There’s no denying that iOS 6 is not considered the best from Apple, which is why they decided to make a few changes, one of which was to bring Jony Ive into the design process. We’ve been hearing so many different things about iOS 7, and with just over a month to go until an expected reveal, will the next major update to Apple’s mobile OS be able to give them the edge over Android?

What we expect to see – It’s almost certain that iOS 7 will come with a flat design, and while some of you will not be happy with this new design path, it was always one that Ive was going to pursue. Improved multitasking is another feature most iOS users have been demanding. However, it’s the recent concepts showing iOS 7 customization that has us most excited, but can we really see Apple removing some of their control and giving it to us?

Desired iOS 7 features being expressed by current users – While improved multitasking has been expressed, what some users have been asking for is the ability to have two apps open side-by-side, although this would only work on the iPad with its larger screen.

Another iOS 7 feature users have been asking for is Driving Mode. How this would work is your iOS device would sense that you are traveling more than a certain speed and disable anything on your iPhone that would require you to touch it. This would mean you would no longer be able to text while driving, which is a problem on the increase. This does sound like a good idea, but the probability of this being included in iOS 7 is slim, as the number of people who would want this feature is very low.

I hate the idea of having to go into settings and then a little deeper just to make a few simple changes. Wouldn’t it be much better to access this from one simple location from the home screen?

We’re still uncertain if any of these will be incorporated into iOS 7, but it’s a horrible thought to think that Apple is still trying to play catch-up in certain areas of their mobile iOS, when they were once a company to innovate.

With WWDC 2013 fast approaching it comes as no surprise that stock of the current MacBook Air is feeling a little constrained. We say this because availability of the device has begun to dry up, which only fuels speculation of a refresh.

What to expect from a 2013 MacBook Air refresh – The most likely MacBook Air upgrade for 2013 would be the Haswell processor, as this is due to hit devices in June, so this would be a perfect opportunity for Apple to unveil their thin notebook with this latest Intel CPU during WWDC next month.

If this were the case, then we should expect a faster MacBook Air in 2013, along with improved battery life. But there is also another feature that could make it onto the Apple’s thinner notebook, Retina.

There’s been speculation for a while now that we could see a 2013 MacBook Air with Retina display. However, this feature is a controversial one, as some of our readers have expressed they have no need for an improved screen on the Air, although this is not a view shared by all, so where do you stand?

Retina vs. Haswell – Personally, Haswell is almost certain to make it into the 2013 MacBook Air refresh, with the Retina display not happening until 2014, but don’t take my word for it.

Likely 2013 MacBook Air release – According to recent rumors the new model could be released as early as the end of June, although a July release is more possible, as this was the same month the current Max OS X update was released, so it would make sense for the next-generation MacBook Air to come out with OS X 10.9 already installed. However, this would contradict what Tim Cook recently said about no new products until the fall.

Thanks to Apple Insider.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One are the two latest handsets on the market, and are pretty much the best of what Android has to offer at this moment. Both have the latest in cell phone technology, although some of you believe that while the S4 has the edge in terms of speed, the One has the better build quality.

We’ve seen all sorts of comparison tests with these two handsets, such as benchmark, camera, battery and overall performance. However, we don’t think we have seen any reviews on video footage of the Galaxy S4 vs. S3, iPhone 5, HTC One, Nokia Lumia 920 and the Sony Xperia Z.

Most video capture reviews display them individually, which means you will find it hard to see the differences, as these smartphones shoot at different frame rates. However, by putting all the video footage of these handsets on one video side-by-side you get a better understanding of their diverse qualities.

The test was conducted by CNET UK, and you’ll see how he strapped all six handsets to a bendable metal rule and then went for a walk. It’s clear to see that the Lumia 920 stood out because of its optical image stabilization, which meant that video footage is much smoother. The 920 also had the most vivid colors, although in some cases it was too much.

The HTC performed pretty well, as did the iPhone 5, but you’ll notice in the video that the footage looked a little too dark, something I’ve noticed a lot with my iPhone 5. The Galaxy S4 is superb when it comes to taking still images, but shooting videos lets itself down because of how shaky it is.

Having said that, we have to wonder if the S4 image stabilization was turned, as it is switched off by default? Also it would have been a better test if a less flexible strip of metal was used, as the outside edges would have had more movement.

Are you happy with this test, or do you find it amateurish?

There’s a great deal of excitement around for iOS users, as they know Apple will be releasing iOS 7 later this year, although we will get a sneak peak next month during WWDC 2013. However, what’s more important are those new devices we keep hearing so much about, with the iPad mini 2 being one of them.

This is a very important update for Apple, one they need to get right. The reason for this is because Apple has proved that the iPad mini is a success, but it’s far from perfect. We know changes need to be made, but there is a fear compromises will have to be made in order to keep costs down.

