iPhone 5 Next Generation Camera Rumors Surface

Two interesting new rumors have surfaced surrounding future iPhone camera designs. The first involves a leak from Sony regarding an 8 megapixel camera the company manufactures that sounds like it's headed for the iPhone 5. 9to5 Mac reports Sony CEO Howard Stringer explained how their best image sensors are produced at a factory that was affected by the earthquake in Japan.
Sony iPhone 5 camera 3D rumor

He noted that this problem will delay shipment of images sensors to companies like Apple. The only thing is that Sony doesn't make image sensors for Apple... yet. The Street reported in April of last year that Apple would be moving away from current supplier OmniVision for the iPhone 5, and going with an 8 megapixel Sony component instead.

The same article correctly forecast that the iPhone 4 would carry its current OmniVision 5 megapixel camera. It would make sense for Apple to keep improving the iPhone camera to keep up with the competition and improve image quality on its multimedia focused devices. It's not clear whether or not the Sony manufacturing delays will push back the release of the iPhone 5.

The second and more far-reaching rumor is actually a patent discovered by AppleInsider. Apple has been working on 3D imaging and the patent details a system that would use two built-in cameras in a mobile device to capture a stereoscopic image. The 3D images could be displayed after capture on a special screen. Apple's patent explains that the dual camera system would be superior to single-camera 3D solutions and the system could even be used to record 3D video as well.

3D televisions and digital cameras have begun to surface in the consumer market, however they have yet to be commonplace. If Apple indeed goes with the 8 megapixel Sony camera for the iPhone 5, it looks like 3D will have to wait for a future generation iPhone. Maybe in a year or two we'll see an iPhone 3D. In the meantime, you can get 3D games now with Hasbro's MY3D viewer which launches tomorrow.
Source : http://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/971322

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iPhone 5 Begins Production as Hardware Details Leak

China Times reports that the iPhone 5 has entered a trial production phase and will feature a larger screen. Purported iPhone 5 parts have already leaked that seem to match the claim of a four-inch screen. The iPhone 5 itself is expected to have a similar form factor as the current model, with the display reaching all the way to the edge of the device.
apple iphone 5 mockup four inch screen

The rendering above by Piotrek Photos shows how a larger iPhone 5 screen might compare to the current iPhone 4 display. This news comes as the New York Times has confirmed Apple is working on near-field communication (NFC) technology so that future iPhones can easily make wireless mobile payments at specially equipped cash registers. The NFC hardware would be integrated with the iPhone processor and linked directly to the owner's iTunes account.

Although Apple is working on NFC technology it's not clear whether or not the feature will make its way onto the iPhone 5. The company could be saving this functionality for a future model iPhone, as there are many different versions of the e-wallet concept currently entering the market. Competing Android phones are already getting into the act, with the Samsung Nexus S already equipped with NFC.

Other highlights of the iPhone 5 design include the switch to a metal back, much like the original iPhone. Apple could completely redesign the iPhone 5 with a curved aluminum back, to bring it more in line with the iPad 2 and recent iPod touch designs. More recent information points to a next generation device much more similar to the iPhone 4, except replacing the back glass panel with metal. A redesigned antenna would be integrated into the smartphone to help prevent the reception issues that were cited by Consumer Reports when they refused to recommend the iPhone 4.

According to China Times, the iPhone 5 is on track for a summer 2011 release. This contradicts some reports that the iPhone 5 could be delayed until September. Apple typically updates the iPhone every year in late June to early July. Plenty of time left for more rumors, leaks and speculation before an official Apple announcement.
Source : http://www.iphonefaq.org/archives/971313#42

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