Leaks Reveal New Features In Apple's Next iPhone

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Leaks Reveal New Features In Apple's Next iPhone

Posted by EditorDavid on Saturday September 9, 2017 @10:22PM from the no-headphone-jacks dept.

Though Apple officially unveils their newest iPhone on Tuesday, information is already leaking on the internet.

Mashable: "Physically, it's expected to be about the same size as an iPhone 7, but with an edge-to-edge OLED display that's bigger than what is currently on the iPhone 7 Plus. It won't have a home button or Touch ID, and will likely use some kind of facial recognition tech to unlock."

MacRumors cites a report from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggesting facial recognition may just be one feature of a complex front camera with 3D sensing hardware, including a proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, and a structured light transmitter (using a surface-emitting laser) and receiver.

CNET: "Irish iPhone programming guru Steve Troughton-Smith now feels sure he has the names of the three phones to be launched by Apple on Tuesday.... they'll (probably) be called the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and -- ta-da -- the iPhone X."

Troughton-Smith also predicts a 3x screen at 1125x2436 resolution

Fortune: "Apple's iPhone line is expected to catch up with Android phones in the area of wireless charging this year... just lay the phone down on a compatible charger mat or base or dock, and watch the battery fill up."

9to5Mac: "We've found a brand new feature called 'Animoji', which uses the 3D face sensors to create custom 3D animated emoji based on the expressions you make into the camera. Users will be able to make Animoji of unicorns, robots, pigs, pile of poo and many more."

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Oh joy.... by Rick+Zeman · 2017-09-09 12:29 · Score: 5, Insightful

"Users will be able to make Animoji of unicorns, robots, pigs, pile of poo and many more.""
We've hit rock bottom....
1. Re:Oh joy.... by Dunbal · 2017-09-09 22:53 · Score: 1
  
  If there was ever a compelling reason to pay $500+ for an upgrade, here it is.
  
  --
  Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
2. Re:Oh joy.... by jez9999 · 2017-09-09 23:46 · Score: 1
  
  I always wanted to know what it would be like when poo frowned at me.
  
  --
  == Jez ==
  Do you miss Firefox? Try Pale Moon.
3. Re:Oh joy.... by martinX · 2017-09-09 23:59 · Score: 1
  
  I always wanted to know what it would be like when poo frowned at me.
  Things are looking bad for you if you've managed to give the shits to a shit.
  
  --
  When they came for the communists, I said "He's next door. Take him away. Goddam commies."
4. Re:Oh joy.... by Opportunist · 2017-09-10 00:05 · Score: 1
  
  Get a job, get a boss, there you go.
  
  --
  We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
5. Re:Oh joy.... by sheramil · 2017-09-10 01:39 · Score: 1
  
  Came here to post that, prefaced by ".. having solved all of the other of the worlds' problems..."
6. Re:Oh joy.... by j_l_cgull · 2017-09-10 01:40 · Score: 1
  
  "Users will be able to make Animoji of unicorns, robots, pigs, pile of poo and many more.""
  We've hit rock bottom....
  Now, you can create an Animoji for that ;)
7. Re:Oh joy.... by Hognoxious · 2017-09-10 02:18 · Score: 1
  
  In Soviet Russia, shit gives shits to old people! No, wait...
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
8. Re:Oh joy.... by hai_Priesty · 2017-09-10 03:40 · Score: 1
  
  Don't ever doubt for moment that humankind have a way to dig deeper at the rock bottom whenever boredom is involved in any first-world problems.
9. Re:Oh joy.... by thegarbz · 2017-09-10 03:45 · Score: 2
  
  Perfect is the enemy of good enough. Solving "all of the other of the world's problems" would result in no progress ever again.
  That said this specific thing is quite stupid.
10. Re:Oh joy.... by PopeRatzo · 2017-09-10 09:25 · Score: 1
  
  "Users will be able to make Animoji of unicorns, robots, pigs, pile of poo and many more.""
  That's not the part that concerns me.
  
  "We've found a brand new feature called 'Animoji', which uses the 3D face sensors to create custom 3D animated emoji based on the expressions you make into the camera.
  
  Jesus wept. Now we get treated to people on the bus making funny faces into their iPhones, while we guess which emoji they're trying to pantomime. How funny would it be if the phones could be hacked so that no matter what expression the user makes, it always gives the pile of poo emoji?
  
  --
  You are welcome on my lawn.
11. Re:Oh joy.... by Methadras · 2017-09-11 06:58 · Score: 1
  
  Well, so much for keeping your phone locked anymore from government snoops.
12. Re:Oh joy.... by Strudelkugel · 2017-09-12 06:37 · Score: 1
  
  The key "innovation" I would like to see on the iPhone and iPad that would get me to buy a new one?
  
  A USB-C connector.
  
  Short of that, none of the features mentioned as possible additions would entice me to buy a new iPhone or iPad. Being able to consolidate cables and power bricks would be a huge plus, though.
  
  --
  Imagine how much harder physics would be if electrons had feelings! -Feynman, maybe
3x by Anonymous Coward · 2017-09-09 22:33 · Score: 1

Troughton-Smith also predicts a 3x screen at 1125x2436 resolution
What is a "3x screen"? Tried Googling, results unenlightening.
1. Re:3x by thesupraman · 2017-09-09 22:43 · Score: 2, Informative
  
  Apple doesnt appear to realise that you can scale bitmaps to any size, especially on screen way better than most peoples eyes can handle (and with heavy GPUs that can trivially manage complex scaling algorithms) - so their resolutions are usually an exact multiples of the original iPhone.
  This would be 3 times the original resolution.
  You are expected to know this, because not to is blasphemy against the one great fashion.
2. Re: 3x by Anonymous Coward · 2017-09-09 23:39 · Score: 1
  
  We didn't know this, because it's so retarded nobody could have suspected Apple devices didn't just scale things properly in the first place.
3. Re:3x by mean+pun · 2017-09-10 00:52 · Score: 1, Troll
  
  Apple doesnt appear to realise that you can scale bitmaps to any size, especially on screen way better than most peoples eyes can handle (and with heavy GPUs that can trivially manage complex scaling algorithms) - so their resolutions are usually an exact multiples of the original iPhone.
  Scaling is simply not as good as hand-made images for each resolution. Can your eyes handle it? Yes and no. For many people it is noticeable even if they can not express the difference.
  
  You are expected to know this, because not to is blasphemy against the one great fashion.
  Expected by whom? Why do you care so much?
4. Re:3x by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-10 02:10 · Score: 1
  
  You are expected to know this, because not to is blasphemy against the one great fashion.
  