Current iPad mini specs – We already know that the iPad mini still gives you the full iPad experience but in a smaller package. The 7.9-inch screen has been a hit because it is considered a perfect size for those who do not wish to carry a full size tablet around with them. Storage comes in a choice of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. The dual-core A5 processor is the same found in the iPad 2. There’s also a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera.

Expected iPad mini 2 features – Apple should stick with the same 7.9-inch screen size, but upgrade this to a Retina display, which would then give the new model a 2048 x 1536 resolution. It’s obvious that a processor upgrade is needed, so one would assume the dual-core A6X CPU would find its way in the 2013 iPad mini 2 refresh. We do hope both cameras will see improvements, and a 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and 2-megapixel front-facing camera would be very welcome indeed.

As for the design (see concept design videos), we expect a thinner bezel, so the iPad mini 2 should be thinner and lighter. Current iPad mini owners have expressed their concerns and how they feel Apple will be able to rectify these with the new model. The first is to redesign the speakers in a way that they face you, although they don’t wish to know they are there in front of you though. An iPad mini 2 128GB version would be welcome for those who store a lot of content on their devices. Finally, because there have been rumors to suggest the next iPhone could come with a fingerprint scanner, this feature has also been expressed by those thinking of purchasing the next iPad mini.

When we begin to see the first iPad mini 2 vs. iPad mini comparison videos on YouTube, will there just be minor differences or extensive?

Even though the iPhone 5 is almost 8 months old, it’s still a very capable handset and sales are still impressive. However, there are two new kids on the block ready to show Apple’s aging smartphone a thing or two, and even though they talk a good talk, do they have the goods to deliver?

We have three videos for your viewing pleasure with one aim, to see how these three handsets fair. However, because this article is directed more for those of you thinking of getting a HTC One, this is our main focus. So the first video will look at the HTC One against the Samsung Galaxy S4, the second against the iPhone 5, and the third all three with each other.

First up we have a HTC One vs. Galaxy S4 benchmark test. This side-by-side comparison is of the best-of-the-best Android handsets, and while we know benchmark test scores don’t mean everything, it does give you an idea. The video runs for a little under 14 minutes, so is very thorough, although we kind of feel the reviewer is a little biased towards the S4, as he keeps saying it has the better hardware, when the two are evenly matched.

The second video is a HTC One vs. iPhone 5 benchmark comparison, and it’s like a comedy moment because of the size difference. It’s clear to see from the start that the iPhone 5S is starting on its back foot, as it has a slower processor speed. However, the results are not as far apart as you would’ve thought.

Finally we have a benchmark test video that puts all three of these handsets together, so which of the three do you think comes out on top? However, this is in German, but the benchmark tests are still the same, so just turn your sound down. We were unable to embed this one, so you will have to view it here.

When purchasing consumer electronics products these days, a huge percentage of them are assembled in China, even though they had been designed in countries like the US. Apple has been guilty of this for years, and this is one reason that puts people off purchasing one of their products.

A reason for this is cost, as having products assembled in countries such as China is a way to keep costs down. However, in some cases there is a sacrifice to be had, such as poor working conditions, and low pay for the workers.

Apple is about to change this, because Tim Cook has stated that they are to build a Made in USA Mac product, and will be a refreshed product. Not only will the Mac be assembled in the US, but many of its components will also be made on home soil. Their aim is to create more jobs in the US.

We already knew at the end of last year that Apple was to bring some of its Mac production back home, so it’s nice to get an update on how things are progressing. Apple is to invest $100 million into making this happen, and in a recent Bloomberg interview with Tim Cook, he said that things are moving along very quickly.

However, what Cook failed to tell us was what Mac production was coming back to the USA, and while there were rumors this could be the 2013 MacBook Air or Pro, it’s more likely to be the Mac mini instead.

We’re not expecting an all-new design, but rather a minor refresh of the current model, which makes sense as Apple does not want to challenge themselves too much. However, life will be made a little easier if rumors that Apple will rely on US based Foxconn plants are true.

Another day, another new iPhone 6 or 5S leak that seems to hint towards new features for either smartphone. There’s mounting evidence pointing towards not an iPhone 6 in 2013, but a 5S model that will upgrade the phone with notable new features, although not what some users like to call a Major update.

The latest batch of iPhone 5S photos show that multiple colors may land this year, which would be much more than the common Black and White options seen in the past.

We have included a few pictures of the leaked parts below, which were tagged for iPhone 5S, but it is good to remember that currently we don’t know the version that could launch this year and a fully-fledged iPhone 6 is still possible.

In our opinion, it will be an iPhone 5S launching with a few minor improvements in hardware and cosmetic design. We hope that Apple improve the scratching problems with iPhone 5, especially the Black and Slate model that I personally own.

Apple might decide to improve the iPhone 5 specs slightly in a 5S model, but spin the hype machine with cool color options to hide the fact that a bigger update would arrive a few months later at WWDC 2014.

