Both The Wall Street Journal and Reuters have independently confirmed with their own sources that the next gen iPhone will feature a completely redesigned casing and a brand new 4 inch Retina Display with 4G LTE compatibility. Although these rumors have gone back and forth of late, we think the new iPhone will indeed get a larger screen and definitely receive 4G LTE connectivity.

Insider reports state that Apple has contacted LG, Sharp and Japan Display Corp to manufacture the new 4 inch screens, marking the first time Apple has changed the size of the iPhone’s screen.

Apple needs to shake up and redefine the iPhone with the influx of new Android devices daily and following their own release pattern, a new body design is scheduled for this year after internal software updates to the 4S. We predict this will be the best selling iPhone yet and will completely shatter all records set by the current iPhone 4S.

When Apple introduced the iPhone 4 body type, presales, lines, and actual sales were demolished. Expect this iPhone to have more hype, more lines and define a lot of what consumers perceive Apple as without Steve Jobs.

The nation’s fourth largest carrier, T-Mobile, and its German parent company Deutsche Telekom AG, are reportedly discussing a potential merger with MetroPCS, the nation’s fifth largest carrier. The merger would be a direct result of T-Mobile’s continued subscriber defections, having lost 802,000 customers in the fourth quarter of 2011 alone. Deutsche Telekom is considering an outright sale of T-Mobile or a stock-swap transaction that would give Deutsche Telekom continued control over the combined entity.

T-Mobile has been looking for options since its failed merger with AT&T last November. MetroPCS currently has 9.5 million subscribers and growing.

What do you think of this proposed/rumored deal?

The New Combined Carrier?

More than 100 international techonology companies are toying with the idea of becoming residents of a floating city located in the intnerational waters outside of Silicon Valley. Codenamed Blueseed, the project was co-founded by VC and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, Max Marty, and Dario Mutabdzija. The project is looking to either convert a cruise ship or remodel a barge into a pirate island that would house 1,000 customers spending between $1,000-$3,000/month in rent.

The island ship would be located 12 miles off the coast of California, stationed in international waters, and would feature a crew of 200-300 people. What’s the significance of international waters? Well, besides the obvious, the location would allow non-US entrepreneurs to work close to Silicon Valley without needing a US work visa.

So far US companies have shown the most interest in the project, out of the polled countries. Blueseed is looking to launch in the third quarter of 2013. Interested in Blueseed launching? Let us know!

Blueseed: Floating StartUp

The editor in chief of iLounge, Jeremy Horwitz, has reported his first backstage blog about the new iPhone. First things first, a Fall release (nothing new).

Now the interesting part: iLounge claims that they have learned that the new iPhone will definitely be longer and thinner than iPhone 4 and 4S. They claim the new iPhone will measure 125mm x 58.5mm, which represents a 10mm jump in height and a 2mm reduction in thickness.

Apple will also be introducing a metal casing to the back of the iPhone and will be flat, not curved. This back will be metal, not ceramic. In my mind, I’m picturing an updated version of the original iPhone, but much, much thinner.

The new iPhone is rumored to be made with Gorilla Glass 2 which allows the same strength at thinner widths. Given that the new iPhone isn’t rumored to get any wider, Apple will have to change the aspect ratio of the device for the first time since the iPhone was originally introduced in 2007, which is a significant change.

Last, but not least, Apple will serve some extra scraps to the accessories dealers by adding a new Dock Connector port, which will be their standard going forward on all new devices, such as the new iPod Touch, the new iPad etc.

We’re sure more updates, changes and rumors will continue to fly, but this is the latest. Full article can be found on iLounge’s website here.

Following in the footsteps of cell phones, Microsoft is rumored to launch a subsidized Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle with a monthly subscription option. According to reports from The Verge, Microsoft will offer its 4GB gaming console with the Kinect motion sensor for $99 if you agree to a two-year $15/month plan. Much like a cell phone, if you break the contract early, there will be an Early Termination Fee (ETF).

Along with a reduced Xbox price, subscribers get access to Xbox Live Gold, a two-year warranty and additional streaming content, making this plan a competitor to the Apple TV and other streaming devices currently available.

What do you think? Is it worth the monthly fee?

It’s no Gold Rush, but it certainly is fun! Type “Zerg Rush” into Google’s search bar and you’ll be greeted by a search results page and then slowly, but surely an army of red O’s which are trying to eat away your Google search page. The O’s represent the O’s in Google and play along with the latest Google Easter Egg. Be careful, the O’s come from the top, bottom and sides and eventually will eat away your entire search page.

After you’ve been defeated, two G’s (for Good Game and the G in Google) will pop up and let you submit your scores to Google+, where other users have been sending their scores.

The object of the game is to use your mouse cursor (or finger, if you’re on a touch screen) to click and tap on the attacking O’s, eliminating them one by one. Google will keep track of your hit count, showing you many O’s you’ve defeated and your average rate per minute.

