Happy with your recent purchase of an iPhone 5? You might not be later this summer, when experts expect an updated version to hit stores and make your new phone, like, basically obsolete already.

According to the plugged-in industry watchers at the Wall Street Journal, the refreshed iPhone probably won't be much more than bump up in processor specs (think iPhone 5s, rather than an iPhone 6). As with previous updates, expect last year's model to go on sale for half what the early adopters paid for it after waiting in line all afternoon a year ago. Aside from inducing buyer's remorse in recent customers, Apple's updated product line could also include a phone at a cheaper price point and one that comes in a variety of colors like their current iPod Touch line.

[WSJ]

Though interest in the Apple iPhone subsided ever so slightly, we're always curious about the technological wizardry brewing in Cupertino. We're hearing rumors that Apple could debut the new iPhone on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, with the release date on Friday, September 21. According to iMore's unnamed sources, the iPad Mini and a new iPod nano will be unveiled at the same event.

As for the new devices' hardware, iMore has, well, more:

As for hardware, we're still hearing the iPad mini will be exactly like the 9.7-inch iPad, only scaled down to 7.x-inches. We originally heard Apple had a few iPhone 5 prototypes, including 3.5-inch and 4-inch versions, but recent reports and parts leaks make it look like the 4-inch, 16:9 screen version is what Apple's going with. We've also consistently heard all new iOS devices will have the new, smaller Dock connector going forward, which along with the nano-SIM and rumored in-cell display should leave lots of room for the LTE radio we heard about earlier in the year, and the bigger battery to go along with it.

And with that, you have around six weeks to whip yourselves up into frantic lather over the new iPhone.

Apple sent out invites this morning to an iPad 3 (or 2S) coming out party taking place on March 7th at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts where they unleashed the iPhone 4S last year. The invite, affixed with this image above, flirtatiously says, "We have something you really have to see. And touch."

According to CNET. "[t]he date confirms a report from iMore (formerly Tipb) earlier this month, claiming Apple would be holding it on March 7, and matches up with a story from All Things Digital before that, which said Apple would be holding an event in the first week of March.

Although Apple officially confirmed the gadget gala, they're mum on the next generation iPad's new features and design. However, according to tech gossip, the new iPad could run on a faster chip, feature a 2048×1536 Retina Display (similar to the iPhone 4 and 4S), use better graphics, and appear even thinner than its predecessor.

This comes as Apple faces heavy scrutiny over labor practices at Foxconn, the Chinese company that manufactures the iPad. As Gothamist pointed out last week, Foxconn's factories are in the city of Shenzhen, which has a population of workers greater than New York City that "toil for low pay in exploitative conditions to make our shiny Apple products."

From the beat reports today: a slight uptick in the number of street muggings involving portable electronics. In the Western Addition, a man was relieved of his laptop, cellphone and cash during an assault around 2 a.m. yesterday morning. The victim was walking on Ellis between Laguna and Gough when three suspects jumped him and fled in a "70s-era Cadillac". [BCN/Appeal]

Meanwhile, in Glen Park, a 27-year-old victim was "hit over the head with a handgun" and punched in the face by a pair of suspects who nabbed his iPhone in broad daylight yesterday morning. The assault and robbery occurred near Chenery and Carrie Streets. [ABC7]

Finally, another attack occurred yesterday evening around 10:30 p.m. nearby on the edge of Bernal Heights/Portola. A 56-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint by a solo suspect with a silver handgun at the intersection of Bowdoin and Gaven Streets. The victim handed over his backpack, cellphone and cash. [BCN/Appeal]

For those of us aimlessly tapping away on our BlackBerries (we just got the new tan gold Pearl, which is ever so pretty if mildly effeminate), Facebook has offered up some mobile social direction. Today, they launched a mobile version of the social networking site for BlackBerry smart phone users.

The younger, cooler little brother version of MySpace allows you to use "onscreen icons let you do pretty much everything one does on Facebook," according to Gizmodo. Sounds nifty, right?

But according to ValleyWag, the shit don't stick. Yet. "'Sorry, your wireless Service Provider does not allow access to Facebook for your device." was the error message Paul Boutin received today while trying to socialize, stalk, or play Scrabble on the site via his phone. We'll try it later tonight on ours, and then let you know if we can access the (now very wealthy) site.

Google has developed a prototype phone that they're currently showing to cell phone manufacturers -- eee! -- a product that some say could rival the Apple's iPhone. Sure, rumors about it are already out there, but now it seems that they're in the process of actually making the thing itself.

