Buy now or wait? Apple's new iPhone SE vs. the rumored 'iPhone 7'

It's one of the most common questions any prospective smartphone buyer asks: Should I buy now, or wait? The launch of the iPhone SE — an uncharacteristic-for-Apple mid-cycle upgrade — makes the answer slightly more complex this year.

If you prefer smaller phones, now is the time to buy the iPhone SE. If you want a larger screen and you can hold out, at this point you're probably better off waiting until September for the "iPhone 7" and skipping the iPhone 6s (or getting it at a discount).

It's been more than six months since the launch of the iPhone 6s. And while the iPhone 6s is a fantastic phone, we're now closer to the anticipated debut of an "iPhone 7" than we are to last year's launch of the iPhone 6s.

That puts prospective iPhone buyers in somewhat of a gray area. And for some, the launch of the iPhone SE may have muddied the waters even further.

For those unsure what to do, here's a helpful guide to deciding what's right for you.

Yes, there will still be an "iPhone 7" this fall

The launch of the new 4-inch iPhone SE has generated some anxiety that Apple may not launch a new flagship model this fall. Don't worry: All indications are that a full-fledged "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" are still in the cards.

What's it expected to have? The real selling point for most could be an all-new design. Apple has historically introduced an entirely new chassis with number upgrades, and this year it's expected to continue that tradition.

Inside, you can expect the usual array of enhancements, including a next-generation "A10" processor. The larger 5.5-inch "iPhone 7 Plus" is also expected to have more RAM for even greater performance.

The cameras will also see an upgrade, with rumors suggesting Apple is working on a dual lens design that could greatly improve stability and image quality, while also potentially adding an optical zoom function.

In all, the "iPhone 7" is expected to be a healthy upgrade from the iPhone 6s and the iPhone SE, which feature many of the same components.

Sizing up your options

The newly launched 4-inch iPhone SE will likely remain in Apple's lineup for awhile — Apple isn't expected to revamp that form factor this year. And it may not even touch it next year either.

So if you were holding out hope for a new 4-inch iPhone, right now is the time to buy. Apple's latest update is powerful and competitively priced, and it's expected to remain as-is through the end of 2016 and beyond.

You'll also save a fair amount of money: The iPhone SE starts at just $399, while it's likely the "iPhone 7" will carry Apple's typical entry price of $649. Saving $250 and getting a phone six months sooner is nothing to sneeze at.

But if you prefer a larger phone or you're a bleeding-edge type of user, the issue is a little more complex. Apple is expected to launch its new "iPhone 7" in September, putting us currently smack dab in the middle of the iPhone 6s cycle.

Timing, timing, timing

If you can wait, and you prefer larger (and better) screens on your iPhone, you probably want to put away your wallet and be patient. The "iPhone 7" is expected to be a big upgrade — the biggest since the iPhone 6.

Why wait? Well, if you're looking for the best in mobile technology, and you've already made it this long without an iPhone 6s, you'll be happier if you hold off.

Of course, not everyone can wait. Maybe your old iPhone 5s finally bit the dust. Maybe you dropped your iPhone 6 in the ocean and the cost of repairing it is prohibitive, but you still need a smartphone for the next six months. Maybe you don't really care about the latest and greatest.

For those buyers, the iPhone 6s is a great choice. You'll be happy with it. Just don't develop a sense of buyers' remorse come September, because there's always something new around the corner.

The headphone factor

Finally, let's touch on one persistent — but unconfirmed — rumor about the "iPhone 7." Namely, that it won't have a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.

Even here, we think it's best to wait. If the "iPhone 7" truly does launch without a headphone jack, and that's a dealbreaker for you, the current iPhone 6s will almost assuredly drop in price by at least $100.

By waiting, you'll have the benefit of choosing between a new "iPhone 7," or a more affordable iPhone 6s. Given Apple's track record, that's likely to be a win-win situation.

Just remember: Patience is a virtue.


Source:appleinsider

iPhone and iPad Pro go small, Apple Watch pivots and iOS 9.3 is a must-try

Once again, Apple has refreshed its iPhone and iPad line with some better (albeit smaller) iOS devices, the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

If you’re looking for all the details on these two new gadgets, or just want to know which is the right iPad or iPhone for you, be sure to grab this week’s Cult of Mac Magazine, which also includes all the cool things you can do with iOS 9.3, a look at Cupertino’s new Apple Watch pivot, and a deeper dive on the keynote itself.

