ipodsets: August 2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Sony's Leaked Smart Shot Lens Appears to Match Gold iPhone 5S

Sony will offer its Smart Shot lens attachments in a white and gold color that appears to match perfectly with the rumored gold iPhone 5S.

SonyAlphaRumors released new photos and information about the accessory today.

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1) The name of these cameras is actually “Smart Shot“. It’s a mix between Smart-phone and Cyber-Shot.
2) The SmartShot lenses have in lens stabilization!
3) Again, it’s compatible with all Android and iOS devices via Playmemories APP (the new version will come out soon. My sources tested the BETA version). Connection via Wi-Fi/NFC
4) Videos in HD video 1080/30p, format MP4. Can be recorded with low noise even in dark places.
5) The captured image is saved automatically in both the smartphone and memory in the camera.
6) You can control zoom, exposure, white balance, and focus on your mobile device.
7) The QX10 has the same 1/2,3 inch 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and f/3,3-5.9 lens as the Sony WX150 ($400 on Amazon). WIll be priced at $250.
8) The QX100 costs $450. That is $300 less than the price of the RX100MII camera ($748 here at Amazon) that features the same sensor and lens! Greta pricing! You can get the best compact camera yet on market for $300 less.
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Take a look at the leaked photos below of the Smart Shot lenses.

You can follow Limerain on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS to be notified of any updates.

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Send us a story or tip @ TipsForLimerain.com@gmail.com and follow our pages for the latest limera1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at @iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
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- Posted using my iPhone 5

Friday, August 30, 2013

Untether Found for iOS 6.1.3 Jailbreak

Hacker winocm has announced that he has a binary that will perform an untether of the iOS 6.1.3 jailbreak.

The announcement was made via his Twitter account:

I now have a binary that untethers 6.1.3. Needs some more work though.

While a tethered jailbreak for iOS 6.1.3 is currently possible for users with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, or iPod touch 4G, winocm has only confirmed that he has his code running on an iPhone 4:

I have my own code running inside the iOS 6.1.3 kernel on iPhone 4.

Notably, he says it's not useful for iOS 7.

It’s not useful on iOS 7. I don’t care about iOS 7. Other people are taking care of iOS 7.

We'll let you know as soon any more details come into light. You can follow Limerain on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS to be notified of any updates.

*thanks iclarified*

Send us a story or tip @ TipsForLimerain.com@gmail.com and follow our pages for the latest limera1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at @iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
And like our Facebook page www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 5

Thursday, August 29, 2013

T-Mobile Employee Vacation Blackout Dates Align With Rumored iPhone Release Dates

T-Mobile is reportedly planning employee vacation blackout dates that align with rumored iPhone 5S release dates, reports TmoNews.

I’m hearing whispers T-Mobile is planning blackout dates between September 20th and 22nd. Like all good rumors, we should take this with the standard “subject to change” warning but my sources suggest this could be iPhone related.

Previous reports pinpointed September 20th for the arrival the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C in Japan and Greece; however, it was thought that Apple would launch the iPhone even earlier in North America, perhaps on September 13th.

Please follow Limerain on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or RSS for latest updates...

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Apple is the Top Target of Patent Trolls

Apple is the top target of patent trolls with 171 patent lawsuits filed against the company by non-practicing entities since 2009, according to PatentFreedom via Fortune. Rounding out the top five targets are HP, Samsung, AT&T, and Dell.

As of August 2013, PatentFreedom has identified and profiled over 710 distinct NPEs (a number which continues to increase). Since 1985, these NPEs have been involved in litigation with over 10,000 different operating companies in nearly 11,000 actions, for a total of over 30,000 events. There are clear indications that NPEs in recent years increasingly seek to enforce their patents against companies of all sizes and in many industries. Despite this trend, as the table below shows, NPEs continue to target many large and high-profile companies quite relentlessly.

Michael Brody, an intellectual property specialist at Winston & Strawn, reveals some interesting statistics about the scope of these patent lawsuits, via TechHive.

● About 125,000 software patents are filed annually. "And that kind of meat has attracted sharks," writes Hachman.
● In 2012, more than 4,200 separate companies or individuals were sued by NPEs.
● The average licensing cost for a case that goes to trial is $7.5 million
● The average licensing cost for an out-of-court settlement is $29.75 million.
● The cost to defend each suit ranges from $800,000 per suit for startups to an average cost of $7.9 million for the those firms with over $50 billion of annual revenue.
● In total, the annual cost or "troll tax" for defending NPE suits is $1.04 million annually for firms with annual revenue under $1 billion, and up to $57.67 million for those with revenues over $50 billion
● All told, an NPE has a 24.1% chance of "winning," either by negotiating a settlement, winning at court or winning at appeal.
● The "net discounted value" of an NPE suit is $800,000; i.e., it's likely that the suit itself will net at least that much just by being filed.

