Monday, June 15, 2015
Best Holiday 2013 Deals on iPhones iPads and Macs
Some of these deals, many of which are in-store only, may vary by location and are only available while supplies last. All iPhone deals listed require a two-year contract.
iPhone 5s (Regularly Starts at $199):
- $119, 16GB: Walmart (In-store only through Dec. 24)
- $119, 16GB: Sams Club (In-store only through January)
- $125/$225/$325, 16/32/64GB: Best Buy (In-store and online)
- $120/$220/$320, 16/32/64GB: MacMall (In-store only through Dec. 19)
- $150, 16GB: Target (In-store only)
iPhone 5c (Regularly Starts at $99):
- $25, 16GB: Sams Club (In-store only through January)
- $27, 16GB: Walmart (In-store only through Dec. 24)
- $20/$120, 16/32GB: MacMall (In-store only through Dec. 19)
- $50/$150, 16/32GB: Best Buy (In-store and online)
- $50 with $50 Target gift card, 16GB: Target (In-store only)
16 GB iPad mini (Regularly $299):
- $260: Toys R Us (In-store only)
- $299 with $50 Walmart gift card (In-store only through Dec. 24)
- $299 with $100 RadioShack gift card (In-store only through Dec. 24)
- $299 with $30 Target gift card (In-store and online)
iPad Air (Regularly Starts at $499):
- $479, 16GB: MacMall (In-store and online)
- $450/$550, 16/32GB: Toys R Us (In-store only)
Macs:
- $100 off MacBook Airs: Best Buy
- $160 off 21.5-inch iMacs, Models ME086LL/A and ME087LL/A: Best Buy
- $160 off 27-inch iMac, Model ME088LL/A: Best Buy
- $24-$49 off current generation 13-inch Retina MacBook Pros: MacMall
- $59-$99 off current generation 15-inch Retina MacBook Pros: MacMall
- $29 off current generation 13-inch MacBook Air: MacMall
- $10-$102 off current generation iMacs: MacMall
MacMalls Mac deals last through December 19, while Best Buys are through December 24. Both are available both in-store and online.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Apple Has Posted the Full Video of iPhone 6 and Apple Watch Media Event
Apple has posted the full video of September 9 special media event on its website. The video also avaliable on the Apple Keynotes podcast, which can found on the iTunes Store. Here are the Podcast links:
- Keynotes
- Keynotes in HD
- Keynotes in 1080p HD
Update: The full event video also available on Apples Youtube Channel.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
iPhone 5s Users Reporting Blue Screen of Death Error with iWork Apps video
Several threads on the Apple Support Communities forum are reporting random reboots on the iPhone 5s while using Apples iWork apps,
with the issue being signaled by the brief appearance of an all-blue screen naturally being compared to the famous Windows "Blue Screen of Death" (BSOD). The issue was reported by iPhone in Canada last month but has been gaining significantly more attention today after being picked up by The Verge.
As shown in videos posted by users, the issue may appear when a user simply opens a document in Pages or another iWork app and then closes the app by pressing the home button on their device. Double-pressing the home button to enter multitasking mode can also trigger the issue. Users in the threads are also reporting random reboots during regular device use, which also may be caused by a number of reasons specific to the device.
Users have reported that the error can be temporarily fixed by turning off iCloud syncing for Apples Pages, Keynote and Numbers apps, but that fix does not appear to address the other random reboots on the device. Apple released iOS 7.0.2 last month with a fix for a lock screen passcode bypass issue, and was said to be seeding iOS 7.0.3 internally as of last week, but it is unknown if it will contain a fix, or whether Apple will deploy updates to its iWork suite of applications to remedy the problem.
Earlier today, a study showed that apps running on the iPhone 5s are crashing twice as frequently as on the iPhone 5c and iPhone 5, with the new 64-bit A7 chip and M7 motion coprocessor presumably adding wrinkles that may be causing some apps difficulties.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Richard Padilla)
Friday, June 12, 2015
By Itself iPhone Is A Bigger Business Than Coca Cola Or McDonald’s
We all know the iPhone is a huge part of Apple’s business, but how huge? A new chart shows that if it were a standalone company, the iPhone would have greater revenues than some of the most iconic businesses on Earth.
Businessweek put together a chart that shows that, taken alone, Apple’s iPhone business would make it the 9th largest company in the Dow Jones top 30, toppling iconic companies like Boeing, Intel, Coca-Cola, Disney, McDonald’s, Nike and more.
That’s not to say that Apple’s iPhone business is the biggest in the world. Far from it: IBM, that stalwart blue chip, is still bigger, as is AT&T, Verizon, GE, Exxon and Walmart.
Origine source: Businessweek
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Square Debuts New Card Reader Developed by Former Apple Lightning Connector Designer
As noted by Wired, Squares new ultra thin card reader was developed under the direction of Jesse Dorogusker, who was Apples Director of Engineering for iPhone, iPod, and iPad Accessories up until 2011, when he left to become Squares VP of Hardware.
Before leaving Apple, Dorogusker headed the development of Apples Lightning connector, the two-way plug that replaced the 30-pin connector in Apple products beginning with the iPhone 5.
To develop the thinner card reader for Square, Dorogusker was forced to move away from stock components and develop proprietary hardware such as a new custom read head that is able to read two bands of data from the magnetic stripes on credit cards, resulting in greater swipe accuracy.
