Apple TV no longer a hobby as hardware and content sales reach $1 billion

Apple’s set-top box business may be a small in comparison to the iPad and iPhone, but it is still generating money for the company. According to Reuters, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed during the company’s annual shareholder meeting that Apple TV hardware and content generated more than $1 billion in sales during FY 2013. The $1 billion amount was accrued during the company’s fiscal year 2013 which started September 29, 2012 and ended September 28, 2013. Apple’s $99 set-top box streams content from iTunes, Netflix and other video sources to a connected HDTV. It was once called a hobby by both Steve Jobs and CEO Tim Cook, but the $1 billion in sales suggest interest in the platform is starting to grow. “It’s a little more difficult to call it a hobby these days,” Cook told shareholders at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino. Cook wouldn’t elaborate on the company’s plans for its set-top box, but earlier rumors suggest Apple’s next generation media device could be announced as soon as April with a launch in time for the holiday shopping season. The next generation device may be more than just a media-streaming device with support for apps, games and bluetooth gaming controllers. It may also connect to the iPhone and iPad, which could be used to interact with games on the HDTV-connected device. Apple hasn’t refreshed its set-top box in a few years, but that doesn’t meant it’s been ignoring the platform. Rather than new hardware, the company has been releasing new content for its existing device at a steady pace. Just this year alone, Apple has added new channels from the WWE, ESPN, Red Bull TV and others. Do you have an Apple TV? Are you happy with Apple’s current hardware? Let us know in the comments. Continue reading →

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Apple may start charging for out-of-warranty online chat support

Apple may start charging customers for online chat support if they are outside their warranty period, claims 9to5Mac. This paid support option may launch alongside a new online hardware repair and replacement service. Both services could launch as soon as next week. With this new chat service, customers who are still under warranty can access chat support online for free via getsupport.apple.com. Those outside of their warranty will be required to pay for each incident or extend their warranty by purchasing AppleCare. Currently, online chat support is available free to all users worldwide, though some users have reported seeing a $19.99 feee that was waived by the Apple support representative. Along with its new support option, Apple also is working on a web-based payment system to process credit card transactions for customers seeking paid support. It will process payments through the chat interface using a secure channel that hides the user’s financial information from all involved Apple support representatives. Apple is piggybacking a new hardware repair and replacement service on top of this chat and payment system. Using the new web payment system, we’re told Apple plans to offer the ability to set up hardware repairs and replacements that require a hold on a credit card or pay per incident fee via chat support. Rather than having to call in, users will be sent a link that’s live for 24 hours in order to complete the payment. Each out-of-warranty chat will cost users $19.99. This covers basic tech support and troubleshooting for a single support incident. Users can request an exception if they believe their support should be available for free. Apple will waive the fee until the service is officially launched. After launch, Apple will continue to offer free chat support for iCloud issues and accidental damage claims where a user is merely seeking a repair or replacement. Are you out of warranty on your current Apple product? Will you pay $19.99 for support via online chat? Continue reading →

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New Apple TV launch not imminent, not related to Apple’s $25 iTunes gift card deal

Earlier today, Apple unveiled a new promotion that offers a $25 iTunes gift card with every purchase of an Apple TV. This kicked off speculation that Apple was trying to move existing inventory ahead of a new Apple TV launch. Jim Dalrymple of The Loop squashed this rumor, when he responded with a resounding “Nope” in reply to questions about the Apple TV. Apple’s set-top box business may be a small part of the company’s overall revenue, but it is still generating more than $1 billion in hardware and content sales, said Tim Cook in the company’s annual shareholder’s meeting. The $1 billion figure covers the company’s fiscal year 2013 which started in September 2012 and ended September 2013. Previous rumors suggest Apple’s next generation media device could be announced as soon as April for an end of the year debut. It may ship with support for games, apps and bluetooth gaming controllers.New subscription content may also be part of the package with the company allegedly talking to Time Warner Cable about a possible content deal. Those negotiations may be on the back burner now that Comcast is looking to acquire TWC. Apple may not be ready to launch a new Apple TV device right away, but the company has not forgotten about the platform. Apple has been adding content to the Apple TV at a feverish pace, bringing in new channels from the WWE, ESPN, Red Bull TV and others. Do you have an Apple TV? Are you ready for a refresh and disappointed you may have to wait a while for it to arrive? Let us know in the comments. Continue reading →

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Plug in Hi-Def Headphones and Hear Crystal Clear Music on the Go [Deals Hub]

When you’re listening to music on the go, you’re usually more worried about convenience than quality. As long as you can hear the music and get the gist of the song that is playing, that’s good enough. But you don’t have to settle for low quality sound. Plug into your iPhone or iPod with the Spark Hi-Def In-Ear Headphones and you’ll have top notch sound piped right into your ears. The headphones are on sale now from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub. Built for sound and comfort, the Spark Hi-Def In-Ear Headphones are the perfect headphones to pair with your mobile device so you can enjoy your music on the go. With 8mm dynamic drivers delivering focused and balanced sound, and rubber tips made to fit any size of ear, you’ll want to keep these headphones in all day so you can have a constant stream of music to listen to. You can get the Spark Hi-Def In-Ear Headphones on sale from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub for just $37.99. That’s a savings of 44% off the retail price. It’s an offer you can’t pass up, so grab this deal today. Continue reading →

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Apple bundling a $25 iTunes Gift Card with the Apple TV; sparks off speculation of next-gen Apple TV

In what is claimed to be a stock clearance drive, Apple is offering a $25 gift card with every purchase of its current gen Apple TV. Rumors of Apple preparing to launch a refresh to this home media device have been floating around the internet for quite a while now, so this new move doesn’t surprise us. Apple has clarified that this deal is valid both in its retail outlets as well as the online store, so you can order one right now to get a nifty $25 iTunes gift card. The offer expires on the 5th of March, so it’s not going to last long. The gift card can be spent on any of Apple’s online services such as iBooks, iTunes, the iOS AppStore or the Mac AppStore. Apple is reportedly working on an all new Apple TV which would merge some features of the current iteration with the Airport Express (such as the Wi-Fi router). It is further claimed that this next generation home STB will also be capable of using bluetooth devices or iPhones/iPads as physical gaming controllers. This opens up the opportunity for a dedicated Apple TV App Store with games and other multimedia related apps. By the looks of it, we get a feeling that the Apple TV refresh is going to be something major. The Cupertino giant is also rumored to be working with Time Warner Cable for a possible content subscription deal. This is all hearsay of course, with no concrete word on either features yet, so you should take this with a grain of salt. [Via: 9to5Mac] Continue reading →

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California Appeals Court rules that using mobile maps while driving isn’t illegal

In what appears to be a very crucial ruling, the California Appeals Court has claimed that using of smartphone guided maps or navigation while driving cannot be classified under ‘distracted driving’. This comes after a user named Steven Spriggs was booked and given a $165 ticket for using his iPhone 4 to look for an alternative route while stuck in a busy traffic jam. Here’s an excerpt from the ruling: “The 5th District Court of Appeal reversed the case of a Fresno man who was ticketed in January 2012 for looking at a map on his iPhone 4 while stuck in traffic. The driver, Steven Spriggs, challenged the $165 fine and won. Spriggs was caught up by road work and grabbed his cellphone to find an alternate route when a California Highway Patrol officer on a motorcycle spotted him and stopped him to write the ticket.” Since each state in the U.S. has a law of its own, this new ruling will only apply to California. It will now depend on the State Legislators to make amendments to the existing ‘distracted driving’ laws. Hopefully, this will serve as a precedent for other states as well. [ABC News via Macrumors] Continue reading →

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Miss Flappy Bird? Here are 50+ alternatives, all launched in a day

