The True Cost of Apple's Latest iPhone 6S Smartphones

Photo Credit: IHS

Last weekend, Apple sold an record of 13-million units of their latest iPhone smart device. In many stores across the world, first examples of the Apple iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus were promptly snatched-up by mobile technophiles. Featuring many operational upgrades over the previous device such as 3D Touch, the new edition iPhones are also equipped with a more power A9 processor, 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel cameras as well as a lighter, more efficient battery.

The rite of passage to Apple's new normal in mobility requires buyers to part with $649 US ($899 on the Apple Canada website) for the 16-gigabyte iPhone 6S. For $749 US or $1,029 Canadian, the Apple iPhone 6S Plus can fit in your pocket (providing it is a large enough pocket to fit the 5.5-inch touchscreen smartphone). Parting with a considerable amount of money for what is the Apple lifestyle, this movement obviously benefits the bottom line of a technology company ranked as the richest corporation in the world. Services such as iTunes, App marketplace and their new music streaming service are seen as market-leading cash cows succeeding in giving people hooked to their brand. However, it's also intriguing to note the amount of money Apple makes off the devices themselves.

Exactly how much does Apple stand to make with every latest generation iPhone sold? A recent report shared by information and analytic company IHS has shed some light on the actual cost of the new phone's hardware providing some level of insight to the profit margin of the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus.

According to IHS, the total cost of producing an 16-gigabyte Apple iPhone 6S Plus is $236.00 ($231.50 for the components and $4.50 for the assembly per device). Compared to the previous iPhone 6 Plus, the new version cost $16 more. Roughly $10 to the bill of material cost for the new iPhone is associated with the new Taptic Engine used to reproduce a sensory feeling when the device is touched. The following illustrates a partial breakdown of costs attached to manufacturing the latest smartphone:

Highlight Hardware Costs for Apple iPhone 6S Plus:

5.5-inch touchscreen hardware with Retina Display: $52.50
Apple A6 64-bit processor: $22.00
16-gigabyte flash memory storage: $5.50
Li-Polymer battery: $4.50
Front and rear cameras: $22.50
Wireless/Bluetooth Technology: $6.00


Referring the 16-gigabyte flash memory storage unit (supplied by top-ranked Korean tech company SK Hynix) above, The IHS report states production of a 64-gigabyte iPhone 6S Plus is just $17 US more per device. Interestingly enough, when the 64-gigabyte Apple iPhone 6S Plus lands in retail environments, the cost difference is $100 US.

Keep in mind, the costing report leaves out one item that is pivotal to any Apple device. The development costs of the software, including the IOS 9 basis for the smartphone.

In the case of automobiles, buyers can often use the differential between the dealer invoice and the MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) to negotiate a purchase price. Even though the Apple iPhones feature mobility as well as a high cost, tech-savvy buyers have no hope applying any money-saving buying strategies.

How Blackberry is Giving Itself a Black Eye

Photo Credit: Blackberry

When 2013 began, Blackberry (entering the year with the long-standing Research in Motion business name) prepped what was supposed to be an ambitious and important corporate revival. Blackberry's CEO Thorsten Heins proudly held the full touchscreen Z10 and the QWERTY keyboard/touchscreen hybrid Q10 smartphones as if they were the Ten Commandments that would lead a connected humanity. Their Blackberry 10 operating system was highly developed to the point it delayed its release date to a point some were concerned if the devices would ever arrive. While the devices featured nifty technology, the smartphones have not left the big splash in the water it hoped. Having not learned from the Playbook tablet, Blackberry is still fighting to realize it is not Apple (specifically when it comes to demanding money from consumers). While their technology is formidable, Blackberry has been fighting to reclaim a its position as a major smartphone player when selling near $700 devices such as the Z10 or Q10.

In addition to the Blackberry Z10 and Q10, a third smartphone using the new operating system and technology was created. Slightly less capable than the Q10, the Blackberry Q5 carried the perk of a lower price tag. Unfortunately, Blackberry made choice to sell the Q5 only in emerging markets not realizing a market for a lower-cost smartphone option in North America. Even Apple has been rumoured to be readying a more price competitive iPhone. In late July, Blackberry finally conceded in what was their initial intentions to sell its Q5 handheld device. A less expensive Blackberry 10 family device priced roughly comparable with the latest Android devices from Samsung. In time for the Back-to-School buying phase, the QWERTY-keyboard equipped Blackberry Q5 device could potentially show up on the wish list of high school and college students. With its forecasted release this week, there is just one question; where has been the promotion for the Blackberry Q5?