Here are this week’s top stories.

Smaller is … better? Apple gets right-sized with new iPad Pro and iPhone SE
Buying a smaller iPhone doesn’t have to mean settling for disappointing specifications anymore, and the scaled-down version of Apple’s supercharged 12.9-inch tablet boasts some compelling new features.

Everything cool you can do with iOS 9.3
Apple’s latest upgrade delivers some great new features. In fact, iOS 9.3 might be Apple’s biggest “dot” release yet. Plus: How to update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 9.3; Video guides to the latest iOS, tvOS and watchOS features

Which iPad or iPhone is right for you?

With the new iPhone and iPad lineups now verging on unwieldy, it’s harder than ever to decide which Apple device to buy. Which one is best for you? Our buyer’s guides can help! Plus: How to choose the best iPhone for you.

Apple Watch apps kinda suck, but Cupertino is pivoting

At this week’s keynote, Apple revealed a major shift in its smartwatch strategy. Tim Cook tried to dress it up by announcing new Apple Watch bands and a price drop, but the most significant aspect was what he did not say.

What Apple’s iPhone SE keynote means

Smaller is better, says Apple, with two big product “reveals” that show off compact new devices with impressive internals. Plus: Everything that knocked us for a loop; What Apple product launches say about Tim Cook; See keynote in 90 seconds.

There’s plenty more in this week’s not-so-small edition of Cult of Mac Magazine, so grab your own copy today. It’s as compact as a carnation on your iPad.

source:cultofmac

iPhone SE: Early Testing Reveals Killer Battery Life, Beating iPhone 6s, Galaxy S7

iPhone SE: better battery life than iPhone 6s? (Credit: Apple)

The iPhone SE, which masks impressive specs under a ho-hum 4-inch exterior, may be turning out to be one of the best deals Apple AAPL -0.45% has ever offered in an iPhone. Here’s another reason to put it on your shopping list: battery life.

We already know it’s Apple’s cheapest phone (starting at $399), uses a fast A9 processor, and has the latest Apple camera tech. And now we’re getting our first indications that it has excellent battery life.

The Wall Street Journal’s early review said the “standout news is battery life.” Based on the Journal’s stress test, the SE lasted 10 hours. That beats both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 5s by two hours and is about three hours longer than the Galaxy S7, according to the Journal.

It is important to note that the iPhone SE has a lower-resolution (1,136-by-640) display compared to the iPhone 6s’ larger 4.7-inch (1,334-by-750) screen. And considerably lower resolution than the Galaxy S7′s 5.1-incher (2,560-by-1,440), as pointed out by Mac Rumors. Typically, the larger and higher-resolution the display, the bigger the impact on battery life. The iPhone SE also does not come with 3D Touch support — albeit a feature that relatively few consumers would notice.

Source: forbes

The 5 best things about Apple’s new iPhone SE – and the 2 worst things

We knew practically everything there was to know heading into Monday’s big Apple event, but there were still a couple of surprises — and one of them was pretty huge. In 2015, Apple sold 30 million new iPhones that had 4-inch screens. 30 million! There are some smartphone vendors that don’t even ship 30 million total units in a year, and yet Apple’s old 4-inch iPhone models are still selling like hotcakes in many regions.

That stat alone makes the iPhone SE a bigger deal than many people thought it would be, but the phone’s appeal extends well beyond that. In fact, the new iPhone SE is a shockingly good phone, and we’ll run down the five best (and two worst) things about it right now.

Size

We now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are still plenty of people who want smaller iPhones.

The lower price is certainly a draw as well, but many people simply don’t want a bigger phone. The iPhone SE fits comfortably in just about any small or average-sized hand. It’s a tried and true design, and the display is still stunning despite being so compact.

Size is also what sets the new iPhone SE apart from the rest of Apple’s lineup as well as most Android phones. Even affordable mid-range Android handsets are fairly large these days.

Power

This is key. Early rumors suggested the iPhone SE might be a somewhat minor upgrade compared to the iPhone 5s it would replace. More recent reports leading up to the event stated it would have many of the same internal components of the iPhone 6s though, and that ended up being the case.

Put plainly, the iPhone SE is far too powerful and capable a smartphone to also be so affordable. Once released, it will be the best value in the world and people no longer have an excuse to buy a mid-range Android phone.

