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Apple Developing Curve Screen iPhones and Improved Sensors

An anonymous reader writes "An Apple insider who asked not to be identified because the information is classified told Bloomberg that Apple's next iPhone models will come with curve displays and enhanced touchscreen sensors that can detect heavy and light touches. The two models -- 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches -- would be Apple's largest iPhones. Apple is still developing the two models and the person disclosed that Apple could launch the devices in the third quarter of next year."

243 comments

  1. Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is this for anti glare or something?

    1. Re:Curved Display? by Gumpu · · Score: 5, Funny

      Is this for anti glare or something?

      No, I think it is to extract more money from wallets.

    2. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait
      Who cares?

      Why would you bother with paying big $$ for an iPhone? They don't do anything particularly well any more.

    3. Re:Curved Display? by Mitchell314 · · Score: 1

      To fit in a pocket around the leg better?

      --
      I read TFA and all I got was this lousy cookie
    4. Re:Curved Display? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 1

      Is this for anti glare or something?

      It seems to be a mixture of 'pointless novelty for its own sake' and 'human legs are roughly cylindrical, so slightly curved objects fit better in pockets that would otherwise be a bit small'.

    5. Re:Curved Display? by Parafilmus · · Score: 1

      Is this for anti glare or something?

      No, I think it is to extract more money from wallets.

      Aside from novelty, the point of a curved display is to squeeze more screen area into the same footprint.

      I've never understood curved TVs, but I can see the appeal of curved phones which need to fit comfortably into palms and pockets.

    6. Re:Curved Display? by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 1

      Yes, I always put my phone in my pocket _sideways_. Because I do this truly bizarre thing, their phones which will curve from top to bottom will totally fit around the _horizontal_ curve of my leg with I put them in my pocket _sideways_.

      Hmm.. I feel my sarcasm didn't come across well, I wish I could draw a picture to better illustrate my sarcasm.

    7. Re:Curved Display? by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 1

      There's also geometry - more screen size in a shorter device.

    8. Re:Curved Display? by Cinder6 · · Score: 1

      One benefit of squeezing more screen space into the same footprint is that your thumb will have an easier time hitting the edges. It sounds like a pointless technology at first (at least for phones), but it at least has the potential to be useful.

      --
      If you can't convince them, convict them.
    9. Re:Curved Display? by cHiphead · · Score: 3, Insightful

      They heard everyone else was doing it so they wanted to make sure everyone thought it was their idea. Like all the other stuff they come up with (and patent).

      --

      This is my sig. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
    10. Re:Curved Display? by Mitchell314 · · Score: 1

      Why would you put the phone horizontal? That would be rather uncomfortable.

      --
      I read TFA and all I got was this lousy cookie
    11. Re:Curved Display? by oobayly · · Score: 3, Interesting

      My first thought is that it would be to prevent screen damage - if the display is curved and you place it face down on a flat surface there will be only two points of contact.

    12. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      Is this for anti glare or something?

      A curve can make glare worse by focusing the light

      Nope, this is just some stupid marketing gimmick. They spend years telling us that flat screen TVs are the way to go, now they're making them curved again.

      --
      No sig today...
    13. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 2

      Aside from novelty, the point of a curved display is to squeeze more screen area into the same footprint.

      Huh? What are you smoking? I think you should lay off it...

      --
      No sig today...
    14. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 2

      You've hit the nail on the head.

      ie. Nobody has a clue what it's for.

      --
      No sig today...
    15. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 4, Funny

      Not if you wear sarcasm pants.

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      No sig today...
    16. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      How much more, exactly? Have you calculated that before telling the world?

      --
      No sig today...
    17. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 0

      They heard everyone else was doing it so they wanted to make sure everyone thought it was their idea. Like all the other stuff they come up with (and patent).

      +1 Insightful.

      --
      No sig today...
    18. Re:Curved Display? by geirlk · · Score: 1

      It seems to be the most natural position for it. I put it in vertically, and it ends up horisontally.
      And since my legs actually bend in that area, it makes it a lot easier to curl up into a fetal position every time Apple news is "leaked".

    19. Re:Curved Display? by qbast · · Score: 1

      Let's get this clear, it's a fucking phone, dammit, not a way of life

      It would be a little more believable without all the foaming at the mouth.

    20. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      PS: Let's do the math!

      What's the cosine of 5 degrees? That's the new size if you bend a screen by 10 degrees (5 degrees each side of the center line)

      My calculator says cos(5) = 0.9962 ... so it's less than 0.5% smaller.

      Plus it looks awful: http://www.bloomberg.com/image/ibdaG6emCoQY.jpg

      --
      No sig today...
    21. Re:Curved Display? by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 1

      How do you know which way the screen curves? All I see in the article is this:

      curves downward at the edges

      Which is ambiguous at best.

      --
      systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
    22. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      Is this for anti glare or something?

      You can see in this video, the glare is *much* worse.

      http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/samsung-galaxy-round-hands-on/

      --
      No sig today...
    23. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 4, Insightful

      No, I think it is to extract more money from wallets.

      Yep. It's a "novelty" - a conversation point.

      All it has to do is look weird and people will find ways they think it's "better" to justify it to themselves.

      http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/samsung-galaxy-round-hands-on/

      The sad thing is: In a few years we'll all have this whether we want it or not, there won't be anything but curved phones in the shops. After that they'll start selling us "classic shape" phones at a premium price. So it goes.

      --
      No sig today...
    24. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Let's get this clear, it's a fucking phone, dammit, not a way of life

      It would be a little more believable without all the foaming at the mouth.

      It was an interesting mix of aggression and funny. Yet to see an Apple fanboy in the wild?? Too funny.

    25. Re:Curved Display? by will_die · · Score: 1

      The thing I can think of where you would want the curved screen is a bracelet type device, aka watch or Leela's wristband doohickey

    26. Re:Curved Display? by HuguesT · · Score: 1

      It's even worse than that. If w is the telephone apparent width, and alpha the bending angle, the screen's true width is

      truewidth = alpha * (w/2)/(sin(alpha/2))

      For w=2 inches and alpha = 10 degrees, truewidth = 2.00254 ; barely 0.1% better.

    27. Re:Curved Display? by narcc · · Score: 1

      Obviously not. He wouldn't have made that "point" if he had.

    28. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Hello, you look like a person that would like to choose a phone that suits your needs rather than one that Apple says is best for you.

      Luckily, with Android, you can get a both a phone that is curved along the top-bottom axis like the Galaxy Round or a phone that is curved along the left-right axis like the LG G Flex
      Naturally flat phones will also be supported in parallel with the curved ones if you should prefer that. (We have yet to see if this will be the case with products running a competing OS.)

      Have a nice day, and remember, there is no wrong way to hold a phone.

    29. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I remember the good old days when we had keypunches instead of computer monitors. I for one I'm glad things change.

    30. Re:Curved Display? by StripedCow · · Score: 1

      Is this for anti glare or something?

      Actually, with a curved display, there's more probability of glare.

      --
      If Pandora's box is destined to be opened, *I* want to be the one to open it.
    31. Re:Curved Display? by StripedCow · · Score: 1

      Nobody has a clue what it's for.

      Perhaps it is a woman-thing.

      --
      If Pandora's box is destined to be opened, *I* want to be the one to open it.
    32. Re:Curved Display? by HyperQuantum · · Score: 1

      Slashdot should implement a sarcasm sign.

      --
      I am not really here right now.
    33. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      I think it's time to create some buzzword-bingo cards for these.

      We can mark squares off whenever anybody says "more screen area", "fits better in pocket", etc.

      --
      No sig today...
    34. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      Monitors were actually better...

      --
      No sig today...
    35. Re:Curved Display? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      I don't have my number head on this morning, but if you're referring to foreshortening I was thinking much the same thing.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    36. Re:Curved Display? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      Nah, it doesn't have wings on the side.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    37. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      The claim is "More screen in the same space!!"

      As a mathematician, I'm having trouble understanding what goes on in people's heads when they say things like that. It's so obviously not true.

      Whenever I see one I'm going to point out how it increases screen reflectivity and makes it harder to see.

      --
      No sig today...
    38. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      He also said "shorter device" instead of "narrower device", when it's curved *vertically*.

      And he did that on a 'nerd' website.

      Yep. I think Apple has found their target market. They've run out of new features but this will have people queuing up all night to buy a iPhone6.

      --
      No sig today...
    39. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      Yep. It's very obvious in this video: http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/samsung-galaxy-round-hands-on/

      More glare.

      I'm going to enjoy pointing that out to proud owners.

      --
      No sig today...
    40. Re:Curved Display? by digitalchinky · · Score: 1

      In an emergency you could use it to fry a sausage I guess. : )

    41. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The claim is "More screen in the same space!!"

      As a mathematician, I'm having trouble understanding what goes on in people's heads when they say things like that. It's so obviously not true.

      Whenever I see one I'm going to point out how it increases screen reflectivity and makes it harder to see.

      i they meant the phone can be longer but curved so that it is the same length/width as a noncurved phone, the problem is just the height or depth is increased which probably isn't that big of a deal. but which way is it curved? like a half-tube, or a bridge?

    42. Re:Curved Display? by dk3nn3dy · · Score: 1

      The next iPhone will have a screen like this ...guaranteed. And it will be awesome.

    43. Re: Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Didnt it make smaller reflection? That was result in first curved glass that reflections were half and little more cut off. If curving outside, then reflections amouts double.

    44. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      PS: Let's do the math! ... What's the cosine of 5 degrees?

      42?

    45. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Uhhuh. Whatever, dude. We're talking about an unsubstantiated rumour here, you know. I'm pretty sure Apple doesn't claim credit for things other people do first. They just make sure people know they did it right.

    46. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Mark squares off? We're talking about Apple (aka Rounded Rectangles) and a curved screen ... and the best you can come up with is squares. Timothy, is that you?

    47. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Slashdot should implement a sarcasm sign.

      Gee, you mean something like "/sarcasm" ? /sarcasm

    48. Re:Curved Display? by rvw · · Score: 2, Funny

      Nobody has a clue what it's for.

      Perhaps it is a woman-thing.

      If it's curved and can vibrate, women will find the clue sometime, if only for the geeks around here asking stupid questions when on a date.

    49. Re: Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Nexus S has a 4-inch curved Super LCD screen. With 75% less glare than other smartphones, it's perfect for taking snaps on the beach - because you won't have to move out of the sun to view them, and the improved virtual keyboard makes typing and texting easy. Multi-touch technology means you can zoom in to web pages smoothly. And with its sleek design, Nexus S fits perfectly in the palm of your hand too.

    50. Re:Curved Display? by fisted · · Score: 1

      Yeah. Until you apply some weight, (read: accidentally put something on top of it, or have some moron step on it etc) -- then you have a nice sort-of-lever:)
      Likewise, place it on the backside and it will annoy the hell out of everyone whenever you nudge the table

    51. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How fat do you have to be to need a curved phone for your pocket? Flat phones fit perfectly in my pocket.

    52. Re:Curved Display? by oobayly · · Score: 1

      Hmm, never had that problem with my Galaxy Nexus. Granted, if I'm stupid enough to drop a breeze block on it or leave my phone on the floor for someone to step on, then yes, the very large radius of curvature of the screen may enable the phone to deform. However, odds are that if I stand on my phone it will be damaged regardless.

      The funny this is that just because the screen is curved, it doesn't mean the back has to be curved.

    53. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Because there's much more space in your pocket that way, and because it doesn't dig into your leg when you sit down that way.

      I too put my phone horizontal in my pocket.

    54. Re:Curved Display? by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 1

      The curve will be around the horizontal axis, just like the other curved phones that already exist. Top to bottom curve. Hence "Shorter". They can probably shave a mm or so off of it, but no I didn't whip out my calculator.

    55. Re:Curved Display? by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 1

      Monitors were actually better...

      ... and used to be round as well. But curved into the other direction (bulging out towards the reader, rather than in, away from him)

    56. Re:Curved Display? by Bartles · · Score: 1

      What's a curved display? The article was clear that we're talking about curve displays. Are you retard or something?

