Category: Apple

Apple iOS 9 Update Fixes Lock Screen Privacy Bug, Improves Performance

The iOS 9.0.2 comes only a week after the release of iOS 9.0.1, the first update of iOS 9 which was released to buyers on 16th September. This update promises users a smoother, glitch free experience and boasts of various features. The list of new things in the update are, as revealed by Apple in an official statement, are as follows:

“This update contains bug fixes and improvements including:- Fixes an issue with the setting to turn on or off app cellular data usage
– Resolves an issue that prevented iMessage activation for some users
– Resolves an issue where an iCloud backup could be interrupted after starting a manual backup
– Fixes an issue where the screen could incorrectly rotate when receiving notifications
– Improves the stability of Podcasts.”

The most important feature of this new update is fixing the lock screen vulnerability. Earlier, hackers had come up with a basic seven step procedure to use Siri to gain access to the user’s contacts and photographs. The latest iOS 9 update has taken care of this security threat.

iOS 9 had rolled out last month with some significant changes to Siri and the entire user interface experience. It includes not only some major updates to the App store and all Apple-based apps but also allows for a multi-tasking feature for the iPad screen.

This update, which comes within a week of the last one, fixes bugs related to iMessage, iCloud, Podcasts and security on the latest iPhones. Let’s hope the new iOS offers the smoothness Apple promises, and not lands the company in another series of update fails, system glitches and hacking trouble that seems to have plagued the company recently.

October 2, 2015
Apple Secures Property for a Second ‘Spaceship’ Campus in Silicon Valley

After purchasing land in Monterey, San Jose, Reno, and Oregon, Apple has gone ahead to secure land for a second ‘spaceship’ campus in Silicon Valley. The size of the campus will be a whopping 777,000-square-feet and it will be located at Central Expressway and Wolfe Road in Silicon Valley.

Though the exact details of the deal have still not been revealed, it is speculated that the land has only been leased and not purchased. This is Apple’s second project in Sunnyvale, California and will definitely draw inspiration in terms of its design and structure from the first campus. Once successfully completed, this could mean 3,000 extra jobs in the area.

October 2, 2015
9 New Features of the OS X El Capitan

Apple released the latest upgrade to its desktop operating system on Wednesday. The OS X El Capitan is now available as a free upgrade for all Mac users using a 2009 model or newer, and also for some 2007 models as well.

Apple has tried to redefine the Mac experience with a host of new improvements, both big and small, that adds a little something extra to your Mac. From Notes and Safari to Spotlight and Split View, there’s something to be found everywhere.

Find the cursor

This is perhaps the smallest improvement, but an improvement nonetheless. Mac users have found it a bit of problem when it comes to locating the little mouse on the screen. However, with the new upgrade, all you have to do is quickly move your fingers across the trackpad or shake the mouse quickly and the cursor grows in size so that you can spot it easily on screen.

Split View

Apple has already introduced the Split View feature with the iOS 9 for the iPads, now El Capitan OS follows suit. Split view allows two applications to run side by side. There are two ways you can get the split screen activated. You can click and hold the green zoom button of a window and then drag it into place, or open up Mission Control (F3) and drag the two apps of your choice into the same thumbnail at the top.

Spotlight search with natural language

By natural language we mean the way you would naturally speak when looking up something. For example, you could enter “find mail from Sam regarding flight details” and you will get exactly what you were looking for. Basically, Spotlight now has a better grasp of language.

New Mail gestures

Like the Split View, Apple has borrowed from iOS for the Mail app as well. OS X El Capitan can now allow you to delete mails and access other options by using two fingers to swipe on an item. Mail also recognizes contacts and events in you messages and helps you call or add events to your calendar.

More to do with Notes

The latest iOS 9 brought a whole bunch of changes to the Notes app. The same changes can now be found in the Mac. You can create checklists, import maps and pictures, or insert text formatting. The improvements are still short of Evernote, but the company is getting close.

Send individual videos via AirPlay

Earlier, if you wanted to send a video from Safari to your friends or to the AppleTV, you would have had to share your entire browser window for that. With the new upgrade you can now send just the video. In Safari, click on the AirPlay option just below a YouTube video and you can select your desired destination. It works with YouTube right away, with support for other services to come soon.