Flappy Bird was recently removed by the developer from the iOS and Android app hubs respectively citing “personal” reasons. Considering that the game was raking in close to $50,000 a day for the developer, this move seemed illogical. But other game developers saw this as an opportunity to leverage the situation and make the most of the ‘Flappy’ madness. The demand is so extravagant that there have been close to 100 Flappy Bird clones hitting the iTunes AppStore almost everyday, and many are on their way as I write this now. So we have a look at some of the most recent alternatives to the Flappy franchise. And yes, there’s a Justin Bieber inspired Flappy version as well, called the ‘Tappy Bieber’. While Apple is trying its hardest to restrict developers from submitting ‘Flappy’ titles, apps like these continue to make their way through. Unsurprisingly, four of the top five free iOS games in the U.S. come under the Flappy Bird genre. These games are possibly your best bet if you’re looking for a decent Flappy Bird alternative while the real one has been wiped off the surface. Flappy Wings Hoppy Frog Flying Cyrus – Wrecking Ball Splashy Fish And here are a few of the latest apps that made its way through Apple’s defenses: Flying Duckie Flappy Penguin – Revenge Easy Flappy Penguin Flappy The City Flyer – Premium Floppy Worm – A Flappy Worm that flies like a bird! Flappy Ninja Kid | Flappying in the Dark Galaxy Flappy Mania Zeppy Zeppelin Tap Car Flappy Parrot – A Tribute Game Ninja Bird Flappy Reef Tweety High Fly Flappy Pyro Bird Flappy Duck – OneAppStudio Flapping Dino Office Bird: Splashy Quest of Love Flippy Kitty Jumpy JellyFish Surfin Bird Flappy JR Super Pipe Bird Flying Brick Teeny Tiny Bird Free Little Crow Pro TapToFlap! Flippy Bird 3D Flying Flappy Fish HD Buzzy Bug FlyCraft Flappy’s Pipe Dream Candy Bird – Candyholic Clumsy Bird Flying Mustache Sad Bird – the upside down one Flying Zombie Bird Chubby Birdy Flap brids Splashy Turtle Tappy Fish! Fok’n‘Fly Ugly Bird Flappy Mipsters Silly Fish Swimmy Fish Adventure The Pipe Scatty Fly Bouncy Birdie [Via: The Guardian] Continue reading →

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European Commission meeting with Google and Apple to discuss freemium games and in-app purchases

The European Commission and its Member States are concerned about in-app purchases in freemium games and have asked to meet with Apple and Google as part of a two-day session that focuses on consumer protection for apps. This meeting is a response to consumer complaints about false advertising by freemium apps and in-app purchases by consumers who were unaware they were being charged. The technology companies in attendance will be asked to provide solutions that protect consumers when they download and make purchases within an app. Commissioner Neven Mimica, responsible for Consumer Policy said: “Consumers and in particular children need better protection against unexpected costs from in-app purchases. National enforcement authorities and the European Commission are discussing with industry how to address this issue which not only causes financial harm to consumers but can also put at stake the credibility of this very promising market. Coming up with concrete solutions as soon as possible will be a win-win for all.” The Commission has four areas of concern that will be addressed over the two days. They include: Games advertised as “free” should not mislead consumers about the true costs involved Games should not contain direct exhortations to children to buy items in a game or to persuade an adult to buy items for them Consumers should be adequately informed about the payment arrangements and purchases should not be debited through default settings without consumers’ explicit consent Traders should provide an email address so that consumers can contact them in case of queries or complaints This is a big issue for developers as restrictions on in-app purchases may affect their ability to generate revenue for an app. According to Distimo, in-app purchasing is the dominant form of revenue for iOS apps, with 92% of Apple App Store revenues in November 2013 coming from freemium apps that offer in-app items for purchase. These freemium apps made headlines a few years ago when children racked up thousands of dollars of charges via in-app purchases. Apple responded to these earlier concerns by requiring a password before authorizing a purchase. The change was included in iOS 4.3. Apple also added the ability to block al in-app purchases using Restrictions in iOS. Continue reading →

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Google Hangouts updated with iOS 7 design and iPad optimizations

Google updated Hangouts for iOS, overhauling the app with a new, flat design that mirrors the look and feel of iOS 7. Hangouts is a messaging app that ties into your Google account and allows you to send and receive messages, photos, videos and animated stickers with other Google users. Besides a new iOS 7 design, Hangouts is now optimized for the iPad with picture-in-picture video calling that takes advantage of extra screen real estate of the iPad. Other new features allow you to share a map of your current location and record video messages up to 10 seconds long that can be sent to other users. This update brings Hangouts to version 2.0.0 and follows a minor bug fix release that was rolled out in November of last year. The full list of changes in the latest version of Hangouts includes: Fully-optimized for the iPad, including picture-in-picture video calling Animated stickers that help you share exactly how you’re feeling Record and send video messages up to 10 seconds long Send a map of your current location Optimized for iOS 7 The last major update was released in October of 2013 and brought free voice calling to US and Canadian users. Version 2.0.0 of Google Hangouts is available now for free from the iOS App Store. Continue reading →

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Korean FTC rejects Apple’s allegations of Samsung wrongly using its SEPs in patent lawsuits

The Korea Fair Trade Commission has rejected Apple’s claims of Samsung unfairly using its SEPs (Standard Essential Patents) during ongoing patent lawsuits against competitors, with Apple being one of them. The KFTC has cited that Samsung’s actions aren’t infringing Korea’s antitrust laws. Samsung is required to license its patents to interested parties under FRAND (fair, reasonable and non discriminatory) regulations. But Apple’s original complaint from 2012 alleged Samsung of leveraging its collection of 3G related SEPs against competitors. Interestingly, Samsung has been cautioned by the U.S. Department of Justice and other global antitrust watchdogs of unfairly using its patents to its advantage, so it is suspicious that the Korean FTC has sided by the home company. A KFTC official said the following with regards to the ongoing issue – “Samsung with the standard-essential patents based on the FRAND licensing terms tried to resolve the matter and the level of patent license fee was not so high. Samsung’s lawsuit is a legitimate act to protect its patent rights.” This is a major reprieve for Samsung which has had a legal tussle with Apple across various countries over the past several years. Talks of a negotiation fell through when the CEOs of the two companies met a couple of weeks ago. [Via: Apple Insider] Continue reading →

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ABC to stream the Oscars to its Watch ABC app

For the first time ever, the Oscars will be live streamed to both online and mobile viewers. A real-time feed of both the pre-show and the full telecast of the awards show will be available for verified Watch ABC viewers. Watch ABC provides 24/7 access to ABC’s television programming to select customers in the US. Access to the Oscar live stream is limited to select cable TV customers in eight geographic markets across the US. Fans who want to watch the stream live must be a subscriber to Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent Communications, Verizon FiOS, Google Fiber and AT&T U-verse. They also must reside in one of ABC’s eight Owned Station markets, which include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno. If you meet the above criteria as a verified viewer, you can watch the full Oscars award show and the Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Oscars show on Sunday March 2nd. If you miss the live broadcast, you can view watch an on-demand replay through Watch ABC until March 5th. iOS owners can access the Oscar live stream by downloading the Watch ABC app and using their cable or satellite subscription username and password to verify their account. OS X owners can verify their account and watch the stream through Oscar.com, ABC.com or WATCHABC.com. Continue reading →

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Moov fitness tracker and personal trainer device improves performance, prevents injury