Dorogusker and his team concentrated on improving the "feel" of swiping, incorporating additional tension in a spring that attaches to the read head for a more satisfying credit card swiping experience. They also developed a custom chip, allowing the team to shrink the Readers size while improving its performance.
In terms of the design of the internals, though, the chip offered another fantastic advantage: an opportunity to ditch the Readers battery. The old version relied on a coin cell, which added around two millimeters to the overall thickness of the device. With their own chip, though, Square was able to be much more efficient in their use of power, to the point that they could draw all they needed from the smartphone via the audio jack. As a result, the new Reader dropped the battery and two millimeters along with it. "For the nerds on the team, that is crazy awesome," Dorogusker says.
It shows how a smart approach to a single component can yield all sorts of advantages. "It cascades through," Dorogusker says. "Designing our own electronics got us better performance, got rid of the battery and got rid of our biggest field issue all in one go."
Wired has a full rundown on the design process behind the new Square Reader, which is well worth reading.
The new Square Reader can be purchased from retail stores beginning next year, but it is immediately available for free from the Square website. The accompanying Square Register app can be downloaded from the App Store for free.
The new Square Reader can be purchased from retail stores beginning next year, but it is immediately available for free from the Square website. The accompanying Square Register app can be downloaded from the App Store for free.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Origine Source: Square
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
New Googles iOS App Play Movies TV it may be Sweet with Chromecast
Watch your favorite movies and shows instantly on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from wherever you are. Buy or rent movies by visiting Google Play Store on any computer and watch them from any device over Wi-Fi using the Google Play Movies & TV app.
* Streaming video currently works over Wi-Fi connections only.
* TV shows are currently available in the United States, Japan, and United Kingdom.
But you can’t use Google Play Movies & TV to purchase movies and shows from the Google Play Store, you can’t even browse Play’s library of offerings. Due to Apples restrictions, So movies and shows you will need to be purchased, you have to do that on a computer before the content becomes immediately available for streaming (currently via Wi-Fi only, no offline streaming) on your iPhone or iPad.
The highlight feature is a Chromecast button to stream your video to your TV. Thus the iOS users can now access a service that provides a wide range of recent movie and TV show downloads.
Googles Chromecast can be purchased directly from Google for $35 and it is also available in several retailers store like Amazon.
To review and download Google Play Movies & TV on the App Store click here.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Free Apps
Category: Entertainment
Released: Jan 15, 2014
Version: 1.0.1
Size: 4.9 MB
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Rumor Apple field testing iPhone 6 with 4 9 inch display
The report, from hit-and-miss Chinese blog C Technology, conforms with prior assertions from well-connected Taiwanese analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities. Kuo had previously predicted that 2014 would bring an Apple-branded handset with a 4.5-inch to 5-inch display.
Kuo does not believe the Cupertino, Calif.-based company will extend the iPhone display beyond the 5-inch diagonal mark due to their "unwavering principle of one hand use."
Not much is known about the so-called "iPhone 6," with Apple just two months removed from the release of its newest flagship iPhone 5s and mid-range iPhone 5c. Speculation has thus far centered mainly on the display, with Bloomberg reporting earlier this month that two new models featuring larger displays and cover glass that curves around the devices edges may be in the offing for a late 2014 release.
The Bloomberg report came on the heels of a September missive from Japanese magazine Mac Fanwhich claimed Apples next-generation handset would feature a 5-inch display with a 1,920-by-1,080-pixel resolution. That report also tipped thinner bezels for the smartphone.
Many industry observers believe that Apple must increase the size of the iPhones display in order to better match up with larger-screened devices from competitors like Motorola and Samsung whose displays routinely exceed 5 inches, with some as large as 6.3 inches on the diagonal. Apple is known to take a cautious approach to changes such as these in order to avoid the ecosystem fragmentation that plagues rival mobile platform Android.
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Shane Cole)
Image source: Marco
Image source: Marco
Friday, May 22, 2015
First iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c Teardowns Show Touch ID Home Button Nearly Identical Internal Layouts
Australian iPhone repair firm iExperts has already gotten its hands on the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models (via TUAW), working to perform teardowns of the two devices to examine their internals.
While the company has yet to start digging into the chips on the main logic board, it has been able to reveal a few details about the devices.
Left to right: iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c
Unsurprisingly, the internal layouts of the new devices are consistent with that seen in leaked part photos and generally in line with that of the iPhone 5. Battery capacities have increased from 5.45 Whr in the iPhone 5 to 5.92 Whr in the iPhone 5s and 5.73 Whr in the iPhone 5c. That iPhone 5s number is slightly different than what appeared in regulatory documents last week but is consistent with what we saw on a December 2012 prototype, albeit with a newer part number on the battery.
A direct comparison of the logic boards from the three devices also shows how Apple has slightly narrowed the boards on the new devices compared to the iPhone 5, making room for a slightly larger battery.
Left to right: iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c
Other tidbits discovered during the teardown include a metal clip holding in the new cable providing a connection for the Touch ID sensor in the home button, as well as a new coating on the power button believed to be designed to increase durability.
iPhone 5s home button flex cable with integrated Touch ID sensor
More information from the new iPhones is undoubtedly forthcoming, with the teardown experts at iFixit also drawing upon their own extensive experience to delve into the details on the various components.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)
Thursday, May 21, 2015
New Plugin Allows Developers to Turn iOS Devices Into Bitcoin Mining Bots
Unity plugin developer Icoplay has come up with a new way for developers to monetize free apps on the App Store while avoiding in-app purchases, through the use of bitcoin mining.
