Posts tagged Rumor at Switched

Posts with tag rumor

Is Helio Going Out of Business?

by Ryan Block, posted Jun 20th 2008 at 1:30PM

It ain't over until it's over, but we just got word that Helio store managers received notification this week that the axe is finally falling: (at least some of) the nationwide chain of retail stores will be shuttered during Virgin's takeover of Helio. As we've heard, "there is no 'merge' in this merger," so it sounds like after this year's big executive reshuffle, SK Telecom (which owns a majority stake in Helio) is bailing on their half-billion dollar enterprise a big way. No word if the fabled Ocean 2 will make it -- or if Virgin will even let Helio customers keep their phones.

Alongside Helio -- more or less the last man standing -- the great MVNO goldrush also dies. Unfortunate that besides Virgin and a few local and M2M providers (like Amazon's Whispernet), pretty much no one was able to make it work. Then again, no one ever never said making cellphones and running any kind of carrier was easy.

Dell Unveils New Super-Small Laptops

by Paul Miller, posted Jun 13th 2008 at 9:53AM

We got a nice helping of slides dropped on our virtual doorstep this evening, fleshing out Dell's upcoming netbook -- which they seem to be calling the "Dell E." Um, Eeenteresting name choice, but that doesn't seem set in stone, and there's plenty else going on here to ponder over.

Dell's breaking the Dell E into two device types, a 8.9-inch model clearly meant to take on the Eee 900, and the 12.1-inch "E Slim" which actually looks positioned to take on the MacBook Air and X300, at a mere 0.8-inches thick, though perhaps in a lower-end capacity. Even the 8.9-inch model will have some distinctions, with E Classic model for super low-end use, and E Video and E Video+ for more RAM, larger flash storage, webcams and Bluetooth in the + model.

Rollout looks to be slated for August for the E, August / September-ish for the E Slim, and a followup for both of those in October of WWAN, with WiMAX after that. Dell even has a second version of both devices slated for Q2 2009, but that's all we know about those so far. Perhaps most interesting is that all of these run Linux and Windows XP, and while it's not clear if there's a full-featured Linux OS onboard, there does seem to be an instant-on, Foleo-esque Linux included on all of them called BlackTop. We're not sure if there's any relation to Splashtop, but the janky-ass interface and email / calendar / contacts apps seem to be telling us no.

BlackTop will support WWAN and WiFi, and Dell plans to move the 2.0 version to the Latitude and Vostro lines in a year or two. Peep the slides at Engadget for all the gory details. Oh, and the price? Dell E starts at $299.

3G iPhone Touchscreen Leaks Out?

by Nilay Patel, posted Jun 8th 2008 at 5:47PM

We're just one day away from WWDC, so the rumor mill is churning at a fever pitch -- and the latest context-less bits of info to emerge from the churn are these purported photos of the 3G iPhone's touchscreens over at iLounge.

Yeah, that's touchscreens, plural -- if these are to believed, Apple's got two sizes of iPhone in store for us on Monday: a 3.2-inch model, and a smaller 2.8-inch model. Note that both of those sizes are smaller than the current iPhone's 3.5-inch screen, which seems slightly implausible -- but kinda-sorta matches up with other rumors we've heard, including those persistent "iPhone nano" whispers from last year.

We still really doubt that Apple will shrink the iPhone's screen size, however, and there are literally hundreds of touchscreen iPhone KIRFs these panels could have come from, so we'd say there's a better chance this is just more hype -- but we know y'all have your own ideas. Let us know in comments!

[Thanks, Sleuth]

iPhone 2.0 Launches World-Wide June 9th?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted May 23rd 2008 at 6:30AM

Well it's been just over a week since we last got to rumor mongering about the impending launch of the iPhone 2.0, so of course that means it's time to fire up the mills once again and get to speculating.

The latest bit of dirt out of Cupertino is that the new 3G capable iPhone will be making its debut at the June 9th Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. It's all but been confirmed that Mr. Jobs himself will be giving the keynote at the conference, and stocks of the iPhone have been suspiciously low. Add to that the recent batch of international carriers announcing deals with Apple, and the rumor of a world wide launch early next month doesn't seem to absurd.

Then again, the iPhone 2.0 has yet to make an appearance at the FCC with only two weeks to go before its supposed launch. [Source: TUAW, Via: Wired]

iPod and iPhone Price Cuts on the Horizon?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Feb 11th 2008 at 5:44PM

Rumor has it that Apple is getting ready to shake up its line up of iPod Touches and iPhones again. Less than a week after announcing new higher capacity iGadgets, the Apple rumor mill has latched on to the idea that a $100 price cut is due in the near future for all of the devices and that eventually the lower-capacity 8 gigabyte (Gb) model iPod Touch and iPhone will get the axe.

