcast)
The 404 551: Where Natali and Justin have an Apple iPad battle (podcast)
The CNET New York office is typically a tame environment--unless it happens to be the eve of a big Apple product drop and turns into pure unapologetic madness! It's the day before the release of the much-anticipated Apple iPad and Natali picked one up this morning for a CBS News segment, but little does she know The 404 has our own version, and it's bigger, cheaper, and even comes with its own stylus! Unfortunately, we can't do a side-by-side comparison because the real iPad is currently submerged in a puddle of Wilson's saliva, but we'll try to get the thing in the studio for Monday's show, pending a serious wipedown. The 404/CNETJeff and I are still disappointed by the lack of features on the iPad, but we can't shrug off the awesome-factor of the new Netflix for iPad app that dropped yesterday. Some disregarded it as a cruel April Fools' joke, but it is indeed available now on the App Store. The service is free to all Netflix customers, who will now have mobile access to more than 20,000 movies and television shows currently in the library. You can even continue watching movies from where you left off on your TV or computer at home.We can already sense your irritation at all this iPad talk, so let's move on. Sending dirty text messages to your boo bear isn't just for professional golfers and tweens anymore. Studies show that more and more adults are using "sexting" to get nasty on the run, so we're running down a list of five tips for safe sexting. The list is cheeky, and while we agree that the No. 1 tip is to be discreet, the article neglects to address the wonderful world of multimedia messages that can add a visual aid to your naughty text.Guess we know what you're doing this weekend! And after you do that, shoot us a line by leaving a voicemail at 1-866-404-CNET or send a message to the404(at)cnet(dot)com and let us know what's on your mind!EPISODE 551Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
The CNET New York office is typically a tame environment--unless it happens to be the eve of a big Apple product drop and turns into pure unapologetic madness! It's the day before the release of the much-anticipated Apple iPad and Natali picked one up this morning for a CBS News segment, but little does she know The 404 has our own version, and it's bigger, cheaper, and even comes with its own stylus! Unfortunately, we can't do a side-by-side comparison because the real iPad is currently submerged in a puddle of Wilson's saliva, but we'll try to get the thing in the studio for Monday's show, pending a serious wipedown. The 404/CNETJeff and I are still disappointed by the lack of features on the iPad, but we can't shrug off the awesome-factor of the new Netflix for iPad app that dropped yesterday. Some disregarded it as a cruel April Fools' joke, but it is indeed available now on the App Store. The service is free to all Netflix customers, who will now have mobile access to more than 20,000 movies and television shows currently in the library. You can even continue watching movies from where you left off on your TV or computer at home.We can already sense your irritation at all this iPad talk, so let's move on. Sending dirty text messages to your boo bear isn't just for professional golfers and tweens anymore. Studies show that more and more adults are using "sexting" to get nasty on the run, so we're running down a list of five tips for safe sexting. The list is cheeky, and while we agree that the No. 1 tip is to be discreet, the article neglects to address the wonderful world of multimedia messages that can add a visual aid to your naughty text.Guess we know what you're doing this weekend! And after you do that, shoot us a line by leaving a voicemail at 1-866-404-CNET or send a message to the404(at)cnet(dot)com and let us know what's on your mind!EPISODE 551Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
My weekend (not) using the OnStar iPhone app
My weekend (not) using the OnStar iPhone app
General Motors recently released a suite of iPhone and Android apps for OnStar and 2011 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models as a first step toward improving in-vehicle communications technology. I was eager to take the OnStar MyLink app for a spin in a 2011 Buick Regal during a road trip from New York to Boston, but I was surprised at how little opportunity I had to use it. OnStar's MyLink app is primarily a safety application for emergency situations, so not finding opportunity to use it was a good thing. But if the app is a step toward meeting consumers' increasingly savvy technology expectations, it fell a bit flat.Judging by MyLink's rating on iTunes, other people felt the same way. An average of 170 reviews yielded a two-star average rating. Granted, dragging down the app's rating were a few dozen one-star ratings from irate OnStar subscribers griping that the app didn't work for their 2007 Cadillac Escalade or other earlier model vehicles. And while I could see their point, it's not fair to trash an app because new technology was released after your purchased your vehicle. However, a dearth of functionality is.OnStar MyLink has, at best, a bare-bones set of features: It can tell you basic vehicle information, such as the VIN number, oil status, tire pressure, and preferred car dealership--information you might need if you've been in a car accident and need to tow the vehicle for repair. But it doesn't tell you other helpful data, such as the license plate, make, model, or year. Go figure. The OnStar app can act as a very rudimentary trip meter, letting you view the vehicle's lifetime mileage, trip mileage, average fuel economy, fuel levels, and available range, but it doesn't allow you to store additional data for record keeping.1 of 2Prev12Next