    57. Re:Curved Display? by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 1

      Why would you put the phone horizontal? That would be rather uncomfortable.

      Maybe, so that it bulges out more?

    58. Re:Curved Display? by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 1

      there is no wrong way to hold a phone.

      Of course there is. Upside down, with the speaker next to your mouth, and the mic next to your ear. But you'd still get excellent reception (even though the audio would be shit)

    59. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Serve Apple right if Samsung has a design patent filed on a curved screen phone, or a utility patent for a curved screen phone to better fit the customer's cheek when talking or something....

    60. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The LG Flex actually flexes when you put some weight on it.

    61. Re:Curved Display? by thetoadwarrior · · Score: 1

      Don't make giant phones and it's not an issue. The 4S fits fine in a back pocket.

    62. Re:Curved Display? by ArsenneLupin · · Score: 1

      A curve can make glare worse by focusing the light

      Indeed...

    63. Re:Curved Display? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      The funny this is that just because the screen is curved, it doesn't mean the back has to be curved.

      While technically true it'd be much thicker than necessary at the edges if you made the back flat.

      I'm assuming, perhaps wrongly, that when they say the screen is curved it's convex from the viewer's POV.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    64. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      so you're being serious? I lost track of if the "sarcasm"s canceled themselves out in the end.

    65. Re:Curved Display? by fisted · · Score: 1

      If it was convex from a viewer's POV, then it would be much thicker in the middle, if the back were to be flat

    66. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      i they meant the phone can be longer but curved so that it is the same length/width as a noncurved phone, the problem is just the height or depth is increased which probably isn't that big of a deal. but which way is it curved? like a half-tube, or a bridge?

      Apparently math makes people's heads spin even on slashdot.

      The point of all those numbers up there was to prove that you'd have to curve it by a ridiculous amount to make a noticeable difference in width/height (eg. more then 1% shorter/narrower) .

      --
      No sig today...
    67. Re:Curved Display? by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      The curve will be around the horizontal axis, just like the other curved phones that already exist.

      The Pesky Facts are against you I'm afraid.

      Plus: Is it worth it to gain 1mm...?

      --
      No sig today...
    68. Re:Curved Display? by oobayly · · Score: 1

      I think I've missed something about the curvature - a lot of people seem to be taking as if it's huge. My thought was that it would be like that of the galaxy nexus, ie the centre of the screen 1mm off-plane. I suppose that's big for iPhones as they have a uniform thickness.

    69. Re:Curved Display? by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 1

      You sound foolish. It will curve top to bottom, I'll come back to mock you when it's officially announced.

    70. Re:Curved Display? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      Thanks for pointing that out, it wasn't obvious at all.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    71. Re:Curved Display? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      My low-end Samsung can work in either mode (and the thing for switching between them is both way too sensitive and too slow) so I'd assume more upmarket ones can too?

      As to whether it's a gimmick or not, maybe you'll find this amusing: http://slashdot.org/submission/3109229/curved-smartphone-screens-arent-a-gimmick

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
    72. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So he can shove it up his ass, the shiny-headed poofter.

    73. Re:Curved Display? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      > The article was clear that we're talking about curve
      > displays. Are you retar or something?

      ft4u

    74. Re:Curved Display? by Tarlus · · Score: 1

      Calm down there, Bucky. It's just a phone.

      --
      /* No Comment */
    75. Re:Curved Display? by Douglas+Goodall · · Score: 1

      Not anti-glare. When the screen is curved, you are guaranteed glare no matter how you hold the phone., like asking not to see glare of the curved back window of a sports car.

    76. Re:Curved Display? by Hognoxious · · Score: 1

      If that's the case, then there's absolutely zero practical reason for doing it because whatever the effect is, it won't be very much.

      Shit, it's not enough to make water run off.

      --
      Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
  2. Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Still with an OS that lacks features that have become standard in other platforms, still with sucky app management, still with a lack of control for a device you won.....all for twice the price of an equivalent Nexus phone.

    No thanks. A phone where I can't install a browser of my choice(not just a reskin), download torrents on, use widgets(yes, they greatly increase productivity) on or not have every damn app as an icon on a home screen isn't much use to me.

    --
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    1. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by noh8rz10 · · Score: 1

      Still with an OS that lacks features that have become standard in other platforms, still with sucky app management, still with a lack of control for a device you won.

      sweet how did you win an iPhone? Like a contest or something?

    2. Re: Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Then an iPhone is not for you, obviously, good that you have a choice, why waste your precious time ranting about something you don't even care about... or, wait, you do!

    3. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Still with an OS that lacks features that have become standard in other platforms, still with sucky app management, still with a lack of control for a device you won.....all for twice the price of an equivalent Nexus phone.

      No thanks. A phone where I can't install a browser of my choice(not just a reskin), download torrents on, use widgets(yes, they greatly increase productivity) on or not have every damn app as an icon on a home screen isn't much use to me.

      iOS does not work like Android and that constitutes positive proof of suckyness... got it, well then Android must suck too because I know somebody who doesn't like it. -- For the sarcastically impaired, yes, that was sarcasm.

    4. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Bogtha · · Score: 2

      I'm curious what you mean by "sucky app management". One of the things that really bugs me about Android is that the standard way of removing an app from a device is to go into Settings > App Management > Pick the app > Uninstall, which then pops up a dialog box confirming deletion. On iOS, I just have to tap and hold the app icon, then tap the x, which makes the app disappear instantly. iOS seems to have the clear advantage there.

      not have every damn app as an icon on a home screen

      Put your apps in a folder. It becomes the functional equivalent of the app drawer on Android, except you can have as many as you want and give them names.

      And of course, once you take into account normal use patterns not Slashdotter use patterns, iOS seems to have even more of a lead. When you install apps, they appear on your home screen by default, not hidden away in the app drawer. That's far more sensible for normal users. And you do realise that downloading torrents on your phone is an extremely niche use pattern, right?

      --
      Bogtha Bogtha Bogtha
    5. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      On Android: bring up the app drawer, click and hold the app and drag it to 'Uninstall'. It's not rocket science.

    6. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Bogtha · · Score: 1

      Nope. As soon as I start dragging the icon, it shows the home screen. There's a "Remove" target I can drag it to, but it doesn't work because that's for removing stuff from the home screen.

      --
      Bogtha Bogtha Bogtha
    7. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      You don't have to go into settings or app management. Just go into the app drawer, hold down and drag to the top and remove.

      Uninstalling requires an additional step of confirming, that's it. It's not harder at all.

      The sucky app management I was referring to was that every installed app is automatically on a home screen. That's a shitty thing.

      Folders don't help.

      On android I can access every installed app through the app drawer, and only the ones I need are on the homescreens (with folders if I desire), leaving space for useful and functional things like widgets.

      A lack of clutter is a great thing.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    8. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Is this stock android or a manufacturer modified version?

      Dragging an app from the homescreen on to the remove target will remove from the homescreen.

      From the appdraw there is an uninstall target, which will uninstall.

      If not, it's either a much older version of android or a shitty modified version.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    9. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Bogtha · · Score: 1

      Removing applications has been this awkward on every Android device I've owned. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Sony Xperia Pro, HTC Desire Z, and Google G1. Another phone too somewhere in the middle, but I can't remember off the top of my head which it was. This isn't a problem that is limited to a single manufacturer's customisations, they have all been pretty shitty.

      --
      Bogtha Bogtha Bogtha
    10. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Bogtha · · Score: 1

      The sucky app management I was referring to was that every installed app is automatically on a home screen. That's a shitty thing.

      For you perhaps, but it's exactly the right thing to do for most users. Average users don't install hundreds of applications. When they install an application, it's better for them to have it immediately available than tucked away somewhere they have to go find it. If they do use a lot of applications, they can easily move it out of the way.

      Folders don't help.

      Why not? You have your most frequently used applications on your home screen, and the rest are available when you tap on an icon. How is that different to what you are doing with Android?

      --
      Bogtha Bogtha Bogtha
    11. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      You're absolutely, 100% wrong here. I'm going by the average users I know...my parents, older friends...people who know absolutely nothing about technology.

      They do tend to install a lot of apps, and much like how they use a computer they never tend to uninstall, but just sort through the mess for what they need.

      It is far, far more user friendly to have the apps you use frequently easily accessible, and the rest hidden away for when you need them. Honestly, there is no way to defend this behaviour in ios.

      I also have no idea how you think folders is an answer. The key is not to be forced to have every app on the homescreen. Having to make a bunch of folders and organize them when they shouldn't be there in the first place is not the answer.

      You also know damn well the app drawer functions a lot more elegantly than having every icon in one folder(if that is even possible) on ios. It's not the same at all.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    12. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Then again, it's based on very early versions of android, or a weird manufacturer modification. At least since 4.2 you can uninstall through the app drawer.

      Even if that doesn't work for you, you can go to play store and then your apps and uninstall. No need to go into settings at all.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    13. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      You're right, my opinion doesn't invalidate what you say, as it's just an opinion. A large enough sample size or users being inconvencied by ios app manegment though, is an objective data point, which does invalidate your opinion.

      You also seemed to think I was talking about andrid when I mentioned the lack of uninstalling. I wasn't. Those types of users don't tend to uninstall on either platform, and that's only a problem on ios due to the flawed design.

      Android is also WYSWIG, it's just a more efficient implementation. A single tap of a very accessible icon shows all your applications.

      You also seem to be missing the point. Multiple folders are not a solution. At all. The app drawer does not hide away applications, it makes them just as accessible, but without the insane clutter ios causes.

      Here's the difference: Ios REQUIRES folders because you have no choice and need to reduce the clutter. Android hides clutter and allows you to organize your apps however you like. You can have folders, multiple homescreens, widgets (a major failing of ios), orn o folders if you want. If you really want, you can have every icon on the homescreen just as ios does and get rid of the app drawer icon altogether.

      Android offers choice. ios offers only a way full of clutter requiring the use of folders to reduce it.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    14. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Still with an OS that lacks features that have become standard in other platforms ...

      The only reason they have "invented" curved screens is because Samsung and LG have already done so. Apple USED to have really good ideas, but they must have fired all their R&D people in order to pay for their lawsuits. I give it a year before Apple is claiming they invented the curved screen and the next round of lawsuits begin.

    15. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by BasilBrush · · Score: 0

      You're right, my opinion doesn't invalidate what you say, as it's just an opinion. A large enough sample size or users being inconvencied by ios app manegment though, is an objective data point, which does invalidate your opinion.

      Where is your objective data point? You're still just using your opinion.

      You also seemed to think I was talking about andrid when I mentioned the lack of uninstalling.

      I assumed you were talking about Android, because it's easier to delete apps from iOS.

      Here's the difference: Ios REQUIRES folders because you have no choice and need to reduce the clutter.

      iOS does not require folders. It's an available feature. No one has to use it. Unlike Android's App Drawer.

    16. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by exomondo · · Score: 1

      The app drawer does not hide away applications, it makes them just as accessible, but without the insane clutter ios causes.

      The app drawer is just a collection of all your applications, how is that less cluttered than iOS?

      You can have folders, multiple homescreens, widgets (a major failing of ios), orn o folders if you want.

      On iOS you can have folders and multiple homescreens, you're right there are no widgets and you can also have no folders if you want. The only difference is the lack of widgets.

    17. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      The difference is there is no app drawer on ios, the app drawer is in practice the homescreens.

      On android the app drawer is separate, and the homescreens have icons you actually use, so it is less cluttered.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    18. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Objective data point is the significant sample of observed average users who install hundreds of applications.

      It isn't easier to delete apps from ios at all. You've obviously had some issues, but that's you. On both platforms you either uninstall through the app/play store, or interact with the icon to remove it.

      ios requires folders if you don't want clutter. That has been your entire defense of ios. If it gets too cluttered you can use folders. So if you font use folders you have to put up with the clutter. Unlike android.