Moov is an upcoming wearable device that is part fitness tracker, part personal trainer. It uses 9-axis sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, to track both your motion and your form (posture) while you exercise or play one of the supported sports. Moov can be worn on various parts of the body depending on the sport or exercise that is being monitored. The device will analyze activities like running, weight lifting, boxing, swimming, and biking at launch, with support for additional sports planned after launch. Moov connects to companion iOS apps using Bluetooth LE and provides real-time feedback on your performance, much like a personal trainer. Moov operates like a virtual coach – it “sees” your motion and systematically “tells” you how to correct your form. Think of it as a GPS for your workouts – if you are a runner seeking to improve your running form, attach Moov to your ankle. Moov will help you to reach your goal of improving your running form by giving you instant feedback on your running form and correcting you when you are running sloppily or dragging your heel on the ground, for instance. Moov syncs automatically to your iOS device when it is in range and will track both your active and sedentary periods. When it notices that you are idle for too long, it will send a notification to encourage you to get up and move. The Moov tracker is available for pre-order in limited quantities at its 50% off pre-launch price of $59.99. The device is expected to ship in the Summer of 2014. You can see how it works in the video below. Continue reading →

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Google’s Sundar Pichai: Android was not designed to be safe, it was designed to give more freedom

The Mobile Threat report from Cisco last month revealed that 99% of all mobile malwares targeted Android devices last year. When Sundar Pichai, the Senior Vice President at Google, who overseas Android was asked about the malware situation on the Android platform, he gave a surprisingly frank answer. According to FrAndroid, Pichai had this to say about the malware problem at the Mobile World Congress: We cannot guarantee that Android is designed to be safe, the format was designed to give more freedom. When people talk about 90% of malware for Android, they must of course take into account the fact that it is the most popular operating system in the world. If I had a company dedicated to malware, I would also be addressing my attacks on Android. The huge malware attacks are partially due to the fact that Android is one of the most popular mobile operating systems, and lot more open than iOS. But 99% of all mobile malwares is extremely high, and should be an area of concern for Google. It is possible that Pichai’s statement was taken out of context, as it is hard to believe that the head of Android at Google would make such a statement. He would also be indirectly refuting statements made by Google’s Chairman Eric Schmidt, who has claimed that Android was more secure than the iPhone. [FrAndroid via 9to5Mac] Continue reading →

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Apple is the ‘Most Admired’ company for the seventh straight year

Apple has successfully retained its title of being the ‘Most Admired’ company in the U.S., followed by the likes of Amazon, Google and Berkshire Hathaway. This is the company’s seventh consecutive title, so there’s a lot to celebrate for the folks at Cupertino. This list is published annually by Fortune and Apple’s inclusion for the seventh straight year is no surprise given the company’s resurgence over the years despite severe competition in the industry. While Apple retained its top spot, the top 10 was full of changes as Coca-Cola slipped to 6th and Walt Disney to 7th. Most notably, Amazon overtook Google to jump to the 2nd place. This list consisted of 50 companies in the country, which were chosen from over 1,400 companies. Wireless carrier AT&T made it to the list marginally at No. 50, while its rival Verizon was nowhere to be seen. The top 10 list looks something like this: Apple Amazon Google Berkshire Hathaway Starbucks Coca Cola Walt Disney FedEx Southwest Airlines General Electric Notably, one of Apple’s popular industry rival Samsung Electronics was at an unconvincing 21st position in terms of customer admiration. Fortune makes this annual list after conducting a survey among top analysts, industry experts, board directors and other executives, so the metric used in its survey is pretty fair. Source: Fortune Continue reading →

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Updated Apple security document details Touch ID and A7′s Secure Enclave

Following the release of a critical security update for iOS, Apple also posted an updated security document for iOS on its website. In this document, Apple provides additional information on its Touch ID sensor and Secure Enclave system. The new documentation reveals detailed information on how the Touch ID sensor processes a fingerprint. The 88-by-88-pixel, 500-ppi raster scan is temporarily stored in encrypted memory within the Secure Enclave while being vectorized for analysis, and then it’s discarded after. The analysis utilizes subdermal ridge flow angle mapping, which is a lossy process that discards minutia data that would be required to reconstruct the user’s actual finger- print. The resulting map of nodes never leaves iPhone 5s, is stored without any identity information in an encrypted format that can only be read by the Secure Enclave, and is never sent to Apple or backed up to iCloud or iTunes. The process is very secure with a single stored fingerprint having a 1 in 50,000 chance of marching randomly with someone else’s fingerprint. Apple also discusses how the Secure Enclave system encrypts the identification and share with the rest of the system without exposing that data to an outside party. Each Secure Enclave is provisioned during fabrication with its own UID (Unique ID) that is not accessible to other parts of the system and is not known to Apple. When the device starts up, an ephemeral key is created, tangled with its UID, and used to encrypt the Secure Enclave’s portion of the device’s memory space. Additionally, data that is saved to the file system by the Secure Enclave is encrypted with a key tangled with the UID and an anti-replay counter. The Secure Enclave of the A7 chip processes the fingerprint data with the help of the A7 chip. Data is transferred from the Touch ID to the A7 and then to the Secure Enclave. This transfer is encrypted and the data is not read by the A7 during the relay. Communication between the A7 and the Touch ID sensor takes place over a serial peripheral interface bus. The A7 forwards the data to the Secure Enclave but cannot read it. It’s encrypted and authenticated with a session key that is negotiated using the device’s shared key that is built into the Touch ID sensor and the Secure Enclave. The session key exchange uses AES key wrap- ping with both sides providing a random key that establishes the session key and uses AES-CCM transport encryption. Appel also describes how the Touch ID is used to unlock an iPhone, providing details on each step in the process. On devices with an A7 processor, the Secure Enclave holds the cryptographic class keys for Data Protection. When a device locks, the keys for Data Protection class Complete are discarded, and files and keychain items in that class are inaccessible until the user unlocks the device by entering their passcode. On iPhone 5s with Touch ID turned on, the keys are not discarded when the device locks; instead, they’re wrapped with a key that is given to the Touch ID subsystem. When a user attempts to unlock the device, if Touch ID recognizes the user’s finger- print, it provides the key for unwrapping the Data Protection keys and the device is unlocked. This process provides additional protection by requiring the Data Protection and Touch ID subsystems to cooperate in order to unlock the device. The decrypted class keys are only held in memory, so they’re lost if the device is rebooted. Additionally, as previously described, the Secure Enclave will discard the keys after 48 hours or 5 failed Touch ID recognition attempts. This is just a small part of a larger document that provides information on other aspects of iOS security including app security, network security and more. You can read the entire document on Apple’s website. [Via TechCrunch] Continue reading →

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Adoption rate of iOS 7.0.6 security fix reaches 25.9% within fours days of release

Apple released iOS 7.0.6 on February 21 to patch an SSL security flaw in earlier versions of iOS. The software update was installed on 13.3% of iOS devices within 48 hours and on 25.9% within four days. This increase was steep given the urgent nature of the update, but it did not equal the jump when iOS 7 was launched publicly last year, says analytics firm Chitika, which analyzed online ad impressions from millions of iOS devices on its North American ad network from February 21 to February 25, 2014. This jump suggests the majority of iPad and iPhone owners will be running the secure version of iOS in just a few weeks. This latest update is being adopted at a faster rate than a similar security update that was pushed out in May 2012. In this case, the 5.1.1 version of iOS was installed on 12 percent of devices within a week and 58% of devices within three weeks of release. The majority of iOS owners, 42.4%, are running iOS 7.0.4, with a small percentage (13.4%) still running iOS 6. This rapid adoption rate is not surprising given the importance of the security update. This latest version of iOS patched a flaw in the SSL system that made iOS vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. The flaw was revealed to be an extra “goto” command that caused the OS to skip an important SSL authentication step. A malicious hacker on the same wireless network as iOS and OS X users could hijack the data traffic being sent between the Apple devices and the router. Continue reading →

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Apple appeals against e-books antitrust ruling