Mention of the Blackberry Q5 is only trickling out from Canadian wireless carriers. Of as Monday, the Telus website is the only major wireless phone provider to advertise the Q5 being available. Through Telus, the Blackberry Q5 costs $49 with a 24-month plan or $425 without a contract. Only this week has the Blackberry Canadian site updated to include the profile of the Q5. When Apple announces the technical details of their newest iPhone, that technology company insures that customers are well-informed on where and how to buy the device before it drops into kiosks. Is it possible that cell phone providers in Canada want to suppress knowledge of the less expensive phone to maintain better sales of the Q10? Is just apathy wireless providers feel for Blackberry products?

Instead of hype surrounding the roll-out of what could become the bread and butter tool to Blackberry's efforts to stay relevant, news has surrounded the structure of the Canadian-based technology provider. Shareholder swoop like vultures for the shares as it the company considers buying them back in order to go private. On Monday, news surrounded the fact Blackberry is exploring options such as a sale or partnership with another technology company. Some investors or analysts would also like to see the company separate its more promising units away from less profitable efforts. This should be a time for the phone maker to promote their Q5 device's release in Canada. Once again, Blackberry is having difficulty trying to steer the message to the media. It's bad enough the company has abandoned plans for a next-generation Playbook tablet, the Blackberry 10 operating system could be an compelling piece of software few will see. It is disappointing to see the company behind the BBM technology is lacking the ability to effectively communicate what could be a move that will place more Blackberry 10 operating systems in the hands of customers.

Ultimately, what Blackberry needs is to place their devices into as many hands as possible. By stoking a consumer marketplace, app developers and investors will be more eager to place their support behind the company's work. The Blackberry Q5's release in Canada should be observed as the key to igniting a spark in an engine that is losing power. We simply need to wait and see if there is a fire left in Blackberry.

Samsung Brings PSY, Gangnam Style to Toronto for First Live Act

Photo source: Samsung

The handheld electronics market is a worldwide technological battlefield. Canada is one of the many locations intrigued by electronic smartphones and tablet computers. While fanfare surrounding the Apple iPhone 5 launched the popular smartphone to success last month, the reception for the device rarity consumerism. So often, companies need to provide some 'razzle dazzle' to create excitement for their products.

A new smartphone from the Apple's major competitor in the smartphone and tablet arena Samsung, the Galaxy Note II has the potential to capture some attention on its own. Utilizing a 5.5 HD touchscreen, a 1.6 GHZ quad-core processor powering an Android 4.1 (Google Jelly Bean) operating system and a unique stylus pen, the Samsung Galaxy Note II delivers users data connections up to the latest LTE specifications. Wanting to launch their Galaxy Note II with a lot of noise in Toronto, Korea-bred Samsung has enlisted the assistance of a showman from the company's native land the world knows as PSY.

Accounting for over 500-million views on a leading YouTube channel, PSY demonstrated "Gangham Style" dancing to the world to the point of becoming a quick-growing world superstar. With the Toronto appearance, Samsung is indeed desiring that trendy Gangnam Style can move the Galaxy Note II to equal acclaim in the smartphone marketplace. The South Korean music performer's first live event in Canada, the launch party for the Samsung Galaxy Note II will take place at The Kool Haus on October 30th.

While no tickets still be sold to the Samsung Galaxy Note II launch party, fans of the latest mobile technology and of the Gangnam Style performer will be presented with a rare opportunity to view PSY. A promotion on Samsung's Facebook page as well as two radio giveaways through Kiss 92.5 and Virgin Radio 99.9 will provide fans an invite to the elite product celebration.


