Category: Apple

Check Out Samsung’s Bold New Move To Challenge Apple Head-On

In a rather bold move by Samsung, the South Korean smartphone company has launched a new promotional offer that is aimed directly at iPhone users. They will now let iPhone users take one of the three new models for the “ultimate test drive” for a full month!

Customers will need to visit the special Samsung website from their iPhone in order to qualify for this offer. Once logged in, you will have your current carrier and then select which Galaxy model you would like to try. Currently, the Galaxy S6 Edge, S6 Edge+ and Note 5 are on the list.

After choosing the phone you will have to enter some basic information along with your credit card details. Those who continue to use the product beyond the 30-day trial period, will be charged the full price, while those who return it on time will only be charged $1.

After completing all the necessary steps, you will be charged $1 to verify your credit card details and then you should receive your test phone soon. The phone is said to come with a data plan, however, it has not yet been mentioned whether it will be a limited or special unlimited plan for testers.

So, iPhone users, are you ready to give Samsung a chance?

August 21, 2015
China Times: Apple Might Reveal the iPhone 6C in November

We are all awaiting the two new iPhones that are expected to be launched this September – the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. The 6S is expected to come with a 4.7 inch display, while the 6S Plus might come with a 5.5 inch display.

However, rumours say that the third product is now expected to be launched only in November. This new device is speculated as being the iPhone 6C. According to further reports, Foxconn is planning to increase its workforce in order to manage iPhone output better, and an insider from Foxconn has also allegedly said that they would be making the iPhone 6C for Apple soon.

No final announcement about this has been made by Apple Inc, but they are expected to unveil their 2015 iPhones on the 9th of September and then launch them on 18th September 2015.

August 21, 2015
WhatsApp Opens Up its Web Service to iOS Users – Finally!

WhatsApp has recently opened up access to its web service for Apple iPhone users. This service allows you to send and receive messages on your computers and phones.

This function is still being rolled out, and hence may not be available to all users immediately, but those of you who have the latest version of the WhatsApp app should be able to find a “web” menu option under the “settings”.

“Our web client is simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device – this means all of your messages still live on your phone.” – WhatsApp Blogspot

However, the feature works through the internet, so, the phone has to be connected to the internet, otherwise the conversation will drop out and all the users’ texts will remain on the phone. The web can sync data with the phone app that allows messages to be received and sent, within the browser. In order to sync your iPhone with the web client, you will first have to scan a QR code from WhatsApp’s website using your phone.

The WhatsApp web client had been launched in January 2015 and has since been available to Google, Windows, Blackberry and Nokia operating systems. However, this is the first time it has been available for Apple’s smartphone device.

August 20, 2015
There is a Way You Can Get Cortana On Your Mac

Parallels is a software that is now putting a fully virtualized Windows 10 on a Mac OS X Yosemite system. This gives you the ability to run a licensed version of the OS on a Mac while also being able to access all the apps that would normally run only in Windows.

The twist that the Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac brings is that it introduces Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana to the OS X desktop. As reported, it also goes on to blend the Windows 10 elements into the OS X; for example – Cortana can appear on the OS X dock when you say “Hey Cortana”. One can also use the Cortana to launch Mac apps apart from its usual functions.

The Windows notification center has also been added to the Mac desktop just like how it is on the Windows 10 desktop. But, the Parallels Desktop also brings Mac features to the virtualized Windows system, such as – Quick Look, and Force Touch-supporting touchpad (if your macBook already has it).

According to further reports, one can also transfer files between both operating systems easily. For example, if one prints a windows file, you will also have full access to the Mac print dialog box.

The Parallels Desktop 11 for Mac is said to be available and will support all the new licensed Windows 10 installations and migrations from existing machines. Standalone Parallels Desktop 11 for the Mac is priced at $79.99 (aprrox Rs.5220) while the price for an upgrade for those using the 9 or 11 version is $49.99 (approx Rs.3262). The Pro edition is priced at $49.99 a year.

You can buy or upgrade here.

Here’s what it looks like:

August 20, 2015
Looks Like This Year’s iPhone Won’t Be Bending

Last year, it seemed a little shocking when Apple users found their iPhones being susceptible to bending. And in order to wash that reputation away, rumours and reports suggest that this time, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will be made from 7000 series aluminium, in order to make it more hardy.

