[stextbox id=”info”]This is the last part of the 2-part articles “What To Expect When You’re Expecting The New iPhone”. Part 1 can be found here.[/stextbox]
It is highly plausible for the Philippines to be one of the first asian countries to get the iPhone 5. It is crucial, however, for those who are dying to get the iPhone 5 in the Philippines, to choose a very reliable network. Currently, Globe and Smart have announced the availability of 4G LTE in select locations in the Philippines.
So far, Smart had already flipped the LTE switch on and enabled multiband in the 2100MHz and 1800Mhz bands officially making them the first multi-frequency service provider of mobile LTE in the country and one of the first ones in the world. You may probably remember that Smart Telecom’s Chief Wireless Adviser, Orlando Vea, was among the hopeful ones that Philippines becomes one of the first countries in Asia to get the iPhone 5.
Also, according to my reliable source, existing Globe iPhone subscribers (especially those who got the iPhone 4… like me), might get a 25% discount if they switch from Globe to Smart. Man, we just can’t wait to see the final announcement of both telcos.
How about you?
Other iDevices to Be Launched
Forget about the iPad Mini. Apple may not launch it on the 12th; although it is very likely that they announce and launch it before Christmas.
We highly expect a fresh line of iPods: Shuffle, Nano and Touch. Shuffle will remain as their entry level iPod and may not sport a touch screen. Nano may however be highly promoted again as a wearable iPod. The Nano getting a front-facing camera/iSight is still a long-shot though; although I find it quite possible. The iPod Touch might get a 3G/LTE feature and may retain its size; much like making it a smaller iPad.
Room for the iPad Mini
If Apple launches an iPod Touch with a 3G/LTE feature, it may somewhat put the future of the iPad Mini quite daunting. Still, I believe on the plausibility of Apple to release a smaller and thinner iPad before Christmas. The iPad Mini is one of Apple’s arsenals in their “thermo-nuclear” war against Android; and can significantly leave a dent on the Android tablet market.
Tomorrow Never Dies
Honestly, we cannot wait for Tim Cook to get on stage tomorrow and “hypotize” us to get the new iPhone. He wouldn’t do much work on us as most of us are already determined to get (or to not get) the iPhone 5.
My analysis and brouhahas and the “reliable” sources I quoted could be wrong. But something remains – it could be shitty or awesome for some: Tomorrow isn’t the end of the era of mobile consumerism and smartphone innovation. 1 year later, we’ll find ourselves watching the top-honchos of Apple announcing a new phone that will replace the iPhone 4s. 2 years later, it’ll be time again for us to replace the iPhone 5. We live in a world and time full of innovation. The challenge to innovate rests upon smartphone manufacturers and we’re here to be wowed and accept their latest offerings. The emotion to get wowed is simple as it’s free. What’s difficult, however, is when we accept their offer and spend our hard-earned money and eventually get into the vicious cycle of fast-paced consumerism they established.
Voice out your thoughts about this article. I would appreciate if you can post your comments below and tell us if you’re getting or not getting the iPhone 5.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
