Apple LTE-enabled iPhone Due in 2012, iPhone 4S Preparations for September 2011

Though not a particular surprise, Digitime's sources claim that the LTE-enabled "iPhone 4S" is unlikely to launch until 2012.

Apple is likely to delay the launch of its LTE-enabled iPhones to 2012, said the sources, noting that the industry had also long been skeptical about the launch of LTE iPhones in 2011 as the implementation of LTE networks has not yet matured.

LTE is the next generation data transfer technology beyond 3G and is frequently labeled 4G. Both AT&T and Verizon are supporting LTE as their next generation data protocol.

Digitimes' report confusingly refers to the 2012 iPhone as the "4S" which is the name also given to expected 2011 iPhone. In a separate report Digitimes says that Apple is already lowering iPhone 4 orders in the second quarter of 2011 in anticipation of the new model in September.

Production of iPhone 4S will begin in August and the earliest launch may be in September. All the 3G and CDMA chips for iPhone 4S will be supplied by Qualcomm and the rear camera will be upgraded to a 8-megapixel resolution model with OmniVision Technologies and Taiwan-based Largan Precision to supply image sensors and lens kits respectively, the sources indicated.

Apple is widely expected to launch a new iPhone around September this year, but most have expected that support for 4G networks would likely wait until 2012. Other reports have also said that the proper LTE chips simply won't be ready for production in 2011.

'iPhone 4S' Coming in September With Sprint and T-Mobile Support?

Forbes reports on a new research note from Jeffries & Co. analyst Peter Misek claiming that Apple's next-generation iPhone will be a relatively minor revamp known as the "iPhone 4S" and will debut in September. Misek also claims that Apple will be expanding carrier availability in the U.S. to include Sprint and T-Mobile by the end of the year, with China Mobile also reportedly coming on board.

"According to our industry checks, the device should be called iPhone 4S and include minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support," he writes in a research note.

But he also says that "industry checks indicate Apple will likely announce Sprint, T-Mobile, and China Mobile as new carriers."

The "iPhone 4S" name first gained publicity last month in claims that Apple has been providing select high-level iOS developers with souped-up iPhone 4 devices, with the source citing an unofficial name of "iPhone 4S" for the device.

Misek's report goes on to note that the next-generation iPhone is not likely to bring compatibility with faster LTE 4G networks rolling out in some markets, as the required chipsets from Qualcomm are not yet available in quantity to support the inclusion of the technology.

As for LTE, he says the Qualcomm LTE chipset Apple would have used "is currently not achieving yields sufficient for inclusion in the iPhone 5." He says Apple had hoped to have the LTE chipsets ready, but was planning a version without LTE called iPhone 4S.

The claim regarding a lack of LTE compatibility in the next-generation iPhone fits with earlier reports that the required chipsets won't be available to make their way into handsets until 2012.

iPhone 5 Camera Parts Show No Attached Flash

Here are some photos comparing parts of the iPhone 5 camera components alongside the iPhone 4 camera components. Notably, the iPhone 5 rear camera does not come with an integrated Flash attached to it. This would suggest that the case photo posted earlier today may be accurate, and that the next generation iPhone's camera flash will be located separately from the camera.

Overview of JVC KWAVX840

Overview: The JVC KW-AVX840 double-DIN multimedia unit includes a built-in AM/FM tuner and DVD/CD player, with integrated 7" monitor. The KW-AVX840 is also equipped with a rear-panel USB port and supports both Bluetooth communication (with included adapter) and iPod audio/video playback (via optional cable). In addition, the in-dash multimedia receiver is Satellite Radio and HD Radio ready (requires optional tuners). The JVC KW-AVX840 also lets you keep your factory steering wheel remote control (via optional adapter).

Display Features

2-DIN Chassis: The JVC KW-AVX840 has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as Double DIN), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. The unit can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets, or Euro-mounted using the supplied mounting sleeve.

Detachable Motorized 7" TFT LCD Touchscreen Monitor: The KW-AVX840 features a motorized 7" TFT Active Matrix, 16:9 touch-screen monitor with an adjustable viewing angle. The pixel resolution of the display is 800 horizontal x 480 vertical x RGB (1,152,000 pixels total). The LCD serves as a video monitor, system information display and touch-screen control panel. The motorized display can be tilted (up) to one of seven angles. You can detach the touch-screen LCD monitor and place it in its supplied soft face case to prevent theft.
Gesture Control: Gesture Control lets you operate certain functions of the KW-AVX840 by making specific gesture commands on the unit's touchscreen. You can adjust the volume of the multimedia receiver by making a circular motion with your finger on the unit's touchscreen. You can also skip tracks by swiping the screen horizontally (left or right) with  your finger.
Proximity Sensor Touchscreen Control: The JVC KW-AVX840 features proximity sensors which allow the LCD touchscreen to illuminate when you move your hand close to the headunit's front-panel sensors or tap the touchscreen. The LCD touchscreen turns off when there is no operation for a preset time period. You can set the unit's motion sensitivity to Low or High.
Display Design: You can change the color of  background, text, touchscreen buttons, and hard-key buttons. The color of the background, text, and buttons can be changed independently from one another.

