Phones get bigger, iPads smaller

Tablets are getting smaller ... smartphones are getting bigger

IT'S the world's biggest mobile phone event and yet this year it was dominated by another technology altogether: tablet computers.

Mobile World Congress, held in Barcelona, was ruled by larger touchscreen gadgets for the first time last week, including tablets from big names in computing such as Samsung, HP, Sony, ASUS and Lenovo.

But rather than 10-inch creations designed to compete with Apple's market-leading iPad, many of these upcoming tablets are small enough to go unnoticed in a handbag or backpack, powerful enough to compete with a laptop and, in some cases, will even let users make phone calls.

Some smartphones did sneak into the trade show, however, with large, fast and unorthodox handsets grabbing attention.

Samsung kicked off the tablet trend with an 8-inch tablet called the Galaxy Note 8.0.

Mobile communications president JK Shin says the tablet is designed to be a "pioneering, pocket-sized solution" for mobile computer users.

The tablet features Google Android software, a stylus and, unusually, the ability to place phone calls.

InMobi spokesman Marc Fine says he is skeptical that "people will use tablets as phones" but says Samsung's move back into small tablets is a smart one designed to challenge Apple's iPad.

"Apple really owns that 10-inch tablet space," he says. "They've positioned themselves as a real leader and companies, including Samsung, know that the 7-inch tablet market is wide open."

But Samsung was not the only company to recognise the market opportunity.

HP showed off its second tablet at the event, and its first 7-inch model, with the HP Slate 7 designed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers at just $199.

ASUS also unveiled the 7-inch Fonepad - a device that delivers phone calls and promises to combine "all the features of a smartphone" with the "versatility" of a tablet - while Lenovo revealed two entry-level 7-inch tablets in the A1000 and A3000.Many of the tablets are due to arrive in stores around June.

A handful of new smartphones were unveiled in Barcelona this year, with most featuring expansive screens.

Huawei showed off a 4.7-inch phone, the Ascend P2, that promises a record-breaking 4G internet connection; Acer delivered a 4.5-inch Google smartphone in the Liquid E1; and ASUS took the trend to a new level with the PadFone Infinity - a 5-inch phone that fits into a 10.1-inch tablet display.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi says the trade show proves that the trend towards big phones that began with the Samsung Galaxy S III and Apple iPhone 5 is unlikely to slow down.

"It's a continuation of a trend that we noticed last year in which tablets are getting smaller and smartphones are getting bigger," he says.

Despite the new releases, Fadaghi says many of the big phone makers have sought to hold individual product events this year to gain the most attention, including BlackBerry and HTC, leaving Mobile World Congress to host smaller, more unorthodox products.

This year they included a working example of the YotaPhone that offers an LCD screen on one side and an Electronic Ink display on the other, the Medias W smartphone from NEC featuring two 4.3-inch screens that fold out to create a larger display, and Fujitsu's New Generation GPS Cane that can show directions or a user's vital statistics in its handle.

NEWS: iPad 5 release date (Rumors Update)

Updated There's a new iPad on the way - here's what we know so far

Though Apple fans were surprised by the announcement of the iPad 4 during Apple's October 2012 event, one expert soon predicted that the company would turn around and release a thinner, lighter iPad 5 in early 2013.

During the October 2012 event, Apple announced a host of new products, including an iPad mini along with the fourth generation full-sized iPad. But according to Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for KGI Securities, that might not be enough to fend off Microsoft's new Surface tablet.

Kuo wrote in a note to investors, reported by AppleInsider, that Apple may feel pressured to launch a 9.7-inch iPad 5 to cement its lead in the tablet business. 

"Though the iPad mini is expected to be successful, we think launching the lighter, thinner 9.7-inch iPad as quickly as possible matters more for Apple strategically," Kuo wrote. 

iPad 5 release date

On 19 November 2012, Digitimes reported that the iPad 5 release date would be "around the middle of 2013", and on 24 December 2012, an "inside source" talking to Japanese site Macotakara, pegged the new iPad release date as March 2013.

On 12 January 2013, the March release date was repeated by Brian White of Topeka Capital Markets. White cited industry insiders at the CES expo in Las Vegas, while also writing in a note to investors that Apple is moving to a bi-annual iPad refresh schedule.

However, on 25 January, iLounge editor-in-chief Jeremy Horwitz, who claims to have seen the new iPad 5, wrote that the fifth-gen iPad would not go on sale until October. Horwitz also said that the iPad mini 2 would be launched in the same month.

