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  • iPhone XR May be “Budget,” But it’s a Huge Deal

    iPhone XR May be “Budget,” But it’s a Huge Deal

    The Apple Gather Round event has finally arrived, and we know have details about the latest gadgets. The biggest news was probably the iPhone XS line, but we’re just as stoked for the “low budget” alternatively. Named the iPhone XR, this colorful line of iPhone X-style phones looks like the perfect compromise of luxury and affordability. After all, why not have both?

    iphonexr1
    Apple

    Design

    The iPhone XR features an LED screen, making it much less expensive than the iPhone X. The X has a gorgeous, and expensive, OLED screen that looks like something from a sci-fi movie. By contrast, the XR’s LED screen doesn’t look bad, it just looks like a phone from the past few years instead of something from the future. Also notable is the lack of a traditional headphone jack, the flashy, colorful back and glass construction.

    This phone, like all of Apple’s recent releases, is waterproof and supports wireless charging. This phone also sports slightly bigger bezels than the iPhone X, but not nearly as much as the iPhone 8. Additionally, like the X, this phone has no home button and no Touch ID, instead relying on Face ID.

    Specs

    Running under the hood is an A12 Bionic chip, which Apple touts as the “most advanced chip” ever seen in a smartphone. We’re inclined to believe them, because this thing is awesome. The phone’s performance is blisteringly fast, and we’ve been consistently impressed by the snappy processor. Games look incredible, running smoothly with high framerate and great resolution.

    The camera, though there is but one, is awesome. It’s not quite what you’d get from a multi-lens setup, but the one camera at play here is a 12MP. You can even put pictures into a digitally-created portrait mode that looks pretty good!

    iPhone XR: Bottom Line

    The iPhone XR will be releasing later this year, on October 26th. It will retail for $750 for the 64GB version, which makes it much more affordable than the iPhone XS. If you’ve been wanting to jump into the iPhone X family but not sure if you could afford it, this is the phone for you.

    High-tech, fast performance with an excellent screen and a lower price of entry? Yeah, this is a great phone. Apple’s made a must-have phone an affordable phone, too. You simply can’t beat that.

  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.


  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.


  • Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Breakdown

    Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Breakdown

    The third iteration of Google’s flagship phone isn’t a huge leap forward. There’s no in-display fingerprint scanner, 3D facial recognition or ridiculous specs. Instead, the search engine giant is doubling down on what it does best.

    The Pixel 3 and 3 XL got Google’s start treatment on Tuesday at a launch event in New York, and we got straight to work checking them out. Already, the phones reject major smartphone trends. First, there’s one camera on the back, not two or even three (but you do get two on the front). Second, they start at under $1,000 each. Third, there’s no wild color; the “craziest” still looks kind of white. And finally, there’s no gimmicks to speak of. Google is clearly focused on functionality rather than just things that sell.

    Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL

    On paper, these flagships make the jump when it comes to hardware and software, but otherwise just riff off of 2017’s Pixel 2 ($649 at Google Store). And then I picked them up. Holding the 5.5-inch Pixel 3 and 6.3-inch Pixel 3 XL in my hand was a different story. These are sleek, almost slippery devices with rounded edges and thoughtfully curved elements, like the slightly tacky clear panel on the back.
    The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are undoubtedly Google’s most refined Pixel phones yet. If performance holds up during our testing, I can see how this could be a go-to phone for Android fans, not because they’re innovative, but because they’re both appealing to hold and use due to the buttery smooth stock operation system, Android P.

    You can buy the new Pixel 3 phones in black, white and “Not Pink.” The glossy plane on the Pixel’s signature two-tone backing has shrunk over the years, and slightly curves down at the corners rather than cut straight across. In fact, nearly everything about the Pixel 3 is subtle, and that could very well be the phone’s main strength.

