Hello everyone. Welcome to Colten's Apple-holics Anonymous. The place where we're not actually trying to recover from an addiction - rather, to feed said addiction :D Yes, this is where Colten makes all of his predictions; what we can expect from apple in the coming months! So if you're not interested in potentially getting excited about something, with the possibility that said excitement is all for naught. . . then you should probably stop reading now! Otherwise - you are curious. You want to know exactly how accurate Colten is in his predictions, thereby creating a path with a fork in the road. The two forks? fork 1 - Colten should be working for apple. He thinks, breathes and sleeps apple products, and knows where they've been, where they are and where they're going.
fork 2 - Colten shouldn't be allowed anywhere near apple, as he is just an obsessive bandwagon jumper that doesn't know shit.
So, let's get started!
As you well know, it is November 17, 2010. Apple has many products out that are revolutionary, but there are three (3) main categories that are of interest to me right now:
1 - iPhone
2 - iPad
3 - iOS
Now, the three categories tie together, but do I also enjoy everything else apple has to offer such as AppleTV, Mac OS, iMac, Macbook, Macbook Air, Macbook Pro and Mac Pro? Yes. I do. But we're focusing on these three for now, as this is where my true passion lies.
The predictions:
#1 - iPhone 4 - will either be released, or announced for Verizon Wireless during, or before February, 2011. Why? The company that produces CDMA based products announced back in September that it has started production on a chip designed for apple. Mass production. Could this be for the iPad that's already been announced for Verizon? Yes, it could! Would that be ok with me? HELL YES. I couldn't care less if Verizon got the iPhone in February, as I won't be switching to them at that point in time anyway. Why? iPhone 5, which we'll talk about later.
UPDATE: iPhone 4 was released for Verizon Wireless, alongside the iPad on February 10, 2011.
2 - iPad 2 - This hasn't been announced yet. The first generation iPad releases for Verizon in February, 2011. I think that soon after this (within 3 weeks), Steve Jobs will come out in a keynote and announce the iPad 2. This iPad, I feel will be available for AT&T and Verizon - TEMPORARILY. Steve won't specify that it's temporary, but it will be. Again, we'll get to why in a bit. The iPad 2 will have predicted features such as: - Camera - Front and back facing Camera for Facetime
- Retina Display (on a screen that size. . speechless. . . but that's what apple does)
- Memory - two (2) different memory sizes will be available: 32GB, 64GB. They will forgo the 16GB, and pricing will look similar to this:
- WiFi
32GB - $499
64GB - $599
- WiFi + 3G
32GB - $599
64GB - $699
- Thinner Profile, as well as a higher screen-to-glass ratio for the screen.
UPDATE: There have been rumors about the supplier for the iPhone 4 camera.
"Feeding rumors and expectations that Apple will include at least a front-facing camera in the next-generation iPad, DigiTimes reports that market rumors in the region are pegging Taiwanese firm Largan Precision as having been selected to provide camera lens modules for the device. The company, however, refuses to comment on the rumors.
Largan Precision has declined to comment on market rumors indicating the company will be the sole lens module supplier for Apple's upcoming iPad 2 tablet with shipments to kick off in the first quarter of 2011, according to a company filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE).
While the report does not specify whether Largan has been claimed to be providing VGA-resolution front-facing cameras or higher-resolution rear-facing cameras (or both), the report comes just as Largan has reportedly begun shipping 5-megapixel lens modules for tablet devices. According to that report, Largan has begun outsourcing production of VGA-resolution models in order to focus on the higher-resolution versions, leading to speculation that the company may be gearing up for high-volume production of the 5-megapixel module for a rear-facing camera on the iPad.Largan currently supplies the 5-megapixel lens module for the iPhone 4's rear-facing camera." 12.1.10
UPDATE: Mockup of second-generation iPad spotted at CESDigg founder Kevin Rose today noted that he has received information from a reliable source indicating that Apple will announce the second-generation iPad within the next 3-4 weeks, possibly on February 1st.
