Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Two iPhone 6 Concepts One with a 4 5 inch Curved Glass the other with a 4 7 inch Bezel Free Sapphire Display Videos


We bring you two new concepts for the upcoming iPhone 6.

The first is a concept from Arthur Reis (video by Ran Avni) which shows 4.5-inch iPhone 6 with a curved sapphire screen, better camera, higher performance and all-new design.


Source: Youtube

The second is from TechRadar, the iPhone 6 concept keeps the same basic design of the iPhone 5 with a thinner (5.5mm), featured a 4.7-inch high-resolution display (1080 x 1920 pixels) and a bezel-free design. This display will be composed of sapphire crystal with self healing coat. The home button will be replaced by a button free-display with updated Touch ID for more secure and responsive. The back side of the phone will be dominated by a 13-megapixel camera with ring light flash and iSight sensor “the best iPhone camera ever” as touted.



Source: Youtube

Read also: iPhone Air Concept Features 17% Larger Display but the Device Just 8% Larger (Video)


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Monday, May 25, 2015

Touch ID Bypass Detailed Average Consumer Shouldnt Worry


Over the weekend, the Chaos Computer Club announced that it had bypassed Apple’s Touch ID sensor using a photograph of a fingerprint to create a fake fingerprint model. 

The full fingerprint emulation process has now been detailed in a new video from CCC member Starbug and replicated by security expert Marc Rogers, who believes the average consumer has nothing to worry about.



As seen in the video, the CCC uses a fingerprint taken from the screen of the iPhone 5s and then uses a complicated multi-step process to convert it to a usable print. According to Starbug, who spoke to Ars Technica, the process "was way easier than expected," taking just 30 hours to complete.
I was very disappointed, as I hoped to hack on it for a week or two. There was no challenge at all; the attack was very straightforward and trivial.

The Touch ID is nevertheless a very reliable fingerprint system. However, users should only consider it an increase in convenience and not security.
While Starbug suggests that the hack is "very easy" and can be completed with "inexpensive office equipment like an image scanner, a laser printer, and a kit for etching PCBs," Marc Rogers, who also completed the bypass, disagrees, noting that it requires "over a thousand dollars worth of equipment."

But, the reality is these flaws are not something that the average consumer should worry about. Why? Because exploiting them was anything but trivial.

Hacking TouchID relies upon a combination of skills, existing academic research and the patience of a Crime Scene Technician.
Rogers goes on to explain the process, which requires an unsmudged, complete print of the correct finger and a way to “lift” the print using cyanoacrylate (super glue) fumes, fingerprint powder, and fingerprint tape. The lifted fingerprint must then be photographed, edited, and printed onto transparency film, where it is converted to a usable fingerprint via a PCB board or a laser printer.

Even when all of these steps are created, using the fake fingerprint was "tricky" and prone to failure.
So what do we learn from all this?

Practically, an attack is still a little bit in the realm of a John le Carré novel. It is certainly not something your average street thief would be able to do, and even then, they would have to get lucky. Don’t forget you only get five attempts before TouchID rejects all fingerprints requiring a PIN code to unlock it.

However, let’s be clear, TouchID is unlikely to withstand a targeted attack. A dedicated attacker with time and resources to observe his victim and collect data, is probably not going to see TouchID as much of a challenge. Luckily this isn’t a threat that many of us face.
With Touch ID able to be bypassed through a fake fingerprint, it remains unclear how the system functions. According to Apple, the sensor uses advanced capacitive touch and takes a high-resolution image from the “sub-epidermal layers” of skin, a process that, theoretically, should render a fake fingerprint useless. Starbug speculates that this is due to Apples desire for usability over security, noting that the sensor will be defeated if the fake fingerprint is "sufficiently close" to the characteristics of human tissue.

Since its release, Touch ID has been the subject of much scrutiny. Senator Al Franken has sent a letter to Tim Cook asking a number of questions about the security of the system and the exact fingerprint storage process, and Apple has published an extensive knowledge base article about the benefits of the Touch ID system to alleviate some consumer concerns.


Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)

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Sunday, May 24, 2015

Alleged iPhone 6 Manufacturing Mold Points to a 4 7 Inch Display

Click to larger.
In addition to several photos over the weekend surfaced manufacturing molds that being used for the shaping of the iPhone 6, the images were free of the dimentions, so that we could determine or estimate the size of the device. A new photo shared by Nowhereelse.fr shows a nearly identical mold with an iPhone 4s placed next to it for comparison. The report claimed that based on comparison calculations, the mold could in fact yield a device with a display of roughly 4.7-inches, in line with iPhone 6 rumored size.

One source of uncertainty lies in the shape of the mold, which is tapered. But Nowhereelse.fr believes that there are additional parts to be added to the bottom of the mold, which would result in the iPhone’s body being formed at the wider portion of the mold depression.
Some of the holes that were drilled into the block in fact serve to fix the inserts which will form a crude which is then machined housing (finishes) using a CNC milling machine. Thus, and assuming that my theory is correct, the dimensions of the box will be determined by the widest part and not the bottom of the mold.

In this assumption, I started to resize the photo to scale against me in reference to the size of the iPhone 4s. I then measured the dimensions of the widest part of the mold which is approximately 138mm long by 64mm wide.

by superimposing and resizing the image of an iPhone 5s into the mold and aligning it with the wider portion of the depression, Nowwhereelse.fr confirmed that device’s screen would be roughly 12 centimeters or 4.7 inches diagonally.