Bitcoin is a digital currency first developed in 2008 that has soared in value in recent years. While bitcoin value fluctuates wildly, a single bitcoin today is worth approximately $200, which makes Bitcoin mining a potentially lucrative endeavor.
Because new bitcoins are generated via complex math problems, Bitcoin mining requires an incredible amount of processing power. Icoplay is aiming to use mining software hidden within apps and games to take advantage of the latent processing power of mobile devices, rewarding the developer with bitcoin. Like distributed computing projects such as SETI@home, Bitcoin mining can be done in small chunks over hundreds or thousands of devices.
As described by Icoplays Simon Hill on PocketGamer.biz, the company has developed the Icominer Unity plugin, which is designed to be built into an app or game, running in the background to mine for bitcoin while a player uses the application.
Because new bitcoins are generated via complex math problems, Bitcoin mining requires an incredible amount of processing power. Icoplay is aiming to use mining software hidden within apps and games to take advantage of the latent processing power of mobile devices, rewarding the developer with bitcoin. Like distributed computing projects such as SETI@home, Bitcoin mining can be done in small chunks over hundreds or thousands of devices.
As described by Icoplays Simon Hill on PocketGamer.biz, the company has developed the Icominer Unity plugin, which is designed to be built into an app or game, running in the background to mine for bitcoin while a player uses the application.
The core concept we worked towards is this: A developer installs the software, and every instance of its game running at any time, anywhere mines Bitcoins using the latent power of the device its being used on.
The developer then takes its Bitcoins to spend or invest.
At Icoplay, we’ve spent the last few months making this a reality. Weve ended up with software that can just be dropped into a Unity project (on any platform at all) and make this distributed model of passive grinding work.
According to Hill, Icoplays plugin is dynamically designed not to interfere with apps that it is built into, so much so that users will never "even notice the plugin is humming along in the background."
Regardless of the solution you choose, our bitcoin miner will seamlessly integrate into your game with no interference, earning you cash in perfect harmony with your existing app monetisation strategy. There’s no catch - its just awesome.
What Hill doesnt mention, however, is that an app or game continually drawing power for a background process would certainly be a drain on system resources, quickly exhausting battery life.
Icoplays Icominer plugin is currently in the final stages of beta, and according to the companys website, it will be released in the near future. The plugin, priced at $80, is designed to integrated seamlessly into Unity-based apps.
Icoplays Icominer plugin is currently in the final stages of beta, and according to the companys website, it will be released in the near future. The plugin, priced at $80, is designed to integrated seamlessly into Unity-based apps.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Pebble Launches New Appstore for Pebble Smart Watches
This week Pebble has released a major update for its iOS app that includes the store, by introducing the app store, Pebble is giving its customers a central destination to find and try out new software.
Pebbles mission is to make products that mesh easily with your life. Until now, Pebble users discovered apps and watchfaces through several awesome third party resources like MyPebbleFaces. The Pebble appstore changes all this by providing a simple one-stop-shop for you to discover, manage, and install apps and watchfaces.The appstore work as other app repositories from companies like Apple and Google, aggregates all of the third-party apps which target Pebble Smart Watch.
"This makes it easier than ever to find your next favorite app — whether you’re tracking your workout, managing your music, or controlling your thermostat,"Pebble owners can use the appstore not just for download but also to manage thier Pebble apps. As the Pebble watches are limited to eight apps each. Though there is an app limit, Pebble does incorporate a Pebble Locker which keeps track of all the software youve downloaded to make loading things back onto your Pebble a quicker process. Pebbles original Pebble Smart Watch and the Pebble Steel can both access the appstore.
There are more than 1,000 apps and watch faces published in the Pebble appstore, including apps from major companies that Pebble has partnered with, like Foursqure, Goproand, and Yelp.
- Read also: How To Take A Picture With Your Pebble Smart Watch
Data source: via MacRumors
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Google Search for iOS Updated With Voice Controls Reminders Notifications and More
Google today released a major update to its Google Searchapp for iOS, implementing a multitude of new features to Google Now, its built-in personal assistant often compared to Apples Siri.
With the update, Google Now has gained Notifications, Reminders, new cards that include tickets and boarding passes, and handsfree voice activation on the iPhone 4s and later. Voice searches and commands can be activated with the phrase "OK Google," which implements a search.
With notifications, Google Now can provide information on appointments and meetings. Reminders is a robust feature that works with standard reminders, such as "Remind me to buy coffee beans at Starbucks," and with requests that allow users to be notified when a favorite TV show has a new episode or a musician releases a new album.
In addition to the new Google Now capabilities, Google Search has also gained a simplified homepage, new zoom gestures, one touch sign in with other Google apps, and improved voiceover accessibility.
To review and download Google Search on the App Store click here.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
With the update, Google Now has gained Notifications, Reminders, new cards that include tickets and boarding passes, and handsfree voice activation on the iPhone 4s and later. Voice searches and commands can be activated with the phrase "OK Google," which implements a search.