Facebook Link: www.Facebook.com/SamsungMobileCanada
Radio Stations: www.kiss925.com , www.999VirginRadio.com

Survey Finds 30% of US iPhone Users Damaged Devices in Past Year

Photo Credit: Apple

On Friday, the newest generation of Apple's smartphone will be dropped into the hands of the first eager customers who will drop just under $700 Canadian to navigate the iPhone 5's Retina display touchscreen. With an average 23 Apple iPhone 5s being pre-ordered every second during the first 24 hours, the new device will join a global mobile environment already flooded with earlier iterations of the Apple's handheld that redefined the term 'smartphone' since 2007. While the sale, resale, phone plans and accessory options have conjured up a self-contained Apple economy, there has also been another source where a major dollar figure relates to the iPhone over six generations of acceptance. The number 5.9 billion dollars US is attached to the damage of pricey Apple iPhone devices in the United States alone.

A number compiled through the assistance of comScore estimates by retail warranty supplier SquareTrade (who may have a vested interest in publishing some key figures in respect to one of the most popular smartphone devices on the market) equated the 5.9-billion dollar cost for damaged iPhones to more than twice the amount spent for toilet paper in the United States. The overall cost estimate takes into account repair, replacement and insurance deductibles to Apple iPhone products since first sold in 2007. Damage to Apple iPhone devices is recorded as 10 times more likely than either through loss or theft.

Presenting a snapshot into the life of an Apple iPhone, SquareTrade's survey took a sample group of 2,000 Apple iPhone users and discovered that 30% have stated that their devices have been damaged in a past 12-month period. The most prevalent occurrences for iPhone damage includes being dropped by hand or lap, falling into a body of water (lake, swimming pool or even a toilet), having fluid spilt on the device and being knocked off a table. The survey also revealed that half of iPhone users under the age of 35 years old have encountered a situation the resulted in harm coming to their Apple smartphone device. Since a sizable portion of Apple's market appeals to younger users who like to think their iPhone into risky territories, 50 percent loss for the under-35 demographic is not too much of a surprise.

SquareTrade has also recorded data from users who have chosen to continue operating their Apple iPhone devices even after sustaining harm. 11 percent of survey participants indicate they have proceeded to use their iPhone when the screen was cracked and another 6 percent admitted to taping their devices as a favourable remedy over costly repairs or replacement. These damaged Apple iPhone devices will undoubtedly receive far reduced trade-in prices if accepted at all. On the Ebay Instant Sale site, a fully-functioning 16-gigabyte iPhone 4S with USB connecting cable will garner $310.80 in Canadian funds. If in fair condition but still operational, a Apple iPhone 4S will only fetch $155.40 during a trade-in. Interestingly enough, a non-functioning 16-gigabyte iPhone 4S device in poor condition will still be worth $20.00 to Ebay through the Staples Canada supported Ebay program.

Such as the case with many other cell phone and smartphone devices, the steady aftermarket is devoted to providing accessories capable of protecting against the before-mentioned damage. In the case of SquareTrade, a warranty for an iPhone device allows for a user to easily repair or replace their device. In the United States, SquareTrade offers a 2-year protection plan for $99 and a 3-year warranty for $129. A $50 deductible would also need to be paid when a user files a claim. Damage against an accidental damage to a smartphone device is fairly rare in the marketplace. AppleCare is also in place as an extended warranty for iPhone devices but does not cover damages such as a cracked screen or water.

SquareTrade CMO Ty Shay words in regards to the already $5.9 billion industry was served with a cautionary warning predicting growth in the damaged iPhone economy. "As smart phones continue to improve, they become more tightly integrated into our busy lives leaving them vulnerable to accidents around the clock," said Shay who also expressed intrigue for what the iPhone 5 device with its narrower profile and larger screen will affect the trend.

Sony Reveals New Xperia Devices; Includes Large Screen Tablet

Photo Source: Sony Xperia

Integrated into many of our lifestyles, handheld electronic devices is well-known as a fast-growing, constantly evolving segment of the consumer marketplace. A supreme innovator in the present portable computer evolution, Apple with their iPhone and iPad products have acclimatized a majority to small, web-connected devices. Competitors in the personal electronics arena have been angling to take a bite out of the apple in the eye of consumers. Showcased at the ongoing IFA electronics show in Berlin, Germany, Sony revealed a new line of their Xperia series mobile devices.

