Updated Apple iPhone 4 hits the FCC, features new WiFi, Bluetooth modules
While Apple was in the middle of its “Let’s Talk iPhone” keynote, a new version of the company’s iPhone 4 made its way through the FCC. Interestingly, this does not appear to be the iPhone 4S – Change Notices didn’t make any mention of a new processor or world phone capabilities that would be present on the iPhone 4S. Instead, FCC filings note that the updated iPhone 4 will feature a WiFi/Bluetooth module that’s soldered onto the main printed circuit board, above. The device also has the same model number, A1332, as the original iPhone 4. Perhaps this is a less expensive version of the iPhone 4 that will take the place of the iPhone 3GS?
Update: Apple will be offering an 8GB iPhone 4 for $99 on contract, and this is likely it. The company will continue to offer the 3GS for free on contract.
The company also published images of the iPhone 4 under testing, below.
Case-Mate unveils $300 Titanium case for the Apple iPhone 4
Those of you who don’t want to cover your iPhone 4 with a plastic case…and happen to have $300 lying around…should take a look at Case-Mate’s new Titanium case for the iPhone 4. Made from the same metal that’s used in airplanes, the Titanium case is both light and durable, a big step up over Apple’s Bumper.
The Titanium case is designed to fit snugly around the iPhone 4, practically becoming a part of the phone itself. Unfortunately, that means the case requires a bit of assembly, but Case-Mate includes a screw driver, screws and button covers with the case for easy installation.
The Titanium Case will be released on June 27th. It works with AT&T, Verizon and unlocked versions of the iPhone 4.
Unlocked iPhone 4 now available from Apple for $650
It has taken a year, but US customers can now get the Apple iPhone 4 unlocked directly from Apple’s Online Store. Without AT&T’s subsidy, the 16GB iPhone 4 costs $650 while the 32GB iPhone 4 costs $750. That’s not a great deal if you just want to use the device on AT&T without a contract – if that’s your plan you’re better off just buying the phone with a contract and paying the early termination fee – but the unlocked iPhone 4 is a good solution for those of you that want to take the phone abroad to another carrier.
The iPhone 4 supports GSM bands 850, 900, 1800 and 1900, as well as WCDMA bands 850, 900, 1900 and 2100. That means the phone will work on many 3G networks in Europe, Asia and South America. Unfortunately, without support for the 1700 WCDMA band, you won’t be able to use the iPhone 4 on T-Mobile USA’s 3G network. Of course, with only GSM support the unlocked iPhone 4 can’t be used with any CDMA carriers, either.
Pick up your unlocked iPhone 4 from Apple’s Online Store here. Both Black and White colors are available.
White iPhone 4 appears in Best Buy’s inventory system, coming on Wednesday?
Those of you longing for a white iPhone 4 may only have one more day to wait. That’s if the Best Buy inventory page, pictured above, is legit. The page, which was published by Engadget today, shows that the white iPhone 4 will be in stock at Best Buy on Wednesday, April 27th.
Before you start camping outside your local Best Buy, keep in mind that supposed screen shots of internal databases are notoriously unreliable. We don’t know when this screen shot was taken, or if it actually shows Best Buy’s inventory system. The good news is that if Best Buy plans to release the white iPhone 4 on Wednesday, we should hear an announcement from the company in just a matter of hours.
Source: Engadget
Pioneer’s AppRadio car navigation system hits the FCC, plays nice with your iPhone
A growing number of car audio systems are offering support for the Apple iPhone, but to date most systems only feature integration with audio files. However, at CES this year, Pioneer announced plans to release car audio and navigation systems that integrate tightly with iOS devices, including Internet connection sharing, voice control, GPS integration, and even support for apps such as Pandora and Yelp. Pioneer calls this new platform PAIS, the Platform for Aggregation of Internet Services.
Today, Pioneer passed the AppRadio, model number SPH-DA01, pictured above, through the FCC. This will likely be one of Pioneer’s first PAIS devices, and judging from the system’s name, it’s gonna offer support for iOS apps. According to the AppRadio’s user manual, the device will support the iPhone 4 or iPod Touches with iOS version 4.1 and above. Unfortunately, the manual that Pioneer submitted to the FCC doesn’t detail exactly how the AppRadio will interact with Apple devices, but at this point it appears that the system will connect to the iPhone or iPod Touch via Bluetooth or USB. The AppRadio also offers support for microSD cards.
We’ll keep an eye out for further news about the AppRadio. We still don’t know much about the device, but we’re impressed by Pioneer’s effort to offer higher levels of integration with its PAIS platform.
White iPhone 4 appears on Three UK’s site, gets pulled quickly
As if those of you waiting for the white iPhone 4 haven’t been tortured enough by rumors of the device’s launch, UK-carrier Three briefly listed the white iPhone 4 for sale today for £159 with a two year contract. Sadly, Three quickly pulled the white iPhone 4 product page, later claiming that they just had the white iPhone 4 page available “should the time come to launch white.” Bummer.
Still, there has been a recent increase in white iPhone 4 launch rumors, a good indication that the phone may indeed be launching soon. Of course we’ve heard this story before, so we won’t get our hopes up just yet.
Source: Engadget
