Rumors

The much-rumored iPad Mini may not be here yet, but screen accessories are already popping up.

Known for its mobile device cases and similar products, Zagg is selling a $24.99 screen protector for Apple's allegedly upcoming tiny tablet. Noting that the screen protector is "coming soon," Zagg touts it as a "precision pre-cut invisibleShield" that provides "the toughest, most durable protection you will find."

To back up its claim, Zagg offers a lifetime guarantee on the product, promising to replace it for free should it wear or scratch. Zagg also kicks in … Read more

Microsoft is teasing its Surface tablet by listing the device on several product pages around the world.

Microsoft product sites in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, and Italy are just some of those showing Surface as an item under the product category.

But clicking on the link for the tablet simply brings you to a U.S. page on Surface with the note "Coming Soon."

Microsoft has been mum on about the price of its upcoming tablet.

CEO Steve Ballmer recently said that Surface would probably carry a price between $300 and $800. That's … Read more

Apple reportedly wants approval over any manufacturer making Lightning accessories, but that move could delay their availability to consumers.

Citing "multiple reliable sources," iLounge reports that Apple recently made "significant changes" to its its MFi policy. Short for made for iPhone, iPod, and iPad, MFi certification is needed by third-party manufacturers that want the Apple seal of approval on their products.

Going forward, only facilities certified by Apple will be allowed to make accessories for the new Lightning interface, including those of third party companies. The only problem? Sources reportedly told iLounge that Apple has yet … Read more

Biosecurity firm Microlatch is rumored to be in talks with Apple to introduce fingerprint technology on future products to secure mobile payment via near field communication (NFC).

The news was first reported by The Australian.

David Murray, former head of the Commonwealth Bank and lead investor of the Australian firm, told the publication Microlatch owns patented technology that meets rigorous banking security standards. According to Murray, the technology does not need central processing or storage, describing the biometric technology as "self-registering."

"There have been acquisitions that suggest that people are positioning themselves around these biosecurity products securing … Read more

Smartphone buyers who think the Galaxy S3 is too big could see a smaller version launch as early as next week.

An invite sent out by Samsung for an October 11 launch event touts a smaller product on the horizon with the headline "The size may be small" and the subheading "and so small can be big," according to Google Translate. The text from Samsung's German branch is also translated as "that's how big small can be," says TechRadar. However you translate it, Samsung is teasing a big announcement about a small … Read more

Apple has begun mass production of a new tablet pitched as a smaller alternative to the iPad, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The paper cited Asian component suppliers within Apple's supply chain, referencing two people familiar with the device who declined to be named.

According to the sources, Apple's rumored product, dubbed the "iPad Mini," will have a 7.85-inch liquid-crystal display -- noticeably smaller than the 9.7-inch screen of the existing iPad, now in its third generation. It will also be lower-resolution than the iPad 3's Retina display.

The iPad Mini is … Read more

A purple halo seems to be the latest glitch affecting some iPhone 5 owners.

Detailed by forum users at tech review site AnandTech, the flaw reportedly occurs on photographs if you aim your iPhone 5 camera toward a bright light source such as the sun or an incandescent light. If you then move the camera so the light source is off screen, a purple halo effect can be seen through the camera. That effect also shows up on any pictures that are taken.

One poster displayed separate photos with an artificial light source and with the sun off screen, and … Read more

The iPhone 5 is now officially certified for China.

Two models of Apple's flagship phone passed 3C (China Compulsory Certificate) certification on Monday, according to Sina Tech.

One goes by the model number A1429, which would be geared for China Unicom's WCDMA network and match up with the Hong Kong version of the iPhone 5, Sina Tech said. The other is model A1442, which would work on China Telecom's CDMA2000 network.

The 3C certification is a mandatory certificate system that inspects and approves various products to be sold in the Chinese market. The iPhone 5 faces two more challenges before it can reach China, … Read more

The iPhone 5 may have the same light leak problem that initially plagued other Apple devices.

Chiming in on the MacRumors forum, one user posted a photo of the new iPhone in relative darkness, showing a small flash of light coming from the top of the device behind the glass panel. Another posted a similar picture displaying the same light leak. Other users have since added to both discussions, reporting the same issue on their new iPhones.

Apple's Discussion Forums have also picked up a few complaints about the light leakage.

Some users say they received a replacement unit … Read more