Japanese manufacturer Toshiba showed off a new range of LCD screens for smartphones that have a pixel density of 367ppi, much higher than the iPhone 5 326ppi and ideal should Apple decide to up the screen size of the iPhone 5 to 4 inches.
At this size, Toshiba is able to deliver HD ready content, something unheard of for such a form factor. Furthermore, it ups the ante by delivering a rather head turning 1500:1 ratio. We did point out that one of the main technological issues that Apple would have to solve before rolling out a bigger screen on the iPhone 5, would be to up the display resolution in order to keep up with the retina display moniker.

Engadget, which reported the story from the SID 2011 event, did not mention power consumption though or whether the screen can be scaled to iPad 2 display size.
Toshiba has not confirmed when the technology will be rolled out, whether it will be offered to third parties (like HTC or Sony Ericsson) or if it would be restricted to Toshiba products only.
Another smaller 3.3-inch screen with a 300ppi and a 480×864 pixel resolution was unveiled at the same event but is highly unlikely to make a big splash, as smartphone manufacturers seem to be focusing on the 3.5-inch and bigger models.
A few days ago, Samsung announced a 2560×1600 pixel display which would be perfect for the iPad 2 as it delivers retina display resolution.
 

Toshiba Unveils 367ppi LCD : Perfect For Hi-Res iPhone 5

There will be a Verizon iPhone 5 as soon as there’s an iPhone 5, but those on Sprint and T-Mobile will need to hold their breath and keep guessing. While the Verizon version of the iPhone 4 arrived more than half a year after its AT&T iPhone 4 counterpart, that was a one-time occurrence thanks to the eschewing of the much maligned Apple-AT&T exclusivity deal. Now, when the new iPhone 5 comes, it’ll be guaranteed to arrive on both AT&T and Verizon at the same time. The only question is whether it’ll come in a single unified model which can talk to both carriers’ incompatible networks, or whether segregated iPhone 5 models will still be required.

But the prospect of a T-Mobile iPhone 5 is a different story, as the carrier has bet so big on 4G that it seems unlikely to take on the new iPhone 5 unless it has 4G, which is a big unknown, and Apple of course isn’t talking. An iPhone 5 on Sprint faces the same scenario, as the carrier has also bet big on 4G. Sprint also faces the challenge of having no (known, public) existing relationship or deal with Apple of any kind, leaving Sprint on the outside looking in, at least as far as any outsiders know. T-Mobile is in a different yet equally challenging position; it’s in the early stages of becoming part of AT&T via merger, and it’s not clear whether that merger will be complete in time for the iPhone 5 launch or at what point AT&T would want the iPhone to expand to its would-be subsidiary.

The questions keep coming, but the bottom line hasn’t changed: if you want to be in line for an iPhone 5 at launch, land thyself on AT&T or Verizon between now and then so as to ensure being able to get one. Or if you’re attached (contractually or otherwise) to T-Mobile or Sprint such that you’re not changing carriers under any circumstances, then prepare to sweat out the prospect of iPhone availability until it arrives. Here’s more on the iPhone 5.

Verizon iPhone 5 Guaranteed, T-Mobile 4G Dependent, Sprint Plausible

Though the new iPhone 5 arrival is still far away, leaks are getting out about a possible November 21 launch date, a hardware change that'll render your current case unusable, the screen size, and NFC.

We've heard a few rumors before about the iPhone 5, most notably that its launch has been delayed well beyond a typical June/July release timeframe. But in recent days, so much information has bubbled up about the next version of the iPhone that we're almost be tempted to wonder if it's not due sooner rather than later. Almost.
November 21 Launch Date in U.K.
U.K. cell phone retailer Phones4U has hinted it's received word from Apple that November 21 is the launch date for the next-gen iPhone, a Monday. If this proves true, and Apple holds to its recent plan of launching new iDevices in the U.S., U.K., and a handful of other nations on its first launch day, then we can expect a November 21 arrival in the U.S. too. There're a few issues with this rumor, starting with the indirect nature of the data from Apple, and the fact that Friday is Apple's usually preferred launch day for the iPhone--presumably to maximize the weekend purchase windows--but Apple seems to be changing its plans for the iPhone this year, so we're not sure.
No NFC
Despite much speculation to the contrary, Bernstein Research is suggesting that the iPhone 5 won't support wireless NFC technology after all. Analysts suggest that despite the fact NFC could add $15 billion to $30 billion in revenues to high-end smartphone firms, the tech simply isn't ready enough to add to Apple's flagship device.

This contradicts many earlier rumors, and would leave Apple looking particularly isolated in terms of the on-rushing NFC revolution--a change that's seen Nokia and Google adopt NFC powers for their smartphone offerings.

iPhone 5 Leak: Late November Arrival – No NFC?