On 15 February, as reported by Apple Insider, investment bank Piper Jaffray repeated the notion of a spring 2013 launch for the new iPad. "The history of time between Apple product launch events suggests that the company will introduce something new in March or April," said analyst Gene Munster, adding: "Over the past two years, the spring event has been iPad updates."

So it seems that observers are divided on whether we'll see the new iPad in spring or autumn, with pundits dashing around and lining up like a game of Runaround. On 22 February, analyst firm TrendForce opted for the autumn launch line, claiming that we'll see a completely overhauled iPad 5 in September 2013.

Just to throw an extra release date into the mix, accessory manufacturer MiniSuit reckons the new iPad will be released in June.

Want another possible release date for the new iPad? Apparently knowledgeable sources have revealed to iMore that the iPad 5 will be available in April.

So in summary, the iPad 5 will be released in either March, April, June, September or October. Surely there are sources out there willing to bet on May and July?

iPad 5 features and specifications

Considering the current iPad is the same weight, thickness and price point as its predecessor, it's very possible Apple is looking to produce a slimmed-down version.
Apple did give the iPad 4 a new A6X processor system-on-a-chip, which it claims to be twice as fast as the last iPad.
It also gained the new lightning connector and better LTE support. But that's all the new features iPad fans got with the fourth-gen tablet.

The iPad 4 sports the new Lightning connector

Kuo expects Apple to pack "GF DITO" (or GF2) touchscreen technology into the speculative new iPad 5. GF2 is already used in the new iPad mini, which helps to make it 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than its bigger brother.

On 14 December 2012, Macworld cited a report in Digitimes that claims that one way Apple will reduce the weight of the new iPad will be by using one LED light bar instead of the two that are found in the current iPad (and that were first introduced in the iPad 3). Macworld points out that this would also mean that the iPad 5 would consume less power and could therefore run on a smaller, thinner battery.

Brian White, who reckons that there will now be a new iPad every six months, added that the iPad 5 would feature an improved A6X processor.

It seems that case manufacturers believe that the iPad 5 will take its design cues from the iPad mini, being thinner than the current iPad, and with smaller side bezels, which fits with Horwitz's observations.
Accessory maker Minisuit supplied MacRumors with pictures of iPad 5 cases that it has created based on what it believes to be the correct iPad 5 dimensions. The cases are slightly smaller than the iPad 4 ones and feature a hole on the back for the supposedly relocated microphone.

Another third party case manufacturer - this time Shenzhen Sinofly Electronic Company Limited - has also begun to produce iPad 5 cases with a form factor more in line with the iPad mini.

iPad 5 mockups

Federico Ciccarese of CiccareseDesign has produced some renders for MacRumors showing how the new iPad might look, with its smaller bezel allowing a shrunken case with the same screen size as the current iPad.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Release Date the Same as iPhone6/iPhone 5S?

 

The third generation of the Galaxy Note will definitely be released this year, although the exact release date is still unknown. New rumours claimed that the phablet will be launched in summer.

Industry analysts are predicting that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date will arrive late in the second fiscal quarter (Q2 ends June 30) or early in Q3.

Android Geeks points out that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date is likely intended to take place at around the same time Apple launches their next iPhone. Smartphones of the rival company Apple, iPhone 6 and iPhone 5S, are also rumoured to make their debuts as early as August 2013.

"The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 release date might be scheduled for late Q2 2013 or early Q3 2013, in an attempt to bite a large chunk of iPhone 5S' market share pie," notes the tech blog.

There are other speculations that Samsung will hold the announcement of the Note 3 on the annual IFA event in Berlin.

"Since the latest reports are showing that Apple will set the iPhone 5S release date for June, we might even see the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in flesh at IFA Berlin 2013 held between September 6 to 11. Or maybe Samsung will unveil its next-gen tablet in a separate event (just like it did with the Galaxy S3) a week before IFA Berlin, so all the media will be focusing on their new release," Android Geek stated.

It was initially reported that Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be announced at the recently concluded Mobile World Congress. However, the device went MIA. Moreover, Samsung released a press invite that hinted the imminent release of Samsung Galaxy S4.

Some of the rumoured specs and features of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 are: 6.3-inch Full HD screen display; unbreakable, flexible screen; 8-core Exynos 5 Octa processor chip; stylus And finger hovering feature; Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie OS; 16 megapixel rear camera with auto focus, LED flash and BSI and 3 megapixel front camera with 'Best Photo,' 'Best Faces,' low light show and BSI; 32, 64 and 128 GB internal memory options expandable storage via microSD cards; 4,000 mAh Li-on battery.