According to Ben Ames of PC World, one way Google's phone would differ from the iPhone is that "Google's product would draw its revenue from...relying on commercial advertising dollars instead of the sticker price of at least $499 for an iPhone and $60 per month for the AT&T service plan."

Even though advertising-supported wireless web capabilities have yet to truly succeed, Google is still tinkering around with this idea. Also, we hope that their phone might have superior texting capabilities than the iPhone's touch-screen texting mess, which is difficult for those of us who don't have thin, anorexia-ravaged fingers.

The winner of last season's "American Inventor" isn't exactly rocking the very foundation of American living, (for the record, the winning invention was some kind of child's car seat), but perhaps this season will yield something a tad more exciting. Like an elevator to the moon! Tonight's premiere will most likely include the San Francisco auditions. Watch the ridiculousness at 9 p.m. on ABC.

And let us add that the number of reality competition shows that include a mean British judge has reached absurd levels. Can we initiate some kind of cantankerous Englishman embargo?

A science fair with open mic? Awesome! Dorkbot is a monthly meeting of artists, designers, engineers, students and any interested parties who gather to share ideas and projects relating to any form of electronic art. There's usually a DJ and a bar, not to mention it's a good forum for discussions about technology, art and culture.

When: Tonight @ 7:30pm

Where: Hosted by Scott Arford of 7hz, at 1814 Illinois Street (off 3rd and Marin), San Francisco. Free (donations accepted) -- though they do, however, recommend you BYOC (C stands for "chair").

In addition to the presenters, attendees are allowed to "open dork,"or present for 5-10 minutes on projects and gadgets in process. Contact dorkbot to sign up for a slot or to sign up for monthly flyers for events.

Information about this month's speakers after the jump. (Trillions of copyright violations? Sign us up!).

Image by tonight's Dorkbot host, Scott Arford.

Spring is springing all around us (Hello, Sunshine!) and while we can't afford to go on a real vacation on our salary, we can afford to dream. Which is why we love Flight 001.

The cool high-design low-ceiling retro-terminal-style shop (on 4th Street in Berkeley, and on Hayes in San Francisco) makes us feel all James-Bond-y, and we love fondling the soft leather and slick plastic carry cases, the mini packages of everything one could ever need on a trip, the clever gadgets and gee-gaws, the design-y "generic" labeling the store uses on their own travel-size, travel-wise products. A great selection of guidebooks will help you plan (or visualize)-- and why not try the testers of lotions from exotic locales (including Greece, Scandinavia, and the Eastern Bloc)?

Sure, it's silly for us to just go on and on about some STORE. And yet, we get so much pleasure out of the shop every time we visit, we just had to pass the word along, in case there are any other travel gear sluts geeks aficionados out there like us...

And hey, they're having a sale. Don't say we don't look out for your and your wallet (which needs replacing, by the way-- did we tell you about this great luggage store...?).

Valentine's Day is only a few days away, and we here across the Gothamist network wanted to express would like to tell you, in the spirit of the holiday, just how much we love you, our readers. Don't let it get to your heads, though. There are plenty of things we love, you included. Just be glad you're not amongst the things we hate.

In New York, Gothamist isn't sure whether to love or hate a sorta-stroller-ban at a local Barnes & Noble. They do, however, hate the idea of a law that would fine people for crossing the street while listening to their iPod or talking on their phones (people ♥ gadgets!). Who doesn't love ideas for hangover coffee suggestions? They are especially needed after seeing pictures of Rudy Giuliani and his wife mack - it's nice they love each other, but Gothamist doens't think anyone needs to witness it. And Gothamist loves that Orthodox Jews need to incorporate Hebrew graffiti into their billboards so people won't get upset.

SFist saw their beloved mayor enter rehab, and they the opportunity to gossip about it. Of course, that doesn't stop local Facebook users from totally crushing on him. Meanwhile, they asked their readers which MUNI line they hated the most, and got a conclusive answer.

Phillyist loves its local Billy Bob Thornton, and cars. Also on its good side are pretty sunsets over the city. On its hate list right now, though, are law-flaunting smokers, and the hearts-and-flowers holiday itself.

Austinist is blissfully in love with the upcoming SXSW lineup, and more than a few bands playing in it. When not with their musical crushes, they're romancing giant bunnies and bloggers with a good bottle of vino. Of course, it's not all hearts and flowers for Austinist. They hate the lack of quality street food downtown. And, don't you hate it when you find glass in your soda bottles, too?

