The latest word is that Mr. Jobs himself “worked closely” on the design of the next handset. Sources say the device will NOT sport the same form factor as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, but will instead have a screen that is larger than 3.5 inches. No further specifics have been offered about the coming device’s physical form.

It would be nice if we had more details about the input Jobs had on guiding the development of the device. But we’ll have to be content with knowing that before he died in October, Jobs was closely involved, and may have even given the okay to abandoning the 3.5-inch screen that has been in place for many years. Perhaps he’d come to believe that Apple’s team had come up with a superior design that employed a bigger screen, or maybe in the end, it was the pressure from companies like Samsung that forced Apple to steer towards larger devices (I’m going to believe the former here).

So after this development, we’re really back where we started—except now there’s the possibility that Steve Jobs signed off on an iPhone with a larger screen. And who’s going to disagree with him?

Steve Jobs allegedly worked on a Redesigned iPhone 5 with Bigger Screen is a post by App Chronicles

To get on the overall (all categories combined) top 25 free apps, a developer needs to figure out a way to garner a whopping 38,400 downloads… PER DAY. To get a paid app on the coveted list, it takes roughly 3,530 per day—a number that looks like just a fraction of 38,400, but imagine how much harder it is to get people to pay real money for your product!

If this wake up call is making you reconsider your app developing ambitions (which it probably should), then at least take heart in the fact that a spot in the categorized top app lists looks slightly more attainable. For a less popular category like photography, a developer can get on the top 25 paid apps list with only about 300 daily downloads… On the flip side, the super popular category of games commands about 25,300 daily downloads for a spot on the free list.

Now that there are plenty of numbers spinning in your head, take a second to reconsider that awesome app idea you had over lunch today. Are tens of thousand of customers going to be interested—on a daily basis? I don’t mean to be the voice of reason, but these numbers go to show just how special an app must be in order to stand out long term. Check out Distimo’s full report here (complete with even more graphs).

Note:  Some developers are pointing out that Distimo’s numbers may be a little low.  The download numbers needed to reach the top 25 during weekends are significantly higher.  Keep this in mind as you go over Distimo’s report. 

Distimo- How Many Downloads are Needed To Hit the App Store Top 25 is a post by App Chronicles

Like many others, you’ve probably been pretty excited with the thought of getting the next iPhone this fall and hopping onto Verizon’s 4G LTE network. There are no drawbacks in this situation, right?

Well, those on 3G with a grandfathered unlimited data plan are in for an unpleasant surprise…

Turns out, Verizon is killing unlimited data for those jumping onto a 4G plan. That means that the ultimate choice will be faced by those who have clung to their unlimited data this long: keep enjoying the freedom that $30 per month can buy for an antiquated 3G connection, or make what’s sure to be the financially wise decision of upgrading to your own 4G data plan.

Verizon has unveiled a data sharing plan so families on the same plan can share a data cap together.  Although the details of this data sharing plan remains unknown until mid-summer, Verizon seems to want everyone on future 4G plans to be on the data sharing plan. Verizon CFO Fran Shammo has made the statement that, “Everyone will be on data share.” How they can get away with doing this is beyond me, and I suspect many with grandfathered plans will feel similarly… Lawsuits, anyone?

This should prove to be a pretty significant development for those who plan to upgrade to the next-gen iPhone. Those upgrading their wireless connection to 4G might have to think twice before joining a data plan with a data cap.

So is AT&T going to follow suit here? How highly do you value your unlimited data plan, and what would you be willing to sacrifice in order to keep it? (Moving to Sprint anyone?) As we can see, the carriers aren’t going to make it easy, especially if you want to be a part of the future of data speeds and sharing.

Verizon: No More Unlimited Data For Those Switching From 3G To 4G LTE is a post by App Chronicles

If you’re a sports fanatic, maybe you already have the iPhone or iPad version of WatchESPN . If that’s the case, then you know that the way it currently works, your access to live video from WatchESPN is determined by your TV provider. It’s not clear if any of that would change if the app makes it’s way to Apple TV (probably it would not), but it would still be a big step up to get all that content—and the interface—on your big screen.