Apple is expected to launch a 4.7 inch iPhone in September followed by a larger 5.5-inch model shortly after. 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 with more technology into it.


Source: Nowhereelse.fr via MacRumors

Read also:
  • iPhone 6c Concept, with 4.7-inch Display, in a Variety of Colors (Video)
  • iPhone Air Concept with Three Different Sizes: Mini, Air, and Pro (video)

Read more »

Friday, May 22, 2015

Apple Releases iOS 7 1 1 With Touch ID Improvements and Bug Fixes


Apple released today iOS 7.1.1 to the public after a month and half from the releasing of iOS 7.1 that including several visual tweaks, bug fixes, CarPlay feature, Siri improvements, and Touch ID enhancements.

The new update labled as built (11d201), it comes with additional improvements to Apples Touch ID, the extermination of a bug that was impacting keyboard responsiveness, and fixes a bug involving Bluetooth keyboards with VoiceOver enabled. iOS 7.1.1 also includes Safari support for new top-level domains like photo and camera.
This update contains improvements, bug fixes and security updates, including:

- Further improvements to Touch ID fingerprint recognition
- Fixes a bug that could impact keyboard responsiveness
- Fixes an issue when using Bluetooth keyboards with VoiceOver enabled
You can download iOS 7.1.1 via an OTA update on your device, or through iTunes, or you can grab the version you need in the download links below:
  • Apple TV 2G (AppleTV2,1) version 6.1.1 (Build 11D201c), Download
  • Apple TV 3G (AppleTV3,1) version 6.1.1 (Build 11D201c), Download
  • AppleTV3,2 (AppleTV3,2) version 6.1.1 (Build 11D201c), Download
  • iPad 2 (Wi-Fi) (iPad2,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 2 (GSM) (iPad2,2) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 2 (CDMA) (iPad2,3) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad2,4 (iPad2,4) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad Mini (Wi-Fi) (iPad2,5) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad Mini (GSM) (iPad2,6) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad Mini (CDMA) (iPad2,7) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 3 (Wi-Fi) (iPad3,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 3 (GSM) (iPad3,2) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 3 (CDMA) (iPad3,3) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 4 (Wi-Fi) (iPad3,4) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 4 (GSM) (iPad3,5) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad 4 (CDMA) (iPad3,6) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad4,1 (iPad4,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad4,2 (iPad4,2) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad4,3 (iPad4,3) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad4,4 (iPad4,4) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad4,5 (iPad4,5) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPad4,6 (iPad4,6) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone 4 (GSM) (iPhone3,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone 4 (GSM) (2012) (iPhone3,2) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone 4 (CDMA) (iPhone3,3) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone 4S (iPhone4,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone 5 (GSM) (iPhone5,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone 5 (CDMA) (iPhone5,2) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone5,3 (iPhone5,3) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone5,4 (iPhone5,4) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone6,1 (iPhone6,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPhone6,2 (iPhone6,2) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download
  • iPod touch 5G (iPod5,1) version 7.1.1 (Build 11D201), Download

Apple has also released Apple TV 6.1.1 Software Update for the second and third generation Apple TV as well.


Source: Apple via MacRumors

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Thursday, May 21, 2015

Microsoft wants you to buy their products to start offering cash for iPhones


Earlier in the month, Microsoft -- which would love for you to pick up one of its new second-generation Surface 2 tablets -- began offering iPad owners a paltry US$200 or more for a trade-in in hopes that youd actually fall for the ploy, grab the cash and buy one of their beleaguered tablets.
Now Forbes is reporting that Microsoft will be offering you a minimum of $200 for your iPhone 4s or iPhone 5 at some of the US and Canadian Microsoft Stores.

In this case, the trade-in promotion is part of the #timetoswitch campaign, and Microsoft is hoping that youll ditch your nice and relatively new iPhone for a Windows Phone instead of an iPhone 5s or 5c. Not that Microsoft seems desperate or anything, but they also have an online campaign that started a few weeks ago where theyll take any Apple, Android or BlackBerry device in return for a Visa gift card. I wonder how much theyll give me for that third-generation iPod classic thats sitting on the shelf...

Forbes Kelly Clay said it best: "Apples impressive sales figures of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c in the past few days mean millions of consumers are not only freshly tied into new contracts but overtly prefer the iOS platform over Windows as they waited to purchase the new line of iPhones -- and avoided purchasing a Windows Phone when they had the chance."

Its beginning to look like Microsofts business strategy for the near future is to become the leading vendor of used smartphones and tablets.


Data source: via TUAW (By Steven Sande)

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Microsoft launches official Remote Desktop app for Apples iOS

iPhone Screenshot 2

Microsoft Remote Desktop is a free application available on the iOS App Store, compatible with both iPhone and iPad. Its a 12.6-megabyte download that requires iOS 6.0 or later.


According to Microsoft, the new application offers access to a Windows PC with RemoteFX. Features of the software include:
  • Access to remote resources through the Remote Desktop Gateway
  • Rich multi-touch experience with remote desktop protocol (RDP) and RemoteFX supporting Windows gestures
  • Secure connection to your data and applications with breakthrough Network Layer Authentication (NLA) technology
  • Simple management of all remote connections from the connection center
  • High quality video and sound streaming with improved compression and bandwidth usage 
  • Easy connection to external monitors or projectors for presentations

Word of Microsofts new Remote Desktop apps for both iOS and OS X was made by the company last week. New versions are also said to be coming to Android, Windows, and Windows RT.