Fun! The Google Way! No go defeat those O’s!

Apple just announced that their WorldWide Develope Conference will take place in San Francisco at Moscone West from June 11- June 15th. There will be over 100 sessions on iOS and OS X, in addition to a student scholarship program.

Tickets for WWDC 2012 sold out in just two hours. Here’s the official press release.

CUPERTINO, Calif., Apr 25, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Apple(R) today announced that it will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) June 11 through June 15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. At this year’s five-day conference, developers will learn about the future of iOS and OS X(R), allowing them to build incredible new apps. WWDC will also feature more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers as well as the popular Apple Design Awards, a showcase of the most outstanding apps from the past year.

“We have a great WWDC planned this year and can’t wait to share the latest news about iOS and OS X Mountain Lion with developers,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “The iOS platform has created an entirely new industry with fantastic opportunities for developers across the country and around the world.”

Developers will be able to explore the latest innovations, features and capabilities of iOS and OS X Mountain Lion and learn how to greatly enhance the functionality, performance, quality and design of their apps. Developers can even bring their code to the labs and work with Apple engineers, applying development techniques and best-practices to enhance their apps.

Activities at Apple’s WWDC 2012 include:

– more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers on a wide range of technology-specific topics for developing, deploying and integrating the latest iOS and OS X technologies;

– 100 hands-on labs staffed by more than 1,000 Apple engineers providing developers with code-level assistance, insight into optimal development techniques and guidance on how they can make the most of iOS and OS X technologies in their apps;

– the opportunity to connect with thousands of fellow iOS and OS X developers from around the world–last year more than 60 countries were represented;

– engaging and inspirational lunchtime sessions with leading minds and influencers from the worlds of technology, science and entertainment; and

– Apple Design Awards which recognize iPhone(R), iPad(R) and Mac(R) apps that demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and outstanding design.

Please go to the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference 2012 website (developer.apple.com/wwdc) to purchase tickets, as well as for updates and more information.

Developers who are unable to attend this year’s conference can access and watch all technical sessions from the Apple Developer website (developer.apple.com/videos) as soon as they are posted for free.

Earlier this morning we saw a selloff as Wall St remained skeptical that Apple could sustain iPhone activation growth. However, Apple announced earnings today after the close and Apple slammed them out of the park, pushing the stock back into positive territory in after-hours trading.

Apple released earnings of $12.30 per share compared to an estimate of $10.04 and added $39.2 billion in revenue for a pure profit of $11.6 billion! Unit wise, Apple sold 35.1 million iPhones and 11.8 million iPads (expect more iPad sales as the new iPad went on sale only last month). This represents an 88% growth over the same quarter a year ago and a 151% increase unit wise. iPod sales declined 15% to 7.7 million units sold.

CEO Tim Cook summed it up by saying we’ll be seeing a lot more Apple innovation this year so that got us really excited. He stated, “We’re thrilled with sales of over 35 million iPhones and almost 12 million iPads in the March quarter. The new iPad is off to a great start, and across the year you’re going to see a lot more of the kind of innovation that only Apple can deliver.” We hope so Tim, we hope so.

What better way to start off the week than with fresh iPhone rumors (it really never gets old, does it?). In what will surely be the first of many iPhone rumor posts to come, we’re just going to wet your pallet and list what we’ve heard so far.

Supposedly, Apple is setting out to build the thinnest iPhone to date, aiming to measure less than 8 millimeters. The iPhone is looking to utilize a new display technology that will place a panel’s touch sensors inside the color filters, rather than above them, allowing the panel to be thinner, without sacrificing responsiveness. Coupled with a thinner battery and a form factor switch from glass to unibody metal, the iPhone might just come in at a size of 7.9 mm thick, which is no “small” feat! Or is it…

Other reports today reportedly show leaked next gen iPhone home buttons which are “round in the centre and square outside.” See pics below.

In other iPhone news, if you’re not happy with your current iPhone service provider, a new unlock released by “Loktar_Sun” allows anyone to easily release their iPhone from any carrier. That guide can be found here via iClarified.

Leaked iPhone 5 Home Buttons from TVC-Mall

AT&T confirms that they will be launching the HTC One X in the US on May 6th on contract for $199. This will be HTC’s new flagship device and will be the first phone to launch with the latest version of Android 4 on AT&T and pre-orders state on April 22.

The HTC One X will feature:

• dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
• 4.6″ 720p HD Display
• 8 megapixel rear camera, 1.3 front-facing camera
• 32GB internal storage
• 1GB RAM
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with Sense 4 loaded on top

HTC One X

Here’s the full press release from AT&T.