I have it on good authority that Apple will be announcing the iPad 2 in the next "3-4 weeks", possibly Tuesday February 1st. The iPad 2 will feature a retina display and front/back cameras.In an update to the post, however, Rose notes that another source has indicated that while the display on the second-generation iPad will be of higher resolution than on the current models, it will not be a "Retina" display of the resolution seen on the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch. A number of observers have noted that an iPad display at "Retina" pixel densities would be extremely difficult to achieve given the horsepower necessary to drive a display in the range of 2560 x 1920 pixels as would be required.Rose has offered some accurate information over the years, most notably pinpointing a number of details of Apple's September 2008 iPod refresh. He has missed on several other predictions, however, suggesting that some caution should be taken with his most recent claims.Rumors of a new iPad announcement come as Verizon is reportedly set to announce next Tuesday that it will begin offering the iPhone, with several reports pointing to an early February date for availability. It is unknown when the second-generation iPad would become available under the scenario of a February 1st introduction, although many observers assume it will be close to the late March-early April timeframe of the original iPad. 1.9.11
I have it on good authority that Apple will be announcing the iPad 2 in the next "3-4 weeks", possibly Tuesday February 1st. The iPad 2 will feature a retina display and front/back cameras.In an update to the post, however, Rose notes that another source has indicated that while the display on the second-generation iPad will be of higher resolution than on the current models, it will not be a "Retina" display of the resolution seen on the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch. A number of observers have noted that an iPad display at "Retina" pixel densities would be extremely difficult to achieve given the horsepower necessary to drive a display in the range of 2560 x 1920 pixels as would be required.Rose has offered some accurate information over the years, most notably pinpointing a number of details of Apple's September 2008 iPod refresh. He has missed on several other predictions, however, suggesting that some caution should be taken with his most recent claims.Rumors of a new iPad announcement come as Verizon is reportedly set to announce next Tuesday that it will begin offering the iPhone, with several reports pointing to an early February date for availability. It is unknown when the second-generation iPad would become available under the scenario of a February 1st introduction, although many observers assume it will be close to the late March-early April timeframe of the original iPad. 1.9.11
UPDATE: The iPad 2 was announced in February, and released on March 11, 2011 for AT&T and Verizon Wireless. The predicted features above that were no included are the Retina Display, as well as a 16GB model being forgone. They have included models from 16GB - 64GB, both WIFI, and 3G capable.
3 - iOS - The next iOS update after 4.2 (maybe iOS5?) will be the one to implement todays greatest and most boasted features on the android platform. Though Apple is admittedly 'late' in their implementation of some features (copy and paste, picture messaging, horizontal keyboard, etc), they have implemented them the absolute best in my experience. So seamless, so flawless an experience to do as simple a task as copying text, and then pasting it into another field. Gorgeous. Another way that Apple has so far trailed in the time-line, is again dealing with text. More specifically this time text input. Android so far has multiple devices running "Swype", as well as varying implementations of "speech-to-text".
- "Swype" - Undoubtedly, Apple will release their own version of "Swype", and it will have a name surely preceded by an "i". This will be the smoothest, most accurate method you've ever used to drag a single (or multiple?!?) finger through what you want to say. I am stoked to see where they take it.
- Speech-to-text - Now, this is where I feel Apple will absolutely shine. This is what will change the way we all text, and make it a safer activity. Apple has already shown us how amazingly accurate their voice command technology works! First with the iPhone Voice control, then the iPod Shuffle, and now it will be a form of Speech-to-text. Some features that will differentiate it between what's currently out there? I can only think of one, but this would be amazing enough to trump all others:
- Pronunciation Recognition -You talk, it generates text and detects where pronunciation goes. Exclamation marks where the pitch of your voice dictates, commas where you pause accordingly, and CAPS LOCK when you're using raised voice levels! This would be nothing short of incredible, and I know Apple is doing something like it. No more "Hey comma I am coming comma but am running late comma sorry exclamation mark be there soon". Now here's all you say to get the same sentence: "Hey, I'm coming but I'm running late! Sorry! Be there soon." BAM. You're done.
UPDATE: Exciting news on the iOS side of things, iOS 4.2.1 was just released, and includes features such as:
Airplay
Airprint
17 Additional SMS tones
Custom SMS Tones assigned to contacts
and more. . .
-11.22.10
UPDATE: There is speculation about new voice capabilities for iOS 5 - this further hints at my speech-to-text predictions.
Siri is set to bear fruit in the form of "deeply integrated" artificial intelligence and voice control for iOS 5, a change that could potentially transform the way iOS devices are used.
4 - iPhone 5 (tentative name) - This, will be nothing short of amazing. Though the iPhone 4 is undoubtedly the most amazing handheld device out there, apple has a way of out-doing itself every damn time! So, I've decided to think more like apple engineers. . . "The iPhone 4 is incredible. . . what would make it even more incredible?". So, here's a list of the features I think the new iPhone 5 hardware will have:
- Same form factor - no change there. Maybe some minor cosmetic change to the antenna, though, this will be to please and/or shut the media up. iPhone 5 will not be dubbed with the same "antennegate" title that was in all honesty, fuel for the media.
