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If you thought it was too early to start thinking about Apple's next iPhone, then think again. A report cited by MacRumors points to an iPhone 5S launch next summer, well ahead of the one-year anniversary of the iPhone 5 next September. Not only this, but Apple could also be looking to refresh the iPad with Retina display in June or July.

Announcing a fifth-generation iPad next summer would stagger the update with an iPad mini 2 launch in October 2013. Apple is rumored to already be testing the trial production of an iPhone 5S, with full manufacturing to ramp up early next year. Component suppliers in Asia are expected to benefit from strong demand from Apple during this time period thanks to the new product releases.

One of the more versatile video applications to be released for iOS, VLC Media Player was launched in late 2010 by Applidium. Unfortunately for VLC fans the app was pulled due to wording the General Public License (GPL). Now according to a report by Cult of Mac the app could return to the App Store.

The open-source GPL didn't allow Applidium to distribute VLC Media Player in the App Store, since Apple controls content in the store with Digital Rights Management (DRM) controls. VideoLAN, the creators of VLC have since changed the licensing on their software over to the Lesser General Public License (LGPL), opening the door for developers like Applidium to distribute apps built on the software in venues like the App Store.

Even after all of the patent battles over mobile device gestures, Apple is setting its sights on the future by looking beyond the touch screen alone. Future iPhones and iPads could feature a invention that would replace or supplement pinch-to-zoom gestures with other technology. A patent for the concept was filed by Apple in May 2011.

The above diagram from AppleInsider shows how the automatic zoom system might work on an iOS device. Essentially content on the screen would dynamically resize based on the change in distance from the viewer's face. There would be two distinct modes of operation for the automatic zoom feature.

One of the advantages the iPhone 5 brings to users is high-speed LTE connectivity. Download speeds have been reported in some cites at over 20 Mbps, exceeding even some wired and wi-fi network connections. AT&T continues to build out its LTE capabilities for subscribers, all part of a $14 billion network expansion.

Nine new cities are now in the AT&T Mobility LTE fold, including Annapolis MD, Denver CO, Louisville KY, Milwaukee WI, Minneapolis, MN, Orlando FL, Provo UT, Tacoma WA and York PA. These additions to the network come hot on the heels of LTE service roll outs and expansions in Bakersfield CA, Little Rock AK and the Florida Keys.

JBL is now accepting pre-orders for two new iPhone 5 speaker docks with built in Lightning connectors. The OnBeat Micro is a portable speaker dock with up to five hours of battery life. It also features a USB port for compatibility with other devices, and it weights just 0.8 pounds for easy travel. It's compatible with all current iPhone and iPod models.

The OnBeat Venue Lightning is a wireless speaker with Lightning connector for the iPhone 5 and iPad mini. The Venue can wirelessly stream music from any Bluetooth device, and features HARMAN TrueStream audio technology.

The OnBeat Micro is priced at $99.95 and the OnBeat Venue Lighning will set you back $199.95.