General Motors recently released a suite of iPhone and Android apps for OnStar and 2011 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC models as a first step toward improving in-vehicle communications technology. I was eager to take the OnStar MyLink app for a spin in a 2011 Buick Regal during a road trip from New York to Boston, but I was surprised at how little opportunity I had to use it. OnStar's MyLink app is primarily a safety application for emergency situations, so not finding opportunity to use it was a good thing. But if the app is a step toward meeting consumers' increasingly savvy technology expectations, it fell a bit flat.Judging by MyLink's rating on iTunes, other people felt the same way. An average of 170 reviews yielded a two-star average rating. Granted, dragging down the app's rating were a few dozen one-star ratings from irate OnStar subscribers griping that the app didn't work for their 2007 Cadillac Escalade or other earlier model vehicles. And while I could see their point, it's not fair to trash an app because new technology was released after your purchased your vehicle. However, a dearth of functionality is.OnStar MyLink has, at best, a bare-bones set of features: It can tell you basic vehicle information, such as the VIN number, oil status, tire pressure, and preferred car dealership--information you might need if you've been in a car accident and need to tow the vehicle for repair. But it doesn't tell you other helpful data, such as the license plate, make, model, or year. Go figure. The OnStar app can act as a very rudimentary trip meter, letting you view the vehicle's lifetime mileage, trip mileage, average fuel economy, fuel levels, and available range, but it doesn't allow you to store additional data for record keeping.1 of 2Prev12Next
iPhone 5S, 5C to electrify Apple's quarter-- analyst
iPhone 5S, 5C to electrify Apple's quarter-- analyst
Apple's fiscal fourth quarter may be ending in late September, but at least one analyst expects the company's upcoming iPhones to make a quick impact.Apple could sell as many as 31 million iPhones in the period that ends this month, including 10 million iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C units, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves wrote in a note to analysts, according to All Things Digital, which obtained a copy of the note.That Apple is selling so many iPhones might not be a surprise. That the company can generate 10 million unit sales in a period of a couple of weeks, though, is a bit of a surprise, given the short number of days Apple has to sell those devices.According to Hargreaves, Apple will, as expected, unveil a flagship iPhone 5S alongside the iPhone 5C, which he says, "is essentially an iPhone 5 with a different case." Hargreaves expects Apple to unveil the iPhones on Tuesday and then sell them at some point after that this month. Apple's quarter closes September 29.Things should get even better for Apple in the company's fiscal first quarter. During that period, Hargreaves expects Apple to sell 50 million iPhones, according to All Things Digital. If the company can ink a deal with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile carrier, that number could grow even higher, Hargreaves says.Apple has yet to confirm that it will actually launch new iPhones next week. However, the company is hosting an event on Tuesday at its Cupertino headquarters, and CNET will be there to cover every last second.
Apple's fiscal fourth quarter may be ending in late September, but at least one analyst expects the company's upcoming iPhones to make a quick impact.Apple could sell as many as 31 million iPhones in the period that ends this month, including 10 million iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C units, Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves wrote in a note to analysts, according to All Things Digital, which obtained a copy of the note.That Apple is selling so many iPhones might not be a surprise. That the company can generate 10 million unit sales in a period of a couple of weeks, though, is a bit of a surprise, given the short number of days Apple has to sell those devices.According to Hargreaves, Apple will, as expected, unveil a flagship iPhone 5S alongside the iPhone 5C, which he says, "is essentially an iPhone 5 with a different case." Hargreaves expects Apple to unveil the iPhones on Tuesday and then sell them at some point after that this month. Apple's quarter closes September 29.Things should get even better for Apple in the company's fiscal first quarter. During that period, Hargreaves expects Apple to sell 50 million iPhones, according to All Things Digital. If the company can ink a deal with China Mobile, the world's largest mobile carrier, that number could grow even higher, Hargreaves says.Apple has yet to confirm that it will actually launch new iPhones next week. However, the company is hosting an event on Tuesday at its Cupertino headquarters, and CNET will be there to cover every last second.