HTC One X Available Exclusively From AT&T Beginning May 6 For $199.99

4G LTE Entertainment Superphone features Amazing Camera and Beats Audio Experience, Runs on Android 4.0 and HTC Sense 4

DALLAS and BELLEVUE, Wash., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

Key Facts

The first smartphone from AT&T* to launch with the latest version of the Android operating system (4.0), the HTC One X, will be available from AT&T beginning May 6 for $199.99.
HTC One X is AT&T’s first smartphone with Beats by Dr. Dre™ Audio built-in to the hardware and software.
HTC One X is the first smartphone from AT&T to offer HTC Sense™4 to deliver an amazing camera with improvements to the lens, sensor and software, an authentic sound experience with Beats by Dr. Dre Audio, and long-lasting battery performance to accommodate heavy mobile use.
Pre-orders for HTC One X will begin April 22. Customers can visit any company-owned retail store or http://www.att.com/onex for more information.

An all-around workhorse with unique customer benefits, the HTC One X is the flagship of HTC’s One line of smartphones. Combined with the nation’s largest 4G network, with 4G LTE backed by AT&T’s HSPA+ network, the One X becomes the complete package for Android users.

AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network, covering nearly 250 million people. As 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you’re on a much slower 3G network.

Sound at its Finest

HTC One X is the first device from AT&T with HTC’s authentic sound experience featuring Beats by Dr. Dre Audio integration, offering rich, full sounds with professional-grade sound engineering to play the music how the artist intended. Beats Audio provides a distortion-free sound at higher volume and rich bass at all levels whether you are watching movies, playing games or streaming music. HTC One X is custom tuned for the best audio performance when used with Beats by Dr. Dre accessories,** including the Beatbox (AT&T exclusive), Wireless HD Stereo Bluetooth Headphones, Beats™ Solo™ HD Headphones, and UR Beats™ In-ear Headphones.

With built-in software on the HTC One X, customers can connect it to a computer and HTC’s Sync Manager software automatically installs to your computer and once connected, makes it easy to move music and playlists to your phone from your music library.

Entertainment Everywhere

Consumers’ ability to incorporate their smartphones into every aspect of their lives continues with the HTC One X. Watching TV shows or movies will be even more enjoyable on its 4.7-inch 720p HD screen with sharp images that appear detailed and visible from every angle – even angled up to 80 degrees. HTC Watch gives you access to thousands of Hollywood blockbusters and offers companion content to find out more about the film. You can begin watching the movie moments after it starts downloading and wirelessly share the content on any HD TV using HTC’s wireless HDMI Media Link HD adapter.**

The laminated cover glass and touch layer significantly reduce light reflection for superior sharpness and clarity, and is protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass. HTC One X is made with a beautifully crafted polycarbonate unibody design that showcases its clean lines and seamless construction.

Superior Camera

For many consumers, their smartphone doubles as their camera. HTC One X’s 8MP HD camera features ImageSense and rivals traditional digital cameras with improvements to every part of the camera including the lens, sensor and software, while integrating HTC’s new ImageChip to make quality picture taking a breeze.

Fumbling with the menu and settings on your smartphone is frustrating when the perfect shot is right in front of you. Within seconds, you can launch the camera from the lock screen and the camera quickly autofocuses and zeros in on your subject. Zero shutter lag also lets you take continuous shots simply by holding the shutter button. HTC One X takes beautiful photos under low-light, no-light, and back-light conditions. The Video Pic feature allows the capture of still pictures while recording video in HD as well as the ability to capture a still image from previously recorded video.

The HTC One X’s next-generation 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ S4 dual-core processor allows customers to run heavy duty tasks such as creating and editing homemade videos smoothly without any lag, while the 1,800 mAh embedded battery, and software enhancements that improve battery performance by 50-100 percent over previous HTC phones, offers hours of uninterrupted entertainment time.

HTC Sense 4

HTC One X will be one of the first devices in the U.S. with the simple and intuitive HTC Sense 4 user experience. It helps make the Beats Audio experience possible while listening to any audio component and features camera enhancements including a quick launch feature for the camera on the HTC One X – dramatically cutting down the time needed to move from the lock screen to snapping a picture.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
**Accessories sold separately.

Limited 4G LTE availability in select markets. 4G speeds delivered by LTE, or HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul, where available. Deployment ongoing. Compatible device and data plan required. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Learn more at att.com/network.

Limited-time offer. HTC One X requires a new 2-yr wireless agreement with voice (min $39.99/mo) and min monthly data plan ($20/mo). Subject to Wireless Customer Agrmt. Credit approval req’d. Activ fee $36/line. Geographic, usage and other terms, conditions and restrictions apply, and may result in svc termination. Coverage and svcs not avail everywhere. Taxes and other charges apply. Data (att.com/dataplans): If usage exceeds your monthly data allowance, you will automatically be charged overage for additional data provided. Early Termination Fee (att.com/equipmentETF): After 30 days, ETF up to $325. Restocking fee up to $35. Other Monthly Charges/line may include a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge (up to $1.25), a gross receipts surcharge, federal and state universal svc charges, fees and charges for other gov’t assessments. These are not taxes or gov’t req’d charges. Visit a store or att.com/wireless to learn more about wireless devices and services from AT&T.