New Mockup Shows What the Rumored 'Space Black' iPhone 7 Plus Might Look Like

A new set of iPhone 7 images have emerged online, this time showing a mockup of the larger-screened, 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus in Space Black (via TechTastic). Earlier in the year, a sketchy rumor hinted that Apple might be introducing a “Deep Blue” color option in the 2016 iPhone lineup, but more recent reports have clarified that “Deep Blue” will ultimately be a darker version of the current Space Gray, now depicted in today’s pictures.

Although the Space Black images fall largely in line with recent mockups and image leaks for the iPhone 7, there are a few inconsistencies. The dual-lens camera bump on the iPhone appears slightly less raised than previous depictions of the back of the iPhone 7, and the mockup designates the model as an “S” edition, which has been lacking from anyprevious reports and remains an unlikely moniker given the name schemes of the current generation iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.


The pictures also include a Smart Connector on the back of the iPhone 7 Plus, which, at best, has been an inconsistent rumor leading up to the launch of the new iPhone next month. More recently, mockups and image leaks have leaned more towards Apple’s decision to not include the Smart Connector in the iPhone 7. The feature could also bespecific to the 5.5-inch iPhone Plus, or a third “Pro” model.


Elsewhere, the Space Black variant keeps up with rumors of what the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will look like: no 3.5 mm headphone jack, two speakers (one likely to be cosmetic), and rearranged antenna bands on the back. Apple might be preparing an all-new, flush Home Button on the next-generation iPhone devices as well. But, like most image leaks, it’s hard to be certain in the new pictures whether the Home Button is a new, pressure-sensitive option or just the traditional physical switch.


The new pictures follow a collection of high-resolution photos of a Gold mockup of theiPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus that were posted last week. Apple is expected to reveal theiPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on September 7, with pre-orders beginning on September 9 and a potential launch one week later on September 16.

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via MacRumors

Comment: iPhone 7 camera bulge a big improvement on iPhone 6, but iPhone SE still leads the way

Comment: iPhone 7 camera bulge a big improvement on iPhone 6, but iPhone SE still leads the way

One of the observations I made in first impressions piece on the iPhone SE was how pleased I was to lose the camera bulge of the iPhone 6/6s. It really seemed to me that, in the iPhone 6, Apple was prioritizing an inconsequential bit of extra slimness over a pleasing design.

Assuming all the iPhone 7 mockup images are accurate, then Apple has smoothed out the edges on the upcoming model. I do think this is a big improvement aesthetically, and less likely to snag when removing it from a pocket. But when you put it up against the iPhone SE, as TWE has done with a mockup the site purchased from China, it still seems to me that the SE shows how it should be done …


Sure, the phone has to be marginally thicker to allow the current-generation camera to sit flush in the casing, but really, who cares? The difference in thickness between the iPhone 6s at 7.1mm and the iPhone SE at 7.6mm is literally half a millimetre.

That needs italics, I think. Half a millimetre. For that tiny difference – a difference nobody is going to notice unless you put the two down side-by-side on a desk, get your eye level down to the desk surface and stare hard – Apple has compromised the smooth aesthetics of the phone. That seems to me a great shame.

What do you think? Is the camera bulge a price worth paying for a half-millimetre reduction in depth? Or would you rather have the phone marginally thicker to get a flush camera? Let us know in the comments.

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via 9to5Mac https://9to5mac.com

August 14, 2016 at 09:37PM

Alleged iPhone 7 assembly schematics seem to kill hope for dual-speakers & more

Alleged iPhone 7 assembly schematics seem to kill hope for dual-speakers & more

iPhone-7-schematics-leak-02

These alleged iPhone 7 schematics, according to NWE, leaked from an assembly plant that is presumably now kicking into production with little more than a month to go before the introduction of the device. While the leak doesn’t claim to show anything majorly new that we haven’t already seen in the non-stop leaks of the device in recent weeks, it does confirm much of what we’ve been seeing up until now if legit. On the other hand, it kills the hope some had for dual-speakers.

One tidbit spotted in the documents is the fact that the second speaker grill appears to be indicated as a microphone and not a second speaker like some have speculated from previous leaks that also showed the design change.