News of WatchESPN and Apple TV comes just a few months after we heard that integration of Siri and ESPN was on the way to bring sports scores to iPhone 4S users… If both of these developments come to fruition, then it would be clear that operations between Apple and ESPN are in full swing, and who knows what we could expect next.

My involvement in the broader world of sports is admittedly limited, but as a loyal user of NHL Gamecenter on Apple TV, I can say for sure that sports fans have a lot to look forward to when all of this comes together.

More Sports on the Way! WatchESPN App Could Be Coming to Apple TV is a post by App Chronicles

We’re back with your weekly update regarding possible sizes for the next-gen iPhone screen… I feel like I could throw just about any size measurement out there, and who would be surprised at this point? We know everyone is taking wild shots in the dark on this one, but when it’s the Wall Street Journal talking, we tend to listen. The news provider now reports that manufacturers have confirmed orders from Apple for a touch panel that is “at least 4 inches diagonally.”

Does that mean our new iPhones will be longer, but not any wider? I’ll admit, there are still unexpected turns that can be taken in this size debate… While a different aspect ration from the iPhone 4S would mean more pixels and redesigned apps, it’s not a curveball we’d say is beyond Apple. A longer iPhone could also mean more apps on the home screen, and hey, that’s not a bad thing, right?

But before I go trying to give more credence to what will probably end up being just another rumor, I want to be clear in saying that this still isn’t settling… Black bars at the top and bottom of apps to make up for the changed aspect ration? Does that sound like a solution of Apple’s typical elegance? I’m all about the new iPhone having a totally redesigned exterior, but there’s just no way to know if we’re going down the right trail here… The only thing I’m relying on is being totally surprised by the release date and size of the next iPhone.

Bigger Screen Rumors Won’t Die! WSJ Says Next-Gen iPhone Screen Will Be “At Least 4 Inches” is a post by App Chronicles

Ever since Apple started allowing developers to sell third-party browsers in the App Store, we’ve been on the alert for products that would trump Mobile Safari and deliver a superior iPhone/iPad browsing experience. Some have met that challenge, and I bet many of you claim apps like Skyfire or Dolphin as your primary browser… Well, now there’s a big name in town, as Google is all-but confirmed to be releasing their Chrome Web browser before 2012 is out.

There should be few hurdles that prevent a smooth entry for the Chrome Web browser. It’s already based on the WebKit layout engine—a requirement for iOS browsers. And Google currently has a beta of the browser available for Android devices. It’s not clear what—if any—changes will be made before the Chrome Web browser migrates to the App Store.

So what will Chrome do better than Mobile Safari? Some might guess—just about everything… You’d have to imagine that Google is only making this effort because they feel they can deliver a browser that is faster and more functional than what’s available. Those who have used Chrome on a Mac or PC will probably be the first to grab it from the App Store whenever it becomes available.

Speaking of release times for the new browser… Nothing has been announced, though it’s rumored to be releasing in 2012, and could be available before the end of the current quarter.

So will Apple put up no objection when Chrome is submitted, or is this the start of the next Browser War?

Google’s Chrome Web Browser For iOS Devices Should Arrive In The App Store This Year is a post by App Chronicles

So far, the only sign of possible interest on Apple’s behalf are rumors that they’ve talked with Samsung about future supply. Nobody is coming out and saying that these bending/twisting screens might be part of the next-gen iPhone expected for release later in 2012, but let’s not forget that alleged components of the device have indicated a physical design completely unlike the iPhone 4S… But what would a bendable OLED screen mean for Apple’s now-standard Retina Display? How does the cool tech add any value to what the device can actually do? Maybe we’re talking about something that might see implementation over the course of the next decade, rather than the next few years.

In regards to Samsung, they’re ready to go: Factories in places like South Korea and Tangjeong are already dedicated to making OLED screens, and you’ve got to imagine that Samsung would love to have Apple (their smartphone competitor) get on board and ignite a demand that would probably never be possible without their involvement.