Check out the chart below for the full list of most targeted companies.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Twelve South Unveils New GhostStand for MacBooks

Twelve South has unveiled GhostStand, a new transparent stand that elevates any MacBook to a more comfortable viewing height.

GhostStand is a clear, lucite platform that lifts the MacBook display six inches off your desktop. Pair this nearly invisible stand with a wireless keyboard and mouse to enjoy the comfort of a desktop from your portable MacBook. The refreshingly simple GhostStand is also great for those who like working with a dual screen setup to double their screen real estate. When you’re ready to pack up your MacBook and go, simply unplug your cables and leave an ethereal sculpture behind.

The GhostStand features double-inlaid, brushed metal rails lined with soft silicone to grip the bottom of your MacBook and protect your work surface. Along with elevating your MacBook to a more ergonomic viewing height, the stand improves air circulation around your notebook.

GhostStand is compatible with all MacBook models and is available now at this link and soon at the Apple Store for $34.99 / £29.99 / 34,99 €.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Apple Invents Method for Flexing Rigid Material Used for MacBook Enclosures

Apple has invented a method for flexing rigid material potentially eliminating the need for hinge mechanisms on the MacBook and other products.

In a recently published patent entitled, "INTERLOCKING FLEXIBLE SEGMENTS FORMED FROM A RIGID MATERIAL", Apple notes that many electronic devices, peripheral components or devices (such as speakers, headphones, keyboards, etc.) may include housings or enclosures made of a relatively rigid material, such as plastic or metal. These types of enclosures are typically at least somewhat rigid in order to provide protection for internal components housed within the enclosures. However, due to the rigidity of the material, in order for these type of enclosures or housings to bend or flex, a separate element, such as a hinge, may need to be connected to the rigid material. These additional components may increase the size of the enclosures and thus the size of the electronic devices or peripheral devices, as well as increase manufacturing costs as additional components may need to be assembled together.

Apple details a method for creating an enclosure from a rigid material and removing sections of the rigid material to create a geometric pattern of interlocking features. This pattern determines the flex of the rigid material.

Embodiments may take the form of an enclosure formed of a substantially rigid material. The enclosure may include a first plurality of flex apertures defined within the rigid material along a first row and a second plurality of flex apertures defined within the rigid material along a second row. The second row is positioned below the second row and the first plurality of flex apertures are misaligned with the second plurality of flex apertures such that a first end of each of the first plurality of flex apertures is in a different vertical plane from a first end of each of the second plurality of flex apertures. When a bending force is applied to one of the first row or the second row, the first plurality of flex apertures and the second plurality of flex apertures vary in shape or dimension, allowing the rigid material to bend.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Study Finds iPhone Buyers Are Younger, Wealthier and More Educated Than Samsung Buyers

A new study released by the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners reveals that iPhone buyers are younger, wealthier, and more educated than Samsung buyers, reports Fortune.

The report also found that 20% of iPhone customers over the past year had switched from Android; whereas, only 7% of Samsung buyers had switched from the iPhone.

Key Findings:
● 42% of Apple's U.S. customers between July 2012 and June 2013 were upgrading from another iPhone
● 43% of Samsung's customers had previously owned an Android phone, but not necessarily one made by Samsung
● Samsung drew more first-time smartphone buyers upgrading from so-called feature phones (37%) than Apple did (26%)
● Among buyers who switched brands, Apple took three times as many from Samsung (33%) as Samsung took from Apple (11%)
● Among switchers, Samsung drew more customers from HTC, Motorola (GOOG), and Nokia (NOK), while Apple drew more from Blackberry (BBRY)

Check out the charts below for more details...

Monday, August 19, 2013

Apple to Release Final Beta of iOS 7 Today?

Apple has reportedly released a new beta of iOS 7 to partners which will be released to developers later today, according to BGR.

Originally the site claimed that there would be only six betas; however, Apple had to released an emergency bug patch last week. This is said to be final beta before iOS 7 goes Gold Master.

We are told by our trusted sources that Apple has once again seeded a new build of iOS 7 to partners, and that it should be released to developers later today. We can confirm the build number is much higher than the previous beta, and we would assume that iOS 7 beta 7 should be distributed and made available for developers around 1:00 p.m. EDT, as usual.

Update:
Although imminent, it does not appear that Apple intends to release iOS 7 beta 7 today. Please use the links below to follow Limerain to be informed as soon as the beta is seeded.

You can follow Limerain on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS to be notified of any updates.

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Send us a story or tip @ TipsForLimerain.com@gmail.com and follow our pages for the latest limera1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at @iphonepixelpost or @limerain_com
And like our Facebook page www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 5

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Apple Hires Nike+ FuelBand Consultant Jay Blahnik

Apple has reportedly hired Jay Blahnik, a well respected fitness expert and consultant, perhaps to work on the iWatch.

Blahnik worked closely with Nike to help launch Nike+ Running. He was also the program developer of the Nike Training Club app and in-gym program. Additionally, he was a key expert and consultant for Nike+ FuelBand and Nike+ Kinect Training.

