Apple Patents Optical Image Stabilization For Higher Resolution iPhone Pics

Apple has been working on optical image stabilization tech for use in their iPhones and other devices, according to a new patent application filed with the USPTO (spotted byAppleInsider). This could allow future devices to boost image resolution considerably by stitching together multiple exposures for each picture.

This isn’t exactly how others use optical image stabilization, which is usually designed to compensate for small amounts of camera shake by moving around internal camera parts (vs. digital, which fixes it via post-processing). This new system would use the same kind of OIS movement to change the angle slightly on multiple exposures captured in quick succession, and then patch those together for an image that’s “super-resolution” image with better color rendering, detail capture and more.

At the same time, the OIS components can also perform traditional functions for regular image stabilization while building their super resolution pastiche, too, so you get the best of both worlds. This could be yet another way Apple excels in its efforts to be the industry leader in mobile photography, should it makes its way to shipping devices.

iPhone 6 leak shows off slim chassis

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The images, reportedly leaked from Apple's Chinese manufacturer, show what looks to be a new iPhone on a computer screen.

The phone in question sports a metallic grey finish, and has a much more svelte chassic than the current iPhone 5s.

The camera also appears to be protruding slightly, bringing the device more in line with the current iPod touch.

Last week, Nikkei reported that the iPhone 6 would ship with a larger screen, offering two different versions sizing up at 4.7” and 5.5” respectively.

The leaked snaps support these rumours, with the phone on display looking more sizeable than previous iPhone iterations.

Nowhereelse have teamed up with a concept designer to create some renders of what the iPhone 6 will probably look like, based on leaked schematics.

As always, head over to Techoblog’s iPhone 6 rumour page to get the latest on specs, design, release dates, and pricing.

MicrobeScope combines your iPhone with a microscope

We've seen devices that let you attach your smartphone to a microscope, but they require you to have access to a microscope in the first place. What if you don't? Well, that's where the MicrobeScope comes in. It's a portable 800x microscope that works with newer iPhones – or just with the naked eye.

The MicrobeScope doesn't use glass slides like a regular microscope. Instead, users place samples directly on its illuminated stage. Its LED light source is powered by two AAA batteries.

It also lacks any adjustment knobs – it has a fixed-focus lens, and just the one level of magnification. Needless to say, it might not become standard equipment in any science labs, but could be a lot of fun for kids or curious-minded adults.

The user's iPhone (4s or higher) sits on a platform above the microscope, which keeps the phone's camera lens aligned with the eyepiece. Users then just start snapping stills or recording video of bacteria, pollen, algae, or whatever else is on tap.

Washington state-based 4D Optical is now raising production funds for the MicrobeScope, on Kickstarter. At the present time, a pledge of US$115 will get you one, when and if they're ready to go.

If you're interested in shopping around, some (sort of) similar products include the Mini Microscope for iPhone and the ProScope Micro Mobile – although they top out at 60x and 80x magnification, respectively.

The Ember iPhone Case Improves Your Late-Night Selfies With 56 Built-In LEDs

Model by model, the iPhone is getting better at taking photos at night without making everyone look like spooky-ass ghosts — but you can only go so far with one or two little LEDs.

But what about 56 little LEDs? The Ember is an iPhone 5/5S case that promises to add a crazy bright panel of lights to the back of your handset.

“But wait!” you shout. “Won’t firing off 56 LEDs every time I take a picture wreck my iPhones battery life?”

It would… if the Ember didn’t have it’s own 2200mAh battery pack built in. It makes the case a bit chunkier than the LEDs alone would, but it means about 4 hours of continuous light without putting a strain on your iPhone or requiring a recharge.

According to their tests, their LED array provides about 10x more light than the iPhone’s flash can. You can also adjust the light output, if the max brightness of 56 LEDs proves a bit too intense.

Rather than trying to tie into your iPhone’s software, the light panel on the Ember is flipped on and off by a physical switch. That may not be quite as slick as the built-in flash, but it allows you to pop the case off to aim the light however you want (or, in theory, use it as an ultrabright flashlight.)

Meanwhile, the top of the case detaches to allow for third-party lens add-ons to be strapped on top without things smashing into each other — and if you feel like getting really fancy with your iPhone photography, there’s a cold shoe mount for strapping on a tripod mount.

The catch? As with many a neat iPhone accessory concept, it’s a Kickstarter project — and with $11,000 left before it hits its goal and just 42 hours left in its campaign, it’s possible that it might not even get the pledges it’s already pulled in.

If you squeeze in before they run out, the “Early Bird” cases (with a warming filter and tripod adapter) will set you back $59. Once those are gone, the price bumps up to $79 — and at retail, they’re planning on slinging these for about $90 a pop.