That second row of small holes along the bottom of the device is a change from the iPhone 6s and other current iPhones that only have one speaker grill with the headphone jack and microphone on the opposite side of the Lightning connector.

Apple has included dual speakers (and speaker grills) in other devices like the iPad mini, but it’s also used dual speaker grills with only one speaker and the other used for a microphone with past iPhones like the iPhone 5. That latter option, if the leaked schematics turn out to be real, appear to be what Apple will do with iPhone 7.

Yesterday an alleged iPhone 7 screen assembly leak appeared to hint at a redesigned Home button for the device, something we previously told you was rumored to be in the works. That hardware upgrade is expected to come alongside an improved camera system, repositioned antenna lines, the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, and the usual upgrade for other internal components. Several leaks have also now pointed at a possible new darker color option for the device with both space black and dark blue colors rumored.

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via 9to5Mac https://9to5mac.com

August 12, 2016 at 02:58AM

Tech Armor Announces Collaboration with Corning Incorporated to Introduce the Next Evolution of Glass Screen Protection

Tech Armor Announces Collaboration with Corning Incorporated to Introduce the Next Evolution of Glass Screen Protection for Mobile Devices

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – August 10, 2016 –Tech Armor, the leading screen protection and mobile accessory brand, today announced the expansion of their top-rated screen protection line with the adoption of Accessory Glass 2 by Corning®. Accessory Glass 2 by Corning® offers a completely new approach to mobile screen protection at the molecular level to produce a more durable barrier against scratching and breakage caused by day-to-day use.

No stranger to innovation, Tech Armor revolutionized the mobile accessory space with their industry-first no-hassle, limited lifetime warranty, leaving many brands scrambling to keep pace.

“Tech Armor customers expect the best in protection and customer service, so it’s only natural that we would look to such an iconic leader in glass innovation like Corning to deliver products that will exceed this expectation,” said Eric Tong, co-founder of Tech Armor. “We had reached a ceiling with existing materials, having already sourced the best materials from around the globe to produce our flagship Tech Armor Ballistic Glass screen protectors. In order to truly change the game, we needed to tap into the science behind the materials with our new use of an aluminosilicate-based glass.”

“This new collaboration will further push the industry forward, and it’s no surprise that Tech Armor is once again out in front,” Tong finished.

Leveraging more than 160 years of research and development, Accessory Glass 2 by Corning® screen protectors provide superior performance versus screen protectors made from standard soda-lime glass or plastic film. Testing has shown a significant increase in scratch resistance and a dramatic improvement in drop performance.

“Corning is excited to collaborate with Tech Armor to create a better user experience for screen protector consumers,” said Scott Forester, director, innovation products, Corning Specialty Materials. “Accessory Glass 2 by Corning is our latest innovation for screen protector applications which significantly reduces scratch frequency and visibility, the top attributes desired by customers.”

Apple, Samsung, Google and other leading brands continue to innovate and release better devices while consumers can rest assured Tech Armor is keeping pace to safeguard their hardware with the best protection available by employing new materials like Accessory Glass 2 by Corning®.

The new Tech Armor Prime Glass line featuring Accessory Glass 2 by Corning® will launch September 2016. Join the Tech Armor Nation by signing up for our newsletter below to receive advanced purchase notice.

To read more about Accessory Glass 2 by Corning®, view their latest release here.

 

About Tech Armor

Since its inception in 2012, Tech Armor (techarmor.com) has quickly risen to the top of the mobile accessory industry by addressing the customer’s need to protect and connect the mobile devices they love at a price they can afford. Bypassing Big Retail and engaging directly with consumers through online marketplaces like Amazon, Ebay, Walmart, Sears, and Jet (to name a few), Tech Armor offers higher-quality, better-performing accessories at a fraction of the price.

Staying ahead of the industry curve, Tech Armor develops superior screen protection and accessories through diligent product development using the highest quality materials sourced from around the globe. More than just developing top-rated screen protection and mobile accessories, Tech Armor establishes lifetime connections and trust with their customers through exceptional customer service and an industry-leading Limited Lifetime Warranty.

