Parth Dhebar | Fone Arena

Google Maps for iOS in Alpha Testing

In iOS 6, Apple decided to replace the Google Maps app in iOS with its own in-house solution. This decision of Apple’s brought a lot of criticism and Apple even made an apology to its customers. Since then, it has been rumored that Google has been working on releasing their own standalone version of Google Maps.

Today, App Map [iTunes Link] developer Ben Guild has posted some early details and partial screenshots from Google’s upcoming Maps application for iOS.

Guild reports that the standalone version of Google Maps for iOS is reportedly in alpha testing, but will offer some promising improvements over the old Google Maps. The report also says that the new Google Maps is vector based, has two-finger rotation to any angle, is “super fast” and supports the taller iPhone 5 screen. No word on availability has been made yet, but an early report claimed that Google may be targeting release by Christmas of this year. Meanwhile, Apple has been making improvements to their own Maps over time.

Microsoft’s Czech Unit Reportedly Confirms Office for iOS Coming in March 2013

In the past, there have been many rumors about Microsoft releasing Office for iOS. Today, The Verge reports that a Microsoft product manager confirmed that the company is working on versions of Microsoft Office for both iOS and Android, which is expected to be released in March 2013. The comments were made to Czech site IHNED.cz [Google translation] at a press event in that country.

“In addition to Windows, Office will be also available on other operating systems, Windows Phone, Windows RT, Mac OS, Android, iOS and Symbian,” says Microsoft, while separately noting that there will also be a new version of Office Web Apps too. […]

The press release also mentions that Office 2013 will be made available to businesses in December, with a consumer launch scheduled for the end of February 2013. “Office 365 services and other Office products for mobile (phones and tablets) will be released from March 2013,” says Microsoft.

The Verge also says that it saw a press release from Microsoft’s team in the Czech Republic confirming the launch plans. Back in February, The Daily claimed that it had hands-on time with a working prototype of the software but Microsoft, but the company denied the report.

iPhone 5 to Launch in India and Malaysia on Coming October 26?

BGR.in reports that Apple is planning to launch the iPhone 5 in India on October 26th. This isn’t the first time an October 26 launch in Asia has been mentioned. Last month, The Malay Mail reported that the iPhone 5 would be coming to Malaysia on that date, pending stock availability. There is no concrete word about the pricing yet but multiple sources FoneArena spoke to indicate a pricing of around Rs.48500-52500 approximately for the 16GB iPhone 5. Continue reading “iPhone 5 to Launch in India and Malaysia on Coming October 26?”

Apple’s Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter Begins Shipping

Today, MacRumors reports that Apple has sent out emails notifying a number of Australian customers that their Lightning to 30-pin Adapter orders had shipped. The orders are now in transit and are expected to be deliver on October 9th, which is almost four weeks after sales of the iPhone 5 went live in September.

Apple is selling two versions of the adapter, a $29 direct plug adapter and a $39 adapter with a short cable. These adapters allow users to connect their new Lightning-enabled devices such as the iPhone 5 and forthcoming iPod touch and iPod nano models to docks and other accessories designed for the previous 30-pin dock connector.

Verizon iPhone 5 Customers Will Not Be Charged for Unintentional Cellular Data Usage Issue

Yesterday, we reported that Apple had released a carrier update for the Verizon iPhone 5. That carrier update fixed an issue that would cause Verizon Cellular Data to be used while the iPhone 5 is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Now, Verizon has issued a statement to The Loop suggesting that customers will not be charged for this data usage.

Continue reading “Verizon iPhone 5 Customers Will Not Be Charged for Unintentional Cellular Data Usage Issue”

Apple Releases Carrier Update for Verizon iPhone 5

Today, Apple has issued a Carrier Update for Verizon iPhone 5 models. This update fixes an issue where Verizon Cellular Data would be used while the iPhone 5 is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

This carrier settings update resolves an issue in which, under certain circumstances, iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Follow these instructions to install the update.

1. Tap Settings > General > About.
2. Wait for the following alert to appear: (top right)
3. Tap OK to install the update.
4. Hold the Sleep/Wake button down until you see “slide to power off”.
5. Slide to power off.
6. After the device powers off, hold the Sleep/Wake button to turn your phone back on.

Note: To finish the installation of the update, your iPhone 5 must be turned off and then on again. After your iPhone restarts, tap Settings > General > About, then scroll down to Carrier and verify that “Verizon 13.1” is displayed.

Apple describes this update as an “important new carrier update” and the update is provided via over-the-air.

iPhone 5 Launches in 22 Countries and a Number of Rural Carriers Friday

Another batch of iPhone 5 launches will occur this Friday. Apple will launch the 22 new countries and on a number of regional carriers in the U.S., one week after it went on sale in the U.S. and a number of the larger international markets. Last week during launch weekend, Apple sold over 5 million iPhone 5s.

Currently, the iPhone 5 is sold out at Apple’s online store, but it lists a 3-4 week wait-time on the U.S. store. The iPhone 5 goes on sale tomorrow in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

The iPhone 5 will also go on sale at a number of U.S. regional carriers, including Cricket, C Spire, Bluegrass Cellular, Cellcom, GCI, Golden State Cellular, Nex-Tech Wireless, Pioneer Wireless, Appalachian Wireless, MTA Solutions, and nTelos.

Apple Now Taking iPhone 5 Orders for In-store Pickup

Currently, the wait time for an iPhone 5 is 3-4 weeks, but Apple today has added an option to reserve an iPhone for next-day, in-store pickup. Apple will start accepting reservations online between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time for pickup at a nearby Apple store the next day. “Buy an iPhone from the people who know it best,” according to a note on Apple’s website. 9to5Mac first reported yesterday that Apple was preparing to introduce this option.