A U.S. court last year found Apple guilty of manipulating eBooks prices with its iBooks Store. The Cupertino based giant has now filed for an appeal against this ruling to either reverse the ruling or start a fresh trial. The company was believed to have had an inside understanding with five major book publishers to fix the pricing of eBooks, which allegedly inflated the cost of e-books. Apple said in its appeal – “The district court’s ruling that Apple, in the very act of launching the iPad, inventing the iBooks Store, and entering the e-books market, violated the Sherman Act is a radical departure from modern antitrust law and policy. If allowed to stand, the ruling will stifle innovation, chill competition, and harm consumers.” Part of the reason why the Department of Justice cracked the whip on Apple was due to its allegedly unfair “agency model” system which restricted publishers from selling their content to other retailers for a lower price. Apple has countered this argument by claiming that the judge used incorrect legal standards while hearing the case. The company further goes on to call this whole episode a conspiracy. It’s certainly not the end of the trial now, with Apple’s appeal expected to keep the lawyers busy. But it is clear that the company is currently at a disadvantage after last year’s court ruling. Via: Apple Insider Apple Appeal of E-Books Ruling by Mikey Campbell Continue reading →

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How the Samsung Galaxy S5 fingerprint scanner differs from Apple’s Touch ID

Samsung unveiled its flagship Galaxy S5 Monday at Mobile World Congress. Similar to the iPhone 5s, the S5 features a fingerprint sensor that can be used to unlock the handset and perform other functions on the device. The scanner on the S5 is not a clone of Apple’s Touch ID, as there are a few subtle differences that make it unique. Read on to learn how the two fingerprint sensors compare. Scanning motion First and foremost, the Galaxy S5 is not a static scanner like the iPhone 5s. With the iPhone, you place your finger on the home button scanner and hold it still for a 30 seconds while the hardware scans your finger and the software recognizes it. The Galaxy S5, though, uses a motion scanner that requires you to swipe your finger over the top of the sensor. Those who tested the sensor at MWC reported that the scanner sometimes failed to recognize a scan, but that might be the result of using a demo device. Other hands-on reviews noted the scanner was awkward to use one-handed as you had to hold the phone and move your thumb at the same time. Multiple Fingerprints Samsung, like Apple, allows users to scan multiple fingerprints so you can use the scanner with a choice of fingers. While iOS 7 supports up to five fingerprints, the Galaxy S5 will store eight. Integration with apps The Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5s has limited utility as it only can be used to unlock a device and authenticate a purchase in iTunes. It’s a different story with the Galaxy S5, which goes beyond a homescreen unlock function. In the Galaxy S5, owners can use the feature to restrict apps on the phone, making them unavailable to users who don’t have a fingerprint stored on the phone. Entering in a fingerprint scan also can be used to authenticate payments on the phone. Continue reading →

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Apple Adds WWE to Apple TV in US, TV4 Play in Sweden

Apple recently expanded its channel lineup for the Apple TV, adding the WWE network in the US and TV4Play in Sweden. These channels follow the addition of Red Bull TV to the media streaming device last month. As expected, US customers now can access World Wrestling Entertainment’s new WWE Network. The 24/7 live streaming network offers access to pay-per-view content such as Wrestlemania, original programming, reality TV shows, and classic wrestling matches. “Today is a historic day for WWE as we transform and reimagine how we deliver our premium live content and 24/7 programming directly to our fans around the world,” said Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. “WWE Network will provide transformative growth for our company and unprecedented value for our fans.” WWE is a subscription service that requires a $9.99 monthly fee and minimum six-month contract that can be purchased through iTunes. Besides the Apple TV, WWE also released an iOS app that brings WWE programming to iOS devices. While US Apple TV owners can enjoy wrestling, owners in Sweden gain access to content from TV4 Groups live broadcasts, original television episodes and more. Select shows are available in HD, with an increasing number of HD titles slated for rollout in the coming months. Annika Larsson Järund, Head of TV4 Play, says: “We’re incredibly excited to be the first Scandinavian content provider to launch on Apple TV. With HD content from ‘TV4 Play’ on Apple TV it’s even easier for viewers to enjoy the wide range of entertainment and quality broadcasting available from TV4.” TV4Play is providing its Apple TV channel for free, but is offering content for longer period of time and expanding its library of current and previously aired episodes to its premium subscribers. Other features of the Apple TV channel include a play list, a list of favorite shows and a “resume play” option that lets you start watching a show right where you left off. Continue reading →

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Apple adds iBeacon specification to MFi certification program

Apple has added the iBeacon specification to its MFi certification program, allowing manufacturers to seek approval for products that’ll use the iBeacon name, reports Beekn. Specifications for these iBeacon-compatible Bluetooth LE devices are available to manufacturers who apply for the free program and agree to an NDA. We know that iBeacon-devices must conform with Apple’s implementation of the Bluetooth technology, but the detailed hardware and software requirements are still unknown. The extension of iBeacon to the MFi program suggests Apple is looking to make iBeacon a household name that can be used by a variety of businesses. By requiring a certification program, Apple also ensures the technology provides the “Apple experience.” Despite being an Apple standard, Beekn believes the iBeacon technology could be made compatible with Android devices as well as Apple products. But there’s no particular restriction in place which makes an iBeacon incompatible with Android or other phones. So while a beacon might carry the iBeacon name, this simple means that it has access to the trademark and that it has been configured to work well with Apple devices. But there’s no particular restriction in place which makes an iBeacon incompatible with Android or other phones. So while a beacon might carry the iBeacon name, this simple means that it has access to the trademark and that it has been configured to work well with Apple devices. Apple launched its MFi program in 2005 and used it to certify third-party accessories for its popular line of iPod music players. The “Made For iPod” program charged manufacturers a small fee for using this branding on its products. As Apple added to its product portfolio, the company expanded the program to include the iPhone and iPad. Recently, Apple added the lightning connector and iOS gaming controllers as those technologies were introduced by Apple. Continue reading →

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Imagination Technologies PowerVR Rogue Architecture for Future iOS Devices Detailed

Earlier this year, Imagination Technologies announced its new PowerVR Rogue Series 6 and Series 6XT system-on-a-chip GPU architectures. AnandTech was able to examine these latest GPUs in detail, thanks to the willingness of Imagination Technologies to open up parts of its underlying architecture for the first time. Details on SoC GPUs are sparse, so this was an excellent opportunity to dive deep in the technology. AnandTech’s article is a technical discussion on how SoC GPUs and the Rogue PowerVR architecture operate. Imagination Technologies used this opportunity to describe its unique architecture and hows its choice to use the more efficient but less powerful 16bit Arithmetic Logic Units (FP16 ALUs) over FP32 (32bit) ALUs actually improves performance. Imagination is keen on not being seen as being left behind on core counts, and while we don’t expect the “core” terminology to go away any time soon, now that we have these low level Rogue architecture details, we can agree that Imagination does have a salient point as far as counting cores and ALUs is concerned. For the purposes of FP32 operations a Rogue USC is essentially equivalent to a 32 core design, with an ILP reliance similar to what we’re seeing out of NVIDIA right now, though perhaps greater than some other designs. Or as Imagination likes to compare it to, a 6 USC design would be equivalent to a 192 core design. Apple is an investor in GPU maker Imagination Technologies and has used PowerVR technology in all its iPhone models. These next generation GPUs are expected to land in future iPhone models, possibly even the iPhone 6. [Via MacRumors] Continue reading →

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Apple close to releasing OS X 10.9.2 with SSL fix, FaceTime call waiting,