However, Samsung spokesman said that the company does not comment on rumours.

Top 5 Specs and Features Apple Must Include in iPad Mini 2

 

The iPad Mini made its debut in late October with the iPad with Retina Display, or iPad 4, but it appears the iPad Mini is cannibalising the sales of the 9.7-inch iPads, according to a report by NDP DisplaySearch. The report noted Apple planned to sell 40 million units of the iPad Mini and 60 million units of the iPads.

The iPad Mini features 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB of internal storage with 512MB of RAM, five-megapixel rear-facing camera with 2,592x1,944 pixels, front-facing camera with 1.2-megapixels, iOS 6 operating system, and available in black and white.

Rumours toward the successor of the iPad Mini emerged online. A few weeks ago, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told clients that the next Apple iPad Mini 2 with Retina display will be launched on mid-2013 after the release of the iPad 5.

Apple's iPad Mini 2 will obviously offer Retina display to differentiate itself from its predecessor. However, Apple is struggling from supply constraints. The good news is that the Cupertino-based company is preparing to launch the next generation iPad Mini with a screen boasting of a higher resolution than the Retina Display-equipped current iPad 4.  The Retina Display of the next generation iPad Mini will be 324 ppi which is miles ahead of the iPad 4 screens' 264 ppi display.

According to reports, iPad Mini 2 will feature a screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536. This is almost four times the resolution of the present iPad Mini and is equal to the fourth-generation iPad which was released along with the iPad Mini in 2012.  AU Optronics has been rumoured to be making displays for the iPad Mini 2.

Other specs include a more powerful dual core A7 processor and a 7.9-inch screen. It will also feature a 10-hour battery life, a FaceTime HD camera, and an iSight camera with 1080 pixels HD video recording. Apple is also trying to reduce the thickness of the iPad Mini 2 by using the Sharp's IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide) technology in its screens.

However, Apple remained tight-lipped on its plans this year and the details of its upcoming devices.

Below are the top five specs and features that Apple should include in the upcoming iPad Mini 2 that will ensure its success in the tech market.

1.       Better Screen Display - iPad Mini 2 is said to feature a screen with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 similar to the screen resolution of the fourth generation of iPad.

2.       Faster Processor - The current iPad Mini features a lame A5 processor, which needed an upgrade.

3.       Upgraded RAM - The old processor is paired with 512MB of RAM. Other 7-inch tablets already feature 1GB of RAM.

4.       Larger Internal Storage - Recently, Apple released an upgraded 4th generation of iPad with 128GB storage. iPad Mini 2 could also use a larger storage option that can be its main selling point.

5.       Cheaper Price - Compared to other 7-inch tablets like Google Nexus 7, Amazon Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, iPad Mini bears a hefty price tag. This discourage some consumers in buying the tablet.

iPad 5 Release Date Could be as Early as March 2013?

The fifth generation of Apple's iPad is speculated to be released this month as new rumours claimed that the company is following its original schedule.

A latest report that hit the web Monday saying the iPad 5 would feature some of the design traits of the smaller version of the flagship tablet -- iPad mini.

Rumours claimed that the new iPad could arrive as early as March 2013 in the hope that it could salvaged Apple's plummeting earnings.

Other reports claimed that the fifth generation of the Apple's tablet will be release in June.

Last week, leaked images of the supposed iPad 5 cases emerged online hint the imminent release date of the tablet. 

Tech website Business Insider has obtained the first image of the case, which could reveal the look, size and shape of the new tablet.

A representative from mobile accessory manufacturer MiniSuit told BI that his company invests in tips regarding the release of future mobile products. He thinks the latest info he received is pretty accurate; hence the production of the iPad 5 case along with the iPad Mini and iPad 4 cases. 

Following the reports showing new iPad 5 cases that indicate a revised design, a substantial number of new iPad 5 cases have appeared on e-commerce site Alibaba.com.

The cases, specifically touted for the as-yet-unannounced iPad 5, show a similar design to those revealed in the initial report, indicating that they have been engineered for an iPad with squarer edges that the current generation iPad.

The new cases also contain an additional hole in the top center of the case, likely for a microphone, as well as slots for speakers positioned either side of the Lightning connector instead of just on one side.