Pin tabs in Safari

You can now pin sites that are most frequently visited to a new browser tab at the left-hand side of the tab bar. This allows you to quickly access them with just a click. Pinned sites automatically open when the browser is opened.

Skip the Trash

This gives you the option to permanently delete any file you like rather than temporarily deleting them. It saves you the trip of having to go to the trash bin. Press Option+Cmd+Delete to erase files immediately. You can find the option in the Files menu once you select the files you want deleted.

Hide menu bar

The new update gives you more screen space by making the menu bar disappear at the top of your interface automatically the same way as the bottom dock. Go to System Preferences via Apple menu, then go to General heading, and select Automatically hide and show the menu bar.

October 2, 2015
iPhone 6s Might be Apple’s First Partially Waterproof Smartphone

Here’s some very cool news for iPhone 6s users – it is reportedly waterproof. How do we know? Well, some people at iFixit decided to dunk their iPhone 6s into the water in order to see what happens. They found that the iPhone 6s is actually somewhat water-resistant. However, you’re probably wondering why Apple didn’t announce this game changing feature. It’s because the iPhone 6s is not entirely waterproof. So, let’s find out how waterproof the iPhone 6s really is.

Image Source : iFixit

iFixit, a private company, broke down the iPhone 6s for us all, and found that the new device actually has some of the waterproof tech that Apple has already patented. Apple has redesigned the iPhone’s internal structure in order to bring this product closer to its goal of making a fully water-resistant smartphone.

Image Source : iFixit

The purpose of the glue band around the display screen is reportedly more than just to make the screen stick better to the metal. It’s actually also to keep liquids out. When iFixit took a close look at the logic board, they found that every cable connector was surrounded by a small silicon seal, that keeps the water away. This is also reportedly the first time, that Apple has used such a technology.

However, as mentioned before, the reason Apple hasn’t marked this iPhone as waterproof is because all its components haven’t been water-proofed. For example, its headphone jack and speakers will still let water flow in. But, we can most definitely anticipate Apple to create a fully water-proof iPhone soon enough. Let’s hope till then.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE02″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://ifixit.org/blog/7408/iphone-waterproof/”] iFixit[/tw-button]

October 1, 2015
Apple OS X El Capitan Available Today as a Free Update

Apple announced today that the latest update to its desktop operating system will be available for free for all Mac users. Apple claims to make features like Windows Management, built-in apps and Spotlight search part of its OS X EI. Performance improvements, to make everyday activities like launching and switching apps, opening PDFs and accessing email, will also be made part of it.

These added features are expected to make the Apple experience more refined and provide better system performance. Apple promises dozens of new features with this one, but we’ll have to wait before the company can deliver them smoothly and successfully. Its hands have been a little more than full with App Store glitches, crashing iOS updates and malware attacks in the recent past. Let’s see if Apple manages to steer clear of them and prove why it has been an undisputed name in the tech world for so long now.

OS X El Capitan is available as a free update starting Wednesday, 30th September from the Mac App Store. It supports all Macs introduced in 2009 and later, and some models introduced in 2007 and 2008.

September 30, 2015
This is How Much it Costs to Build the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

Research firm IHS Technology says Apple’s iPhone 6s and 6s Plus costs $211.50 and $236, respectively, in terms of hardware. The most costly feature of the new iPhones is the 3D Touch which is marked at $52.50. This is followed by the A9 processor at $22. The 16 GB NAND flash chip is believed to cost $5.50 approximately, and WLAN module and battery are estimated around $6 and $4.50.

The on board audio hardware, NFC controller, accelerometer/gyroscope, barometer and compass come in together at $18. Other miscellaneous items that include enclosures, circuit boards and connectors roughly add up to $42, along with assembly fees of $4.50 per device.

Now that you have all the required info, why wait till the 16th of October for the launch of the new iPhones? Tinker away and put your own device together. Who knows where a little bit of ambition and optimism might take you?

September 30, 2015
iPhone 6s and 6s Plus To Go On Sale in the Country Next Month

It’s that time of the year again when Apple finally ships its gadgets all the way to India. The wait is over for iPhone lovers eagerly anticipating the launch of the 6s and 6s Plus in the country. The phones will go on sale on 16th October, according to an official statement.

