Not a day goes by when one doesn’t hear or read any new rumor or news surrounding the next-gen device from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), i.e., the iPhone 6. The latest in the series is a patent unearthed by Apple Insider titled “Voice-Based Image Tagging and Searching.” The patent, filed by Apple and published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, would allow users to sort and tag snaps using voice command.
The fact that this patent comes just days after CEO Tim Cook hinted at “big plans” for Apple in 2014 makes the technology even more certain in the iPhone 6.
Voice tagging, Improved Siri
The report from Apple Insider also gave an example. When a user tells the iPhone 6, “This is me at the beach,” the device accordingly tags the photo. The report also notes that the new feature is capable of tagging snaps based on the location and time the snaps were taken. The feature is also equipped to recognize faces, buildings and locations. Once the feature tags the photos, users then would be able to sort them with the use of voice command.
Some of the reports also suggest that the iPhone 6 may include an improved vocal aid feature Siri. Though the Siri feature has been updated with the new iOS 7, still some issues could be experienced by users. It is expected that the iPhone 6 would feature a better Siri which would provide more accurate answers to searched questions.
Another patent reported by Apple Insider reveals an idea from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to install a heart rate monitor into the frame or bezel of devices. The technology would place an EKG monitor into the frame of an iPhone 6. Previously also, Apple has shown an inclination towards biometric security and health, including its Motion M7 co-processor.
Hovering to differentiate iPhone 6 from Samsung devices
After years of trying, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) finally has been awarded the patent on a hover gesture. The technology in the coveted patent may be featured in the next iPhone and iPad tablet. It is still not sure whether or not Apple would commercialize the sensing touch technology, but if it did, then it would certainly help the iOS flagship to stand against Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and rumored Galaxy S5.
The Korean firm has already used the technology in its Galaxy S4 flagship this year. Hovering allows a preview or additional content, which is similar to hovering over links and images on a PC with a mouse. With the use of the technology, a simple tap on the touchscreen would work similar as a click on a mouse.
However, the technology from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) would be a step further to differentiate a press from a hover in a phone or tablet. The same factor would provide a better experience to users than provided by the Galaxy S4, which sometimes fails to detect the difference between a tap and a hover. It would be interesting to see how Apple will commercialize the technology as previously the company failed to fully capitalize on implementing new technologies, like the slim bezels on the original iPad mini, which recognize that the hand holding the device near the screen does not mean a tap. The slim bezels technology was missing in initial Android tablets.
Bigger screen, but how much bigger?
It is almost certain that the iPhone 6 will be bigger than its predecessor, but how much bigger is debatable. Initially, the reports suggested that the device would sport a 4.8-inch screen, however, the latest rumors point to a 5-inch screen.
As per a report from Japanese tech publication MacFun, the 5-inch screen would be full HD with resolution of 1,920 x 1,080. Full HD is surely in the cards, while the resolution may differ when the device is actually unveiled. Apple has been extra careful, when it comes to the resolution, to make app looks suitable for all its devices. When Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) moved to Retina in the iPhone 4 from the iPhone 3GS, the resolution increased from 480 x 320 to 960 x 640.
Some experts believe Apple may be considering Sharp IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide) technology. The rumors gained ground when the IGZO technology was showcased at CES 2013. Such screens are relatively thinner and use less power.
There are also rumors that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) might go for curved glass with the iPhone 6. However, the possibility of a curved iPhone 6 is very slim, owing to production issues of such glasses, as suggested by various reports. Samsung’s Galaxy Round and the LG G Flex already use the same glass.
iPhone 6 next year, month not sure
The iPhone 6 would definitely make a debut next year, but the month of launch is not certain, with different reports pointing to conflicting months. Some of the rumors claim that the device would be unveiled in the first quarter of 2014 to take on Samsung’s flagship phone, while others point to a release in the second half of the year. Some analysts believe the iPhone 6 will launch in June or July, while others say users will have to wait until October.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has been very secretive about its work, which reflects from the fact that despite the web being loaded with tons of news on the next iPhone, experts are not even sure whether the device would be called the iPhone 6 or any other name. Apple gave a big surprise when it overlooked the conventional iPad 5 and chose the iPad Air name instead. So there is every possible reason that Apple may follow the same strategy with the next iPhone.
Though it’s been only a few months since the launch of the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s, Apple fans are already looking forward to the next iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 6 for now. Fans and onlookers are intrigued with every type of question concerning the device, including the release date, features, pricing etc., but as of now, there has been no official words out. So the wait and suspense will not be over until the device is actually revealed. Until then, keep reading as we bring the latest news and rumors concerning your favorite device.