Industry insiders have chimed in over the past few days on what will be in Apple's next iPhone 5, but the consensus that the next phone will be a "super phone" is diminishing.
Apple's Next iPhone 5, expects in September, will be "evolutionary not revolutionary," with perhaps a better camera and a different casing, but no 4G, or LTE, wireless modem, according to BMO Capital's Keith Bachman.
Writing to clients, Bachman explained that poor battery performance for LTE is "one of the reasons why we think Apple's LTE phone will come in 2012".

The sentiment was echoed from other industry watchers just last week. Jefferies & Co. analyst Peter Misek said that instead of a major advancement, it will be an upgraded iPhone 4, most notably with a faster processor and some updated specs.

"According to our industry checks, the device should be called iPhone 4S and include minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support," he writes in a research note.
The A5 processor is the same chip that Apple rolled out to power its iPad 2. As for LTE, he says the Qualcomm LTE chipset Apple would have used "is currently not achieving yields sufficient for inclusion in the iPhone 5."
He says Apple had hoped to have the LTE chipsets ready, but was planning a version without LTE called iPhone 4S.

If true, the roll-out would match Apple precedent.

In 2008, Apple introduced the iPhone 3G and in 2009 introduced the iPhone 3GS -- the "S" standing for speed. For the most part, the 3GS was the same as the 3G, except it had a faster processor.
The move is sure to upset fans waiting for faster network connections and may complicate Apple's rumored iCloud service.

Regardless of when it does come out, it is almost sure to be a success, according to some industry watchers.
Caris & Co's Robert Cihra told clients last month that to focus solely on the the hardware and the launch date would be "missing the point" as Apple is no longer a "hit product company," driven by timing.

"It's not the hardware that matters," Cihra wrote, "...actually, it's the software+hardware+services in a fully-integrated vertical platform. As we've said repeatedly, iOS IS the 'what's next?' for Apple."
With cloud-based functionality integrated into the next iOS, promising newer services like digital lockers and access to unbridled computing power, the prospects for the next iPhone look bright, even if the timing is uncertain.

Apple iPhone 5 Deemed

HTC Sensation 4g, the next flagship T-Mobile Android that leaked a $199.99 price tag over at Target this weekend but no release date other than “this summer”, may have just had its last blank filled in.

TMoNews has gotten their hands on a screenshot from a T-Mobile dealer that promotes the dual-core HTC Sensation a.k.a Pyramid. It put the phone down with a release date of June 8th, smack in the middle of the WWDC 2011 event where Steve Jobs is expected to unveil both iOS 5 and the highly anticipated iPhone 5.

Now we know that the New iPhone 5 will also share a similar price tag of $199.99 for the base model as it has every year since the iPhone 3G first released. And rumors also put it with the same dual-core processor as the iPad 2. With both phones supposedly packing dual-core processors and the latest OS updates (Sensation is expected to launch with Android Gingerbread or come with it via an OTA update shortly after activation), it is no doubt going to be a tough decision for buyers.

Nevertheless, this is the second time we have seen the June 8th release date for the T-Mobile HTC Sensation (previously spotted in a Google advertisement with a “6/8″ date) so this is more than we can say about the iPhone 5 that also has speculation suggesting it may be delayed until Q3.

T-Mobile HTC Sensation Release Date Leaked, Taking iPhone 5 Head On? (US)

A Chinese global trade site is selling an item under the listing “Newest design crystal case for New Apple iPhone 5g,” which hints that the next generation iPhone could include some big changes.

If the design of the case, made by Kulcase, LTD in Guangdong and offered for bulk orders on alibaba.com, is actually based on leaked plans from Apple, it appears the next iPhone 5 could have a new edge-to-edge display and a new location for the rear flash. At least, that’s what we can discern by looking at these photos posted on the site: SEE THE PICTURE HERE

It wouldn’t be the first time plans for Apple products have been leaked into an ultracompetitive Chinese manufacturing market.
Reports surfaced earlier this year that employees at Foxconn, which manufactures many Apple products in China, were arrested for leaking iPad 2 plans to accessory makers.
Lending a little bit of credence to this particular rumor is the fact that the images seem similar to an engineering mock-up leaked back in March (according to AppleInsider) that showed a bigger screen.

But third-party manufacturers have also been known to begin production based on other rumors and leaks, only to see Apple make last-minute changes.
If you’re willing to take a risk and invest in some fifth-generation iPhone cases, Alibaba might be able to hook you up for as little as ten cents apiece, so long as you’re willing to buy at least a thousand.

iPhone 5 – New Edge-to-Edge Screen?

The Apple iPhone 4S Release date rumors seem to have taken away much of the hope from the tech savvy consumers who have waited a while for an update on the Apple iPhone 5 release date.
New information suggests the next Apple handheld will be the 4S. The iPhone 5 release date might not happen this year, meaning people will have to wait longer than anticipated for a 5th generation iPhone.