“Ingram Micro India Pvt. Ltd. will offer iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, the most advanced iPhones ever, beginning on 12:01am local time on Friday, October 16th in 2,500+ retail locations across India.”

Post a blingy event in San Francisco earlier this month, Apple faced a series of glitches with its App Store, security, and the basic software and operating system of its newly launched as well as the older devices. However, it is not likely that any of these recent hiccups would bring down the sales of iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Time to sit back and let the speculations begin.

September 29, 2015
Deal Alert : Get the iPhone 6 For as Low as Rs. 37,488

Lo and behold, Snapdeal is letting buyers get iPhone 6 for as low as Rs. 37,488 for the 16 GB variant. This is followed by the 64 GB version at Rs. 45,999, and Rs. 63,344 for the 128 GB variant. The price is so low thanks to the Cash back deal being offered to SBI debit and credit card users. Considering the fact that the 16GB version of Apple iPhone 6 was initially launched at Rs. 53,500 in the country, while the 64 GB and 128 GB versions were priced at Rs. 62,500 and Rs. 74, 000 respectively, this is a major price cut.

It is not uncommon for older versions of phones to witness a drop in price once a new flagship comes out. Similarly, post the launch of iPhone 6s, the drop in price of iPhone 6 isn’t surprising news. The price had began to plummet even before the Apple event on 9th September this year in San Francisco.

If you have been eyeing the iPhone for a while now, this is definitely your chance to grab the opportunity. Knowing how erratic the market as well as the tech world are, it is not likely for these prices to remain low for long.

Click here to Buy Now:

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.snapdeal.com/product/apple-iphone-6-16-gb/1270529654?utm_source=aff_prog&utm_campaign=afts&offer_id=17&aff_id=17051″]16GB[/tw-button][tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.snapdeal.com/product/apple-iphone-6-64-gb/131798351?utm_source=aff_prog&utm_campaign=afts&offer_id=17&aff_id=17051″]64GB[/tw-button]

September 28, 2015
Apple Set to Create New Sales Record with iPhone 6s

Apple is all set to create another record with the launch of the iPhone 6s that began on Friday. The sale of the latest device is estimated to fall between 11 to 13 million this weekend. Foursquare and Swarm are working together to find out the foot traffic at Apple retail stores across the world based on the information from their apps.

“Based off of early indicators, we predict that launch day traffic will be about 360 percent higher than preceding weeks. This likely means that iPhone sales will surpass previous records, in the 11 to 13 million range.” A report cited.

Sometimes it takes only one new feature to get Apple loyalists around the world excited about a launch. And the Force Touch feature in the latest iPhone devices is the clear winner. This feature, among others, is set to take the sales of the iPhone to an unprecedented new high. Other features also include iOS 9, hugely improved camera (both front and back), faster processors and better connectivity.

Other than a robot in Sydney, the general crowd lining up are pretty much all human. Meanwhile, Apple stores around the world are readying their shops for the potential crowd lining up outside. Here’s a video of store employees setting up iPhone displays in Japan on Thursday night.

If Apple does manage to sell between 11 to 13 million units this weekend, they would top last year’s iPhone 6 that managed 10 million units in its opening weekend. Furthermore, a 13 million sales weekend would represent a 30% increase in sales.

The pre-orders for the iPhone 6s has already seen a major increase since the last year, with the Rose Gold colour being the most popular choice, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of total units pre-ordered.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.computerworld.com/article/2986321/apple-ios/apple-s-iphone-6s-is-setting-new-sales-records.html”]Computer World [/tw-button]

September 26, 2015
Hacking Trouble Continues for iOS 9
Heads up, iOS 9 users. In what seems to be another of the many disappointing updates about Apple, it has been revealed that your photos and contact details are open to access by others in seven basic steps. This comes in wake of the recent breach of security in Apple’s iOS App Store.