The iPad 5 is rumoured to have no bezels, and the whole form factor has been made sleeker. Horowitz believes this design indicates that Apple will be calling on Sharp's IGZO screen technology. Sharp, however, according to Horowitz, has been struggling, and its ability to deliver components on time will play a key role in the release of the next iPad.

Apple To Release 4.5-inch iPhone In 2014, Will Feature A Polycarbonate Body, Priced At $330

Apple finally, contrary many of its earlier claims, released the smaller and cheaper iPad mini towards the close of 2012, and although it perhaps didn’t hit a price point to suit those dazzled by the powerful-yet-inexpensive Nexus 7, it has enjoyed a solid first six months in the market. With that release in mind, the seemingly omni-present rumors of a cheaper, smaller iPhone have suddenly gained traction, and according to a report over at Japanese blog Macotakara, the  Cupertino company has "deferred" such plans until next year.

The report went on to suggest the handset will be made of polycarbonate; a glossy, robust type of plastic used by many other smartphone vendors, as well as the famed entry-level MacBook. The fate of the polycarbonate MacBook was sealed shortly thereafter by the 11-inch MacBook Air, but with the cheaper iPhone set to live up to its billing with a target price of just $330, it could find a more permanent place in the competitive smartphone arena.

Macotakara’s report has certainly set the Apple-following tech world abuzz, and the Japan-based blog has certainly come up trumps with its information in the past. For the very enticing price tag, the entry-level iPhone will also pack in a 4.5-inch display, which would be noticeably, if not exceptionally larger than that of the current iPhone 5.

Although the iPhone 5 is revered for its thin form factor and sleek aluminum finish, those purchasing the entry-level model should not expect such niceties. Apparently, it will be thicker than the current flagship thanks to the polycarbonate body, although the alternative design may also render it more durable than its high-end counterpart.

Polycarbonate may be a cheaper material, but looking at other smartphones laced in the shiny plastic stuff – Nokia’s Lumia 920, for example – it’s likely the deputy handset will still be able to maintain some of that quintessentially-Apple finesse.

The report concludes by briefly touching on the subject of the iPhone 5′s successor. The device, which Macotakara is calling the "iPhone 5S", is reckoned to include a dual-flash LED module to help improve the long-standing low-lighting issues, while two flash exposures will allegedly be stacked atop each other on the right-hand side of the camera lens.

Apple’s iPhone 6, iPhone Mini And Phablet Concept

The iPhone 5 is now almost six months old, and such is the speed in which the smartphone market moves these days, that talk of its successor is already well underway. While we don’t have much info pertaining to the iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, or whatever it shall be named, the concept makers have been busily churning out their own ideas regarding which direction Apple should take. Designer Peter Zigich on his website has used his imagination to come up with his own vision of the next-gen Apple smartphone, and although based heavily on the revered design of the current iPhone 5, it is quite unlike any concept we have previously seen.

The home button has been a permanent fixture of the iPhone from the very first generation, and although rumors continued to suggest it would  be changed to varying degrees, it still remains, if a little smaller, basically untouched. Zigich would turn the very idea of the ‘home button’ on its head by instead having one on each side of the device, in turn saving space on the front face for display real estate.

The iPhone 5 was a landmark device for an assortment of reasons, the main one being the breakaway from the 3.5-inch display. The current flagship now enjoys a longer, 4-inch screen which is not only better for browsing the Web and using certain apps, but also allows an additional row of icons on the home screen. Zigich would again push the boundary by allowing a total of seven rows of icons (including the dock) to grace an all-new, longer display.

The “iPhone 6″, as he calls it, would remain the same height as the current iPhone 5, but thanks to the relocation of the home button, the display would stretch even further. While the design is certainly an interesting one – particularly the decision to have two home buttons – Zigich also proposes an accompanying “iPhone 6 Mini” and “iPhone 6 XL”.

Although, Apple is said to be planning a cheaper iPhone release at some point in the near future, namely to tap into the lucrative Asian market, it is not thought the Cupertino company has the intention of pushing a “Mini” device to market. Of course, with the recent introduction of the iPad mini, anything is possible, so it would be a touch naïve to overlook a concept which, once again, has been presented elegantly by Zigich.

The “iPhone 6 Mini” would utilize a display measuring identically to that of the iPhone 4, and contain all the same features as the flagship while hitting the $350 – $450 off-contract price point. To me, the price and concept would seem very unlikely, and with Apple selling the nearly three-year-old iPhone 4 for $450, there’s perhaps more chance of Apple supporting Android.

