Apple May Launch Cheaper iPhone Along with iPhone 5

"Apple's yet to reveal its next iPhone, but strategically a late-Sept./Oct. launch positions it to capitalize on holiday demand," Oppenheimer analyst Ittai Kidron wrote in a note to clients.

But, the market seems to be more enthusiastic about a mini iPhone, which Apple is said to be working on to tap emerging markets.

Market analysts also believe that chances are possible Apple may be launching a low-cost iPhone along with its normal iPhone refresh to boost its presence in emerging markets, where cheaper reported.

It definitely makes sense for Apple to launch a cheaper iPhone for emerging/developing markets as those markets will be critical for Apple to boost its international presence.

Kidron said "The value-segment growth highlights to us the urgency for a mid-tier iPhone option. Simply put, $600 iPhone expansion opportunities are good, but the opportunities are much greater with a complementary mini-iPhone at about $300."

"We believe this price-point can be met, allowing Apple to attack the midrange and extend its emerging/prepaid market reach," the analyst added.

 Sources also lent credibility to rumors of a low-cost iPhone. The cheaper iPhone is likely to feature "chips and displays of similar quality to today's iPhone 4."

Jefferies analyst Peter Misek expects the launch of a low-cost iPhone in the fall that is targeted at prepaid and emerging markets.

Kulbinder Garcha, an analyst at , expects a cheaper/low-price iPhone in 2012.

Garcha said without a low-end offering there would be consequences of slowing growth in the iPhone business with an impact on the overall group. He believes that the timing could prove opportunistic as Apple could benefit from Nokia's woes.

On earnings front, a low-end iPhone could also add $4.50 of extra EPS even allowing for some cannibalization in the high-end. Finally a low-end iPhone could drive the installed base of users to 925 million, which in itself could prove valuable, Garcha said.

Meanwhile, Apple pushed back the release of the next iPhone -- its fifth -- to coincide with the release of the new iOS 5.

The new iPhone is expected to run on iOS 5, which has many improved features like enhanced messaging system and photo-sharing, and is also designed to run on all Apple's mobile devices.

The reason Apple might want the new iPhone to run on iOS 5 is that the new operating system will give users immediate access to Apple's ambitious cloud-based photo, video, music and data backup and pushout service called iCloud. And, there's no better and faster way of letting people try out iCloud than selling the new iPhone with iOS 5 pre-installed.

Vehicle Safety and Convenience Technologies Reduce Risk And Make ...

In this growing technology age, a company can take advantage of several solutions to protect drivers, customers and the companies bottom-line. GPS, Parking Aids, Navigation, Bluetooth & Back-up Cameras products are the fastest electronics needs in the Fleet Industry today. A risk manager needs to take careful consideration of what will benefit the driver and the company without adding an unnecessary distraction. The cost ratio of whether the expense of the product will justify reducing risk, liability and expenses is another important factor when considering an electronic solution.

The electronic products versus the older ‘non- electronic products’ has changed the way we do business and manage the Fleet. GPS and Navigation allows the driver and company to manage the route and become more efficient and profitable. No more city map to page through or employees stating I am working when in reality they are hiding at the local fast food restaurant.

Hands-free products mandates is growing and will continue to increase per state. How many times have you seen the video of the bus driver texting and then rear ending the car in front of him on the national news? Humans will not change ‘especially employees’ and will do what they want instead of what is best for the company. Bluetooth devices assist the driver to focus the ‘eyes’ on the road which is where they need to be. Another new product is an electronic ‘text & phone block’ device that will block texting & phone usage while driving which is another great solution.

The highest percentage of accidents is a back-up accident. Vehicles are not designed to go backwards they are manufactured to go forward. The blind zone of a vehicle can vary and it is not just the larger vehicles that have limited view ‘all vehicles have a blind zone’. Back-up cameras are a visual solution to assist the driver but are only effective when the driver is looking at the monitor. Back-up sensors are always working so you keep your eyes scanning on the side mirrors as you maneuver the vehicle in reverse gear. The best of both worlds is a system that combines the rear camera with rear sensors so you can have a visual and audio notifications.

No matter how large or how small your fleet is you should consider an electronic solution based on your companies needs. Look for proven companies and products and not the cheapest solution for protecting your vehicles and reducing the risk of your company. One accident or situation make cost your company $500 or $500,000.

Collision repair and refinishing, a foundation course for technicians

Chassis Handbook, Fundamentals, Driving Dynamics, Components, Mechatronics, Perspectives

Public works manual

Automotive embedded systems handbook

Intelligent Transport Systems Standards