  Expected by whom? Why do you care so much?
  Hatred of the other is a core competency of many humans.
  You can't just have an Android phone and enjoy it, your decision must reflect your superiority. You have to dehumanize the Apple user, expose them as having some terrible problem that causes them to purchase a terrible phone (does it even work, fam?) and declare them and the terrible product they use as your sworn enemy.
  Ford versus chevy, writ electronically.
  Meanwhile, I enjoy my iPhones, my Android tablets, my iMac, and my Linux machines, and even a Chromebook and Windows laptop. But actual daily use of a lot of devices and platforms can't stand against the need for hate, I've found
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
5. Re:3x by jblues · 2017-09-10 02:47 · Score: 1
  The original iPhone had a resolution of 640x480 pixels. When the iPhone 4 came out, it had a 'retina' display. The number of pixels was doubled. Everything stayed the same size of course - it was just that text was a lot sharper. The 'point' system for the graphics display was still 640x480, but it was now possible to draw a pixel at a half point. Also, when packaging bitmap assets for an app, you could include the optimal sizes. The naming convention was:
  
  imageName.png
  imageName@2x.png
  So a 3x screen is (term coined by this Troughton-Smith feller) the next evolution of that
  --
  If it acquires resources on instantiation like a duck, then its a shared_ptr<Duck>
6. Re:3x by mikael · 2017-09-10 03:31 · Score: 1
  
  There's always a trade-off between complex processing and energy consumption. Using simple bitmaps scaled to integer multiples only requires the 2D pixelblitter chip logic.
  Even then text fonts are defined as Unicode subsets using TrueType and which have every glyph defined from spline curves and then rasterized using a pixel engine (even the font has it's own little shader to handle those literal corner cases at concave points). Then the pixelmap is processed so that compensation is applied due to the RGB structure of the screen.
  Some GPU text rendering techniques actually make use of distance field functions to handle scaling, but that consumes a bit more power.
  
  --
  Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
7. Re:3x by thegarbz · 2017-09-10 03:47 · Score: 3, Funny
  
  What is a "3x screen"? Tried Googling, results unenlightening.
  Disagree I just searched "xxx screen" and found the results not only enlightening but also quite arousing.
8. Re: 3x by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-10 07:27 · Score: 1
  
  After blowing 600 to 1000 dollars, I'd feel hatred too
  That's because hatred is your core competency. I've never bought one computing device that ever did everything promised. But hey, if hatred makes you happy and helps you in your life, then by all means, hate hate hate. Try violence next, it is the natural progression.
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
9. Re: 3x by blindseer · 2017-09-10 10:59 · Score: 1
  
  There's a lawsuit about S iri because it still can't do what the advertisement DEMONSTRATED.
  I'm sure that there is also a lawsuit against Burger King because the burger someone got didn't look like the one on the menu.
  People bring bullshit lawsuits for bullshit reasons all the time. There's enough disclaimers on any advertisement to make the lawyers go away eventually. If not then more disclaimers will get added.
  
  --
  I am armed because I am free. I am free because I am armed.
nice by blog2017 · 2017-09-09 22:35 · Score: 1

nice info thanks https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/g...
Was ready to upgrade by Anonymous Coward · 2017-09-09 22:35 · Score: 1

But the price, the absence of TouchID, and the rumors that they didnâ(TM)t add TouchID because they run out of time, which makes me believe that the usual 1st gen problems will may be worse in this case, made me reconsider and think it may be a good idea to wait for iPhone Xs or whatever the 2nd gen will be called.
I'm curious about the facial recognition by 93+Escort+Wagon · 2017-09-09 22:39 · Score: 3, Interesting

Initial rumors were they couldn't get TouchID working without an actual home button, and facial recognition was a fallback. I have a hard time seeing how that won't be a big step backward... so I'll be curious to see the announcement on Tuesday AND how well (or how poorly) it works in the real world.
TouchID works quite well, so the bar is pretty high.

--
#DeleteChrome
1. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-09 23:49 · Score: 2
  
  Initial rumors were they couldn't get TouchID working without an actual home button
  They might have a look at the dozens of Android phones that manage to do just that.
2. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by Opportunist · 2017-09-10 00:08 · Score: 1
  
  Hopefully not. Because then all they have to do is beat you senseless, unlock your phone by pointing it at your unconscious face and deactivate the facial recognition feature to take it home.
  Gee, and I thought the fingerprint sensor was easy to fool. Had I known Apple would give phone thieves a better feature just one generation later, I wouldn't have invested the effort to develop something.
  
  --
  We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
3. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by mean+pun · 2017-09-10 00:59 · Score: 1
  
  Hopefully not. Because then all they have to do is beat you senseless, unlock your phone by pointing it at your unconscious face and deactivate the facial recognition feature to take it home.
  Gee, and I thought the fingerprint sensor was easy to fool. Had I known Apple would give phone thieves a better feature just one generation later, I wouldn't have invested the effort to develop something.
  Uhm, how is this worse than fingerprints? Before this `all you ha[d] to do' was beat you senseless, unlock your phone by using your unconscious finger, and deactivate.
  For rather extreme values of 'all they have to do', of course, because this is kind of assault is quite prone to draw the attention of any passers-by.
4. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by Totally_Tux · 2017-09-10 01:05 · Score: 1
  
  Disabling Touch ID on my iPhone 6S requires an additional password/passcode to be entered prior to Touch ID deactivation.
  Whether it is using your face or your finger to unlock a phone, both require access to the physical person.
  The big advantage that I can see with Face ID, is that it'll work even when my hands are damp (e.g. working in the kitchen preparing a meal based on a recipe off my iPad). Touch ID does not work when your fingers are wet/damp.
  I'm curious to find out where Face ID will not work (e.g. when I'm wearing sunglasses, does facial hair growth matter, etc..).
5. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by sheramil · 2017-09-10 01:42 · Score: 1
  
  Amazing how they're thinking about ways to clear out the ephemeral keys by mashing the power button, but don't have the common fucking sense to understand how facial definition might be an issue. Hold still while we unlock your phone.
  Hold still while I cut your face off with this skinning knife, and use it to unlock your phone.
6. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 03:27 · Score: 1
  
  The technology that is being discussed is fingerprint recognition without a visible sensor with the screen doing the work. The Home button on the iPhone doubled as the fingerprint sensor. On Android, there still is a fingerprint sensor but requires a visible sensor whether on the back or the Home button.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
7. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:37 · Score: 1
  
  You need the skull, or at least the front half of it, to form the 'facial tissue' over the bone structure.
  If you're going to cut their face off, better just to behead them. Plus, there's a long tradition behind beheading, whereas 'Steal Your Face' wasn't released until 1976.
8. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 03:44 · Score: 1
  
  [sarcasm]Because grabbing someone's hand to unlock a phone while restraining them adds layers of unsolvable difficulty to the problem.[/sarcasm] If someone is already in physical custody, both facial recognition and fingerprint scans fail equally.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
9. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by Hognoxious · 2017-09-10 03:48 · Score: 2
  
  They want my fingers? They'll have to pry them from my cold ... dead ...
  Oh, fuck it.
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
10. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 04:18 · Score: 1
  
  No, the "technology being discussed" was "having a fingerprint sensor without an actual home button". Android solved that problem simply and efficiently by putting the sensor on the back, a solution that Apple could have adopted as well.
11. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by 93+Escort+Wagon · 2017-09-10 06:04 · Score: 1
  
  Welcome to Slashdot, Nicholas Cage!
  