With notifications, Google Now can provide information on appointments and meetings. Reminders is a robust feature that works with standard reminders, such as "Remind me to buy coffee beans at Starbucks," and with requests that allow users to be notified when a favorite TV show has a new episode or a musician releases a new album.
In addition to the new Google Now capabilities, Google Search has also gained a simplified homepage, new zoom gestures, one touch sign in with other Google apps, and improved voiceover accessibility.
Whats New in Version 3.1.0
Google Now gets even better with:
- Notifications - Get notified when its time to go
- Reminders - Never forget to put out the trash
- New cards - See tickets, boarding passes, & more
- Handsfree voice - Just say "OK Google" to search*
*requires iPhone 4s or later
To review and download Google Search on the App Store click here.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Free Apps
Category: Reference
Updated: Nov 05, 2013
Version: 3.1.0
Size: 32.7 MB
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Category: Reference
Updated: Nov 05, 2013
Version: 3.1.0
Size: 32.7 MB
Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)
Monday, May 18, 2015
Find My iPhone Bug in iOS 7 1 Allows Disabling the Service without a Pasword Video
Find My iPhone iCloud service in iOS 7 includes a new feature called "Activation Lock" which is turned on automatically when you set up Find My iPhone, and ties your device with your Apple ID, to prevent anyone else from using your device, so turning off Find My iPhone or erasing your device requires your Apple ID and password. This system ensures that phone thieves can’t disable the service to avoid being tracked, or to login your device in case you put it in lost mode.
For the second time unfortunately we look at this services can be manipulated, the first time in iOS 7.0.4, Apple fixed it in iOS 7.1. The current bug in iOS 7.1 that could allow someone to disable Find My iPhone, it seems easier to by pass the requirement. The method published via 9To5Mac as demonstrated in the video below.
You first need to tap both “delete account” and the switch to disable Find My iPhone at the same time in the iCloud settings panel. That’s actually the hardest part of the entire process. When prompted for a password, hold down the power button and shut down the phone.
When you restart the phone, you’ll be able to go into the iCloud settings panel and remove the account without being prompted for your password. After that you can plug the phone into iTunes and restore it with no problem. Not only that, but because Activation Lock requires Find My iPhone to be enabled, that feature won’t kick in after the phone is restored.
Apple usually advises iOS users for more security in addition to Apple ID and password like in this case, to set a passcode that needs to be entered before anyone can access your informations and apps, that through Settings > General > Passcode Lock or Passcode & Fingerprint.
- How to Use Find My iPhone Pre and After the Losing of Your iPhone
- Most iPhone users have activation lock enabled, survey finds
- Using Find My iPhone to locate a misplaced iOS device
- iOS 7 Tips: How To Delete Text Messages From Your iPhone In iOS 7
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Seene lets you capture 3D objects using an iPhone
A three-dimensional object captured with iPhone app Seene, available today, is hardly the stuff of a James Cameron movie — but is nevertheless incredibly impressive. With less than 30 seconds of setup after installing the app, you can record and manipulate an object in real-time, and in 3D. Its like iOS 7 parallax gone wild.
The science behind the app isnt new, but is executed more effectively than in Seenes predecessors. The app plots points on your subject, then uses parallax to determine its location in space when you move your phone around. Thus, the app can estimate the depth of an object based on how its distorted when you move your phone.
Seene works nicely in well-lit rooms and with detailed subjects, but if your surroundings and object of choice dont fit the apps narrow criteria, the results wont be pretty. But, even with poorly done Seenes, the apps 3D effect is breathtaking since it uses the iPhones accelerometer to alter the perspective of the image accordingly when you move your hand. On the web, moving your mouse on an image alters its perspective.
Shooting a Seene isnt as simple as shooting a video with Vine or a photo with Instagram, but heralds an age where consumers can capture 3D objects just as they would a photograph, without any special equipment. Its no pipe dream to imagine a future where Google has mapped an entire world of places, and people have mapped an entire world of things, printable using any Makerbot printer.
"The computer vision field has too many lab demos and not enough cool, useful consumer products," says Seene co-creator Andrew McPhee. "We wanted to create something that 100s of millions of people could potentially use."
To review and download Seene on the Apps Store click here.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPad Wi-Fi (3rd generation), iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (3rd generation), iPad Wi-Fi (4th generation), iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular (4th generation), iPad mini Wi-Fi, iPad mini Wi-Fi + Cellular and iPod touch (5th generation).
Free Apps
Category: Photo & Video
Released: 14 October 2013
Version: 1.0.1
Size: 7.6 MB
Data source: via The verge (By Ellis Hamburger)
The science behind the app isnt new, but is executed more effectively than in Seenes predecessors. The app plots points on your subject, then uses parallax to determine its location in space when you move your phone around. Thus, the app can estimate the depth of an object based on how its distorted when you move your phone.
Seene works nicely in well-lit rooms and with detailed subjects, but if your surroundings and object of choice dont fit the apps narrow criteria, the results wont be pretty. But, even with poorly done Seenes, the apps 3D effect is breathtaking since it uses the iPhones accelerometer to alter the perspective of the image accordingly when you move your hand. On the web, moving your mouse on an image alters its perspective.
"The computer vision field has too many lab demos and not enough cool, useful consumer products," says Seene co-creator Andrew McPhee. "We wanted to create something that 100s of millions of people could potentially use."