The price drop would take the iPod Touch down to $199, $299, and $399 for the 8 Gb, 16 Gb, and 32 Gb models respectively, while the iPhone would drop to $299 for the 8 Gb and $399 for the 16 Gb versions. Some theorize the price drop is part of a preparation for the 3G data-capable refresh of the iPhone, which many believe is right around the corner.

From 9 to 5 Mac

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Is This the Ultra-Portable Apple MacBook? Nah.

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jan 3rd 2008 at 9:05AM

Is This the Ultra-Portable MacBook? Nah.

Honestly we're a bit shocked it took as long as it did for someone to post a "photo" of the alleged, but unconfirmed, ultra-portable MacBook. The inclusion of a wide rumored "multi-touch" touch-pad is also a nice inclusion in this likely digitally-altered image.

There is little evidence to substantiate the photo's validity. It was posted on a MacRumor message board, by a first-time poster with no explanation, and no follow-up images or comments to questions about his post.

This is all part of the ritual leading up to the MacWorld conference on January 14th, when Apple announces its new products for the first half of the year.

From Engadget

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FCC Warns of Fake Do Not Call Registry E-Mail

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Oct 16th 2007 at 1:50PM

You've probably seen it -- it's an e-mail going around that claims all cell phone numbers are about to be released to telemarketers. According to the e-mail, the only way to avoid getting cold calls about switching your long distance carrier on your mobile is to register your phone number with the federal government's Do Not Call Registry.

The FCC has been quick to point out, however, that this is simply not true. In fact, it is illegal for most telemarketers to call any mobile phone, so registering your cell with the Do Not Call Registry is simply unnecessary. (The law stipulates that companies can't use auto-dialers to call cell phones, pagers, or any other service where the recipient would have to pay for the call.) Since most telemarketers use auto-dialers, they are generally unable to pester you on your mobile with out facing legal consequences.

The FCC has no idea where the e-mails are originating from, or why anyone would want to send such a scam, especially since nothing bad happens -- no opportunity for financial gain, no harvesting of phone numbers -- if you do actually register your mobile number on the site. It's a pointless scam! And yet, we guess the FCC is saving all of us from the extra stress we might get from worrying about missing the mobile Do Not Call registry deadline.

From USA Today

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Gmail Overhaul On the Way?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Sep 24th 2007 at 10:11AM

Gmail, everybody's favorite beta product, may be getting ready for its first major update since launching in 2004. At the time of launch, Gmail was revolutionary, breaking the mold for what a Web mail application could be with unprecedented ease of use, storage and attachment size allowance. But in the ensuing years, Gmail has aged and other services have caught up. While many still consider it to be the best Web mail system, it could definitely stand to add a few new features.

Now, it seems an update is in the works -- this according to texts and screen shots spotted by Google translators. You see, Google gets help from everyday users across the globe with translating text for the localized versions of the company's own sites and services. Google saves a bunch of money by using the general public instead of several expensive translation services -- unfortunately that makes it kind of hard for the company to keep any secrets. Just check of the screen shots of Gmail-related text awaiting translation into various languages.

One of the rumored new features is one that many of us has been clamoring for: the integration of Google Gears -- an experimental technology that allows you to access Google's online services when you're offline. That would give Gmail users the ability to read and draft messages when they're away from an Internet connection, something that's always been a shortfall of Web-based e-mail.

Also amongst the piles of untranslated texts are phrases that seem to point to an account activity tracking feature. So, if you suspect your girlfriend of snooping, or are just plain paranoid that someone may have gotten hold of your password, you'll be able to see when and where your account has been accessed from.

When Gmail might receive this update, or how drastic the facelift might be are currently unknown. Here's hoping the answers are 'soon' and 'really drastic, with out ruining what we already love'.

From Googling Google

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iPhone Dock Revealed

by Tom Conlon, posted Jun 20th 2007 at 1:26PM

Engadget has posted pictures of what it reports to be the charging dock that will be included with the purchase of an iPhone come June 29. Unconfirmed rumors say the dock will also charge the Apple Bluetooth headset, which received FCC approval last week. Though it's long been thought the dock would do so, it's tough to tell looking at this photo exactly where the headset will plug in. Behind the phone, perhaps?

