We reported yesterday that Apple has sent out invites for an event on September 10 at its Cupertino headquarters, widely believed to be for the launch of its next iPhone handsets.
Today, Chinese media outlets (one of which is Sina Tech ) started reporting that they have received an invitation from Apple for a separate event to be held in Beijing on September 11 at 10 am local time, right after the main event — reportedly the first time ever that Apple has organized such a solo standalone event in the country.
The event invitation that Chinese media have received looks exactly the same as the US one, except the text which is in Chinese. The event will be held at Beijing’s World Trade Center.
Apple’s move adds to the credibility of rumors that have been pointing to the introduction of the budget iPhone 5C — and could the C possibly be a codename for China? A lower-priced iPhone would likely be aimed at the Chinese market — the world’s largest smartphone market — where indicators show that mid-market devices tend to do better and where Apple still performs below its potential. In the second quarter of this year, Apple slid to the seventh position in China’s smartphone market as Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi overtook it, according to research firm Canalys.
If the lower-priced iPhone is for real, it would contribute toward start of a new era for the company in China by appealing to consumers who are currently priced out of its flagship phone, and it is little wonder that Apple would want to show its commitment to the country.
Even Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has visited China twice this year to hold talks with China Mobile, the only Chinese operator that does not offer iPhones and iPads, despite being the world’s largest mobile phone operator with over 700 million subscribers.
Image Credit: Wang Zhao via AFP/Getty Images
Sony SmartWatch 2 brings Android and NFC compatibility, no Sony smartphone required
Sony has announced a follow up to its SmartWatch in the form of the SmartWatch 2 which the company is billing as a perfect second screen for your smartphone.
You can do all the usual things you’d expect of a smart watch, such as making and receiving phone calls, looking at maps and navigate, checking emails, and using apps to track exercise and other fitness activities. Its introduction follows rumors of a similar product from Apple (which has yet to materialize) and an interest in wearable technology thanks to things like Google Glass.
“Competitors are only now launching first generation devices, while we are already launching a 3 rd generation device with all the insight gained from over half a million customers combined with Sony’s wealth of technology expertise to create the best ever smartwatch experience,” Stefan K Persson, Head of Companion Products at Sony Mobile Communications, said.
Naturally, it can also be used for your social media needs too or as a remote control for your Walkman media player found on Sony smartphones.
It also includes near-field communication (NFC) capabilities too, allowing users to pair the watch with a phone or tablet with the minimum of fuss. It also means it can pair with things like wireless headsets and portable speakers too for playing back music over a proper sound system.
The company said it had also bumped up the design and specs of the previous generation to provide “better visibility in sunlight” and better battery life. The screen is a 1.6 inch, 220 x 176 pixels affair and it’s also water resistant. It should be pointed out that while it has an “Android-like UI” and has been made to run some of the apps, it’s not actually a full build of Android.
Oh, it can also be used as a watch too and can be fitted to any standard 24mm wristband.
While I’m sure Sony is hoping you use it alongside one of its new range-topping smartphones like the Xperia Z or Xperia Z Ultra , fear not if your Android phone is of a different brand as it should work just fine with the SmartWatch 2.
While pricing isn’t yet known, you can expect the SmartWatch 2 to go on sale around September.
Image Credit – Getty Images
Apple launches iPhone 5c with 4-inch Retina display
Apple has launched the iPhone 5c, a lower-cost device designed to appeal to buyers that want to get in on the iPhone action, but don’t want to shell out for a top-end model.
The 5c was announced today at Apple’s launch event in Cupertino, California. The device will come with a polycarbonate shell and the option of a green, white, blue, pink, or yellow “soft-feel” silicon rubber surround.
Key hardware specs include a 4-inch Retina display, 8-megapixel camera and the same A6 processor found in the iPhone 5. There’s also an HD forward-facing Facetime camera too.
On contract, prices start from $99 in the US for the 16GB version and $199 for the 32GB model. The colored cases are an additional $29 each. Pre-orders start from September 13 and the handsets are due to go on sale from September 20 in the US, UK, Australia, China, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Singapore. Off-contract pricing for the 16GB 5c is $549 while the 32GB option will set you back $649.
While extending the range by adding in lower tier models is not traditionally a territory Apple has been willing to dabble in, the move to include a model with changeable, different colored shells reflects Apple’s desire to make a bigger impression in markets like China, as well as in Europe and domestically.
Featured Image Credit – AFP/Getty Images