Category: Photo & Video
Released: 14 October 2013
Version: 1.0.1
Size: 7.6 MB
Data source: via The verge (By Ellis Hamburger)
Origine source: seene
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Here’s What A 4 8 inch Gold iPhone 6 Might Look Like Gallery
We’ve barely had the iPhone 5s in our hands for more than a month, but is it too early to start dreaming up what the next iPhone will look like?
Recent rumors have claimed Apple will beef up the screen size on the next iPhone to 5-inch, so one of our favorite concept artist, Martin Hajek has released some new concept images of a golden iPhone 6 that sports a 4.8-inch screen by upgrading to an edge-to-edge display so that the size of the iPhone doesn’t get bigger as well.
The mockup is missing Apple’s fancy new Touch ID feature which will undoubtedly be available on the iPhone 6 and future iPhones, but the all-metal backing and thinner design would be excellent improvements to go along with a bigger display, even if you hate that its dipped in gold.
Here are a couple other looks at Martin’s gold iPhone 6 concept:
Data source: CultofMac (By Buster Heine) [via NWE]
Origine source: Martin Hajek
Friday, May 15, 2015
This Is Without a Doubt What iOS 8 Should Look Like
Nepalese designer Sangam Bhandari thinks Apple can — and should — further. In his latest concept, he imagines a new home screen that is more than just an app launcher, but something like a mash-up between Notification Center and the current Home Screen.
We think it looks great. Check it out after the jump and tell us what you think.
Data source: via CultofMac (By John Brownlee)
Origine source: behance
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Apple CEO Tim Cook on cheap smartphones Were not in the junk business
Facing criticism over higher-than-expected pricing of the new iPhone 5c, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook has defended his companys strategy, saying theres plenty of room to grow — and retain its profits — in the high-end handset market.
Following the introduction of his companys mid-range iPhone 5c and flagship iPhone 5s, Cook was joined by Apple design chief Jony Ive and software head Craig Federighi in speaking with Bloomberg for its latest cover story. The three executives exude confidence in the interview, with Cook saying that his companys share price doesnt affect his mood.
Apples CEO noted that the trend toward cheaper electronics is not new, having occurred previously among VCRs, DVD players, cameras, and PCs. Now that its occurring again with tablets and smartphones, Cook said he doesnt feel compelled to take Apple down that path.
"Theres always a large junk part of the market," Cook said. "Were not in the junk business."
Instead, the Apple CEO said hed prefer to "compete like crazy" for customers who want premium devices that meet their needs. But he wont "lose sleep" over cheaper electronics, because those kinds of devices simply arent in Apples DNA.
"Fortunately, both of these markets are so big, and theres so many people that care and want a great experience from their phone or tablet, that Apple can have a really good business," he said.
Prior to its announcement, observers though the iPhone 5c — Apples new plastic-backed, multi-colored handset — might become a more affordable option in the companys smartphone lineup. Analysts presumed that Apple might price the device around $400 without a contract subsidy, helping increase sales in emerging markets like China, India and Brazil.
Instead, the iPhone 5c was introduced as Apples new mid-range handset, available for $99 with a new two-year service contract, or $549 without a carrier subsidy. That price, along with the fact that Apple did not announce any preorder figures for the iPhone 5c this week, sent the companys stock tumbling.
In response, Cook said his company never had any interest in selling a low-cost iPhone. Instead, he said the purpose of the iPhone 5c is to offer a "great phone and provide a great experience" at a lower cost than the flagship iPhone 5s.
Also featured in the exclusive Bloomberg interview were Federighi and Ive, who revealed that their desks at Apple are a one-minute walk from one another. Both executives were assigned larger roles at the company last year, in a corporate shakeup that was designed to increase collaboration among the companys different departments.
Ive stressed how Apple spends a great deal of time focusing on the smallest of details — something that consumers appreciate when purchasing a premium product, rather than a cheap alternative.
"I do think that we sense when somebody has cared," Ive said. "And one thing that is incontrovertible is how much weve cared."
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Neil Hughes)
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Tim Cook urges employees to refresh themselves on Apple’s code of conduct in video message
An email from Apple’s SVP and General Counsel Bruce Sewell (below) was accompanied by a new version of the policy available to employees in iBooks format and a video from CEO Tim Cook discussing the policy.
It’s unclear if there was a situation at Apple that could have prompted the email and video from Apple executives to employees. Apple notes that the policy “explains in very clear terms how you are expected to conduct yourself with our customers, business partners, government agencies, and fellow employees.” The document also covers legal principles ”like antitrust and anti-corruption laws” that all employees are expected to follow.
In the video, Tim Cook quotes Martin Luther King Jr saying “The time is always right to do what is right” and urges employees to speak up about other employees not following the code of conduct. Cook’s full quote from the video below:
As Dr. Martin Luther King once said, the time is always right to do what’s right. At Apple, we do the right thing. Even when it’s not easy. If you see something that doesn’t meet our standards, speak up. Whether it’s a quality issue or a business practice, if it affects Apple’s integrity, we need to know about it.Product and company related leaks have been one source of frustration for Apple executives related to employees breaking the code of conduct. Last year Tim Cook vowed to “double down” on secrecy of products, but details for the majority of Apple’s major new product launches, including the new iPhone 5S and 5C, continued to leak out. Tim Cook has since mentioned leaks to employees with one source telling us Cook referred to leaks as the “enemy” during a town hall meeting at Apple earlier this year.