• Background: The unit's background color can be changed to one of eight preset colors - blue, light blue, red, green, yellow, orange, violet, or white. You can also create a custom color using a combination (0-31) of red, green, and blue.
• Text: The unit's onscreen text can be changed to one of seven preset colors - blue, red, green, yellow, orange, violet, or white. You can also create a custom color using a combination (0-31) of red, green, and blue.
• Buttons: The unit's touchscreen and hard-key button color can be changed to one of eight preset colors - blue, light blue, red, green, yellow, orange, violet, or white. You can also choose to have the unit constantly scroll through all eight preset color. In addition, you can create a custom color using a combination (0-31) of red, green, and blue.

Custom Background Image: While playing a video or JPEG file, you can capture an image and use the captured image as your background. When using a JPEG file as the background, make sure that the resolution is 800 x 600 pixels. The color of the captured image may look different from that of the actual scene.

Display Adjustment: You can adjust the brightness and black level of the unit's onscreen display. You can also adjust the contrast, color, tint, and detail level during video playback. The adjustment level for each setting is -15 to +15.
Selectable Aspect Modes: You can choose from four aspect modes for the in-dash display:

• Regular: For 4:3 source material, 4:3 and 16:9 pictures display with black bars on either side (16:9 images are compressed).
• Full: Expands 4:3 pictures horizontally to fill the entire width of the screen, distorting the picture slightly but retaining full image height.
• Panorama: For viewing 4:3 pictures naturally on the unit's wide-screen display.
• Auto: The correct aspect mode is automatically chosen based on the incoming signal.

Adjustable Dimmer: When 12 volts is applied to the illumination lead (orange/white) and the dimmer set to Auto, the display will dim automatically when you turn on your vehicle's exterior or interior lights. The dimmer can also be set to Off (normal brightness at all times), On (display is always dimmed), or Dimmer Time Set (you program the time for the dimmer to turn off an on). The unit also features 3 dimmer levels to choose from - Bright, Middle, or Dark.
Parking Brake Detection: To prevent the displaying of video while the vehicle is in motion, the parking brake wire (light green) attached to the rear-chassis must be connected to your vehicle's parking brake detection circuit. While the vehicle is in motion (parking brake off), you can still view all of the other displays and menus.
Multi-Language Menu: There are ten options for the menu language; English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, and Russian.

Audio Section

24 Bit D/A Converter: The JVC KW-AVX840 utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The KW-AVX840 is equipped with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not pushing the limits of the amplification circuit.
CEA2006 Compliant: The power specifications for the KW-AVX840 are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the KW-AVX840 are as follows:

• CEA2006 Specs: 20 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
• Maximum Power Output: 50 watts x 4 channels (200 total watts)

Amplifier Gain Control: When you are using the KW-AVX840 with factory speakers (or those rated to less than 50 watts peak), the Amplifier Gain Control can limit the amount of power being sent to those speakers. When the Amp Gain Control is set to low, the volume control ranges from 0 (minimum) to 30 (maximum). When using speakers rated higher than 50 watts peak, you can set the Amp Gain Control to high, and the volume control will range from 0 to 50. The internal amp can also be turned off when all the speakers are powered by outboard amplifiers.
5ch/4V Preamp Outputs: The KW-AVX840 is equipped with 5ch/4.0V preamp outputs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer). The front and rear preamp outputs allow fader control, while the subwoofer preamp output is non-fading.
Subwoofer Controls: You can adjust the KW-AVX840's subwoofer level (-50 to +10) independently from the headunit's main volume control for added bass volume. You can also adjust the subwoofer phase between Normal or Reverse to blend the bass sound better with the rest of the speakers in  your system.
Built-in Crossovers: The JVC KW-AVX840 features a built-in high-pass filter for the unit's front & rear speakers, and a low-pass filter for the unit's subwoofer output.

• High-Pass Filter: You can activate a variable high-pass filter (40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220 Hz or Through) for the unit's front & rear channels (speaker- or preamp-level), so low frequency signals are cut off from your system's front & rear speakers. The front & rear channel's high-pass filters can be set independently of one another.
• Low-Pass Filter: The unit's subwoofer preamp output features a low-pass filter. In order to prevent high-frequencies from being sent to your system's subwoofers, you can set the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter to 50, 60, 80, 100, 120 Hz or Through.

Speaker Select: You can select which type & size of speaker you have connected to the headunit. Choose from Standard (OEM/Factory), Narrow (4"/5"), Middle (6"/5x7"/6x8"), Wide (6x9").
Pro EQ: The KW-AVX840 is equipped with JVC's Pro EQ. The integrated equalizer offers 8 preset sound modes (Flat, Natural, Dynamic, Vocal Boost, Bass Boost, Vibrant, and User) suitable for the music genre of your choice. The User mode allows you to manually adjust the headunit's 3-band parametric EQ (Frequency, Level, and Q-Factor).

Tone	Pro EQ
	Frequency	Level	Q
Bass	60, 80, 100, 150 Hz	+/- 10 dB (-5 to +5)	1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 2.0
Midrange	0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 kHz	+/- 10 dB (-5 to +5)	1.0, 2.0
Treble	10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5 khz	+/- 10 dB (-5 to +5)	Fixed

Note: The audio adjustments are memorized for each source until you adjust the sound again.