    New Pixel 3 features that matter
    • Larger, 5.5-inch (Pixel 3) and 6.3-inch (3 XL) displays
    • Pixel 3 XL has a notched screen; Pixel 3 does not
    • Two front-facing cameras
    • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
    • 4GB RAM
    • Android Pie
    • Slightly larger battery capacity for both phones compared to Pixel 2 devices
    • Portrait mode shots can also save photos without the portrait filter effect
    • Wireless charging support with $79 (£69) Pixel Stand
    • Use AI voice assistant to field unwanted calls
    • Turn the phone over to silence incoming calls
    • Titan M security chip exclusive to Pixel 3 phones

    Pixel 3’s most interesting camera tricks are under the hood
    Google’s Pixel cameras have always been less about flashy gimmicks and more about the kind of software processing that Google can milk from its equipment. After all, Google is a software company at its core. Computer learning and camera AI are major ingredients in the Pixel 3. Both phones have a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera and two 8-megapixel lenses on the front.

    Here are some camera highlights:

    Super Res Zoom: Promises sharp, clear detail when you digitally zoom in to a scene — that’s without a telephoto lens.
    Night Sight: Google promises clear, bright low-light photos without the need for a flash, which can blow out shots or make them unnaturally bright. This will build off Google’s already considerable low-light strength.
    Photobooth mode: Turn on this setting and the Pixel 3 will snap photos when the subject smiles or makes a funny face.
    Top Shot: When motion capture is turned on, Top Shot, which arrives “later,” will recommend a better version of a shot you may have missed. It’s intended for correcting candid photos, like someone cannonballing into a pool. You can also choose your own from what the phone grabbed while the motion capture was on.
    Group selfie: This isn’t so much a convenient mode or button you press as you flipping the camera toward yourself and manually zooming out to the wide-angle lens.
    Playground: For AR enthusiasts, swipe a button in the camera to toss characters, including Star Wars’ BB-8, Marvel’s Iron Man and Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) into the landscape you see through the viewfinder.


  • Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Breakdown

    Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL Breakdown

    The third iteration of Google’s flagship phone isn’t a huge leap forward. There’s no in-display fingerprint scanner, 3D facial recognition or ridiculous specs. Instead, the search engine giant is doubling down on what it does best.

    The Pixel 3 and 3 XL got Google’s start treatment on Tuesday at a launch event in New York, and we got straight to work checking them out. Already, the phones reject major smartphone trends. First, there’s one camera on the back, not two or even three (but you do get two on the front). Second, they start at under $1,000 each. Third, there’s no wild color; the “craziest” still looks kind of white. And finally, there’s no gimmicks to speak of. Google is clearly focused on functionality rather than just things that sell.

    Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL

    On paper, these flagships make the jump when it comes to hardware and software, but otherwise just riff off of 2017’s Pixel 2 ($649 at Google Store). And then I picked them up. Holding the 5.5-inch Pixel 3 and 6.3-inch Pixel 3 XL in my hand was a different story. These are sleek, almost slippery devices with rounded edges and thoughtfully curved elements, like the slightly tacky clear panel on the back.
    The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are undoubtedly Google’s most refined Pixel phones yet. If performance holds up during our testing, I can see how this could be a go-to phone for Android fans, not because they’re innovative, but because they’re both appealing to hold and use due to the buttery smooth stock operation system, Android P.

    You can buy the new Pixel 3 phones in black, white and “Not Pink.” The glossy plane on the Pixel’s signature two-tone backing has shrunk over the years, and slightly curves down at the corners rather than cut straight across. In fact, nearly everything about the Pixel 3 is subtle, and that could very well be the phone’s main strength.

    New Pixel 3 features that matter
    • Larger, 5.5-inch (Pixel 3) and 6.3-inch (3 XL) displays
    • Pixel 3 XL has a notched screen; Pixel 3 does not
    • Two front-facing cameras
    • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
    • 4GB RAM
    • Android Pie
    • Slightly larger battery capacity for both phones compared to Pixel 2 devices
    • Portrait mode shots can also save photos without the portrait filter effect
    • Wireless charging support with $79 (£69) Pixel Stand
    • Use AI voice assistant to field unwanted calls
    • Turn the phone over to silence incoming calls
    • Titan M security chip exclusive to Pixel 3 phones

    Pixel 3’s most interesting camera tricks are under the hood
    Google’s Pixel cameras have always been less about flashy gimmicks and more about the kind of software processing that Google can milk from its equipment. After all, Google is a software company at its core. Computer learning and camera AI are major ingredients in the Pixel 3. Both phones have a single 12.2-megapixel rear camera and two 8-megapixel lenses on the front.