The Business Conduct Policy covers conflicts of interest such as personal investments, workplace relationships, outside employment and inventions, as well as rules regarding harassment and discrimination, insider trading, and substance abuse. It also includes Apple’s policies for employees related to public speaking, press inquiries, publishing articles, and endorsements.
The full email from Apple’s SVP and General Counsel Bruce Sewell is below:
Apple Team,
I am writing to ask you to do something very important — set aside a little time to review Apple’s Business Conduct Policy. It explains in very clear terms how you are expected to conduct yourself with our customers, business partners, government agencies, and fellow employees. We expect every Apple employee to understand and comply with these rules.
The Policy is based on Apple’s core values of honesty, respect, confidentiality, and the critical obligation of every Apple employee to adhere to legal principles, like antitrust and anti-corruption laws. Living by it is how we earn the trust of our customers and partners and how we keep Apple a great place to work.
The Business Conduct group has developed a new version of the Policy in iBooks format. The book is convenient and engaging with galleries, video, audio and multi-touch widgets all designed to help you learn about Apple’s principles of business conduct. You can download the new book via Switchboard, or access a web-version here.
If you have questions, or information about conduct you think may violate the Policy, don’t be afraid to speak up. Talk to your manager, your HR representative, or contact the Business Conduct Helpline — which can be done anonymously.
Thank you in advance for treating this seriously and taking responsibility for demonstrating high integrity in every aspect of Apple’s business.
Bruce Sewell
SVP and General Counsel
Data source: 9To5Mac (By Jordan Kahn)
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Apple experimenting with multitouch swipe gestures for keyboard in iOS
Since iOS debuted in 2007 with the iPhone, Apple has been reluctant to incorporate specialized gestures for the platforms virtual keyboard, but a newly awarded patent reveals such functionality may be incorporated in a future version of the operating system.
Source: USPTO
Apples iOS, originally branded "iPhone OS" before taking on the current moniker in 2010, has always relied on touch gestures to navigate its user interface, with swiping and pinch-to-zoom taking the place of monotonous taps and virtual buttons. The input scheme has been adopted in all aspects of the OS, save for one: the keyboard.
While the keyboard seen in iOS 7 has gone through some design tweaks, the backend has remained largely unchanged from its original incarnation. Apples current solution is intuitive, with dynamically scaling hit zones, intelligent autocorrect, and a number of other usability features, but some may argue the existing implementation fails to take full advantage of the latest hardwares capabilities.
Further, Apple does not allow the installation of third-party keyboards for security and system stability reasons, meaning iOS devices cant access apps like the popular Swype for Googles Android.
Apples current iOS 7 keyboard as seen on and iPhone 5s (left) and iPad mini.
A patent awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday, however, shows Apple is not only open to the idea of buffed virtual QWERTY input, but has been experimenting with the technology since at least 2007.
Apples U.S. Patent No. 8,542,206 for "Swipe gestures for touch screen keyboards" has roots in the basic touchscreen properties used throughout iOS, but adapts them for a more space-limited use case scenario seen with the keyboard. Although the patent covers single-finger and multi-finger actions, functionality is limited to swiping gestures.
The document describes a number of functions that can be made available to the user. For example, a swipes can invoke spacing, erasing, punctuation, carriage returns, and other actions common to text entry. In addition, with multi-finger input, these functions may take on degrees, such as deleting a word or even an entire line of text.
Illustrating the inventions utility, the above picture shows a user attempting to enter "ok" in response to a message. While "o" was entered correctly, the user tapped "j" instead of the adjacent "k" button. With the current iOS keyboard, the "j" must be erased with the Delete key if "oj" is not autocorrected to "ok." Apple notes a simple one-finger swipe to the left could stand as a replacement for this action.
Graphical assets associated with certain functions, like backspace, can be displayed to remind users of the direction in which to swipe to activate a certain key. For example, top hats with arrows facing in the direction of the swipe can be overlaid on the keyboards GUI when a gesture is invoked.
As mentioned above, a multi-finger implementation can also be employed to augment the key action. In this example, a two-finger swipe to the left would erase the last word typed, while a three-finger swipe would delete the line.
Other gestures include up swipe to initiate the Shift function, down for a carriage return and right to insert a character space. These, too, can be accompanied by multi-finger options.
Two-finger swipes up can be translated to Caps Lock, while a three-finger gesture may bring up special accented characters or an international keyboard. Multi-finger swipes to the right could be used to invoke a period and a space, word suggestions and the display a listing of possible word completions. Finally, downward two- and three-finger swipes can enter a punctuation mark or bring up a punctuation pad.
The patent goes into detail regarding input thresholds and how the UI detects and determines what counts as a swipe. In addition, more advanced cases are described that use diagonal swipes for even more functionality.
It is unclear if Apple will decide to include the technology into a future version of iOS, though the compnay has shown little interest in changing the system-wide keyboard beyond Tuesdays patent.
Apples swipe gestures for keyboard patent was first filed for in 2007 and credits Carl Wayne Westerman, Henri Lamiraux and Matthew Evan Dreisbach as its inventors.