      This is why you apple fanbois are funny. The appdraw is not a mandatory feature and you can opt out of it if you want to. But it's there as a feature if you want to use it. Something ios doesn't even offer. Yet you feel the need to attack it and defend ios, which doesn't even have that feature, as better.

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    19. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Then it is not the device for you and like everybody else out there, you get to choose the one that is.

    20. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by BasilBrush · · Score: 0

      Objective data point is the significant sample of observed average users who install hundreds of applications.

      Again, you're talking about yourself, and your perceived experiences of others. Have you never heard that anecdotes are not data.

      This is why you apple fanbois are funny.

      Oh dear.

    21. Re: Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Drag a application from app drawer to desktop but dont release it there but top of screen where is now a basket (and information) what gets red when you move app over it, and release ask your confirmation to uninstall app. A feature from 4.0. Other homescreens has offered a uninstall ways like that since 2.1.

      Folders dont replace app drawer where are all you apps. Folders are for iOS like homescreens are for Android but folders in Android are even more than what iOS is. As homescreen is like virtual desktop in Unix desktops, you place specific kind tasks separated desktops instead all to one in one complex mess. Like your running playlists and apps are in one homescreen, a family quickdials and feed update informations in another, third for work contacts and contacts and calender and fourth for multimedia like movies, tv-schedule lists and latest photostreams and fifth for like games.
      You cant do that with any other launcher in iOS (or in Metro). The huge difference is that homescreens are own pages instead continually scrolling or steppless lists and freedom to organize them as wanted.

      You can as well access app informations long pressing them in taskmanager or from notification panel.

      And since 2.1 Android has positioned newly installed apps to home screen, but not those samsung etc custom launchers.

    22. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by exomondo · · Score: 1

      The difference is there is no app drawer on ios, the app drawer is in practice the homescreens.

      On android the app drawer is separate, and the homescreens have icons you actually use, so it is less cluttered.

      So you feel the app drawer is just insane clutter like you feel iOS is, ok but you don't have to have it cluttered, you can arrange it how you like with the same options as Android has except applications don't have widgets, that's the only difference. As you say the app drawer is too cluttered to be useful so on Android and iOS I just arrange applications on my homescreens and if it's not on one of my homescreens I just search for it.

    23. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      I understand anecdotes do not constitute data. Anecdotes are not what I'm referring to.

      Look here for example.

      The link actually states 88 apps per average not counting the ones that come by default, but considering they take up an icon on the home screen just the same, I see no reason to exclude them in the context of this discussion.

      108 icons is a lot to manage, and it is certainly cumbersome to have no choice but to create folders to organize them. The app draw is a far simpler and more efficient approach, by every stretch of the imagination.

      108 apps is about 9 iphone homescreens, obviously less if you use folders. I think it's nice to have the choice to just have say, 2 homescreens, with only frequently used applications on there, and not have to dig through folders or screens to find something.

      I don't know how you don't see choice as an advantage, which is what it comes down to.

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    24. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Not sure if that's a fair paraphrasing of what I said.

      The app drawer uses far more screen space than a homescreen does, and I find it easier to navigate when looking for a specific app as things are arranged alphabetically, as opposed to order installed in.

      If I have 200 apps, I can have 2 homescreens with 20 of my most frequently used apps, and go to the app drawer if I need to.

      I don't have that choice on ios.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    25. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by exomondo · · Score: 1

      If I have 200 apps, I can have 2 homescreens with 20 of my most frequently used apps

      On iOS you can do the same thing.

      and go to the app drawer if I need to.

      The app drawer is pointless if you are looking through an alphabetical list of 200 apps, that's a lot of screens and it is far more efficient to just search for it, which you can do on either platform.

    26. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      This is where you became objectively incorrect.

      You cannot do the same thing on iOS, not by any stretch of the imagination. It is a technical limitation, not a subjective preference.

      You have no choice but to have your icons on iOS. You can hide them in folders, but you still need them on the homescreen.

      That's not true on Android. If I only want to have 3 icons and no folders across 2 homescreens, I can. That is impossible on iOS.

      Again, you're trying to argue that a lack of choice is an advantage, It isn't.

      Your second sentence indicates a lack of understanding about how the App Drawer actually works.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    27. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by BasilBrush · · Score: 0

      From your link:
      "A survey of the 1,000 iOS devices that synchronize with Appsfire's mobile app discovery and sharing platform reveal some interesting statistics about app usage by its iOS owners."

      People who download an app who's entire purpose is to discover more apps is not an average user. They are users who enjoy discovering apps. Which means they will have far more apps than average. So all your link tells us is that the average iOS owner has something rather less than 88 downloaded apps.

      108 apps is about 9 iphone homescreens

      You seem to think that the iPhone springboard holds 12 apps per page. Actually it's 20 apps per page. (Plus the 4 fixed ones at the bottom.)

      So 108 apps would be just slightly over 5 pages. And as already established the average iPhone user doesn't have that many.

    28. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by exomondo · · Score: 1

      You cannot do the same thing on iOS, not by any stretch of the imagination. It is a technical limitation, not a subjective preference.

      You have no choice but to have your icons on iOS. You can hide them in folders, but you still need them on the homescreen.

      There is no "the homescreen", you can have as many homescreens as you want.

      That's not true on Android. If I only want to have 3 icons and no folders across 2 homescreens, I can. That is impossible on iOS.

      But I can do 3 icons and no folders across 2 homescreens in exactly the same way and everything else can reside on additional homescreens, from a functional point of view it's the same.

      Again, you're trying to argue that a lack of choice is an advantage, It isn't.

      No i'm not, where do you believe I argued that? I'm saying the additional duplication is pointless. Having everything lumped in one alphabetical list provides no benefit.

      Your second sentence indicates a lack of understanding about how the App Drawer actually works.

      How exactly? It's an alphabetically-sorted grid of application icons, if you add things the positions move so it is always going to be more efficient to search from the homescreen than to open the app drawer and scroll through it. On Android I work the same as I do on iOS because that app drawer is pointless and inefficient.

    29. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Well, here we have a problem. You're making an assumption here, about the average user, and not backing it up with any link or source of your own.

      All we know in fact is that the average user has 88 downloaded apps. It's fine to speculate about how much non-average users are skewing the average, or how close the average is to the median....but that's all it is, speculation.

      So far, all we know is that on average, users tend to have 108 apps on their iPhones. If you have a better source showing different, I'd love to see it.

      As far as homescreens, yes, I did think there were 12 icons per screen. I'm not sure why...perhaps that was on older phones? Anyway, yes, that's 5 pages. 5 pages that the only way to reduce is by using folders. That is the only way.

      The app drawer method, regardless of if you think it better or not, gives you an alternative. So again, you are arguing that more choice is somehow a negative thing.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    30. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Sigh. Why is it so hard for you to just admit you're wrong on this one particular point?

      You've conveniently ignored my point, by focusing on the fact that I said homescreen and not homescreen.

      Let me repeat it for you, clearly and succinctly.

      On iOS, users have no choice but to have icons for all installed applications displayed on their homescreen(s), only being able to organize them in folders or move to to different homescreens, but not prevent them from displaying.

      Androids users are not faced with that restrictions. There is the option of the exact same functionality without ever having to use the app drawer, or you can have only the icons you want on a homescreen and use the app drawer for the rest. I find this far, far more efficient, and even if you disagree on that point, it's nice to have the choice.

      For some reason, you consider this added, different functionality as "additional duplication", when this is clearly not the case. It is not duplicated functionality, it's different functionality. The fact that it can behave exactly like the iPhone as well as in a different way should indicate that.

      Let me give you an example on how my Android is set up. I have one screen of games, a screen of somewhat frequently used apps, and my main screen has my most frequently used apps, as well as some widgets. I simply can't have this setup on iOS. It is technically impossible.

      Oh sure, I can arrange icons in the same way, but then I would have no choice to have additional homescreens with all the other apps I have installed. At the very least, it would be one folder with apps in it making an additional homescreen.

      Just to lay this out further, since I expect you to ignore my argument and focus on semantics. On iOS, I could have one homescreen with 20 games icons, not in any folders. I could have a second homescreen, with 20 apps, with no folders. And a 3rd homescreen with 20 of my most frequently used apps.

      If that is all that I want and I have more apps installed, well it wont work. If I have 40 apps installed, I would either have to have another 2 homescreens without using folders, or at the very least one additional homescreen with 2 folders or some mix of folders and icons.

      That is a technical difference. iOS is unable to give me an option that Android does, while Android offers both methods.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    31. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      All we know in fact is that the average user has 88 downloaded apps.

      No. That was an average of people using that app discovery app.

      Well, here we have a problem. You're making an assumption here, about the average user, and not backing it up with any link or source of your own.

      No assumption needed, it's simple mathematical probability extending from the figures in your link. Some users don't bother with downloaded apps. So when you only consider users of a specific app, rather than users in general, you are not considering these users. That means your average is higher than the true average.

      I did think there were 12 icons per screen. I'm not sure why...perhaps that was on older phones?

      No, the previous screen size had 16 icons per screen. Perhaps you got it from some variety of Android phone?

      5 pages that the only way to reduce is by using folders. That is the only way.
      The app drawer method, regardless of if you think it better or not, gives you an alternative

      No. I'm arguing that putting all downloaded apps on the main screen is better than hiding them away. Better than having another step to put add a shortcut to them on the main screen. Better that the additional (power user) alternative is to hide things (in a folder), rather than to show things (on the main screen)

      However, since you raise the topic of choice. The answer is that choice can sometimes be a positive thing, and sometimes a negative thing, as discussed in the book "The Paradox of Choice". (There's also an interesting TED talk introduction to the topic, which I recommend.) It's absolutely wrong to assume that more choice is better.

    32. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by exomondo · · Score: 1

      You've conveniently ignored my point, by focusing on the fact that I said homescreen and not homescreen.

      You just wrote the exact same thing twice.

      On iOS, users have no choice but to have icons for all installed applications displayed on their homescreen(s), only being able to organize them in folders or move to to different homescreens, but not prevent them from displaying.

      Who cares? Whether they are on a homescreen or in the app drawer makes no difference functionally unless you for some reason need everything there and arranged in alphabetical order, if you need that then great, you don't need to get so emotional about it.

      There is the option of the exact same functionality without ever having to use the app drawer, or you can have only the icons you want on a homescreen and use the app drawer for the rest.

      And on iOS instead of having "the rest" in the app drawer they just end up on additional homescreens, it's essentially the same thing. The point of difference is merely in that "the rest" exist in an alphabetically sorted grid which is the same thing as a homescreen anyway, it's just that it's called the app drawer and you can't arrange them or put them in folders, you have to duplicate them by putting them on the actual homescreen to do that. There really is very little difference between the two so I don't get why you're so hung up on it, it's just like Windows Phone and its 'all applications' list, equally unusable if you have - like you said - 200 apps, which is why searching is far more efficient. But just because it's more efficient doesn't mean you have to prefer it.

    33. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      On iOS, users have no choice but to have icons for all installed applications displayed on their homescreen(s), only being able to organize them in folders or move to to different homescreens, but not prevent them from displaying.

      on android if i want to rearrange or organize all my apps i have to copy them all onto home screens from the app drawer manually in order to do so because when installed they only appear there and the app drawer is very inflexible and does not allow you to organize or arrange your applications. that is a pretty awful situation.

    34. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      You just wrote the exact same thing twice.

      You knew damn well what I meant. Once again you ignored the argument being made and focused on a typo. Indicating you have no counter-argument, so I'll accept your pettiness as admitting you were wrong.

      Who cares? Whether they are on a homescreen or in the app drawer makes no difference functionally unless you for some reason need everything there and arranged in alphabetical order, if you need that then great, you don't need to get so emotional about it.

      Ahh, and here we have it. There is a large functional difference, ideally that having my most frequently used apps arranged in the way I like allows me to be more productive. Perhaps only a slight increase, but more productive nevertheless.

      With your response of "Who cares" you are dismissing that extra functionality, that extra choice because you personally and subjectively see no value in it.

      What cannot be denied though, is the additional choice exists on Android. iOS deprives you of that choice and functionality.

