Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Apple’s 2014 Product Roadmap Revealed!

Apple is gearing up for the launch of the next-gen iPad and the iPad mini later this month and the new iPhones in India next month. In the meantime, research analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities has revealed a possible roadmap of devices Apple is going to launch next year, Apple Insider reports.

According to Kuo, Apple is reportedly planning on launching a 12-inch MacBook, which will boast an ‘ultra-slim clamshell form factor’ and a Retina display similar to the one seen on the MacBook Pro. This new laptop is likely to be powered by an Intel CPU like the new iMacs and the overall package is expected to “redefine laptop computing once again following the milestone created by the MacBook Air.”

Apple is also said to have started working on the sixth-generation iPad, which according to Kuo will cram in 40 percent more pixels compared to the Retina display on the current-gen iPad. There are also some murmurs about the third-generation iPad mini, but there’s currently no information available about the device.



Lastly, Kuo adds that Apple will be launching a budget iMac, which will be cheaper than the 21.5-inch iMac. The surprisingly low sales figures of the desktop PCs are what is said to have triggered this move. Apple recently refreshed the iMac lineup, which featured Intel’s Haswell CPUs, 802.11ac W-Fi, and GeForce 700-series graphics.

By: Sambit Satpathy
By: Unknown On 6:19 PM
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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Use Sound Frequency To Share Files Between Two Phones - Chirp

I know you won't believe this magic. I also didn't believed this till I try myself. It's actually a magic! It's fun to share files between phones now.

For this, you need two smartphones. Apple iOS or Google Android.

The software uses two matching sound frequencies to connect the phones. If the two phones have the same surrounding sounds, then you can "Chirp" between these two.

As I tried, the phones should be near around 3 meters. Because, if the phone  s are not closer, the sounds each phone gets is different than the other one.

Download for Android

Download for iOS.

Let's get serious here. The app really don't share files between phones via audio frequencies. It only uses the sound frequencies to match the two phones. Chirp uses Internet connection on your phones to share files. So, I don't think it's a better idea to share large files from Chirp if you have no data packages in active.

Here is a simple video explanation for the app.
By: Unknown On 5:27 PM
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Apple quarterly report shows continued demand for iPhone, iPad

apple, iphone, ipad, quarterly earnings, earnings repo

Apple’s second quarter earnings exceeded analyst estimates despite the fact that many thought Cupertino would come up short. The company reported earnings of $9.5 billion on sales of $43.6 billion, topping Apple’s own expectations of $41 billion to $43 billion.

Cupertino sold 37.4 million iPhones and 19.5 million iPads during the quarter, besting estimates of 34 million units and 18 million to 19 million units, respectively. Consumers snapped up 5.6 million iPods and just south of 4 million Macs, we’re told.

A year ago, Apple earned $11.6 billion in profit on sales of just $39.2 billion. The drop in profit year-over-year is the first in a decade and represents an 18 percent drop from a year ago. The last time there was a yearly decline was in early 2003 when Apple was struck by an economic downturn as well as an ongoing restructuring effort.

But despite the lower profit, CEO Tim Cook said the company was pleased to report record March revenue thanks to continued strong performance from the iPhone and iPad. He noted that fiscal 2012 results were incredibly strong, led by higher gross margins, better strength in the dollar and lower component costs.

Looking forward, Cook said the Apple team is hard at work on some amazing new hardware, software and services. When pressed on the issue, he said they had some really great stuff coming in the fall and across all of 2014.

That said, perhaps we won’t see a new iPhone this summer after all.


View the original article here
By: Unknown On 10:31 PM
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Apple confirms WWDC 2013 will take place June 10th to 14th, tickets go on sale tomorrow



This is one Apple event that's fairly constant, but the company has confirmed today that the 2013 edition of its Worldwide Developers Conference -- otherwise known as WWDC -- will take place from June 10th to 14th at Moscone West in San Francisco. In a statement, Apple's Phil Schiller says that its "developers have had the most prolific and profitable year ever, and we're excited to show them the latest advances in software technologies and developer tools to help them create innovative new apps," adding, "we can't wait to get new versions of iOS and OS X into their hands at WWDC." Not exactly a huge surprise there, but you can rest assured we'll be there to cover that and anything else the company might have up its sleeve. Tickets are set to go on sale tomorrow.


Via: The Next Web


Source: Apple WWDC

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Graphics chip designer Raja Koduri heads back to AMD after four-year stint at Apple

Image


Well, it looks like AMD had a bit of news up its sleeve that it chose not to drop during its earnings call yesterday. The Wall Street Journal has confirmed that famed graphics chip designer Raja Koduri is heading back to the company, which he left in 2009 to take on the graphics CTO role at Apple. Presumably, Koduri will again be performing some similar duties at AMD, but the company isn't offering any further details just yet apart from saying that it's "very pleased" about the move.