Loud (Loudness): This feature boosts low and high frequencies to produce a well-balanced sound at a low volume level. You can set the Loudness to On or Off.
Dynamic Range Compression: This function reduces a Dolby Digital soundtrack's dynamic range so you can hear quieter dialog without being overwhelmed by loud sections. You can choose a setting of Auto or On.
Volume Adjust: The input level of each source (other than FM) is adjustable relative to the FM radio volume, so there isn't a significant volume difference when changing sources. Each source is individually adjustable from -15 to +6.
Key-Touch Tone: The in-dash headunit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Radio Functions

AM/FM Tuner: The JVC KW-AVX840  features a built-in AM/FM tuner with manual, seek, and preset tuning.
RDS: The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible AM/FM stations,
Preset Tuning: You can store a total of 18 FM stations presets and 6 AM station presets. The radio allows you to set your AM/FM stations manually or automatically.
IF Filter: You can also switch the tuner's IF filter to Wide or Auto to increase/decrease the sensitivity.
Local: You can select this function to only tune in stations with sufficient signal strength.
Mono Mode: You can activate the monaural mode to improve FM reception, when a station is week. The stereo effect will be lost.
US/European Tuning: You can set the built-in AM/FM tuner between US standard and European tuning spacing.
HD Radio: The JVC KW-AVX840 supports HD Radio when the optional JVC HD Radio tuner box (105KTHD300, sold separately) is connected to the receiver's CD changer port on the rear of the unit. HD Radio Technology can deliver high-quality digital sound. AM digital will have FM-like quality in stereo, while FM digital will have CD-like quality with static free and clear reception. In addition, AM/FM digital stations can offer text and data such as artist names and song titles. Many HD Radio stations also offer more than one channel of programming. This service is called multicasting. When this optional HD Radio tuner box is connected to the KW-AVX840, you will still be able to receive conventional analog AM/FM broadcasts.

Note: Right now there are about 2,000 radio stations broadcasting using digital HD Radio technology in the U.S. To find HD Radio stations in your area, visit the HD Radio website (HDRadio.com).

Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver to this receiver:

• SIRIUS: The JVC KW-AVX840 is compatible with the SiriusConnect Universal Tuner and Plug & Play Dock.
  • SiriusConnect Tuner: Connect the optional SC-C1 SiriusConnect vehicle tuner (item number 607SCC1) and the JVC KS-SRA100 SIRIUS adapter (item number 105KSRA100) - package # 700SIRJVC1, sold separately.
  • SiriusConnect Dock: Select dock-and-play and portable SIRIUS radios can be controlled using the JVC KS-SRA100 SIRIUS adapter (item number 105KSRA100, sold separately) and the SC-VDOC1 dock (item number 607SCVDOC1, sold separately).
• XM: A portable XM Satellite Radio receiver can be connected to the headunit via the front-panel auxiliary input or a JVC auxiliary input adapter, such as the KS-U57 or KS-U58 (sold separately).

Note: A subscription is also required to receive satellite radio programming from SIRIUS or XM.

Disc Playback

Motorized Front-Panel: The JVC KW-AVX840's monitor electronically slides down for loading or ejecting a disc.
Disc Compatibility: The JVC KW-AVX840 supports the playback of the following disc types: DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-Audio, CD-R/RW, and Video CD.
MP3/WMA Playback: The KW-AVX840 can play MP3 (bitrate: 32-320 kbps), WMA (bitrate: 32-320 kbps), WAV (sampling freq: 44.1kHz) audio files recorded onto DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW discs. MP3/WMA/WAV files must be formatted in ISO 9660 level or level 2, Romeo, or Joliet. The headunit can recognize a total of 5,000 files and 250 folders (a maximum of 999 files per folder). This unit will recognize a total of 25 characters for file/folder names. The KW-AVX840 can display ID3 Tags (ver. 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4) for MP3 files, as well as WAV/WMA Tag information.
MPEG/JPEG Playback:  The JVC KW-AVX840 supports playback of JPEG still-image files (resolution: 32x32 - 8192x7680) and MPEG1/2 video files (maximum bit-rate: 4Mbps) recorded onto DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW discs.
DivX Certified: The KW-AVX840 is DivX Certified to play DivX video files, including premium content.
Disc Resume: If you change the source, playback also stops (without ejecting the disc). Next time you select CD for the playback source, the disc will start from where it has been stopped previously.
Disc Protection: You can set the multimedia headunit to prohibit disc ejection.
Auto Reload: If an ejected disc is not removed within 15 seconds, the disc is automatically inserted again into the loading slot to protect it from dust; playback starts automatically.
Mounting: For proper disc playback you must install the unit within 30-degrees of horizontal.

USB/iPod Connectivity

USB Port: The JVC KW-AVX840 features a rear-panel USB port on a 38" pigtail. This allows playback of MP3 (bitrate: 32-320 kbps), WMA (bitrate: 32-320 kbps), WAV (sampling freq: 44.1 kHz) audio files; JPEG (resolution: 32x32 - 8192x7680) still image files; and MPEG1/2 (maximum bitrate: 4 Mbps) video files stored on a USB mass storage device. For the unit to recognize the USB medium, it must be specified as a mass storage device formatted using FAT 12/16/32. The headunit can recognize a total of 5,000 files and 250 folders (a maximum of 999 files per folder). This unit will recognize a total of 50 characters for file/folder names. The KW-AVX840 can display ID3 Tags (ver. 1.0/1.1/2.2/2.3/2.4) for MP3 files, as well as WAV/WMA Tag information.

