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
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.
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)
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.
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)
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Apple Working to Add More Diversity to Emoji Character Set
"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.
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
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 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)
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)
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
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)
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.
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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