Shanghaiist positively hates that they're sinking into the ocean. And everyone seems to hate Chinese footballers. But lest you should worry that Shanghaiist is bitter, you should know how much they love sandwiches, technological innovation, and their city's top tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, Londonist doesn't hate anything. They're all about Valentine love for the guy who gives out free iPods, highly-skilled bees, being invited on private tours, their city in Lego, and giant snowmen.

Torontoist wasn't feeling as lovey-dovey as Londonist: they had plenty of hate to go around. Torontoist hates angry jewelry store owners who harass local TV celebrities,
"independent" teenaged girls, and punk kids messing with change on the subway. But they weren't without some love, for its local basketball team (whom they want them taken off notice by Stephen Colbert), and for continuing to solve the Bridezilla mystery, and for cute misspellings.

Bostonist is hating the Celtics' losing streak. But they totally love screwing around with said team's logo and the new hit song 99 luftbaloons 99 Mooninites.

LAist wasn't really about love or hate this week. They were more about the ambivalence, especially toward the Colts' reactions to that Snickers commercial and John Waters. They do, however, know where to send you if you're lookin' for love, yourself.

Seattlest totally loved this pro-breeding story, fist fights of the past and present, and ironic content matching. Of course, they kinda hate Canada (kind of) and the local buildings that everyone else seems to love.

Chicagoist gave its readers some love, and got some love from local TV. And then they got some hate on a somehow-controversial post. The honeymoon, apparently, is over.

Parisist reports that Parisians who love the NFL have options—if they are willing to watch a game that kicks off at midnight, that Parisians who love each other can leave Valentines messages on electronic traffic signs, and that Parisians who love indie bands with awesome dance numbers were able to catch OK Go! live in concert. No hate in Paris, though. It is the City of Love and all...

Compiled and edited by Jillian Ashley Blair Ivey.

Our thoughts, sympathy, and condolences at SFist go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of James Kim.

We weren't the only ones following the story -- SFGate reports that the story has driven over 2 million additional hits to their website over the last few days, and after the news of James Kim's death was announced, they were receiving 3300 page views a minute. Other online news outlets reported similar spikes. Something about the story hit everyone hard.

As SFGate editor Vlae Kershner says:

... We've had few stories in the history of SFGate that have attained this level of reader interest, which we can measure, and it's been building day by day. Several elements -- a local connection, a young family, hope alternating with fear for a period of days, empathy with a situation that could occur to many people -- that make for a human interest story are present.

Maybe it's race, maybe it's class, maybe it was the two adorable kids. Maybe it's Noe Valley, maybe it's the boutiques, maybe it's the CNET gadgets. And sure, the media and people in general should pay more attention to stories of suffering everywhere, and it's true that certain people who should get attention don't.

But that doesn't mean that the Kims' story didn't have resonance in and of itself that made it worthy of news coverage, or that by caring about this family and this story, you don't care about anyone else. Does it?

We gobble the various food sections up each Wednesday. These are our favorite tidbits from today's offerings:

SF Chronicle: Tasty homemade food gifts that are ea$y on the budget (dark, milk & white chocolate brownies, here we come!); "Gadget-holic" Stacy Finz really, really likes kitchen and cooking gadgets; and Bette's Ocean View Diner scone mix rocks da house.

SF Examiner: Gifts for your fave foodie. We think the BBQ and milk chocolate ornaments look fun, but may pass on any sips of p.i.n.k. vodka because we don't feel caffeine and vodka should ever mix. We have relatives (& their friends) who likely disagree with us on this one, but they are younger and of the male gender, and totally entitled to their (wrong) opinions. Super Chef Mario Batali is in an Amex ad, which we would have otherwise skipped had we not seen his well fed and easily recognizable mug. We want Patty Unterman's column back (!), and hope to see it next week.

Contra Costa (CoCo) Times: Weeds (not that kind of weed, silly) may be superfoods, according to a couple in Bolinas who offer classes on "wildcrafting" to "connect with nature." No, we really haven't ever dreamed of gathering acorns the way the Miwoks did, but think foragers are cool. The Taste of Country Cooking by Edna Lewis gets reviewed. Lewis, who was an African American cook that passed away this year, is thought to be important for her years of restaurant work, cookbook writing, and sway over Alice Waters and James Beard.

Oakland Tribune: The how tos of dessert wine giving and pairing are explained. Tip: pairing that dessert wine is all about considering textures, flavors and acidity. Hanukkah latkes: it's all about the oil, baby. Holiday shoppers have appetites, too.

SFist Mary Ladd contributing