If you thought your iPhone’s lock code and TouchID can protect your data from hacking, it’s time to burst that little bubble with the following seven steps:
1. The first step requires you to enter a wrong password four times on your PIN-protected Apple device which runs on iOS 9.
2. Next, the fifth time that is, first three numbers should be entered, and then press and hold down the home button to launch Siri instantly. Right after this, enter the 4th digit.
3. On getting a response, ask Siri for the time. Add a new Clock now by tapping on the Clock icon.
4. Once the new clock has been added, write anything in the Choose a City field, followed by a double tap to get the copy and paste option.
5. Next you choose the ‘All’ option, followed by ‘Share’, and then the ‘Message’ icon in the Share option, where, once again you type anything.
6. Now tap ‘Return’, and double tap on the top contact name.
7. And finally, finish off by selecting ‘Create New Contact’, followed by ‘Add Photo’, and at the end ‘Choose Photo’.
And in this manner, a hacker would have gained access to your entire phone library. However, there is a way to protect your data against this. Disabling Siri on the lock screen by going to the Settings Menu is a way to prevent it. From Settings, select Touch ID and Passcode and then disable Siri. The device would now have to be necessarily unlocked for Siri to work.

While iOS 9 tries to set its feet amidst the quicksands of tech-glitches, it’s better to stay wary of hacking-threats looming overhead. Let’s see what is the next exciting piece of news we get to hear about Apple’s newest devices.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.gizbot.com/apps-software/apple-ios-9-lets-anyone-bypass-security-code-access-photos-contacts-in-7-simple-steps-028384.html”]Gizbot[/tw-button]
September 25, 2015
Apple Releases Bug Fixes For iOS 9

Last week, Apple released its latest operating system which came with its fair share of bugs and glitches to the annoyance of many. This is not a new phenomenon as last year’s iOS 8 saw perhaps the most number of bugs. However, Apple is now working quickly to remove the issues with its new update. The new iOS 9.0.1 update is ready to be installed today and it removes some, not all, of the bugs that Apple users have been facing.

Issues such as broken alarms and timers, distorted paused videos in Safari and Photos, and one the left users stuck on the ‘Slide to Upgrade’ screen, preventing them from using their device unless they rolled back to iOS 8, have been fixed with the latest update. Despite the bugs, the iOS 9 has seen the highest adoption rate so far with more than 50 percent of devices already on the latest OS. Clearly, Apple fans have not been deterred by news of users having issues downloading the OS on the first day.

The release of iOS 9.0.1 mirrors that of iOS 8.0.1 which also came out just a week after the release of OS 8, though to much ire as the second update to iOS 8 did not seem to fix bugs but rather created more. Users reported that iOS 8.0.1 was breaking cellular reception and other features like Touch ID. Apple is not looking to make the same mistakes again with this latest update.

For those who haven’t updated your iPhone or iPads yet can do so today (and after midnight in India). Do not expect all your troubles to disappear right away. Let us know if the latest iOS 9.0.1 has made your life more easier.

September 24, 2015
Benchmark Tests Reveal iPhone 6s is as Powerful as the Retina Macbook 2015

Watching an event and seeing the new iPhone 6s is really not the same as actually having it in your hand and unboxing it yourself. Unboxing a new phone is as surreal as ripping open your birthday gift, except you really don’t want to rip open the iPhone 6s box. So, here’s what you should do – an iPhone user named Adrienne Alpern from California, just received her all-new rose gold iPhone 6s and at the request of her friends unboxed it with care, took some cool pictures and even put the device through a Geekbench 3 benchmark test.

Now reports have suggested some mighty good things about the new device. The scores from Geekbench benchmark suggest that the iPhone 6s is as powerful as the 12 inch Retina Macbook released on April 2015. The iPhone 6s has scored 2,292 in the single core test while scoring a 4,293 in the multi core test. These numbers are very close to the Retina Macbook scores. Have a look yourself :

What makes the iPhone 6s better? Well, Adrienne Alpern has also posted a couple of 4k videos showing off the 12MP rear camera and the 8MP front camera.

Here is a video:

https://twitter.com/MoonshineDesign/status/646173936556703745?ref_src=twsrc^tfw

#iphone6s videos are being compressed by @Twitter. I'll post more tomorrow. Here's the horizontal video #sanDiego pic.twitter.com/4q4gt2OgCO

— Adrienne (@MoonshineDesign) September 22, 2015

And even the rose gold seems to be working very well for the new device. This is all we have for you to gorge on until our own unboxing of the iPhone 6s. So stay tuned.