Note: This unit cannot recognize a USB device whose rating is other than 5V and exceeds 1A. You cannot connect a computer or portable HDD to the USB port of this unit.

iPod/iPhone AV Playback: The optional JVC KS-U30 USB A/V Cable For iPod/iPhone (105KSU30, sold separately) allows you to playback and control audio/video from your iPod or iPhone on this JVC multimedia headunit. The cable features a proprietary Apple iPod dock connector on one end and a male composite video and male stereo audio RCA connectors on other end along with a USB type-A connector. The cable plugs into the unit's rear-panel AV input and USB port. To playback video, the KW-AVX840's rear-panel Video Input must be set to "iPod" in the unit's menu.

Note: You can also connect your iPod's USB/Docking cable to the unit's USB port for audio only playback from your iPod/iPhone. The headunit's rear-panel Audio Input must be set to "AV-IN", not "iPod".

iPod/iPhone DAC Bypass: Because the JVC KW-AVX840 uses its USB connection for audio & control transfer, your iPod/iPhone's stored music is loaded instantly to the headunit and sound quality is maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal-to-Noise ratio up to 95dB.

Note: You can also choose to transfer the audio from your iPod/iPhone to the JVC KW-AVX60 via an analog connection using the KS-U30 USB A/V Cable's stereo RCA connector. This allows you to listen to DRM protected audio files. The headunit's rear-panel Audio Input must be set to "iPod".

iPod/iPhone Control: You can choose to control your iPod/iPhone from the JVC headunit or from your iPod/iPhone's its touchscreen or clickwheel.

• Music Browsing: From the headunit's front-panel controls you can search for music by Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, and Audiobook. You can search video by Playlist, Movies, Music Videos, TV Shows, and Video Podcasts. Once a Playlist or Category is selected, the content is listed in alphabetical order.
• Repeat & Random: The KW-AVX840 also supports Repeat (file/all) and Random (album/all) playback functions of your iPod/iPhone.

Note: You can listen to apps stored on your iPod touch or iPhone through the JVC headunit when controlling the iPod/iPhone via its touchscreen (cannot access apps via Headunit control mode).

iPod/iPhone Display: The KW-AVX840 will display your iPod/iPhone's music file information of your stored music, regardless of control mode. The headunit will display Track number, Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, Album label, and Album Art.

Note: Your iPod/iPhone's downloaded apps will not display on the unit's LCD monitor.

iPod/iPhone Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is set to ACC or ON, the headunit's USB connection will power and charge your iPod/iPhone.

Note: If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then the unit will not recognize it.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The JVC KW-AVX840 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of March 2011):

iPod/iPhone Model	Generation	Tested Version	Media Type		Control Type		Display Type		Charge
			Audio	Video	Headunit	iPod/iPhone	Song/Artist Text	Track Info
dock connector	3rd	N/A	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
clickwheel color	4th	N/A	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
mini	1st	N/A	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
	2nd	N/A	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
video	5th	1.3	Y	Y	Y	N	Y	Y	Y
classic	80GB	1.1.2	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	120GB	2.0.1	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	160GB	2.0.4	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
nano	1st	1.3.1	Y	N	Y	N	Y	Y	Y
	2nd	1.1.3	Y	N	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	3rd	1.1.3	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	4th	1.0.4	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	5th	1.0.2	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	6th	1.0 PC	Y	N	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
touch	1st	2.2.1	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	2nd	4.2.1	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	3rd	4.2.1	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	4th	4.2.1	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
iPhone	2G	3.1.2	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	3G	3.1.2	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	3GS	3.1.2	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
	4	4.0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the headunit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until a newer software update is available.

iPhone External Mode: The JVC multimedia in-dash receiver features an iPhone External Mode which lets you enjoy audio/video content from downloaded Apps (such as Pandora, Netflix, YouTube, etc..) on your Apple iPhone. Using the JVC KSU-30 cable (sold separately), you can view video and listen to audio from downloaded Apps on your iPhone through the JVC KW-AVX840. This mode offers no control of your iPhone. You will continue to use your iPhone's touchscreen to navigate your Apps.

Note: Access to your iPhone's downloaded application will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone to connect to the Internet.

MotionX-GPS Drive Navigation Ready: Motionx-GPS Drive turns your iPhone 4 (iOS 4.0 or later) and the JVC KW-AVX840 into a personal navigation device for your vehicle. Providing full navigation features and song playback control from your iPhone 4, MotioX-GPS Drive also displays its map data on the connected JVC multimedia receiver's widescreen monitor (via the JVC KSU-30 cable, sold separately). Your iPhone 4 displays a choice of MotionX-GPS Driver's feature/menu screens as a secondary display (for passenger), while continuing to show the map on the JVC receiver. It even works simultaneously with iPhone 4 song playback by muting or pausing music, then restoring your volume during voice guidance through your car speakers. The MotionX-GPS Drive Navigation application covers the United States & Canada.

Note: MotionX-GPS Drive App purchase ($0.99) and download required for your iPhone through iTunes. $2.99 per month subscription fee or $19.99 per year is required for Voice Guidance feature. The MotionX-GPS Drive App is compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4, but only the iPhone 4 can show the map on the KW-AVX840's display.

AV Connections

Audio/Video Output (with Dual Zone): The rear-panel Audio/Video Output consists of a  composite video jack and a 3.5mm stereo minijack that allows you to connect an optional external monitor and a headphone system in the rear of the vehicle. When listening to the unit's AM/FM tuner, you can set the A/V output to Disc, USB, iPod, AV-IN, or Off. When listening to any other source, you can only set the A/V output to AV-IN. You can choose one of the following monitor types for the output to the external monitor(s):

• 16:9: Select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 16:9.
• 4:3 Letter Box: Select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 4:3, when viewing a widescreen picture black bars appear on the top and bottom of the screen.
• 4:3 Pan Scan: Select this when the aspect ratio of your monitor is 4:3, when viewing a widescreen picture, the black bars do not appear; however, the left and right edges of the picture will not be shown on screen.