The new Remote Desktop application is the latest in a series of gradual software launches for Apples iOS platform from Microsoft. The biggest product still in the works, and hotly anticipated by iPad users, is a touch-optimized version of Microsoft Office.


To review and download Microsoft Remote Desktop on the App Store click here.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

FreeApps
Category: Business
Released: 17 October 2013
Version: 8.0.0
Size: 12.6 MB

Data source: via AppleInsider (By AppleInsider Staff)

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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

LifeProof launches first Touch ID compatible waterproof case for iPhone 5s


One particularly cruel Internet prank tricked some (hopefully few) iPhone owners into thinking that iOS 7 somehow made their devices waterproof. Thats ridiculous of course, but today LifeProof is launching a case for the iPhone 5s that actually does make the device impervious to water. The case is part of the "nuud" line from LifeProof, and it provides protection from water up to a depth of 6.6ft.

There is no shortage of waterproof cases for the iPhone 5 (or 5s, given that its dimensions are the same), but LifeProofs new protector is the first that is fully compatible with Touch ID, allowing fingerprint sensing through the waterproof layer. But for premium protection youll be paying a premium price: The iPhone 5s nuud case will set you back a cool $89.99US.


Data source: via TUAW (By Mike Wehner)
Origine source: LifeProof
To get one: LifeProof Store

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Monday, May 18, 2015

Henri Lamiraux Apple’s top iOS Engineering Vice President leaves company after 23 years


Henri Lamiraux, Apple’s top Vice President of Engineering for the iOS iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch operating system has left the company, according to a source and corroborated by his LinkedIn profile.


Lamiraux confirmed his departure to me via email. He says that he retired from Apple a “couple of weeks” ago, following the release of iOS 7.0.3. Lamiraux decided a “little while ago” that iOS 7 would be his last release…

Sources within Apple’s iOS division say Lamiraux is respected and he was in charge of developing the applications that come with iOS. The executive also led feature-implementation across the operating system, and he managed both bug-fixing processes and feature distribution to consumers. He also managed the frameworks within the operating system that power features and allow developers to build applications…

With Craig Federighi becoming the Senior VP of both iOS and OS X last fall, Lamiraux’s role became more critical than ever. He was essentially the “head of iOS” while Federighi managed all software, according to descriptions from sources. Before working under Federighi, Lamiraux was a top lieutenant to Scott Forstall, working alongside design, testing, and wireless software vice presidents.

Last year’s executive shakeup moved around some of these vice presidents, but sources say that Apple has since slowly moved VPs back to the iOS division. For example, with Bob Mansfield’s recent role reduction from the executive team, wireless software engineering has moved back to Federighi’s domain.

Lamiraux started his career at Apple in the form of a Mac software engineer. Over the course of his over-two-decade-tenure at Apple, he worked his way to the top via positions as a Mac software engineering manager, director of software engineering for iOS, and senior director of engineering for iOS. Lamiraux moved to the iOS team around 2005, making him one of the few engineers to work on the iPhone project from the beginning. He worked at Apple for 23 years.

Outside of Apple, Lamiraux was known to App Store developers as he frequently appeared in developer sessions and videos at WWDC conferences. Additionally, in 2012, he led the keynote address for developers following the consumer and media presentation.

At a time where Apple’s software engineering division is moving out of almost-decade-long influence from the leadership of Scott Forstall, Lamiraux’s departure as being one of the top leaders of Apple’s arguably single-most-important product, is a significant loss for Apple. It’s unlikely that consumers will see additional changes within iOS because of the departure, and Apple is moving strong with the future of iOS under the guide of Jony Ive and engineering prowess of Craig Federighi.

Apple’s Software Engineering division is already working on the follow-ups to OS X Mavericks and iOS 7. OS X 10.10, codenamed “Syrah,” is expected to feature a redesigned user-interface, while iOS 8 is said to include additional software-integration for the new iPhone and iPad M7 motion chip and new features for Apple’s built-in Maps app.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Data source: via 9To5Mac (By Mark Gurman)

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Sunday, May 17, 2015

How to avoid big international iPhone data charges


Taking an iPhone on an international trip can be a harrowing experience. Every time you post a status update to Twitter or check your email, you imagine your wireless carrier charging you a fortune in international data roaming fees.

But there are ways to stay connected while youre traveling without freaking out about the cost. Taking advantage of some new features in iOS 7 and following a few savvy data-roaming strategies can ensure that at least that aspect of your trip is worry-free.


Close the data spigot
Turn off Roaming and youll use no data at all.

The most important iPhone setting when you travel internationally is found in the Settings app, in the Cellular section: Data Roaming. Turn this switch off, and when you leave the country, your iPhone will just stop using data entirely, even when it’s on the local phone network.

But that’s a real all-or-nothing proposition. You’ll still be able to get phone calls and texts, and youll get data whenever youre on a Wi-Fi network. But your iPhone will never transmit or receive data on the local cellular network. You’ll be free from data charges, but you’ll also be free from data.

Use the Cellular portion of the Settings
app to restrict which apps can use
data and to monitor their usage.
Fortunately, in iOS 7 there’s a way to control the data spigot app by app. Scroll down through the Cellular section of Settings and you’ll find the Use Cellular Data For section. From here, you can turn off Internet access to individual apps. If you’re traveling internationally and just want to, say, load Google Maps data without every other app on your phone generating hundreds of dollars worth of roaming charges, you can say so on this screen: Just turn off the switch for every single app except the one(s) you want to use.