September 23, 2015
Apple Haters Pounce on ‘Move to iOS’ App

We love controversies. And there is no one more likely to stir up mixed reactions that take over the internet quite as much as Apple. In a move that was sure to create a buzz just from its title, Apple released an Android app (yes, we said Android) called ‘Move to iOS’ which allows Android users who are looking to switch to Apple to do so in an easy fashion.

The app allows a smooth, easy way to transfer all your data such as contacts, photos, messages and bookmarks from your old Android device to your new iPhone. Apple promises a simple process to transfer your Android data. However, the app will only work if you’re setting up your iPhone or iPad as a new device.

Now for a quick tour on how the app works. When you begin setting up your iPhone or iPad, you will select a language, cellular or wireless network, then choose the apps and data you want to transfer. You will then select the Move Data from Android option in the transfer content screen. Then open the ‘Move to iOS’ app on your Android device. You’ll be prompted to enter a nine-digit code on both devices after which the transfer will begin.

While this app is truly helpful for those who want to switch over to the iPhone and would deserve anywhere between 4-5 stars, it, however, has received a hilarious 1.7 out of 5 rating on the Google Play Store. The low rating is credited to Android users who have shown their scorn at the app by giving it the lowest rating possible and by posting hateful reviews. Just for fun, here are some of them.

While Android users have voiced their opinions (which have less to do with the app itself), you can download this app here if you are planning to switch from Android to iOS. It is a solid app that allows smooth transfer of data, no matter what haters say.

Image Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.macworld.com/article/2984758/ios-apps/hands-on-with-apples-move-to-ios-android-app.html”]Mac World[/tw-button]

September 23, 2015
Apple to Launch a Larger Screen Watch Next Year

If speculations are to be believed, the new Apple Watch is to be released next year. The Watch is to have a display of 46 mm or 48 mm. These rumours have instantly sparked off a discussion on the pros and cons of the Watch.

Right when Apple had been swept aside as a company that would not jump on the bandwagon of phones with large displays, iPhone 6 and 6 Plus had made an appearance. Not only did the phones go ahead to witness an unprecedented rate of success, but they also made the customers accept the advantages of bigger displays.

Similar things could be expected of the Watch. One of the disadvantages of the current version is the small display which spoils a YouTube or Google Play experience for the user. The new display, along with an updated OS and an improved version of the existing features would make it easier for potential buyers to be drawn towards the gadget, irrespective of a sky-touching price tag. The Apple Watch currently falls within the vast price bracket of Rs. 29,000 ($349, £299) – Rs. 11,00,000 ($17,000, £13,500)! The next one can be expected to be anything but inexpensive. The release of the new Apple Watch can be hoped to be one of the two big events Apple hosts every year.

September 22, 2015
Over 50% of All iPhones Upgrade to iOS 9

Following its release on Wednesday, September 16th, iOS 9 has become the most successful and swiftly adopted iOS so far. The speed with which users went ahead to update their devices led Apple to affirm that more than half of all iPhones have iOS 9 now.

The new operating system comes with a better, faster version of all characteristic Apple features, along with additions, which are bound to woo users. iOS 9 is equipped with a power-saving mode, a feature that allows you to place a FaceTime call and watch a video simultaneously, a smarter Siri, scribbling functions in the Notes app, and an improved Apple Maps that now includes transit directions.

The update process has been made easier by Apple. Memory and storage issues, which have been a concern with the recent iPhones, have also been taken care of with this update. The iOS 9 takes no more than 1.3 GB of space as compared to the 4.6 GB of iOS 8. Users are also able to temporarily delete apps which will be restored once the update is complete.

The new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will be available for sale Friday onwards. iOS 9 is their operating system by default. Apple expects to set new records in its sales come the 25th of this month.

All this seems to be comforting news for the company grappling with a series of problems in its software this week. Failed iOS updates were followed by a cyber attack on numerous apps in Apple’s App Store. However, the reduced update speed for Android users have inevitably made Apple’s stats look prettier than they are.The fact that different companies allow updates to OS Lollilop on their handsets at different times have allowed upgrades to iOS 9 to be the most to any OS in such a short period of time. Despite a few hiccups following the fancy Apple event earlier this month, Apple has managed to maintain its stable position in the tech world.

September 22, 2015