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Apple Q2 2013: 37.4 million iPhones, 19.5 million iPads sold

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds, PC / Laptop, Portable Audio / Video,
Apple is in the midst of its Q2 2013 earnings call, highlighted by 37.4 million iPhones and 19.5 million iPads sold. This represents record Q2 iPhone and iPad sales. Overall, Apple posted $43.6 billion in revenue, of which $9.5 billion was profit. While many analysts were predicting a crash-and-burn quarter, this is, instead, still growth. However, the growth rate has definitely slowed to the lowest it has been in years. To compare to last year, Q2 2012, Apple earned $39.2 billion in revenue and $11.6 billion in profit.
As for other products, Apple sold 3.95 million Macs, compared to 4 million last year. iPod sales continue to slow, with 5.6 million Q2 2013 sales compared to 7.7 million as the same time last year.
Gallery: Apple Q2 2013: 37.4 million iPhones, 19.5 million iPads sold
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Analyst: iPhone 5S delayed to September due to fingerprint sensor issues

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,
Analysts are reporting that the Apple iPhone 5S is set to be delayed because of problems Apple is having with integrating a fingerprint sensor. The issue seemingly stems from the color coating of the paint and getting it to work with the rumored fingerprint sensor that will be a part of the iPhone 5S. The end result is that the next iPhone, the lower-cost budget iPhone, and the next iPad mini will all launch closer to September rather than the June/July timeframe.
One important note here: Apple has never specified a release date for the iPhone 5S (or even the existence of the device itself,) so to call this a delay seems disingenuous. These delays are really based on the best guesses of the analysts in the first place. In other words, this "delay" really is the analysts saying their guesses were wrong, but not taking the blame.
Read More | Reuters
Gallery: Analyst: iPhone 5S delayed to September due to fingerprint sensor issues
Rear plastic shell of upcoming budget iPhone leaked?

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors,
The big iPhone rumor this year is that Apple will release a lower-cost model with a polycarbonate plastic backing, similar to the one found on the iPhone 3G and 3GS. Today, an image has cropped up that purports to show the rear shell of the budget model iPhone. As you can see, it's similar in size to the iPhone 4, and is mostly flat, rather than the rounded 3G/3GS design. Tactus, the company that is making the claims, also has other details:
I’ve also heard on the grapevine that the alleged budget iPhone will have an A5 processor like the iPad Mini with a 32nm diecast. It’s also rumoured it will have a 3.5 inch retina screen, much like the 4S, but not as big as the iPhone 5 … I’ve also discovered the factory producing this secretive project have confirmed the device will be available in Black, White, Blue, Red and Yellow.
A multi-colored low-cost iPhone? What do you think?
Read More | Tactus
Gallery: Rear plastic shell of upcoming budget iPhone leaked?
Twitter #Music service launches on web and iPhone

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Internet, Music, Software,
The rumored Twitter Music service has become a reality, launching this morning. Twitter #music seems to be a natural step for the service, which sees hundreds of millions of users regularly discussing music on the service, as well as a bunch of popular musicians as well. Twitter #music aims to help you find music you'll like, based on your Twitter activity. You can access #music through a web browser, and there's also a new dedicated #music iOS app that lets you easily view and listen to music that's popular and trending on Twitter, undiscovered artists, music that it knows you like, and a #NowPlaying area that shows what others are listening to.
One important note here is that Twitter #music isn't a streaming music service. Instead, it's a layer that allows you to access your Rdio, Spotify, and iTunes tracks, using Twitter #music as your navigation mechanism. You simply connect your accounts to #music, and you are all set. The iOS app is slick, and we hear the Android version will be on its way soon. You can download Twitter #music for iPhone now.
Read More | Twitter #Music
Gallery: Twitter #Music service launches on web and iPhone
Monster debuts White Tuxedo DNA headphones at 2013 MTV Movie Awards

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Design, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Last night Monster and Viacom introduced the latest exclusive Monster DNA headphones color, White Tuxedo, at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards. The white tuxedo color features glossy white with black accents on the outside, and black on the ear cups and inner headband of the headphones. It's a fashionable take on the white tuxedo with black tie look, and features all the same Monster DNA headphone features that we already know and love--Pure Monster Sound tuned by Monster CEO Noel Lee himself, the Music Link feature that allows you to daisy chain multiple pairs of DNA headphones to each other, allowing the wearers to all hear the same music from a shared audio source.
"Viacom and Monster both have deep roots in music culture, and with Monster DNA White Tuxedo headphones we are providing fans with a new way to enjoy their music with great sound quality, while expressing their personal style. Both Viacom and Monster are committed to raising awareness for the importance of better sound, and we are pleased to provide Monster DNA with a global platform through our diverse entertainment brands, connecting with young audiences at the intersection of music and entertainment" noted Peter Griffin, EVP, Global Business Development of Viacom.
If you wanna get your swag on with the new hotness, you'll be able to get your hands on a pair of Monster DNA White Tuxedo headphones this Tuesday, April 16, exclusively at the Apple Store and the Monster Products online store for $199.95.
Read More | Monster DNA White Tuxedo Headphones
Gallery: Monster debuts White Tuxedo DNA headphones at 2013 MTV Movie Awards
LifeProof Fr? Car Mount quick review