Audio/Video Input: The rear-panel audio/video input consists of left and right RCA audio jacks and an RCA composite video jack, allowing you to connect external equipment to this headunit. The audio/video input can be set to one of the following modes:

• AV IN: Choose when connecting an A/V component like a game system.
• iPod Video: Select when connecting your iPod using the optional USB/Video cable (105KSU30, sold separately).

Camera In: The rear-panel Camera input consists of a composite video connector which allows you to connect an optional rear-view camera (105KVCM1K, sold separately). The unit features a reverse gear signal wire, that when hooked up will switch the KW-AVX840's display to the rear-view camera input.
Optional Input Adapter: An optional JVC Line Input Adapter (105KSU57 or 257KSU58, both sold separately) may be used to provide an additional auxiliary audio input on this unit. This feature allows you to connect a portable audio player, such as a portable MP3 player, to this unit as an additional audio source. The adapter connects to the J-port on this unit.
RGB Terminal: You can connect an optional add-on navigation unit (sold separately) to the headunit's RGB input terminal so that you can view the navigation map on the headunit's touchscreen monitor.

Bluetooth Communication

USB Bluetooth Adapter: The JVC KW-AVX840 comes supplied with a USB Bluetooth Adapter (KS-UBT1) which is pre-installed into the headunit's front-panel USB input (hidden behind the detachable face-plate), making KW-AVX840 Bluetooth 2.0 certified. The KW-AVX840 supports Bluetooth hands-free communication and wireless audio streaming.

Note: The unit's hidden front-panel USB port is designed for the included Bluetooth adapter only. It does not support connection of a USB mass storage class device, digital audio player, or iPod/iPhone.

Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth is a two-way wireless communication system allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, as well as wirelessly stream audio from your Bluetooth enabled portable music player using the JVC in-dash multimedia receiver. Bluetooth wireless technology operates on a 2.4GHZ frequency band within a range of approximately 10 meters (about 33 feet).
Bluetooth Profiles: The JVC KW-AVX840 supports the following Bluetooth profiles:

• HFP (Hands-Free Profile): Hands-free communication with your Bluetooth enabled cellular phone in the vehicle (incoming/outgoing calls supported).
• OPP (Object Push Profile): Phonebook transfer from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to the headunit.
• PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile): Phonebook access from your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone to the headunit.
• A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile): Music streaming from your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player to the headunit.
• AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile): Basic music playback control of your Bluetooth enabled phone or audio player from the headunit.

Pairing: Your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone or digital audio player must be paired with KW-AVX840 before hands-free & wireless operation. You can register up to five Bluetooth enabled devices with the JVC headunit. You can keep two phones connected at all times (only one can be used during a call).

Note: Not all Bluetooth devices will be compatible. Visit JVC's website for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled devices.

Bluetooth Hands-Free Communication: The multimedia headunit supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. The controls of KW-AVX840 can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also includes an external microphone (with mounting bracket) featuring adjustable gain, so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers (front or all).
External Microphone: The JVC Aresenal KW-AVX840 includes an external microphone to carry on your side of your phone conversation and voice command dialing. The external wired microphone offers improved audio quality versus an integrated microphone, so you can be heard easier over noisy traffic and road noise. You can adjust the level of the microphone without affecting the other sources. The external microphone features an attached 10' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector which plugs into the mic input on the rear-panel of the headunit. The microphone offers an integrated mounting bracket which can be clipped to your vehicle's sun-visor or taped to your dash. The external microphone measures 0.515" (diameter) x 1.485" (depth).

Note: This unit does not offer an integrated front-panel microphone.

Answering A Call: When a call comes in, a ring-tone will be heard through your vehicle's speaker, the headunit's display will flash, and the caller's name or phone number will be displayed. You can answer the call from KW-AVX840's touchscreen or setup the headunit to automatically answer the incoming call.
Dialing A Number: Using KW-AVX840, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:

• Entering a Phone Number: Allows you to directly dial a phone number up to 32 digits from the headunit's touchscreen.
• Speed (Preset) Dialing: Allows you to register up to 6 phone numbers for quick dialing. The preset numbers can be accessed from the headunit's touchscreen.
• Phone Book: You can dial by using the downloaded phone book. You can download phone book data from your cell phone to KW-AVX840. Up to 5,000 numbers can be stored for each registered cell phone. Each number can be up to 32 digits long.
• Call Log: The Call Log is a list of calls that have originated from and were received by this unit that you can dial. You can select Outgoing, Incoming, or Missed calls (up to 50 each).
• Voice Dialing: If your mobile phone supports voice recognition, then you can dial out by voice command. Simply speak into the included microphone. 

SMS: You can wirelessly download the short message (SMS) arrived at your cell-phone so that is can be read on the Bluetooth connected JVC headunit. Your cell-phone must support SMS for this feature to function. The SMS downloaded to this unit is cleared when this unit is turned off.

Note: You cannot send text messages using this unit (read only).