    Here are some camera highlights:

    Super Res Zoom: Promises sharp, clear detail when you digitally zoom in to a scene — that’s without a telephoto lens.
    Night Sight: Google promises clear, bright low-light photos without the need for a flash, which can blow out shots or make them unnaturally bright. This will build off Google’s already considerable low-light strength.
    Photobooth mode: Turn on this setting and the Pixel 3 will snap photos when the subject smiles or makes a funny face.
    Top Shot: When motion capture is turned on, Top Shot, which arrives “later,” will recommend a better version of a shot you may have missed. It’s intended for correcting candid photos, like someone cannonballing into a pool. You can also choose your own from what the phone grabbed while the motion capture was on.
    Group selfie: This isn’t so much a convenient mode or button you press as you flipping the camera toward yourself and manually zooming out to the wide-angle lens.
    Playground: For AR enthusiasts, swipe a button in the camera to toss characters, including Star Wars’ BB-8, Marvel’s Iron Man and Childish Gambino (aka Donald Glover) into the landscape you see through the viewfinder.


  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.


  • What to Expect at Apple’s Gather Round Event

    What to Expect at Apple’s Gather Round Event

    September is a lot like Christmas for Apple fans. This is the time of year when Apple unveils their newest projects, hyping everyone up for the newest products. If you’re an iPhone fanatic, a Mac lover or anything in between, this is the time of year you wait for. Thankfully, on September 12th, at 1:00pm Eastern Time, Apple will hold their Gather Round event. What can we expect to see this year? We’ve got the speculation to get you hyped!

    What to Expect at Apple’s “Gather Round” Event

    A Livestream to Coincide with the Event

    Apple

    Image Credit: BGR.com

    Invitations have already been sent out to various members of the press to attend the event. If you didn’t get one, don’t sweat: the event will surely be livestreamed. It will start at 1:00pm Eastern Time, or 10:00am Pacific Time for you West Coast-ers! From the name, “Gather Round,” we’re guessing this press conference will have a cozy, home-like vibe. Intimate-style press conferences seem right up Apple’s alley, so we’re not surprised.

    New iPhones

    Image Credit: CNET

    iPhone 9

    Three iPhones will likely be on display, but one of the most interesting is likely to be the iPhone 9. While that might not be the real name, it seems likely that something like it will appear. The name iPhone 9, of course, is derived from its perceived placement between the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. This phone is set to have a smaller screen, LED display and lower price tag than the X. This would make it a more accessible version of the new, home-button-free design with Face ID and full front screen.

    iPhone XS

    This reported phone, also mocked up above, is the likely successor to the iPhone X. It will likely be an iterative step up, possessing and OLED screen and powerful processor much like its older brother. Whether it will be called the iPhone XI, iPhone 11 or something else entirely remains to be seen, but odds are good the name XS will stick. What is certain, though, is that Apple will have an update to the iPhone X ready.

    iPhone XS Plus

    Again, naming isn’t locked in on these phones, but the large-screen variant of the iPhone X formula is on its way. The largest handset by far, the iPhone X Plus will appeal to lovers of huge phones. Honestly, from the leaked specs, this phone much more closely resembles a phablet. One thing is certain: a ton of people with huge hands are going to love this massive, premium smartphone.

    MacBook Air

    Image Credit: TechRadar

    Apple has been hinting at the possibility of a new, low price-point MacBook for some time now. We expect to hear more details on that front soon. Laptops are struggling to stay relevant in the face of smartphones, much as tablets did before them. As such, expect features like LTE to rival new initiatives from Microsoft. Additionally, expect a huge Retina display and USB-C ports.

    iPad Pro

    Image Credit: Apple

    Speaking of tablets, we’d be surprised if there weren’t changes coming along for the iPad. The device that launched the tablet craze has been somewhat under-loved recently, so we’d like to see it get some attention. Rumors point to an iPhone X-style iPad, with slim bezels and Face ID. It’ll be interesting to see how the iPhone X’s revolutionary gesture interface fares on a tablet!