Source: The Wall Street Journal


More Coverage: AnandTech

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Chinese government orders Apple to remove 'obscene content' from its App Store



As a part of a sweep that cited some 198 websites, China government officials directed Apple to remove obscene content listed in its App Store in the country. Apple recently faced criticism about, and eventually apologized for, its warranty policy in China. The Financial Times reported an app was pulled earlier this month for providing access to banned books, just days after the warranty issue surface. A report by Bloomberg suggests Apple includes a quote from research firm owner Mark Tanner suggesting Apple needs to do more to enhance its relations with the government to curry favor with consumers. Whatever the case, the listing on state-run news agent Xinhua does not specify the banned content, although it's probably still available on App Stores in other regions.


Source: Bloomberg, Xinhua News Agency


More Coverage: FT

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Facebook reportedly hires former Apple iOS 6 Maps lead Richard Williamson

Facebook reportedly hires former Apple iOS 6 Maps overseer Richard Williamson


Among the people affected by Apple's iOS 6 Maps debacle was claimed project head Richard Williamson, who was reportedly shown the door at the end of 2012. While the details were never directly corroborated outside of Williamson's exit in December, he may have found a new home at Facebook: Bloomberg's sources say that the director joined the social network's mobile software division within the past two weeks. We don't know what (if anything) Williamson might be producing when Facebook has so far declined comment, although there's no question that he has an appropriate pedigree when he managed interface development for key iOS apps and helped get Safari off the ground. Suffice it to say that the internet giant has plenty of projects that might benefit from his overall experience.


Via: AppleInsider


Source: Bloomberg


More Coverage: Richard Williamson (LinkedIn)

Apple said to be offering replacements for 'very small number' of Apple TVs with WiFi issues

Apple said to be offering replacements for 'very small number' of Apple TVs with WiFi issues


The Apple TV has seen its share of issues crop up and then be fixed by software updates, but it looks like at least some are proving to be too difficult for some fresh firmware to fix. According to a support document obtained by 9 to 5 Mac, Apple has informed employees at its Apple Stores and authorized resellers that a "very small number" of third generation Apple TVs are eligible to be replaced due to persistent WiFi problems. Those replacements will be offered for up to two years from the original purchase date (free of charge), and you can check if the serial number for your device matches up with the affected units at the links below.


Via: Ars Technica, MacRumors


Source: 9 to 5 Mac

Friday, April 12, 2013

Miami judge accuses Samsung, Apple of using the courts 'as a business strategy'

Miami judge accuses Samsung, Apple of using the courts 'as a business strategy' data = {blogUrl: "www.engadget.com",v: 304};when = {jquery: lab.scriptBs("jquery"),plugins: lab.scriptBs("plugins"),eng: lab.scriptBs("eng")}; var s265prop9 = ('20537266' !== '') ? 'bsd:20537266' : ''; var postID = '20537266'; var modalMNo = '93319229', modalVideoMNo = '93320648', modalGalleryMNo = '93304207'; when.eng("eng.omni.init", {pfxID:"weg",pageName:document.title,server:"acp-ld39.websys.aol.com",channel:"us.engadget", s_account: "aolwbengadget,aolsvc", short_url: "",pageType:"",linkInternalFilters:"javascript:,",prop1:"article",prop2:"cellphones",prop9:s265prop9,prop12:document.location,prop17:"",prop18:"",prop19:"",prop20:"",mmxgo: true }); adSendTerms('1')adSetMOAT('1');adSetAdURL('/_uac/adpagem.html');lab._script("http://o.aolcdn.com/os/ads/adhesion/js/adhads-min.js").wait(function(){var floatingAd = new AdhesiveAd("10000057",{hideOnSwipe:true});}); onBreak({980: function () { adSetType("F");htmlAdWH("93319229", "LB", "LB"); adSetType("");}}); EngadgetMenu NewsReviews Features Galleries VideosEventsPodcasts Engadget ShowTopics Buyers Guides Sagas Store HD Mobile Alt Announcements Cameras Cellphones Desktops Displays Gaming GPS Handhelds Home Entertainment Household Internet Laptops Meta Misc Networking Peripherals Podcasts Robots Portable Audio/Video Science Software Storage Tablets Transportation Wearables Wireless Acer Amazon AMD Apple ASUS AT&T Blackberry Canon Dell Facebook Google HP HTC Intel Lenovo LG Microsoft Nikon Nintendo Nokia NVIDIA Samsung Sony Sprint T-Mobile Verizon About UsSubscribeLike Engadget@engadgettip uswhen.eng("eng.nav.init")when.eng("eng.tips.init") onBreak({980: function () {htmlAdWH("93308280", "215", "35",'AJAX','ajaxsponsor');}});Miami judge accuses Samsung, Apple of using the courts 'as a business strategy'BypostedApr 11th, 2013 at 7:26 AM 0

