Friday, September 14, 2012

Apple : Apple hasn't abandoned physical video-out with Lightning

Apple : Apple hasn't abandoned physical video-out with Lightning

Apple hasn't abandoned physical video-out with Lightning

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Apple hasn't abandoned physical video-out with Lightning

Reports on Thursday that Apple was likely abandoning physical video-out options for the iPhone 5 and new iPod Touch's Lightning dock connector may have been slightly premature.

To be fair, Apple didn't give any indication otherwise - until today, that is.

An Apple spokesperson has set the record straight, saying that Lightning-to-HDMI and Lightning-to-VGA cables "will be available in the coming months."

That's going to be a huge relief for anyone who relies on their current iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad's video-out connection.

AirPlay and Apple TV aren't a requirement after all

Thursday's speculation came from the fact that video-out isn't listed among the possible functions of the just-revealed Lightning dock connector.

Current iOS devices can send video through their 30-pin dock connectors to HDMI, VGA, component, and standard AV cables.

But even the Lightning-to-30-pin adapters for the iPhone 5 and new iPod Touch explicitly state that they don't support video out.

That lead to reports that the devices would likely require Apple's AirPlay and an Apple TV to transmit video, something that's already possible (but not required) on current iOS devices.

Thankfully, Apple's statements today have proved that won't be the case.

How much will it cost?

Apple didn't reveal pricing info for the Lightning-to-HDMI or Lightning-to-VGA cables, though based on the costs of the other Lightning adapters they could be on the steep side.

The standard Lightning-to-USB docking cord will cost $19, while Lightning-to-30-pin adapters are $29, or $39 with an 8-inch cord.

For Europe, Apple has announced a Lightning-to-microUSB adapter for £15 or €19 to comply with European phone charging standards.

Meanwhile, Apple also revealed pricing for unlocked iPhone 5s: $649 for 16GB, $749 for 32GB, and $849 for 64GB.

Apple going for broke in iPhone 5 rollout schedule

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Apple going for broke in iPhone 5 rollout schedule

The iPhone 5 hasn't released yet, but when it does, it will ignite what Apple's Tim Cook called the "fastest phone rollout ever."

Due to arrive in nine different countries on Sept. 21, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong, Apple will continue their massive push just one week later.

Twenty more countries are scheduled to receive the phone on Sept. 28, with consumers in locales like Austria, Denmark, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, and Sweden, able to obtain their own iPhone 5s.

Over the course of the remainder of 2012, Apple plans to have the iPhone 5 made available in 100 countries, and on 240 different carriers.

Meeting consumer demand

Even when compared to the launch of the iPhone 4S, Apple's plan for the iPhone 5 is a lofty one.

One month after launch, the iPhone 4S was available in 29 markets, which would put it close to the iPhone 5 plan.

However, by the end of the year, the iPhone 4S was only available in 70 different countries.

By planning to release the iPhone 5 in 43 percent more countries by the end of 2012, it's clear Apple has every intention of meeting consumer demand for their latest smartphone.

For further comparison, the iPhone 4 was only made available in 18 countries by the end of its first month on sale.

Reaching 100 countries by the end of the year should help Apple hit the early estimates analysts predicted for both this year (49 million units), and the iPhone 5's lifetime (250 million units).

Report: Apple discontinues iPhone 3GS in wake of iPhone 5 announcement

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Report: Apple discontinues iPhone 3GS in wake of iPhone 5 announcement

It seems Apple has confirmed the speculation that the release of the iPhone 5 may be the death knell for the iPhone 3GS.

Numerous outlets have heard directly from the Cupertino-based company that once the iPhone 3GS stock runs out, there will be no more made available.

Apple has already removed the iPhone 3GS from their store, as the once-free (with a cellular contract) phone has been supplanted by the iPhone 4 as the go-to "free" entry-level option.

Despite being discontinued, the iPhone 3GS will still find itself able to utilize the latest operating system when iOS 6 drops on Sept. 19.

It's time to upgrade

This is good news for anyone who has yet to upgrade their phone to the iPhone 4 or later, as iOS 6 will bring a host of improvements to all compatible iOS devices.

It'll no doubt be strange to see the smartphone phased out, as earlier this year Apple was expected to sell nearly 1.5 million iPhone 3GS.

A lot of that was due to the handset being offered for free with contract at many carriers, but the iPhone 4 should have no trouble taking over the entry-level slot.

TechRadar has reached out to Apple for an official statement on the matter, and will update this article when they respond.
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