  --
  #DeleteChrome
12. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 08:56 · Score: 1
  
  I don't consider moving the sensor to the back as either "simple or efficient". And what do you say about the models of Androids that have a front fingerprint sensor that doubles as a home button.?
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
13. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by exomondo · 2017-09-10 10:44 · Score: 1
  
  I have a hard time seeing how that won't be a big step backward... so I'll be curious to see the announcement on Tuesday AND how well (or how poorly) it works in the real world.
  I'm sure if you're holding the phone in front of your face it probably works quite well but if you do things like unlocking your phone while it's sitting on the table then it's unlikely to work well at all. Have they got it to work reliably and securely when you're wearing a hat and/or glasses? I'm sure they've got some method to work around that but as you say, these are the sorts of scenarios where touchid works very well.
14. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 11:43 · Score: 1
  
  And what do you say about the models of Androids that have a front fingerprint sensor that doubles as a home button.?
  I think they copied a bad design decision from the iPhone.
15. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 13:33 · Score: 1
  
  But that kinda destroys your premise right?
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
16. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 14:52 · Score: 1
  
  My premise isn't a pissing contest between Android and iPhone, my premise is that putting the fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone is a good design decision.
17. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-11 03:34 · Score: 1
  
  And that's your opinion. Other people disagree strongly with that opinion. There are known issues with placing it on the rear; that's why some Androids opt to put it in the front.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
18. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-11 04:45 · Score: 1
  
  And that's your opinion. Other people disagree strongly with that opinion. There are known issues with placing it on the rear
  There are "known issues" with placing it anywhere; we call that a "tradeoff".
  Android got rid of the home button a while ago, placed the fingerprint sensor on the back, and has given people a variety of additional biometric identification options (face, voice, etc.) and context options (device nearby, network nearby, location, etc.).
  iPhone is getting rid of the home button now, removing the fingerprint sensor altogether, and gives people face unlock.
  Apple is simply following the same path as Android in terms of getting rid of physical buttons. Like Google, Apple discovered that there was no place for the fingerprint sensor in front, but unlike Google, Apple just dumped the fingerprint sensor instead of placing it in back, leaving Apple users with just face identification for biometrics. Now line up your camera and smile.
19. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by ctilsie242 · 2017-09-11 07:41 · Score: 1
  
  TouchID works, but other makers have caught up. I bought a cheapie LG Stylo 3 phone, and its fingerprint recognition is very solid. My older HTC A9 has both fingerprint recognition and facial recognition (where you can optionally set it to require that you blink before it will unlock.)
  Facial recognition may be OK for some, but I prefer a dedicated action to unlock my device like hitting a button. That way, I'm assured the phone is locked unless I explicitly unlock it, as opposed to just holding it up to read an entry on the notifications screen.
  I hope Apple keeps TouchID, especially with regards to things like Apple Pay.
20. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-11 13:52 · Score: 1
  
  Android got rid of the home button a while ago, placed the fingerprint sensor on the back, and has given people a variety of additional biometric identification options (face, voice, etc.) and context options (device nearby, network nearby, location, etc.).
  That's not factually true. Some models of Android phones do not have the home button. But Android did not get "rid" of it as you claim. The current flagship model HTC U11, as well as certain Samsung phones still clearly have a home button.
  
  Apple is simply following the same path as Android in terms of getting rid of physical buttons.
  Again you can still get current Android phones with many physical buttons so that's not true either.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
21. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-11 21:05 · Score: 1
  
  Seriously? You want to debate the semantics of "getting rid of the home button"? Get fucking real.
22. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-12 08:29 · Score: 1
  
  There's a huge difference between Android now includes an option not to use a home button and Android getting "rid" of it. One is true. The other is not especially when Android is so varied between manufacturers and models with some models having more buttons than others. Just like saying "PC MB manufacturers have added USB 3.0" is not the same as "PC MB manufacturers have gotten rid of PS/2".
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
23. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by doctorvo · 2017-09-12 11:48 · Score: 1
  
  Again... You want to debate the semantics of "getting rid of the home button"? Get fucking real.
24. Re:I'm curious about the facial recognition by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-13 02:41 · Score: 1
  
  You said : "Android got rid of the home button a while ago". That is past tense. And a lie.
  Android did not get rid of anything. No part of Oreo removed the home button. The future of Android someday might head that way but for now the home button is still part of Android as evidenced by the many models released this year that have it. Either you don't know what the words "got rid of" mean or again you are in denial about the state of Android. And lying about it. As an analogy, PCs got rid of the Serial Port, Game Port, and Parallel port. Apple got rid of ADB ports. None of them "got rid" of USB
  You also don't seem to understand the words "some", "most", or "all". Some Android models have a home button. That's a fact. Most Androids vary in terms of features. That's a fact. All Androids support a home button in the code. Fact.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
While it charges.... by thesupraman · 2017-09-09 22:40 · Score: 1

Well, they will need something to do while they are waiting to 'watch the battery fill up' when on wireless charging, since wireless generally charges at a fraction of the wires charge rates ;) They shouldn't have to watch and wait more than a few hours....
But hey, its a new iPhone! The media just cannot contain their gushing over any tiny change, because it just HAS to be revolutionary.
Still, a whole lot of people will no doubt suddently realise that their year or two old phone, that was working perfectly well last week is suddenly THE thing that is holding them back from climbing mountains on warm spring mornings with perfect model like looks, and rush out and purchase one.
1. Re:While it charges.... by rmdingler · 2017-09-10 00:26 · Score: 1
  
  Well, they will need something to do while they are waiting to 'watch the battery fill up' when on wireless charging, since wireless generally charges at a fraction of the wires charge rates ;) They shouldn't have to watch and wait more than a few hours....
  That's the thing, isn't it? People with access to the Smartphone Club need something to do while they're waiting on, well, literally everything; a turd to crown, the light to turn green, the boss to come back around.
  We have to ask ourselves what's been lost... think of the poor magazine salesmen who are out of work now that waiting rooms don't have to be stocked with their wares.
  
  --
  Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.
  Ernest Hemingway
2. Re:While it charges.... by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-10 01:55 · Score: 1
  
  Well, they will need something to do while they are waiting to 'watch the battery fill up' when on wireless charging, since wireless generally charges at a fraction of the wires charge rates ;) They shouldn't have to watch and wait more than a few hours....
  Marketing beats technology, I guess. Horrible efficiency, and no other advantage other than fixing the first world problem of it being too much trouble to plug the phone in. The real answer to that problem is the venerable old charging dock. And it causes more problems, by putting components that should be in a charger - inside the phone.
  Which then creates conflicts with another marketing demand, longer battery life, as space is used by the second half of the charger now inside the phone.
  But hey, its a new iPhone! The media just cannot contain their gushing over any tiny change, because it just HAS to be revolutionary.
  While a nice meme, I read it as Apple "catching up"
  
  Still, a whole lot of people will no doubt suddently realise that their year or two old phone, that was working perfectly well last week is suddenly THE thing that is holding them back from climbing mountains on warm spring mornings with perfect model like looks, and rush out and purchase one.
  Most of my Android using buddies get a new phone once a year or less. Some complain about how much I spent for my iPhone, while ignoring that overall, they spend a hellava lot more than me.Apple versus Android, Chevy versus Ford. Its the same thing, except a lot of Android fans don't understand they are guilty of what they accuse Apple fanbois of doing.
  FWIW, I tend to skip a generation. Started on an iPhone 5, now have a 7.
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
3. Re:While it charges.... by Moridineas · 2017-09-10 03:06 · Score: 1
  