Miami judge accuses Samsung, Apple of using the courts 'as a business strategy'

Miami U.S. District Judge Robert Scola had choice words for Apple and Samsung during one of the pair's many patent disputes, accusing the two of of having "no interest in efficiently and expeditiously resolving this dispute" and instead using such proceedings "as a business strategy." The Florida case began in 2010 and has since swelled to over 180 claims, causing the pair to ask the court to reduce the scope of the case. That caused Judge Scola to rail against the combatants, saying "without a hint of irony, the parties now ask the court to mop up a mess that they made," adding that he would "decline this invitation." Instead, he gave them four months to streamline the case themselves, less it be placed on hold until all the nearly 100 terms in dispute are defined to everyone's satisfaction -- and we know how that's gone so far.

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Thursday, March 28, 2013

Apple patent filing describes phone concept with wrap-around AMOLED display

Apple patent filing describes phone concept with wrap-around AMOLED display


Behold, the iPhone 6. Nah, we're only joking -- what you see above is a diagram lifted from an Apple patent application that popped up at the USPTO today, which describes a "consumer electronic product" that's nothing but screen. The patent involves building a device from an open-ended transparent body (of glass, for example) that becomes a full wrap-around display when a flexible AMOLED screen is unfurled within it. It doesn't imagine all that real-estate will necessarily be used at once, though, and includes details of a "detection mechanism," such as a camera and facial recognition software, which would determine how much of the screen you can see, so that power is only sent to the parts that are in view. It's important to note that, apart from mentioning some real-world applications, the concept and method of constructing a wrap-around display are all the application covers. In other words, this patent does not describe anything close to a complete device. Apologies if we've killed your buzz, but we're just managing expectations before we move onto some interesting spitballing from Apple about what other design features such a device could carry -- read on after the break for more.

Apple patent filing describes phone concept with wraparound AMOLED display


While the diagram up top is certainly the most attractive-looking concept in the filing, several other form factors are suggested as potential recipients of a wrap-around display, including the traditional rectangle with rounded corners, and one sketch that's almost cylindrical. It's also suggested that part of the housing could be metallic, providing some extra support. In the claims, the transparent body is described as being open at both ends, and Apple explains the "end caps" could allow devices to be connected together (think centiPhone), or could be swapped out for others, such as "an improved camera or a different set of wireless antennae." Layering multiple screens within the enclosure is elaborated on, and could serve to increase image depth for a semi-3D effect. And what about the external buttons? Apple explains alternatives like on-screen replacements and using multitouch gestures to disable screen lock. It's worth reiterating that not only is this just an application, but would be an incredible (and likely, incredibly expensive) feat to actually create something even close to this concept. Also, we don't care how strong Gorilla Glass gets with each new generation -- we're not sure we'd be brave enough to carry around an all-glass iPhone.


Source: USPTO (1), (2)


More Coverage: AppleInsider

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Chinese state-run newspaper accuses Apple of lacking openness

Governmentrun Chinese newspaper accuses Apple of being 'empty', 'selfpraising' and not open with journalists


The People's Daily newspaper has slammed Apple's behavior in China, accusing the company of being "empty and self-praising" in the way it has shrugged off customer complaints and refused journalists' requests for interviews. The paper's comments, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, refer to a saga that has been brewing for a while, in which Chinese customers have claimed they're not receiving the same quality of after-sales care as those in the US. These allegations were given prominence in a recent show on national TV, prompting Apple to rebut them in a press release. It was this press release, claiming that Apple's warranties are "more or less the same... all over the world", that evidently provoked the ire of the People's Daily. And since the paper is a mouthpiece for the Communist Party that runs China, its outburst could signify a worsening in relations at the highest levels of government -- potentially making it harder for Apple to conduct its growing business in that country. Whatever Apple does next, we'd suggest it doesn't point out the obvious irony in this situation, as that might only make things worse.