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones, Transportation,
No doubt about it, I'm a LifeProof case fan. So, it's only natural that I use accessories to accompany the Frē Case (see our Lifeproof Fre case review.) In this case, the car mount, which I found to be well designed with great fit and finish, and takes little-to-no effort to assemble and use. In my usage tests, I admired the attention to detail that LifeProof has put in to assure that the car mount is sturdy, yet gentle enough to safely cradle your iPhone in place for hands-free GPS navigation. I prefer using a smartphone for navigation since there's a slew of GPS apps at my disposal. Users will quickly find, as I did, that the car mount can be rotated in pretty much any direction. This is a huge plus, as it makes it easy to find that sweet spot when viewing at a glance while still practicing safe driving habits. The LifeProof Frē Car Mount is $39.99 online at Lifeproof.com or at your local Best Buy.
Also, be sure to check out our LifeProof Fre Belt Clip review.
Read More | LifeProof
Gallery: LifeProof Fr? Car Mount quick review
LifeProof Fr? Belt Clip quick review

Posted by Jason Diaz Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones,
I've been using the LifeProof Belt Clip a lot recently with the LifeProof Fre iPhone 5 case (see our LifeProof Fre review.) Yes, you read correctly. Call me old school, but I use a belt clip and I'm proud of it. I keep my pant pockets empty, with the exception of my wallet, which is why I'm counting the days for NFC e-wallet payment to become ubiquitous. LifeProof has made what I like to refer to as the quick draw belt clip. Faster than any gunslinger from those old westerns, I can quickly bust out my iPhone 5, that just moments before was snuggled safely in its holster, and send my favorite emoticon-filled iMessage with speed and accuracy. Simply put, the belt clip is rugged, yet uniquely designed with the Fre's sleek military spec motif. All in all, the LifeProof Fre Belt Clip performed exceedingly well, which is why I give it my seal of approval. The LifeProof Frē Belt Clip is $29.99 online at Lifeproof.com or at your local Best Buy.
Read More | LifeProof Fre Belt Clip
Gallery: LifeProof Fr? Belt Clip quick review
iPhone 5 now available at T-Mobile

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Corporate News, Handhelds,
This morning, T-Mobile finally started selling the iPhone 5, the first iPhone available from the company since the Apple smartphone debuted almost six years ago. Reports of modest lines at various T-Mobile locations across the country have been coming in, which is a good sign for T-Mobile, which rarely sees lines for new devices. Coupled with the its new Uncarrier plans, customers are able to pick up a new T-Mobile iPhone 5 for $99 up front. Switchers are able to trade in a used iPhone 4 or 4S to get the iPhone 5 for free up front, with a $120 credit being applied to the monthly bill as well.
Are you going to go with T-Mobile as your iPhone carrier of choice?
Read More | Twitter
Gallery: iPhone 5 now available at T-Mobile
Purported iPhone 5S parts leak showing push button mute switch

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Rumors,
We are about half-way through the iPhone 5 product cycle, and that means it's time for iPhone 5S parts to start leaking. Today, iLab factory is showing what is purported to be flex cables for the iPhone 5S home button, vibrator, volume/mute buttons, and the front camera. Interestingly, the mute switch seems to have gone away, replaced by a mute button instead. As always, these should be taken with a grain of salt, but Apple is definitely set to start ramping up production of the next iPhone since it won't be long before it's introduced to the masses. These parts may also be reserved for the rumored lower-cost iPhone, rather than the iPhone 5S. Time will tell.
Read More | iLab
Gallery: Purported iPhone 5S parts leak showing push button mute switch
T-Mobile offering free iPhone 5 to users who trade in iPhone 4, 4S

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Hot Deals,
T-Mobile USA is set to launch the iPhone 5 this Friday, and in anticipation of the long-awaited event, it's offering current iPhone owners a free iPhone 5 if they switch from another carrier. Here's how it works: you bring in your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S between April 12 and June 16, and you get a T-Mobile iPhone 5 at no cost up front, and a $120 credit that you can choose to apply towards your bill, extra accessories, or even an outstanding bill. The iPhone 5 would typically cost $100 up front, and an additional $20 per month over 2 years, so you are basically getting it with no up-front cost, and then a six month break on the monthly fee.
Of course, if you are mid-contract elsewhere, you have your early termination fee to worry about, which might put the kibosh on this one for you. However, if you have a spare iPhone 4 laying around, this could be an easy way to try T-Mobile's new smartphone plans out.
Read More | T-Mobile