Private/Hands-Free Mode: During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode. 
Bluetooth Audio Streaming: The included Bluetooth adapter also allows audio playback and control of a Bluetooth enabled audio player through KW-AVX840. The KW-AVX840 will be able to control basic playback features such as Play/Pause, Track/Folder Select, Fast Forward/Reverse, and Skip Next/Previous.

Remote Control

Optional Wireless Remote: The JVC KW-AVX840 is wireless remote controller ready and supports the JVC RM-RK252P IR wireless remote control (sold separately).
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The headunit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with the optional PAC SWI-JACK Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (127SWIJACK, sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (120ASWC, sold separately).

iPhone 5 prototypes spotted: metal back, larger display, iPhone 4 shape?

Image is a third-party “metal” back sticker for iPhone 4, not an image of the iPhone 5

A source from Foxconn who we believe to be reliable has provided us with some information about Apple’s fifth-generation iPhone. Most of the information lines up with past reports but we have also learned a few new details. Most notably is that the iPhone 5 has already been seen at Foxconn and is soon going into the normal mass production stages. In terms of design, the iPhone 5 is said to look fairly similar to the iPhone 4 except for two very important differences: materials and screen size.

The iPhone 5 will keep a relatively similar size and shape as the iPhone 4 but Apple has decided to move away from the back-glass enclosure found on the fourth-generation device and move to something similar to the back of the first-generation iPhone from 2007. Although some reports claim the iPhone 5 will adopt a curved metal back, our source says models have been floating around with a flat metal back. The material of this metal is unspecified. Our brains say aluminum but our hearts wonder if this could be Liquid Metal.

In terms of Apple moving from aluminum to plastic in the shift from iPhone 1 to iPhone 3G, if Apple keeps the same antenna design (which was not mentioned by sources) as the iPhone 4 and adds the flat aluminum back, this back should not cause any reception issues. The next major enhancement is said to be a larger display. An enhanced screen for the next-iPhone has been rumored, but an exact screen size has only been pinpointed by Digitimes (4 inches). Our sources do not have precise screen measurements for the iPhone 5 but are certain that it appears to be larger than the one found on the iPhone 4.

Purported iPhone 5 engineering images surfaced last week, which appear to backup some of the information that we have independently heard. Our sources do not have pictures of a fully manufactured device but were able to provide a photograph of the iPhone 5′s charging cable that compares the cable to that of the one found in the iPhone 4. The cable does not look very different than the iPhone 4 version, lending credence to a similarly-shaped device. (Note: iPhone 5 is for iPhone 5, GSM and CDMA are iPhone 4 parts)

We speculate that we’ll be seeing an edge-to-edge screen, like mentioned in other reports, in addition to a faster, dual-core chip to match the iPad 2. For those keeping track we were able to gather correct iPad 2 information prior to its announcement starting with cases, then the screen, finally culminating with the white iPad 2 digitizer. We’re doing something similar here with the iPhone 5, so expect some more iPhone 5-related information here in the near future.

4-inch iPhone with the same encasement. Could this possibly be the next iPhone5?

Maybe those 4Bs that Apple is investing in display technology is what gets them to the edges like that.  The current iPhone is already glass so it would be something in the display that pushes them to the edges.  No phone on the market can do this now btw. I guess we will have to wait and see what Apple will surprise us with in the upcoming months.

iPhone nano and major MobileMe overhaul this summer? (update: new details)

According to the well-informed Wall Street Journal Apple is currently working on an iPhone that is half the size of the iPhone 4 and a major MobileMe overhaul for release this summer. The report is following up on Bloomberg’s report about a smaller iPhone but adds some new details such as the device’s “N97″ codename and size.

The WSJ also claims the new, smaller iPhone will be available “at about half the price of Apple’s main line of iPhones.” The smaller iPhone is said to be sold alongside Apple’s main line of phones so maybe this summer’s lineup will be the iPhone 5 at $199/$299, iPhone 4 at $99 and iPhone nano at $49.

The report also claims Apple is “exploring a major overhaul of its MobileMe online storage service.” MobileMe is said to become a free “locker” for all of your personal media like photos and videos. This would allow Apple to provide less physical storage on their mobile devices and pull all your media from the cloud.

Perhaps this is Apple’s North Carolina data center’s true purpose in life. The report also claims MobileMe could tie into Apple’s rumored cloud-based music service. Steve Jobs said in a customer email that MobileMe would get a lot better this year.

On a final note, the report claims that both products are tracking summer 2011 launches (probably a WWDC launch) and Steve Jobs has made them his top priority. There will possibly more details about this story, so be sure to check back later today for updates.

Update: The WSJ has updated their report to include some new, specific information about the new, smaller iPhone. According to the report’s sources this new iPhone will be lighter and will have an “edge-to-edge” screen (no home button?!), and wait for it… have voice-based navigation. They also claim the new MobileMe revamp was due for release last year and will allow users to stream their iTunes libraries to their phones so they won’t need to actually sync through the iTunes desktop application. The report also says Apple is working on an update to their main iPhone (iPhone 4) and Steve Jobs declined to comment via email.

AT&T giving iPhone users unlimited data plans to keep them from defecting?

Last summer, AT&T introduced new data plans around the same time as the new iPhone 4 launch. Because heavy data users were bogging down AT&T’s network, two limited plans took the place of unlimited data options – 2GB or 250MB. It wasn’t the most pleasant change, but those who had unlimited data plans on contract were grandfathered in. Now with the Verizon iPhone on the horizon, and the new carrier’s promise to offer unlimited data plans, AT&T might be giving some users the option to go back to all-you-can-eat broadband.