iPhone 5S, 5C score 100,000 reservations at China Unicom
iPhone 5S, 5C score 100,000 reservations at China Unicom
Apple's latest iPhones have already snagged a healthy number of consumers in China.China Unicom, the country's second biggest mobile provider, has seen more than 100,000 reservations for the two new phones since they took Apple's stage early last week, Bloomberg said on Monday. Reservations hit that level even though the carrier has yet to reveal its pricing for the new lineup.The iPhone 5C is up for preorder around the world, while the 5S won't be available at all until September 20. But reservations are different from preorders.An online reservation doesn't require money upfront but promises the consumer the reserved phone from available stock come September 20. On that date, customers can visit an Apple Store in China or Hong Kong where employees will help them pick the right mobile plan, set up e-mail, and transfer contacts.China Telecom subscribers who buy one of the new iPhones will have to contend with a slightly lower subsidy. A monthly plan that costs 289 yuan ($47) for the iPhone 5S carries a subsidy of 2,890 yuan ($472), 15 percent less than the 3,400 yuan ($555) for the iPhone 5 under the same plan, Hong Kong-based analyst Eva Yip told Bloomberg.Fellow carrier China Telecom will offer the 5C and 5S with downpayments of 4,488 yuan ($733) and 5,288 yuan ($864), respectively. The phones are free for subscribers who opt for a two-year contract with a minimum monthly plan costing 329 yuan ($53) for the 5C and 389 yuan ($63) for the 5S, Bloomberg added.China Mobile still doesn't offer the iPhone. But the latest reports say Apple may be close to reaching a deal with the country's largest carrier.
Apple's latest iPhones have already snagged a healthy number of consumers in China.China Unicom, the country's second biggest mobile provider, has seen more than 100,000 reservations for the two new phones since they took Apple's stage early last week, Bloomberg said on Monday. Reservations hit that level even though the carrier has yet to reveal its pricing for the new lineup.The iPhone 5C is up for preorder around the world, while the 5S won't be available at all until September 20. But reservations are different from preorders.An online reservation doesn't require money upfront but promises the consumer the reserved phone from available stock come September 20. On that date, customers can visit an Apple Store in China or Hong Kong where employees will help them pick the right mobile plan, set up e-mail, and transfer contacts.China Telecom subscribers who buy one of the new iPhones will have to contend with a slightly lower subsidy. A monthly plan that costs 289 yuan ($47) for the iPhone 5S carries a subsidy of 2,890 yuan ($472), 15 percent less than the 3,400 yuan ($555) for the iPhone 5 under the same plan, Hong Kong-based analyst Eva Yip told Bloomberg.Fellow carrier China Telecom will offer the 5C and 5S with downpayments of 4,488 yuan ($733) and 5,288 yuan ($864), respectively. The phones are free for subscribers who opt for a two-year contract with a minimum monthly plan costing 329 yuan ($53) for the 5C and 389 yuan ($63) for the 5S, Bloomberg added.China Mobile still doesn't offer the iPhone. But the latest reports say Apple may be close to reaching a deal with the country's largest carrier.
iPhone 5S, 5C sales split down the middle, claims analyst
iPhone 5S, 5C sales split down the middle, claims analyst
The iPhone 5S has dramatically outsold the iPhone 5C. Or has it?A recent report from Localytics found that the number of iPhone 5S activations outscored those of the 5C by a factor of 3.4. But one analyst believes the gap in actual sales is much narrower.In an investors note caught by AppleInsider, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple's two new phones split their sales about evenly, at least during their opening weekend.Kuo believes that of the 9 million iPhones sales reported by Apple for launch weekend, between 3.5 million and 4.5 million were for the iPhone 5S. If true, that would mean between 4.5 million and 5.5 million were scored by the 5C.The analyst pointed to the data from Localytics but said that their numbers were based on iPhone activations, while his are based on actual production, AppleInsider noted. Kuo also indicated that the approximately 50-50 split between the two iPhones was due in part to supply constraints of the 5S at launch time. "From Apple's viewpoint, production, sell-in, sell-through and activation are different things," Kuo said. "Since iPhone 5S is in shortage now, numbers of production, sell-in, sell-through, and activation should be very close."The 5S remains in short supply compared to its less expensive brother.Apple's online store in the US shows that 5S models bought now won't ship until sometime in October, while 5C units ship within just 24 hours. However, the supply constraints for the 5S are easing up, Kuo added.