Apple also says that “limited quantities” of the iPhone 5 might also be available in Apple stores on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apple iPhone 5 Preview

The phone that changed the world is back again with an incredibly thinner and lighter design, while adding a larger 4-inch screen, Apple has increased the screen size without compromising the build quality or one hand usability. Apple takes the iPhone even further with the iPhone 5. Overall, the iPhone 5 is the best iPhone made to date and still the best smartphone on the market. Its incredible ecosystem, frequent software updates, and amazing hardware have yet to be matched by any competitor. Continue reading “Apple iPhone 5 Preview”

Shipping Estimates for iPhone 5 Orders Through Apple Now 3-4 Weeks

Apple was “blown away” by the response to the iPhone 5 and the company announced over two million iPhone 5 pre-orders in the first 24 hours of sale alone. Just within hours of the iPhone 5 going on sale, shipping estimates slipped to 2-3 weeks. Now, the shipping estimates have been pushed back to 3-4 weeks as Apple continues to see strong demand for the iPhone 5.

The new 3-4 week estimates are applicable for the United States, Canada, and Australia, while several other launch markets including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany remain at 2-3 weeks for the time being. These new shipping estimates would suggest that customers may or may not receive their devices until mid-October. Apple will without a doubt have reserved a stock for launch availability on launch day, but finding one in stock may prove to be difficult. Apple is expected to sell 6-10M iPhone 5s this opening weekend alone.

Customers Line Up for iPhone 5 Outside Apple’s Fifth Ave Store

AppleInsider reports that customers have already started to wait in line for the iPhone 5 at Apple’s famous Fifth Avenue store in New York City. Around 10 people have lined up outside of the store to become the first to purchase the iPhone 5 on launch day. Customers will be able to purchase an iPhone 5 beginning 8 AM local time this Friday.

It is reported that most of the people waiting in line were hoping to gain attention for websites they were promoting. A reporter from CBS New York program “The Couch” was also present to interview those waiting.

Demand for the iPhone 5 has been incredible. Earlier this morning, Apple announced that over 2 million pre-orders for the iPhone 5 had been placed within the first 24 hours alone. Last year, the iPhone 4S sold 4 million over the launch weekend, making it the fastest iPhone selling it yet. The iPhone 5 is expected to easily beat that number. So much for a “disappointing” iPhone.

Samsung Running an Anti-iPhone 5 Ad in Newspapers on Sunday

CNet and Businessinsider report that Samsung has prepared an anti-iPhone 5 ad which will be published in newspapers on Sunday. The ad lists Apple’s iPhone 5 directly against the Samsung Galaxy S III. Samsung’s ad is titled “It doesn’t take a genius.”, which takes a diss against Apple Retail’s genius bars.

The rest of the ad shows a comparison of features between the iPhone 5 and the Samsung Galaxy S III. Obviously, the list is heavily weighted towards Samsung where many of the main features are highlighted. At the end is the line “The Next Big Thing Is Already Here”.

Apple and Samsung have been fighting head on in the smartphone market and in the courtroom. Apple just recently won a massive victory in their U.S. patent trial against Samsung with a $1.05 billion verdict. Keep it classy, Samsung.

Apple “Blown Away” by Response to the iPhone 5 Pre-orders

iPhone 5 pre-orders began yesterday and within hours, the initial shipment sold out. Shipping estimates have now slipped to 2-3 weeks by this afternoon.

Now, The Loop has received a statement from an Apple spokesperson that said the company was “blown away” by the response to the iPhone 5.

“Pre-orders for iPhone 5 have been incredible,” said Apple spokeswoman, Natalie Kerris. “We’ve been completely blown away by the customer response.”

The iPhone 5 goes on sale Friday, September 21, 2012 for $199 and $299 in 16GB and 32GB models. A 64GB model is also available for $399.

Confirmed: iPhone 5 Pre-orders Set to Begin at 12:01 AM Pacific Time Tomorrow

Customers who wish to purchase the iPhone 5 will be able to place their order in the U.S. starting at 12:01 Pacific Time, 3:01 AM Eastern on Friday, September 14th.

Apple has confirmed to Wired that it will begin taking pre-orders for the iPhone 5at 12:01 AM Pacific Time tomorrow. Verizon and Sprint have also announced 12:01 AM Pacific launches for their own pre-orders. AT&T has not yet officially released a pre-order starting time.

For those who aren’t able to pre-order, iPhone 5 will also be available at Apple’s retail stores starting at 8 a.m. local time on the Sept. 21 launch date.

T-Mobile USA Launches “Bring Your Own iPhone” Offer

Just a couple of days before Apple unveils the next-generation iPhone, T-Mobile announced a new “Bring Your Own iPhone” initiative including demo iPhone units in its stores, new apps, and enhanced staff training to help iPhone owners get up and running on. T-Mobile is only one of the four major U.S. carriers that does not officially offer the iPhone for sale.

iPhone users on T-Mobile USA have been limited to the carrier’s 2G network due to differences in frequencies between the iPhone and T-Mobile’s 3G network. However, the carrier has been working to update its spectrum to bring advanced 4G HSPA+ speeds to the iPhone and other devices. T-Mobile also touts the increased speed iPhone users will see on their network versus AT&T.

The carrier is also advertising a significant savings for customers switching from AT&T. T-Mobile advertises a $69.99/month Unlimited Talk, Text and Data plan, which is $50 cheaper than a plan from AT&T offering unlimited talk and text and 5 GB of data.