Apple is yet to confirm this, but reports suggest that the alloy used for this year’s iPhones, will be composed of zinc (5%) and iron (might be as high as 8%). Although those are approximate and unconfirmed percentages, the Apple News site said that they discovered that ‘unspecified amounts of iron can be introduced into the shell during the milling process.’

Unbox Therapy, which is the YouTube channel that famously bent the iPhone 6 Plus on camera, last year, did a similar test on the iPhone 6s metal case, this year. He concluded that the shell did have zinc and iron in it and that one would need at least three times the force to bend this years iPhone. Do you feel reassured?

Atop the metal, a 10-micron thick anodized aluminum oxide layer is also present to protect the phone against corrosion and also to introduce dyes for various colour options.

Till Apple confirms these reports, watch Unbox Therapy’s newest iPhone 6s bend test video below:

August 20, 2015
Has Apple Music Already Been Declared An Epic Fail?

Apple Music was set to become the next big thing.The thought of having millions of tracks available to stream, and that could be saved online, seemed like a recipe for success. However, a recent survey conducted by The New York Post showed that nearly half of the iOS users that enthusiastically downloaded the trial version of Apple Music have shockingly, stopped using it even before their trial period gets over.

The stats revealed that 48% of early Apple Music users have given up on the service while 52% are still using it. Of those 52%, nearly two-thirds said they were “extremely or very likely” to start paying for the service once it starts charging them money. This survey was conducted by MusicWatch and if we do assume that those 52% are going to stick to their word then Apple Music should have 3.8 million subscribers once the free trial ends.

Not bad right? But MusicWatch managing partner Russ Crupnick said that it should’ve had a larger user base considering how many Apple loyalists there are, all over the world.

“In terms of benchmarking Apple Music, 40 percent of iOS users are buying digital downloads from iTunes, suggesting trial of Apple Music could be higher,” he explained.

However, Apple lashed back at these statistics via The Verge, saying that 79% of the people who’ve signed up for the service, actually use it on a weekly basis. While we would like to believe them, lets hope that their retention rate converts into actual paid subscribers, proving that Apple Music won’t be an epic fail, after all.

August 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 6s Release Date Leaked

As we get closer to the release date of Apple’s newest iPhone, there are several speculative reports suggesting the tentative day we might be able to get our hands on the smartphone. A recent report suggests that major German carriers are planning to launch the iPhone 6s on September 18th 2015. However, the companies have not been identified yet, though it is known that O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile already carry the iPhone 6.

This indicates that people living in first-tier launch countries will be able to purchase the phone from stores on 18th September. While the announcement event of the phone remains unchanged for 9th September.

According to previous reports, Apple is expected to reveal two iPhones on the 9th of September 2015 and then ship them later that month. The phone will be shipped to Apple’s ‘first-tier’ countries – Germany, Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S, and mainland China.

As a small recap – the device is rumoured to have a Force Touch display, an “A9” processor, and 2 GB of RAM. Watch this space for more updates.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/08/17/german-iphone-6s-launch-pegged-for-sept-18-in-line-with-apples-usual-release-schedule”]Apple Insider[/tw-button]

August 18, 2015
Apple iPhone 6S Prototype Leak Confirms 2GB RAM

An Apple iPhone prototype has reportedly been created, and the new device is said to come with a tri-core CPU on the Apple A9, a single-core number of 1811 and a multi-core score of 4577. These statistics are more than the HTC One M9, out of water.

More reports by Geekbench reveal that the iPhone 6S might have 2GB of RAM with a tri-core CPU running at 1.5 GHz.

The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are said to release on the 9th of September 2015. Stay tuned for more updates like these.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE02″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://vr-zone.com/articles/apple-iphone-6s-tri-core-a9-chip-gets-benchmarked-beats-android-flagships/97085.html”]VR Zone[/tw-button]

August 17, 2015
New Documents Confirm the Apple Car; Company Hunts for Test Locations

Up until now, all we knew about Apple’s mysterious car project is that the company had been on a recruiting spree, hiring about a hundred new professionals from Tesla, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and the like. They have also hired former deputy director of the Autonomous Systems Lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Paul Furgale.

These are several factors which strongly indicate that the iPhone manufacturer may soon be bring out its very own iCar. Now, a recent report by the Guardian confirms that the iCar is not just a baseless theory and is indeed in the works. The reports speaks of Apple’s execs meeting with GoMentum Station, a 2,100-acre former naval base near San Francisco. The base is closed to the public and is guarded by the military. These factors alone make it the perfect secure environment Apple needs to test its upcoming project.

