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Apple's future Siri threat means Jobs hit the Android nuke button

27.01.12

By Jonny Evans

The Cupertino dream machine's rumbling into action once again, with Apple [ AAPL ] developing new tech which will make Siri something seriously amazing, a new patent filing claims .

Take you higher

I've had some high expectations of the Apple technology. As a beta Siri continues to learn new information about user need, expression and to increase its Nuance-licensed database of accents and sounds. What does this mean? That when it comes to the user-focused side of the software you have to expect your non-rubber-clad assistant to improve: you'll get more accurate results and more capable predictions of the questions you need to ask.

But that's not all:

This morning's published Apple patent tells us of the company's plans for an "Intelligent Automated Assistant". This tech will transform a user's voice commands into actions. While I guess this will be confined to app and iOS device control (at first), imagine the potential implications in the home consumer electronics, automotive, health and other industries.

Source: Computerworld (blog)

Apple iPhone 4S Shipments Could Herald Strong 2012: Analyst

27.01.12

Apple likely posted strong iPhone 4S and iPad sales in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to a new analyst report. Combined with other projections, that suggests Apple is entering 2012 on a high note.

“We believe CQ4 iPhone builds settled in at [37 million], which means shipments of [35 million] are possible,” Peter Misek, an analyst with Jefferies & Co., wrote in a co-authored research note Jan. 17. “CQ4 iPad builds finished at [12 million] with sell-through over [13.5 million].” In turn, that means “we see a strong [calendar year 2012] product cycle (iPhone 5, iPad 3, iTV).”

In a Jan. 18 blog posting, research firm Nielsen also suggested that the iPhone 4S had managed to increase Apple’s market share in its battle with Google Android. “Among recent acquirers, meaning those who said they got a new device within the past three months, 44.5 percent of those surveyed in December said they chose an iPhone,” read that posting, “compared with 25.1 percent in October.” Some 57 percent of iPhone owners surveyed in December chose the iPhone 4S. 

Source: eWeek

Apple iPhone 5: Top Competitors

27.01.12

Nokia’s Lumia series devices are making great names for themselves, offering excellent performance and value for money and the latest device to be announced, the Lumia 900, looks a dead-cert to raise the brand’s profile even higher.

As with previous Lumia devices, the 900 runs on Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7.5 operating system and, as we’ve previously mentioned, the platform is an excellent, usable piece of software. The number of apps on offer for the OS is growing daily too, with some very impressive apps already on the market.

The hardware of the device is pretty special too though. It’s powered by a 1.4GHz CPU, features an Adreno 205 GPU, and an excellent 8-megapixel camera driven by Carl Zeiss optics.

The Lumia 900 also boasts an impressive 4.3-inch AMOLED screen that operates at a resolution of 480 x 800 and has a pixel density of 217ppi, which is capable of sharp, lustrous visuals.

However, it's doubtful whether this smartphone will ever make it to UK shores - it's currently only pencilled in for a US launch.

Source: Know Your Mobile