Source: Wall Street Journal

Sunday, March 24, 2013

WSJ: Apple takes WiFiSlam indoor-GPS mapping startup under its wing for $20M



Watch out, Google Maps for Android, it looks like Apple's iOS Maps may soon be entering the building -- when it comes to indoor GPS tracking anyway. The Wall Street Journal's Digits blog is reporting that Apple has confirmed it purchased WiFiSlam, a startup that specializes in WiFi-assisted indoor-GPS functionality for phone apps. Interestingly, Digits notes that the company was founded by a few ex-Googlers a couple of years back and that one of its investors has included a Google employee. Further, a quick Google search confirms that any WiFiSlam-related apps that may have been on Google Play are all but dead links now.


The word on the street is that Apple handed over $20 million to claim the company, although it wouldn't confirm any numbers -- or a specific reason for the purchase -- with the blog. While there's no actual telling whether this means we'll see indoor mapping on iOS maps at any point, it's hard not to imagine it now that Apple's made the purchase. We're seeking comment from Apple on our end, and will be sure to let you know what we hear back. For now, check out an old demo of WiFiSlam in action after the break.



Source: Wall Street Journal (Digits blog)


More Coverage: TUAW

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Apple adds in-app purchase disclaimer to iTunes App Store pages

Apple adds inapp purchase disclaimer to iTunes App Store pages


iDevices make for great 21st century babysitters, what with all the free, kid-friendly apps. But that techno-garderie does have an unfortunate downside for distracted parents: unauthorized in-app purchases made by children. In response to lawsuits and a general brouhaha over unwittingly amassed charges, Apple is now including an "Offers In-App Purchases" disclaimer to freemium apps it hosts within the iTunes App Store -- not the storefronts found on iOS, the desktop app or web links. The Guardian was able to verify that the change is indeed new, but bizarrely enough it doesn't surface on the platforms where most users (read: children) would first download a game anyway. It's reasonable to assume the warning will extend to the rest of the company's platforms soon, but the safety of your wallet is still not guaranteed.


Via: 9to5Mac


Source: The Guardian

Apple ID accounts reportedly vulnerable to password reset hack, forgot password page taken offline for maintenance (update 2: back)

Apple ID accounts reportedly vulnerable to password reset hack, forgot password page taken offline for maintenance


Gaping security holes are a pretty terrifying thing, especially when they involve something as sensitive as your Apple ID. Sadly it seems that immediately after making the paranoid happy by instituting two-step authentication a pretty massive flaw in Cupertino's system was discovered and first reported by The Verge. Turns out you can reset any Apple ID password with nothing more than a person's email address and date of birth -- two pieces of information that are pretty easy to come across.


There's a little more to the hack, but it's simple enough that even your non-tech savvy aunt or uncle could do it. After entering the target email address in the password reset form you can then select to answer security questions to validate your identity. The first task will be to enter a date of birth. If you enter that correctly then paste a particular URL into the address bar (which we will not be publishing for obvious reasons), press enter, then -- voilà -- instant password reset! Or, at least that's the story. While we were attempting to verify these claims Apple took down the password reset page for "maintenance." Though we've received no official confirmation from Apple, it seems the company is moving swiftly to shut down this particularly troublesome workaround before word of it spreads too far.


Update: We've heard back from Apple on the matter, which stated, "Apple takes customer privacy very seriously. We are aware of this issue, and working on a fix." No real surprises that a fix is in the works, but there you have it from the horse's mouth.


Update 2: The forgotten password page is back as of late Friday evening -- that was (relatively) quick. iMore reports (and we've verified ourselves) that the security hole is now closed.


Source: The Verge, iMore

Friday, March 22, 2013

Apple updates iOS Podcasts app with new design, custom stations

Apple overhauls iOS Podcasts app, adds custom stations


There's been few Apple iOS apps that have garnered more complaints than the company's Podcasts app (outside of Maps, at least), and it looks like it's now finally taken some of those criticisms into consideration with the latest update (version 1.2). That includes the overly-stylized design, which has been ditched in favor of a simpler approach that's more in line with the iTunes app (including a far more basic player interface). Along with those changes come some new features like custom stations, which are each stored in iCloud and updated automatically, and so-called On-The-Go playlists that'll let you load up any individual episodes you like. You can find the app itself and the full list of changes now in the App Store.


Via: The Next Web


Source: iTunes

Apple, Microsoft and Adobe give reasons for higher prices in Australia, can't guarantee you'll like them

Apple, Microsoft and Adobe give reasons for higher prices in Australia, can't guarantee you'll like them


Talk about ants in their pants. After giving regulators the runaround and repeatedly dodging the question of why they charge Australians so much more than Americans for the same products, senior executives from Apple, Microsoft and Adobe have finally been forced to sit down in front from a parliamentary committee. They weren't always especially helpful, mind you, but they did at least offer some justification as to why, on average, their products cost 50 percent more in that country. Read on for a quick rundown of who said what.