 

About Corning Incorporated®

Corning® (www.corning.com) is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science. For more than 160 years, Corning has applied its unparalleled expertise in specialty glass, ceramics, and optical physics to develop products that have created new industries and transformed people’s lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in R&D, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and close collaboration with customers to solve tough technology challenges. Corning’s businesses and markets are constantly evolving. Today, Corning’s products enable diverse industries such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, transportation, and life sciences. They include damage-resistant cover glass for smartphones and tablets; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for high-speed communications networks; trusted products that accelerate drug discovery and manufacturing; and emissions-control products for cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles.

 

###

 

Contact:

Melody Chalaban

VOS Communications

310-844-6350

melody@voscommunications.com

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus to Feature Pressure-Sensitive Home Button With Haptic Feedback

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus to Feature Pressure-Sensitive Home Button With Haptic Feedback

The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will feature a flush pressure-sensitive home button in place of the physical switch button found on previous iPhones, according to a Bloomberg report filed this morning.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the news outlet said that the new models will have a pressure-sensitive button “similar to trackpads in the latest MacBook line” that will provide feedback to the user via a vibrating haptic sensation instead of a true physical click.

touchid

Last month, Mac Otakara cited unspecified supply chain sources that it claimed confirmed the veracity of an April Stormmedia report suggesting the same thing. MacRumors has also heard the same rumor from DigiTimes and analysts at Cowen and Company, but Bloomberg‘s report today substantially increases the likelihood that the rumor is indeed accurate.

In addition, the article claims that the dual cameras now widely expected on the larger iPhone 7 will produce brighter photos with more detail, “according to a person who has used a prototype version of the upcoming device”.

Both sensors, which each capture color differently, simultaneously take a picture, and the device produces a single, merged photograph, said the person.

The dual system sharpens photos taken in low-light environments, the person said. The combination of the merged photos from the two camera sensors also allows users to zoom while retaining more clarity, the person added.

Elsewhere, Bloomberg noted that the new iPhones will have no antenna bands running across the back of the handsets, and Apple will remove the headphone jack in favor of connectivity via Bluetooth and the Lightning port. That will make room for a second speaker, said the paper’s source, who preferred to remain anonymous.

Other rumored features for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus not included in the article include a faster TSMC-made A10 processor, faster LTE and Wi-Fi, a slightly larger battery, and a minimum 32 GB of base storage.

Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus next month. Pre-orders could begin Friday, September 9, ahead of retail availability on Friday, September 16, according to noted leaker Evan Blass.

Read More…

via MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors

August 7, 2016 at 08:56PM

2016 Olympics - Live Medal Tracker

2016 Olympics – Live Medal Tracker

Follow your favorite country (cough!… U.S.A.!!) at the 2016 Summer Olympics from Rio De Janeiro through our live medal tracker!

See who’s bringing home gold, silver and bronze… Bookmark this page to stay on top of the medal race!

The United States has jumped out to an early lead at the 2016 Olympics in Rio with medals across the board. We’ll keep you updated with our live tracker below and you can check the full schedule on Yahoo HERE.

Stay tuned for a special contest and Olympic-sized giveaways and promos from Tech Armor! We deliver best-in-class screen protection and mobile accessories- just think of us as your gold medal winner! Arm your device today!

2016-Olympics-Medals_protect

Samsung Announces the New Galaxy Note 7

Skipping ahead a bit (as anticipated) from 5 to 7, Samsung has announced its latest addition to the Note family with the Galaxy Note 7. Check out the latest specs below and read the complete press release HERE. Watch the official video release HERE.

GalaxyS6edge+:Note5_Spec(individual)

 

Are you curious how the Galaxy Note 7 will stack up to the Galaxy Note 5?

The good folks at Samsung have prepared a useful infographic to help differentiate the specs on each. Check that out HERE.

Arm Your Galaxy Note 7 with Tech Armor

Screen Protection

With any new device, the need for protection is always our prime directive and this is certainly true with the new Galaxy Note 7. We’re currently in production with our signature Ballistic Glass, which should be available in the next few weeks to keep your Note 7 screen in pristine condition. Stay tuned!

Battery Life

We don’t just protect the exterior of your mobile devices… Our Active Series Power Bank line exists to make sure your battery remains charged and ready for whatever your day throws at it! From the ultra-mobile 3000 mAh model all the way up to the powerhouse 20800 mAh, you can rest easy knowing that your device is charged and ready.