Will Apple Use Bendable, Flexible TouchScreens in Future iPhones? is a post by App Chronicles

Editor’s Pick: Vocre Free Translator

Vocre Free Translator Universal (Optimized for both the iPad and iPhone) (4.5 stars with 151 Ratings)
Free
 

There are a few translation apps out there that claim to get the job done when it comes to cross language communication issues. Vocre is one such app put out by the folks at mylanguage, and it’s quite impressive. With Vocre, 2 people speaking 2 completely different languages can talk with each other, breaking down the language barrier.

It works by first converting your spoken words into text for you. Then, hit the translate button to blurt out your words into over 20 different languages, including 3 dialects of Chinese, German, Italian, Spanish, and so much more. The developers are always adding new languages via updates, so if there’s one language that you can’t find in Vocre, you can simply put in a request for it and you’ll more than likely see it in the near future.

The interface is dead simple. Choose your language to language translations via drop down menu. In the conversation mode, you’ll get a split screen view for you and the other person. Push the microphone button to talk. After making sure your spoken word is properly translated into text, tap on the Translate button to translate your words into spoken words and texts of the other language. It works great by simply setting your device between the two of you on a table. The split screen view allows you and your companion to engage with the app at the same time.

Aside from the obvious benefits for translation, Vocre is great if you’re planning a trip somewhere overseas (Caution, internet connection needed for translation) or just want to learn bits and pieces of a new language . If you often have to talk with someone that speaks another language at work, this app should come in handy as well. What else is great about it? It’s absolutely free, so you lose zero on your investment with Vocre.

Vocre is a Free Voice Translation app that Breaks the Language Barrier is a post by App Chronicles

Objects printed from 3D printers

Usually, when we talk about the iPad as a “content creation device,” we’re talking about stuff like drawings, word documents, presentations, and the like… But Autodesk is challenging that simple-minded thinking by showing that the tablet can actually serve in the process of making real-life, 3D objects… They’re doing it with a new app called 123D Catch , which just became available for free in the App Store.

Sound complicated? You’d probably be surprised to hear that if you know how to take a picture using your iPad, the process of using 123D Catch probably isn’t beyond you. The app works by capturing a whole bunch of images of a given object—like, say, a baseball or a hat. Once the pictures are taken, 123D Catch goes to work on making a 3D rendering of the object and sending it off MyCorner—the Autodesk 3D cloud storage. Once there, it’s off to the printer for the true creation.

… Or you could get even more advanced and use something like 123D Sculpt to change colors from the original… Whether or not any of this sci-fi technology will go into everyday use remains to be seen, but no matter what, it’s interesting to see a new realm opening up in the App Store. With this handful of apps paving the way, who knows how long it will be before using an iOS device to simplify an advanced process like 3D printing becomes a commonplace activity.

For more information on how Autodesk’s 123D Catch works, be sure to watch the video below.

Autodesk Introduces 3D Printing from an iPad with a New Free App called 123D Catch is a post by App Chronicles

The fact that Rovio’s Angry Birds follow-up won’t be entirely original should tell us something about the potential of Casey’s Contraptions. Either the people who made Angry Birds are experiencing some serious developer’s block, or they see the same sort of accessible and addictive gameplay in Casey’s Contraptions and want to work to bring it into its full potential. VP of franchise development for Rovio, Ville Heijari, said as much in a recent interview:

“… This is a game that we all fell in love with from the first play… The gameplay is a perfect fit in our arsenal with its approachable, fun and highly addictive take on the physics puzzler genre.”

Heijari goes on to say that Rovio with release the title as Amazing Alex sometime this summer. They are currently working to enhance the game and ready it for the incredibly large audience that will surely be ready to download as soon as something new from Rovio hits the App Store.

What do you think? Does the fact that Casey’s Contraption has been around for awhile and never really caught on mean this is a lost cause? Or will Rovio work a miracle and then release a dozen mega-successful Amazing Alex spinoffs within the next few years?

Rovio to follow up Angry Birds with Amazing Alex- Rebranded from Casey in Casey’s Contraption is a post by App Chronicles

It’s only every once in awhile that an iOS game of truly blockbuster-status hits the App Store, but this is one of those weeks… Gameloft is releasing N.O.V.A. 3, a title that will likely overshadow everything else for awhile. But there’s more to see this week than just the name-brand first-person shooter. Trailers and details below.