Blahnik confirmed his move to Apple via Twitter on August 14th; however, that tweet has since been removed. 9to5Mac notes that he deleted his Twitter feed and removed all contact information, scheduling options, and many details about his career from his public website and online profiles following a previous report on him working for Apple.

Apple is said to have embarked on a hiring spree in July to resolve design problems with its rumored iWatch. The endeavor is said to have presented “hard engineering problems that they’ve not been able to solve." The concern was that the device wouldn't be ready to launch for at least a year.

At this point it does not appear likely that Apple will unveil a smartwatch until sometime in 2014.

Some more details about Blahnik and how he might contribute to the team can be found in his bio attached below.

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Jay is recognized as one of the premier fitness instructors, trainers and educators in the industry today. He has taught sold-out classes and seminars in over 30 countries across the globe and is known for his results-oriented, simplified training approach.

Jay was chosen as one of the Top 5 instructors in the world by Shape magazine, and Men’s Health listed him as having one of the Top 10 workouts of all time. He has been selected as the International Instructor of the Year by IDEA and Can Fit Pro, the two largest associations of fitness professionals in the world. Jay was also chosen as one of IDEA’s Fitness Icons and Innovators, and is the youngest person to ever receive this recognition.

He has appeared in over 30 award-winning videos and developed some of the most successful health club programs and products in history. He has been the fitness expert in hundreds of magazines, newspapers and on television, and consults for some of the biggest exercise, sport and fitness companies in the world, including Nike, Nautilus, Bowflex, Schwinn and Stairmaster. He is a fitness expert for MSNBC.com and the Los Angeles Times, and his articles are read by millions of people each year.

Jay has been a featured Keynote Speaker for some of the largest fitness conventions in the world, including IDEA, Fit Pro (England), Filex (Australia) and Can Fit Pro (Canada), and travels 40 weeks each year across the globe speaking on health, fitness, wellness and motivation. He is also a frequent innovation, motivation and consumer behavior expert, and has consulted with many Fortune 500 companies, including Nike, Microsoft, Gatorade, Frito-Lay, Starbucks, Charles Schwab and Quaker.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Apple Expands USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to 30 Countries

Apple has expanded its USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to 30 countries and revealed adapter pricing by region.

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Recent reports have suggested that some counterfeit and third party adapters may not be designed properly and could result in safety issues. While not all third party adapters have an issue, we are announcing a USB Power Adapter Takeback Program to enable customers to acquire properly designed adapters.

Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.

Starting August 16, 2013, if you have concerns about any of your USB power adapters, you can drop them off at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider. We will ensure that these adapters are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

If you need a replacement adapter to charge your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, we recommend getting an Apple USB power adapter. For a limited time, you can purchase one Apple USB power adapter at a special price — $10 USD or approximate equivalent in local currency. To qualify, you must turn in at least one USB power adapter and bring your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to an Apple Retail Store or participating Apple Authorized Service Provider for serial number validation. The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod you own and is valid until October 18, 2013.

You can follow Limerain on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS to be notified of any updates.

*thanks iclarified*

Send us a story or tip @ TipsForLimerain.com@gmail.com and follow our pages for the latest limera1n, and all tech stories, follow us on Twitter at @iphuonepixelpost or @limerain_com
And like our Facebook page www.iPodSets.com
- Posted using my iPhone 5

Friday, August 16, 2013

Leaked Manual Reveals Details About Sony's iPhone-Compatible Lens Attachments

Leaked manual pages for the upcoming QX10 and QX100 Sony iPhone-compatible lens attachments reveal new details about the rumored products.

SonyAlphaRumors posted the following diagram and details from the manual. According to the site you will be able to control the lens using your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi or NFC. They can be magnetically attached to your device and will work on iOS and Android.

1) Power Button
2) Microphone
3) Display Panel
: Indicates that the card is not inserted
: Indicates the remaining battery charge
4) Hook for belt
5) Tripod
6) Ring Control (DSC-QX100)
7) The power / charge / movie
Green: Power on
Orange: running charging
Red: running video
8) Zoom lever
9) shutter button
10) Multifunctional jack
11) RESET button

Dimensions (standard CIPA):
DSC-QX100: 62,5 mm × 62,5 mm × 55,5 mm (W / H / D)
DSC-QX10: 62,4 mm × 61,8 mm × 33,3 mm (W / H / D)
Weight (standard CIPA) (including battery pack NP-BN, “Memory Stick Micro”):
DSC-QX100: approx. 179 g
DSC-QX10: approx. 105 g
Power Supply: Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-BN, 3,6 In the
Power consumption (during shooting): 1.1 W

The QX100 is said to have a RX100MII sensor and Zeiss lens. The QX10 has the same 1/2,3 inch 18 megapixel CMOS sensor and f/3,3-5.9 lens as the Sony WX150 .

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