Next Generation ‘iPhone 5′ Won’t Support 4G LTE Networks; Will Be Dual-Mode CDMA/GSM (tech, news, update, leaked)

January 9th, 2011:  While the arrival of Apple's iPhone on Verizon's network is widely speculated, people are wondering whether the Verizon iPhone will support Verizon's 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network, which will be rolled out by the end of the year.

AT&T has also announced plans of converting its network to LTE by 2011. 

According to TechCrunch, the CDMA iPhone will not support LTE and according to their sources, even the fifth generation iPhone will not support LTE networks

Incidentally, this is similar to what Apple did with the original iPhone, which worked only AT&T's 2.5G EDGE network. Apple launched the iPhone 3G a good one year after the first generation iPhone  was launched. This, even though there were 3G networks back in 2007 when the original iPhone arrived!

Apple on the other hand is reportedly working on the next generation  iPhone that would support both GSM and CDMA networks so that it can work on all carriers worldwide.

This could mean that you would not be seeing a 4G ready iPhone until mid 2012, which might be disappointing news to iPhone fans, especially when Sprint already has the HTC EVO 4G in its lineup.

But Steve Cheney an outside contributor to TechCrunch believes Apple might be taking the right decision to wait for the technology to mature:

[..] as we cut through the hype on LTE, I believe Apple's decision to wait may be the right one. While the carriers are promising LTE as an upgrade path that will drive new applications and higher speeds, the reality is that 4G deployments will take much longer than the carriers are letting on.

Apple doesn't want to mess with the first generation of LTE chipsets, since they will be bulky and power hungry[..]

What do you think? Will it be a deal-breaker if iPhone 5 doesn't support 4G LTE networks? [Via TechCrunch]

This post is sponsored by your Apple iPhone 4G Repair Specialist: Abby Technology Limited, Auckland, New Zealand

Next Generation Apple iPhone 4 Or CDMA iPhone Casing Leaked? (apps, iOS, news, report, Update)

Folks at Boy Genius Report have stumbled on a YouTube video published by a smartphone parts company called Global Direct Parts, in which they were comparing casing from iPhone 4 and another iPhone model, which they claim could be the CDMA iPhone, which is widely speculated to be offered on Verizon's network or the fifth generation iPhone that is expected to be launched in June.

The video has since been removed from YouTube, which indicates that it could indeed be the legitimate and was likely removed from YouTube at Apple's request.

The device has a micro-SIM slot, so if it is legitimate, it is more likely to be the fifth generation iPhone rather than a CDMA iPhone or it could support both GSM and CDMA or its just fake.

It has a similar stainless steel band as iPhone 4, which serves as the antenna system, which had resulted in the Antennagate controversy after iPhone 4 was launched due to complaints of reception issues.

However, the breakpoints in the frame between the two antenna's has move to different locations. If the parts are indeed legitimate then it suggests that Apple may be planning to tweak the design of the antenna system.

The change in position of the break point seems to have also resulted in the slight adjustment in the position of the mute switch.

Global Direct is also claiming that it will release more information on LCDs and motherboards of the device next week. We'll keep you posted if we get any further information.

What do you think – its the real deal or fake? Post sponsored by Abby Technology Limited - Your Apple iPhone 4G Unlock Specialist in NZ

Window 7 Smartphone review: HTC HD7 (tech, news, report, update, Auckland)

Introduction

There's no such thing as a small WP 7 phone. However, 4.3 inches of screen estate are really something else. The best case scenario: the HTC HD7 is the phone you've been waiting for. The worst case scenario: it's too big to fail.

The HTC HD7 was inevitable. Was it not the first Windows Phone 7 ever rumored? And rightly so. There's no phone too big or too powerful for Windows Phone 7. In fact, if you ask Microsoft they'd say the bigger the better. HTC – on their part – didn't have to think too hard. They simply skipped right to number seven.

Come to think of it, it may as well have been exactly with the HTC HD2 in mind that Microsoft laid down the law about the Windows Phone 7 required hardware. Effectively, HTC had a Windows Phone 7 flagship on standby for nearly a year – waiting for as much as a nod from Microsoft to let it off the leash. Anyway, as we've seen on a number of occasions, this whole thing is about getting things done on the biggest mobile screen possible. And the HTC HD7's best course of action is to ensure no surprises.