The Wall Street Journal reports:

Jose Argumedo, of Brentwood, N.Y., says he and a friend were switched to an unlimited plan recently after they called AT&T’s customer service. Both have iPhone 4s, and previously had earlier iPhone models.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel wouldn’t confirm the option to return to an unlimited plan.
“We handle customers and their situations individually, and we’re not going to discuss specifics,” he said.

A handful of users have apparently been able to go back to unlimited plans after switching, for one reason or another, to limited plans. However, it’s hard to say whether AT&T will be doing this en masse to keep iPhone users from defecting to Verizon.

I’ve switched to Sprint and Verizon for Android devices when the iPhone 4 was released, but kept my AT&T line active. However, I removed the iPhone data plan and text messaging features on it. When I returned to AT&T in September and purchased an iPhone 4, the customer service rep in the store was able to reactive my unlimited data plan even though new purchases – mine wasn’t considered an upgrade at that point – were supposed to fetch the limited data plans. It was a pleasant surprise, so it may be possible for other users to do the same.

Since AT&T is apparently taking this on a case-by-case basis, and won’t comment on its future plans regarding unlimited data packages, it couldn’t hurt to try.

Woman with 44 iPhones strapped to her legs gets arrested at airport

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen anyone try to smuggle through airport security? Perhaps it was some strange animal, plant, food or trinket of some kind, but what about a whole load of iPhones strapped to someone’s body? That’s exactly what an Israeli woman tried to do at Ben Gurion airport. While she was wearing layers of Georgian clothing, she probably doesn’t have a solid concept of how X-rays work.

Airport security noticed that the woman had 44 iPhone handsets in her stockings and arrested her immediately. It’s unclear what she was planning on doing with all those smartphones, or why she had them on her person instead of some piece of luggage. Apparently, she also had some difficulty walking. No kidding!

iOnApple reports:

So what gives? After all, the iPhone 4 has been readily available in Israel for months now so why would anyone want to bring in dozens of iPhone 4s? Well, it might have a little something to do with the cost of the iPhone 4 in the holy land. Upon being released this September, unlocked versions of the 16GB and 32GB iPhone 4 was retailing for over $800 and $1387 respectively. That being the case, smuggling iPhones into the country can potentially be quite the profitable venture – if you don’t get caught that is.

She would have made a nice chunk of change had she not been caught. The woman has now been released pending a decision on whether the government will indict her or not.

Get ready, get set as AAPL set to approve iOS 4.3 app deluge

Hey you know we’ve noted that AirPlay’s gonna be a pretty big business, particularly when those AirPlay-enabled televisions no one has announced yet actually arrive (and everyone pays for the license to AAPL)? Well, here come the iOS 4.3 video-savvy Apps, waving out the door even as the iDevices head for their own upgrade.  News report claims StreamToMe App has been recently updated and Apple’s disapprovals team have given the software the go-ahead to field support for AirPlay video in the release, even though that latter feature requires iOS 4.3.  Excitingly, StreamToMe lets you stream music, photos and videos from your Mac or PC over WiFi and 3G. Oh, and iOS 4.3 beta updates are going weekly now (keeping our own Mark Gurman too busy to hit the sweaty rock ‘n’ roll venues of his home town), so it looks like Apple’s just itching to get all these new features out the door — probably almost as much as the company’s new best buddies at The Daily… I can’t take this antici-pation.

iPhone 5 to Be a Simple Refresh

Scores of guesses fill the blogisphere about what Apple’s next iPhone will offer.  I’ve already heard one new rumor saying goodbye to the home button and I could see that happening.  What I do not see coming to the half-decade mark from Cupertino’s finest is anything mind blowing.

Nope, not this year.

Now that the number one complaint about the iPhone has been dealt with — poor service via AT&T — I think the second issue is on the list for attack: battery life.  We’ve seen what Apple did with the iPad and its amazing power life, but sadly, the iPhone doesn’t have that kind of real estate as the “over-sized iPod Touch”.
Lots of talk has been bubbling about battery technology with Apple’s name attached, and I’m fairly certain that Steve Jobs has this issue high on his priority list of getting fixed.  We’ve seen amazing leaps in battery life across the entire spectrum of mobile gadgetry, from the impressive Li-Ion battery cells onboard Apple’s laptops to other devices such as Amazon’s Kindle.
It’s now time for the iPhone to follow suit.

Now don’t worry, we won’t just be wooed by better battery life — there will be more under the hood, too.  You’ll also see a “world phone” where both GSM and CDMA will be supported.  Apple doesn’t want to manufacture two different phones, and this is why it waited so long on bringing the Verizon iPhone.  Apple had to answer the Android onslaught now and thus, temporarily, we have two iPhones.
But come July, there will only be one.

LTE you ask?  Remember, one phone and AT&T hasn’t even taken off the anti-static bags from its LTE radios yet.  LTE will come next year…when a multi-band GSM, CDMA, LTE chip is created…and priced lower than today’s LTE chips.

Let’s see, what else can we hope for?  Mmm, an antenna adjustment to relieve that death grip issue as already seen in the Verizon version (don’t fall for Apple’s marketing spin about CDMA requiring the change.) That loss of the Home button sounds about right.  Oh ya, some more memory, like 64GB on the high end.  Probably a better speaker, too. Oh yes, for the third time, non-smudge glass that maybe might not absorb finger prints as easily as the last four phones.  Speaking of glass, the iPhone 5 will resist cracks better than the 4.  Maybe Bluetooth 3 — though Apple doesn’t seem to really show any affection for it.