      And on iOS instead of having "the rest" in the app drawer they just end up on additional homescreens, it's essentially the same thing.

      Except it's not. It's a mess and unnecessary clutter, with no other alternative.

      Anyway, I'm done arguing with you about it. You've realized I have a point, after I made it repeatedly.

      The closing point is that just because you don't personally see value in added functionality, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Glad I could get that through to you.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    35. Re:Still inferior and twice the price by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      I'm not going to address the app average points, as I've provided a link and I'm really not interested in your rationalization to try and dismiss it. It's a valid argument, but it isn't worth more than actual cited stats. Sorry.

      In any case, "most users don't have that many apps" isn't a valid counter-argument to a lack of functionality, which is why we even started discussing that.

      No. I'm arguing that putting all downloaded apps on the main screen is better than hiding them away. Better than having another step to put add a shortcut to them on the main screen. Better that the additional (power user) alternative is to hide things (in a folder), rather than to show things (on the main screen)

      The fact is, from an objective standpoint, that Android offers two options. You can effectively disable the App Drawer by removing the icon from the home screen, and setting every new app installed to place an icon on the home screen by default, and make folders as you like. Essentially iOS behaviour.

      Or, instead of having to constantly rearrange icons and make folders, you can have only the apps you use frequently on your homescreens, and have the rest accessibly quickly from an icon arranged in alphabetical order.

      I'm personally far more productive with the latter, and that kind of setup is simply not possible on iOS. On Android, you can work the same as you do on iOS. On iOS, I can't work the way I do on adnroid.

      I see that lack of technical functionality as a disadvantage. The latter way I described is in my way, without a doubt, far more efficient.

      Better than having another step to put add a shortcut to them on the main screen. Better that the additional (power user) alternative is to hide things (in a folder), rather than to show things (on the main screen)

      I'm not sure if you get how the App Drawer works. Have you used it? Hiding icons away doesn't require another step to add a shortcut to the home screen. It is only another step depending if you have automatic placing of new apps on the homescreen disabled or not.

      The power user alternative is not to hide things in a folder. That's the only option iOS users have. The power user option is to use a platform that gives you the choice to hide infrequently used apps while still leaving them easily accessible in alphabetical order, instead of arbitrary order of installation.

      Having to waste space on my homescreens with necessary folders full of infrequently used apps sounds horrible. I'm truly glad I am not forced to do that.

      However, since you raise the topic of choice. The answer is that choice can sometimes be a positive thing, and sometimes a negative thing, as discussed in the book "The Paradox of Choice". (There's also an interesting TED talk introduction to the topic, which I recommend.) It's absolutely wrong to assume that more choice is better.

      I agree with you, but I don't know if I see the relevance of what you wrote, unless you are implying that having the choice to manage your installed apps on your homescreens is somehow not a positive thing?

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
  3. That word classified... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I do not think it means what you think it means.

    1. Re:That word classified... by SirAdelaide · · Score: 1

      I do not think [classified] means what you think it means.

      Logged in post the same thing and was beaten to it.

      --
      I'm a fruit pirate. I bought a watermelon once, and spat the seeds in the back yard. They grew into another watermelon,
    2. Re:That word classified... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 1, Troll

      I certainly wouldn't want to test the limits of Apple's "Global Security" division... Especially not in one of their company towns.

    3. Re:That word classified... by noh8rz10 · · Score: 1

      +1 NSAs

    4. Re:That word classified... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I think it means corporate culture is sick.

    5. Re:That word classified... by jones_supa · · Score: 1

      I do not think it means what you think it means.

      I agree. He's a dickhead. Sure, it's Apple and they will sell millions of this thing anyway. But still, one has a bad work ethic if he goes revealing things like this. He should try to be a team player.

    6. Re:That word classified... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Is he a dickhead or just going through a new marketing campaign? Which would make more noise, Apple announcing a new product in a plain old press release, or someone "leaking" a new product that's so sensational it has to be classified?

  4. Apple is back! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    At last! It's nice to see Apple innovating and taking the lead again.

    1. Re:Apple is back! by geirlk · · Score: 2

      Mod, mark this "insightful", or "flamebait".

    2. Re:Apple is back! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Obvious flamebait as Samsung has been demoing this for quite a while now, Apple just trying to play catch-up and labeling it as innovation, same shit, different day.

      More reasons for iShit to be import blocked at the U.S. Borders.

    3. Re:Apple is back! by TACD · · Score: 1

      Obvious flamebait as Samsung has been demoing this for quite a while now, Apple just trying to play catch-up and labeling it as innovation, same shit, different day.

      More reasons for iShit to be import blocked at the U.S. Borders.

      Mod, mark this "whoosh".

      --
      Security through promiscuity is no better than security through obscurity.
  5. To focus sunlight by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    As explained in the following link:
    http://www.livescience.com/39371-skyscraper-melts-cars-20-fenchurch.html

  6. Curved apples by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have seen flat apples only of on paper so far.
    Curved apples .. that is improvement.

  7. I believe the article title is incorrect. by RightSaidFred99 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Apple is not developing large screen phones with curved displays, they are inventing large screen phones with curved displays.

    1. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by hairyfish · · Score: 1

      So this new iPhone will be exactly like the Samsung Galaxy Round then?

    2. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      No, Samsung stole the idea from Apple, the same way that they stole all those other ideas. With a time machine.

    3. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by Joce640k · · Score: 1

      Now Apple will patent it and sue Samsung for copying them. That's what history will remember.

      --
      No sig today...
    4. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by feral-troll · · Score: 1

      So this new iPhone will be exactly like the Samsung Galaxy Round then?

      No, according to Forbes it will probably be curved from top to bottom like the LG Flex, not curved from side to side like that Samsung device. That, IMHO, makes a bit more sense than curving it from side to side since (as the Forbes article points out) it addresses that little pain-point where either the phone is too far from your mouth, or not close enough to your ear. And I'm afraid that both Apple, LG and Samsung were all beaten to it on the curved mobile phones front by Motorola, the DynaTAC was shaped to bring the microphone closer to your mouth, a feature it inherited from much older conventional land-line phone designs.

    5. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So this new iPhone will be exactly like the Samsung Galaxy Round then?

      No, according to Forbes it will probably be curved from top to bottom like the LG Flex, not curved from side to side like that Samsung device. That, IMHO, makes a bit more sense than curving it from side to side since (as the Forbes article points out) it addresses that little pain-point where either the phone is too far from your mouth, or not close enough to your ear. And I'm afraid that both Apple, LG and Samsung were all beaten to it on the curved mobile phones front by Motorola, the DynaTAC was shaped to bring the microphone closer to your mouth, a feature it inherited from much older conventional land-line phone designs.

      No modern phone (should) have the need for you to have the microphone up close to your mouth. In fact, it is preferable not to, for the person on the other end.

    6. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by fatphil · · Score: 1

      Paging Lucy Koh, paging Lucy Koh, time to wield your magical gavel again...

      --
      Also FatPhil on SoylentNews, id 863
    7. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by rasmusbr · · Score: 2

      Apple's star team of designers and engineers has rethought the whole concept of the phone screen from the ground up and designed a completely new metacarpal retina display that gives the user a profound and natural experience, as the screen follows the natural motion of your thumb and responds to your touch in a way that's completely superior to previous flimsy attempts at curved screens by lesser companies.

    8. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So this new iPhone will be exactly like the Samsung Galaxy Round then?

      No, according to Forbes it will probably be curved from top to bottom like the LG Flex, not curved from side to side like that Samsung device. That, IMHO, makes a bit more sense than curving it from side to side since (as the Forbes article points out) it addresses that little pain-point where either the phone is too far from your mouth, or not close enough to your ear. And I'm afraid that both Apple, LG and Samsung were all beaten to it on the curved mobile phones front by Motorola, the DynaTAC was shaped to bring the microphone closer to your mouth, a feature it inherited from much older conventional land-line phone designs.

      No modern phone (should) have the need for you to have the microphone up close to your mouth. In fact, it is preferable not to, for the person on the other end.

      Maybe, but a curved phone feels more natural, at least it does IMHO. Even so I still think this curved/flex display craze is a fad.

    9. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by dfghjk · · Score: 1

      "That, IMHO, makes a bit more sense than curving it from side to side..."

      Except after you think about it. A phone curved that way doesn't travel as well, doesn't lay flat, and isn't well suited to being used in landscape. It's OK to hold in your hand and worse otherwise (which is most of the time). The single argument in its favor, that the microphone is closer, is contrived. That doesn't matter at all.

    10. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by macbeth66 · · Score: 1

      ::SNORT::

      Good thing I wasn't drinking, yet.

      +1 funny

    11. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Maybe, but a curved phone feels more natural, at least it does IMHO. Even so I still think this curved/flex display craze is a fad.

      I'm hoping they go for a hemispherical design.

      Hey, that thing got a hemi?

    12. Re:I believe the article title is incorrect. by hairyfish · · Score: 1

      Ah, so much closer to the Nokia 8110 from the 90's then?

  8. Out of curiosity... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 1

    Given that capacitive touchscreens are typically intended to be used with input devices (fingers or those ghastly little rubber stylus-things) that deform under pressure, is there something stopping you from computing approximate pressure by examining the size of the area of contact across the duration of the touch? A light touch would presumably be of nearly constant size, with little or no deformation of the user's finger, a heavy touch would have substantially greater surface area at its peak (when the user's finger is deformed against the rigid glass) than during the beginning or end of the touch.

    Are current capacitive touchscreens not high resolution enough for that? Not a high enough refresh rate? Human-meat too unpredictable in deform-ability between subjects?

    1. Re:Out of curiosity... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There's actually a few apps that do this. I think Sketchbook Pro for Android can do it, although it's pretty rough.

    2. Re:Out of curiosity... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You'd be surprised at how low the resolution of the sensors is. What do you think it is?

    3. Re:Out of curiosity... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There is a private API you can use to figure out the "pressure" of the touch, but it was never made public. Some guys made an app using it and only could videodemo it on youtube because Apple would never allow it on the appstore. Walled gardens indeed.

    4. Re:Out of curiosity... by EETech1 · · Score: 2

      Android has a show pointer locations setting in developer options that gives the size and pressure of the touch (among other things) and it seems to give a good indication of both. At least on the 3 devices I've owned, not sure if they all work that well.

      Cheers

    5. Re:Out of curiosity... by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 1

      You'd be surprised at how low the resolution of the sensors is. What do you think it is?

      I honestly have no idea, which is why I'm asking. In my experience with just poking touchscreens, it's always high enough (or well enough hidden behind clever software) that I don't encounter the 'no, damn it, I pressed over here, not over there!' effect (except with ATMs, because those have so much glass between the touch layer and the actual screen, so they are highly sensitive to parallax effects); but, because the intended use case is finger-as-stylus, I've never had occasion to test sub-fingertip levels of accuracy.

  9. Nexus - still on the fence by rsborg · · Score: 5, Informative

    Still with an OS that lacks features that have become standard in other platforms, still with sucky app management, still with a lack of control for a device you won.....all for twice the price of an equivalent Nexus phone.

    No thanks. A phone where I can't install a browser of my choice(not just a reskin), download torrents on, use widgets(yes, they greatly increase productivity) on or not have every damn app as an icon on a home screen isn't much use to me.

    I just bought a Nexus 5, coming from an iPhone5. I still haven't figured out how to get widgets on my lock screen (apparently, it's *not* just a setting in security - all the JB guides refer to things that KitKat doesn't permit). I sure hope that isn't a feature regression, cause I can get weather on my iOS7 lockscreen (with a drop-slider). Furthermore, during setup/install, I had to enter my wifi password twice (once before update, then after update it forgot all my settings), and it blanked out in an enitre screen. Add to that the fact that the built-in PDF renderer failed on 2 documents I tried to download, and that swiftkey is slow to load, the Chrome location bar is poorly spaced (causing me to wipe out several addresses), and the general confusion about how things are done (there's a search app and the browser app - look and behave similarly but aren't the same).