Since the yet-to-be confirmed iPhone 4s will be part of the 4th generation family, a lot of Apple fans who were expecting a 5th generation device with the iPhone 5 release date might be a bit dismayed.

Then again, most fans will probably be just as excited to have the iPhone 4S when it is released. After all, any new device from Apple is sure to cause customers to flock to their nearest Apple store, wait in line for five hours, and pay $300–all to have the iPhone 5 release announcement come two months later.

What are your thoughts on the iPhone 4S release? Will you buy a 4th generation iPhone, or wait it out for the iPhone 5?

Apple iPhone 4S Release Date to Come – What About the iPhone 5?

New leaks suggest that Apple’s fifth generation iPhone or iPhone 5 will be positioning the flash and camera lens further apart than they are in the current version.
According to Apple.pro, a website that has posted numerous Apple-related hardware leaks in the past, including the tiny touchscreen that last year became the centerpiece of the new iPod Nano, the rear camera of iPhone 5 may not have the accompanying LED flash to its right, as does iPhone 4.
Incidentally, Gadgets DNA (via MacRumors) also reported that a certain Guangdong, China-based Kulcase is listing an alleged “Newest design crystal case for Apple iPhone 5g” on the company’s Alibaba.com site. The case suggests that iPhone 5 will have its rear camera flash moved to the opposite corner from the camera.

iPhone 5 Leak – Flash And Camera Will Be Separated

Facebook users have been plagued with links that claim to have exclusive shots of a new “iPhone 5”. While it is unclear who is posting these links, it is evident that they are spam. It may show up as a link to a post on a Facebook user’s profile page. When clicked, it opens up a new page and loads a window to fill in, to check that the person isn’t a robot. As soon as the CAPTCHA is completed, a copy of the original message will be posted on your wall telling all of your friends and connections that you commented on something.

When your friends click it, the process repeats until the message is generated to the masses. After the user fills in the CAPTCHA, this leads to a survey which, when completed, the spammer gets paid for. It’s all a very sneaky process, gripping those who are lured in by the link. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened though.

There have been many false links related to the iPhone 4, and any topic that is popular in the news. For example, after the killing of Osama Bin Laden, links that claimed to have pics of Osama sprang up on Facebook pages everywhere. Facebook recommends that users not click the links, even if it appears it is from someone they may know.

iPhone 5 ‘First Exposure’ Facebook Scam Makes it’s Debut, not an iPhone 5

First Apple tries to pull the "mythical" white iPhone shenanigan, wherein they attempted to dupe us into buying something that already exists. Now, rumor has it that the actual next generation iPhone will also be ... pretty much something that already exists! The nerve!

Jeffries & Co. analyst Peter Misek issued a research note to clients today, in which he claims the next iPhone 5 will be called the 'iPhone 4S' and will debut in September, per industry expectations. But unlike "geek-pectations," it doesn't sound like the new iPhone's features will really deviate significantly from the current iPhone 4. Instead, it'll just have "minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support."

Oh, sure, Apple's gonna let late-to-the-party carriers T-Mobile and Sprint in on the action by the end of 2011, so that's good news for some folks, but otherwise, the "update" sounds terribly ... LAME!

Seems that Apple knows it, too, and plans to just lean on the new iOS (operating system) as a key selling point for customers. Meh, when it comes to buying a new smartphone, most people are more interested in fancy, new hardware. And if you can just get that iOS update on your existing iPhone 4, why would you bother with the 4S?

Sure, the new A5 processor is pretty sweet, but without 4G speeds, it won't be a worthwhile update, according to my friend who is a tech expert and serious early adopter. Network speeds are becoming increasingly important, and I wouldn't be surprised if consumers look elsewhere for that 4G. Cuz they can find it in lots of other smartphones.

Of course, the complaint with the existing 4G smartphones is that they can't hold a charge to save their neat gadget lives. The speedy network sucks up tons of juice. And that's probably why Apple is having trouble incorporating the technology into their new model, but yo, figure it out, Jobs! If any company could solve an industry-wise problem, it would be Apple. Well, maybe not anymore!

Seriously, I am pissed. Where is my iPhone 5? A proud owner of an iPhone 3GS for almost 2 years, I've waited patiently for Apple to work out the bugs in the iPhone 4 and come out with something revolutionary this year. And it seems like all we faithful Apple customers are going to get is a slightly revamped iPhone 4 with a perfunctory letter tacked onto its name. Boo. Hiss! If these iPhone 4S rumors are true, I bet the iEmpire will take a fall from many a technophiles' grace.

What do you think about the rumored iPhone 4S? Would you buy it with these minor changes?

"iPhone 4S" May Launch in September & Be an Apple FAIL