Even better, in this same section, underneath each app, you’ll see the amount of data it uses when you’re on a cellular connection. If you want to carefully monitor your usage while you’re out of the country, scroll down to the bottom of the Cellular section and tap Reset Statistics. Now you’ll be able to see exactly how much data you’re using while you’re gone.


Talk to your carrier

Before you leave the country, talk to your wireless carrier (or visit its website) to see what international plans it offers. It may be cheapest and easiest to buy a very small amount of (expensive) international data rather than paying roaming fees, especially if you’re going to severely limit your data usage or if you’re only going to be out of the country for a few days.

If you’re an AT&T customer, you may also want to ask about unlocking your phone. If your phone is more than two years old (or if you have an older iPhone laying around), you can ask AT&T to unlock its SIM-card slot. If you do so, you can then pop out your iPhone’s identity card when traveling overseas and replace it with one from the country you’re traveling to—and save a bundle on data in the process. (More on this in a little bit.)

If you’re a Verizon or Sprint customer, you’re in luck. Your iPhone has a card slot, but in all likelihood that slot is already unlocked. (If you’re not sure, call your carrier and ask.)


Buy a prepaid SIM card

For €20, I had unlimited data for a week.
Most of us have gotten used to having freely available Internet access in our pockets all the time. It’s disconcerting when it’s not there. To keep using the Internet in the way you’re accustomed, seek out a local cellular provider once you arrive in your destination country, and buy a pre-paid SIM card. (And make sure they’ve got the right size of card for your iPhone; newer iPhones use nano-SIMs, while older models use micro-SIMs.)

When I recently went to Ireland, I visited a Three store and bought a prepaid card for €20. I was in and out of the store in five minutes, about half an hour later my iPhone was on the local 3G network, and I had unlimited 3G data for my entire stay. I was shocked at how easy the entire process was.

Offers differ from country to country, so it’s worth doing a little research before you travel. I was able to identify the right carrier, the right deal, and even the location of the store I needed to go to before I had even left the States.

Keep in mind, for this to work your iPhone needs to have an unlocked SIM slot. I used a Verizon iPhone 5 and it worked just fine, and it worked in an unlocked iPhone 5s as well. Also, once you switch SIM cards, you won’t be able to receive calls at your old phone number until you switch back: Your phone will have a new, local phone number. (Internet-based stuff like iMessage and email will all still work as normal, it’s just your phone number that will have changed.)

I only ran into one problem with this approach: I tried to log into my Facebook account, and it detected that I was logging in from an unusual location (Ireland). It wanted to do a two-factor authentication to verify who I was, by sending a text to my U.S. cellphone number. For that to work, I’d need to switch back to my old U.S. SIM card.


If your iPhone’s not unlocked

If you’re on AT&T and your phone’s not at least two years old, you can’t buy a prepaid SIM card. Do you have a cellular-enabled iPad or (even better) iPad mini? Those devices are already SIM unlocked, so they should be able to accept a local SIM card just as easily as your phone. Toting an iPad mini around foreign streets might seem a little silly, but it could be a nice workaround if there’s just no other way. You could also consider buying or renting a portable Wi-Fi router that connects to the local broadband network—stick it in your pocket and connect your U.S. devices on Wi-Fi.

If you’re planning on traveling internationally in the future, you might want to consider holding on to your old iPhone when you buy a new one, and having your carrier unlock it. If you travel a lot, consider buying an unlocked model or using Verizon or Sprint. My wife’s former boss splits the year between the U.S. and New Zealand, so she bought a Verizon iPhone 5 and uses a local New Zealand SIM card when she’s down there. It works perfectly.


Travel safe

This should all work better than it does. At least T-Mobile is making some strides in this area, offering free 2G international data to its customers. For the time being, carriers seem content to overcharge international travelers for data, so it’s up to the savvy traveler to find ways to cut costs. If you’re using your existing carrier’s roaming plan, turn off data access for all but the most vital apps and turn off data entirely when you don’t need it. If you want to roam free, buy a prepaid SIM card from a local carrier and stop stressing out.


Data source: via Macworld (By Jason Snell)

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Apples iWatch Said to Arrive in October 2014 with Wireless Charging

Sixth-generation iPod nano with watch face

According to Chinese site C Technology [Google Translate, via GForGames], Apple is planning to release its long-rumored iWatch alongside the next iPhone in October 2014, with the company having tested two iWatch prototypes. However, the report also states that Apple has not decided on the final screen size of the device, with the prototype units being powered by a 100 mAh battery. The iWatch is also said to include wireless charging capabilities which will allow the device to charge from up to a meter away.

The report questions the reported inclusion of a 100 mAh battery, noting that it seems far too small to allow for significant battery life. Samsungs Galaxy Gear watch contains a 315 mAh battery and has received criticism over poor battery life.

Battery life has previously been reported as being an issue for Apple, with iWatch prototypes lasting only 1-2 days on a charge and the company hoping to find ways to extend that to 4-5 days. C Technology notes that wireless charging would be one way to reduce the burden of frequent charges, but it is unclear exactly how it would be implemented by Apple. A 100 mAh battery in the iWatch would roughly match the 105 mAh battery seen in the sixth-generation iPod nano that was designed in part to be able to be used as a watch.

