iPhone 5 wish list – 20 new features we want the most (photos)
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ntAs usual, Apple is keeping the iPhone rumor mills working at a fast and furious pace. Some new features we know from details of iOS 5, many are based on wide-spread rumors, and others are just fantasy. So here we go with this list of what the ideal iPhone 5 features we’d like to see, as compiled by David Carnoy of CNET’s Fully Equipped. Also see CNET’s iPhone 5 rumor roundup.
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ntCredit: MacRumors commissioned this mock-up based on alleged iPhone 5 case schematics. MacRumors.com
Enhanced voice control
ntRumors have been circulating for a while that voice controls are coming to the iPhone. But when? Certainly no one would complain if you were ablet to compose and send e-mails or text messages with the sound of your voice.
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ntChances of implementation: 70 percent
Micro-HDMI out
ntRight now you need Apple’s $39 Digital AV to send HD video or audio to a TV or monitor but a a built-in Micro-HDMI port, similar to the ones available in Android smartphones, would only cost a $5 cable.
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ntChances of implementation: 2 percent.
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ntPhoto credit: Apple
Expandible memory
ntAnother fat chance.
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ntChances of implementation: 1 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Kingston
Biometric security
ntTaking security to the next level where you can unlock your phone with a finger swipe instead of a password.
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ntChances of implementation: 25 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Apple
NFC-enabled (near field communication technology)
ntWith better security, there’s a better chance that you could use your iPhone to make payments like a credit card. You could also use it as a car key.
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ntChances of implementation: 35 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Visa
More memory
ntHow about a 64-GB version?
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ntChances of implementation: 50 percent
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ntPhoto credit: iLounge.com
Improved home screen and notifications system
ntiOS 5 promises a more customizable home screen, a “real” dashboard, and a better notifications system. iPhones have been falling short of Android devices in this area.
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ntChances of implementation: 100 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Apple
Better cloud-computing support
ntThis is coming on iCloud this fall. No videos yet but you can mirror your music library, regardless of the origin, for $25 per year.
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ntChances of implementation: 100 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Apple
Video chat (FaceTime) over cellular network
ntFaceTime works on Wi-Fi on iPhone 4 and it looks like you will be able to use it on a cellular network with iOS 5 but the carriers might be in control.
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ntChances of implementation: 75 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Apple
Flash support
ntWell…
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ntChances of implementation: 1 percent
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Larger screen
ntUsers want a larger screen but they don’t want to pay the price – a bigger product with a shorter battery life.
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ntChances of implementation: 50 percent
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ntPhoto credit: 9to5Mac
Better camera
ntRumors say Sony is developing an 8 mega-pixel camera for the iPhone. Plus, iOS 5 will let you activate the camera from the lock screen and use the volume button on the side of the phone as a shutter.
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ntChances of implementation: 95 percent
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ntPhoto credit: James Martin/CNET
Dual-core processor
ntThe 1GHz A5 dual-core processor that’s in the iPad 2 will most likely power the iPhone 5. Other phone makers such as LG and Motorola are already using dual-core chips.
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ntChances of implementation: 100 percent
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ntPhoto credit: Apple
Universal carrier support (CDMA and GSM)
ntApparently, Apple already uses the Qualcomm MDM6600 chip that’s capable of running on both CDMA and GSM networks. But GSM network support is not enabled in the Verizon iPhone 4.
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ntRumors say a Sprint iPhone with both networks is being tested.
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ntChances of implementation: 70 percent
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ntPhoto credit: iFixit.com
Better battery life
ntThis usually comes with a new model. iPhone 4 had a 40 percent battery life than iPhone 3GS.
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ntChances of implementation: 80 percent
Fewer failed and dropped calls
ntAT&T appears to be the biggest culprit although many blame the iPhone itself. Sprint could draw off enough customers to keep the network from getting clogged.
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ntChances of implementation: 45 percent
An actual redesign
ntRumors are off the charts – some suggest that Apple could use its iPad 2 design.
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ntChances of implementation: 50 percent
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ntPhoto credit: culttofmac.com
4G network compatibility
ntIt will come eventually but whether now is the time is up in the air. Many think Apple hasn’t figured out how to preserve battery life while using a 4G data network.
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ntChances of implementation: 50 percent