N.O.V.A. 3

N.O.V.A. 3 – Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance Universal (Optimized for Both the iPad and iPhone)

(4 stars with 1421 Ratings)

$6.99

Maybe we’ve already hyped it enough—but in case you didn’t get the point, Gameloft has launched the latest in their best-selling first-person shooter franchise. As always, the adventure takes place in space, with this go-round promising better visuals and more alien enemies, weapons, and powers than ever before. It features 10 levels and costs $6.99.

Lost Winds 2: Winter of the Melodias

LostWinds2: Winter of the Melodias Universal (Optimized for Both the iPad and iPhone)

(4.5 stars with 224 Ratings)

$3.99

If first-person shooters aren’t your thing, try this sequel of a completely different variety… Lost Wind is an adventure franchise that puts you in control of the wind, and now the seasons, too. The sequel brings new characters, environments, and elemental powers, and it all costs $3.99.

This Could Hurt

This Could Hurt Universal (Optimized for Both the iPad and iPhone)

(3.5 stars with 69 Ratings)

$0.99

It’s a game of avoiding death by blade, mallet, pitfall, and more… You play as an Oakguard apprentice who is trying to get through the Path of Pain on his way to becoming a “fully-fledged” Oakguard. If that’s a challenge you’re up for, it’ll be 99 cents.

Punch Hero

Punch Hero Universal (Optimized for Both the iPad and iPhone)

(4.5 stars with 3085 Ratings)

Free

In the past, the iOS platform has been surprisingly welcoming to boxing games. Let’s hope that’s the case with Punch Hero, the new—and free—game from GAMEVIL. There will surely be in-app purchases as you work through opponents and improve your fighter in the Skill Store.

Penny Time

Penny Time Universal (Optimized for Both the iPad and iPhone)

(4.5 stars with 33 Ratings)

$0.99

Skate through the side-scrolling world of Penny Time as you look to pickup points, secrets, and more. The post-retro game world looks pretty wonderful, and you can experience it for 99 cents. As usual with skating games, it’s all about the tricks and multipliers, but they look to be presented in quite an interesting way.

N.O.V.A. 3 and Other Hot New Games Hit the App Store This Week! is a post by App Chronicles

If you’re reading this blog, it’s safe to assume that you might be a big fan of all things Apple; but sadly, we couldn’t come close to Dave Hurban.

That’s because Dave took his love of the iPod Nano watch idea to an interesting level. Now, we’ve all seen things like the Lunatik wristband for the iPod Nano, but Dave went one step (or 10) further by having actual magnets implanted into his wrists so he could attach his Nano directly onto his skin without the use of straps or any other peripheral, and he’s calling it iDermal.

You read that right: Hurban, who is also a tattoo artist, modified his own body to wear a Nano. The result is actually a pretty cool looking idea, though it makes me wonder what kind of complications he undoubtedly runs into. Does his wrist ever accidentally magnetize to anything? Does he have to carry credit cards in his other hand, out of fear of rendering their magnetic strips useless?

I’ve seen some pretty interesting body modifications in my day, but this one—though not the craziest of them all—is probably my favorite, even if I would never in a thousand years do it myself.

Man Implants Magnets into his own Arm to Create Strapless iPod Nano Wrist Watch is a post by App Chronicles

If you’re a longtime Manga Rock user who claims to have read everything, you’ll be glad to know that the new version of the app comes packing new sources such as MangaEden, MangaReader, and MangaFox. Those sources will combine with the old to bring Manga Rock’s library above the 10,000 books mark. That’s a lot of content, and those using Manga Rock 2 will be able to view it with Retina Display—a great benefit for any app that’s heavy with text and graphics.

Other perks arriving with Manga Rock 2 include the ability to pause and resume downloads, download multiple chapters simultaneously, add favorites, and track your previous reading. All of this is delivered in a newly-designed package that can be downloaded as a universal app.