Connectivity

Whether transferring a charge or uploading a file, you need a cable that can stand the test of time. Constructed from premium materials, Tech Armor Type C Cables are dual-shielded for MAXIMUM signal strength, with a user-friendly, reversible connection to fit your device in any direction. Whether you’re replacing your original cable or adding a spare, this high quality cable combines fast, efficient charging with data transfer!

 

 

Lightning EarPods spotted blasting tunes in real life

iPhone 7 earbuds

iPhone 7 earbuds

 

iPhone 7 Lightning EarPods spotted blasting tunes in real life

A video has surfaced online, alleging to show Apple’s next-gen Lightning EarPods on an iPhone running iOS 9. While we’ve heard rumors that the iPhone 7 may ditch the headphone jack, and even seen blurry (and not-so-blurry) photos appearing to confirm the same thing, this is the first time a video has appeared to show…

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(via Cult of Mac – Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

August 1, 2016 at 02:17AM

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Pre-Orders Could Start September 9

iPhone 7 and 7 Plus Pre-Orders Could Start September 9

Over the weekend well-known mobile phone leaker Evan Blass predicted that the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus would release the week of September 12. A short time later, he predicted that it should launch on Friday, September 16. Today, Blass has followed up and reported that pre-orders would take place on Friday, September 9.

iphone-6s-colors

Apple typically announces the newest iPhone a couple days before pre-orders start. With September 5 being Labor Day, it’s likely Tuesday, September 6 would be the day of Apple’s iPhone 7 event. The dates roughly line up with Apple’s usual pattern for iPhone releases. Last year, Apple announced the iPhone on September 9, started pre-orders on September 12 and released it on September 25.

Blass is well known for leaking details and images from Android smartphones well before official confirmations. A couple days before predicting the release week of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, he revealed that the codenames for Apple’s new smartphones are “Sonora” and “Dos Palos.”

This year’s iPhone models are not expected to feature significant design changes aside from the loss of the headphone jack. Instead, Apple is said to be introducing major new features for the 10th anniversary iPhone 8. The 4.7-inch iPhone 7 is expected to get an improved camera and optical image stabilization while the 5.5-inch iPhone 7 Plus may gain a dual-lens camera system and 3 GB of RAM.

Other rumored features for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus include a faster TSMC-made A10 processor, repositioned antenna bands, faster LTE and Wi-Fi, a slightly larger battery, and a minimum 32 GB of base storage.

Read More…

via MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors

iPhone 7 May Include Flush '3D Touch' Home Button

iPhone 7 May Include Flush ‘3D Touch’ Home Button

Apple’s iPhone 7 may not include a physical home button, instead adopting a touch-sensitive “3D Touch” home button, reports Mac Otakara . Such a home button would be flush with the body of the iPhone and would not actually depress when a finger is placed on it.

Instead, when a user presses on the home button, haptic feedback will mimic a press, much like the Force Touch trackpad on Apple’s most recent MacBooks. Through haptic feedback, iPhone users will feel the sensation of pressing on a button even though there’s no actual button to press.

touchid

Mac Otakara‘s report refers back to an April home button rumor from Stormmedia and confirms its veracity, citing unspecified supply chain sources and saying there’s a “high possibility” the rumor is accurate. We’ve heard the same home button rumor from DigiTimes and analysts at Cowen and Company. While none of these sources have track records accurate enough to unquestioningly say the rumor is true, the fact that it’s a rumor we’ve heard multiple times now suggests it could be accurate.

A flush home button, when combined with rumors of improved waterproofing and the removal of the headphone jack, makes some sense. Without a physical button, there would be no way for water to get into the internals of the phone around the button, and it would also potentially improve the reliability of the Touch ID system.

Based on leaked part images and dummies, the removal of the home button will not drastically change the look of the iPhone 7.

Should Apple remove the physical home button in favor of a Force Touch or 3D Touch home button in the iPhone 7, the company will be one step closer to eliminating the home button entirely, something that’s rumored for the 2017 iPhone.

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via MacRumors: Mac News and Rumors –