SPEAK OUT: Would You Wear an iWatch?

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce such a device as soon as 2013. Share your thoughts.

Now, for the next big iThing. The Los Angeles Times is among the media outlets reporting that Apple plans to introduce an iWatch as soon as 2013, and that it could run the iOS operating system. The iWatch, which has been rumored, would be able to make calls, show caller ID, check map coordinates, count steps using a pedometer, and monitor health-related data using sensors, according to the reports. Apple has filed for 79 patents that include the word "wrist" in them, the Times cited a Bloomberg report as saying. Apple might be going into the wristwatch market because gross margins on watches are about 60 percent. Also, progress in the watch business would help Apple compensate for slowing growth in other areas, such as iPhones. Apple’s …

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Important New Smartphone Regulation Is Now in Effect

Effective January 26, 2013, a Library of Congress ruling prohibits users from running their smartphone on a network other than that of the carrier that sold it.

eWeek.com, a website for technology news, opinions and reviews, reported that as of Saturday, Jan. 26, unlocking smartphones without a service provider's permission is illegal.  A Library of Congress ruling has gone into effect that prohibits smartphone users from circumventing copyright protection systems — systems that enable a phone to run on only the network of the carrier that sold it. For example, if you purchase an iPhone with AT&T service, that phone is programmed to only connect to AT&T's network. If you want an unlocked phone, one that you could connect to multiple service providers, you'll have to buy it that way — and it's more expensive — or ask your carrier to send you an unlock code, which could be unlikely.  "Imagine buying…

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Holiday Shopping: Walmart Cuts iPhone, iPad Prices

The retailer continues price wars. Share your thoughts.

The holiday 2012 shopping bargains did not end with Black Friday. According to media reports, Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, announced recently that it will begin selling the iPhone 5 for $127, which is $72 less than Apple's price when buying with a contract. The iPhone 4S can be had for a mere $47. Also, Walmart, which has a Suwanee outlet, has put the third-generation iPad on sale for $399. And if you buy one after Monday (December 17), Walmart will throw in a $30 iTunes gift card. The move comes just three months after Apple rolled out the latest version of its landmark smartphone. This could mean that iPhone sales are lagging. The Los Angeles Times reported that a UBS analyst announced he was lowering his iPhone sales …

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SPEAK OUT: The iPhone Turns 5

The smartphone has rocked the world since its debut in 2007. Share your thoughts.

Talk about a game-changer -- a world-changer, even. The iPhone, Apple Computers' signature smartphone device, turns 5 on Friday. In 2007, the first iteration was unleashed on throngs of early adopters, who admired its touchscreen interface and poked at little icons, as noted by mashable.com. Now, the smartphone has become standard issue, thanks in large part to the iPhone’s overwhelming success and iconic design. iPhone sales were a tiny slice of Apple's overall pie in 2007. In 2012, it accounts for 58 percent of the company’s revenue. Apple's iPhone business accounts for $22.7 billion, which is more than the entire revenue of companies such as Coca-Cola. Not only is the iPhone useful for, uh, phone calls, but it allows one-touch photo and…

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Get Patch for Your Mobile Device

Need local news and events on your iPhone? Download the Patch app for quick access.

Updated Feb. 24, 2012 Lucky enough to get a mobile device this holiday season? You can use it to learn about and engage with your local community through Patch! Patch has apps for iPhones and Android phones, and also makes it easy for you to upload photos, news and comments from anywhere. Here's a look at a few ways you can connect with Patch through your mobile device.  Patch for iPhone  Patch for iPhone will keep you engaged and mobile by delivering 24/7 local community coverage. Patch's iPhone app enables you to: Plus, you can save your favorite stories and business listings directly to your iPhone for easy offline access. Patch values the opinions of our community, so please send app feedback to the Patch team at mobile_thoughts@patch.…

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Cooking With Carol

Patchcast: Iron Sky Surveillance, Gwinnett Braves Win Series, Patch iPhone App

Your daily roundup of news from around Gwinnett County.

Duluth to Install Iron Sky City Surveillance System Gwinnett Braves Regroup to Take Series Over Tides Berkmar Soccer Winning Streak Hits Seven Games Unique Friendship Brings Pet Therapy Little River Band Heads for Suwanee New Patch iPhone App

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