Data source: via AppleInsider (By Mikey Campbell)
Sunday, May 10, 2015
BlackBerry Receives Takeover Bid Worth 4 7 Billion or 9 Share
BlackBerry has agreed to a "letter of intent" to be acquired by Fairfax Financial, in a potential deal worth $4.7 billion or $9 per share. Fairfax currently owns 10% of BlackBerry shares.
Fairfax Financial is a conglomerate holding company, somewhat like a Canadian Berkshire Hathaway. The companys primary business is insurance. Fairfaxs CEO, Prem Watsa, was on the BlackBerry board of directors until he resigned from the position last month.
The deal is far from complete, with "a number of conditions" according to Bloomberg reporter Sarah Frier. The agreement includes six weeks of due diligence and, in the meantime, BlackBerry is free to look for higher bids, though Fairfax has the right to match those bids.
Fairfax Financial is a conglomerate holding company, somewhat like a Canadian Berkshire Hathaway. The companys primary business is insurance. Fairfaxs CEO, Prem Watsa, was on the BlackBerry board of directors until he resigned from the position last month.
The deal is far from complete, with "a number of conditions" according to Bloomberg reporter Sarah Frier. The agreement includes six weeks of due diligence and, in the meantime, BlackBerry is free to look for higher bids, though Fairfax has the right to match those bids.
From The Globe and Mail:
"BlackBerry has fallen on hard times recently, but we have every confidence it will be successful again," Fairfax CEO Prem Watsa said in an interview.
[…]
Mr. Watsa said that a significant amount of the equity in the deal will come from Canada. There are no strategic players, or other technology firms, in the consortium.
"If the right strategic investor comes in we’d consider taking them as a partner in this company," Mr. Watsa said. "We’re looking at any possibility for the good of the company, its customers and its employees."
As part of a larger reorganization of the company, BlackBerry said on Friday that it would layoff 40 percent of its staff, ceasing sales of devices to consumers. The company also put the imminent release of the iOS version of BlackBerry Messenger on indefinite hold because of separate technical issues with the rollout.
BlackBerry shares had been halted because of the news, but last traded at $8.23 a share. The stock traded near $15 as recently as July.
BlackBerry shares had been halted because of the news, but last traded at $8.23 a share. The stock traded near $15 as recently as July.
Data source: via Macrumors (By Jordan Golson)
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Apple Releases iOS 7 0 3 Adds Support for iCloud Keychain Accelerometer Issues
Apple today released iOS 7.0.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, a bug fix update with a build number of 11B511 for all devices. iOS 7.0.3 is available as an over-the-air update. It weighs in at 92.8MB on the iPhone 5s.
The update adds support for the iCloud Keychain service that was added in OS X Mavericks, as well a numerous bug fixes including a calibration issue with the iPhone 5s accelerometer.
This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:
- Adds iCloud Keychain to keep track of your account names, passwords, and credit card numbers across all your approved devices
- Adds Password Generator so Safari can suggest unique, hard-to-guess passwords for your online accounts
- Updates lock screen to delay display of "slide to unlock" when Touch ID is in use
- Adds back the ability to search the web and Wikipedia from Spotlight search
- Fixes an issue where iMessage failed to send for some users
- Fixes a bug that could prevent iMessage from activating
- Improves system stability when using iWork apps
- Fixes an accelerometer calibration issue
- Addresses an issue that could cause Siri and VoiceOver to use a lower quality voice
- Fixes a bug that could allow someone to bypass the Lock screen passcode
- Enhances the Reduce Motion setting to minimize both motion and animation
- Fixes an issue that could cause VoiceOver input to be too sensitive
- Updates the Bold Text setting to also change dial pad text
- Fixes an issue that could cause supervised devices to become un-supervised when updating software
The new Reduce Motion effect could assuage the concerns of many users who found the new parallax and other effects in iOS 7 to be visually unsettling. MacStories posted this video showing the new, more subtle cross-fade effect. Reduce Motion is accessible in Settings/General/Accessibility/Reduce Motion.
iOS 7.0.2 was released late last month with a build of 11B501.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Jordan Golson)
Friday, May 8, 2015
Report 5 5 inch iPhone Air may Be Delayed Due to Battery Issues
iPhone Air concept.
Taiwans Industrial and Commercial Times (via G4Games) reported that the rumored Apples larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 may be delayed and will launch in 2015. The report noted that the company is stuggling with finding a battery that measure 2 mm to fit in the devices "very thin" profile, the batteries used in the current iPhones are 3 mm thick.
The report also pointed that the 5.5-inch model is internally referred to by Apple suppliers as iPhone Air, which has not been finalized as an official name for the larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6. If the claims are true, the iPhone Air would join the convoy which includes Apples MacBook Air and recently released iPad Air, that provides a product with a slim chassis.
Besides to larger screen, next generation-iPhone is expected to sport an ultra-thin design with rounded edges. It may include A8 processor with 1GB RAM, Touch ID fingerprint sensor and an upgraded camera featuring optical image stabilization. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek reported that Apple is negotiating with carriers for a $100 price increase on the iPhone 6 as the device gets larger and the company packs more technology into it.
Data source: Ctee via G4Games, MacRumors
Read also:
- iPhone Air, iPhone 6c concepts that may never be (video)
- iPhone Air Concept Promo Video
- Air vs. Air: Can the iPad Air be a suitable stand-in for a MacBook Air?