So, that’s what I see in the iPhone 5. Better battery life, world phone, more memory, less smudges, no death grip, louder speaker, and possibly cutting edge Bluetooth.  You know, the more I think about it, scratch the Bluetooth 3.0 support.  Well get that next time.

Patent suggests even slimmer iPhone 5 and iPad 2

If there’s one thing we enjoy more than reading rumours from ‘insider sources’ it’s scouring Apple patents for possible clues to its next product launch. And fresh from the US Patent office this morning, papers that suggest the next iPhone 5 and soon-to-be iPad 2 will be even slimmer.
The patents, unearthed by Apple Insider, show the use of smaller conductive nodes beneath the screens of both iDevices. It would make the iPhone 5 and iPad 2 better in the battery department, as well as letting the devices slim down even more.

Traditional touch panels have conductive nodes on the actual screens, while these patents suggest new nodes on a surface directly opposite the touch panel. Having the two surfaces separate would reduce the amount of hardware needed in the touch panel, thereby making the device slimmer.

What do you think? Are we in for a new generation of sleeker, slimmer and sexier Apple gadgets? Let us know in the comments below.

iTunes to merge with Safari? Be a web-only app?

 
Three Guys and a Podcast claims that Apple is preparing to discontinue the iTunes software application found on Macs and PC’s and replace it with a web-only application that is exclusive to Safari. The move is said to incorporate Apple’s new technology from Lala and leverage their new North Carolina data center. You will potentially download all your iTunes content from the web and play it through new iTunes controls in Safari. The move would bring a large new market to Apple’s Safari web browser, and the browser’s market share will probably climb significantly.
The report claims the new iTunes/Safari application will be unveiled later this year at Apple’s annual Fall music event. The report’s source claims “moving iTunes organizational side-bar into Safari isn’t a monumental task.” We personally don’t see this rumor becoming completely true. Some new cloud-based iTunes features are very probable, but the discontinuation of the much-loved (except for the icon) iTunes application seems like a stretch. Let us know what you think in the comments.

Sony launches legal action against PlayStation hackers

 Sony has launched legal action against hackers who uncovered and published security codes for the PlayStation 3.

The hack potentially allows anyone to run any software on their machine, including pirated games.
Sony's lawsuit argues that this constitutes copyright infringement and computer fraud.
But George Hotz, one of the hackers at the centre of the controversy, told BBC News that he was "comfortable" the action would not succeed.
"I am a firm believer in digital rights," Mr Hotz said.
"I would expect a company that prides itself on intellectual property to be well versed in the provisions of the law, so I am disappointed in Sony's current action.
"I have spoken with legal counsel and I feel comfortable that Sony's action against me doesn't have any basis."
The twenty-one-year-old, who rose to prominence for breaking the iPhone's security, is named in the lawsuit alongside more than 100 people associated with a hacking group known as fail0verflow.

“Start Quote

Already, pirate video games are being packaged and distributed with these circumvention devices.”

End Quote Court filing

In the filing, submitted to the Northern District Court of California, Sony asks for a restraining order that bans Mr Hotz from further hacking and prevents distribution of the software produced as a result.

"Working individually and in concert with one another, the defendants recently bypassed effective technological protection measures employed by Sony," the document states.
"Through the internet, defendants are distributing software, tools and instructions that circumvent the [protection measures] and facilitate the counterfeiting of video games. Already, pirate video games are being packaged and distributed with these circumvention devices."
Secret codes The controversy centres around a series of secret codes that Sony uses to protect its system from being used for unauthorised purposes.
Among them is a number used to "sign" all PS3 games and software as a way of proving that they are genuine.
Once the key is known, however, it can be used to sign any software - including unofficial software and, potentially, pirated games.
The PlayStation's protection had remained impenetrable for several years, but members of fail0verflow demonstrated the first breakthrough in December when they presented a security exploit at the Chaos Communication Congress in Berlin.
Mr Hotz then revealed that he had uncovered the secret signing number using a similar method.
fail0verflow's website was taken down overnight, replaced with the message "Sony sued us" and a brief statement.
"We have never condoned, supported, approved of or encouraged videogame piracy," it says.
"We have not published any encryption or signing keys. We have not published any Sony code, or code derived from Sony's code."
The group has said in the past that it is vehemently against games piracy and that it had worked on the hack so that users could install other operating systems and amateur software on the console.
Sony had indicated previously that it would try to fix the hack by updating the PS3's software over the internet.
Console hacking and online copyright infringement is a contentious topic, frequently ending in high-profile court cases as technology companies seek to prevent their systems from being copied or modified.
While most cases in recent years have involved music and video file-sharing services like Napster, Grokster and Kazaa, a growing number of cases have involved the hacking of video games consoles.
Last year, a team released a piece of hardware called PSjailbreak that allowed gamers to play homemade and pirated games on the PlayStation 3.
Although the company has issued software to block the device and launched legal action, it has not prevented it entirely - with a Spanish court ruling that the gadget is not illegal.
In December, meanwhile, federal prosecutors dropped their case against a student accused of pirating games for Microsoft's Xbox 360.
The case against California resident Matthew Crippen was dropped after the judge said that he had "serious concerns" about the legality of the evidence collected against him.