This time of year, back to school also means mega anticipation for a new iPhone. Every fall, Apple holds its World Wide Developer Conference, and typically releases both an update to iOS and the phone itself.
Last year, iOS 5 and the iPhone 4S bowed, with the new voice recognition feature, Siri, garnering the lion’s share of headlines. Over four million 4S handsets sold within the first three days of its release.
The smart money appears to be on a September 12 release for both iOS 6 and the iPhone 5 (maybe Apple should skip an iPhone rev and sync the versions?).
Meanwhile, as is the norm, forums, blogs, comments are ablaze with rumor after rumor for what new features we can expect (MacRumors is among the best for information related to Apple). Speculation and the Internet are the new Bonnie and Clyde. General consensus points to: larger screen (4-inches vs. 3-inches), 4G LTE, smaller 8-pin dock connector, two-tone case with revised speaker grill, and potentially some sort of “Liquid Metal” design.
Skype Photo Sharing
Skype is doing its part to satiate consumer’s increasing affection for sharing photos (exhibit A: Facebook’s $1B acquisition of Instagram). An update today (version 4.1) by the Microsoft Skype division has introduced a new feature that allows users to send and receive photos. It’s available now for iPad and iPhone users, though no availability has been provided for Android and the Google Play Store.
There’s no file size limitation. Users can instant message photos by selecting one from their existing photo gallery, or by shooting a new one.
Apple and Samsung CEOs talk, still no settlement
It’s looking like the Apple v. Samsung trial will go to jury, despite Judge Koh’s best efforts to get the two companies to settle. According to reports, CEOs Tim Cook and Kwon Oh Hyun did speak on Monday, but came away without a resolution to their dispute.
Apple is demanding over $2 billion in patent infringement-related damages. The company says that Samsung copied the iPhone to design its Galaxy S smartphone. Samsung has counter-sued for $400 million in damages.
Update: closing arguments are complete. Judge Koh is briefing the courtroom on next steps. The case is headed to jury.