  FWIW, I tend to skip a generation. Started on an iPhone 5, now have a 7.
  Ditto. Started with 3gs, kept it for 3 years and got a 5. Kept that for 3 years and got a 6s. The 6s battery kind of sucks, but I'll keep it until I really feel like I have to upgrade. You don't _have_ to upgrade every year or two.
4. Re:While it charges.... by tsqr · 2017-09-10 03:28 · Score: 1
  
  Well, they will need something to do while they are waiting to 'watch the battery fill up' when on wireless charging, since wireless generally charges at a fraction of the wires charge rates ;) They shouldn't have to watch and wait more than a few hours....
  Sounds as if you've never used wireless charging. The charging rate isn't significantly slower than wired charging, in my experience. Wireless is much more convenient at work, where you just set your phone down on the charging pad when you're not using it, and grab it and go when you need to leave your desk. The phone's always charged, and you're not messing about with cables. And of course, you aren't forced to use wireless charging if you don't care for it. The cost differential between having wireless charging and not having it in a phone is a few bucks at most. Choice, as usual, is a good thing.
  The most troubling thing about Apple's implementation? From TFA: Japanese tech news site Macotakara reported last month that the new iPhones would charge at 7.5 watts, half the current Qi standard and would not be compatible with existing Qi charging pads. Only Apple-certified recharging equipment will work with the new iPhones, according to the report. So the $8 charging pad I've been using for 1-1/2 years with my Android phone won't work with the iPhone, and the (most likely expensive) iPhone-compatible charger is indeed much slower than wired charging. Thanks, Apple!
5. Re:While it charges.... by Known+Nutter · 2017-09-10 04:56 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, you do, citizen.
  
  --
  Beware of the Leopard.
6. Re:While it charges.... by Paradise+Pete · 2017-09-10 05:36 · Score: 1
  
  think of the poor magazine salesmen who are out of work now that waiting rooms don't have to be stocked with their wares.
  Poor Goofus and Gallant. Working as Walmart greeters now I hear.
7. Re: While it charges.... by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-10 07:29 · Score: 1
  
  Right.
  So what you're saying is that what i-fanbois accuse a-fanbois of (bring unable to afford bdue to being poor, undoubtedly trotting out the "play store makes less money") is completely wrong.
  If you're either making it up, then you have a massive statistical anomaly on your hands. Most people don't upgrade every year (unless their carrier hides the true cost)
  I'm saying that there are fanbois on both sides, irrational people who need to hate because they need to hate, and just like anything else, their hatred serves some function.
  I don't hate any of them, but am astute enough tto know when people are acting like assholes.
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
8. Re:While it charges.... by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-10 07:38 · Score: 1
  
  FWIW, I tend to skip a generation. Started on an iPhone 5, now have a 7.
  Ditto. Started with 3gs, kept it for 3 years and got a 5. Kept that for 3 years and got a 6s. The 6s battery kind of sucks, but I'll keep it until I really feel like I have to upgrade. You don't _have_ to upgrade every year or two.
  I try to explain this to people. You can have a lot more money in hand if you skip a generation of electronics, or keep your car longer, but I guess many people are like crows, and attracted to shiny objects.
  I've found the 7 to be a nice phone, even if it doesn't have the ancient headphone jack (guess I'm doing some trolling for AC's here) The 5 I traded in was nice too, but it was at one of those good deal times. My son is on our family plan, and he wanted a Samsung. And he paid more than I did even with his trade-in - oops, there I go trolling AC's again.
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
9. Re:While it charges.... by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-10 12:49 · Score: 1
  
  You seem like the kind of asshole that trolls everyone. Not just ACs.
  Rarely, because AC's are much funnier when you troll them.
  And yes - I am an asshole, so it is no insult to me.
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
10. Re:While it charges.... by Moridineas · 2017-09-10 15:56 · Score: 1
  
  Yes, I do. (heads to Apple Store)
11. Re:While it charges.... by Moridineas · 2017-09-10 16:08 · Score: 1
  
  My wife has a 7--I'm not at all fond of the "button" or haptic touch pad whatever the hell it is. I guess I won't have to worry about that with the next generation of iPhone doing away with the thing entirely!
12. Re: While it charges.... by Moridineas · 2017-09-11 04:33 · Score: 1
  
  I guess sometimes she feels like something smaller than what she's used to. Ayo....
13. Re:While it charges.... by ctilsie242 · 2017-09-11 07:27 · Score: 1
  
  If you have a 6s, there is a battery recall program going on, because the 6s battery does suck. Check your serial number and go and get yourself a replacement battery if needed.
14. Re:While it charges.... by ctilsie242 · 2017-09-11 07:35 · Score: 1
  
  I'm the same way. Ideally, I prefer being on the 4s/5s/6s side of Apple's cycle when it comes to new devices, just because the form factor and most of the engineering is already done, so the device is mainly issue fixes that can't be retrofitted (better antenna placement on the 4s, stiffer aluminum on the 6s, etc.)
  The only exception to this seems to be this year. If Apple is going with a new design, it might be good to wait a year. Plus, Apple tends to up storage capacity then as well, so the phone may have 512GB of usable storage.
15. Re:While it charges.... by torkus · 2017-09-11 07:37 · Score: 1
  
  Apple wouldn't be stupid enough to go and re-design a changing method when there are already standards and hardware all over the environment. They wouldn't throw away everything the entire industry has built before they decided to jump on the bandwagon just so they can have a proprietary standard unique to them.
  Now...am I talking about lightning or wireless charging? (or headphones ports)
  
  --
  You can get rich if you own a politician, but you have to be rich to buy one in the first place.
16. Re: While it charges.... by Ol+Olsoc · 2017-09-11 08:39 · Score: 1
  
  I guess sometimes she feels like something smaller than what she's used to. Ayo....
  Boom! Well played, sir, well played indeed!
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
17. Re:While it charges.... by Moridineas · 2017-09-11 10:48 · Score: 1
  
  I actually am part of the 6s battery recall. Apparently the recall is in effect for 3 years from the date of purchase and I'm _mostly_ able to make it through the day now, so I'm waiting a little bit longer to take mine in for the recall.
iPhone's facial recognition tech to unlock by aepervius · 2017-09-09 23:30 · Score: 1

Great. I am now on android for the rest of my life.

--
C. Sagan : A demon haunted world:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345409469/
visit randi.org
1. Re:iPhone's facial recognition tech to unlock by DontBeAMoran · 2017-09-10 02:36 · Score: 1
  
  Until they all copy that feature, which by that time all the Android fanboys will say Apple copied the feature from Android.
  