We still believe that Apple need to get the iPhone launch schedule back to WWDC after fall has become packed with product launches. WWDC has always been the launchpad for a new iPhone and could very likely be the same launch event again in 2014.

Bottom-line: If Apple fail to offer a bigger range of screen sizes in 2013, we might see a growing number of users leave for HTC One or Samsung Galaxy S4 / Note 3. Apple is known to wait much longer before launching technology other smartphones offer, and it has done well by waiting so far and repackaging in their own way, but the real test comes in 2013/2014 with iOS users growing impatient towards Apple’s lack of innovation of late.

Respect to Apple for what they did with the iPad, iPod, iPhone and iPad. Now that these innovative launches are a few years old, Apple needs to do it again.

Images thanks to BGR.

Later this year both Apple and Samsung will be updating two of their devices, with one a tablet and the other pretending to be one. We’re talking about the iPad mini 2 and the Galaxy Note 3. It’s obvious there will be changes to these devices, with Apple’s tablet expected to be a little smaller while keeping the same display size, and Samsung’s to see a slight increase in screen size to 6 inches.

So that means the iPad mini 2 will stick with a 7.9-inch screen and the Galaxy Note 3 will benefit from a (rumored) 6-inch display. It’s this that will cause some confusion, as some of you would rather go for the Note 3 because the screen will only be about 1.9 inches smaller than the mini 2.

Going for the Galaxy Note 3 will have its pros and cons, because while you have a pretty decent screen size, and the ability to make calls, there are still limitations. The size for some is just too large to be classed as a phone, and begins to get very awkward trying to use with one hand, like you would with a standard smartphone.

However, the iPad mini 2 will be an even better tablet than its predecessor, and makes it a far more practical tablet for some because of its smaller size. Okay, the screen is smaller than the full size iPad and larger than the Note 3 will be, so is regarded as the middle ground. Then again, because it will not be able to make standard cell phone calls, this will draw people to phablets like the upcoming Note 3.

It’s clear that even though Apple and Samsung are working to make the iPad mini 2 and Galaxy Note 3 better products than their predecessors, is seems some people still need a tablet and a phone, we just wonder where the cutoff point will be where the tablet makes a perfect smartphone as well?

It’s obvious that people will be looking at the iPhone 5S and how it will be able to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4, but from what we already think we know, these two devices will not be all that competitive. We all have high hopes for the next-generation iPhone to come with radical changes, but Tim Cook has already ruled this out.

What to expect from the iPhone 5S – The iPhone 5S will be similar in design to the current model, so a 4-inch display. However, we could still see multiple colors, a fingerprint sensor (expect to see this on the Galaxy S5), a faster processor and improved 12-megapixel camera. It’s clear to see that most of the changes will be under the hood, well that’s what analyst Peter Misek believes.

iPhone 5S vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 – Questions are being asked as to how these two will compare, and from what we know so far Samsung has the advantage because of the early release of their flagship handset. There’s also another point to consider, how can the 5S compete with the S4 when one will have a 4-inch display, while the other benefits from a 5-inch screen?

Many users much prefer a larger display so these two handsets are for different users, as not all love a larger screen. However, most smartphone users are warming to the idea of a larger screen, and so Samsung will take a significant share of the high-end smartphone market.

For those who believe that there will be an iPhone with a larger screen in 2013, then forget it, as we won’t see this until June 2014 at the earliest, as we said above, even Tim Cook said there will be no larger display iPhone this year.

As for the iPhone 5S release date, we don’t expect to hear an announcement during WWDC 2013, which we explained in more detail here.

Users of Google Maps are in for a massive treat over the coming weeks, as Google unveiled at their annual I/O event in San Francisco that the service is due for a major overhaul. Google Maps is getting an update, rebuilding the service from the ground up to offer a more personalized and social experience, allowing users to connect with each other like never before.

By personalization, Google has said that they are aiming for every user to ‘get their own map, every time’, whenever they log into the new service following the updates. Google Maps will be able to gather information on points of interest that you choose, producing instant direction results in realtime, along with reviews from other users and related results depending on which location or restaurant that you choose.

This new functionality will also come with a brand new interface, which is best explained by watching Google’s preview video above. The company has confirmed that the updates will be available during the Summer, on all supported Google Map platforms including the iPhone and iPad.

It all looks fantastic, but hopefully Google will be offering their new Map interface in every country from the start – rather than launching in US and then making other countries wait to see the updates as we’ve seen in the past. There is no set release date yet, but Google has said that they will be rolling out the updates in phases.

For now, interested consumers can sign up on Google’s website here, to request an invite for the new Google Maps redesign. Google will then notify you by Gmail if you have been selected. Take a look at the video above and let us know your thoughts on it. Does Apple really have their work cut out now to keep up with Google?