[Image credit: Delimiter]


Microsoft's Pip Marlow:

Refused to comment on a particular instance of Australians being charged $4136 for a software package in Australia but only $2324 in the US Implied, according to The Australian, that prices are set according to local competition. Said, "Our customers will vote with their wallets"

Adobe's Paul Robson:

Explained that Australians were forced to buy from Adobe's local website, which charges up to 167 percent more, so that they could get a "personalized" service Highlighted higher running costs, salaries and the need for investment in Australian sales channels as some of the reasons for higher prices

Apple's Tony King:

Argued that some Apple products were similarly priced in the US and Australia Admitted that there were serious price disparities on iTunes, but blamed them on copyright holders who still operate according to "old-fashioned notions of country borders or territories or markets"

The Australian press isn't overwhelmed with any of the responses, and it's certainly true that all three corporate execs put on a steely front, offering no hope of price reductions. As we've already seen though, pressure applied in the right places can produce all sorts of sudden cracks.


Source: Reuters, Herald Sun, The Australian, ZDNet

Apple sets a May 1st cutoff for new apps that use UDIDs, don't support iPhone 5 and Retina screens

Apple sets a May 1st cutoff for app submissions that use UDIDs, don't support iPhone 5 or Retina screens


Apple has been weaning app developers away from UDID and its privacy concerns for more than a year, but it looks like the company's about to put its foot down -- and up the hardware support requirements in the process. As of May 1st, the company will stop accepting new app submissions that demand a UDID to single out individual devices; creators will have to use the ad and vendor identifiers that came with iOS 6. They'll also have to develop apps for Retina displays as a matter of course, including the taller iPhone 5 screen. We can't imagine that the news will please those who have a need for legacy UDID support, or can't easily update a long-serving app for Retina screens, but Apple clearly feels it's time to move on.


Via: 9to5Mac


Source: Apple (1), (2)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Apple proposes iPad wireless charging with a difference: power comes from the Smart Cover

Apple proposes iPad wireless charging with a difference power comes from the Smart Cover


Remember when Apple's Phil Schiller mentioned he wasn't into wireless charging? Well, what he specifically said was that he didn't dig "having to create another [charging] device you have to plug into the wall." In other words, Apple is probably looking for a simpler way to make the idea work -- and that's exactly what we're looking at in the patent drawings above, which are currently being weighed up by the USPTO after having been submitted back in 2011. They show an iPad's Smart Cover tricked out with an "inductive power transmitter" arranged to "wirelessly pass power" to a receiver housed within the tablet itself. The application mainly focuses on the use of magnetic attachments to trigger charging when the cover is closed, but it looks like the ultimate goal might be to use the cover as an additional battery that can keep an iPad charged up while it's on the move. That certainly sounds practical enough -- and it'd do away with the need for an additional charging accessory, which ought to keep Schiller happy for a while.


Source: USPTO


More Coverage: AppleInsider

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Japanese court declares Samsung patent invalid in another spat with Apple

Japanese court declares Samsung patent invalid in another spat with Apple


Weary of the neverending legal back-and-forth between Apple and Samsung yet? No, we're not either (that's a terrible lie), and the latest exciting development comes from a courtroom in Japan, where it was decided Samsung does not hold rights to certain data transmission tech it accused Apple of pinching. So, what are the repercussions? None, really -- the status quo remains unchanged, and Apple can continue selling the products Sammy wanted off the shelf. The Times of India notes that cases in the US and South Korea over the same patent have gone one a piece, meaning Apple is up 2-1 in this particular bout. But, when you've been battling for this long, you've bound to win some, and lose just as many.


Source: Reuters


Source
By: Unknown On 11:05 PM
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Judge orders new Apple vs. Samsung trial to reevaluate $450.5 million in damage awards

Judge orders new Apple vs Samsung trial to reevaluate $4505 million in damage awards


Samsung has tentatively been on the hook for $1.05 billion in penalties after allegedly infringing on Apple's patents, but that figure is about to change -- for better or for worse. Judge Koh has ordered a reevaluation of $450.5 million of the damages in a second trial, arguing that the jury set one damage figure per product where there were six infringement claims that had to be taken into account for each device. She also believes that Apple may be entitled to damages for sales not included in the original case. There's a chance Samsung can lower the amount it ultimately has to pay, but the extra factors and devices could easily worsen its situation. Koh hasn't set a trial date, either, but we'd like it to come soon: Apple versus Samsung is quickly becoming the battle that never ends.


Source: FOSSpatents, Bloomberg

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