Apple is distributing a prerelease build of OS X 10.9.2 to employees, which suggests the public release is right around the corner, claims AppleInsider. The version being distributed internally is identified as build 13C64.Sources close to the blog confirm this build will include a fix for the “goto fail” SSL bug that was patched in iO 7 with the 7.0.6 release last week. Apple announced over the weekend that its was working on the issue in OS X with Apple spokeswoman Trudy Miller telling Reuters that “We are aware of this issue and already have a software fix that will be released very soon.” Apple has been widely criticized for not patching both iOS and OS X at the same time, deciding instead to disclose and fix this flaw in iOS 7, while leaving it open in OS X. Besides the SSL fix and various performance enhancement, the latest version of OS X 10.9.2 adds a call waiting feature to FaceTime audio and video calls. It also updates Messages with the ability to block incoming iMessages from individual senders. Other changes include: Improved “Autofill” capabilities in Safari A fix for an issue that could cause audio distortion Improved reliability when connecting to a file server using SMB2 A fix for an issue that could cause VPN connections to disconnect Improved VoiceOver navigation in Mail and Finder improved accuracy of unread messages counts in Mail Fix for an issue that prevents Main from receiving messages from select providers Apple has released seven beta versions of OS X 10.9.2 to developers since December. The last public version was OS X 10.9.1, which was released in mid-December of last year. Continue reading →

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GridSwitcher: Jailbreak Tweak changes the layout of iOS 7 app switcher to a grid view

Apple completely revamped the app switcher in iOS 7 with an all-new card-based interface. While the iOS 7 app switcher looks really nice, it is not very efficient as you end up having to swipe a lot more than you used to in iOS 6. A new jailbreak tweak called GridSwitcher aims to address the issue, but at the same time retaining the sleek look of the app switcher. As you can see in the screenshot below, it tweaks the app swticher on the iPhone to display 2×2 (4) app previews on a single screen rather than just one. In case of the iPad, it displays 3×3 (9) app previews on a single screen as you can see below. This should make it a lot faster to switch between apps especially if the app wasn’t the most recently used app. You can check out the video walkthrough of the jailbreak tweak below: GridSwitcher is available on Cydia for $1.50. Let us know what you think of the tweak in the comments. Continue reading →

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Snap Amazing Photos with this 3-in-1 iPhone Lens Kit [Deals Hub]

Your smartphone’s camera is pretty incredible, but its limited in what it can do. Wide angle shots and close-ups leave much to be desired, and the digital zoom captures a pixelated version of what you see. Give your stock camera a huge enhancement with this three-piece lens set and you’ll be able to snap amazing photos at any angle. You can get the TOCCs 3-in-1 Smartphone Hi-Def Magnetic Lens Kit on sale now from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub. Nothing has to be out of range for you just because you’re taking photos with your smartphone. With magnetic rings to adapt the lenses for iPhones 4/4S/5/5S, you can capture images up close, far away, and with the 180-degree “fisheye” look. Easily switch between lenses with “snap-on, snap-off” functionality, and keep the others close by until you need them. You can get the TOCCs 3-in-1 Smartphone Hi-Def Magnetic Lens Kit on sale from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub for just $19.99. That’s an 79% savings off the retail price. It’s a great price for a must-have accessory for iPhone photographers, so grab this deal today. Continue reading →

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Weekend news roundup: All the best Apple news from last week

As we close out one week and kick off another, let’s take a moment to look back at the attention-grabbing headlines from the past seven days. Some of the news you may recall, some may be new to you, but all of the topics below are worthy of a mention. Rumor: Apple not bundling LTE into its A8 chipset Apple is not looking to build LTE into its upcoming A8 chipset, industry sources told Fudzilla. Instead of an SoC with LTE, Apple will rely on Qualcomm to provide a dedicated LTE chipset for its next generation iPhone. The A8 is rumored to be the ARM-based successor to the company’s current A7, which powers the iPad Air, iPhone 5s and iPad mini with Retina display. Apple adds new mountaineering story to its ‘Your Verse’ website The iPad is helping explorers Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington reach new heights as they climb some of the toughest terrain in the world with their Alpenglow Expeditions group. Their travels with an iPad are documented in the latest addition to Apple’s “Your Verse” advertising campaign. iPhone 5s prices around the world: Most expensive in Brazil; Cheapest in the US After finally snapping up the rights to use the iPhone name in Brazil a few months ago, Apple made further strides in conquering one of the world’s fastest evolving smartphone markets by opening its first official retail store in the country on Sunday. Apple to hold its first iTunes Festival in the U.S at SXSW 2014; featuring Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Pitbull, Keith Urban, ZEDD Apple has just announced that it will be holding the iTunes Festival event in the US for the first time at South by SouthWest (SXSW). Apple has been holding iTunes Festivals in London since 2007, where over 400 artists have performed and attracted more than 430,000 people. iWatch to reportedly feature curved, flexible AMOLED display; enter mass production in second half of 2014 Apple CEO Tim Cook has said that the company will enter new product categories this year, and the most likely product segment the company could enter is the smartwatch. A rumor from China Times claims that the iWatch, Apple’s much-rumored smartwatch, will feature a curved, flexible AMOLED display. Facebook buying WhatsApp messaging service for $16 billion Facebook is buying WhatsApp messaging service for $16 billion, according to a Form 8K filed with the SEC and subsequent announcements by both Facebook and WhatsApp. Facebook will pay $4 billion in cash and $12 billion in Facebook stock for the messaging company. An additional $3 billion in restricted stock units will be granted to WhatsApp’s founders and employees. These shares will vest over four years after the close of the deal. Tesla CEO confirms talks with Apple, acquisition now ‘very unlikely’ Speaking to Bloomberg Television in a video interview, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that he met with Apple and “had conversations” last year, but would not discuss any details about the meeting. App Store scammer makes $10,000 a day from a $10 game template All healed of the “Flappy Bird” addiction which supposedly prompted its creator to remove the free-to-play game from both the App Store and Google Play? Hopefully, you didn’t seek comfort in the arms of a similar title, “Red Bouncing Ball Spikes”, or I have some bad news. Fleksy’s Predictive Keyboard SDK available to all developers, expect your favorite apps to support it soon iOS doesn’t let you use alternate keyboards, but developers like Fleksy and SwiftKey are getting around this restriction by writing their own custom keyboards and bundling them as apps. Fleksy today opened up its powerful predictive keyboard SDK to all iOS developers, who can now freely include the keyboard in their own apps. Apple releases iOS 7.0.6 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch [Updated] Apple has just released iOS 7.0.6 (Build number: 11B651). The update is available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. According to the release note the update includes a fix for SSL connection verification. Apple buys Burstly, company that owns iOS app beta testing service TestFlight Apple has acquired Burstly, the company that owns popular iOS app beta testing platform TestFlight. The service lets developers distribute their apps to beta testers, track usage, and see crash logs, all remotely. Apple patents headphones with biometric sensors to record your temperature, heart rate Since last year or so, rumors about Apple entering the health and fitness gadgets market have greatly intensified. But Apple has been looking at this space since more than six years, as evident by this 2007 Apple patent filing about headphones equipped with biometric sensors. Continue reading →

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Jailbreak hacker Winocm to join Apple later this year

Jailbreak hacker Winocm announced today that he will be joining Apple later this year. Details on his position at the Cupertino company were not revealed, but we can safely assume it will remove him from the jailbreak scene.Winocm made his announcement on Twitter, where he simply said “I figured now is the right time to say this, I will be working at Apple starting later this year.” I figured now is the right time to say this, I will be working at Apple starting later this year. — winocm (@winocm) February 21, 2014 Winocm, along with iH8sn0w and SquiffyPwnm, are known for their work on the p0sixspwn jailbreak of iOS 6.1.3 through 6.1.5. The untethered 6.1.5 jailbreak caused a stir when it burned a valuable exploit that would have made jailbreaking future versions of iOS easier. The vulnerability they burned was uncovered by Comex and known for years by most in the jailbreak scene. The flaw was never used as it was considered a “one-of-a-kind” root execution and injection exploit. Winocm isn’t the first jailbreak developer to be lured away by Apple. Winocm will be following in the footsteps of fellow jailbreak developer Nicholas Allegra, a.k.a. Comex, who interned at Apple a few years ago. [Via iClarified] Continue reading →

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NCWeather: Jailbreak Tweak adds a Clean and Informative Weather widget to iOS 7 Notification Center