If you’re a Manga fan, you’re probably sold. And if you’re not, then I don’t think this is the place to try and change your mind… The app is available as of right now, and it doesn’t cost a thing to throw it on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. However to disable the ads, you’ll need to make an in-app-purchase (IAP). The IAP is on sale for $0.99 for the first 3 day of Manga Rock 2′s launch and will spike to the usual price of $3.99 afterwards.

Newly Designed Manga Rock 2 Packs New Sources, Retina Support. Available Now! is a post by App Chronicles

Family data plans could meet the needs of a wide array of customers. Whether you burn through data like it’s your job or just chip away ever-so-slightly at your monthly allowance, joining up with a family member should—in most cases—mean a more economical usage of the data at hand. Less wasted data and a price that’s easier to swallow definitely makes this a win for the consumer, and de la Vega’s comments lead us to believe that AT&T has solved the billing and IT issues that held this service back for so long.

So there you have it. The family data plans are expected to apply across devices, so now members of team Android and team iOS that reside in the same household (or are on the same plan) can try and get a long in at least this one way… AT&T is likely not the only carrier going down this road, so it will be interesting too see how things compare when the others catch up.

AT&T Plans to Offer Family Data Plans is a post by App Chronicles

One has to assume that T-Mobile doesn’t really enjoy being the only major carrier in the U.S. that does NOT sell the iPhone. Up to now, the only way to run an iPhone on T-Mobile is to have an unlocked, out-of-contract device. And really, how many customers find themselves in that lucky position? But it looks like T-Mobile is now making a strong effort to ready its network for Apple’s handset. Billions of dollars worth of upgrades will finally make T-Mobile 3G compatible with the iPhone—and all that remains to be seen is whether or not Apple will make the whole thing official by agreeing to a deal.

… But with or without a new deal with Apple, the upgrades are taking place, and the reclaimed 1900MHz spectrum that T-Mobile will hold should be a game-changer when it comes to enticing out-of-contract iPhone owners. You get the feeling that T-Mobile would love to be an official carrier for the iPhone, but they’re still going after the market even if Apple holds out for whatever reason.

The $4 billion expansion is being accomplished through a partnership with Nokia Siemens and Ericsson. While the iPhone benefits it presents are certainly advantageous (no more EDGE network restriction!), the upgrades also mean 4G LTE for 2013. With all of this action going on for T-Mobile, it’s easy to see how the carrier might grab the attention of discontent iPhone owners with AT&T. We suspect that more than a few could be swayed by those prepaid plans.

T-Mobile will be iPhone-Ready after Network Upgrades, but Apple has Yet to Commit is a post by App Chronicles

Here’s an app that we’d love to see become a reality as soon as possible… After Daniel Hooper lit up the Internet with his concept video, an eager developer wasted no time in getting to work on an app that would bring the alternative iOS editing style to market. It’s not available just yet, but as seen at the end of the video below, you can help bring it to the App Store simply by letting the people behind SlideWriter know that you want their product.

… Of Course, in a perfect world, we could not only tell the makers of SlideWriter that we want their app, but we could also put a bug in Apple’s ear about how they should just go ahead and build this editing capability into the platform… But I should slow down; before any of us actually get our hands on SlideWriter—or any of the other implementations that are sure to happen—it’s too soon to say if we prefer it over the current iOS editing capabilities. However, I know one thing—typing on a touchscreen is one of the main turnoffs mentioned by those who have withheld from buying an iOS device, and this slick workaround could only help the cause of the iPad.

As it stands, SlideWriter will only exist as a standalone application (assuming that it is actually made and becomes available someday). It’s not clear if the developers will present it as a complete text editor, or as more of a demonstration to Apple of how editing SHOULD work. Either way, we’d love to give it a try.

SlideWriter- Upcoming App that Lets You Edit Text on the iPad with Ease is a post by App Chronicles

It sounds like it’s in limited use at this point, with routes such as Boston-Portland and San Jose-Sacramento being in on the early days of the electronic process. Reports state that the iPhones used by the conductors are “modified,” and it sounds like getting things up and running cost Amtrak a total of about $7.5 million… Not bad when you consider the size of the transportation provider, as well as the efficiency won by scrapping the old hole-punch routine.