  --
  #DeleteFacebook
can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-09 23:46 · Score: 1

The problem with the fingerprint sensors on the iPhone is that it's on the home button, or alternatively, that the home/unlock button is in the front. The location on the back, as on Android phones, may seem less natural but is more convenient. Rather than admit their mistake and simply move the sensor to the back, Apple is pouting.
1. Re:can't admit a mistake by martinX · 2017-09-10 00:01 · Score: 1
  
  How does a back sensor work in conjunction with a phone case?
  
  --
  When they came for the communists, I said "He's next door. Take him away. Goddam commies."
2. Re:can't admit a mistake by Opportunist · 2017-09-10 00:09 · Score: 1
  
  By making a case that has a hole in the relevant spot. Duh.
  
  --
  We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
3. Re:can't admit a mistake by thegarbz · 2017-09-10 00:38 · Score: 1
  
  Same way as the headphone jack, microphone, speaker, usb socket, buttons, camera, temperature sensor, barometer, pulse oximeter and fingerprint sensors on the back work.
4. Re:can't admit a mistake by Bill+Hayden · 2017-09-10 00:38 · Score: 1
  
  Why would anyone want a phone unlock on the back of the phone? The most common place for me to unlock my phone is when it sitting flat on my desk.
  
  --
  Protect your browser with the Force Safe Search add-on
5. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 01:40 · Score: 1
  
  Android phones tend to be unlocked by proximity in that situation.
6. Re:can't admit a mistake by Solandri · 2017-09-10 02:36 · Score: 1
  
  By putting a cutout on the back of the case. You know, like the non-functional cutout on many iPhone cases to let you see the Apple logo.
7. Re:can't admit a mistake by DontBeAMoran · 2017-09-10 02:39 · Score: 2
  
  So to unlock your phone you... put your finger into it's back hole? Sounds kinky.
  
  --
  #DeleteFacebook
8. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 03:39 · Score: 1
  
  So your solution to an obvious problem is to turn bypass the security mechanism altogether?
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
9. Re:can't admit a mistake by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:42 · Score: 1
  
  The hole on the back of an Apple gadget's case is positioned to show off the large Apple logo on the back of the phone. Using it for practical reasons would go against Apple Design Standards.
10. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 04:24 · Score: 1
  
  I'm just telling you how many people use Android and what they find convenient. You can also use face unlock if you like; many modern Android phones have it.
11. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 08:57 · Score: 1
  
  No, what you're saying is to overcome a problem with the fingerprint on the back (which means I have to pick up the phone to unlock it), I should bypass security completely.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
12. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 11:42 · Score: 1
  
  I have no opinion on what "you should do". For all I know, a rotary phone is ideal for you.
  I'm telling you what people tend to do, and it's different from what you do,.
13. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 13:31 · Score: 1
  
  Why is it hard for you to admit that this is a problem with having a fingerprint on the back of the phone? Are you in that much denial of the problem?
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
14. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 14:54 · Score: 1
  
  I'm telling you from first hand experience: the fingerprint sensor on the front of the iPhone sucks. In fact, so does the home button itself.
15. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-11 03:30 · Score: 1
  
  I'm telling you from firsthand experience, the rear fingerprint sensor on some Androids suck. The front facing ones are better.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
16. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-11 04:43 · Score: 1
  
  I'm telling you from firsthand experience, the rear fingerprint sensor on some Androids suck. The front facing ones are better.
  I seriously doubt you use both iPhone and Android on a daily basis. In any case, it's not the choice you get anyway. Apple is simply following Google's design lead, just a couple of years late. Unlike Android phones, it looks like the iPhone will end up with only face unlock and no fingerprint sensor at all.
17. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-11 08:22 · Score: 1
  
  I seriously doubt you use an iPhone daily.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
18. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-11 08:27 · Score: 1
  
  Well, your nick says it all: "UnknowingFool".
19. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-11 13:42 · Score: 1
  
  You're arguing a fact. It's a fact that you have to pick up a phone with a rear fingerprint sensor to unlock it. That's a fact. You've spent multiple posts in complete denial of a fact.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
20. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-11 20:44 · Score: 1
  
  No, what we are talking about is what to do with the fingerprint sensor once you have already decided you are going to get rid of a physical home button. Android found a good place for it that works well in most situations, while Apple just got rid of it.
  The fact you keep obsessing about is simply irrelevant.
21. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-12 08:33 · Score: 1
  
  No, what we are talking about is what to do with the fingerprint sensor once you have already decided you are going to get rid of a physical home button.
  
  No my question specifically was how do you unlock an Android with a rear-facing fingerprint sensor if your phone is lying down. Your solution was to bypass the security altogether. So that's factually a problem with putting the sensor on the back which you won't acknowledge.
  
  Android found a good place for it that works well in most situations, while Apple just got rid of it.
  On one model. They got rid of it on one model. Please be clear on your facts.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
22. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-12 11:46 · Score: 1
  
  No my question specifically was how do you unlock an Android with a rear-facing fingerprint sensor if your phone is lying down. Your solution was to bypass the security altogether
  No, my solution is to pick it up, like normal people do.
23. Re:can't admit a mistake by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-13 02:44 · Score: 1
  
  That's not a solution for people who want to keep their phones secure. That's bypassing the security. If I said that my front door lock is hard to open when it rains, would your solution be: Well just keep the door open when it rains.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
24. Re:can't admit a mistake by doctorvo · 2017-09-13 12:34 · Score: 1
  
  That's not a solution for people who want to keep their phones secure.
  How is picking up your f*cking phone like normal people do and using the fingerprint sensor on the back "not a solution"?
It's easy to predict the next iPhone's features by elrous0 · 2017-09-09 23:58 · Score: 4, Insightful

Just look at the list of features on a good Android phone from a year ago and then double the price. Bingo!

--
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
1. Re:It's easy to predict the next iPhone's features by Opportunist · 2017-09-10 00:11 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  You forgot to remove a feature people actually used and replace it with some stupid gimmick nobody asked for to give tech journalists something to write about.
  
  --
  We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
2. Re:It's easy to predict the next iPhone's features by elrous0 · 2017-09-10 00:26 · Score: 2
  
  Yeah, "The new iPhone comes with an automatic feature that locates nearby restaurants when it hears your stomach growl" should get you at least 10 fawning articles in Wired and several segments on The Tonight Show where a half-drunk Jimmy Fallon calls it the greatest thing ever.
  
  --
  SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
3. Re:It's easy to predict the next iPhone's features by MrKaos · 2017-09-10 01:54 · Score: 1
  
  Fuck you man, We worked hard on that predictive acne app in the facial recognition software for the iPhony. How can you say that's a gimmick?
  
  --
  My ism, it's full of beliefs.
4. Re:It's easy to predict the next iPhone's features by gumbi+west · 2017-09-10 02:28 · Score: 1
  
  There is also removing the POS android OS. On my Nexus shit crashes all the time and when I click on the google app mic icon the Google app opens and then instantly closes. I have to wait for this to happen and then click it a second time to get the app to work--great UI, Google!
  Now, vote me down, I'm going against the slashdot norms.
5. Re:It's easy to predict the next iPhone's features by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:44 · Score: 1
  
  The problem is, acne victims are teens, and the teens have all figured out that the iPhone is the Mom Phone.
If Apple were a democracy ... by mikael · 2017-09-10 00:33 · Score: 4, Funny

and compromises had to be made, the iPhone would look like this:
https://i.redditmedia.com/i2AK...