    The bluetooth seems to work better with apps on my Nexus, and the screen real-estate is nice. But ... there are a lot of things that the previous-year iPhone did much better/cleaner than the Nexus does. I'm not going back just yet - but so far it isn't a bed of roses here. Hoping I can sort out some of these expectation misses before I feel forced to send this device back.

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    1. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 2

      Out of curiosity, what would you say the iPhone did better?

      I don't have KitKat so can't help with that, but don't assume the bundle browser is chrome unless it actually says chrome. If it doesn't, may well be worth getting Chrome or Dolphin.

      Also, why would you need swiftkey? The android keyboard does the same thing now.

      For searching, you shouldn't need an app, just use the search bar at the top of every home screen.

      Widgets on lockscreens are still there...

      It sounds like you just have to learn a different way to doing things.

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      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    2. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just to point it out. In my Nexus 5 the default browser *is* Chrome. The icon is that of chrome, its name is chrome as well, and if I select help from the menu it goes straight into the Chrome for Mobile support page. My bet is that this is the case for the OP as well.

      BTW, the default messaging app is Hangouts, this includes SMS. My first action was to install some other SMS application as the way I use it I prefer SMS messages to be isolated in a different app. But I guess that is about preferences (I no longer use SMS with people, but I like them to receive notifications for some stuff.

    3. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by z_gringo · · Score: 1

      Also, why would you need swiftkey? The android keyboard does the same thing now.

      Swiftkey allows you to type in two different languages without autocorrect issues. This is a HUGE deal for people who use regularly use different languages when typing on their phones.

      --
      -- -- Warning. Do not stare directly at the sun.
    4. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by nblender · · Score: 2

      I've also finally managed to order a Nexus-5 to replace my iphone 4... I haven't got it yet but have used and own other Android devices... There are a handful of annoyances with Android devices that iphones don't have but the reverse is also true... I'm switching my phone from IOS to Android primarily due to cost and screen size. My general perception is that IOS is just cleaner and Android is more hacky...

      My annoyances with the Android devices I've owned or used before:

      - When a text message comes in, it should appear as a notification on the lock screen. I shouldn't have to unlock my phone, and drill down to the messaging app to see what's up. I gather this might be vendor specific but on the Motorola Atrix I had, there was no way to do this.
      - The mail client should allow me to edit my quoted text so I can reply with comments in-line instead of forcing me to top-post.. (this might also be vendor specific but my Asus and Atrix both seemed to have the same limitation).
      - Inconsistency in user interface... The buttons at the bottom seem to change purpose depending on the app; and in inconsistent ways. ie: changing settings is different depending on application... Also probably vendor specific.

      My biggest beef is the addon garbage forced on you by the vendor creating an inconsistency from device to device. IOS devices are largely the same from a usability perspective.

    5. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by interkin3tic · · Score: 1

      I've found swiftkey to be shitty in comparison to swype. You might try that.

    6. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Nerdfest · · Score: 1

      Keep in mind that this is like a Windows person moving to OSX. It's a completely different OS and you need to realize up front that things are going to be different. Not even necessarily better or worse, just different.

    7. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 0

      Out of curiosity, what would you say the iPhone did better?
      I don't have KitKat so can't help with that

      Well that's one thing the iPhone does better. Nearly everyone has the latest OS version, because it's available for free download for all the day of release.

      but don't assume the bundle browser is chrome unless it actually says chrome. If it doesn't, may well be worth getting Chrome or Dolphin.

      And that's another thing iPhone does better. You think it's an advantage to be able to use different browsers. But it's no advantage if the one that's pre-installed is a piece of shit, and you have to seek out a good one for yourself. And funnily enough both the browsers you recommend for Android are based on Apple's Webkit. And are available for iOS too.

      By NOT having alternative browser engines, web-site developers know that a site that works on their iPhone works on all iPhones. And users are faced with fewer broken web-sites than on Android. Whilst still having the ability to get specialist browser features by downloading alternative browsers.

    8. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 0

      Long time no see.

      First of all, just because the latest version is available does not by any stroke of the imagination means everybody chooses to upgrade to it. In fact, most users don't because they have no need to do so, as far as they are concerned.

      It's hard to compare the different versions of Android with something like this. Samsung modifies their Android heavily, and role out their own updates and have their own versions separate from Googles. Only stock Android can be compared to ios in the context of updating, and that's a minority of Android platforms.

      And yes, having different browsers is an advantage. No ifs or buts. It's arrogant to say otherwise. Being able to choose a different browser if a page isn't displaying properly alone is a huge advantage. The browser app that came with Android is by no means a piece of shit, it's certainly no worse than Safari, I simply wanted something more feature rich. See, I have that choice.

      It really doesn't matter if the browsers I recommend use Webkit or not. Considering they display pages differently (and that Chrome no longer uses webkit anyhow), there are certainly differences in the implementation. And no, those browsers are not available for ios. Skins for safari that make them look slike those browsers are available. The only legitimate alternative browser for ios is Opera Mini.

      The disadvantage you mention, of different browsers causing a design headache, that's not a problem. Standards are a pretty easy fix. I very rarely have problems displaying pages on my phone. On the other hand, on an iPhone when I do have a problem, I have to use an android or a desktop to view the site, since I can't use a different browser.

      Since Apple doesn't allow me to. Think about that.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    9. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Rich0 · · Score: 2

      You think it's an advantage to be able to use different browsers. But it's no advantage if the one that's pre-installed is a piece of shit, and you have to seek out a good one for yourself.

      The default Android browser these days is Chrome. It is about as good as it gets.

      And funnily enough both the browsers you recommend for Android are based on Apple's Webkit.

      You mean KDE's KHTML? It is an open-source library - lots of people have contributed to it, certainly including Google.

      That said, while I don't use other rendering engines these days I'm certainly happy to have a choice - it keeps Google/Apple/etc honest.

    10. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by MildlyTangy · · Score: 1

      There is a quicker, easier and more power efficient way of checking the weather. Not only that, this one weird trick does not require you to pull your smartphone ( sorry, I meant iPhone, dont h8 me) out of your pocket! Look out the window.

    11. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      First of all, just because the latest version is available does not by any stroke of the imagination means everybody chooses to upgrade to it. In fact, most users don't because they have no need to do so, as far as they are concerned.

      This is demonstrable nonsense. In a week, iOS7 already had a 64% adoption rate. And is up to about 75% now.
      http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/22/200-million-devices-running-ios-7-five-days-after-launch-64-of-all-idevices-20-million-itunes-radio-listeners/
      https://mixpanel.com/trends/#report/ios_7

      On Android, the adoption rate is snail-like. But that's not a lack of need. It's because most Android users don't have the option.
      KitKat has a 0.2% adoption. And even the previous 16 month old version (Jelly Bean) is only up to 62%.
      https://mixpanel.com/trends/#report/android_kitkat

      And no, those browsers are not available for ios. Skins for safari that make them look slike those browsers are available.

      Again, that's demonstably false. They ARE available for iOS. You don't get to decide that. Dolphin, that YOU recommended, uses the same Webkit whether on Android or iOS.

      Chrome on Android does indeed use Blink, but that was only forked away from Webkit very recently, and there are no significant rendering differences. Blink was forked so that Google could strip out code for non-Google browsers. There's no user impact as of yet.

    12. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      The default Android browser these days is Chrome. It is about as good as it gets.

      I don't know. My comments are based on the GPs complaint about Chrome and the parents comment about not assuming it is chrome.

      You mean KDE's KHTML?

      No. Webkit was forked away from KHTML 11 years ago. Back them KHTML was just 140,000 lines of code. Webkit is millions. I'm not sure how many millions, but Google claimed they stripped out 8.8 million lines of code which were not needed for Chrome when they forked Blink, so it's significantly larger than that.

      Certainly Google have contributed to Webkit, since when they launched Chrome, Webkit was their best option of layout engine. Apple having spent 6 years on it by that time.

      Like you I don't have any need to run any other engine than Webkit. And given the way Webkit leads the standards bodies and other browser engines, I'm not sure what competition is doing. Heck what IS the competition these days? The latest version Firefox using Gecko, what received by a chorus of disapproval on Slashdot the other day, with most agreeing that it stopped being a decent browser about a decade ago. And then there's IE - enough said.

    13. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Demonstrable nonsense indeed. You've proven my point for me. A 64% adoption rate is quite a bit different from nearly everybody, which is what you originally claimed.

      And I already explain why Android adoption to ios adoption is not apples to apples. Android is heavily modified by phone makers who roll out their version. It's more complex than just looking at numbers for the single Android release that Google provides.

      And again, as I explained, other browsers are not available for ios. Only the user interface portion. They still can't run code, correct? They are still Safari underneath, correct? Unlike say Chrome or Firefox or Opera on android. Android has true alternate browsers, not just re-skinned versions of Safari.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    14. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Demonstrable nonsense indeed. You've proven my point for me. A 64% adoption rate is quite a bit different from nearly everybody, which is what you originally claimed.

      Actually it is 75% and when compared to KitKat at 0.2% I would certainly characterize that as nearly everybody but if you prefer how about that iOS's adoption rate is 375 times higher than Android.

      And I already explain why Android adoption to ios adoption is not apples to apples. Android is heavily modified by phone makers who roll out their version. It's more complex than just looking at numbers for the single Android release that Google provides.

      And in that lies the problem. The fragmentation in terms of available features, exclusive applications, APIs and look & feel. Is it a true Android application or is it a Google Android application that requires Google Play Services? If it isnt an authorized Google device then you can only run stock Android applications because Google Play Services is proprietary and closed so even though you have an Android device you cant install it (so much for openness). And if the application requires Google Play Services features that arent in the version you have then you need to wait for the OEM to update your version (in many cases they wont) and then for the carrier to make their modifications and approve the OS for distribution. It is a convoluted situation that results in an inconsistent experience across "Android" devices.

    15. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by mdielmann · · Score: 1

      I look outside, it's cloudy. I look at my phone - cloudy, 22 degrees C, light wind. Now I know I don't need a jacket. Both let me know I don't need an umbrella, yet.

      --
      Sure I'm paranoid, but am I paranoid enough?
    16. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Next time just go with "Due to my emotional attachment to my phone model/brand/operating system, parent's critical post really affected me personally and I feel deeply upset by it."

    17. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm an avid android user but widgets on the lock screen have just been implemented poorly in ICS and are more of a pain than they are worth. They don't seem to give much useful information, allow you to expand them so that the unlock button is moved to the bottom which you then have to touch and then perform the standard unlock process. I frequently accidentally expand them when I wanted to unlock so I've disabled them. If they got rid of the stupid expanding method then they would be fine. Need more space? Just unlock the bleeding thing! Don't know about kitkat, we shall see. That being said, one poor feature in one OS does not make up for so so many poor features and restrictions in another. And this is another clear case of apple going ahead and copying android and other manufacturers, not that I have a problem with that, just that it's not the innovation they will probably claim it to be. The only other major gripe I have with android is the crapware that comes preinstalled with most, but then again I root mine and install cyanogenmod so it's not an issue for me personally.

    18. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by rsborg · · Score: 1

      There is a quicker, easier and more power efficient way of checking the weather. Not only that, this one weird trick does not require you to pull your smartphone ( sorry, I meant iPhone, dont h8 me) out of your pocket!

      Look out the window.

      Nice snark, but I need to know what the temperature range is for the day so I can appropriately dress my school-bound kid. Getting this wrong can result in a sick kid, or one that's sweaty and annoyed when she comes back home. Where I live it can be 45deg and cloudy in the morning (most day start off cloudy) , but 75+ and sunny by noontime (yes, even in November).

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    19. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by Rich0 · · Score: 1

      The default Android browser these days is Chrome. It is about as good as it gets.

      I don't know. My comments are based on the GPs complaint about Chrome and the parents comment about not assuming it is chrome.

      Well, as you pointed out not all Android phones run recent OSes. Individual phone vendors can also do just about anything they want to the core OS (there are limitations if they want to use the Google apps, but I don't know that shipping/defaulting Chrome is one of them). I've seen phone vendors do some really dumb things with Android...