Speaking of Android, the “iPhone 6 XL” looks every bit the Android device with a big, wide display akin to the Galaxy Note II from Samsung. Perhaps as unrealistic as the Mini, it does offer an intriguing insight into how an iPhone would look with the traits of many flagship Android devices.

The concept that has really caught our attention, however, is the iPhone 6, and with two home buttons, an even longer display and a price tag of $650 off-contract, would you buy it?

Full view 3D video binoculars for iPhone

designed to work as a three dimensional viewing enhancement, the iPhone binoculars by shanghai-based online shop donya bring 3D youtube compatible videos to life.

the mount works as a holster by keeping the smartphone in position, where a video projection from the mobile app is processed in real time (connects iPhone 5/4/4s).




product views



exploded context view



detail product enclosure

iPhone piggy bank predicts how well you'll do in life

Feed this box with 500-yen coins, stick to your savings plan, and keep your avatar in fine fettle.

The Jinsei Ginko piggy bank turns savings into a game. For your avatar's sake, don't lose.

If you're terrible at something, just turn it into a fun activity. The Japanese did that very successfully when they turned singing into karaoke. Now they're doing the same with saving money. 

Jinsei Ginko ("Life Bank") from Takara Tomy A.R.T.S is a digital piggy bank that works with your iPhone. It's designed with a Japanese bank-style logo to get you serious about hoarding yen. 

The plastic piggy bank can hold 200 coins of 500 yen, the highest denomination, each worth about $5.41. That makes for a whopping total of 100,000 yen ($1,083). You could buy a bathtub of ramen with that. 

To use the bank, you first download the Jinsei Ginko app and set a savings goal. When you pop a 500-yen coin into the slot, you set your iPhone in the cradle and push a green button next to it.

Aside from tracking the size of your nest egg, the app features a simulation of your life, with an avatar marking various milestones like graduation and marriage. (Check out the promo vid below.)

The avatar starts off living in a typical crummy Japanese apartment, and it's up to you to ensure he prospers. The more you save, the better he does in life. 

If he's doing well, he might get better digs, or be able to buy real beer as opposed to ersatz happoshu, a cheap beer-like low-malt drink sold in Japanese convenience stores. 

It's unclear what happens to him if you fail to save. Does he turn to a life of crime? Does he end up like a neglected Tamagotchi? Takara Tomy doesn't say. 

The Jinsei Ginko piggy bank goes on sale in Japan in March for 3,990 yen ($43.20). That's just under eight coins.

source : CNet

iPhone three times more reliable than Samsung Galaxy smartphones, study shows

Apple’s iPhone is the most reliable smartphone currently in market, beating major rivals to earn top marks in a research from FixYa.

The troubleshooting outfit collated 722,558 problems reported by customers with an Apple, Samsung, Nokia or Motorola flagship smartphone. It then compared this with market share data from StatCounter to assign a reliability score to each manufacturer.

Thanks to fewer tribulations relative to its massive install base, the iPhone came top with a score of 3.47. That’s three times higher than its closest competitor Samsung, which managed just 1.21 for the hugely popular Galaxy range.

However, it was bad news for Nokia’s Lumia range with a score of just 0.68 and even worse for Motorola, which came last with a paltry 0.13 due to the numerous troubles encountered by Droid owners.

Naturally, the iPhone’s battery life was the issue that most annoyed its users, especially following the recent iOS 6.1 debacle that caused iPhone 4S handsets to run out of juice much quicker after the update.

Despite this and the odd niggles, the high score goes to show that maybe iPhones are worth paying the premium for after all.

The findings are sure to delight Apple, which has had tough showing at the stock market after failing to meet analysts’ expectations in the last quarter of 2012. 

Samsung, on the other hand, will be hoping its soon-to-land Galaxy S4 will be able to finally knock the iPhone off its perch in both sales and customer satisfaction, especially as the latter is an area where Apple has consistently led.

Have you had any issues with your iPhone, Galaxy or any other smartphone? Tell us in the comments section below.

10 Best iPhone 4 Skins

1. DomeSkin Abstract Expressionism

This vibrant iPhone 4 skin from DomeSkin adds a cool factor to your iPhone 4 without compromising the protection aspect. It fits your iPhone 4 precisely and you can also download the same Abstract Expressionism wallpaper to your iPhone for an extraordinary customization. All DomeSkin products add a 3D look to your iPhone which gives you a break from the ‘flat’ look the iPhone has.

