Some interesting job descriptions posted on Apple’s international websites have been revealed. It would appear, that Apple is possibly seeking individuals to do some field testing of their new wonder device. The listing have popped up in more than one location, with the listing for Australia, as well as the U.K.

The listings call for someone who “technical understanding and experience with GSM/GPRS, EDGE, CDMA and UMTS”. Interesting, as the iPhone does not use CDMA. They could be talking about W-CDMA, but that is what UMTS is based off, and why be redundant. The first three listed are what we know in the current iPhone.
We do not know how long it has been up, just that since it is up, it is still available obviously. The listing in the U.K. is even more specific. In Germany Apple is looking for someone who “will apply his/her detailed technical knowledge of wireless standards (3G, Wi-Fi) to understand, prioritize and resolve issues found during certification”. It just may be possible there are some people out there that are packing a 3G iPhone, getting the device thoroughly tested in preparation for launch.
[Via RegHardware]

Written by Chase Higgins on May 9th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Apple and rumor and 3G iPhone and iPhone archive.
A little light has been shed on what exactly Apple has planned for P.A. Semi, that is recently acquired for $278 million. It is rumored that prior to this acquisition, Apple had invested in P.A. Semi back in 2005. You will remember back in 2005, Apple switched from PowerPC to Intel chips. At the time P.A. Semi was operating with a PPC license, and it is assumed that Apple had come to them to manufacture low power PPC chips for there Mac lineup.

It seems that Apple again has their eye on P.A. Semi, but it does not answer the question of why they bought them. It would appear that P.A. Semi had acquired a little obligatory debt, that Apple paid off, and brought P.A. Semi under Apple’s control. Now Apple has access to all of P.A. Semi’s intellectual property and patents, and to Apple they must have been worth the cash.
Apple’s plans behind the acquisition are foggy. They want P.A. Semi not for a product that they currently design, but for their experience. Apple most likely will use P.A. Semi to design a chip for a new portable device, as it is very unlikely they would switch CPU architectures again for the Mac line. Unfortunately, we will just have to wait and see.
[Via MacRumors]

Written by Chase Higgins on May 8th, 2008 with no comments.
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Austrian newspaper Der Standard is saying that T-Mobile has confirmed the 3G iPhone for Austria. The report goes on to say that T-Mobile’s press conference states the device will be here soon. We all knew that though didn’t we? It is reported that Austria will be a test market. Meaning they will be one of the first to get their hands on the 3G version of the iPhone.

This would definitely not be a repeat performance, as the iPhone only reached Austria a few months ago officially. Austria is a great place for 3G, as it is covered well with the technology. Also, the prices for 3G plans in Austria are very affordable. 3G devices are discounted steeply there. This combination makes Austria an ideal location for 3G devices.
When asked, T-Mobile’s reply on the matter was “yes, we plan to bring the iPhone with UMTS support to market, but can’t and are not allowed to say when yet.” There you have it, another 3G iPhone rumor to keep us entertained until the real deal drops. Until then here is the article, for those of you that read Austrian that is.
[Via I4U]

Written by Chase Higgins on May 6th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on rumor and Apple iPhone Rumors and T-Mobile and 3G iPhone and iPhone archive.
The new iPhone firmware is going to bring many magical things to the iPhone loving masses. We all know that, and there is no doubt about it. This little gem though, makes it even sweeter. There are rumors, that the latest build of the iPhone SDK, suggests that handwriting recognition may be included in the 2.0 firmware. Unfortunately, as of now at least, it is not for English.

Yes, oddly enough the ability is only supported for Chinese. While it is not confirmed the ability actually even exists. According to one source, the new iPhone firmware, build 5A258F, has several Chinese input methods. It is rumored, that one method is this fabled handwriting recognition. If the feature does come to fruition, hopefully it will make it to an English version.
Handwriting recognition for the iPhone presents one major problem. The iPhone, does not use, or support a stylus. This is because the iPhone uses a capacitive touch screen, and not a resistive touch screen, such as is found on Windows Mobile devices. While it would not be a far leap to write on the screen with a finger, it would be a different experience to say the least. Hey, it is a step in the right direction though.
[Via iPhone Alley]

Written by Chase Higgins on May 5th, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Apple iPhone Rumor and rumor and iPhone SDK and SDK and iPhone archive.
More hints about the appearance of the 3G iPhone have been leaked. Though the information is not confirmed, there is still an image floating around that possibly depicts the dimensions and shape of the new iPhone. This image is more of a blueprint. It is rumored that this picture was leaked to iPhone accessory manufacturers, so they could begin preparing accessories for the device ahead of time.

This image depicts quite a few valuable specifications about the new iPhone. First, it is clear it tapers off at the sides. This means it is thicker in the center of the device, then at the sides of the device. We can also see that the screen size is not going to change. It is clear that the speakers are going to be changed into larger holes as opposed to a grille. The dock connector, for whatever reason, is now rounded at the edges.
Now for that last window. It lists ‘color options’. Of these there are black and white. Ok, that is normal and expected. Wait, but what is that off maroon colored one? Well, it could be part of Apple’s PRODUCT(RED) initiative, we have seen iPods in this dress before. There is an unknown new sensor on the new iPhone. It is assumed this could be a second lower resolution camera, possibly for video chat or video calls.
[Via iLounge]

Written by Chase Higgins on May 2nd, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Accessories and iPhone Accessories and rumor and 3G iPhone and iPhone 2.0 and iPhone archive.
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