      However, Chrome has been out for over a year now on Android and is almost always the default. I hear with KitKat it is also becoming the default browser engine - previously if you stuck an html viewer in an app it used the AOSP browser which wasn't quite as capable (though still webkit-based, so not horrible).

      Don't get me wrong, I'm as frustrated as anybody with the state of OS updates on Android and will certainly acknowledge that Apple does a FAR better job here. Even the Nexus line only gets updates for 18 months, while most iOS devices get them for 2-3 years. On the other hand, I can buy two Nexus phones for the price of one iPhone, and for less if you factor in NPV (since I won't buy the second phone at the same time). I ended up switching to a mobile plan that doesn't include phone subsidies so that I'm a bit more free to update hardware on my own schedule.

    20. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      I'm glad you can implicitly admit you were wrong. Your original claim is that when ios 7 was released nearly everybody was on it. When in fact it was about 2/3rds. That isn't nearly everybody. I also doubt it was 65% on the day of launch, but whatever. 75% after two months is better though, for sure.

      The fragmentation issue you mention is not an issue as you try to frame it. It's also funny that as an ios fanboi you are trying to attack Play Services for being closed and proprietary.

      Fragmentation is really only an issue with updates and user interface. As far as from a programming perspective, the APIs don't change, the code doesn't change, and the same app will happily run against various versions of Android without issue.

      You actually make a few claims there that are simply bullshit, and you seem to be spreading FUD. For what reason I don't know. Let's look at them.

      If it isnt an authorized Google device then you can only run stock Android applications because Google Play Services is proprietary and closed so even though you have an Android device you cant install it (so much for openness)

      That doesn't even make sense. Any android phone can run and install and app in the play store. There may be some apps that require a newer version, but that's rare and no different with some ios apps requiring a newer version.

      Stock android apps would refer to only those apps that are bundled with the base os, such as the text messaging or contacts app. Which every phone, stock or not can run....

      And if the application requires Google Play Services features that aren't in the version you have then you need to wait for the OEM to update your version

      Actually, this isn't true either. Google's approach to fix the fragmentation problem is to push play services updates as separate from the rest of android, so any version of android on any carrier will still get the update.

      And again, it's rare to find an app that won't install. I've still got an old phone running ICS, and it has the same apps as my galaxy nexus. games, office stuff, networking stuff, various phone utilities etc....I don't think outside of certain games I ran into something I couldn't install.

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      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    21. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      Oh dear. I demonstrate with links that you are demonstrably wrong on some of your claims, and then it's name calling in response from you. "ios fanboi" indeed.

      You then go on to attribute some comments from an Anonymous Coward to me. I can't comment either way on those comments because they are not a part of the Android scene I'm familiar with.

      It was a decent discussion for a while. Shame it didn't stay that way.

    22. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      I apologize for calling you an iOS fanboi. You didn't stoop to that level, and in retrospect, I am ashamed that I did. For what it's worth, I do apologize.

      As far as the links you provided, I've explained several times why they are meaningless.iOS adoption measures the entire spectrum of iOS 7 adoption. Measuring KitKat adoption only measures stock Android KitKat adoption, which is a very small minority of actual Android platforms.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    23. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by strikethree · · Score: 1

      I would recommend Cyanogen Mod. Sure, you should not have to do it, but on the other hand, you at least have the option of doing it. Amongst much more important reasons to use it, CM by default comes with a weather app that displays on the lockscreen.

      --
      "Someone needs to talk to the tree of liberty about its ghoulish drinking problem." by ohnocitizen
    24. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 0

      Thanks for the apology. That's decent of you.

      I think I've missed your explanations as to why they are meaningless. Why would the Kit-Kat figure only count stock Android? Is it that Kit-Kat isn't available to anyone other than those running stock Android? If not, where would those other Kit-Kat users be listed.

      If it is just that it's only available to some Android users and not others, whilst all iOS devices* have access to iOS 7, then that doesn't make it meaningless. That's one of the benefits that iOS users get that most Android users don't. And so it's very relevant.

      (* that are powerful enough to be able to run iOS7.)

    25. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      More than happy to apologize. I think too often in these debates on slashdot names like that get hurled around...I expect it and it never really bothers me much. I was kind of surprised to see that I struck first...

      The figures are meaningless because measuring stock Android adoption does nothing to show it's actual adoption. Think of it like this...measuring adoption rates for the latest Debian upgrade only measures Debian users. It doesn't also measure every distro based on Debian that is slower to roll those changes into their version, or omit those changes and provide their own.

      The changes KitKat brings will be pushed out to other phones and versions of android, even if they don't use stock Android KitKat.

      All users do have access to stock Android, so that isn't an advantage iOS users have. It's just that most users tend to stick with their manufacturer modified version due to not caring, or actually liking that version better.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    26. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      I'm not sure why you are saying those figures are for stock Android only? They look like they are for any and all Android variants.

      All users do have access to stock Android, so that isn't an advantage iOS users have.

      That's not true either. Whilst users can often replace the shipped Android version with Cyanogenmod, it relies on the specific phone actually being supported by Cyanogenmod. And depending on the phone, that can take time to happen, or may not happen at all.

      Here's a list of devices supported by Cyanogenmod. The implication is that there are others that are not supported at all.
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_devices_supported_by_CyanogenMod

    27. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      Because that's how Android has worked...for some time now. Having owned a Samsung phone, I know that I don't get pushed the latest updates from Google...I get updates for their modified Android on Samsung's own schedule.

      Those figures don't extend to HTC, Samsung, LG etc versions of Android, which are not considered KitKat but will still incorporate most of the improvements.

      I'm also not sure why you brought up CyanogenMod. I referred to stock Android, not Cyanogen.

      Anyway, I'm not sure why you were trying to argue why iPhones having access to new versions of their operating system was an advantage over android phones, that also have access to new versions of their operating system.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    28. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      Because that's how Android has worked...for some time now. Having owned a Samsung phone, I know that I don't get pushed the latest updates from Google...I get updates for their modified Android on Samsung's own schedule.

      OK, you're referring to the fact that manufacturer tweaked versions aren't available till some months after the Google Nexus version. (And sometimes not at all). You say that makes it non-comparable. I say that's the fundamental problem that makes the Android far worse than iOS for OS updates.

      Android CAN'T keep up with iOS for speed of adoption of new versions. That doesn't mean we don't compare them. It's a very valid pro/con which people choosing one or the other platform are likely to consider.

      Anyway, I'm not sure why you were trying to argue why iPhones having access to new versions of their operating system was an advantage over android phones, that also have access to new versions of their operating system.

      ??? Because time matters. You do know that. Just because you prefer Android overall doesn't mean it's a good idea for you to pretend that iOS doesn't have advantages in areas where it does.

    29. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by metrix007 · · Score: 1

      OK, you're referring to the fact that manufacturer tweaked versions aren't available till some months after the Google Nexus version. (And sometimes not at all). You say that makes it non-comparable. I say that's the fundamental problem that makes the Android far worse than iOS for OS updates.

      No, that isn't quiet what I'm saying.

      I'm saying the improvements in KitKat will be rolled into the manufacturer tweaked versions, and those manufacturer tweaked versions are not necessarily considered Android 4.4 KitKat.

      I don't see how that's a problem at all, it certainly isn't a disadvantage over iOS as a platform. If you want the stock version, you can get that. If you prefer a manufacturer tweaked version then you can have that. It's about choice.

      As I explained earlier, there are no real downsides to this outside of specialized apps and 3d games.

      ??? Because time matters. You do know that. Just because you prefer Android overall doesn't mean it's a good idea for you to pretend that iOS doesn't have advantages in areas where it does.

      I do prefer Android, but that doesn't blind me to any advantages iOS may have. The only advnatage I've ever seen is having a .com button in the keyboard by default. Not a great selling point.

      Manufacturer tweaked versions having a development schedule to stock android is not a disadvantage. It's just different.

      Ubuntu may not have a new feature Debian has as soon as they have it, but they may roll their own new feature separate from that (not a great analogy as I know most features are in the kernel, but hopefully you get my point).

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    30. Re:Nexus - still on the fence by BasilBrush · · Score: 1

      If you want the stock version, you can get that.

      You keep saying that, and it's not true. Each phone needs it's own build, and you can only use a build if someone's created it. That either takes time, or it doesn't happen at all, depending on the Android phone.

      I don't see how that's a problem at all, it certainly isn't a disadvantage over iOS as a platform.

      You can lead a horse to water but you can make it drink.

  10. No, no, no, I got a better one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    They are developing smart watches. You hear that, Samsung? SMART WATCHES! Yeah.

  11. What??!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    What the hell is wrong with these people? Now everyone is fixating on curve displays? They aren't done screwing everything up with the previous fixation - convergence. Is this the madness for 2014? Talk about religion.

    1. Re:What??!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What the hell is wrong with these people? Now everyone is fixating on curve displays? They aren't done screwing everything up with the previous fixation - convergence. Is this the madness for 2014? Talk about religion.

      For additional pixels on the screen without making phone higher/wider. Got it?

    2. Re:What??!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What the hell is wrong with these people? Now everyone is fixating on curve displays? They aren't done screwing everything up with the previous fixation - convergence. Is this the madness for 2014? Talk about religion.

      For additional pixels on the screen without making phone higher/wider. Got it?

      It doesn't make a damn bit of difference for that (scroll up for post with the actual calculation, the effect is miniscule).

  12. The cost of consonants by shikari666 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Is the letter "d" particularly expensive these days?

    "...iPhone models will come with curve displays and enhance touchscreen sensors," Why not, "curved displays and enhanced touchscreen sensors"?

    I'm not so much a grammar Nazi as someone who believes that if you're going to write something for a large (or even small) audience you should make an effort to write clearly in respect for that audience. I'll probably get the "You jerk, you know what he meant!" response but I stand by my point.

    1. Re:The cost of consonants by PatPending · · Score: 1
      Is the possessive apostrophe particularly expensive these days?

      "...told Bloomberg that Apple next iPhone models will come with..." and "...would be Apple largest iPhones."

      Why not "Apple's next iPhone" and "Apple's largest iPhones?" Because as girlintraining posted elsewhere,

      "Dice doesn't have dedicated slashdot editors anymore. They are editors of a dozen or so sites. Really now, what kind of quality do you expect now that they've sold out and now monetize the web synergies to create a new market paradigm of customer-focused informational advertisements?"

      --
      What one fool can do, another can. (Ancient Simian Proverb)
    2. Re:The cost of consonants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I see this all the time in emails at work and it drives me crazy. I think some people really don't know that a "d" belongs on the end of those words because you don't always hear it when spoken. Especially when it's followed by a word that begins with a voiced dental plosive. It's kind of awkward to say "curved display" while pronouncing both d's clearly, so most people run them together.

    3. Re:The cost of consonants by Megahard · · Score: 1

      Apple decide to remove verb tense, as it just clutter the interface and provide no additional information.

      --
      I eat only the real part of complex carbohydrates.
    4. Re:The cost of consonants by WD · · Score: 1

      You're criticizing the grammar of a submitter's summary? You must be new here.

    5. Re:The cost of consonants by RNLockwood · · Score: 1

      ed touchscreen sensors"?
      I'm not so much a grammar Nazi as someone who believes that if you're going to write something for a large (or even small) audience you should make an effort to write clearly in respect for that audience. I'll probably get the "You jerk, you know what he meant!" response but I stand by my point.

      He probably meant to to say "I'm not so much a grammar Nazi as someone who believes that if one's going to write something for a large (or even small) audience one should make an effort to write clearly in respect for that audience. I'll probably get the "You jerk, you know what he meant!" response but I stand by my point."

      I'll probably get the "You jerk, you know what he meant!" response, too, but I stand by my point.

      --
      Nate
    6. Re:The cost of consonants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      On the other hand, the only reason I clicked through on the article was to see how many snarky grammar corrections were here.