- Camera - The iPhone 4 Camera is amazing. Specs? 5MP back camera, and 0.3MP front facing camera. Why is the front-facing camera so low? It doesn't need to be any higher for what it is intended for. Faces. Either way you look at it, using FaceTime or taking a picture of you and your buddy together. . . you're going to be holding the camera just far enough away to get your 'faces'. Faces are close, and you do not need extreme detail, as that would only serve in noticing the flaws on your loved ones faces. However, because there's no telling that to a consumer/competitor, apple will include a front-facing camera that's at least 1MP. Happy now?
The back camera is absolutely the best camera I've ever experienced on a phone, and I've experienced a lot of cameras. There are phones out there with 8MP cameras, and they don't hold a candle to the quality of the iPhone 4's 5MP camera. Apple has really done an amazing job of grasping the fact that the megapixels (MP) are not what make a great picture. However, this is an opportunity for Apple to out-do themselves again. So with the utmost care, and amazing technological ability, they'll design an 8MP camera for you. There you go. iPhone 5 Camera will be an 8MP back facing, and a 1+MP front facing.
- Memory - iPhone 5 will come in two options: 32GB, 64GB. As apps grow more intricate and are added every day, music and videos are not the only memory hogs anymore. This will eliminate the choice of a minimal 16GB in its entirety, because not only do you want to fit all the apps you use and love on your device, but Apple wants you to also. . . because where do you get all those apps you love? More space, more apps to buy. Simple.
- Video Camera - 1080i video recording. This will be absolutely stunning.
- A4 (second gen) Processor
Now that the hardware predictions are out there, let me tell you why I think the iPhone 5 will be released for multiple carriers. First off, what do I mean by "Multiple Carriers"? Haven't I already predicted that the iPhone 4 will be for multiple carriers, by bringing the 4 to Verizon in Feb, 2011? Yes. But the iPhone 5 will be a whole new ball game. It will be released for all four (4) major US carriers - AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint in the summer of 2011. I have three (3) main bases for this prediction:
- Timeline - It's just that time. Apple was right to be exclusive with one carrier for the launch of their mobile device in 2007. AT&T was well established, and they were able to "support" the predicted hardware requirements for data usage on a device such as this. Apple needed solid ground to take off from, if this revolutionary mobile device was going to fly. Now, 95% of iPhone owners are only with AT&T because of the iPhone. They've gained a reputation that's far exceeded the need to multi-contract.
- 4G Networks - AT&T are planning to launch their 4G network mid-2011.Verizon hasn't announced just yet when they are launching theirs. Sprint was first, followed very closely by T-Mobile in launching their 4G Networks. The iPhone 5 will be a 4G capable phone, but is limited by the network it's on. This has been experienced time and time again by the consumer! AT&T's 3G network just doesn't cut it. This is the perfect opportunity for Apple to show the true beauty and speed of the iPhone's hardware - hop onto a 4G network. No wait, make that multiple 4G Networks.
- Android - Available on all 4 networks currently, Google's android devices are gaining ground fast. Upon releasing the iPhone for multiple carriers, android sales will suffer dramatically. Personally, I'm STOKED for people to see surveys in the first couple quarters of this occurrence! If Apple were to stay exclusive, they would lose so many consumers to the ever-expanding android market. This isn't like Apple, and as such. . . well, you'll see what happens :D
UPDATE: Verizon Wireless CEO announced the first LTE (Verizon's 4G Technology) phone will be on the market by February 2011. They plan to launch their LTE 4G network in 35 markets across the US by the end of 2010. Would Verizon's iPhone 4 be a 4G capable device? I don't think so. But could the iPhone 5 this summer being a 4G device be considered a solidified theory in this situation? I'd like to think so. - 11.18.10
UPDATE 2: I just read that AT&T has already begun launching the same version of "4G" that T-Mobile has launched, which is HSPA+. This is essentially a "software upgrade" on existing towers, that give consumers "4G data speeds", up to 14Mb/s. T-Mobile has launched theirs, and is advertising as the "World's Largest 4G Network", but AT&T is right up there with them as far as HSPA+ coverage goes - they're just not advertising it as their 4G network. This will then solidify my theory of the iPhone 5 being released to all four carriers as apple will now only have to make two "versions" of the 5 hardware, because AT&T and T-Mobile's HSPA+ networks may run on the same frequencies. Currently, they're regular 3G has the same download frequency, but differ in upload frequencies, hence the unlocked iPhone will not get 3G with T-Mobile. It was interesting to find out that the HSPA+ was launched with AT&T just as much as T-Mobile, though nobody knows about it because of a different marketing approach. 11.18.10
UPDATE 3: Though I stated that I think the iPhone 5 will support 4G speeds, I feel the need to express an opinion that's opposing that. As Apple is known to wait until there's a solid foundation on which to base their marketing strategies on - I feel it's very possible that the iPhone 5 will not support 4G, as all four carriers are just beginning to implement it. Though they have had 3 models now that support 3G, and everyone would love to see a 4G version, it may very well be that the world will have to wait another year and half to have a 4G iPhone. 12.1.10
UPDATE 4: While many observers have been hoping that Apple will be an early adopter of LTE technology to support the ever increasing demands of iPhone users, past history has suggested that Apple will sit on the sidelines until the LTE service becomes more widespread and has had time to mature. Despite the fact that AT&T offered a 3G data network at the time of the iPhone's initial launch in 2007, the first-generation device did not support the technology and operated only on the carriers slower-but-more-widely-available EDGE network. Macrumors.com 1.5.11
A year ago, Apple bought Siri, a virtual personal assistant startup that had released a very cool iPhone app. The Siri team and technology are now said to be a big part of iOS 5.