NCWeather as the name suggests is a nifty little jailbreak tweak that adds a beautiful weather widget to Notification Center. Unlike Notification Center’s Today tab introduced in iOS 7, which shows you just provides the current weather forecast, NCWeather provides a lot more information. NCWeather replaces the weather section from the Today tab with the custom widget. By default, NCWeather widget will display the current location, temperature and weather forecast. If you tap on the widget, it will give you the weather forecast for the next five hours, and if tap on it again, it will display the weather forecast for the next 5 days. Default view (left), Hourly forecast (middle), 5-day forecast (right) Check out the video walkthrough of the tweak below: NCWeather is available on Cydia for $0.99. It is compatible with all iOS 7 devices. It integrates quite nicely in the Today tab of Notification, and almost feels like a native part of iOS . Please note that you will have to enable the widget in Notification Center settings (Settings > Notification – tap on the On/Off toggle next to NCWeather under Today’s view). Let me what you think of NCWeather tweak in the comments below. Continue reading →

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Barrel: One of our favorite Jailbreak Tweaks updated with some cool new animations [Video]

One of the first jailbreak tweaks that I install on my jailbroken iOS device is Barrel. In case you’re not aware, Barrel was released back in 2010, and brought 3D-cube effect to the iPhone while swiping through Home screen pages. Since then the developer has been adding new animations to keep it fresh. The developer has released an update for the tweak that brings 5 new animations. They are: Wave Icon rollover Vortex Shrink Shrink Completely Vortex (left), Wave (right) You can change the animations via the Settings app (Settings > Barrel > Mode) or by launching the Barrel app from the Home screen. I could describe them, but won’t do them justice nor do the screenshots above, so I suggest checking out our video walkthrough of these new animations. Wave, Icon rollover and Vortex are really cool. Please don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Barrel is available on Cydia for $2.99. If you’ve purchased it, I would strongly recommend it. Let me know which one is your favorite from the new animations. Continue reading →

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Jony Ive almost quit design before his career even started

British Industrial designer Tom Karen is known for his work on the Bond Bug and the Raleigh chopper, but he has a lesser known accomplishment — he played a crucial role in the life of Apple Senior Vice President of Design Jony Ive. According to an interview in The Telegraph, Karen intervened when Ive was ready to quit design.According to Karen, Ive’s father reached out to him when Ive was struggling with an Industrial Design course at Northumbria University, then Newcastle Polytechnic. Ive was ready to quit the course and possibly end his career before it even started when Karen intervened. “He [Ive's Father] got in touch with me a bit later and said, my son Jonathan’s at university in Newcastle and is thinking about giving up his industrial design course. Maybe you could revive his interest?” Karen took Ive, along with other students, on a tour of the world-famous design consultancy company, Ogle. This tour inspired Ive to stick to his path in industrial design. This path led him from Northumbria Polytechnic to start-up design company Tangerine and eventually Apple. Since joining Apple, Ive has been responsible for the design of some of Apple’s most well-known products including the first iPod, the iMac, the MacBook Pro, the iPad and more. Continue reading →

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Steve Jobs to be featured on 2015 US Postal Service commemorative stamp

The Washington Post got its hands on a document with the commemorative stamps planned by US Postal Service for the next few years and Steve Jobs is on that list. This list of future stamps is a closely guarded secret so the Postal Service can create a buzz when it launches a new and unexpected type of stamp. The Steve Jobs stamp is expected to debut as part of a collectible series to be released in 2015. Other notable names on the list include music legend James Brown, NBA star Wilt Chamberlin, Tonight Show host Johnny Carson and a group stamp featuring distinguished Airmen. Continue reading →

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Google’s Project Tango smartphone maps your world in 3D

Google unveiled Project Tango, an experimental project from the company’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group. The group is working on a prototype smartphone that would analyze and map the full 3D environment of the device. In its current form, Tango is a 5-inch prototype Android smartphone powered in part by the Myriad 1, a low-powered, vision-processing chip custom designed by Movidius for Google. The accessory chip has the algorithms and process power to map surroundings in 3D without draining the phone’s battery. The sensors in the phone are capable of making more than 250 million 3D measurements every second, which are then used to build a 3D model of the phone’s surroundings. The phone could be used for many different activities that benefit from a 3D map. The most obvious example would be in realty or interior design where a user could easily scan a room and have its dimensions in minutes. The 3D maps could also help the visually impaired navigate unfamiliar buildings as well as provide gamers with a virtual playground in every room. The hardware includes custom APIs that provide developers with access to location data like the phone’s position, orientation, and depth. This information can be used by Android applications that are be written in Java, C++, or the Unity Game Engine. Tango is not a “final shipping product”, but it is far enough along that Google is ready to hand it out to developers. Google has 200 developer phone and will distribute those units to developers who are in the best position to take advantage of the technology. Developers can submit their credentials and application proposals to the ATAP group at the Project Tango web site. Continue reading →

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Google testing iOS app that will automatically log you into Google WiFi Hotspots

Google is reportedly testing a new iOS and Android app that will let you automatically log in to Google powered WiFi hotspots in US and Canada. The Android app is already being trailed in Google’s Mountain View headquarters. Engadget reports: Google is working on a new WiFi app that could take a lot of the drudgery out of accessing wireless hotspots. According to our sources, the search giant has built Android and iOS versions of an app that automatically authenticate and connect to its free hotspots inside Starbucks stores or wherever they are available. Google is currently trialling the Android app at its Mountain View HQ. While there’s no definite guarantee of the app being released publicly, Google is considering integrating the app’s seamless login with Starbucks WiFi. The search giant had teamed up with Starbucks last year to deploy high-speed WiFi in 7000 Starbucks stores in the US within 18 months. Presently, the procedure to start using free WiFi hotspots is quite tedious. After connecting to the access point, you have to open the browser and accept the terms and conditions. Google’s simplified procedure will ask users to “install a dedicated security certificate on their device to automatically authenticate devices when a connection is available.” Google is also working on expanding “Google WiFi” hotspots in locations in Canada and US. As of now, Google WiFi is available in certain Mountain View areas. Continue reading →

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Get the World’s First Smart Pedometer [Deals Hub]

Fitness doesn’t have to be a struggle, you just have to have the right attitude and accessories to make it fun. You can enjoy the process of moving and getting fit when you have Striiv, the world’s first smart pedometer, and its activity motivation system. It’s sure to get you going, and you can get it on sale now from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub. It’s never too late to start working on getting in shape, and Striiv is here to help you along in the process. Ease yourself into a regular routine with the help of Striiv’s feature-rich system. You’ll earn trophies and complete challenges, be able to participate in fitness games, walk for charity, and much more. Striiv will get you engaged and invested in your own health by making it fun. You can get Striiv on sale today from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub for just $59.99. That’s 40% off the retail price, and the lowest price ever for the Striiv. Grab this offer today. Continue reading →

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The future of iPad accessories is bright with newly patented ‘smart magnets’

So often do we hear the word patent used in association with war, trial, court of law, infringement or attorneys of late that most people not fluent in legalese probably automatically switch off whenever seeing yet another article headlined by the infamous term. But don’t go anywhere, as patent, or better yet, patent application is today linked to a brighter future for iPad and iPad accessories. Apparently, following a concept envisioned by Sean S. Corbin and Andrew D. Lauder, Apple is planning to develop an intelligent magnetic attachment system to allow seamless connection of iPads and an assortment of futuristic accessories. Also, some that already exist. The innovation basically lies in the way these can be attached and detached, again and again, with little hassle or danger of any mechanism cracking up. Multiple potential uses are detailed, including for “static” cases, game controllers, keyboards and even more than one iPad. Specifically, these new magnets might be the answer of many Apple fanatics’ wet dreams in the not so distant future, as they’ll facilitate the coupling of two iPads together. You know, like a two-headed pad monster with all the combined power and functionality you can think of. As for accessories that don’t yet exist, but may crop up to take advantage of the patented magnetic system, a certain stylus holder caught my eye, plus a visionary ring that can control iPad’s Hall Effect sensors found on contemporary iPads for activation of software functions with a simple swipe. Don’t know about you, but I haven’t been so excited about a patent application since that Sapphire depiction last month. Come to think of it, this is actually much more exciting. Via [Apple Insider] Continue reading →