The Apple-obsessed site, Think Secret, is also stating that the iPhone's dock port is similar to the one on the iPod, which means most third-party accessories that make use of the iPod 's dock port will also work with the iPhone. Though this has been unsubstantiated, Think Secret claims this info comes from official iPhone training documentation.

From Engadget and Think Secret

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iPhone Hitting Europe With Hi-Speed 3G?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted May 30th 2007 at 12:52PM

Sweet Lord, the iPhone rumors never stop! We're just weeks away from the official launch of Apple's iPod / cell phone / PDA / Internet device and the speculation is overheating. This time, the noise is over a potential second version of the iPhone to be released in Europe by the end of the year. Quanta is said to be building a revision of the handset that is rumored to be 3G-enabled for high-speed data transfers. The iPhone that comes out next month in the U.S. runs on the the slower EDGE network. (3G is about three times faster than EDGE when it comes to transferring data -- downloading e-mail, browsing the Web, and the like.)

It is likely this will be a Europe-only affair, though. 3G is the standard in Europe but is still something of a premium in the U.S.. Releasing the iPhone without 3G in Europe would virtually ensure failure.

What does this mean for U.S. consumers? A 3G-equipped iPhone of our own may not be too far in the future, but we wouldn't hold our breath for it any time this year (even the 3G networks in Europe are slightly different, so we doubt a U.S. version of the high-speed iPhone will be ready in time). If you want your iPhone in 2007, just get the one that's out in June, or move to Europe.

From Engadget Mobile

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More Google Apps for iPhone?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted May 29th 2007 at 12:01PM

We've all see the demo (you have seen the demo, haven't you?), so we know the iPhone will bring access to Google Maps. But what about the other wonderful services you've come to rely on from Google, such as the perpetually-in-beta Gmail or the best in class Google Calendar?

Well, now Engadget has officially started the rumor mill grinding. In an interview with the Seattle Times, AT&T's Glenn Lurie let slip a tantalizing and very vague bit of info. When asked about the price premium that will be required to get your grubby mitts on an iPhone, Lurie launched into a spiel about how Apple's soon-to-be-launched chatterbox will replace several devices -- not just your phone. He then ended with:

"There are other things -- you have the widgets, some of the Google applications that are coming -- there are just so many things here that the price will not be an issue."

Applications. Plural. Engadget is speculating that this means the iPhone could be outfitted with a Google Reader app or a Gmail app, or perhaps even a mobile interface for the much ignored Google Notebook application.

Since the iPhone will already have similar software on it developed by Apple, this rumor hints at the possibility of the iPhone being opened up to third-party software development (programs made by companies other than Apple), which up to now Apple has said wouldn't be the case.

Of course, as with all Apple rumors, you'll want to take this one with a grain of salt. After all, if cars were fueled with iPhone hype and Apple rumors, they'd go a long way towards making global warming a thing of the past.

From Engadget

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Google Phone Rumors Just Won't Die

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Apr 19th 2007 at 9:31AM

Some products, like the iPhone, take on a life of their own once they hit the rumor mill and the Google phone is officially one of those items. Google phone rumors have circulated before: Not that long ago Samsung was said to be manufacturing the device. According to the latest rumors, HTC is the lucky developer.

The word on the poverbial street is that by late 2007, HTC will ship a handset under Google's brand name with 3G, which is the latest generation cell phone technology that provides fast download and upload speeds (excellent for downloading apps and music to your phone). Like pretty much every other phone on the market, the Google device will supposedly come packaged with Gmail and Google search apps, but it looks like it won't have GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality for use with Google Maps. With no mention of whether the phone will run Windows Mobile or some custom Google mobile operating system, it's hard to tell what, exactly, would set this apart from other phones other than the colorful Google logo.

Of course, Google says it has no interest in building or selling a Google branded handset.

From Engadget and DigiTimes

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Is Helio Going Out of Business?

Dell Unveils New Super-Small Laptops

3G iPhone Touchscreen Leaks Out?

iPhone 2.0 Launches World-Wide June 9th?

iPod and iPhone Price Cuts on the Horizon?

Is This the Ultra-Portable Apple MacBook? Nah.

FCC Warns of Fake Do Not Call Registry E-Mail

Gmail Overhaul On the Way?

iPhone Dock Revealed

iPhone Hitting Europe With Hi-Speed 3G?

More Google Apps for iPhone?

Google Phone Rumors Just Won't Die

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