This, at the same time indicates that Apple may already have a car which is ready to hit the roads.

This initiative from Apple Inc. comes at a time when many other software companies are looking at opportunities in the automobile industry by creating software savvy, driver-less cars. Google and Uber have also been reported as developing and testing what might be called the next-gen automobiles.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/14/apple-self-driving-car-project-titan-sooner-than-expected”]The Guardian [/tw-button]

August 17, 2015
Along with iPhone 6s, Apple Expected to Reveal New Magic Mouse and Keyboard

With Samsung’s major Unpacked event out of the way, we now have two big events to look forward to in September – IFA Berlin and Apple’s iPhone unveiling. Apple’s annual event, held in September, usually showcases the latest iteration of its flagship smartphone, along with which Apple also throws light on several other peripherals. Last year, along with the iPhone 6, 6 Plus all the attention was grabbed by the Apple Watch.

We’re now hearing that this year we can expect to see the upgrades to Apple’s Magic Mouse and Wireless Keyboard. According to a FCC filing, the two accessories will see a major overhaul in the connectivity department. They will get rid of the Bluetooth 2.1, and jump to the latest, Bluetooth 4.2. This should smoothen the interaction between the main device and the accessory.

Along with this, there is also a mention about the battery used within the two devices. According to the reports, the company may include rechargeable batteries, instead of the swappable kinds that are currently in use. All in all, the AA batteries will be replaced by integrated lithium battery packs.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.slashgear.com/new-apple-mouse-keyboard-incoming-with-bluetooth-le-14397335/”]Slash Gear[/tw-button]

August 17, 2015
Here’s How You Can Have a Dual-SIM Feature Even On Your iPhone 6

The Apple iPhones seem to be very efficient in every respect, except for the fact that they do not ever come with a dual-SIM feature. This may or may not be a huge factor for many people, but there are a select few perhaps,s who would like to use just one phone for their work as well as their personal calls/messages/emails.

Kickstarter has the perfect solution to your problems, if you are in the latter category of users. They aim to launch a product called Piece that allow the iPhone 6 and other older iPhone models to handle two different SIMs on one phone.

The gadget is small enough to fit in a wallet, without jutting out and can connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth. It is said to have a slot for your second SIM and has a battery that lasts for up to 150 hours.

To activate this, there is a special iOS app that lets you manage the Piece SIM. This device also allows you to locate your handset when the two devices are more than 30 feet apart. So in case you forget to carry your Piece, your iPhone automatically beeps, in order to remind you that you’re forgetting something important and vice versa in case you leave your iPhone – then your Piece starts beeping.

The campaign has is around the corner and has already amassed a healthy amount of $35,000. The device is small and affordable at $70, that is, around Rs.4,533, and is said to start shipping sometime around September.

The Piece is also compatible with Android devices and will also release an Apple Watch App as soon as it crosses $100,000 in funding.

Watch the Kickstarter video below:

Source:[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/35224746/piece-change-the-way-you-use-smart-phones”] kickstarter.com[/tw-button]

August 15, 2015
Deal of the Day: The iPhone Accessory That Helps You fix Storage Issues

iPhone users with 8/16GB smartphones and no expandable storage options know that the available memory vanishes sooner than expected. SanDisk claims to offer an easy solution to this problem. Meet the iXpand Flash Drive; it’s portable and promises to help you easily shift files between devices, subsequently expanding the storage of your iPhone.

The flash drive earlier costed Rs. 4,490 and provided 16GB of extra storage. Currently, thanks to the ongoing Independence day sales, the 16GB drive is available for Rs. 3,499. The reduction in price may be temporary, hence this would be the right time to pick up the handy device.

According to our review, the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive is a convenient device to have around. If you’re looking to free up some space on your iPhone, it might be the simplest solution available. However, instead you could also invest in extra iCloud storage, that way your files remain online, and can be accessed any place and at any time. On the other hand, with the iXpand, you wouldn’t need an internet connection to retrieve your files. We would, without doubt, recommend the device for its ability to play videos/movies on the go. Read the full review of the device here.

Buy now:

<br />

August 13, 2015
You Can Expect To See Three New iPhones This September

A new short tweet by Evan Blass reads “Sounds like iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and 6c will all arrive concurrently.” The current release of the iPhone 6S is expected to be in mid-September, implying that the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and iPhone 6c could release on the same day.

The camera on the iPhone 6 Plus offers amazing shooting features like Time-lapse and slow motion capture.