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Canonical CEO claims Apple bought a 3-year supply of sapphire displays

Speaking about past and future plans for its mobile Ubuntu platform, Canonical CEO Mark Shuttleworth dropped a hint about Apple’s big plans for sapphire in the coming years, reports GigaOM.According to Shuttleworth, Apple, in the past year, has bought up a three-year supply of sapphire displays. It affected Canonical in a negative way as the company hoped to use sapphire glass in its flagship Ubuntu Edge smartphone. “Apple just snapped up the entire 3-year supply of the same sapphire display we wanted for the Edge,” Shuttleworth said Without further clarification, it’s not know whether Shuttleworth’s comments can be interpreted to mean the iPhone 6 will ship with the Edge’s intended 4.5-inch display. This isn’t the first rumor that places a 4.5-inch display in the next generation iPhone. Earlier this year, a Wall Street Journal report claimed the next iPhone will ship with a screen that is at least 4.5-inches. Shuttleworth’s comments on sapphire echo a similar report that suggests Apple has bought enough sapphire manufacturing hardware and substrate materials to produce up to 200-million iPhone displays. Apple and materials manufacturer GT Advanced are working together to produce sapphire in a plan in Arizona. Apple currently uses sapphire in its Touch ID sensor and as a coating on its rear-facing camera. Because of its hardness, sapphire is an excellent material for scratch resistant displays. The cost of production and other manufacturing limitation have prohibited the use of sapphire in mobile devices, but that may change now that GT Advanced has partnered with Apple. Continue reading →

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GBA Emulator GBA4iOS 2.0 now available with iPad support, Jailbreak-free installation

Version 2.0 of GBA4iOS, a popular Game Boy Advance emulator, is now available for download. The updated version brings several new features including an iPad version, Dropbox support and cheat codes. GBA4iOS has been completely redesigned for iOS 7 with a new browser that makes it easy to download games and compatibility with MFi Game controllers. Most importantly, the distribution can be installed without jailbreaking your iOS device. The emulator takes advantage of Apple’s Enterprise Distribution program, which allows the installation of non-App Store apps without the need to jailbreak a device. You can install the GBA4iOS by browsing to the GBA4iOS download page using Mobile Safari on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on the “Download GBA4iOS 2.0″ link to start the installation process. In just a few minutes. GBA4iOS will be ready to open. GBA4iOS warns users that they may have to set the device clock back to 2/19/14, if they encounter problems with the app not opening. Some of the new features in GBA4iOS 2.0 include: An iOS 7 redesign with transparency, flat UI elements and more Dropbox support and an in-app browser to add ROMs Support for MFi Game Controllers iPad support Cheat codes Themes Support for Game Boy and the Game Boy Color in addition to Game Boy Advance GBA4iOS allows gamers to play play Game Boy Advanced, Game Boy Color, and original Gameboy ROMs directly on their iPads and iPhones.The app is compatible with any iOS device running iOS 7 or higher and is optimized for iPad. Below is a walk through of GBA4iOS you can watch while you download and install the emulator. Did you install GBA4iOS? Lets us know in the comments what you think about this latest version. Continue reading →

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Survive South By Southwest (or Anywhere) with this Bundle [Deals Hub]

South By Southwest (SXSW) is the central hub of upcoming technology. There’s tons to see, and tons of upcoming tech that you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you’re at SXSW or just looking for some tech to keep you going in your day to day life, the South By Southwest Tech Survival Kit has you covered with the essentials. The bundle is on sale now in the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub. There’s a couple basics that every frequent smartphone user needs to stay connected no matter where they are: A steady 4G connection and a full battery. You’ll have no troubles surfing the web with the Karma 4G Hotspot with pay-as-you go data and free data when you share your connection. And your battery will always be charged with the Portable Power Bank, which can charge two devices at once. You can get the South By Southwest Survival Kit from the iPhone Hacks Deals Hub for just $99. That’s a 37% savings off the retail price. That’s a great deal for these awesome accessories, so grab this offer today. Continue reading →

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How to add Startup Sound to your iPhone [Jailbreak Tweak]

We have already show you how to change the boot logo on a jailbroken iPhone with the glitchy effect Apple boot logo or the super hero theme. Now there is a way to change the boot up sound as well thanks to a new jailbreak tweak. The jailbreak tweak is aptly called BootSound, and it adds the Mac startup chime while your iPhone is booting up. After installing the jailbreak tweak, all you need to do is respring the device, for the startup sound to be enabled. Check the video below to see how it works: BootSound is available for free on Cydia. If you’re wondering how the Mac startup chime was created, check out Wikipedia for the details. Let me know how it goes in the comments. Continue reading →

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Apple working on ‘experimental’ non-iPhone branded 5.6-inch device? Probably not

As we draw closer and closer to Apple’s iPhone 6 intro(s), rumors get more frequent, aggressive, bigger, often more credible, but sometimes crazier as everyone tries to score free, easy media exposure. It’s just the way the world works, I’m afraid, and you can choose to participate in the speculation fest or simply ignore and mistrust everything until said device(s) go official. But where’s the fun in that? I mean, gossip can be so entertaining when it’s not taken too seriously. Case in point, a fresh report out of Taiwan claiming Apple has an “experimental” 5.6-inch gizmo in the pipeline, which it plans to launch under a different name than iPhone. Fishy? Ridiculous? Outright illogical and far-fetched? Sure, but also hysterical. Last time I laughed so hard, I think “Friends” was still on. Wait, I got it. The 5.6-incher will be branded as the iPhablet. iGiantPhone. iGalaxyNoteRival. You’re welcome to chime in with any other redonkolous ideas of possible monikers. Before wrapping up, just to cover all our bases, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, which is actually a fairly prestigious and otherwise respectable newspaper, says the non-iPhone 5.6 incher might sport a sapphire glass display, while the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone 6 should come with conventional Gorilla Glass protection. Also, Foxconn is tipped again as the main supplier of next-generation Apple handheld parts, aided by Cheng Uei Precision Industry and Simplo Technology. Oh, so the publication can be serious and report on information with a decent degree of plausibility once the juicy, nonsensical link bait is thrown. Via [Mac Rumors], [Economic Daily News Taiwan] Continue reading →

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Apple doubles iPhone sales in Russia, also jacks up smartphone market share in China

The secret gateway to a brighter future for tech players in the so-called post-PC era undoubtedly lies in emerging mobile markets, as it’s pretty obvious the US and developed European countries have nearly reached the point of saturation. Luckily, Apple seems to be fully aware of how it needs to play its cards going forward, working around the clock to bolster sales and market share in Brazil, Russia or China. South America’s largest nation recently saw the first local Apple retail store opened, whereas new IDC research confirms iPhones are continuously boosting their prestige in two of the world’s three biggest countries by area. In Russia, though a measly seven months ago it looked like the leading wireless providers had given up on the iPhone, overall sales actually doubled in 2013. Sure, 1.57 million units still doesn’t sound hugely impressive by Apple standards, yet the surge is relevant and sustains a possible future trend. What’s interesting is the strategy employed by Cupertino last year to help drive forward profits (to $1 billion, for the record), as the iPhone makers bypassed the carriers and sold their handhelds through third-party electronics store until MegaFon, Mobile TeleSystems and VimpelCom took note. Now? Russians can purchase iPhones via all three networks, albeit prices continue to be fairly steep. Meanwhile, Q4 2014, the first full quarter with new 5s and 5c models around, saw Apple’s overall smartphone market share grow from 6 to 7 percent in China. Again, not a drastic, mind-blowing hike, but representative of a tendency. Also, keep in mind iPhone sales in the world’s largest smartphone market are expected to truly blow up after the China Mobile deal, sealed in December and in effect since mid-January. Double digits imminent! Giving credit where credit is due (as much as you may not like it), let’s mention Samsung still rules over China, with a 19 percent share between October and December 2013, followed by local players Lenovo, Coolpad and Huawei. Apple sits in fifth, though up-and-coming Xiaomi is breathing down its neck, with a 6 percent share. Via [Bloomberg], [Wall Street Journal] Continue reading →

