Watch for Apple or Samsung ?

In the never-ending war of one-upsmanship, we have a Bloomberg report that Samsung is also working on its wearable devices line by developing a wristwatch. This confirms rumors from last month about a Samsung watch in the making.

During an interview in Seoul, Korea – Lee Young Hee who is E.V.P of Samsung’s mobile business said “We’ve been preparing the watch product for so long…we are working very hard to get ready for it. We are preparing products for the future, and the watch is definitely one of them.” Hee did not give a glimpse behind the curtain regarding features or pricing. Some attest Samsung’s disclosure about their watch to based on reports that Apple has about 100 product designers working on everything from shape of the glass and housing to map capabilities, bio-sensors, and a complete iOS.

According to rumors coming out of the Cupertino campus, Apple wants to introduce the iWatch (unofficial but makes sense) later this year. If that happens, they can set the market with a price that can capture the initial influx of consumers who may turn out to be loyalists to their platform – outside of the present Apple loyalists of course – for the smart watch. In that regard, Apple would have an advantage on pricing. Then again, if Samsung were to deliver the goods first the advantage could lie with them just as easily as many would be expecting an OS much akin to the  Android platform.

WEARABLE DEVICES

Considering that both Samsung and Apple are fully aware that smartphone sales are slowing down (analysts project growth will slow  to 9.8% by 2017 down from 27% this year) the race for a smart watch is on. Wearable devices are expected to be big business especially if an item like a smart watch can sync with already owned devices such as a tablet or smartphone. The key will be ease of use and style.

A new product line is needed and the first to deliver wins. For now at least.

iPad 4, 128 GB Storage ?

Still waiting for a 128GB iPad? One could come sooner than you think. Accordinf to 9to5Mac, Cupertino is preparing to add a new SKU to its fourth-generation tablet line up, slotting next to the existing 16GB, 32GB and 64GB configurations as a premium model. A source at a well known US retailer shared the devices' SKU information with the outlet, marked up with internal Apple terminology that described both WiFi-only and cellular-capable slates in black and white facades. The devices' description column features a lone adjective, too: ultimate.

9to5Mac couldn't confirm that the description meant a 128GB model was inbound, but the assumption seems reasonable enough -- developers are finding references to 128GB iOS devices in iOS 6.1 beta code, and icons for the size were found in iTunes 11. Moreover, "good," "better" and "best" have all been used to describe different iPad configurations in the past -- ultimate seems like the next logical step. Strong evidence, to be sure, but we'll hedge our bets until we see something official. Read on to see the leaked SKU information for yourself.

Next Generation iPhone and iPad : iPhone 5s, iPad Mini and iPad 4

The rumors of next generation iPad and iPhone are already starting to pick up steam. According to the latest report from iLounge, the iPhone 5S is said to enter mass production in July.


Note the start of the mass production is usually a few months before the actual announcement, so Apple can fill up its warehouses ahead of the launch weekend. 

The report also says that the company's tablet lineup refresh is coming in October. The iPad mini with Retina display is reportedly codenamed J84, while the iPad 5 is dubbed J72. Apple's rumored next-gen iPads are expected to retain the design of their predecessors, but the mini should be getting a Retina display. It's anyone's guess what kind of upgrades will come with the iPad 5.

As for the iPhone 5S - it is expected to include a faster processor and a Sony-made 13 megapixel camera sensor. Furthermore, the device is rumored to feature an improved rear LED flash. The iPhone 5S versions are codenamed N51 and N53 and predictably the device will have similar design to the iPhone 5.


The new iPhone is also rumored to feature a fingerprint scanner, which is based on the Authentec technology acquired by Apple last summer.

Free VoIP Call in Facebook Messenger for iPhone

Apple iPhone users can make free VoIP calls using the latest version of the Facebook Messenger iOS app. Previously available in testing for Canadian users, Facebook has made it possible for U.S. members to place calls in Messenger without using minutes from their monthly calling plan.

The data-based voice calls are part of Facebook's efforts to make its Messenger app an all-encompassing solution for communication. The app, which already supports instant chat and recently added the ability to leave voice messages, now provides an instant calling option. Calls are accessible by choosing a contact and then pressing the "i" button in the top-right corner. The following page should then reveal a "Free Call" button to place the call, but that may not always be an option. Messenger voice calls require an iPhone in the U.S. or Canada, and the feature is rolling out in stages to users, so some Facebook members may not be available for calls

Siri Optimation from Apple

Even though she's already starred in a handful of commercials with some of entertainment's biggest names, Siri could still use a little work.

The hit-or-miss voice activated search function proudly touted by Apple as a key feature in its newer iOS devices like the iPhone 5 and iPad mini may be popular for parlor tricks, but Apple has grander plans for Siri.

That's just the kind of sentiment Apple is hoping to avoid in the future and, according to a new job listing, is looking to rectify rather quickly.

Siri Poppins

In a twist only the best fairy tales could have predicted, Apple is currently searching for a new writer to transform Siri from the blunt, brash femme vocale she is today into a more sophisticated and charming leading lady.

The job listing hopes to wrangle a writer who will "help the Siri team evolve Siri as a distinct, recognizable character," and that would "develop and write original dialog to support new Siri capabilities."

Additionally, Apple is hoping the writer will be able to maintain Siri's ability to "explain things in engaging, funny, and practical ways," as her personality is what Apple hopes will set Siri apart from the competition.

Apple claimed in the posting "Siri is known for 'her' wit," but her laconic delivery makes even Steven Wright look like the most jovial and outspoken comedian on the circuit.

Whomever lands the job certainly has quite the task in front of him or her, but the prospects of creating an entire persona that will "live" inside millions of smartphones around the globe should be more than enough motivation for any writer to apply for the opportunity.

Redbox Instant for iPhone and Android

Netflix leads the premium video subscription pack, but Redbox and Verizon have teamed up to challenge for the crown. Redbox Instant is an on-demand streaming and rental service that provides an online and mobile component to the popular red kiosks that rent DVD's for low prices, but will the streaming model prove as useful or popular? Here's a hands-on video of Redbox Instant for Android and iPhone.