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.

Business Phone from Blackberry after Blackberry 10?

Research In Motion CEO Thorsten Heins has openly flirted with the idea of licensing the company's software in the run-up to launch of BlackBerry 10. Heins today revealed that he's also open to getting out of the manufacturing business entirely and sell RIM's handset operations. 

In an interview with German newspaper Die Welt, Heins said that RIM would consider selling its smartphone operations or licensing its software to other companies. Heins had previously stated that all options were on the table related to the licensing of BB10, but he now says that a sale is on the table as well. Of course, any potential change in RIM's business model is contingent on the successful launch of BlackBerry 10, which is set to debut January 30. If BB10 manages to regain some of RIM's lost market share or at least stop the trend of customers abandoning the platform for Android or Apple iOS, it would make BlackBerry a more attractive product.

Heins told Die Welt (translated by Google):

Before you licensed the software, you must show that the platform has a large potential. First we have to fulfill our promises. If such proof, a licensing is conceivable.

Should RIM decide to sell its handset manufacturing business, it would follow the path of Google and Microsoft and focus on licensing software rather than controlling both the hardware and software portions of the business. It could also decide to continue manufacturing phones and license to other companies, like Samsung or LG. Heins says the company will conduct a strategic review after it launches BlackBerry 10 and then assesses its options

LG Optimus G Pro emerge, LG Optimus G sells 1 million units?

LG's late 2012 flagship smartphone, the LG Optimus G, has sold more than 1 million units worldwide. On the same day that the company confirmed the milestone to Yonhap, news of a successor to the phone has already emerged. Engadget has posted a leaked slide from an anonymous tipster that supposedly shows the upcoming Optimus G Pro. Coupled with information seen on Blog Mobile, the leak reportedly reveals what to expect when LG debuts its first major Android smartphone of 2013.

The LG Optimus G Pro is rumored to have a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution, a 1.7 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 32GB of internal storage, LTE connectivity, and a 3,000 mAh battery. The phone is also said to have a 13 megapixel camera and a 2.4 megapixel front-facing camera. The Optimus G Pro is designed for release in Japan, but considering that competing phones from Samsung and HTC have established comparable specs, it's likely that LG will bring a phone with these hardware features to the North American and European markets as well.

LG has not managed to capture much market share in the Android ecosystem, but the company has dedicated itself to becoming a bigger player in the smartphone industry. The Optimus G managed to sell about 250,000 units per month since its release in September, and an enhanced follow-up of the phone could increase that momentum in the next product cycle

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean for Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2

Samsung has confirmed that it is now updating three of its Android tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 and both Wi-Fi models of the Galaxy Tab 2, to the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean firmware. The update also enhances its S Pen stylus and Premium Suite software features. The Wi-Fi versions of the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy Tab 2, both the 10.1 -inch screen and 7-inch screen versions, should see improved performance and speed with Android 4.1. Once users update their device through Samsung Kies or navigating to Settings > About tablet > Software update, the following features will be made available:

Cascade View: The feature allows users to freely resize, move and pin selected applications in multiple views, running them simultaneously or while operating the home-screen. This PC-like feature will help users to be more productive, and actually do multiple tasks at one time.

Air View: Allows users to use S Pen to conveniently and quickly preview content without having to open it. This feature allows user to preview video while scrubbing, preview email attachments without opening, preview photos without opening the album, and more.

Quick Command: With Quick Command, the S Pen quickly activates applications and services that are used most often by allowing you to write command shortcuts using customized and preset S Pen strokes.

Enhanced handwriting: Users can quickly and easily send personalized handwritten notes and memos to friends and family via email, as well as hand-write directly into their S Planner

Enhanced S Note: S Note now features additional ready-to-use templates; allows users to add effects to their digital content with Idea Sketch; and enables the insertion of video directly into not only Note templates but also other templates. Users can also launch S Note directly from their home-screen for added convenience.

Easy Clip: Allows users to select and clip content to save, paste or share in seconds.

Photo Note: Add personalized handwritten notes on the back of your photos to help capture the moment.

Paper Artist: Besides enabling users to enliven sketches or content with different color or pencil styles, Paper Artist enables over 30 artistic effects that can be applied to images or media. Users can also draw or write onto the content and share it with others.

A smarter S Pen: The S Pen now allows users to select writing or color modes at the touch of a button, or unlock the home-screen simply by removing the S Pen.