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Apple adds new mountaineering story to its ‘Your Verse’ website

The iPad is helping explorers Adrian Ballinger and Emily Harrington reach new heights as they climb some of the toughest terrain in the world with their Alpenglow Expeditions group. Their travels with an iPad are documented in the latest addition to Apple’s “Your Verse” advertising campaign. The group uses the iPad in all parts of the trip, starting off in base camp and making it all the way to summit. The iPad helps them plan their route, track their supplies and decide where to camp along the way. As you can imagine, the mapping capabilities of a GPS-equipped iPad are indispensable. “Five years ago, it was hard to even get a paper map of some of these places,” said Adrian Ballinger. “Now with the iPad it’s remarkable how much we can plan ahead.” The iPad also serves as an important communication tool, allowing the explorers to create blogs posts and upload photos to social media in real-time. It’s such an integral part of their hiking experience that the tablet is one of a few essential tools that stay in their bags for the entire trip. At each stage of the climb, Ballinger and Harrington reduce the gear in their packs. So as the climb becomes more difficult, they’re carrying only the most essential tools. And because it’s a crucial part of how they navigate the mountain safely, the iPad makes it all the way to the top. This story is part of ongoing campaign that started last year with Apple’s “Life on iPad” profiles. The website and accompanying videos showcase people using the iPad in their daily lives to order food, drive a car, fly a plane, assist in surgery and more. The “Your Verse” campaign continues with this same theme and expands it to focus on people who use the iPad in unimaginable ways such as deep sea diving for coral reefs and hiking some of the highest mountain peaks on the globe. Continue reading →

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Former Apple executive explains why the iPhone 5c flopped

Sales of the iPhone 5c were not as strong as Apple expected with many analysts and pundits calling the phone a flop. Former Apple advertising executive Ken Segall considered the plight of the iPhone 5c and shared on his blog why he thinks it did not attract new customers. Segall points out that Apple did not hide the plastic construction of the phone. Instead, the company highlighted the design by saying the iPhone 5c was “unapologetically plastic,” and its construction was “Plastic Perfected.” Segal admits the iPhone 5c was not a compromise in quality, but its mid-range price point and its plastic construction posed a marketing challenge for Apple. Was plastic a compromise on quality? Not necessarily. After all, iPhones were made of plastic before. However, as the device evolved to become more jewel-like, the plastic was left behind. So clearly a new phone made of plastic would create a marketing challenge. Ultimately, Segall claims that no amount of slick marketing could sell the iPhone 5C because the original product strategy was flawed. “Advertising can add momentum and generate buzz,” writes Segall, “but it can’t turn a bad product into a sensation.” The iPhone 5c failed because, in part, Apple is a premium brand and the plastic on the iPhone 5c was equated with cheap. First, Steve Jobs was right. Apple is a company that doesn’t do “cheap.” It makes products for people who care about design, simplicity, quality and a great experience — and are willing to pay more for these things. Even CEO Tim Cook admitted during the company’s last earnings conference call that it misjudged demand for the iPhone 5C. I think last quarter we did a tremendous job, particularly given the mix was something very different than we thought. It was the first time we’d ever run that particular play before, and demand percentage turned out to be different than we thought. We obviously always look at our results, and conclude what to change moving forward. And if we decide it’s in our best interest to make a change, then we’ll make one. I think the iPhone 5c missed the mark because it was an expensive plastic phone. It was close enough in price to the iPhone 5s that many customers were comfortable with paying a bit more to buy the feature-filled iPhone 5s. Those customers shopping for a bargain phone preferred the plastic design, but the elevated price tag pushed them to choose an inexpensive Android device instead. Why do you think the iPhone 5c failed to generate consumer interest? Share your theories in the comments. [Via BGR] Continue reading →

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Apple struggling in iAd sales due to strict privacy policies

Apple is struggling to attract advertisers its iAd network due to its more restrictive privacy policies that limit the amount of customer information shared with advertisers, says a report in AdAge. Apple trails competitors like Google and Facebook, which are more permissive with they data they share. One person familiar with the matter describes Apple as “the best-looking girl at the party, forced to wear a bag over her head” because it has a treasure trove of valuable personal data that it is not willing to share. Apple knows names and addresses, geographic locations and app and music-purchase histories, and can show ad buyers that a group with specific characteristics also likes certain types of apps or music. However, its user tracking and ad targeting are not cookie-based, meaning agencies can’t do automated buys via their cookie-centric trading desks, which allow them to mesh lots of data from different sources. Instead, they have to go to Apple, ask to reach a given audience and, well, trust Apple that it will deliver it. Apple earns advertising revenue from the ads it sells in mobile apps and iTunes Radio streams. The company accrued $258 million in U.S. mobile-ad revenue last year, which is minuscule compared to the $3.98 billion and the $1.53 billion that Google and Facebook earned, respectively. Apple keeps a tight rein on its customer data, but it is trying to work with advertisers in other ways. Pepsi, one of the first advertisers on Apple’s new iTunes Radio, launched a branded radio station when iTunes Radio made its debut last year. The “Pulse #Now” channel is used to advertise multiple food and beverages from the Pepsi product lineup. What do you think of Apple’s policy on personal information sharing and advertising? Continue reading →

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iPad Pro concept video shows off nearly bezel-free 13-incher running OS X

The technology world is shifting and evolving, traditional PCs are losing steam while mobile gadgets continue to prosper, so the already thin line between smartphones and tablets on one side and laptops and desktops on the other is likely to reach the point of near invisibility before long. As a leading tech player always on the lookout for the next big thing, Apple is on the verge of a major product revamp, as iPhones should grow a size or two, and iPads may spread the magic in three different form factors. The 9.7 and 7.9 inchers aren’t going anywhere, but they might welcome a jumbo-sized 12.9 incher in Q3 2014 or early next year. How will the so-called iPad Pro look? How far will it go in its attempt to blur the mobile – desktop lines software-wise? And more importantly, is it truly a feasible, mainstream-ready device? Only time will tell, but for now, join me in a little exercise of imagination. Italian consulting firm SET Solution has put together a short concept video exhibiting an idyllic 13-inch iPad Pro with the same iconic iPad overall design language, extremely slim bezels and a full version of OS X Mountain Lion on-board. To act as a genuine desktop replacement, the would-be iPad Pro seamlessly and wirelessly connects to a keyboard and mouse while preserving its touch controls. Sexy? Viable? Productive? You tell us, in the comments section below. Via [Funky Space Monkey] Continue reading →

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Apple seeds seventh OS X 10.9.2 Mavericks beta to developers.

Apple released the seventh beta of OS X 10.9.2 Mavericks to developers today. The beta build 13C62 contains no major changes or feature additions in the OS. Apple has been on a weekly release schedule for its latest beta builds of OS X. As was the case in earlier beta versions of OS X, Apple asks developers to focus on Mail, Messages and Graphics Drivers in this seventh build. Users have complained of poor Gmail and smart folder performance in the OS X Mail app ever since its launch last year. Improvements were noted in OS X 10.9.1, but issues with Gmail still remain. Developers can download the latest beta version of OS X Mavericks via Software Update or directly Apple’s developer portal. Continue reading →

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