More Evidence of "e-wallet" Capabilities in iPhone 5
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A couple of new job listings on Apple's website are firming up rumors that Apple will be including so-called "e-wallet" capabilities using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology on upcoming iOS devices. The positions - for a Hardware Test Engineer and a Manager of Global Payment Platforms - indicate that development on both the technical and business aspects is near completion. |
One of the newly-posted job listings seeks a senior hardware automated test engineer with an advanced degree in electrical engineering who is expected to be as "comfortable doing theoretical work and as working with a soldering iron." This super-tech would have competencies in a number of fields including RF, which indicates that work on the NFC technology is at or near the testing stage, ready for inclusion in this year's iPhone and iPad.
The ad for the Global Payments manager is looking for someone that will "contribute to the analysis and development of new payment types," and it's difficult to imagine what a "new payment type" could be other than NFC (unless Apple is going to be printing its own currency or something). The report earlier this week had suggested Apple was looking to run its new e-wallet system through a version of the iTunes Store, processing payments directly from users' bank accounts rather than going through credit card companies which charge a fee for every transaction.
While Apple is obviously looking at the economic benefits of NFC, the technology has many other applications. For example, Bluetooth devices could be paired much more quickly - in less than a tenth of a second - by using NFC rather than having to configure both devices in Bluetooth. NFC can also be used to replace airline or concert tickets, as identification, or in place of a physical house and car key. Apple's inclusion of NFC in its popular devices is likely to spur accelerated development of NFC, so new applications will doubtless emerge over time.
Sources: AppleInsider | Modmyi
iPhone 5 To Sport Dual-Core Processors?
Digitimes is reporting on the possibility of the iPhone 5 touting a dual-core processor. Not much of a surprise, considering that the new Android devices will be sporting such chips, and I don't see Apple falling short for competition. This means better gaming and video experiences, as well as a nice speed increase. We should see this migrate over well to the iPad 2, so we can expect to see upgrades on both devices.
With strong competition coming from Google devices, and other smartphones, Apple sounds like they are ready to up the competition once again. The iPhone 5 is expected to be released in the USA about June or July, (same months that iPhone 4 debuted last year), however it seems as though most of this ETA is mostly based on rumors, but then again, the iPhone 5 is a rumor all together.
Can we expect dual-core processors? Probably. Can we expect the iPhone 5 this year? Honestly, I'm doubtful. Too much controversy/pissed off Verizon users. Either way, who would be opposed to processor upgrades? I sure wont. Too bad I already have an iPhone 4 though.
Sources: Modmyi