This video may be our best look yet at the iPhone 7 design
As we wait impatiently for Apple to drop new iPhones on us, leaks abound. This new video may be our best look yet at a dummy iPhone 7, and it even has a side-by-side comparison to the phone you probably already have.
The video host says the dummy unit came straight from a supply chain partner, and the company behind the video (Besound) is in Shenzen. Foxconn is also in Shenzen, and is a major supplier to Apple.
Of course, it’s a dummy unit, and we’re still dubious on those . But if it’s indeed from a supply chain partner, there’s good reason to consider this our best look at the overall design of the iPhone 7. Keep in mind that as a dummy unit, it’s a bit banged up (we’re not sure what it’s made of, but our guess is painted plastic).
As expected, it’s got a more pronounced camera bump and larger flash. There’s also no audio jack; it’s been replaced by an additional speaker grill. the iPhone 7 dummy looks to be slightly shorter , too.
Around front, nothing was noted as being different, so hopes of a flat home button have been dashed. The dummy screen display doesn’t seem to show slimmer bezels, either.
Antenna lines now curve around the edge exclusively, so there’s no more streaking along the back of the device — but that doesn’t matter much, as you’ll be slipping it into a case anyway.
There’s really not a lot that’s unexpected, but let’s keep in mind that we haven’t seen a working model. Apple may have totally reworked the camera on the iPhone 7, or made new speakers that sound incredible. Design is important, of course, but execution is paramount.
Until we see a working iPhone 7, this is still all grist for the rumor mill. At least this tidbit is in HD, and touch longer than the six-second video we’d previously seen. For that we’re thankful, but still awaiting a working iPhone 7.
Listen to Spotify without a phone using this tiny device
Streaming music while you’re running, walking and cycling isn’t nearly as painless as it needs to be. If you’ve ever accidentally ripped out your earphones mid-jog then you know what I’m talking about. Exercise is meant to give your brain a break from the nuisances on the end of your phone, not attach you to them with a wire or even via Bluetooth.
So, Mighty Audio reckons it has the answer in the form of a small, iPod Shuffle-like device that you can clip on to your clothes or bag and listen to your Spotify playlists without the need for a smartphone.
The company’s Kickstarter campaign is aiming to raise $250,000 by March 24 with the aim of bringing its 1.5-inch Mighty device to backers in November this year. Already at over $77,000 in 24-hours, it seems people agree that smartphone-free streaming is the way to go.
Mighty has an accompanying app so all you need to do is sign into Spotify on that and choose the playlists you’d like to sync. It can hold up to 48-hours worth of music.
Once synced, it stores the playlists so you won’t need an internet connection while you’re out and about.
If it’s ultimate wireless heaven you’re after, the Might works with Bluetooth headphones but you can use your wired ones as well. It charges via micro USB and the company says it offers at least 5-hours continuous playback.
The company has been working behind the scenes with Spotify as well so there’s no fear of the device being banned by the streaming service, it is complying with all of the terms and conditions.
You’re allowed to have up to three offline devices with any Spotify account so the Mighty will count as just one for anybody who purchases it.
The Mighty will work with iOS and Android devices and its makers say it will retail for around $80 after the crowdfunding campaign.
The campaign was offering a device to its earlybird backers who pledged $70 bit those have all been snapped up. You’ll need to pledge $79 now to get your hands on the device or $100 if you fancy a Mighty t-shirt as well.
While some might argue that an Apple Watch could do the same thing, it’s not nearly as affordable and it still comes with the annoyances of not being able to escape your phone.
Mighty is solving a simple issue that is more annoying than it really should be and judging by how much the project has raised in the last 24-hours, people are in agreement. Of course, as with any crowdfunded project, there is always a risk of delays and non-delivery.
➤ Mighty – Streaming Music Without Your Phone [Kickstarter]
Read next: How ‘backing’ a Kickstarter led me to deceit, lies and the US justice system
This 7-inch Frankenphone comes with Android, PC Windows, and a projector
While manufacturers like Motorola are trying to make smartphones more versatile with expandable modules, others are fighting the good ol’ fight of sticking more stuff into a phone than you ever thought possible. Take the Chinese manufacturer Akyumen and its dual-OS beast of a phone.
The 7-inch ‘phone’ (remember when tablets were 7 inches?) comes with a 35 lumen projector that shoots out a 100-inch image. Oh and it dual boots Android (Lollipop, for some reason) and Windows 10. Not the mobile version, mind you – honest-t0-god PC Windows 10.
Other specs include:
Intel Atom (Cherry Trail) 8300 processor
1080p screen
Ambiguous ‘High-Definition’ projection resolution
4 GB of RAM
2910 mAh (on a phone this size…. with a projector??)
13 MP camera
The phone costs $600 (up to $950 with accessory bundles) and is set to release on September 1, but all pre-orders are currently filled. With all these features in one device, who needs modules?