Thursday, May 7, 2015
MOGAs Upcoming iPhone Game Controller Leaked in New Photos
After Apple announced support for an upcoming "Made for iPhone" (MFi) program supporting certified game controllers using new APIs in iOS 7, a report indicated that Logitech and MOGA were among the first wave of companies to be working closely with Apple on such accessories.
Logitechs controller has been seen several times already, and now a photo of MOGAs offering has been leaked on Twitter by @evleaks. Apparently called the "MOGA Ace Power", the enclosure controller reportedly includes an integrated 1800 mAh battery and the photo reveals not only the traditional D-pad on the left front and buttons on the right front and shoulders of the device, but also dual thumbsticks on the left and right front.
A second photo shows the controller in closed mode when the iPhone has been removed.
Apple has yet to officially announce the launch of its MFi program for game controllers, but it is clear that third-party manufacturers are gearing up to launch their products. Companies such as ClamCase and Logitech have been teasing their offerings, suggesting that a launch may be rather close, but launch details for the devices have yet to be revealed.
Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)
Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)
The Changes in iOS 7 1 Beta 4 You’ll Notice
but not with the same intensity in the visual changes, that mean iOS 7.1 beta 4 focused more heavily on the background improvements.
The changes as has been circulating in some websites:
Slide to Unlock & Power Off: Slide to Unlock bar now is more prominent, with a brighter, slower animation, can be see the same brighter animation in the Slide to Power off bar when turning off the phone.
MacRumors
Photos App: app icon has changed
via iDB reader
Contacts in Dialer: The + sign to the left of the dialled number to add a contact when entering a phone number. Previously, there was a line that said "Add to Contacts."
Old version on left, iOS 7.1 beta 4 on right. (via MacRumors [iDownloadBlog])
Siri: new voice gender in the U.K on the iPad.
Messages: When scrolling through the Messages app there is a bit more bounce
The are a number of visual changes of iOS 7.1. Here to take a look of the previous beta versions changes:
- iOS 7.1 beta 3
- iOS 7.1 beta 2
- iOS 7.1 beta 1
Back to December a report claimed that Apple will not release the ios 7.1 to the public until sometime in March.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Top 5 softwares for your windows PC Free Download Best Softwares To Install On Computer
A new Windows computer needs good software if the user wants to make the most out of his machine.
Here I will give List of 5 softwares which are must for a new PC :-
You can also download these softwares for free
Microsoft Security Essentials might go down in history as one of the best free software released by this tech giant. This tool has given a number of antivirus vendors, especially those who provide full-fledged free versions, a run for their money. It can protect your PC from viruses, spyware and malware.
You didn’t think I’d give a miss to CCleaner in this list, did you? I am yet to find a better tool to perform a routine PC maintenance and get rid of temporary files and data. The tool is as amazing as it ever was. In fact, better, as it continues to be regularly updated. And as you’d have guessed, we wrote a guide on using CCleaner too.
Recuva is an excellent (and free) software to recover deleted files. But why do we need it now? That’s because there’s a lot of deleting and uninstalling happening with CCleaner, Revo Uninstaller, PC Decrapifier and all. If you suddenly delete something that you shouldn’t, and then want to recover it, you would have this tool to fall back on. Our tutorial on using Recuva will provide more information on using this tool.
We have previously talked about the importance of creating a system image and how to create it using the built-in Windows backup and restore center (you should also create a system repair disc). Now, this might not be available in all editions of Windows so I’d suggest a worthy, and more powerful alternative called Macrium Reflect. Use it to create an initial system image, and for other such tasks as you start using the computer.
Use Defraggler to defrag your entire hard drive, or individual files - unique in the industry. This compact and portable Windows application supports NTFS and FAT32 file systems.
Here I will give List of 5 softwares which are must for a new PC :-
You can also download these softwares for free
1. Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials might go down in history as one of the best free software released by this tech giant. This tool has given a number of antivirus vendors, especially those who provide full-fledged free versions, a run for their money. It can protect your PC from viruses, spyware and malware.
2. CCleaner
You didn’t think I’d give a miss to CCleaner in this list, did you? I am yet to find a better tool to perform a routine PC maintenance and get rid of temporary files and data. The tool is as amazing as it ever was. In fact, better, as it continues to be regularly updated. And as you’d have guessed, we wrote a guide on using CCleaner too.
3. Recuva
Recuva is an excellent (and free) software to recover deleted files. But why do we need it now? That’s because there’s a lot of deleting and uninstalling happening with CCleaner, Revo Uninstaller, PC Decrapifier and all. If you suddenly delete something that you shouldn’t, and then want to recover it, you would have this tool to fall back on. Our tutorial on using Recuva will provide more information on using this tool.
4. Macrium Reflect or Windows Backup and Restore
We have previously talked about the importance of creating a system image and how to create it using the built-in Windows backup and restore center (you should also create a system repair disc). Now, this might not be available in all editions of Windows so I’d suggest a worthy, and more powerful alternative called Macrium Reflect. Use it to create an initial system image, and for other such tasks as you start using the computer.
5.Defraggler
Use Defraggler to defrag your entire hard drive, or individual files - unique in the industry. This compact and portable Windows application supports NTFS and FAT32 file systems.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)