The rumoured iPhone 6c, said to arrive with a 14/16nm FinFET chips from TSMC and Samsung, in order to provide a better performance and lower power consumption to the new lower range devices. What we also know is that the iPhone 6C is said to be similar to the size of an iPhone 5s and will have a similar hardware vein as that of the iPhone 6. The smartphone is said to come with a full metal unibody construction in comparison to the plastic iPhone 5c.

On the other hand, the iPhone 6S is rumoured to come with a sturdier encasing, the Force Touch technology, an A9 processor, and an even better camera than the iPhone 6.

Previous reports have suggested the release of a third iPhone to replace the 5S and 5C. The 6C is expected to sport a 4.7 inch display, built with the same hardware as the other larger iPhones. Other reports suggest that the third iPhone will be released during the second quarter of 2016. Watch this space for more.

Source:[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/630958036501307392″]twitter.com/evleaks[/tw-button]

August 11, 2015
New Leaks Of the iPhone 6S Show Sturdier Rear Casing

The Unbox Therapy has been able to acquire the rear casing for the anticipated iPhone 6S. After having compared it with the iPhone 6, the video suggests that Apple might be switching over to a lighter and stronger aluminum casing.

The main idea behind every “S” phone is to be better than the previous installment. So, what are the changes that Apple is looking to make with the iPhone 6S? According to the report, the iPhone 6S is thicker than the iPhone 6 on each side, near the volume and power buttons. Precise measurements reveal that the iPhone 6S is 1.9mm thick, as compared to the iPhone 6 which is 1.14mm. It has also been said that the device would be less susceptible to bending than the previous model.

Another change that has been noted, is in its weight – the iPhone 6S’ shell is 2 grams lighter than the iPhone 6’s shell. Apple is said to be using the 7000 series aluminum for the new device, the only down-side of this would be its increase in price.

Apple is expected to unveil the new iPhone 6S on the 9th of September 2015, which is also rumoured to come with an A9 processor, a better camera and the Force Touch.

For more information, watch the source video below:

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”https://twitter.com/unboxtherapy”]Twitter.com/unboxtherapy[/tw-button]

August 11, 2015
Here’s How Force Touch Will Work on the iPhone 6s

Back in March, when Apple unveiled its new MacBook it brought out minor tweaks which would soon turn out to be major innovations of the future.

Along with the MacBook came the USB Type-C, their refined Battery tech and most importantly, Force Touch technology. It was the first time, the three elements had been introduced by a major commercial company.

Thanks to several leaks, it has now been confirmed that the next iPhone will also include some of these elements. We know that the trackpad of the MacBook uses the Force Touch, but how will it be implemented on the iPhone 6s?

Simply put, it is the mechanism which senses pressure. It is an entirely novel innovation that merges the previously released Multi-Touch with force sensors. That means besides sensing the multiple points of contact on your screen, the new feature can also gauge the amount of pressure put on each contact; detecting the subtle difference between the quantity of pressure imposed.

The current generation of MacBook’s use a ‘Diving Board’ design. The top part of the trackpad remains stable, any part of the lower end can be used to click or right click. The new Force Touch trackpad, gets four new sensors – allowing you to click using any part of the designated surface.

Here’s how the upcoming iPhone is expected to use the technology :

To enhance your music experience: Now, instead of clicking the actions button on the right side of each track listing, one can just deep press on the listing for a song and immediately options to add the song to your playlist or to listen to it later, will appear.

Shortcuts are said to become even shorter: The user can now apparently just press the phone on the app icon and be directly navigated to the Voicemail tab or even the Favourite or For You tabs.

Navigation can be simpler: With just a touch on the destination, one is said to be able to directly start navigating. So, instead of clicking on the navigation logo and then clicking another button to actually start navigation, one can get direct navigation with a single touch.

Some other features: One is said to be able to view or preview webpage links, address or contact names, maps, definitions to words etc directly, with the use of Force Touch.

Reports suggest that Apple plans to expand the Force Touch technology by incorporating it beyond their core apps and operating system for developers to be able to ship iOS 9 App Store apps. Apart from this, the new and rumoured 12.9 inch iPads are also said to feature the Force Touch.

The expected unveiling date of the iPhone and new iOS-based Apple TV is said to be on the 9th of September 2015.

Source: [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://9to5mac.com/2015/08/10/force-touch-on-iphone-6s-revealed-expect-shortcuts-faster-actions-across-ios/”]9to5mac[/tw-button]

August 11, 2015