Price: $19.99 - DomeSkin Abstract Expressionism


2. DomeSkin World Map

This classic iPhone 4 skin will add an nostalgic and “Lord Of the ring” look to your iPhone and matching World Map wallpaper can be downloaded on your iPhone 4 for added personalization.

Price: $19.99 - DomeSkin World Map

3. DomeSkin Tunes

This unique skin has been exclusively designed for music aficionados to add an extra musical touch to your iPhone without compromising the protection aspect. You can download a matching wallpaper from the website too.

Price: $19.99 - DomeSkin Abstract Expressionism

4. Gel-Skin Black Hole

This 3D look Black hole skin protects your iPhone’s back pretty well and they have also included a front clear screen protector to provide an end to end protection. The case is easy to apply, re-usable and  does not leave any residue after removal.

Price: $8.99 - Gel-Skin Black Hole


5. Black Carbon fiber Skin 

This skin is actually made from high quality vinyl but is smartly textured and finished to provide congruent aesthetic of carbon fiber. The skin does not fall behind in providing protection as it covers back, front and even the metallic perimeter of your precious iPhone 4.

Price: $2.63 - Black Carbon fiber Skin 


6. GelaSkins Protective “Bloom”

This thin stylish skin provides moderate protection to your iPhone 4 and simultaneously adds some exquisite bloomy  looks. The skin can be easily applied for repetitive use  and can be removed without leaving any residue behind. Also, you can browse the gallery to download a matching bloom wallpaper to maximize customization.

Price: $14.95 - GelaSkins Protective “Bloom”


7. SGP iPhone 4 Leather Skin 

This protective leather skin from SGP is compatible with all the iPhone 4 carrier versions and helps protect your iPhone from scratches, dust, minor bumps and oil without compromising the aesthetic aspect. The case is also compatible with Apple Bumper just in case you would want to add another layer of protection.

Price: $17.99 - SGP iPhone 4 Leather Skin

8. Gel-Skin Tye Dye

This artistic iPhone skin will sure spark a smile every-time you pull it out with its Unique Cushion HD 3D look and adequate back protection. It fits your iPhone 4 precisely and is smartly made to provide a better grip to prevent your iPhone from slipping.

Price: $8.99 - Gel-Skin Tye Dye


9. SGP Wood Camagon Skin Guard

This elegantly designed protective skin from SGP fits your iPhone’s back precisely to give moderate protection while its unique design gives it some extra style points. Also, it comes bundled with a clear screen protector to provide an end to end protection.

Price: $17.99 - SGP Wood Camagon Skin Guard


10. ATC Chrome Aluminum Skin Hard Back Case

This case is actually made from poly-carbonate but its smart and expert finish gives it a premium chrome aluminum look. It provides mild to moderate protection from bumps and high end protection against scratches. The skin fits your iPhone 4 precisely to provide comfortable grip and access to all the ports and sensors.

Price: $4.15 - ATC Chrome Aluminum Skin Hard Back Case

iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 details emerge online

More evidence that 2013 will be marked by Apple’s first phablet.

Rumours that Apple will debut at least two new smartphones this year gathered pace today, after a Chinese source claimed to have seen the forthcoming devices.

Posting on micro blogging service, Sina Tech, Old Yao claims his friend at one of Apple’s Chinese parts suppliers has laid eyes on the new edition of the standard-sized iPhone, AKA the iPhone 5S, and the phablet-sized iPhone 6.

According to said insider, the iPhone 5S isn’t too different from the current-gen model in the looks stakes. That tallies with other recent reports suggesting that improvements that the next-generation handset brings will be largely restricted to the phone’s internals.

The iPhone 6, meanwhile, is a different matter and is purportedly longer – Yao claims it packs a five-inch screen - and wider than the iPhone 5, but is also thinner.

Although that’s not a terribly concrete description, it’s sure to add to the clamour of tech voices forecasting that Apple’s 2013 product portfolio will include a tablet-smartphone hybrid aimed at seeing off the challenge from the Samsung’s Note range.

Still, before you get too excited, it’s worth remembering that we can’t set too much store in Old Yao’s claims, given that it’s been hard to verify what kind of industry credentials he’s got. If indeed, he’s got any at all.

Either way, given the Samsung Galaxy Note and Note 2’s huge sales, it seems likely that demand for an Apple phablet would be huge. And with a putative spec sheet that takes in a super HD camera, 128GB of storage and Near Field Communications, it’s not hard to see why.