In contrast, a report last month from Digitimes stated that the iWatch would be released in Q2 2014, with component makers having started pilot production for the device. The report also stated that low part yields have pushed back mass production of the device from an internal target date of Q1 2014 to Q2 2014, with Apple suppliers Quanta, Inventec, and Foxconn said to be competing for iWatch production orders.

iWatch reports have surfaced throughout the past few months, with Apple rumored to be releasing both 1.7 and 1.3-inch display sizes of the watch for men and women. NPD DisplaySearch analyst Paul Gagnon also noted that Apple appears to have put its major television product plans on hold for the time being in order to focus on wearables such as the iWatch.

C Technologys rumor track record is mixed, with the site being a frequent source of accurate iPhone 5s and 5c photo leaks leading up to the launch of those devices but also sharing several inaccurate pictures claimed to be of iPads in gold and/or with Touch ID prior to the introduction of the new tablets.


Data source: via MacRumors (By Richard Padilla)

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Thursday, May 14, 2015

iOS 7 Adoption Already As High As 35 In One Day Apple And Developers Reap The Rewards


Apple’s big iOS 7 update rolled out to devices yesterday, around 1 p.m. ET, and while many users encountered a lot of frustrating server errors trying to get it, the numbers show that a lot of people were successful in updating. Like, a whole lot.

We’ve gathered results from a number of mobile publishing firms to find out what the numbers look like after 24 hours, and the trends indicate a very rapid rate of adoption. Chitika says that iOS 7 generated just over 18 percent of traffic from North American users on their platform over the past 24 hours, which beats out the iOS 6 first day update stats. Their study covers around 300 million page views from devices in the U.S. and Canada, and revealed that a day in, there were more users on iOS 7 than there were one day into the iOS 6 launch by about three percentage points.


Mobile web and app analytics provider Mixpanel has been watching the iOS 7 uptake in real time, and has found that within the first 24 hours, devices running iOS 7 hitting its network reached 35 percent. The firm also found that many people updated during the workday (with 22 percent on iOS in the 10 hours following its launch), and that many more were updating late into the night Pacific time, with another 10 percent coming on between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. PT. Predicting adoption based on the current rate, Mixpanel says iOS 7 could exceed iOS 6 activity on its network by this time tomorrow. Android, by comparison, still sees Jelly Bean (all versions) accounting for only 57 percent of traffic on the Mixpanel network, a full 450 days after the first version’s launch.


Mixpanel’s data is coming from nearly 2 billion impression records, distributed equally among all of its clients so as not to skew the data by relying too heavily on, say, an iPhone or Apple-focused blog’s mobile website or app.

Mobile and tablet website optimization company Onswipe has also been watching the numbers on its platform, and their sample size of around 1 million unique iOS devices reveals that around 31.27 percent of users are already on iOS 7. iPhone adoption is slightly ahead with 34.04 percent of total traffic coming from iOS 7, while on iPads visitors with the latest OS represent 26.12 percent of the pie. Both are up from last year and iOS 6, when 14.18 percent of iPads and 27.04 percent of iPhones had updated to iOS 6 24 hours in, making for a total of 24.77 percent of users across all devices.


“iOS 7 is getting such rapid adoption because it’s like getting a brand new phone instantly and for free,” Onswipe CEO Jason Baptiste told me via email. “Its adoption is also being accelerated by developers pushing a brand new iOS 7 redesign to their large user bases.”

This adoption is definitely unmatched by any other platform and its updates, mobile or otherwise. Apple has a key advantage here not only because it issues updates over-the-air, meaning users can get them wherever they’re connected to a Wi-Fi network instead of having to tether to their computers, but also because of Apple’s unprecedented and unmatched relationship with its carrier partners.

There’s a side benefit for developers who jump on early, too: Users new to iOS 7 are hungry for software that complements it, and those app makers who’ve made the switch to iOS 7-specific designs are seeing big download boosts thanks to both consumer interest and promotional efforts from Apple. The iPhone-maker has been highlighting iOS 7-ready apps and updates in its iPad and iPhone App Store ever since the update went live, and some of those apps, like OminiFocus2 and NBC, have seen their chart positions rise as a result.

In short, Apple’s adoption rates aren’t suffering because of the big changes in iOS 7, as some had suspected, and in fact the shift seems to be drawing in a more eager crowd with a very healthy appetite for apps. We’re just a day into this, however, which means that so far the numbers could reflect an outsized portion of early adopters anyway. We’ll be watching these numbers to see if they continue to mirror or exceed previous adoption trajectories for new iOS updates, or if there’s any indication the wider public is more update-shy.

Additional reporting by Matthew Panzarino.


Data source: via TC (By Darrell Etherington)





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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Apple airs new holiday ad Misunderstood featuring iPhone 5s and more


Apple has kept with its annual tradition of airing a seasonal ad featuring Apple devices in holiday settings. Last night, the companys 2013 holiday ad aired; its 90 seconds long, noticeably longer than most TV spots. Its set to the tune of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and shows a family gathering for the holiday.

We wont spoil the emotional twist of the ad, but the title -- combined with early scenes of a teenage boy who seems to be distancing himself from the celebrations around him by burying his nose in his iPhone -- may give you a hint where this is going.

You can check out Apples annual tearjerker below.






Data source: via TUAW (By Michael Grothaus)

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

The Production of 4 7 Inch iPhone 6 Begin in May to Release this Fall while the 5 5 Inch Model Will Be Delayed

iPhone Air concept

Earlier this week Rueters reported that according to their sources Apple’s suppliers will begin mass production of the 4.7-inch display to be used in the iPhone 6 this May in preparation for the devices general release this fall.