The iPhone 5S has dramatically outsold the iPhone 5C. Or has it?A recent report from Localytics found that the number of iPhone 5S activations outscored those of the 5C by a factor of 3.4. But one analyst believes the gap in actual sales is much narrower.In an investors note caught by AppleInsider, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that Apple's two new phones split their sales about evenly, at least during their opening weekend.Kuo believes that of the 9 million iPhones sales reported by Apple for launch weekend, between 3.5 million and 4.5 million were for the iPhone 5S. If true, that would mean between 4.5 million and 5.5 million were scored by the 5C.The analyst pointed to the data from Localytics but said that their numbers were based on iPhone activations, while his are based on actual production, AppleInsider noted. Kuo also indicated that the approximately 50-50 split between the two iPhones was due in part to supply constraints of the 5S at launch time. "From Apple's viewpoint, production, sell-in, sell-through and activation are different things," Kuo said. "Since iPhone 5S is in shortage now, numbers of production, sell-in, sell-through, and activation should be very close."The 5S remains in short supply compared to its less expensive brother.Apple's online store in the US shows that 5S models bought now won't ship until sometime in October, while 5C units ship within just 24 hours. However, the supply constraints for the 5S are easing up, Kuo added.
iPhone 5S to go gold, get 128GB option, analyst predicts
iPhone 5S to go gold, get 128GB option, analyst predicts
A widely-cited analyst echoed previous rumors about the iPhone 5S while adding that there will be a 128GB option for the new phone and possibly a 64-bit processor.Expect a new 128GB storage option for the iPhone 5S,KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Thursday (via AppleInsider). In February, Apple began offering a 128GB option on the iPad 4 for the first time. And gold -- maybe better described as "champagne" -- will be a color option on the upcoming phone, Kuo said, echoing a previous report from Japanese site Macotakara. The analyst also claimed Thursday that the iPhone 5S will include a new A7 system-on-a-chip (SoC) based on ARM's 64-bit ARMv8 architecture.That would be significant as Apple's previous A series processors and popular ARM chips used in smartphones are 32-bit. Generally, 64-bit chips can address more memory and, thus, can be better at running more demanding software.The A7 is expected to boost performance over the A6.(Kuo said it will be more "efficient.") The rear camera on the 5S will keep the 8MP sensor but get a larger f/2.0 aperture(that would match the HTC One) with dual LED flash -- confirming rumors circulating last week.If accurate, that aperture would be significantly larger than the iPhone 5's, i.e., more light gets through, improving image quality and low-light performance. Kuo also repeated another rumor going around last week about a sapphire home button with fingerprintsensor. The 5S announcement is expected in mid-September. Purported images of 'gold' iPhone 5S from Macboutic emerged on Friday.Macboutic
A widely-cited analyst echoed previous rumors about the iPhone 5S while adding that there will be a 128GB option for the new phone and possibly a 64-bit processor.Expect a new 128GB storage option for the iPhone 5S,KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said Thursday (via AppleInsider). In February, Apple began offering a 128GB option on the iPad 4 for the first time. And gold -- maybe better described as "champagne" -- will be a color option on the upcoming phone, Kuo said, echoing a previous report from Japanese site Macotakara. The analyst also claimed Thursday that the iPhone 5S will include a new A7 system-on-a-chip (SoC) based on ARM's 64-bit ARMv8 architecture.That would be significant as Apple's previous A series processors and popular ARM chips used in smartphones are 32-bit. Generally, 64-bit chips can address more memory and, thus, can be better at running more demanding software.The A7 is expected to boost performance over the A6.(Kuo said it will be more "efficient.") The rear camera on the 5S will keep the 8MP sensor but get a larger f/2.0 aperture(that would match the HTC One) with dual LED flash -- confirming rumors circulating last week.If accurate, that aperture would be significantly larger than the iPhone 5's, i.e., more light gets through, improving image quality and low-light performance. Kuo also repeated another rumor going around last week about a sapphire home button with fingerprintsensor. The 5S announcement is expected in mid-September. Purported images of 'gold' iPhone 5S from Macboutic emerged on Friday.Macboutic
iPhone 5S teardown- New Sony camera sensor inside
iPhone 5S teardown: New Sony camera sensor inside