Key features:

• 4.3" 16M-color capacitive LCD touchscreen of WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
• Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• Dual-band 3G with HSDPA (7.2 Mbps) and HSUPA (2Mbps)
• Windows Phone 7 operating system
• 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 576MB RAM, 512MB ROM
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual-LED flash, geotagging
• 720p video recording @ 25fps
• 8GB of built-in storage
• Standard 3.5mm audio jack
• Standard microUSB port (charging)
• Dolby Mobile and SRS sound enhancement
• Wi-Fi b/g/n
• Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP
• Accelerometer for screen auto rotation
• Office document editor
• Facebook integration and cloud services
• Built-in A-GPS receiver
• Stereo FM Radio with RDS
• Comes with HTC Hub and exclusive HTC apps
• Voice-to-text functionality
• Kickstand with trademark yellow accents
• Great audio quality

Main disadvantages:

• High screen response time causes visible ghosting
• Non-expandable storage
• No lens protection
• Quite heavy at 162 g (not that we mind)
• Somewhat susceptible to the "antenna death grip" (signal drops by at least two bars)

WP7-specific limitations

• No system-wide file manager
• No Bluetooth file transfers
• No USB mass storage mode
• Limited third-party apps availability
• No Flash (nor Silverlight) support in the browser
• Too dependent on Zune software for file management and syncing
• No video calls
• New ringtones available only through the Marketplace
• Music player lacks equalizer presets
• No multitasking
• No copy/paste
• No DivX/XviD video support (automatic transcoding provided by Zune software)
• No sign of free Bing maps Navigation so far
• No internet tethering support
• No handwriting recognition support

Alright, one thing we can be sure of – the HTC HD7 is playing strictly by the Microsoft book in terms of hardware. On the other hand, it does look like a simple copy/paste job. You know, WP7 phones have a hard time demonstrating a personality. The HD7 has the extra task of identifying itself as something different from the HD2.

The brand new OS is the right place to start. In terms of hardware, the kickstand is certainly an eye-catcher – not to mention it tells you're dealing with a phone that will keep you entertained. Next on the list is the HTC Hub and the exclusive apps it offers.

It still seems the HTC HD7 offers little in the way of creativity. It will be up to the other WP7 phones in the HTC portfolio to do that. The HD7 might just be supposed to be a mere display of power – the one that completes their grand slam of massive screens.

A touch of Walkman: Sony Ericsson Yendo (mobile phone, pad, tech, news, report, Auckland)

Introduction

It looks like the XPERIA X10 mini but acts like what it is – a full-touch feature phone. This is obviously nothing really to shout about as there are hundreds of them around now. It's a first for Sony Ericsson but that's not what makes it special either.

The Sony Ericsson Yendo will not stand being treated like just another touchscreen dumbphone. That Walkman badge commands a different level of respect. Now, does it really or is it what the Yendo likes to think?

There isn't much this little fella can actually promise you. But you'll be glad to hear the Sony Ericsson Yendo can keep its word. The Walkman logo implies above average sonic experience that the phone does well to deliver.

Here is what else to expect from the Sony Ericsson Yendo. It isn't much but there's enough to be excited about in terms of social skills and a positive personality.

Key features

• Ultra compact
• Dual-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• Touch-friendly four corner UI
• 2.6" capacitive touchscreen of QVGA resolution
• 2 megapixel fixed-focus camera with video recording
• Standard microUSB port for charging and data
• Stereo Bluetooth with A2DP
• microSD card slot with support for up to 16GB
• 3.5mm-compatible audio jack
• Facebook and Twitter apps
• Wide range of color versions
• Attractive price

Main disadvantages

• No 3G, Wi-Fi
• Smallish, low-res display
• Sluggish user interface
• Basic music player (for a Walkman phone)
• Disappointing camera
• No file browser
• No multi-tasking
• No accelerometer for auto-screen rotation

The Yendo is the first feature phone to come with the Four corner UI, as seen on the XPERIA X10 mini. While it is offering little new, it's still nice looking and intuitive. And that is very important when it comes to touch phones. The expected price of around 100 euro is another point in favor. And the Walkman branding makes it all the sweeter.

As for the other features, they're mostly nice to have but not essential in a package of this kind. Yes, there is a camera on board for example, but with limited functionality and unimpressive image quality.

he touchscreen is on the small size and the resolution is low. On the other hand, the user interface is both thumbable and eye-pleasing so you might not notice the screen's downsides.

You're welcome to follow us on the next page, as we discover the Yendo. The invitation is still good even if you think there isn't much to discover. There're many people shopping for basic touch phones. We guess a Walkman phone that fits the description is sure to draw crowds.  This sponsored by Abby Technology Limited - Your mobile phone and PDA repair professional.