The report also notes that the much rumored 5.5-inch version of the iPhone expected to start several months later, after the initial production of the 4.7-inch displays due to difficulties with in-cell touch technology for the 5.5-inch screen. Apple had introduced the technology with the iPhone 5.
Japan Display Inc, Sharp Corp and South Koreas LG Display Co Ltd have all been tapped to make the screens, said the sources, who asked not to be identified.

But due to difficulties with in-cell production technology for the larger 5.5-inch size, one of the sources said, a decision was made to begin mass production with the 4.7-inch version alone.

Production of 5.5-inch screens is expected to start several months later, with the possibility of a shift to a film sensor instead of in-cell technology for that size, the source said.
Japan Display will be the first supplier to start production, at its flagship plant at Mobara, east of Tokyo, as early as May, the sources said. The others are due to begin output around June.
Contrast to this Last week a report from Japanese business newspaper Nikkei stated that the iPhone 6 could launch as early as September with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display sizes. It is Known that both screens will be larger than iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c’s 4-inch screen, and many iPhones owners consider that 4-inch is a suitable size.

Read also: 
  • iPhone Air Concept Features 17% Larger Display but the Device Just 8% Larger (Video)
  • iPhone Air Concept Promo Video
Read more »

Monday, May 11, 2015

Foxconns Zhengzhou Factory to Reportedly Cease Production of iPhone 5c


Foxconn will reportedly stop production of Apples lower-cost iPhone 5C at its factory located in Zhengzhou, China, and will reportedly shift the facilitys manufacturing efforts towards the iPhone 5s, reports Digitimes.


The news follows a report last week stating that Apple has been steadily reducing its orders for the iPhone 5c with suppliers as customers continue to prefer the iPhone 5s. Previously, it was stated that assembly partner Pegatron has slashed production from 320,000 units per day in October to just 80,000 units per day, with Foxconn operating at a minimal capacity of 8-9,000 units per day.

Foxconn and Pegatron Technology have obtained OEM orders for 30% and 70%, respectively, of iPhone 5c production, the sources said. One month ago, Apple lowered iPhone 5c orders to Pegatron by 20% and those to Foxconn by nearly one-third for the fourth quarter due to unsatisfactory sales, the sources indicated.
Major cuts in iPhone 5c production at Apples two major suppliers were first reported last month, as the iPhone 5c has regularly seen much greater availability compared to the iPhone 5s. The Zhengzhou factory, one of Foxconns main facilities for Apple, saw a hiring drive in April ahead of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c launch in September, and by ceasing production of the iPhone 5c it will be able to focus its efforts entirely on the iPhone 5s.

While iPhone 5c supplies have been in strong supply since the devices September launch, the iPhone 5s has been much more constrained and is only now beginning to see improved supplies. Last week, shipping estimates for new orders through Apples online store improved to 1-2 weeks, while the various models are showing significantly improved availability in Apples retail stores.


Data source: via MacRumors (By Richard Padilla)

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Sunday, May 10, 2015

Apples Maps App Directs Alaska Drivers onto Airport Taxiway


Drivers who use Apples Maps app for directions to the Fairbanks International Airport in Alaska are being instructed to drive onto an airport taxiway, reports AlaskaDispatch.

The taxiway is located directly across from the runway, which is used by aircraft on a regular basis. Though the instructions do not direct drivers to the runway, people have driven there by mistake. 
The turn-by-turn directions were specific, using the access route that general aviation pilots use to the East Ramp, which is on the other side of the runway from the main airport terminal.  
The map directions concluded by telling drivers to go to Taxiway Bravo, shown as "Taxiway B" on the satellite image in the app. The directions did not tell drivers to cross the main runway used regularly by 737s and other aircraft.

But once drivers reached the taxiway, it was only natural for them to look up and see the terminal on the other side of the runway. So thats where they drove.
According to the airports chief of operations, Melissa Osborn, out-of-town drivers have driven onto airport property twice in the past week, crossing the runway and driving directly to the airport ramp side of the passenger terminal. "These folks drove past several signs. They even drove past a gate. None of that cued them that they did something inappropriate," she said.

Though airport staff have complained to Apple via the attorney generals office, the Maps app is currently still routing drivers to the taxiway. Apple’s legal department promised a quick fix, but the issue reoccured causing the airport to close access to Taxiway Bravo. Apple has now promised a fix by Wednesday.

Apples Maps app has managed to stay out of the spotlight in recent months, but this is not the first time Maps users have been given potentially life threatening advice. Back in December, the Maps app was directing motorists in Victoria, Australia to the middle of the wilderness.

Apple has made efforts to improve its mapping app after facing significant criticism over data inaccuracies when the app launched. The company has hired dozens of "ground truth" experts around the world to improve the quality of its mapping service and has also acquired a number of mapping apps including HopStop, Locationary, and Embark.

Apple CEO Tim Cook famously apologized for Maps after its disastrous launch, stating that Apple was “extremely sorry” for the frustration that it had caused, promising to work "non-stop" until Maps was improved.


Update: Apple has removed the taxiways from its Maps app and added several "Road Closed" icons in the vicinity to help alert drivers, but the app is now unable to offer directions to the airport. 