--
Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
1. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by MrKaos · 2017-09-10 01:48 · Score: 1
  
  There is no whammy bar on it!
  
  --
  My ism, it's full of beliefs.
2. Re: If Apple were a democracy ... by Archvile7 · 2017-09-10 01:49 · Score: 1
  
  A view master? Fucking sold.
3. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by DontBeAMoran · 2017-09-10 02:42 · Score: 1
  
  No S-Video output? WTF Apple?
  
  --
  #DeleteFacebook
4. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by elistan · 2017-09-10 03:34 · Score: 2
  
  Less storage than a Nomad? Lame.
5. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:48 · Score: 1
  
  That's a two pound dongle that plugs into the RCA jacks. Self powered, it uses two 'C' cells and has a battery life of 45 minutes.
6. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by Hognoxious · 2017-09-10 03:58 · Score: 1
  
  ... and costs 300 bucks.
  
  --
  Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
7. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by mikael · 2017-09-10 04:18 · Score: 1
  
  Missing a SCART connector as well.
  
  --
  Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
8. Re:If Apple were a democracy ... by chihowa · 2017-09-10 04:19 · Score: 1
  
  That's a two pound dongle that plugs into the RCA jacks. Self powered, it uses two 'C' cells and has a battery life of 45 minutes.
  That's way too user friendly. It has to use an odd number of obscure batteries: Three C cells, one 6V lantern battery, or a stack of 15 coin cells. A different model for each battery type and each one costs $49.
  
  --
  If you want a vision of the future, imagine a youtube comments section scrolling - forever.
Will the masses burn out from this churn? by swb · 2017-09-10 00:33 · Score: 5, Interesting

It seems more and more obvious that the utility value for smartphones generally peaked some time ago - messaging/email, web, photos and apps to some degree anywhere you are seems like the primary utility function of the smartphone.
Yet companies like Apple are on this business treadmill where they think they have to re-invent it every year in order to keep selling phones. They mostly coasted on the fact that the next model improved some aspects -- CPU, storage, photo quality -- some noticeable increment, but they didn't really increase the basic utility value.
It really seems like they've hit the point where not even technical incremental improvement adds very much, and now they're needlessly altering the experience just to sell new phones.
Maybe this works with some segment of the population, but will people generally start rebelling against this? Most of these changes don't seem like a better experience, at best the *same* experience that requires re-learning, at worst a lesser experience.
1. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by mikael · 2017-09-10 01:10 · Score: 1
  
  That's been the trend for 20+ years for the general consumer market. First there were 8-bit home computers (1980's), desktop PC (1990's). Once 3D graphics took off (1999 onwards), the mass market trend was for sub $600 desktop PC's (2000's) as vendors faced ever tighter profit margins. These were replaced by laptops and netbooks and smartphones (2005+) with wireless broadband. Back then, people in SF were complaining that they didn't see everyone else carrying laptops with them to the cafes, just their smartphones.
  There are always going to people who are going to buying their first smartphone, or they've dropped their current one into the bay. The semiconductor companies are constantly innovating their technology from optimizing the silicon layouts to reduce power, small transistor sizes, better compression algorithms, antennae designs, higher resolution camera CCD's, screens. Ultimately they'll move to 3D digital photography, augmented reality and holographic displays.
  
  --
  Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
2. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by ljw1004 · 2017-09-10 02:25 · Score: 1
  
  They mostly coasted on the fact that the next model improved some aspects -- CPU, storage, photo quality -- some noticeable increment, but they didn't really increase the basic utility value. It really seems like they've hit the point where not even technical incremental improvement adds very much, and now they're needlessly altering the experience just to sell new phones.
  What?? I'm personally a Windows Phone fan (well I was until that died and I reluctantly switched to Apple) but I think basic utility is definitely helped by the few changes we saw:
  * Wireless charging. Sometimes lint gets stuck and I can't charge. Often I just forget to charge my phone. When I had a micro-usb adapter I'd wear out about one cable a year, and once the port on my phone just got too damaged and I had to get a new phone. The lightning port doesn't seem quite as fragile, but even so I'm excited about this.
  * Face log-in. I love it on my Windows machine. Touch ID frustrates the heck out of me because it fails 20+ times a day (usually due to not scrupulously dry fingers, or using the phone with a finger or toe that I haven't registered due to my other hands being occupied holding my toddlers). It also interferes with the when you want to grab your phone and take a photo instantly, another toddler-related need. It took me about 5 months to of iphoning to learn the muscle memory rule "DON'T press the home button (because it's too prone to failing to log you in and by that time you'll have lost the shot); instead pick the phone up, wait for the motion sensor to realize it's moved, then swipe left to get to the camera".
  * Less bevel. Yes I am eager to be able to read more words per line on Kindle when I go to bed. It's a trade-off between "wanting bigger screen for kindle and movies" vs "wanting smaller phone for everyday use and fitting in pocket". This is a minor technical improvement sure but I welcome it.
  As for the depth sensor? It feels like there'll be useful apps coming out of this (e.g. the virtual tape measure app) but it's too early to tell.
3. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by gumbi+west · 2017-09-10 02:30 · Score: 1
  
  It does. Look at desktop and laptops. People still want the latest one, but they haven't changed anything but the display connector and video board for about 10 years.
4. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 02:49 · Score: 1
  
  And if they just kept making the same model for a few years, do you think anyone will buy it? Sure the improvements now are not as far reaching as in the early years but there are still minor improvements to be made. CPUs for example are starting to peak in terms of power. While they can introduce more powerful ones, the ones that are currently being used are powerful enough for most things. Where it seems to be going is that one day maybe your smart phone will be your computer/laptop. The UI is the last hurdle.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
5. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 02:53 · Score: 1
  
  Well going from HDDs to solid state memory is a major improvement, I think. CPUs with integrated GPUs has come a long way. Before you had to have a discrete GPU even in laptops. Wifi chipsets taking less power and space, etc. So some progress is being made.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
6. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by Moridineas · 2017-09-10 03:11 · Score: 1
  
  Yet companies like Apple are on this business treadmill where they think they have to re-invent it every year in order to keep selling phones. They mostly coasted on the fact that the next model improved some aspects -- CPU, storage, photo quality -- some noticeable increment, but they didn't really increase the basic utility value.
  So you think they would be better if they _didn't_ release upgrades every year?
  I would also say that Apple "re-invents" the iPhone every 2-3 years, in terms of there being larger changes to form factor, internal design, etc. The second year is usually just a refresh with better camera, CPU, etc. If you're going to complain about an incremental refresh, then I really don't understand your argument.
  iPhone 3g / 3gs (2 years)
  iPhone 4 / 4s (2 years)
  iPhone 5 / 5s (2 years)
  iPhone 6 / 6s / 7 (3 years)
7. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by Moridineas · 2017-09-10 03:12 · Score: 1
  
  * Wireless charging. Sometimes lint gets stuck and I can't charge. Often I just forget to charge my phone. When I had a micro-usb adapter I'd wear out about one cable a year, and once the port on my phone just got too damaged and I had to get a new phone. The lightning port doesn't seem quite as fragile, but even so I'm excited about this.
  Lightning port is pretty hardy, and a paperclip does wonder to get the lint out ;-) I generally do that about once a year.
8. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by gumbi+west · 2017-09-10 03:46 · Score: 1
  
  enough to justify the cost of a new machine? I can put an SSD in my 10 year old laptop. Beyond that, battery times have improved and I'm not sure I see much else. I don't do much graphics intensive and there I'm fine so long as the graphics card isn't eating my memory.
9. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 03:53 · Score: 1
  
  or using the phone with a finger or toe that I haven't registered . . .
  How is this Apple's fault that you didn't register all the fingers you wanted to use with Touch ID. You are allowed to register many prints.
  