    7. Re:The cost of consonants by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You jerk, you know what he meant!

  13. iWatch? by Tablizer · · Score: 2

    Maybe the curved screen is for the planned iWatch. Apple tends to use tricks so the press and industrial spies don't know accurately what feature will go to which product.

    1. Re:iWatch? by Carewolf · · Score: 1

      That is how I would design a smart watch. Not watch sized, but a widescreen smart phone worn on the arm.

    2. Re:iWatch? by Tablizer · · Score: 1

      More like an iArmBand

    3. Re:iWatch? by Tarlus · · Score: 1

      iVambrace?

      --
      /* No Comment */
  14. What's the point? by scsirob · · Score: 1

    I just can't see how a curved display is any better than a flat one. It makes the shape of the phone awkward, it becomes unstable on a flat surface unless the back of the phone is flat. In which case the sides are much thicker than needed. To me this is a totally unnecessary gimmick. Next up: Wavy displays, round displays, triangle displays. But Why?!?? Different != Better.

    --
    To Terminate, or not to Terminate, that's the question - SCSIROB
    1. Re:What's the point? by zwei2stein · · Score: 1

      Have you ever put your cellphone into your poket?

      --
      -- Technology for the sake of technology is as pathetic as eschewing technology because it's technology.
    2. Re:What's the point? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, a flat one would slide in much more easily and take up less room.

    3. Re:What's the point? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      My guess is that they want to keep the phone small / narrow so that it is still comfortable to grasp in your hand (button/switch position). The curve is probably some sort of lens to make the screen appear larger to the user. So you get the benefit of a larger view with a smaller phone without having to carry around a magnifying glass.

  15. These would likely win customers back by Camembert · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I currently live in Asia (1.5 years in Singapore and now in Hong Kong) and I've seen Android (mainly Samsung) phones getting more and more popular over that period. This is very obvious when observing people in the metro.

    From discussions, it is mainly the large screen size that draws many people to these Samsung devices. Leaving out the tiring arguments of fanboys of each camp, non-technical people liked the iphones just fine, sometimes preferring the way it works, but mainly they prefer a bigger screen.

    Myself, I prefer a compact phone - I have an iPhone 4S and would love it with 5S guts. But it is obvious that Apple should have been selling bigger phones since a good time already. So, considering that the brand still has goodwill amongst non slashdotty users, I can imagine that they will win back some users with these bigger phones.

    Regarding the technical changes. I like the idea of a pressure-level sensitive sensor. I can imagine that a curved screen will look very posh (nothing wrong with that, in fact since a number of years I like buying things that are nicely designed, even if at a premium), but it's to my mind not really a true value add. I do expect that a curved screen will look much more natural on an eventual iWatch.

    1. Re:These would likely win customers back by feral-troll · · Score: 1

      I currently live in Asia (1.5 years in Singapore and now in Hong Kong) and I've seen Android (mainly Samsung) phones getting more and more popular over that period. This is very obvious when observing people in the metro.

      From discussions, it is mainly the large screen size that draws many people to these Samsung devices. Leaving out the tiring arguments of fanboys of each camp, non-technical people liked the iphones just fine, sometimes preferring the way it works, but mainly they prefer a bigger screen.

      Myself, I prefer a compact phone - I have an iPhone 4S and would love it with 5S guts. But it is obvious that Apple should have been selling bigger phones since a good time already. So, considering that the brand still has goodwill amongst non slashdotty users, I can imagine that they will win back some users with these bigger phones.

      Regarding the technical changes. I like the idea of a pressure-level sensitive sensor. I can imagine that a curved screen will look very posh (nothing wrong with that, in fact since a number of years I like buying things that are nicely designed, even if at a premium), but it's to my mind not really a true value add. I do expect that a curved screen will look much more natural on an eventual iWatch.

      That sums it up pretty nicely. Outside of Slashdot nobody gives a rats ass about this holy war against the Anti Christ (aka. Apple). People buy what they like and a lot of them like phones with large displays.

    2. Re:These would likely win customers back by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I currently live in Asia (1.5 years in Singapore and now in Hong Kong) and I've seen Android (mainly Samsung) phones getting more and more popular over that period. This is very obvious when observing people in the metro.

      From discussions, it is mainly the large screen size that draws many people to these Samsung devices. Leaving out the tiring arguments of fanboys of each camp, non-technical people liked the iphones just fine, sometimes preferring the way it works, but mainly they prefer a bigger screen.

      Myself, I prefer a compact phone - I have an iPhone 4S and would love it with 5S guts. But it is obvious that Apple should have been selling bigger phones since a good time already. So, considering that the brand still has goodwill amongst non slashdotty users, I can imagine that they will win back some users with these bigger phones.

      Regarding the technical changes. I like the idea of a pressure-level sensitive sensor. I can imagine that a curved screen will look very posh (nothing wrong with that, in fact since a number of years I like buying things that are nicely designed, even if at a premium), but it's to my mind not really a true value add. I do expect that a curved screen will look much more natural on an eventual iWatch.

      i like what u r saying and i like the Re:
      not posting as Anonymous Coward
      slayerwulfe cave aka kevinchristy6@gmail.com

    3. Re:These would likely win customers back by MidnightBrewer · · Score: 1

      The majority of the large-screen demographic in Asia is women, not men. They want a single device and have bags to carry them in regardless of size. Men are more likely to have a smaller smartphone and a tablet to go with it.

      --
      "Give a man fire, and he'll be warm for a day; set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life
    4. Re:These would likely win customers back by AmiMoJo · · Score: 1

      Pressure sensitive touch screens won't be very useful on a mobile device. When you are holding the phone in one hand you have fairly limited ability to vary the pressure you touch with. There are not many applications where it could have much practical purpose.

      --
      const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
      SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
    5. Re:These would likely win customers back by Camembert · · Score: 1

      From my direct observation, plenty of men have bigger size phones as well here in Hong Kong.

    6. Re:These would likely win customers back by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They probably only look posh to those who were born in the late 90s as they don't remember how ugly curved screens looked... Trust me you'll get over it quickly.

    7. Re:These would likely win customers back by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Regarding these changes, I think it just points to how polished the slate form factor has become. Basically, vendors have to pursue every possible avenue in order to improve on the phones.

      1. Apple has already made their phones pretty much as slim as possible (or at least as thin as most users would care for), so the only incremental way to improve pocketability would is to curve the screen (although I would contend they ought to round off the back a little as well, my pocket currently has an iphone shaped shadow where my phone sits).
      2. Touch screen responsiveness is already near-instant response and more accurate than fingers are, so again the only improvements available here are incremental. I can't imagine pressure sensitivity being a game changer for the cell phone form factor (fingers are too fat to do anything terribly precise), however this might marginally improve precision in certain cases by making more data available regarding finger location. (for the ipad however, this would probably be a bigger deal)

      It kind of sticks of desperation: Why do consumers need to stick to a 2 yr. upgrade cycle, if all the phones are completely refined already? Apple/Samsung/LG/Asus/Etc. are clearly mining an increasingly bare landscape for ways to keep ahead of the competition.

  16. widgets on the lock screen by YesIAmAScript · · Score: 2, Interesting

    First you need to check that box in security as you saw.

    Then at the lock screen sweep from left (all the way left) to right. You'll get to a blank screen with a plus sign on it. Click the plus sign and you can add a widget.Now if you want that to be the default widget instead of one you have to sweep to get to, then you have to sweep back to the main lock screen, click and hold it and drag it to the "remove" item at the top.

    The setup/install is screwed, you do have to go through setup at least partially twice due to that update.

    The PDF renderer is bizarre and on top of that it interacts with the terrible download UI in bad ways. Frequently my phone will finish the pdf download in the notifications, then show nothing at all, then like 30 seconds later it'll bring a PDF reader to the front (my Nexus 4 did it too). And if you want to view the PDF again later, you have to click the link again, watch it download (not sure it's downloading or just verifying an existing download) before it can be viewed again.

    I love how the notifications work compared to the iPhone though. And the keyboard is about 10x better than the iPhone one, using the iPhone one now is like torture to me.

    It kills me that there is virtually no help for anything. Try asking the phone questions like "what are those icons up at the top of the screen" (the notifications). You can do so either with the excellent voice search or by typing it, either way it won't give you any answer, it just searches the web. And even if a result comes back from the web, the result isn't keyed to the OS you are running. Back when I was running ICS on my Nexus 4 I would search and get "help" answers that only applied to Gingerbread.

    Speaking of notifications, I watched two ladies use their Samsung Galaxies last week, both had notifications lined up all across the top of their screen. They didn't know what a notification was, how to view/answer it or how to make them go away. Really sad.

    I do like the Nexus 5 though, better than the Nexus 4 I had before it. And it's a heck of a value. But it still has a ways to go to catch up to the iPhone in usability in many ways.

    Now, if I could just get Apple to see what the Nexus 5 does right and copy that. The price. The screen. The keyboard. The ability to use bluetooth (non-4.0) devices without an Apple auth chip installed. The ability to use other mail clients as if they were built-in.

    --
    http://lkml.org/lkml/2005/8/20/95
    1. Re:widgets on the lock screen by metrix007 · · Score: 0

      I can't see anywhere Android has to catch up to IOS int erms of usability...for me it's purely the other way around.

      I'm not being a fanboi here...I've used both...and maybe it is just preference, but everything on ios is harder and less seamless, largely due to the reduced functionality/feature set.

      --
      If you ignore ACs because they are anonymous - you're an idiot.
    2. Re:widgets on the lock screen by rsborg · · Score: 1

      First you need to check that box in security as you saw.

      Then at the lock screen sweep from left (all the way left) to right. You'll get to a blank screen with a plus sign on it. Click the plus sign and you can add a widget.Now if you want that to be the default widget instead of one you have to sweep to get to, then you have to sweep back to the main lock screen, click and hold it and drag it to the "remove" item at the top.

      The setup/install is screwed, you do have to go through setup at least partially twice due to that update.

      The PDF renderer is bizarre and on top of that it interacts with the terrible download UI in bad ways. Frequently my phone will finish the pdf download in the notifications, then show nothing at all, then like 30 seconds later it'll bring a PDF reader to the front (my Nexus 4 did it too). And if you want to view the PDF again later, you have to click the link again, watch it download (not sure it's downloading or just verifying an existing download) before it can be viewed again.

      I love how the notifications work compared to the iPhone though. And the keyboard is about 10x better than the iPhone one, using the iPhone one now is like torture to me.

      It kills me that there is virtually no help for anything. Try asking the phone questions like "what are those icons up at the top of the screen" (the notifications). You can do so either with the excellent voice search or by typing it, either way it won't give you any answer, it just searches the web. And even if a result comes back from the web, the result isn't keyed to the OS you are running. Back when I was running ICS on my Nexus 4 I would search and get "help" answers that only applied to Gingerbread.

      Speaking of notifications, I watched two ladies use their Samsung Galaxies last week, both had notifications lined up all across the top of their screen. They didn't know what a notification was, how to view/answer it or how to make them go away. Really sad.

      I do like the Nexus 5 though, better than the Nexus 4 I had before it. And it's a heck of a value. But it still has a ways to go to catch up to the iPhone in usability in many ways.

      Now, if I could just get Apple to see what the Nexus 5 does right and copy that. The price. The screen. The keyboard. The ability to use bluetooth (non-4.0) devices without an Apple auth chip installed. The ability to use other mail clients as if they were built-in.

      I did finally get the lock-screen widget setup - man that was impossible to find. I felt like I just discovered a konami code here. I've figured out most of the other stuff (notification results, downloads). Text selection is a PITA in Android compared to iOS (maybe arrow keys will help) - how am I supposed to replace a word (i.e., when the auto-guess fails) other than to backspace heavily?

      The phone itself is quite nice - It's definitely a great deal compared to an HTC One, but the plastic is still taking some getting used to, when coming from metal and glass.

      --
      Make sure everyone's vote counts: Verified Voting
  17. Anonymous coward? by gnasher719 · · Score: 1

    An Apple insider who asked not to be identified because the information is classifiedâ¦

    In other words, an unverifiable rumour from an unverifiable source. It appeared first on MacRumors, where it has some justification to appear because it is about rumours. It does not fit under "news for nerds", because it isn't news.