Camera

All those internal components from the iPhone 6s also include the camera from Apple’s latest 4.7-inch smartphone. It might not be the best camera in the world, but it’s pretty darn close and it’s now available in Apple’s most affordable new smartphone ever.

Users shopping in this price range don’t have a single other option that comes anywhere close to matching the camera on the iPhone SE. Not one.

iOS

The iPhone SE has something else that other comparably priced mid-range smartphones don’t have: iOS and the surrounding app ecosystem.

I really want to ditch my iPhone and switch to the Galaxy S7, but there’s no way I can leave iOS at this point. It’s just too good. The third-party apps are better, the overall user experience is better, and now it’s all available in a surprisingly powerful but compact package at a shockingly low price point.

And about that price point…

Price

$399? That’s an incredibly low price for such a solid new phone. The base price will be a bit higher in some markets, but Apple obviously did its homework and made sure to price the new iPhone SE within reach of the customers it hopes to address.

Worst things

Nothing is perfect and there are plenty of things people will gripe about on the iPhone SE. For me, two things in particular stand out.

First, Apple took all these great new components from the iPhone 6s but it kept the old Touch ID sensor from iPhone 5s. The company built such a phenomenal overall experience with the SE, and having the lightning-fast new Touch ID scanner would have really helped to keep everything on that high level. The sensor from the iPhone 5s is still faster than some other options and Apple likely tried to cut costs here, but it won’t deliver the same great experience as the iPhone 6s.

And lastly, the design.

The iPhone 5 was a great phone in 2012, and the iPhone 5s has been doing well for the past few years since its introduction in 2013. But wouldn’t Apple have attracted even more new buyers if the SE featured a fresh new design?

Sticking with the iPhone 5’s design makes sense in some ways and it certainly helped Apple keep its R&D and production costs low, but it will definitely be disappointing to some potential customers. In fact, it might be the biggest mistake Apple make with the iPhone SE.

Source:bgr

Siri's inventor looks forward to Viv, 'a giant brain in the sky'

(Photo: Getty Images)

AUSTIN – Science and technology have always cut with double-edged swords, capable of both propelling humanity to new achievements while threatening us with potential catastrophe.

That chilling theme was explored by two leading technologists at SXSW Interactive, a festival that has seen its share of humans rising up against the machines.

While no protests were in evidence so far this year - in 2015 a group called Stop the Robots demonstrated against an automated future – there’s still time. The 30th edition of SXSW is rife with provocative sessions such as Can AI Systems Really Think? and Androids and Future Life.

In separate talks, the promise and pitfalls of bothDNA sequencing and artificial intelligence were laid out by quantum physicist turned human genome expert Riccardo Sabatini, and telcom veteran turned entrepreneur Dag Kittlaus, who developed the virtual personal assistant Siri and sold it to a persistent Steve Jobs in 2010.

“It is important to prevent the bad side,” Kittlaus, 49, said during his cheerfully titled talk, Will AI Augment or Destroy Humanity? “It’s a good idea to keep an eye on this.”

When the moderator, tech author Steven Levy, asked Kittlaus if in fact supercomputers might not take over for entrepreneurs, using their digital brains to create things faster than humans, Kittlaus nodded.

“Yes, it will happen,” he said. “It’s just a matter of when.”

Kittlaus, it can be argued, is hastening the arrival of that day. Later this year, he will unveil Viv, an open source and cloud-based personal assistant that will allow humans “to talk to the Internet” and have the Internet talk back.

“The more you ask of Viv, the more it will get to know you,” he said. “Siri was chapter one, and now it’s almost like a new Internet age is coming. Viv will be a giant brain in the sky.”

Kittlaus said Viv would differ from Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Echo by being able to make mental leaps.

For example, asking Viv “What’s the weather near the Super Bowl” would cause it to “write its own program to find the answer, one that first determines where the Super Bowl is, and then what the weather will be in that city,” he said.

Levy laughed. “So,” he said, “if I stumble out of a bar and just say ‘I’m drunk,’ will it call me an Uber?”

Kittlaus smiled. “It might, or it might order you another drink."

PRIVACY ISSUES LOOM FOR SMART MACHINES

Such levity aside, privacy and security issues pop to mind when considering a cloud-based system that’s gobbling up data to create a digitized picture of our lives.

Apple’s current battle with the FBI over providing code to crack open a killer’s iPhone is one matter; granting access to a thinking machine that is privy to a person’s smallest details would be quite another.