Wondering photos taken with the Ember actually look? Here are the company’s side-by-sides:

Apple iPhone 6 Rumors: Features Could Include Thinner Body, Faster A8 Processor, Ultra Retina Screen With Higher Pixel Density

Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) upcoming flagship smartphone iteration, unofficially dubbed the “iPhone 6,” is highly expected to be faster and lighter than its predecessor, and all these rumors got boosted on Friday when an insider leaked key information about the handset, including details about the device’s speed, display quality and thickness.

Sonny Dickson, an Australian blogger known for his cutting-edge information from the technology industry, took to Twitter on Friday to leak some of the key specs of the iPhone 6. According to him, the next-generation iPhone could be 0.22 inches thick, compared to the 0.30 inches thickness of the existing iPhone 5s.

Dickson also spoke about the display quality of the iPhone 6. According to him, the new iPhone is likely to feature an Ultra Retina screen, which could boast a density of 389 pixels per inch. By comparison, the iPhone 5s’ display has 1136x640 pixel resolution at 326 ppi.

If the iPhone 6 comes with a 4.7-inch display as suggested by multiple media reports so far, obtaining the 389ppi density at that screen size would require the resolution to be higher than 720p (1280x720), but lower than 1080p (1920x1080), Phone Arena reported.

This Is How The iPhone 6C Could Look Like (Video)

All the talk is about the iPhone 6 but none about the iPhone 6c. In fact there is absolutely no rumors or reports regarding Apple making a  new version of the iPhone 5c – Apple’s supposedly cheaper version of the iPhone 5. Well if you had been thinking what an iPhone 6c could look like, look no further. Check out this concept video of how the iPhone 6c could look like.

iPhone 6c Video

Apple released iPhone 5c, a $100 cheaper version of the iPhone 5S. Apple was expecting it to be a hit just like every other iPhone but they were wrong; in fact, even Tim Cook was surprised that the iPhone 5c wasn’t a success.

If Apple wants the new version of the “C” series to be popular then I suggest they should look at this concept video of the iPhone 6c. It has some stunning features which I think will be incorporated in the iPhone 6.

This concept of the iPhone 6c features:

• 4.7 inch Retina Display.

• 8 MP Camera, True Tone Flash.

• 120 fps Video Recording.

• Touch ID Sensor.

• White/Black Front Panel.

• Full Black Model.

• 116 Grams.

• 7.1 Depth.

• Mini Aux ( As in iPhone 6 Concept).

• Stereo Sound in/out.

• Lightning 2 ( Faster Charging And Data Transfer).

Well without wasting any more time, check out the concept video of the iPhone 6c below:

Well what do you think about this concept of the iPhone 6c? Personally this seems great and many people would actually buy this smartphone if the price difference between the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6c is substantial.

Via: Maypalo

Get Free Nokia Lumia 1020 & 1520 By Trading iPhone 4/4S & Galaxy S 2

Those of you who are looking for new smartphones in exchange for previous ones should be happy to know that Microsoft has introduced a new exchange program for smartphones. If you were thinking to get a Nokia Lumia smartphone, now is your chance. In exchange for any Phone 4/4S and Samsung Galaxy S 2, Microsoft will provide you with a Lumia 1020 and 1520 for free!

Microsoft has introduced the trade-in program for Apple’s iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy. Those of you who want to try out a new mobile operating system (which Microsoft wants you to do), are now eligible for the trade-in program.

If you currently own an iPhone 4, Phone 4S or a Samsung Galaxy S 3; Microsoft is ready to take your phone and in return give you a brand new Lumia 1020 or 1520 depending on your choice!

Lumia 1020 packs a staggering 41 megapixel camera, enough to put some DSLR’s to shame (pixel wise). It has Nokia’s PureView technology, Optical Image Stabilization, and amazing high-resolution zoom.

Lumia 1520 isn’t far behind, it has a great camera too with a 21 megapixel, enough to take some stunning shots.

Both these Lumia phones are a great camera phone and come with a Microsoft’s Windows operating system for mobile devices.

This trade-in program expires on March 2, 2014. Here are some other details regarding the trade-in program from Microsoft:

• Qualifying 2-year (new or upgrade) contract required.

• Sales tax may apply.

• Colors and availability varies by store.

• Devices must be in good working condition.

• See store associate for more detail.

Is it a iphone or bowling ball?

Why would you want to turn your precious, state-of-the-art and epitome of sophistication iPhone into a bright-yellow foam ball? Well perhaps if you’re into iPhone gaming, as this decidedly un-tech looking gadget has the potential to take iPhone gaming to another level.

Created by Physical App, LLC, TheO has a cut out slot where you place your iPhone or iPod touch and then hurl the ball across the floor as part of the game. Thanks to the iPhone’s accelerometer, TheO combines the physical activity and iPhone gaming into one.
Physical Apps currently has three free TheO games, a bowling app, Hot Potato and a social game, Interrogo.
It might not look like the height of tech-sophistication but TheO certainly ranks in the novel stakes and is expected to debut in May!