The use of Siri's artificial intelligence and assistance technology is said to be deeply integrated into the OS for all the different services offered. And the team is now putting the finishing touches on the elements that will be demoed at WWDC, we hear. This tech may also be opened to developers for use in third-party apps - though that information isn't quite as concrete.
4 - iPhone 5 (tentative name) - This, will be nothing short of amazing. Though the iPhone 4 is undoubtedly the most amazing handheld device out there, apple has a way of out-doing itself every damn time! So, I've decided to think more like apple engineers. . . "The iPhone 4 is incredible. . . what would make it even more incredible?". So, here's a list of the features I think the new iPhone 5 hardware will have:
- Same form factor - no change there. Maybe some minor cosmetic change to the antenna, though, this will be to please and/or shut the media up. iPhone 5 will not be dubbed with the same "antennegate" title that was in all honesty, fuel for the media.
- Camera - The iPhone 4 Camera is amazing. Specs? 5MP back camera, and 0.3MP front facing camera. Why is the front-facing camera so low? It doesn't need to be any higher for what it is intended for. Faces. Either way you look at it, using FaceTime or taking a picture of you and your buddy together. . . you're going to be holding the camera just far enough away to get your 'faces'. Faces are close, and you do not need extreme detail, as that would only serve in noticing the flaws on your loved ones faces. However, because there's no telling that to a consumer/competitor, apple will include a front-facing camera that's at least 1MP. Happy now?
The back camera is absolutely the best camera I've ever experienced on a phone, and I've experienced a lot of cameras. There are phones out there with 8MP cameras, and they don't hold a candle to the quality of the iPhone 4's 5MP camera. Apple has really done an amazing job of grasping the fact that the megapixels (MP) are not what make a great picture. However, this is an opportunity for Apple to out-do themselves again. So with the utmost care, and amazing technological ability, they'll design an 8MP camera for you. There you go. iPhone 5 Camera will be an 8MP back facing, and a 1+MP front facing.
- Memory - iPhone 5 will come in two options: 32GB, 64GB. As apps grow more intricate and are added every day, music and videos are not the only memory hogs anymore. This will eliminate the choice of a minimal 16GB in its entirety, because not only do you want to fit all the apps you use and love on your device, but Apple wants you to also. . . because where do you get all those apps you love? More space, more apps to buy. Simple.
- Video Camera - 1080i video recording. This will be absolutely stunning.
- A4 (second gen) Processor
Now that the hardware predictions are out there, let me tell you why I think the iPhone 5 will be released for multiple carriers. First off, what do I mean by "Multiple Carriers"? Haven't I already predicted that the iPhone 4 will be for multiple carriers, by bringing the 4 to Verizon in Feb, 2011? Yes. But the iPhone 5 will be a whole new ball game. It will be released for all four (4) major US carriers - AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint in the summer of 2011. I have three (3) main bases for this prediction:
- Timeline - It's just that time. Apple was right to be exclusive with one carrier for the launch of their mobile device in 2007. AT&T was well established, and they were able to "support" the predicted hardware requirements for data usage on a device such as this. Apple needed solid ground to take off from, if this revolutionary mobile device was going to fly. Now, 95% of iPhone owners are only with AT&T because of the iPhone. They've gained a reputation that's far exceeded the need to multi-contract.
- 4G Networks - AT&T are planning to launch their 4G network mid-2011.Verizon hasn't announced just yet when they are launching theirs. Sprint was first, followed very closely by T-Mobile in launching their 4G Networks. The iPhone 5 will be a 4G capable phone, but is limited by the network it's on. This has been experienced time and time again by the consumer! AT&T's 3G network just doesn't cut it. This is the perfect opportunity for Apple to show the true beauty and speed of the iPhone's hardware - hop onto a 4G network. No wait, make that multiple 4G Networks.