Data source: via MacRumors (By Juli Clover)

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Saturday, May 9, 2015

Apple Working to Add More Diversity to Emoji Character Set


Emoji character set doesnt meet all the desires, on this basis Apple "working closely" to expand its emoji set, that according to Apple’s vice president of worldwide corporate communications, Katie Cotton, who spoke to MTV Act (spotted by The Verge who confirmed the statement ). The company is working with the Unicode Consortium to add more characters to its emoji offerings. 
"Tim forwarded your email to me. We agree with you. Our emoji characters are based on the Unicode standard, which is necessary for them to be displayed properly across many platforms. There needs to be more diversity in the emoji character set, and we have been working closely with the Unicode Consortium in an effort to update the standard."
Emoji inception was at Japanese phone carriers with very few of those characters, without -Caucasian icons, contrary to the existing now, the set has largely featured Caucasian characters, which Apple aims to change.

Emoji were incorporated into Unicode Consortium, which allowed them to be used on multiple platforms. The last big update to Apples emoji collection came in 2012 with iOS 6 when the company added additional characters and made emoji accessible to all users. Previously, special apps were required to access emoji on iOS.

iPhone Emojis keyboard


To enable the Emoji keyboard under Settings > General > Keyboard. Then select "Add new Keyboard." Scroll until you see "Emoji" and tap to add it. To use emoji, tap the button that looks like a globe on your keyboard.


Read also:
  • People Dont Use Words Any More: A Teenager Tells Us How To Use Emojis Properly
  • Type Emoji Faster in iOS with Keyboard Text Replacement Shortcuts
  • 13 Secret Features Hidden In Your iPhone


Data source: MTV Act  The Verge via MacRumors

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Friday, May 8, 2015

Best iPhone Apps Best fitness apps that use the iPhone 5s M7 motion co processor


The Nike+ Move app, revealed alongside the iPhone 5s, will soon take advantage of the M7 motion co-processor.


Apple didnt exactly hype the M7 when it introduced the chip last month in announcing the iPhone 5s, but among the handsets many new features, the co-processor may turn out to be the most impactful for app developers and consumers alike.

Using very little power, the M7 constantly measures and tracks motion data, keeping the information accessible to any apps that may need it. That means fitness and lifestyle apps no longer need to be active or running in the background to track user movements throughout the day, a benefit that could allow developers to harvest and utilize information on their users daily habits in much greater detail than previously possible.

Developers on the iOS platform are already taking advantage of the M7s capabilities, with the first wave of enabled apps coming to the App Store just days after the iPhone 5s release. 



Strava Run



Strava was first out of the gate to take advantage of the M7, releasing version 3.5.3 of Strava Run just four days after the iPhone 5s was released.

The new version adds an Auto-Pause feature for runners, giving them highly accurate activity level data without having to directly interact with the app. It also takes advantage of the M7s low-power constant monitoring, as the app gathers information from the chip for those times when Strava is not running.

Auto-Pause kicks in whenever the M7 senses that you stop moving, whether to take a break, respond to an email, or use the app’s new built in Instagram integration to snap a photo. While paused, the app automatically turns off GPS, saving battery life.

The app also suspends real-time pace information until the M7 senses you’ve started running again. As the company explains, "If you were running a 7 minute mile pace but stopped for two minutes to take and upload a photo (finishing the mile in 9 minutes) the audio cues and pace data on your iPhone will continue to show that you kept a 7 minute mile pace."

Strava allows users to track their runs via GPS, displaying maps of their route alongside stats such as distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned. It also allows users to compete on interactive score boards, find and follow friends, and explore new places to run.

Strava Run is a free download in the App Store. The 53.7MB app requires an iPhone, iPad, or iPod running iOS 5.0 or higher.


WeatherRun



GammaPoint, too, has taken advantage of the M7 with version 2.2.1 of WeatherRun. The new version adds a step counter that draws data from the motion co-processor. Step data is logged and organized in both daily and monthly measures.

WeatherRun provides users with up-to-date weather information while they are outside being active. The app also tracks activity and compares it against weather, altitude, humidity, and temperature. It interfaces with the Pebble Smartwatch, as well as other Bluetooth 4.0 devices such as the TI SensorTag.

The latest update also includes a fix for a bug that affected deleting and sharing functions on devices running iOS 7.

Version 2.2.1 of WeatherRun costs $2 in the App Store. It is a 12.2MB download that requires an iPad, iPhone, or iPod running iOS 6.0 or higher.


Argus



Also joining in on leveraging the M7 was Azumio, which recently released version 2.4 of its Argus app. The latest iteration uses the M7 for passive step-counting when not running, meaning the app automatically pulls data from the chip once the reactivated. The update also includes a streamlined honeycomb user interface and improved visual design, including a step counter that shows up as an app badge.

Argus monitors not only user activities, but food intake, workouts, sleep, hydration, weight, and vital signs. The app is engineered to consume very little power and is designed to run in the background at all times. Users can create food diaries, observe trends over time, and track and share data with friends. Also included is interaction with a number of third-party wellness devices, like the Withings Smart Body Analyzer.

The new version of Argus is available as a free download in the App Store for iOS devices running iOS 6.0 or higher.


Pedometer


The most recent addition to the line of M7-supporting apps comes from Cross Forward Consulting, which debuted its Pedometer++ app on Tuesday. The new app functions as a simple step counter that relies on the M7s passive monitoring to log steps taken throughout the day. Pedometer++ allows users to compile their data on both a weekly and a daily basis. Like Argus, Pedometer++ can be set to display the current step count as the apps notification badge. The figure displayed in the badge will dynamically update throughout the day.

