Yeah, the Verizon iPhone 4 is here, but it’s not really all that different from the GSM-friendly AT&T version. Most enthusiasts are more interested in the possibilities of the iPhone 5, but what are the latest rumors telling us?

First, let’s start with the iPhone 5 itself. By many indications, the next-gen iPhone will go with a bigger display. Up until now, all iPhone models have had a 3.5-inch screen. For the next one, Apple might opt for a four-incher, putting it in line with the Samsung Galaxy S and many other Android phones. This rumor seems awfully likely.

Second, we could be seeing a smaller iPhone. Call it the iPhone nano or the iPhone mini. The rumors are quite varied as to how much smaller (I’ve heard anywhere from 30% to 50% smaller), but they’re all pretty consistent in touting a $200 (sans contract) price. This would certainly go against the “elite” or “high-end” image that Apple products typically get, but we’ve seen this already happen to the iPod line in the past. Can you imagine an iPhone shuffle?

Third, some reports are pointing toward the possibility of a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, not unlike the Palm Pre 3 or the T-Mobile G2. I find this much less likely, as Apple seems really bent on making for the sleek multitouch display interface. It would address a common gripe about the iPhone though.

[ via TechVibes, Photo: BoxWave iPhone 4 QWERTY Slider Case]

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Figure 1: Control a future iPhone or iPad by finger swiping the camera lens

Apple, in its never ending quest to make their gadgets more James Bond like with each generation, has bought a patent involving motion sensing controls through a camera.  This would allow the user of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, more control over the device in a much more “touchy” way.  If applicable to the next generation of Apple products, it could be a major coup for Apple.

The patent, according to Patently Apple, will allow for almost total control of the iPhone through motion sensors in the devices camera.  By simply swiping or tapping your finger across the camera in a certain direction, you will be able to access voicemail, fast forwarding and rewinding voicemails, merge calls, and almost completely control the interface by using a distinct pre-configured motion.

Apple’s patent Figure 1 shows a front-side camera in use while the user is on a telephone call or checking voicemail. Another figure shows a user sliding his finger across the back-side camera, this could control the call or voicemail playback. The camera lens would not need to be actually touched, just the motion in front of it should give the command.  “Tap-detection,” is also another possiblitiy, tap on the phone with a finger to control various routines set out for the phone, like switch to call waiting, or perhaps to mute the call.

The new patent could really give it a leg up against the Droids, Nexuses, and ok, we’ll even include Windows Mobile.  Innovations such as this are classic Apple moves to stay ahead of the game in the smartphone wars.  Only time will tell however if this feature will make its way to the iPhone 4G, 5G or any iPhone at all.

Figure 2: Control iPhone interface navigation by finger swiping the camera

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There has been a lot of talk over the last year or so about the iPhone 4G (fourth generation) and its impending arrival.  While the iPhone 4G stands for an increase in operating system and technological features of the device itself, it may also stand for the fourth generation of communications technology on the iPhone.  Beceem, a company known for making components that make wireless communications possible, has managed to create a new chip that is indeed a 4G chip.

According to MacVideo, the new chip called the BCS5000 is said to have speeds and reliability up to the standards of the 4G.  The 4G chip uses both Wimax and LTE, making it compatible with most of the 4G standards on the market, and providing the end user seamless roaming and roaring fast speeds.

It is expected to increase data speeds on the next generation of smart phones by ten times.  Theoretical speeds are to be in between 100-150 Mbps for just one device.  However, this theoretical maximum is too unconventional for the amount of traffic created by 4G usage.  In a situation where 3G would offer 1 Mbps, “you’ll see around 10 Mbps on one of the 4G networks” sustainable for all devices in the network.

With this new chip, 4G devices should be the fastest most powerful yet.  But since Beceem is not shipping 4G components to device manufacturers for mass production until Q2 of 2011, an iPhone “4G” would not be possible this time around with an expecte release date of June or July 2010.  Unfortunately 4G WiMax and LTE would not actually make to the iPhone 4G this time around, perhaps the iPhone 5G will support 4G communications.

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