- Android - Available on all 4 networks currently, Google's android devices are gaining ground fast. Upon releasing the iPhone for multiple carriers, android sales will suffer dramatically. Personally, I'm STOKED for people to see surveys in the first couple quarters of this occurrence! If Apple were to stay exclusive, they would lose so many consumers to the ever-expanding android market. This isn't like Apple, and as such. . . well, you'll see what happens :D
UPDATE: Verizon Wireless CEO announced the first LTE (Verizon's 4G Technology) phone will be on the market by February 2011. They plan to launch their LTE 4G network in 35 markets across the US by the end of 2010. Would Verizon's iPhone 4 be a 4G capable device? I don't think so. But could the iPhone 5 this summer being a 4G device be considered a solidified theory in this situation? I'd like to think so. - 11.18.10
UPDATE 2: I just read that AT&T has already begun launching the same version of "4G" that T-Mobile has launched, which is HSPA+. This is essentially a "software upgrade" on existing towers, that give consumers "4G data speeds", up to 14Mb/s. T-Mobile has launched theirs, and is advertising as the "World's Largest 4G Network", but AT&T is right up there with them as far as HSPA+ coverage goes - they're just not advertising it as their 4G network. This will then solidify my theory of the iPhone 5 being released to all four carriers as apple will now only have to make two "versions" of the 5 hardware, because AT&T and T-Mobile's HSPA+ networks may run on the same frequencies. Currently, they're regular 3G has the same download frequency, but differ in upload frequencies, hence the unlocked iPhone will not get 3G with T-Mobile. It was interesting to find out that the HSPA+ was launched with AT&T just as much as T-Mobile, though nobody knows about it because of a different marketing approach. 11.18.10
UPDATE 3: Though I stated that I think the iPhone 5 will support 4G speeds, I feel the need to express an opinion that's opposing that. As Apple is known to wait until there's a solid foundation on which to base their marketing strategies on - I feel it's very possible that the iPhone 5 will not support 4G, as all four carriers are just beginning to implement it. Though they have had 3 models now that support 3G, and everyone would love to see a 4G version, it may very well be that the world will have to wait another year and half to have a 4G iPhone. 12.1.10
UPDATE 4: While many observers have been hoping that Apple will be an early adopter of LTE technology to support the ever increasing demands of iPhone users, past history has suggested that Apple will sit on the sidelines until the LTE service becomes more widespread and has had time to mature. Despite the fact that AT&T offered a 3G data network at the time of the iPhone's initial launch in 2007, the first-generation device did not support the technology and operated only on the carriers slower-but-more-widely-available EDGE network. Macrumors.com 1.5.11
UPDATE 5: Report: Apple to Release iPhone 4S, Not iPhone 5 This September on Sprint, T-Mobile
There you have it! My predictions. We shall see how they fair against the real world goodness that is Apple! Thanks for bearing with me, all there is to do now is wait! :D I'll keep you updated with some more predictions as they develop in my crazy brain, and as I research the threads and resources. Until then, tell me what you think about my latest ink on my opposite arm! :D haha
~ Colten Lindsey
 A major story has broken that is quickly taking the tech blogosphere by storm. As reported within the hour by Forbes, analyst Peter Misek with the prominent firm Jeffries & Co. has come forward with claims that Apple's next generation iPhone will not be the iPhone 5 after all. Given the minor cosmetic changes we've all anticipated, the refreshed touchscreen handset will be released as the iPhone 4S. "According to our industry checks, the device should be called iPhone 4S and include minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support," Misek stated in a research note to investors. Misek also says that his sources confirm the iPhone's expansion to Sprint and T-Mobile, a move that will effectively make Apple's celebrated handset available on all four major carriers in the US. Apple‘s anticipated iPhone upgrade, however, isn’t likely to include LTEfunctionality. "Industry checks indicate Apple will likely announce Sprint, T-Mobile, and China Mobile as new carriers." The "iPhone 4S" name hasn't been widely used to discuss the next-generation iPhone. But due to the now-obvious fact that next month's WWDC is all about iOS and not new hardware, it appears that the plan inside Apple is to release the slightly modified iPhone 4S this September. |
There you have it! My predictions. We shall see how they fair against the real world goodness that is Apple! Thanks for bearing with me, all there is to do now is wait! :D I'll keep you updated with some more predictions as they develop in my crazy brain, and as I research the threads and resources. Until then, tell me what you think about my latest ink on my opposite arm! :D haha
~ Colten Lindsey
