iPhone cameras may get even better thanks to one Israeli company

The iPhone’s camera is already pretty awesome, maybe even the best smartphone shooter out there. Now Apple may be looking to widen its lead after acquiring LinX, an Israeli company with some exciting new mobile camera technology.

What sets LinX apart is the decision to use multiple miniature aperture cameras in a single model instead of just one larger lens. The result is a sensor that captures each scene and object from multiple angles, creating a sort of 3D model. It’s also very good for capturing what the company calls “near flat surfaces” like walls, which would otherwise lose some detail.

Apple confirmed the deal to The Wall Street Journal, though there’s no word on how much it paid or what Cupertino plans to do with the new technology. If it does end up included in future iPhones and other devices, that could mean some exciting new camera features.

We might get something similar to HTC’s Duo Camera, which lets you change focus after taking a shot, or it might be more like Google’s 3D-scanning Project Tango. More likely, Apple will simply offer high-quality SLR-style photos using the newly-acquired technology.

Depending on how quickly Apple moves, we may see LinX technology show up in new devices later this year. An improved camera could be a nice update for the iPhone 6s or even future iPads, though it’s far too soon to know anything for sure.

The next Apple iPhone body might utilize 7000 series aluminum

According to a new report on the web, the successors of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus might have a body made of 7000 series aluminum. The innovative alloy is currently utilized in the entry-level Apple Watch Sport.

Commonly used in competition bikes, the 7000 series aluminum is 60% stronger than regular aluminum alloys, yet it offers one-third of the stainless steel’s density. In the case of the Apple Watch, the Cupertino giant has treated the lightweight metal with microscopic zirconia beads, which give the metal a nice satin finish.

New aluminum alloy might not be the only innovative feature in the iPhone 6 family. Recent reportsuggests that the successor of iPhone 6 Plus will pack a Force Touch sensor.

Apple is expected to unveil the next iPhone family at some point in September. Until we hear an official word from Cupertino, we suggest that you take all rumors with a grain of salt.

Source (in Chinese) | Via

Mophie intros Space Pack for iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPad mini

Mophie on Thursday officially expanded its Space Pack portfolio of products with new cases that provide additional storage and extra juice to the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and the iPad mini. The company also announced its new Space 2.0 application, that helps those devices manage external files stored on the Space Packs, and an external “Spacestation” that serves as a battery/storage device and works with iOS/Android/Mac and PC.

The iPad mini Space Pack offers 128GB of additional storage and a 7,000mAh battery that can be used to fully charge the device once. The Space Packs for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus offer 3,300mAh and 2,600mAh batteries, respectively, and can provide up to an additional 128GB of storage for your smartphone. Finally, the external Mophie Spacestation offers a 6,000mAh battery with 2.4A of power and up to 128GB of storage. It can be synced with iOS, Android, Mac and PC devices.

All of these products work with the new Mophie Space (2.0) application that can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store or Google Play. It “automatically organizes any file downloaded to a user’s device into smart collections, making media easy to manage and simple to find.” The app also provides an option to share files wirelessly with Macs or PCs over Wi-Fi networks.

The iPhone 6 Plus Space, iPhone 6 and Spacestation devices start at $149.95 for 32GB of storage and range up to a 128GB model that will set you back about $299. The Spacestation ships in 1-2 days while the Space Packs are expected to ship in May.