Tag Archives: apple

Microsoft & Rakuten Ink Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

Software developer Microsoft CorporationMSFT recently entered into a patent cross licensing agreement with Rakuten Inc. However, the specific terms and conditions of the agreement have been kept under wraps. This is second patent licensing deal that Microsoft has signed

Apple Sets March 21 To Launch Small iPhone, New iPad, Watch Bands

Apple ( AAPL ) sent out media invitations on Thursday for a March 21 event where it is widely expected to unveil a new 4-inch iPhone, a third-generation iPad Air and new bands for the Apple Watch. Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he expects the March event to be “largely incremental,” with the bigger announcements, namely the redesigned iPhone 7, slated for an event in September. The spring product launch event will be held at Apple’s Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. The invite reads “Let us loop you in,” which could be a reference to new Apple Watch bands or to Apple’s street address at 1 Infinite Loop. Much of what’s expected to be announced has been reported. Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone SE will replace the iPhone 5S, which was released in September 2013. The new model will have upgraded internal components similar to the iPhone 6S, released last September. The iPhone SE will sport an A9 chip, NFC technology to enable Apple Pay and a 12-megapixel, rear-facing camera. However, it won’t have a pressure-sensitive screen, which is reserved for its premium models. Apple also is expected to unveil a 9.7-inch iPad Pro tablet at the March event. The current iPad Pro has a 12.9-inch display. The smaller iPad Pro, also referred to as the iPad Air 3, will have the same internal components as its big brother. It will support accessories like the Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard. Plus, Apple is seen offering new Apple Watch wristbands and perhaps a software update, but no second-generation hardware. RELATED: Apple Making The Perfect Smartphone For Donald Trump Apple Working On Dual-Camera iPhone 7 Plus Smartphone: Analyst

Apple Tells iPhone Audio Plug To ‘Hit The Road, Jack’

New leaked images purporting to show an iPhone 7 case appear to confirm the rumor that Apple ( AAPL ) will ditch the traditional audio jack on its next smartphone. Apple reportedly wants to get rid of the audio jack to make its next iPhone slimmer, and because the port is an antiquated standard. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company will encourage iPhone users to switch to Bluetooth wireless headphones or headphones that plug into Apple’s proprietary, multifunction Lightning connector. Reports of Apple eliminating the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 first surfaced in December . Apple’s decision to remove the 3.5-millimeter audio jack could reduce the thickness of the iPhone 7 by more than 1 millimeter compared with the iPhone 6S. The iPhone 6S is 7.1 millimeters thin and the 6S Plus is 7.3 millimeters thin. Apple reportedly also will eliminate the home button from the front of the iPhone 7 as well. The pressure-sensitive touchscreen will take over its functions. The latest iPhone 7 images come via self described “serial tech leaker” Steve Hemmerstoffer . Forbes on Wednesday described the headphone-jack-free iPhone 7 as “ Apple’s worst-kept secret .” The iPhone 7 is likely to be released in September, the traditional time frame for new flagship iPhone models. Apple has a product-release event slated for March 21, where it likely will unveil a new 5S replacement phone, to be called the iPhone SE, as well as a new iPad and possibly an Apple Watch update. Image provided by Shutterstock .