  . It also interferes with the when you want to grab your phone and take a photo instantly, another toddler-related need
  Um, you do know you don't have to unlock your phone to take a picture, right? That's been a feature of iPhones and Androids for a while.
  
  . It took me about 5 months to of iphoning to learn the muscle memory rule "DON'T press the home button (because it's too prone to failing to log you in and by that time you'll have lost the shot);
  
  Er what? You are pressing the Home button. It's not the button to take the picture.
  
  instead pick the phone up, wait for the motion sensor to realize it's moved, then swipe left to get to the camera".
  So which of the steps are you complaining about? You have to pick up the phone otherwise you're taking a photo of the surface it's on (in the dark). I don't know about your phone but I never have "wait" for the motion sensor. It takes less than a second to get to the camera with all of those actions.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
10. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by ljw1004 · 2017-09-10 08:41 · Score: 1
  
  How is this Apple's fault that you didn't register all the fingers you wanted to use with Touch ID. You are allowed to register many prints.
  Umm... thanks for telling me that I'm holding my phone wrong, I guess??
  You're allowed to register five fingerprints. With my two thumbs, two index fingers and my wife's thumb, we're already maxed out.
  
  So which of the steps are you complaining about? You have to pick up the phone otherwise you're taking a photo of the surface it's on (in the dark). I don't know about your phone but I never have "wait" for the motion sensor. It takes less than a second to get to the camera with all of those actions.
  Try it. On my iPhone 6S, it's about two seconds from picking it up to being able to take a photo...
  Wait for motion-sensor to wake up enough that the screen allows a swipe-left: ~0.7 seconds, failure rate ~2%
  Swipe-left: ~0.4 seconds, failure rate ~5%
  Wait for phone app to be responsive: ~0.3 seconds, failure rate 0%
  Press the on-screen take-photo button: ~0.3 seconds, failure rate 0%
  Or:
  Press home button to log in: ~0.4 seconds, failure rate ~10%
  Press on-screen camera icon on the bottom bar: ~0.3 seconds, failure rate 0%
  Press on-screen take-photo button: ~0.3 seconds, failure rate 0%
  What I'm hoping with face recognition is this:
  Pick up camera and have it recognize my face en-route to my hands: ~0.4 seconds, failure rate 2%
  Press on-screen camera icon on the bottom bar: ~0.1 seconds, failure rate 0% [faster than above because I don't need to reposition my finger]
  Press on-screen take-photo button: ~0.3 seconds, failure rate 0%
11. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 08:52 · Score: 1
  
  enough to justify the cost of a new machine?
  You said: " they haven't changed anything but the display connector and video board for about 10 years". That is factually not true. Secondly the argument you're bringing up NOW is that these changes are not worth buying a new machine. You didn't mention that in your statement and is strictly a matter of your own personal choice and opinion.
  
  I don't do much graphics intensive and there I'm fine so long as the graphics card isn't eating my memory.
  Well good for you. Other people have different needs than you. Maybe that's why they've bought a new laptop in the last 10 years.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
12. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 09:05 · Score: 1
  
  Umm... thanks for telling me that I'm holding my phone wrong, I guess??
  Your complaint about not registering your prints to use is as silly as saying that your web accounts aren't unlocked by passwords you haven't set yet.
  
  Try it. On my iPhone 6S, it's about two seconds from picking it up to being able to take a photo...
  So have I. Under a second. I've tried it with other models. Under a second. I'm not sure what's wrong with your phone.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
13. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by Moridineas · 2017-09-10 15:55 · Score: 2
  
  That's what I was saying--that the iphone 6/6s/7 are all one "generation" despite the nomenclature. Apple broke the pattern there.
14. Re:Will the masses burn out from this churn? by blindseer · 2017-09-10 17:31 · Score: 1
  
  You are missing one very important difference between the PC and the so called "smart" phone industry. It's called market lock / planned obsolescence.
  Is it planned? I'm pretty sure that they know that the phones the are issuing now will be obsolete in four years or so but I'm not sure that they have any kind of real plan.
  I've had cell phones for probably 20 years now and I'm on my fifth phone. I think my first phone lasted me six years but my last one barely lasted a year. I used my phones until they were ready to fall apart from wear or I had damaged it. Except that last one. My first two were old enough that I risked losing service because the old towers were getting phased out. My first phone was a "tri-mode" or something like that to cover analog and the digital services at the time. My second was a "dual-mode" in that it had analog and digital. My third was when the GPS phones were starting to be mandated. Anyway the cell company paid me to take a new phone because they didn't want to support my phone any more, it didn't have the E911 features. When I ran that through the wash I panicked and got whatever they had at the local store that was cheap, because I wasn't ready to invest in a smart phone.
  Maybe I'm on the thin edge of the bell curve in not buying a new cell phone every year or two. I have an iPhone 7 now because my iPod Touch hit the floor a bit too hard once and the screen became cracked and hard to read. So of the four phones I had two were replaced because the cell phone towers were getting upgraded to a new signal and frequency standard. Two were because of damage (one to the phone itself, the other to a "smart" pocket device that a cell phone was an obvious replacement).
  I don't know how long you expect these things to last but my experience tells me that they'll last five years or so, if not potentially much longer. That's not that bad for an electronic device, or any consumer product really. Don't think of just electronic devices, just stuff around your house. How long does a lawn mower last? A reclining chair? Things where parts don't move are pretty durable, like pots, pans, dishes, and such last a long time.
  Tell me something, how long should a cell phone last in your opinion? I have no problem making them last four years or so. Now that water resistance and durable glass is pretty standard I expect my current phone to last a very long time.
  
  --
  I am armed because I am free. I am free because I am armed.
Re:OMG!!!111!! by MalachiK · 2017-09-10 00:34 · Score: 1

Yeah. Are we expected to react like they just cured cancer or something?
And.. by krouic · 2017-09-10 01:34 · Score: 1

And nothing of value was won...
It's what's not there by MrKaos · 2017-09-10 01:45 · Score: 1

There is absolutely no spyware on this phone at all. No seriously, fuck off, stop laffing, it's really really true. This phone respects your privacy, it really honestly does.

--
My ism, it's full of beliefs.
So ... by jon3k · 2017-09-10 01:47 · Score: 1

"Apple's iPhone line is expected to catch up with Android phones in the area of wireless charging this year... just lay the phone down on a compatible charger mat or base or dock, and watch the battery fill up."