    New Operating Systems

    Image Credit: CNET

    Don’t expect just hardware announcements: Apple’s certainly been hard at work on new software. iOS 12 will almost certainly be making its debut during the event, but that’s just the start. WatchOS 5 will also be unveiled, we’d be willing to bed, coinciding with announcements of Series 4 Apple Watches. We’ll get to those. Finally, MacOS Mojave will likely be announced, along with its new Dark Mode and other features.

    Apple Watch Series 4

    Photo Credit: Apple

    That Series 4 Apple Watch we were mentioning? Yeah, this is it. Rumor has it that the display is going to be much bigger, taking on an iPhone X-like screen with small bezels. It seems Apple’s really cracked how to do that and is super pleased to slap it on everything. That’s fine by us, the iPhone X’s screen looks incredible, we’d be happy to have it on everything. Another rumor holds that they’ll be scrapping the Wi-Fi only model and just doing an LTE model. That makes sense, as it was a bit complicated having two.

    Mac Mini

    Photo Credit: CNET

    Remember the Mac Mini? The compact computer is due to show up at the Gather Round event in some capacity. We expect to see a new suite of ports, such as USB-C compatibility, and a slight redesign. Implementation of solid-state-only models seems likely, as does adoption of new processors. In all, they haven’t touched this line since 2014. As such, it’s due for a bit of an overhaul!

    Airpower

    Photo Credit: iMore

    Believe it or not, it’s been a full year since Apple announced their wireless Airpower charging pad. It’s likely that the very interesting pad could be on display at Gather Round. The unique device is capable of charging up to three different devices at once, providing the correct amount of power by identifying what type of device is on it. This allows it to safely power multiple items at once! Rumors are scarce on the Airpower pad, but we’ll see come September 12th.

  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.


  • The New iPhone and What to Expect

    The New iPhone and What to Expect

    As Apple’s September 12th event draws near, more supposed leaks and rumors about the 2018 iPhone lineup make headlines. I’ve been sifting through all the data and I have a good summery of what to expect while we are expecting a new iPhone.

     iPhone Xs , iPhone Xs Plus and iPhone 9

    I’m fairly confident in this, we have seen sufficient enough data to know there will be 3 new versions. A next gen x, and x plus and a cheaper iPhone model that will be a hybrid of the 8 and the x. S is always the naming indicator of the iPhone half step models and I don’t think that will be any different here. Why 9, why not 10? I have found a quick excerpt to explain this..

    In a one on one chat with himself one of my favorite tech gurus’ breaks down the naming convention of the new iPhone.

    Why would you release a 9 after a 10 — or, rather, an X?

    Ah, but you’ll tell me there’ll be three phones. Ergo, one of the smaller, cheaper phones might be iPhone 9.

    Oh, I suppose. But this still sounds like less.

    Let’s assume — oh, come on, it’s all assumption — that Apple will release smaller and bigger versions of the iPhone X, as well as a completely new(ish) phone.

    So, one could be iPhone XS, the other iPhone XL. And the big one could be iPhone XI. Or, of course, iPhone 11.
    Now doesn’t that all have a lovely ring to it?

    Extra small, extra large — but definitely extra — and a, um, revolutionary new one.

    See? Positive thinking.

    Detractors will scold me for my apparent lack of Latin. iPhone XL, they’ll sniff, would be iPhone 40.

    They’ll insist it has to be iPhone X Plus, because that would follow the convention of previous pluses like the iPhone 8 Plus.

    But it’s cumbersome. And why would you want a cumbersome name for your potentially most cumbersome phone?

    It’s so sad and refreshing that this actually makes a lot of sense. I would position that it is more likely that Apple will go with 8C rather than 9. It’s an alliteration on the iPhone not a new model. Just a low end version on an 8 and a X. Then again that does average out to 9. I guess it will have to remain and iPhone day surprise.