But along with saving time and materials for Amtrak, customers also stand to gain from the new system. If it takes off and sees further implementation, then the next time you take Amtrak, getting your ticket may be no harder than loading a special barcode on YOUR iPhone. Then, when the conductor comes by with his, the magic happens and you’re set to ride.

… Just another example of how devices like iPhones stand to revolutionize not just communication, but everything. Amtrak’s electronic tickets are currently exclusive to iOS, but Android is in the future.

Amtrak Conductors to use iPhones as Electronic Ticket Scanners is a post by App Chronicles

When the iPad came out, it was looked upon as the new frontier for news publication. Not long after, The Daily became a heavily popular iPad only news publication, the first of its kind created specifically for the iPad and its features. Now, The Daily has finally made its debut on the iPhone.

Since its inception in February of 2011, The Daily has won numerous awards and accolades for its level of journalism and being a pioneer in the digital news media age. With the ability to now read the publication on the iPhone, subscribers receive content spread out in seven different comprehensive sections:

• News
• Business
• Gossip
• Opinion
• Arts & Life
• Apps & Tech
• Sports

With regularly uploaded content—such as news, photos, videos, info graphics, and more—you can now peruse the publication no matter where you are, fully optimized for the iPhone and it’s capabilities. You can sign up for free, but you’ll only receive a certain number of free articles each day. If you want more, you’ll have to be willing to part with $1.99 a month in order to receive full content reading capability, which is half of the rate you would pay if you subscribed to just the iPad version. But if you already subscribe to the iPad version, don’t worry, because you won’t be hit with any extra subscription fees to access the content on your iPhone; everything automatically carries over.

It’s exciting to see this publication make its way to iPhone users, and we’re betting we’re not the only ones who feel that way.

The Daily Makes its Way to the iPhone is a post by App Chronicles

As you can see, it’s anything but a cakewalk for developers trying to get an app to blow up. In fact, well over half of the respondents to the survey behind this infographic said they made $5,000 or less off sales of their product. Only 1/5^th of developers make enough money to keep their businesses going, and 63% said they’d never broken 50,000 downloads.

But there’s light at the end of the tunnel, or at least that’s what App Promo wants developers to think. The company that made the infographic works with developers on strategy, marketing, and monetization, so it makes sense that there’s a message here. But if you take their word for it, devoting both time and money to marketing is the key to upping your app’s chances for success.

True as that may be, I’m still holding to the idea that the actual design of an app is the biggest factor. Sure, getting eyes on your product is huge, but I don’t think Angry Birds, Instagram or Draw Something would be anywhere today if they didn’t offer an experience that was near impossible to put down.

Seems like the advice from App Promo might be best applied to developers aiming at the middle of the market. Maybe you’re not going to be the next Angry Birds, but putting some thought and effort into marketing might be how your app could end up sustaining itself in the long run.

Infographic shows Over Half of Apps Fail to Cover Development Costs is a post by App Chronicles

First, let’s look at the reasons that this could be feasible for Apple… For one thing, they’re firmly locked into 250 million users with credit cards in the iTunes system. So the jump to offering the rumored ala carte messaging, voice, and data plans would be somewhat simplified in regards to distribution. Bluestein and Associates LLC also points to Apple’s strong retail presence and high customer satisfaction as good reasons for the company to push into the carrier industry.

…. But the business of offering mobile service is messy, and there are some substantial hurdles before something like this could happen. Primarily, the mobile industry won’t take kindly to an Apple intrusion, nor will customers whose contracts leave them in a difficult position between Apple and their current providers. There is also the issue of iPhones and their premium prices, which, as we know, are subsidized by carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Right now, it’s difficult to see a workaround for Apple.

Nonetheless, this does seem like what’s next for Apple and their continual struggle to gain more control over, well, everything… Industry experts seem convinced that both Apple and Google or working toward providing their own wireless service, so now it’s just a matter of time before one strikes first.

Industry Analyst: Apple May Soon Move to Provide Wireless Service Directly to Its Users is a post by App Chronicles