Among the devices featured by Sony is the Xperia T and Xperia V smartphones sporting a new level of technological sophistication to the hands of mobile phone viewers. Featuring 13 megapixel rear-facing cameras with the capability of capturing full HD video and up to 7 hours of battery life, the two new Xperia smartphones offer a high level of infotainment enjoyment. The Sony Xperia T is controlled through a 4.6-inch HD display and offers a 720p quality front-facing camera. User of the Sony Xperia T also find the availability of viewing content on a larger television display through the use of MHL connectivity. With the 4.3-inch  Xperia V smartphone, the super-fast data download of LTE networks is offered. The Xperia T and Xperia V devices both perform on the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich operating systems when launched. An update to the upcoming Android 4.1 OS (codenamed Jelly Bean) is built into the new Sony devices.

Photo source: Sony Xperia

Another smartphone choice exhibited by Sony at IFA includes the 4-inch Xperia J. Available in black, gold, white and pink colour plates, the Sony Xperia J are equipped to be a more affordable option that still features effective social media interaction. A 5-megapixel camera is found on the rear of the Xperia J smartphone while a VGA quality camera is front facing. All three Xperia smartphones include Sony's WALKMAN application, Google Play, Google Maps and Bluetooth connectivity.

A fighter against the iPad and the large screen Samsung Galaxy tablets, Sony is launching the Xperia Tablet S. Navigated through a 9.4-inch HD display splash-proof screen, the Xperia Tablet S delivers the advantages of a Android 4.0.3 operating system through the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor hardware. IR remote control allows the user of the Xperia Tablet S device to operate home televisions and DVD players from Sony as well as other brands. Scheduled for release in early September in the United States and Canada, the 16 gigabyte version of the Xperia Tablet S will sell for $399.99 while the 64 gigabyte model will cost $499.99.

In regards to the eventual availability of these products, the Sony website for the Canadian market shows all of the new Xperia devices. However, the United States Sony webpage only shows the Xperia Tablet S listed. A upcoming model called the Sony Xperia acro S appears to integrate the features of the Xperia T and V devices.


Below is the 60-second commercial Sony has released for the Xperia Tablet S.

Mobile American Red Cross Hurricane App in Season

Photo Credit: PRNewsFoto/American Red Cross

Embroiled inside the most active period of the year for tropical storms and hurricanes within the northern hemisphere region of the Americas, mid-August to October is typically a risky period in particularly in the southern region of the United States. So far this 2012 season, United States communities have been largely spared from the potential effects of a major ocean-derived storm system. With effective information transfer a key to protecting lives when disaster strikes, mobile communications a breakthrough method for sending important messages to people in danger.

Launched at the beginning of August, the American Red Cross Hurricane App for Apple devices or Android devices provides comprehensive information on hurricanes and tropical storms. A multi-purpose preparedness kit in electronic form, the free official American Red Cross Hurricane App is equipped for escaping and/or surviving an incoming disturbance.

A well-loaded program bundle, the American Red Cross Hurricane App offers a full range of tools useful before, during and after a major storm. Allowing users to monitor weather in areas using the reliable information gathering of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The American Red Cross Hurricane App can be programmed to relay an alert if you or a loved-one is in a location where a weather system is expected to hit.

While being a warning tool, the American Red Cross Hurricane App is also meant to teach the public on hurricanes as well as emergency planning when placed within an affected area. The app provides historical information on hurricane and tropical storm systems that have impacted an area. Through interactive trivia quizzes, users can also earn badge rewards that can be shown off to friends on-line. Other useful responses on within the American Red Cross Hurricane App includes emergency preparedness information and details to best ready against a storm. Locations of open American Red Cross storm shelters and checklists assure educated efforts for survival through the Hurricane App.

Other features involved in the American Red Cross Hurricane App includes a flashlight, strobe light and an audible alarm to improve the user's detection. One of the simplest yet most reassuring items on the American Red Cross Hurricane App is the one-touch "I'm Safe" messaging alert feature instantly notifying family and friends that you're safe through a variety of means such as email, text or social networks Facebook and Twitter.

While a newly released application for smartphones and tablets, the Google Play marketplace has understandably seen a profound spike in downloads of the American Red Cross Hurricane App in the past week as the tropical storm system Isaac motions towards Florida. With reviews widely positive of the Hurricane App, the lives that can be lived with the extra information of this program would be more valuable than any amount of stars.


Apple Online Store:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128?mt=8

Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cube.arc.hfa