Among the highlights of iFixit's teardown of the iPhone 5S is a new Sony sensor for the 5S' boffo camera. Apple has gone with a "new variant" of the Sony sensor, as it did in the iPhone 5, according to iFixit. The...markings are consistent with the markings on the camera modules housing the Sony IMX145 we saw in the iPhone 4s and on the iPhone 5. The marks on the side of the module are different, but our industry insiders tell us this is Sony's again...As Apple has stated the pixel pitch on this camera is 1.5 µ, this sensor should not be the IMX145, but a newer variant."New Sony camera sensor in the iPhone 5S, courtesy of iFixit.iFixitApple's iPhone 5S camera improves on the already-great iPhone 5 camera, according to CNET."All you can really count on for sure with the iPhone 5S is that it has a noticeably better camera...Close-up photos show off pretty incredible detail and a shallower depth-of-field effect, which feels more "SLR-like," CNET said about the 5S' 8MP camera.The iPhone 5S' home button with its fingerprint sensor.iFixitiFixit's intrepid teardown experts also took on the new sapphire home button and its fingerprint scanner. "A CMOS chip, the Touch ID is essentially a bunch of very small capacitors that creates an 'image' of the ridges on your finger," iFixit wrote. "We worry about how well the sapphire crystal covering the sensor can protect it from degrading over time like most CMOS fingerprint sensors," iFixit added. Not everything went swimmingly in the teardown, though. "Perhaps the 's' in 5s stands for 'stuck,' as in 'this battery is stuck in with a lot of glue,' " said iFixit. In other words, good luck replacing the battery. The 64-bit Apple A7 chip, which is proving to be one of the fastest smartphone chips to date based on benchmarks.iFixit
Among the highlights of iFixit's teardown of the iPhone 5S is a new Sony sensor for the 5S' boffo camera. Apple has gone with a "new variant" of the Sony sensor, as it did in the iPhone 5, according to iFixit. The...markings are consistent with the markings on the camera modules housing the Sony IMX145 we saw in the iPhone 4s and on the iPhone 5. The marks on the side of the module are different, but our industry insiders tell us this is Sony's again...As Apple has stated the pixel pitch on this camera is 1.5 µ, this sensor should not be the IMX145, but a newer variant."New Sony camera sensor in the iPhone 5S, courtesy of iFixit.iFixitApple's iPhone 5S camera improves on the already-great iPhone 5 camera, according to CNET."All you can really count on for sure with the iPhone 5S is that it has a noticeably better camera...Close-up photos show off pretty incredible detail and a shallower depth-of-field effect, which feels more "SLR-like," CNET said about the 5S' 8MP camera.The iPhone 5S' home button with its fingerprint sensor.iFixitiFixit's intrepid teardown experts also took on the new sapphire home button and its fingerprint scanner. "A CMOS chip, the Touch ID is essentially a bunch of very small capacitors that creates an 'image' of the ridges on your finger," iFixit wrote. "We worry about how well the sapphire crystal covering the sensor can protect it from degrading over time like most CMOS fingerprint sensors," iFixit added. Not everything went swimmingly in the teardown, though. "Perhaps the 's' in 5s stands for 'stuck,' as in 'this battery is stuck in with a lot of glue,' " said iFixit. In other words, good luck replacing the battery. The 64-bit Apple A7 chip, which is proving to be one of the fastest smartphone chips to date based on benchmarks.iFixit
Apple now officially owns Beatles' Apple Corps logo
Apple may have reached a trademark settlement with the Beatles' music company several years ago, but it didn't own the Apple Corps logo until now. According to Patently Apple, a company -- named Apple Box Productions Sub Inc. -- opposed Apple owning the logo, but Apple Box wasn't successful with its complaint. Apple was granted the registered trademark yesterday, the site said, citing the Canadian IP Office database. Apple battled Apple Corps, the Beatles' holding company and owner of the band's record label, for years over trademark issues. They finally reached a settlement in early 2007 that determined Apple Inc. would own all trademarks and logos related to the name "Apple" and would license them accordingly to the Apple Corps music company. In a statement at the time of the settlement, Steve Jobs said that "we love The Beatles, and it has been painful being at odds with them over these trademarks." Jobs added that "it feels great to resolve this in a positive manner, and in a way that should remove the potential of further disagreements in the future."
Apple now blocks older versions of Adobe's Flash player in Safari
went out yesterday, OS X will now block older and thus vulnerable versions of Flash, forcing users to update to the latest version if they wish to view Flash-based content. In order to block older versions of the software, Apple is using its Xprotect malware scanner, which is built into Mac OS X and can spot and quarantine known malware. The move comes roughly a month after Apple began blocking older versions of Oracle-owned Java on OS X over security concerns. That issue proved to be a bit more complex, with Apple last week saying that it too was targeted as part of an organized hacking attempt that capitalized on Java vulnerabilities, but did not target the company's customers. Earlier this week Adobe pushed out a software update that patched three vulnerabilities in Flash, two of which it said were designed to target Mozilla's Firefox browser. (via The Loop)The new warning that users see if they're running an older version of Flash.Apple
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