    1. Re:Anonymous coward? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I suppose we are invited to assume that Bloomberg has verified the source's identity, it being a news agency and all that.

      There's a subtle semantic difference between "asked not to be identified" and "anonymous", by the way.

    2. Re:Anonymous coward? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fortunately for Bloomberg, the source had his Ralphs Value Club Card

  18. Samsung patent by stenvar · · Score: 1

    Apple has chosen as its trademark a small, flat, long, and narrow rectangle with rounded corners. And Apple made a big deal over this. Apple made their bed, let them sleep in it.

    Samsung ended up with the rounded smooth shapes. Samsung should patent the look and feel of phones with curved screens. They could file separate patents for different curvatures.

    1. Re:Samsung patent by jo_ham · · Score: 1

      Apple has chosen as its trademark a small, flat, long, and narrow rectangle with rounded corners. And Apple made a big deal over this. Apple made their bed, let them sleep in it.

      Samsung ended up with the rounded smooth shapes. Samsung should patent the look and feel of phones with curved screens. They could file separate patents for different curvatures.

      Err... they do?

      Samsung has design patents on its own phones too.

      You don't think design patents are unique to Apple do you?

    2. Re:Samsung patent by gnasher719 · · Score: 1

      Samsung ended up with the rounded smooth shapes. Samsung should patent the look and feel of phones with curved screens. They could file separate patents for different curvatures.

      They not only should, but they have. Samsung has design patents for their Galaxy phones (I haven't looked for others). Design patents that consist of a list of design details, including corners that are rounded in a certain way.

  19. Such a pathetic copy of Samsung by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Apple, do you even innovate?

  20. Apple Developing != Apple Selling by MidnightBrewer · · Score: 2

    Apple develops many things that never go to market. Inside sources usually give up this information for a chance at being important.

    --
    "Give a man fire, and he'll be warm for a day; set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life
  21. Classified. You keep using that word. by Da+w00t · · Score: 1

    I do not think it means what you think it means. Classified documents originate from a classification authority. There is no classification authority within Apple. Classification authorities are within the state and federal government. While Apple is large (and last I heard had more money than the federal reserve), that doesn't mean they can classify documents :)

    Now, there can be trade secrets, that's an entirely different thing. :)

    --

    da w00t. mtfnpy?
  22. Not phones, folks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    People keep thinking that this is for phone technology. It's not.
    It's a general purpose technology... why jump immediately to a phone.
    It seems to me it's much better suited for a watch/bracelet anyway.

  23. Curved screens are so '90s by havana9 · · Score: 1

    I remember curved CRT monitors and TV set. When flat screen CRT appeared was a welcome innovation. Why on phones we have to go back in ergonomy only for the novelty factor? What next? iPhones will be equipped with vertical and horizontal hold knobs and only for US and Japan a Tint Knob?

    1. Re:Curved screens are so '90s by serbanp · · Score: 1

      the old CRTs were convex, reflecting light from all over the place (hence glare). This new fad is about concave displays, which have far less glare than even the flat ones.

      I've seen some posts above mentioning the curved Galaxy and how bad the glare is in the pictures; the posters must have been drunk or trolling, because the pictures clearly show how little glare there is.

  24. Re:Classified. You keep using that word. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I do not think it means what you think it means. Classified documents originate from a classification authority. There is no classification authority within Apple. Classification authorities are within the state and federal government. While Apple is large (and last I heard had more money than the federal reserve), that doesn't mean they can classify documents :)

    Now, there can be trade secrets, that's an entirely different thing. :)

    "classified" means categorized.

    "Classified 'Top Secret' by the US Army" is not he same things as "Classified 'junk' by GMail", but both are valid uses of the term. I'm sure Apple has a classification system for their research documents.

  25. Credible? by Dixie_Flatline · · Score: 1

    I like how everyone takes this rumour as EXTREMELY credible, like this is definitely what we're getting next year. Apple works on lots of stuff. They've probably been working with the ergonomics of curved screens in mockups for years, but who knows?

    I like Apple rumours as much as the next guy, but this is clickbait. Nobody knows what Apple will do for their phones next year. They'll be faster, and maybe they'll be bigger. They'll probably have a different design, but I suspect that the design will actually stay more or less the same. They've got a lot invested in their relatively iconic design. You may not like the design of the iPhone, but it's recognisable, and that's important.

    1. Re:Credible? by tuo42 · · Score: 1

      I think that maybe they are working on it to see if there are advantages, but I don't think they will release it.

      It might be a simple trick to lure the competition onto the wrong path. Most people think the curved screen phone release some weeks ago is ugly and brings no real advantage. Maybe Apple tries to get competitors, especially ones who tend to copy whatever Apple does, into the wrong direction. While they tool up to face this "curved iPhone" (because Apple knows what's cool, so we have to do the same thing they do), Apple stays true to their formula and laughs at all the new curved gizmos.

      Curved iPhone...nah, can't believe it, not next year!

  26. And an inconvenience by HalAtWork · · Score: 1

    Agreed, I don't see the appeal. With larger screens and now curved as well, it will just be extra bulky in your pocket and wobble on your desk/nightstand. OCD people will have a fit every time they put it down, waiting for it to be still.

    "So put it down the other way."

    "Yeah but I can't see the screen."

  27. Why the big screens? by awyeah · · Score: 1

    I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this... but am I the only one here who actually likes having a small phone? I guess it's a trade-off. I'm willing to give up the convenience of having the extra screen real estate for having a small phone...

    --
    Why, no, I haven't meta-moderated lately. Thanks for asking!
    1. Re:Why the big screens? by Powercntrl · · Score: 1

      I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this... but am I the only one here who actually likes having a small phone? I guess it's a trade-off. I'm willing to give up the convenience of having the extra screen real estate for having a small phone...

      That's pretty much the dead give away that this rumor is full of shit. A 4.7" display is clearly in the realm of "difficult to use with one hand" and 5.5" is a phablet.
      Apple may release something with a larger screen, but I seriously doubt they'll abandon their 4" display. Many people still do prefer a more compact phone. Getting an Android phone with a 4" display generally means buying one with severely downgraded internal specs, leaving Apple to pretty much own the high-end compact smartphone market segment. I just can't see Apple willingly giving that up.

      --

      ---
      DRM is like antifreeze, to the MPAA/RIAA it's sweet, to the consumers it's poison.
    2. Re:Why the big screens? by dfghjk · · Score: 1

      " A 4.7" display is clearly in the realm of "difficult to use with one hand"..."

      A 4.7" display is trivailly easy to use with one hand. The Moto X has a glorious form factor.

      "Getting an Android phone with a 4" display generally means buying one with severely downgraded internal specs, leaving Apple to pretty much own the high-end compact smartphone market segment."

      Yeah, like smaller batteries, lower clock rates, lower resolution screens, and dual core processors...just like an iPhone. The problem with Android is its crappy software not its inability to make smaller phones with "premium" specs. Apple proves that less hardware does just fine as long as you don't suck.

      Just finished trying Android (Moto X) again for 3.5 months after being disgusted with a Note 2. Also tried the Nexus 4 and 5 as well as a Nexus 7 and a Sony Xperia Z Ultra. One thing they all had in common...infuriating low quality software that is constantly screwing up. I have never had a phone pocket activate itself as relentlessly as the Moto X. That phone cries out for better software. The packaging is great.

      I'm delighted to be back on iPhone despite its ugly new iOS7 appearance, teeny display and hard-to-hold form factor. Apple is likely to fix that stuff in a year while Google never will. Android battery life is still pitiful and there's nothing uglier than stock KitKat. Embarrassing.

    3. Re:Why the big screens? by jittles · · Score: 1

      I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this... but am I the only one here who actually likes having a small phone? I guess it's a trade-off. I'm willing to give up the convenience of having the extra screen real estate for having a small phone...

      I have larger than average hands (palm width in addition to finger length), and I prefer a larger phone because it feels more secure in my grasp. Otherwise I feel like I am holding a toy phone in my hand. a 5" phone fits perfectly in my pocket, so there is no reason to desire a smaller phone. if I were worried about battery life, then a smaller display would be advantageous.

    4. Re:Why the big screens? by timmyf2371 · · Score: 1

      I got a Sony Z1 and at 5" it is too big to use with one hand.

      Shame as it is a really nice device otherwise, and KitKat is coming to it in January. The Z1S/Z1F is appealing however; the same phone with the same specs, except with a 4.3" screen. I figure that would just be about usable with one hand (this is a big thing for me as I like to walk and type).

      On the other hand, on those occasions when I use my iPhone 5 (I'm still in that phase of working out which I like the most as the Sony is my first Android device), the experience is far superior and refined compared to the Sony. But I miss being able to customise certain features and set default apps, and the screen looks tiny in comparison.

      --

      Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic
    5. Re:Why the big screens? by awyeah · · Score: 1

      Yeah, like smaller batteries, lower clock rates, lower resolution screens, and dual core processors...just like an iPhone. The problem with Android is its crappy software not its inability to make smaller phones with "premium" specs. Apple proves that less hardware does just fine as long as you don't suck.

      That's true. Aside from the fact that I'm astonished that people - mainly Android fanboys - still judge me based on the kind of phone I use (iPhone 4S) - seriously, why do you care? - I'm constantly asked about specs. And your comment hits the nail on the head, comparing specs is not really a useful metric.

      My 2+-year-old iPhone, with an 800MHz CPU and 512MB of RAM still performs better than a lot of current Android devices on the market. Granted, certain things - like 3D gaming performance - are probably lacking these days, but the day-to-day stuff performs noticeably smoother.

      --
      Why, no, I haven't meta-moderated lately. Thanks for asking!
    6. Re:Why the big screens? by awyeah · · Score: 1

      On the other hand, on those occasions when I use my iPhone 5 (I'm still in that phase of working out which I like the most as the Sony is my first Android device), the experience is far superior and refined compared to the Sony. But I miss being able to customise certain features and set default apps, and the screen looks tiny in comparison.

      That's the best thing about Android. I often wish that iOS had widgets, instead of relegating them to the notification center and limiting to what Apple provides. I also really wish Apple would have a "what is using my battery" screen like Android does.

      --
      Why, no, I haven't meta-moderated lately. Thanks for asking!
  28. Heavy and light touches? by Barlo_Mung_42 · · Score: 1

    So they're finally adding height and width to their touch data. Such innovation. /s

    1. Re:Heavy and light touches? by timmyf2371 · · Score: 1

      Sarcasm aside, what do you really expect by way of innovation (from Apple or its competitors) when it comes to the smartphone itself? The device has matured very quickly compared to other industries and as we've seen with the hype about wearables, the next innovations are likely going to be separate to the actual touchscreen itself.

      --

      Backup not found: (A)bort (R)etry (P)anic
  29. Curved display? How Innovative! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Back in my day, ALL displays were curved... the electron gun had to sweep out a radius to the screen. It took very novel technology to get the CRT screen nearly flat. Then flat panel LCD's came out and they were all the rage! Now apple wants to go back to a curved screen. WOW, the innovation!

  30. Editing? by Flere+Imsaho · · Score: 1

    "The two models--4.7-inches and 5.5-inches-- would be Apple largest iPhones"

    They are both the largest? It's like Highlander - there can be only one. I see he wrote "Apple", singular, so maybe samzenpus' brain secretly knew this.

    --
    It gripped her hand gently. 'Regret is for humans,' it said.
  31. Apple Hater Much? by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    The only people that claim Apple invented anything are Apple Haters who like to claim Apple says that...

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley
    1. Re:Apple Hater Much? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The only people that claim Apple invented anything are Apple Haters who like to claim Apple says that...

      So Steve Jobs is an Apple Hater? He claimed Apple invented multitouch!

  32. Curved by azav · · Score: 1

    The word is curved.

    --
    - Zav - Imagine a Beowulf cluster of insensitive clods...
  33. Re:Classified. You keep using that word. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's actually just sensitive, FAUO :)