So, exactly what I do already?
Facial recognition without button. How? by BlackPignouf · 2017-09-10 01:57 · Score: 2

How is facial recognition supposed to work without any button?
Is the camera always recording and scanning even when the phone is supposedly off?
1. Re:Facial recognition without button. How? by DontBeAMoran · 2017-09-10 02:46 · Score: 1
  
  Gyroscope that's been in the iPhone since... almost forever?
  
  --
  #DeleteFacebook
2. Re:Facial recognition without button. How? by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:55 · Score: 1
  
  Any time the phone is slightly moved, it wakes up and the reconnaissance feature resumes spying on everything you do with the camera.
That makes no sense by MrKaos · 2017-09-10 02:08 · Score: 1

The user is the product, the newest feature is more accurate data about their behavior.

--
My ism, it's full of beliefs.
Always watching by Excelcia · 2017-09-10 02:12 · Score: 1

Better yet, a camera with 3d sensing technology that is always on and watching. That's not taking our invasion of privacy to a whole new level at all.
1. Re:Always watching by Paradise+Pete · 2017-09-10 05:42 · Score: 1
  
  Better yet, a camera with 3d sensing technology that is always on and watching.
  Always on and watching? Surely not. I assume the face recognition stuff kicks in when you lift the phone. I'm hopeful that it works well enough that I can essentially just pick up the phone and start using it, even in the dark.
2. Re:Always watching by Paradise+Pete · 2017-09-10 06:46 · Score: 1
  
  For that level of convenience, you must give up all privacy.
  I'm not following you. Maybe you're right, but In what way is privacy being compromised?
Re:Sick & tired of SURVEILLANCE DEVICES by DontBeAMoran · 2017-09-10 02:37 · Score: 1

I use a phone to dial a number, speak, then hang up.
What the AC above just told you. Get a dumb phone. Smaller, cheaper, better battery life, etc.

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#DeleteFacebook
Re:data cable? by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 03:04 · Score: 1

Er? The rumor is that the new iPhone will have charging without the need of a cable (wireless charging like Qi). The rumor is not that the iPhone will have no cable at all.

--
Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
Re:Not yet. by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:20 · Score: 1

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.
a brand new feature called 'Animoji' by Hognoxious · 2017-09-10 03:46 · Score: 1

a brand new feature called 'Animoji'

Is there a noSJW app to make it go away?

--
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
Re:Will I be able to make a phone call by that+this+is+not+und · 2017-09-10 03:53 · Score: 1

There is a small lab in the back of the building on the fourth floor where 'Telephone Call Ergonomics' are considered. Twice a month, but hardly anybody shows up for the meeting.
Aiming for the moon. by DrYak · 2017-09-10 08:03 · Score: 1

Android solved that problem simply and efficiently by putting the sensor on the back, a solution that Apple could have adopted as well.
Apple, for once, wanted to be a bit original and have the fingerprint sensor work on the front, through the screen.
(think all the sci-fi movie where the hero is required to place a hand on the shape drawn on the screen).
Turns out, they didn't manage to find a way to pull this thing while fitting the ever thinner form factor

--
"Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
1. Re:Aiming for the moon. by doctorvo · 2017-09-10 08:29 · Score: 1
  
  My point is: the front of the phone just isn't a good place for the fingerprint sensor to begin with.
All irrelevant. by cheesybagel · 2017-09-10 08:09 · Score: 1

What everyone wants is for their phone to be as thin as a credit card and for their batteries to last for seconds, rather than minutes.
burned customer. by DrYak · 2017-09-10 08:12 · Score: 1

The rumor is not that the iPhone will have no cable at all.
You know after the removal of the audio jack, to some past customer, that wouldn't sound that much implausible.

--
"Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
1. Re:burned customer. by UnknowingFool · 2017-09-10 08:54 · Score: 1
  
  So you're extrapolating of what Apple might do next on a rumor of what Apple might do next.
  
  --
  Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
One missing feature... by cyn1c77 · 2017-09-10 08:57 · Score: 1

Also, now that the phone can charge wirelessly, it also will not have any ports whatsover.
So you will HAVE to use Apple's bluetooth headphones to talk to anyone or listen to music.
Because courage.
Presumably by easyTree · 2017-09-10 09:55 · Score: 1

This post is one of many generated via a schedule job.

--
Requiem for the American Dream
Privacy Concern? by dcw3 · 2017-09-10 20:34 · Score: 2

So what happens when a cop grabs your phone, and wants in? Does he get to just hold it up to your face to unlock it? If so, this seems like a serious flaw.

--
Just another day in Paradise
Re:Ignore the hype... by cdreimer · 2017-09-11 01:14 · Score: 1

You're a totally different and completely new person?
creimer got started on Slashdot, posted 25 to 50 comments per day, and got run off by the trolls.
cdreimer came kicking and screaming to Slashdot, post a few comments per day, and too busy to pay attention to trolls.
If you can't tell the difference, you're probably a troll.
Two things by DarthVain · 2017-09-11 01:20 · Score: 1

1) Facial recognition to unlock your phone? LOL! What could possibly go wrong. I'd imagine that it will work about as well as Siri (which is to say not very well). Might as well unlock your phone by getting in a argument with Siri and having it analyse that! :)
2) Getting rid of home button. Good idea. Was a point of failure. Also already sort of implemented. Girlfriend broke her home button (probably though continuous usage), but was able to limp by however by adjusting the software to do it VIA the touch screen. Which was a bit of a pain in the ass as it wasn't designed very well, but probably could easily be adjusted to serve just fine. I mean most other phone have gotten rid of their physical buttons awhile ago, probably for the same reason (point of mechanical failure), I mean the last one I had that did I think was my Samsung S3...
Apple vs good by DrYak · 2017-09-11 06:42 · Score: 1

My point is: the front of the phone just isn't a good place for the fingerprint sensor to begin with.
On the other hand, Apple was never about what is theoretically "good".
They mostly aim for what seems intuitive to clueless newbies
- The home button is where they put their finger anyway
- Apple logic : let's put the fingerprint sensors there.
- You're removing the home button and creating a "software" one displayed on the bottom of the screen ?
- Apple logic: Then the bottom of the screen should also be a finger print sensors, because that's where you're sure to find the user's finger
(if he isn't holding the phone "wrong" :-P )
- Oops that last one didn't work out, let's quickly scramble to make something, let's re-use that "face recognition" idea thrown by the guys at the R&D lab.
The rest of the planet :
- If somebody is holding their phone in their hand, there's a high chance that they can easily reach the back with a finger.

--
"Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
Safe to say... by martinfb · 2017-09-12 13:51 · Score: 1

Safe to say that it is apparent that the stretches that smartphone mfgrs have reached indicates the beginning of the end of, well, bullshit tweaks for way too much money!
C'mon, folks. WTF?! Are you really ready to go reaching that far for bullshit?!

How about bringing the cost to a reasonable level?!

Dear fellow citizen: Please WAKE THE FUCK UP!

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Self-importance and self-indulgence is the root of ALL evil.