Pair of Apple patent applications set the stage for hearing aid-based social network

If ever there were a purgatory for ideas, it'd be the USPTO's patent application database. That land of legal limbo plays host to a multitude of tech entries both bizarre and straightforward, much of which will never see the light of day. So, it's with a keen eye for the curious that we've stumbled upon this pair of filings submitted by Apple back in January of 2011 outlining a new social network specifically forhearing aids. Yes, you read that right, but its function isn't actually as obvious as you'd imagine. According to the claims, hearing aids worn by at least two users will work in tandem with a personal computing device to identify user identities, establish a communication link and then swap profiles -- not a list of likes and dislikes, but dynamic audio settings. It appears users will be able to update the sound processing on their respective devices to adjust for ambient noise and hone in on a specific sources. So, basically, it's the Cupertino version of Superhuman hearing.
USPTO

Apple’s new iPhone 5 Has Entered Production Stage

Word has it that the production of Apple’s iPhone 5 has started in China. If the rumors are true, the next generation of iPhone will feature a 4-inch display with a 1136 x 640 pixel resolution, a fast quad-core processor, and a better digital cameras for video calls and capture moments. Stay tuned for more updates. [CNet]

Apple iPhone 5 Specs Unveiled

Word has it that the upcoming Apple iPhone 5 will feature a 4-inch display with a 1136 x 640 pixels resolution. As a comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S III (HTC One X) features an HD display with a 1280 x 720 pixels resolution. The iPhone 5 will also feature the all new iOS 6 operating system, a physical home button, a quad-core processor, a rear-facing camera and a front-facing camera. Stay tuned for more updates. [Unwiredview]

Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover For Apple’s iPad

Logitech today unveiled its latest creation in the form of the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. Designed for the new iPad and the iPad 2, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover provides an ultrathin screen protector, a slim aluminum cover and a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. What’s more, it has an instant On/Off feature, which means your iPad automatically wakes up when you open the cover, and switches to standby when you close it. The Bluetooth keyboard is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 6-month of operation time. The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover will be released in the U.S. and Europe later this month for a suggested retail price of $99.99. [Engadget]

A-Tech Fabrication HeatSync 1200 Ultra-slim Mini PC

The A-Tech Fabrication HeatSync 1200 is not an ordinary ultra-slim mini PC, because it is equipped with a docking station for Apple’s iPhone or iPod. The computer features a 2.5GHz Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge processor, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 80GB of SSD, WiFi adapter, HDMI, USB ports, etc. The A-Tech Fabrication HeatSync 1200 ultra-slim mini PC is priced at $1,449. [Product Page]

AU Optronics To Supply Apple With 7.85-inch Displays

According to rumors, AU Optronics is one of the suppliers that will supply Apple with 7.85-inch displays for the upcoming iPad mini. Apple will begin production of the 7.85-inch iPad Mini in the third quarter of 2012. The Apple iPad Mini will retail for between $249 to $299.

Apple Were Considering ARM Processors For Macs

There have been rumors before that Apple may be switching their processors from Intel to ARM, and now we have some confirmation that Apple has at least considered the move.

The news comes from an intern who interned at Apple back in 2010 and is now an Apple employee, the intern worked for twelve weeks to get OS X working with ARM processors.
The details were revealed in Tristan Schaap’s Thesis, although it has only now been made available as it was under embargo due to the sensitive information it contained.

It is of course possible that Apple had never intended to use ARM processors in its future devices, as there have been rumors recently that Apple puts new employees on ‘decoy’ projects to determine trustworthiness.

Verizon iPhone sales double to more than 4.2 million in Q4

Fueled by the launch of Apple’s iPhone 4S, Verizon Wireless sold more than 4.2 million iPhones in the fourth quarter last year — more than double the number of iPhones it sold in the third quarter. Verizon’s chief financial officer Fran Shammo revealed the carrier’s iPhone sales for the December quarter during a talk at a Citigroup conference in San Francisco on Wednesday. Verizon Wireless’s largest competitor, AT&T, is expected to have a record quarter as well for iPhone sales. While AT&T has not yet revealed any figures for the fourth quarter, we estimate that the company sold more than 5.5 million iPhones during its holiday quarter. The nation’s No.2 carrier announced last month that it expected record smartphone sales for the quarter, and it had already sold 6 million units between October and November alone. AT&T’s previous single-quarter sales record was 6.1 million smartphones

Apple iPhone 4S could launch in China in mid-January

Apple’s iPhone 4S may make its debut in China before Chinese New Year on January 23rd. Several retail stores in Shenzhen and Shenyang have already started taking pre-orders for the device, although Apple hasn’t yet said when it will officially launch the phone in China. The rumor was first reported by People’s Daily in China, which said that the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology granted the iPhone 4S with its China Compulsory Certification stamp of approval on December 21st. The iPhone 4S made its U.S. debut in October and was launched in 20 additional countries earlier this month.

Peacock – Silicone iPhone 4 / 4S Case

Flock your own way with the Peacock iPhone 4 / 4S case. The on-trend Peacock case adds an irresistible fashion look with a protective silicone iPhone 4/4S case. The jewel-tone bird design fuses an innovative lay flat design with exotic pops of color. Price: $25.00

Raised silicone pieces, including the brilliantly colored tail and plumage, make for an easy-to-hold grip. The bohemian pattern combines this season’s statement style, while the snug fit completes the case. On-trend, peacock inspired fashion case Raised silicone pieces create an easy-to-hold grip Form fit feature covers corners Impact resistant, flexible silicone shell

Apple MacBook Pro With 2880×1800 Resolution Display

Apple is likely to launch its new MacBook Pro lineup with a display resolution of 2880 by 1800 in the second quarter of 2012, setting a new round of competition for panel specifications in the notebook industry, according to sources in the upstream supply chain.

While the prevailing MacBook models have displays with resolutions ranging from 1680 by 1050 to 1280 by 800, the ultra-high resolution for the new MacBook Pro will further differentiate Apple's products from other brands, commented the sources.

Moving with the market demand for displays with high resolutions, Acer and Asustek Computer also plan to launch high-end Ultrabook models with a display resolution of 1920 by 1080 in the first half of 2012, compared to the 1366 by 768 displays adopted by vendors currently, said the sources.