Pedometer++ version 1.1 is available now in the App Store as a free 0.3MB download only for the iPhone 5s.


Maximizing the M7

The coming months will almost certainly see more developers adding new features relying on the M7. Nike, maker of the popular Nike+ app, has already promised a Nike+ Move based on the M7s capabilities.

Apples motion co-processor will also likely figure into apps outside of the fitness category. In addition to user motion tracking, the M7 can, even in sleep mode, tell when a user is walking or driving. For example, navigation apps may leverage the data to switch from driving to walking directions dynamically depending on a users speed.


Data source: via AppleInsider (By Kevin Bostic)

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Thursday, May 7, 2015

Apples Plans to Enhance Touch ID with Trackpad Capabilities and Display Integration Revealed


Late last week, we highlighted a pair of Apple patent applications offering details on the companys implementation of its "Touch ID" fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5s.

The highly technical patent applications showed how the system works and revealed that Apple first moved to protect the ideas with the filing of several provisional patent applications in May 2012.

A third Touch ID-related patent application filed by Apple also quietly surfaced last week (via Unwired View) but has flown under the radar until now because it appears to have published on the World Intellectual Property Organizations database but not the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offices database.

This third patent application is the most revealing yet with regard to Touch ID, showing how Apple has envisioned expanding the feature to incorporate trackpad functionalities, tracking movements of a users finger or thumb over the sensor to navigate through user interfaces on the devices screen. In one example, Apple shows how a user moving his or her finger right to left across the Touch ID home button could pan a map, with a subsequent upward movement across the home button triggering activation of a multitasking interface.


Panning a map by moving finger right to left over Touch ID home button

Other examples show how users could take advantage of "revolving" or "twisting" motions of their fingerprints on the Touch ID home button to initiate actions. Adding the ability to recognize presses of various durations for the Touch ID home button and even sensors for detecting how hard the button is being pressed could offer even more powerful user interface navigation capabilities right from the home button.

Moving beyond the home button, Apple addresses the possibility of integrating Touch ID right into a devices display, allowing any area of the screen to be dynamically designated as a sensing region for the users fingerprint. In one example, the area of a display representing the devices email app could require a valid fingerprint touching the icon in order for authorization to be granted.


Authorizing Mail app with Touch ID sensing integrated into device display

Overall, Apples patent application is a massive 610-page document incorporating 464 claims covering a wide range of applications for Touch ID in the future. Beyond the examples highlighted here, the application covers a number of other areas including:

- Enhanced touch typing recognition through sensing which fingers are touching the keys
- Using pressure and movement sensing to turn the home button into a simple game controller
- Using revolving "scroll wheel" motions on the home button to navigate through multitasking app listings
- Using fingerprint verification to enforce parental controls on age-rated media content, restrict maximum device volume, or automatically increase font sizes for children, seniors, or visually-impaired users
- Autofilling web forms or loading personalized web pages based on fingerprint identification
- Supporting multi-user profiles including authorized and guest profiles through fingerprint authorization
- Authorizing location "check-ins", mobile payment information, or photo/document author tagging based on fingerprint identification
- Supporting simultaneous multi-user configurations by allowing users to define separate areas of a devices screen for drawings, notes, or other content based on fingerprint recognition

Apples patent application was filed on May 20, 2013, but cites as priority several provisional patent applications dated as far back as May 2012.


Data source: via MacRumors (By Eric Slivka)


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Solid report claims Apple’s iPhone 6 will finally feature a bigger 4 8 inch display


With the iPhone 5s launch behind us, industry watchers are now turning up the heat as they sniff around for details on next year’s iPhone 6. We have already seen a few early reports from multiple solid sources suggest Apple will finally make the move to a larger display in next year’s iPhone 6, and now another report from a well-respected source suggests Apple is indeed finally getting ready to satisfy critics and launch a smartphone with a larger screen.

Jefferies & Co. analyst Peter Misek on Monday issued a research note to investors in which he reversed course on Apple. Misek previously had a Hold rating on Apple shares with a $450 price target, but he’s now bullish on Apple’s prospects. As a result, Misek upped his target to $600 on Monday morning and slapped a Buy rating on Apple’s stock.

There are a few reasons for the analyst’s change of heart, one of which is that his supply chain sources indicate that Apple is getting more favorable prices from its component suppliers. This is a change from Misek’s position earlier this year and if accurate, it would obviously boost Apple’s bottom line. Beyond margins, however, the analyst says Apple is finally going to cave and launch an iPhone 6 with a bigger display.

“Despite still seeing risk to CQ4 and FY13 revs, we now believe better [gross margins] will allow Apple to skate by until iPhone 6 launches with its 4.8″ screen,” Misek wrote in the note. ”We est ~50% of smartphone shipments have >4″ screens and that iPhone 6 will catalyze a large upgrade cycle. The stock is attractive based on the attitude change, FY15 revs >+15%, and valuation.”

Misek has had a few good calls regarding unreleased Apple products in the past, and he is considered by many to be among the top analysts covering Apple right now. That certainly doesn’t make an iPhone 6 with a 4.8-inch display a done deal, but it adds fuel to earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal and plugged in KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo.

Apple shares jumped more than 1% on Misek’s report.


Data source: via BGR (By Zach Epstein)
Image source: iPhone 6 concept by Nikola Cirkovic

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