Pepper the robot looks on during a session about smart future tech at SXSW. (Photo: Rick Jervis, USA TODAY)

Kittlaus’ answer to a question about secure data was less than convincing: “It will be up to you to tell it what you want to tell it.”

The issue of machine learning outgunning human brainpower currently is on bold display in South Korea, where an AI machine called AlphaGo is thrashing a champion Go player Lee Se-dol. AlphaGo is a program created by DeepMind, a British company that was bought by Google two years ago.

Ironically, Kittlaus is working on a novel that features dangerous AI.

“It’s a Siri out of control scenario,” he explained with a smile as the packed room laughed. “The machine seems to be right all the time in its predictions, so the question becomes, how do you trust that machine when you don’t know how it’s making its decisions.”

THE DILEMMA OF CREATING SUPERBABIES

On the topic of DNA sequencing, humans will have to bear the responsibility of ethically handling the coming leaps, said Sabatini, 34, a researcher who captivated TED 2016 last month with a lecture that found him hauling 175 thick books on stage – the full genetic make-up of DNA-sequencing pioneer J. Craig Venter. Sabatini works for Venter's company, Human Longevity Inc.

“We should as a species get informed, because this is a controversial topic,” said the Italian scientist. “We need to come to an ethical understanding, or we might get to an unhealthy story.”

DNA sequencing pioneer J. Craig Venter, left, shown here with Nobel Laureate Hamilton Smith. (Photo: JCVI)

Sabatini said that as we understand more about our genetic makeup – of which “only about 1% is clear to us” – there will be the opportunity not only to check for potential diseases before they ravage the body, but also to genetically modify a future human to have more appealing traits. Call it man-made Darwinism.

Specifically, Sabatini said that it is possible based on current genetic sequencing to see what lines of our human code correspond to not just physical features, but also to so-called superpowers that include the ability to sleep just three hours the night and see well in the dark.

Apple's Product Launch Event Set for March 21

Apple announced Thursday its next product launch event will be March 21, one day before it squares off with federal prosecutors over the government's demand for help unlocking an encrypted iPhone.

Analysts and tech blogs are anticipating a 4-inch iPhone, a smaller iPad pro and new bands for the Apple Watch. But the company provided no details with its announcement of the event, in keeping with its usual effort to build anticipation for its new products.

An invitation sent to reporters on Thursday said only "Let us loop you in." The event will take place at Apple's 1 Infinite Loop campus in Cupertino, California.

Apple's twice-yearly product events are highly anticipated and the speculation that precedes them is rampant. The backdrop to this year's event is a high-stakes legal dispute between the FBI and the Obama administration, which has chafed at Apple's use of encryption that make its customers' data unreadable to others.

Federal authorities want Apple's help in over-riding security features on an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino mass shooters, so the FBI can attempt to examine the phone. Apple CEO Tim Cook contends the government's demand would make other iPhones vulnerable. Both sides will make their case to a federal magistrate in Riverside on March 22.

While Apple executives say the company is continually working on increased security measures, they haven't said whether they will announce any new encryption or other safeguards at this month's event. What is more certain is a push by Apple to boost sales with new versions of some popular products.

A 4-inch iPhone would reverse an industry trend, which has turned out larger and larger screens. The most recent iPhone models have come with 4.7- or 5.5-inch screens, which have sold extremely well, particularly in Asian countries where larger phones made by Apple's rivals had been big sellers in previous years.

But with sales now starting to plateau, analysts say Apple could spark additional demand by offering an updated 4-inch iPhone alongside the bigger models. The smaller phone is expected to sell at a lower price and would appeal to those who never bought into the larger screens. In an upgrade from older 4-inch iPhones, the new model is expected to have a faster processor and features like Apple Pay, which until now has been available only on larger iPhones.

Similarly, Apple has been trying to boost sagging iPad sales by offering more sizes and models. The new iPad tablet is expected to be a 9.7-inch version of the iPad Pro, which Apple introduced last year. While the new model will be the same size as Apple's regular iPads, it's also a step back from the first iPad Pro, which has a larger, 12.9-inch screen and other features for professional users — including a thin, detachable keyboard and stylus that are sold separately.

Tablet sales from all makers are expected to fall nearly 6 percent this year, according to analysts at International Data Corp., but more people are buying new models with detachable keyboards. A longtime Apple rival, Microsoft, has seen strong demand for its Surface Pro tablets with keyboards.