First Impressions: iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus – AT&T Launch Day Event in Pasadena!

Here we go folks! AT&T was kind enough to open a store early for me to go hands on with the new iPhones! Here are my initial thoughts on Apple’s newest flagship phone and their first phablet!

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Smartphone Speaker Test: iPhone 6 Plus on AT&T (Movie and Music Samples Playback Benchmark)

Apple set the standard for audio playback with the original iPhone, but since then other phones have improved dramatically. Now that the iPhone 6 Plus has a phablet sized screen, did Apple bump up the speaker size and quality? Let’s take a listen!

Continue reading “Smartphone Speaker Test: iPhone 6 Plus on AT&T (Movie and Music Samples Playback Benchmark)”

Apple Confirms NFC Locked Down in iPhone 6

Tim CookIt was one of the big questions left unanswered by Apple’s keynote. Introducing an NFC payments option is fantastic, but will that NFC radio be available for other uses, like “tap & share” or “tap & pair”?

The answer it would seem is “no”, at least for now. Following launch, the NFC radio in the iPhone 6 will only be made available to Apple Pay. This also means that competing services like Google Wallet will likely be blocked, but it’s still unclear if recently re-branded Softcard (former ISIS Wallet) will be allowed on the iPhone. Softcard was introduced by the carriers, and there’s no doubt they’re looking to leverage their own payment system on what’s sure to be one of the most popular phones of the year.

NFC is a fantastically versatile little radio capable of a variety of functions. On Windows Phone and Android it can be used to initiate file sharing between devices, control settings on the phone (I use stickers to toggle things like WiFi and Drive Modes), and it can take the place of RFID enabled cards in some cities which use the technology for public transit.

As Apple is just entering the mobile payment market, it’s no surprise they’d want to restrict access to the radio used. Security will be key in encouraging customers to use and trust this new service. Still, hopefully we see a little more flexibility out of Apple’s conservative hardware policies, giving iPhone owners more access to all of the fantastic accessories and services which already utilize this hardware.

(Via Cult of Mac)

Following iPhone 6 Announcement, AT&T Offering up to $300 for Trading in Your Old iPhone

iphone 6 iphone 6 plus apple homescreen somegadgetguyAT&T is price warring with its competition, and all four carriers are building up for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus push. For those looking to save a little extra cash on their new iPhone purchase, Big Blue will give you cash for turning in your old iPhone.

Starting now and running through the end of this month, you can get up to $300 back for trading in an iPhone 5S and up a minimum of $200 back for trading in an iPhone 4, 4S, 5, or 5C. It’s a convenient way to cut your bill down, and can be paired with other promotions or AT&T Next.

Full AT&T PR below.

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Apple Admits to Potential Battery Issues with iPhone 5

iphone-5It was a pretty common complaint in my circle of friends, that the iPhone 5 battery life just wasn’t as good as the iPhone 4S.

A common theory of the day was that the dual radio solution found with Apple’s first LTE enabled phone wasn’t as well optimized as the 3G only iPhone 4S. It was sort of true for early 4G Android phones, maybe Apple fell prey to the same teething pains?

Announced yesterday, Apple is acknowledging that the iPhone 5 might have had some manufacturing issues:

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently. The affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013 and fall within a limited serial number range.

If your iPhone 5 is experiencing these symptoms and meets the eligibility requirements noted below, Apple will replace your iPhone 5 battery, free of charge.

This specific issue is apparently not affecting 4S or 5S owners.

As we rapidly approach the release of the iPhone 6, it’s not terrifically helpful for iPhone 5 owners dealing with this problem, as they’re likely nearing the end of a two year contract anyway, just in time to buy Apple’s latest and greatest…

Better late than never I suppose. Hit the link below if you think your phone might be affected, and Apple might replace that battery for you.

iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program

Walmart Clearing iPhone 5C Inventory by slashing Contract Price to 97 Cents

iphone 5c walmart saleA new iPhone will be announced soon, and stores are trying to clear out existing inventory. Walmart is making a move to push out the somewhat unpopular 5C model by cutting the on-contract price to only 97 cents. At “near free” one would hope it would finally give the aged 4S a run for its money.  Walmart has also cut the price on the 5S to $79 with a two year contract.

Consumers were right to be a little cautious with the 5C. It was a brand new phone line, which wasn’t compatible with many accessories designed for the 5/5S. It was unclear how it would be supported by third party manufacturers and by Apple itself. Would it receive software updates like the iPhone 5 or will it continue receiving support like the 5S? Will Apple launch a follow up “Cheap” model alongside the iPhone 6?  Those ecosystem questions are becoming more and more important to consumers.

Though if you’re looking for a good deal on iOS, 97 cents is hard to skoff at. Still, someone might want to teach the Walmart web designer how to use a decimal point… Looks like the 5C is 97 DOLLARS… Just sayin…

Friday Fun: Jimmy Kimmel Shows Folks Apple’s iWatch (Really $20 Casio)

jimmy kimmel apple iwatchMan on the street jokes are regular fodder for late night comedians, but Jimmy Kimmel loves picking on technology.  In this bit he turns his sights on Apple fans, promising people a sneak peek at Apple’s new iWatch. In reality they’re playing with a $20 Casio. Let’s see how folks like it once they slap an Apple logo on the back.

Apple Working on iMessage Fix for iPhone Expats

iphone android windows phoneThe problem: If you started with an iPhone and linked your phone number to iMessage, if you decide to move to a Windows Phone or an Android, messages from your friends sent through iMessage will be delayed or rejected.

Whether it’s a bug or an actual punitive measure taken by Apple, it’s frustrated a number of former iPhone users, upsetting one woman enough to file a class action lawsuit.

That apparently garnered enough press to motivate Apple to act. They’ve now set up a support page, detailing the best way to deactivate iMessage, and they’ve now publicly stated that they’re working on a proper fix for the issue for people who decide to switch from iDevices to competitor’s products.

Have you been affected by this iMessage glitch? Drop us a comment below!