    New Colors  for a New iPhone

    The biggest confirmed change is that the new iPhone XS models will come in a new Gold color option, complete with a gold stainless steel band, as shown below. The upcoming Series 4 Apple Watch was leaked as well, showing a matching gold stainless steel frame. Now you can call me crazy but I think the iPhone 8c, I mean 9 will come in an assortment of colors. Red, Blue, ect all in a metallic finish.

    The Other Stuff

    From what I have gathered it would be safe to say we will see a new composite glass introduced from corning. Last year a $200 million investment from the Advanced Manufacturing Fund investment pool, to support a new revolutionary glass production methods. Well that should be maturing and coming to fruition. There should be a new type of glass produced for the new phones. It will still be glass so do get crazy, it will shatter.

    USB- C chargers and a new Qi coil for faster Wireless charging. These are out there and there is no reason for apple to avoid these implementations.

    The Final Thought

    Leaks and well informed rumors are pretty common during this part of apples annual iPhone dance. However much we think we know Apple still finds a way to catch us by surprise and drop something fantastic we didn’t even know about. Guess I’ll see you all next Tuesday..

  • iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    iPhone XS, XS Max and XR Breakdown

    There has been months of speculation and hype about new iPhone X models rumored to be coming. “Today, we’re going to take iPhone X to the next level,” CEO Tim Cook said during the presentation and unveiling of new iPhone models.

    The iPhone X released last year was a total rethinking of the iPhone with features like Face ID and a edge to edge screen. Anticipation was high among iPhone fans and the day is finally here, and we have all the recaps.  Apple finally took the wraps off its new iPhones, including the iPhone Xs Max, its largest iPhone ever. With 3 new phone announcements, let’s take a look at what makes them different and sort through all the new details and features.

    iPhone Xs and Xs Max

    First off Apple  introduced the 5.8-inch iPhone Xs, which also has an OLED screen. The iPhone Xs is made of surgical-grade steel, is covered in new glass and comes in gold, silver and space gray. With the new A12 chip, more on this later, it allows the storage to be increased to 512 gb. The Xs will have 3 size options, 64gb, 256, or 512gb. The smaller 64gb is cutting a little close these days but 256gb should still be more than enough for 99% of the users out there.

    The iPhone XS will also incorporate more real-world machine learning for features such as augmented reality and FaceTime. The iOS upgrade will also open the door for Siri shortcuts, which users can customize.  For all the Instagram photographers out there the back camera has a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera, along with improvements to flash. For the selfie lovers the front camera will feature 7 megapixels.

    Both devices are identical with only one difference, the iPhone Xs is 5.8 inches, the iPhone Xs max is 6.5 inches. There also have been improvements to the overall strength of the glass screen, which is a great improvement for those of us with butter fingers.

    The iPhone XR

    Alongside with the Xs models Apple also revealed it’s midrange iPhone model, the XR.  The XR is the  bargain model that will be more affordable with most of the same features as the Xs. The iPhone XR has an LCD display called liquid retina and it features a 6.1-inch screen. It’s the same size as the iPhone 8 Plus, but with a larger screen because of it’s edge to edge screen.  The iPhone XR will also feature Face ID, and include the A12 Bionic chip like the XS. The big difference among these phones is the back camera: a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera for the XR. The front camera will feature the same true depth features as the XS.

    On battery life, XR will offer an hour and a half more on one charge than the iPhone 8 Plus. Specs-wise, the XR is notable for matching many of the specs of the new XS, but one notable omission is 3D Touch, which  isn’t available with XR model. 

    While the 6.1-inch display seems large, the reduced bezels above and below the display  will make the XR slightly smaller than a traditional “Plus” iPhone and only slightly larger than the 5.8-inch iPhone XS. The iPhone XR will be available in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, coral, yellow and red.

    Pricing

    The iPhone XR will come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and start at $749. Pre-orders arrive October 19, and ships October 26. XS available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB starting at $999. The XS Max will start at $1,099. Both Xs models are available for pre-order immediately with shipping to begin on September 21st.