Android 4.0 loaded Google Nexus 4G : This "monster" could chomp down Apple - International Business Times

Sporting a "monster sized" screen with high definition capabilities, dual processor, very thin size, and Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS, Google's Nexus 4G could give Apple's iPhone 5 some heavy competition as both devices are set to have similar release dates. 

The Nexus 4G rumors have sounded very attractive as the latest Android device may seem to be the most powerful smartphone to hit the market.  One of them says that the device will be powerful enough to run the Android 4.0 operating system which will include 3D features, Open GL head tracking for facial expressions and sensing.  For gamers, they can have USB capabilities enabling them to plug in external hardware devices such as an Xbox controller.  The open platform can allow developers to sync up various devices ranging from remotes, controllers, to bikes.  This opens a huge door of opportunities for apps running on the next generation Nexus 4G. 

According to reports, Apple has many features rolled up in its sleeve for the iPhone 5, including integration with the anticipated iCloud and ramped up iOS.  Speculations on iPhone 5 specs include an A5 processor with large end-to-end screen and very thin sized incorporating a teardrop shape design. 

If the iPhone 5 is to run with the same A5 processor found in the iPad 2, floating in the 1 GHz range, then the Nexus 4G will have an advantage with its 1.2 or 1.5 GHz dual core processor, possibly a 28nm Qualcomm Snapdragon Krait, and 1 GB of ram. 

The Nexus 4G design utilizes a spacious touchscreen but eliminates all the hardware physical buttons, possibly utilizing Google's continuing development of voice search and commands.  The iPhone 5 curved glass touchscreen has also been in talks with reports of Apple already processing machinery to create the touchscreen glass displays.    Apple also will launch their iOS 5 platform that incorporates voice technology through Nuance voice command app.  Apple's move may appear to be a counter to Android, which has already integrated voice features early on with much investment in improving the feature for Ice Cream Sandwich.    

It may still be too early to determine if Nexus 4G can truly take a bite out of its rival, but the specs and rumors have seemed very impressive for this fall's matchup against Apple's iPhone 5.   

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Analyst: Apple's iCloud could see 150 million users - CNET

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Apple could sign up as many as 150 million iPhone users to its new iCloud service, according to projections based on a survey from RBC Capital Markets.

In a report released today, RBC found that 76 percent of the 1,500 iPhone users polled from June 7 to 14 intend to use the iCloud service. Unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this month, iCloud will allow iOS device users to store, access, and sync their iTunes content online.

iMessage also should be a hot item, according to RBC. The survey found 73 percent of iPhone users plan to use Apple's upcoming new text messaging service, which RBC projects might mean 150 million iMessage users in total.

The iMessage service, a feature in iOS 5, could boost loyalty among existing iPhone users and convince the 60 million iPod Touch users to pick the iPhone over Android or other competing phones if they upgrade, according to the report.

Finally, iTunes Match proved enticing to 30 percent of those surveyed, who said they'd be likely to spend $24.99 per year for the new service. Part of iCloud, iTunes Match lets users store any music not purchased or available through iTunes in the cloud. Based on the survey, RBC is projecting that iTunes Match could add another $1.5 billion a year to Apple's annual revenue.

Looking down the road, RBC believes Apple will add additional services through iCloud, including audio and video streaming, photo and video sharing, hosted Time Machine backups, and document management and storage. The iCloud service will be accessible from all iOS devices and possibly even entry-level items like the iPod Nano and Shuffle, the report said.

Overall, RBC sees iCloud and iTunes as a strong combination, helping Apple continue to retain and grow a devoted customer base.

"Because it stores user data, iCloud, along with iTunes is expected to enhance loyalty and stickiness of Apple's customers, helping defend against threats from Android, helping grow a defensible install base of users who continually upgrade to next generation Macs, iPhones, iPads, and iPods," the report said.

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