The iPhone repair site, iResQ, has leaked photos of, what they claim to be, the faceplate of Apple’s upcoming 4th generation iPhone. According to the site, the front panel of the phone is approximately 1/4 of an inch taller than that of the iPhone 3GS. The screen is also longer, but exact measurements are not given. In addition, there seems to be some sort of “reflective, mirror-like surface” that sits right above the speaker. It’s unclear what purpose this will serve, but iResQ postulates that it could be for the proximity sensor.
The site also notes that the LCD is “factory glued to the digitizer,” similar to the first generation iPhone. This will make screen repairs pricier due to the need to replace two parts instead of one. No other hardware details are available at this time.
From left to right, you have the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and the iPhone 4G front panel
On the left, the iPhone 3GS front panel. On the right, the iPhone 4G front panel assembly. Note the difference in length and the reflective surface above the speaker, presumably for the proximity sensor
On the left, the iPhone 3GS front panel. On the right, the iPhone 4G front panel assembly. Note the difference in length and the reflective surface above the speaker, presumably for the proximity sensor
It’s being reported by AppleInsider that the Korea Times has heard some juicy information from KT, the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in South Korea, about Apple’s upcoming, fourth generation iPhone. They are claiming that the phone’s specs will include the following…
- OLED screen
- Front-facing camera for video chat
- Dual-core processor
- More powerful graphics capabilities
- Removable battery (stated to be “highly likely”)
In addition to this, AppleInsider suspects the processor to be the Cortex-A9 from ARM. This processor can handle clock speeds up to 2GHz, which is unheard of in a smartphone. However, Apple would most likely underclock it to keep power consumption at a minimum. They are also reporting that Apple has purchased a large amount of LED camera flash components. One could deduce from this that the next iPhone will likely have a flash for taking pictures.
The Korea Times also states that KT plans to sell the new iPhone to corporate clients for a “litmus test” this April. Others are said to receive the phone in June. A “high ranking KT executive” claims that this will happen because both they, and Apple, want the advanced models to be introduced “as early as possible.”
If all of this is true, Apple may completely re-define Google’s new “superphone” classification. It’s also possible that the new iPhone will be available for Verizon as a CDMA device. This would certainly explain the inclusion of video chat capabilities. As it currently stands, AT&T doesn’t seem to be in a position to take on such an excess amount of video traffic. Hopefully, all of our questions will be answered at Apple’s January 26th event.
It seems that Google plans to re-define the stereotypical netbook. Spec wise, if sources are correct, the Google Netbook will completely change the way we look at netbooks—small, but weak, to cheap, but powerful. According to IBTimes and Netbook News, Google’s self-branded netbook will have a NVIDIA Tegra (probably 2nd gen) chipset and will come pre-installed Google apps, such as Maps, Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Search, and Voice.
Here’s the rumored hardware:
- NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset
- ARM CPU (better performance and uses less power than Atom)
- 10.1 inch TFT HD ready, multitouch screen (1280×720)
- 64GB SSD
- 2GB RAM
- Wi-Fi
- 3G
- Optional GPS
- Bluetooth
- Ethernet port
- USB ports
- Webcam
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Multi-card reader
- 4-6 cell batter with 8-12 hours of battery life
Rumors have it that the netbook will be subsidized and sold directly by Google, possibly priced in the sub $300 range. It also seems that in the US, Google may bundle the netbook with carriers and their 3G plans. At that price, the Google Netbook will be hard to resist. It’s expected to be available in time for 2010′s holiday season. A lot could change between now and then, so expect many more updates as details keep rolling in.